A minor earthquake was recorded near Coushatta around 10am Thursday, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The 2.7-magnitude tremor, which occurred at a depth of just over three miles, is considered small, but quakes at that depth can occasionally be felt depending on location and soil conditions.

This marks the second earthquake in a week for the Red River Parish area, raising curiosity among residents who have noticed an unusual cluster of seismic activity.

At this time, no injuries or damage have been reported. Still, the earthquake has drawn attention across the community, as north Louisiana is not typically known for frequent seismic events.

USGS continues to monitor movement in the region, and additional information may be released if more activity occurs. Residents who may have felt the shaking are encouraged to submit a report through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system, which helps scientists collect local impact data.

The Red River Parish Clerk’s Office is looking for friendly, responsible people to serve as Election Commissioners for upcoming elections!

Commissioners play an important role in helping voters, checking information, and keeping things running smoothly at the polls on Election Day.

If you are a registered voter in Red River Parish—or a high school student who is at least 17 and enrolled in high school or a state-approved home study program—you may be eligible to serve.

All commissioners must complete a training class, be able to vote without assistance, and cannot be a candidate in the election or have any prior election-related convictions.

If you or someone you know is community-minded and wants to support the voting process, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact the Clerk’s Office for more information at 318-932-6741. The next Election Commissioner training class will be held in early Spring 2026.

Matt Vines

Riverdale varsity cheerleaders represent at Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
Riverdale Academy cheerleaders Kenna Coleman and Emma Youngblood traveled to Hawaii to take part in the 80th annual Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade on Dec. 7.
The pair earned the honor by receiving All-American honors at cheer camp over the summer.

Red River boys basketball off to 5-1 start
The Red River boys basketball is taking stock of itself in the opening weeks of the season as the Bulldogs are off to a 5-1 start.

That “one” came at the hands of the Class 4A Bossier Bearkats to the tune of 57-38.

But the offense has positively flourished in their five wins, dispensing of Class 5A members Pineville (76-64) and Byrd (80-42) while whipping Franklin Parish (81-45) and St. Mary’s (87-34).

Red River scored a season-high 98 points in a 98-77 win over Simsboro, its last contest before the break with its next contest Dec. 22 against Natchitoches Central in Coushatta.

Riverdale boys pick up first win of the season
Just one day after nearly missing its first win of the season in a loss to Tensas Academy, the Riverdale Academy boys did scratch the win column with a victory against Psalms Christian in the Maddie Cannon Classic.

The Rebels (1-7) didn’t take home third place after a loss to Word of God Academy.

The boys are taking a long Christmas break before returning to the floor against Shreveport Home School on Dec. 30.

Red River girls off to 6-3 start
The Red River girls have a little more seasoning to their season with the earlier start as the Lady Bulldogs are 6-3 nearly one month into the season.

Red River has lost two of its last four contests, nailbiters to Class 4A Booker T. Washington (37-32) and Class 5A Byrd (30-28).

But the Lady Bulldogs blew past St. Mary’s in 45-28 fashion before breezing by Simsboro (58-40) on Tuesday.

Red River takes a midterm break before returning against Pleasant Hill on Dec. 23.

Riverdale girls cruising since two Arkansas losses
The Riverdale Academy girls basketball team has dominated its competition since falling to two Class 1A Arkansas teams before Thanksgiving.

The Lady Rebels (9-2) have beat up on Prairie View Academy (69-24 and 65-10), River Oaks (65-46), West Side Christian (66-37) and Word of God Academy (65-18).

Among those wins came the Maddie Cannon Classic title as Riverdale rolled past West Side Christian and River Oaks. Mary Claire Jones and Makayla Pickett were named to the All-Tournament team.

Riverdale will continue to seek larger classification competition with MAIS Class 2A Riverfield Academy visiting Dec. 13 before the Lady Rebels head back to Arkansas with a showdown against Class 3A Smackover.

A local voice in historical fiction is making waves this month as author Jason Briggs officially releases his newest novel, Ashes in the Pines: The Last Ride of Bonnie & Clyde. The book, which blends rich Louisiana history with the legendary outlaws’ final days, is already generating buzz among readers who enjoy mystery, folklore, and Southern storytelling. It is told through the eyes of Henry Methvin, the youngest member of the Barrow Gang

To celebrate the launch, Briggs has created a brand-new online home for his work under the name Briggs Heritage Press, where readers will be able to follow updates, view behind-the-scenes content, and get early access to upcoming projects. The page will also feature giveaways, exclusive excerpts, and announcements on future releases.

Briggs describes the book’s development as a labor of love—one that captures the grit, emotion, and myth surrounding Bonnie and Clyde’s dramatic final chapter. Set against the backdrop of the piney woods, the novel offers a blend of suspense, tragedy, and historical detail that has already connected with early readers.

The author says the new Facebook page is still “a work in progress,” but promises that exciting things are on the way as the readership continues to grow. Fans of Louisiana history and outlaw lore are encouraged to follow the page for ongoing updates and join a growing community of local readers supporting homegrown talent.

Ashes in the Pines: The Last Ride of Bonnie & Clyde is now available on Amazon.

Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards has announced that Deputy Quadarius Williams has officially joined the patrol division, expanding the department’s frontline team and strengthening its commitment to community safety.

Deputy Williams recently completed the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy, where he earned his Level 1 POST Certification, the highest level of training for Basic Law Enforcement Peace Officers in Louisiana. His certification meets all standards set by the Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.

Before advancing to patrol, Williams served the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer, holding a Level 3 POST Certification. His move into the patrol division marks a significant step in his law enforcement career and brings valuable experience from his time working inside the parish correctional facility.

Source: Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office social media

Friday: Mostly sunny with a high near 72°F and a low around 48°F, with light winds expected.

Saturday: Cooler with a high near 62°F and morning sunshine giving way to increasing clouds and a slight chance of rain showers.

Sunday: Chilly with a high around 41°F and partly cloudy skies, then mostly clear at night with lows near 23°F.

Overall, the weekend will start milder and mostly dry, but temperatures drop noticeably by Sunday, with a slight chance of rain on Saturday.

During the holidays, we spend a lot of time and effort on what we eat. One mandatory item on most of our tables is bread, one of the oldest prepared foods. In 2018, scientists discovered the earliest known evidence of bread-making, including a bread oven and 24 charred bread crumbs, from a 14,400-year-old dig site in the Black Desert in Jordan. The stone age bakers ground flour from wild wheat and barley, mixed it with the pulverized roots of plants, added water, and then cooked it. This was before the advent of farming, when people were hunter-gatherers. The bread they made looked similar to modern flatbread because it contained no rising agent such as yeast and tasted like today’s multi-grain bread. Professor Dorian Fuller of University College London said, “this is the earliest evidence we have for what we could really call a cuisine, in that it’s a mixed food product.” Dr. Amaia Arranz-Optaegui of the University of Copenhagen, who discovered the remains of the bread, said “bread is a powerful link between our past and present food cultures. It connects us with our prehistoric ancestors.”

Fluffy loaves of bread that look like the bread most of us eat today came several thousands of years later. In 2017, archaeobotanist Lara González Carretero studied the remains of unbaked, leavened bread found at the ancient Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük in southern Turkey. They dated back to 6600 BCE, making it the oldest evidence of leavened bread found to date.

Through the ages, people bartered for bread rather than bake it themselves. The barter system had a major disadvantage in that the two parties involved each had to want what the other party was offering to trade. Sometime around 640 BCE, people in China began to mint the oldest known standardized forms of metal coinage. As money became the more common medium of exchange, bakers sold their bread. The problem was that money was standardized but bread was anything but standardized. It came in a variety of sizes, qualities, and prices. Unscrupulous bakers took advantage of the situation and sold poor-quality bread for premium prices. In 1266, the Parliament of the United Kingdom created the “Assize of Bread and Ale” to regulate the production and sale of bread and ale. Under this law, the weight and quality of a loaves of bread were specified and the price was set according to the fluctuating price of wheat. Bakers whose bread was not to up the standards set forth by the law were subject to the wrath of King Henry III. This law slowly began to weed out the dishonest bakers, but honest bakers became worried that a simple mistake could get them into trouble. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, they could be fined, placed in a pillory (where the community was expected to throw things at them), be jailed, or have their trade taken away. Honesty was the best policy. They were able to make bread that was good quality and sold it according to the law, but getting a standardized weight for each loaf was difficult. To ensure that they were well within the weight limit prescribed by law, bakers began adding a bonus loaf, what they called the “vantage loaf,” when someone bought 12 loaves of bread. That is why when visiting a bakery, you sometimes get a baker’s dozen.

Sources:

1. Helen Briggs, “Prehistoric bake-off: Scientists discover oldest evidence of bread,” July 17, 2018, BBC.com, Accessed November 30, 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-44846874.

2. Sarah Bond, “Discovery of 8,600-Year-Old Bread Gives Rise to Half-Baked Claims,” Hyperallergic.com, March 18, 2024, accessed November 30, 2025, https://hyperallergic.com/discovery-of-8600-year-old-bread-gives-rise-to-half-baked-claims/.

3. “Oldest Fermented Bread,” Gunness World Records, accessed November 30, 2025, https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/768791-oldest-fermented-bread.

4. Andrew Beattie, “Evolution of Money: From Barter Systems to Bitcoin,” Investopedia, November 25, 2025, accessed November 30, 2025, https://www.investopedia.com/articles/07/roots_of_money.asp.

5. “Why 13? The Tale of a Baker’s Dozen,” Freshly Baked, accessed November 30, 2025, https://www.freshly-baked.co.uk/2015/02/why-13-tale-of-bakers-dozen.html.

Over the course of my lifetime after growing up as an athlete, very few people have had the impact that coaches have. Today I’m going to salute a man that literally changed my life – a man who many hold with high regard not just as a coach, but as a person.

Back in 1979, Northwestern State head football coach A.L. Williams, and my recruiter, coach Al Miller, offered me the opportunity to play on the Division 1 level and get a college degree. Like most 18-year-old’s, you don’t always appreciate the opportunities you’re offered until later in life.

While I had several offers from other schools, there was just something different when I made my official visit to Northwestern. Right off the bat, the NSU Demon football players involved in my recruiting trip were great guys who really welcomed me as I felt right at home with both players and coaches.

Now understand, that when it comes to recruiting a player to any university, you’re going to see the best side of everyone involved as they will say and do anything to get a commitment from you. But there was something different about my visit to NSU; it felt comfortable and it felt like home.

Coach Williams is a Louisiana high school and college coaching legend and is also a former legendary running back for Louisiana Tech University. As a coach at Woodlawn High School in Shreveport, he coached some of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game like former Arkansas Razorback and Buffalo Bills QB Joe Ferguson, on the heels of former Louisiana Tech and Pittsburgh Steeler QB Terry Bradshaw.

Coach Williams, while at NSU, also groomed former USFL MVP (Michigan Panthers) and New Orleans Saints QB Bobby Hebert. I was truly proud to be a part of an era that many considered the greatest talent to ever play at Northwestern. That list starts with the Kansas City Chiefs running back Joe Delaney (1981 AFC Rookie of the Year, who died a hero two years later drowing trying to rescue three kids, one who survived). His track and football teammate was future Miami Dolphins All-Pro wide receiver Mark Duper. There was Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Victor Oatis and three-time All American and two-time Super Bowl champion Gary Reasons, the former New York Giants linebacker who is in the College Football Hall of Fame along with Joe.

There was a reason these guys came to Northwestern — to play for coach Williams! Coach did not put on a show when it came to recruiting players. He was honest and a man of great integrity who led by his actions. He was a man of great character and a tremendous judge of talent.

The one thing I remember most about playing under coach Williams was his dedication to family. Every week after practice, he would emphasize the importance of us calling our mom and dad and staying in touch with all family members.

They say behind every great man is an even greater woman and that was definitely the case for Coach Williams as his wife Sarah was the best team mom ever. Mrs. Sarah, as I called her, was such a sweet lady and treated all players as if they were the sons she never had.

She even gave my roommate and I a full-size roast one evening after we ran into her at the local grocery. We were actually looking for a good frozen pizza when Mrs. Sarah spotted us and said to follow her out to the house. Upon arrival, she proceeded to pull out of the oven a full-size roast; wrapped it in foil and said ‘enjoy’!

For two college kids, this was as close to a home-cooked meal as you could get! So, as we arrived back at the dorm, we had to hide the roast under a bunch of clothes in a laundry basket so we could get to our second floor room undetected. But that did not work well, as a bunch of hungry Demon football players followed the smell and raced up the stairs banging on our door. But no door was opened until we had our fill.

In today’s college athletics world, so many recruiters make promises they cannot keep. They tell players what they want to hear and flatter them with BS in order to get them to sign on the dotted line. Coach Williams was straight up with all his players. The only promise coach Williams made was giving you the opportunity; the opportunity to prove that you deserve to be in the starting lineup.

In 1979, Coach Williams took a chance on a young boy from East Texas and offered me that opportunity to play both college football and baseball while gaining an education and receiving my college degree. He helped to set me up for the rest of my life and there’s no way a person can ever repay that.

Coach Williams and I have stayed in touch over the years, and I still enjoy our phone calls. While he’s just one of many coaches who have had a huge impact on my life, A.L. Williams is the one who truly changed the course of my life and made me a proud NSU Demon.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

Governor Jeff Landry announced that Louisiana has received federal approval to move forward with GUMBO 2.0, a major broadband initiative funded through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The approval marks a crucial step in the state’s effort to bring reliable, high-speed internet to every corner of Louisiana.

GUMBO 2.0 — short for Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities — is the next phase of Louisiana’s broadband expansion strategy. With BEAD authorization secured, the state can now begin distributing more than $1.3 billion in federal funds to support broadband construction projects in unserved and underserved areas, including many rural communities that have long struggled with slow or unreliable service.

Governor Landry celebrated the approval as a major win for residents, businesses, schools, and healthcare providers across the state.

State officials say GUMBO 2.0 will build on the success of the first GUMBO grant round, which supported dozens of broadband projects statewide. The new version expands that work significantly, focusing on universal coverage, long-term affordability, and ensuring that every home has access to a modern, high-speed connection capable of supporting telehealth, online learning, precision agriculture, business development, and emergency response.

With approval granted, Louisiana will now begin the next phase of the rollout: finalizing project areas, opening the competitive grant application window, and selecting internet providers to build new infrastructure in communities lacking adequate service. Construction on BEAD-funded broadband networks is expected to begin in 2025.

GUMBO 2.0 represents the single largest investment in broadband infrastructure in Louisiana history. Officials say the goal is simple — to close the digital divide once and for all, ensuring that every household, from rural parishes to urban neighborhoods, has access to fast, affordable, and dependable internet.

Santa is on his way to the Village of Hall Summit Town Hall Saturday, December 13 from 11am until 1pm. 
Bring the kids, bring the excitement, and bring the Christmas spirit.

Santa is making a stop at Martin Village Hall Saturday, December 13 from 5-7pm. Stop by and share all your wishes with Santa and get a goody bag! Enjoy a cookie, cupcake and a cup of hot chocolate. Every child will be able to make a craft sponsored by the Martin Painting Club.

The Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce will host a Christmas Market Saturday, December 13 at the Fairgrounds Livestock Barn.

First Methodist Church will host Breakfast with Santa Sunday, December 14 at 9:30am. 

The Red River Parish Public Schools will be closed from Wed Dec 17 through Mon Jan 5, 2026 for Christmas break. Students return on Tues Jan 6.

Northwestern State University will hold Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies with three ceremonies Wednesday, Dec. 17 and Thursday, Dec. 18. During a ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 diplomas will be awarded to graduates from the College of Business and Technology and Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development. During a ceremony at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, diplomas will be awarded to graduates from the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health. During a 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 ceremony, diplomas will be awarded to graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Louisiana Scholars’ College. For a more detailed schedule and a list of FAQs, visit https://www.nsula.edu/commencement/.

TROOP G NEWS RELEASE           December 8, 2025

DeSoto Parish – This morning, at approximately 3:40 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 49 near Asseff Road. The crash claimed the life of 31-year-old Travion Miller of Coushatta.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2024 Mack Tractor, driven by Miller, was traveling north on Interstate 49. For reasons still under investigation, the Mack exited the roadway, collided with an unoccupied parked vehicle, traveled up an embankment, and overturned.

Miller, whose restraint use is unknown due to the severity of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment is not suspected; however, standard toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to obey traffic laws and remain alert while driving. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can mean the difference between life and death.

Contact Information: Trooper Eddie Thomas, Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section-Troop G     Office: (318) 741-7411

December is officially here, and with it comes a whole lot of cozy events, festive lights, and all the small-town charm that makes our corner of Louisiana shine this time of year. Whether you’re looking for family fun, holiday shopping, hometown traditions, or a reason to get out and enjoy the season, Red River Parish and our neighboring communities have something for everyone. Grab your calendar—and maybe some hot cocoa—because December is packed with can’t-miss happenings!

Events in Red River Parish

Santa is on his way to the Village of Hall Summit Town Hall Saturday, December 13 from 11am until 1pm. 
Bring the kids, bring the excitement, and bring the Christmas spirit.

Santa is making a stop at Martin Village Hall Saturday, December 13 from 5-7pm. Stop by and share all your wishes with Santa and get a goody bag! Enjoy a cookie, cupcake and a cup of hot chocolate. Every child will be able to make a craft sponsored by the Martin Painting Club.

The Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce will host a Christmas Market Saturday, December 13 at the Fairgrounds Livestock Barn.

First Methodist Church will host Breakfast with Santa Sunday, December 14 at 9:30am. 

Events surrounding areas:

Lumiere, an immersive Christmas Experience, is open November 21 – December 31. Open most nights 5-10pm. Check the schedule on their website (christmasatlumiere.com).

The annual CHS Reindeer Run is Thursday, December 11. 

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales are returning to Marshall for Wonderland of Lights 2025. These iconic horses will make a full hitch appearance Thursday, December 11 from 6-8pm in front of the Historic 1901 Harrison County Courthouse. Public viewing from Dec 8-12 from 7am until 7pm. 

“A Hometown Christmas” presented by Gibsland Bank & Trust will be celebrated in Minden December 12-14.

The City of Mansfield Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 13 at 2pm.

The NW Region Red River Research Station will host Christmas at the Farm Saturday, December 13 at 5pm. Bring your blankets and chairs to watch an outdoor classic Christmas movie while enjoying popcorn and hot chocolate. Enjoy educational segments presented by our extension agents and let the kids have fun with activities including a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Enjoy a ride on the Red River Express and Sing along with your favorite Christmas songs and carols.

The Many Christmas Parade and Festival is Saturday, December 13.

Mansfield State Historic Site will host Antebellum Christmas Saturday, December 13 at 2pm. Mark your calendars for ornament making with the staff.

The Village of Robeline’s 3rd Annual Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Park will be held December 20. The parade rolls at 3pm the immediately following Christmas in the Park will begin. There will be food, music, giveaways, hot chocolate, cookies, games and activities, and pictures with Santa.

Rockets over the Red has been rescheduled to December 20. 

Downtown Minden will host a Community-wide Live Nativity Saturday, December 20 from 6-8pm. Tour Route: Begin at 1111 Broadway St., continue to St. John’s Episcopal Church, journey up Lewisville Rd. past Minden Presbyterian Church, and conclude at First Methodist Minden Church. This is a walking tour that takes approximately 30–45 minutes to complete. Churches along the route will be open for viewing and breaks. Golf carts will be available for guests with mobility challenges or handicaps. This event is free and open to the public. 

A major water leak on Sadie Street interrupted service in the Springville and Red Oak communities for several hours on Tuesday morning.

At approximately 9:30 am Tuesday, Mayor Cole sent out a notice to Coushatta Water customers to check for possible standing water in the area.

The leak was located, repaired, and water was restored by 3:30 pm.

Mayor Cole expressed his appreciation for everyone’s patience and help during the outage, as well as for the quick work of city employees.

By Alton Wallace Dec 3, 2025

Wednesday brings a taste of warmer air with partly cloudy skies and a comfortable high near 70°F. It will be breezy through the afternoon, with winds blowing 10 to 15 mph, giving the day a bit of extra movement. Overnight, skies turn clear, and temperatures drop to around 47°F, with winds easing to 5 to 10 mph for a calmer, cooler night.

Thursday looks bright and crisp, delivering sunny skies and a high near 61°F. Light winds around 5 to 10 mph will keep the day pleasant without much chill. By evening, conditions stay mostly clear, with temperatures settling near 48°F and light, variable winds adding a gentle touch to the night.

This midweek stretch brings mild days, cool nights, and plenty of comfortable weather to enjoy before the next round of December changes rolls in.

Back in the 1960s, Christmas shopping was an event. Families piled into cars, drove downtown, and pressed their noses against frosty department store windows. The glow wasn’t from a screen—it was from a color wheel shining on an aluminum Christmas tree, turning silver branches into psychedelic blue, red, and green.

And if you wanted to dream big? You didn’t scroll Amazon—you flipped through the Penny’s or Sears catalog. Those glossy pages were the original “wish list generator.” Children circled toys with crayons, then wrote letters to Santa with the confidence that he had a bulk account at Sears. The catalog was basically Santa’s shopping cart.

Fast forward to today: shopping is done in pajamas, with coffee in hand, scrolling through endless digital aisles. No frosty windows, no jingling bells—just the glow of a screen and the occasional “Your package will arrive Tuesday.” We’ve traded window shopping for browser tabs, and clerks in bow ties for chatbots that say, “How can I help you?” (though they never look nearly as cheerful).

And yet—amid all this cultural change—the church still gathers to sing the same carols. “Silent Night” hasn’t been updated to “Silent Wi Fi.” The story of the baby born in Bethlehem hasn’t been rebranded as “Bethlehem Prime.” While the world has gone from aluminum trees to LED lights, from catalogs to clicks, the heart of Christmas remains unchanged: God’s gift of love, wrapped not in shiny paper but in swaddling clothes.

There’s something comforting about this contrast. In a season when everything else demands “new and improved,” the church offers something beautifully old and enduring. Nostalgia for the simple isn’t just a warm memory—it’s a reminder that the best gifts don’t need upgrades. They’re timeless.

So, whether you’re circling toys in a catalog, clicking “Buy Now,” or humming “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” may you find joy in the simple, the familiar, and the eternal story that still outshines every holiday sale.

The Red River Parish Library will host Christmas Bingo Wed Dec 10 at 1pm. Enjoy prizes, refreshments, friends and holiday fun!

Red River Elementary School will host a Blood Drive on Fri Dec 12 from 9am-12pm.

Red River Junior High will hold their Christmas Program Tue Dec 16 at 12pm. The public is invited to attend. Please park in front of the gym.

LSU Football has 15,000 new season ticket requests since Lane Kiffin was named as the new head coach. Corporate sponsorships and donations are also heading in a positive direction.

Sen Bill Cassidy has secured  $4.9 million for Louisiana Firefighters.

 A water leak at the Louvre in Paris has damaged hundreds of books, exposing further issues at the world’s largest museum after heist in October.

Travion Miller
March 6, 1994 – December 8, 2025
Funeral Services will be held Saturday December 13, 2025 at 1pm at Elizabeth Full Gospel Church in Coushatta.

Highlighting the Coushatta Christmas Parade this year was Grand Marshal Katherine Smith.
Smith, a long-time member of the Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce, was honored as the parade leader. She has been an integral part of the annual event for many years.

Smith works for the Red River Parish School Board as the homeless liaison and community outreach coordinator. She has spearheaded fund drives for children and adults in need, coordinated Christmas angels, and purchased countless school supplies for children. Her tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed by this town.

Her latest role in the town is on the Town Council, where she champions the community’s needs.

Surrounded by her family and friends, Smith was all smiles on parade day. This community is blessed to have such a faithful servant.

Parade Winners Included:
Scavenger Hunt: Jana Webb
Overall: American Bank
Floats:
1st: Gregg and Lana Giddings
2nd: Rivertown
3rd: Krewe de Khulu
Teams:
1st: Rangerettes
2nd: Rubies