(First of two parts)

There was a time when being a “professional bass fisherman” was not considered a real job. A time when conservation was an afterthought and the phrase “catch and release” was considered crazy talk. A time when anglers looking to fish for a living did not have to be great communicators or promoters like is required today.

So, let’s look at how the sport has progressed over the last 50 years and a few of the men who made the sport of bass fishing what it is today, men who deserve the credit for what we call professional bass fishing. Then we’ll look at where the sport might be headed.

During the decade of the ‘70s, bass fishing was starting to take hold as a true sport. Ray Scott, founder of the Bass Angler’s Sportsman’s Society, now known as B.A.S.S., took the sport to a level no one other than Ray himself saw coming.

In the 1960s, Scott, working as an insurance salesman, had a vision for what he thought could revolutionize the sport of bass fishing. He wanted anglers to be able to compete and make a living doing it. He wanted it to be a means where anglers could provide for their families while doing what they loved.

Fast forward to the 1980s and ‘90s as Ray’s vision was starting to come together as some of the greatest anglers of all-time began to make a name for themselves — anglers like Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Rick Clunn, Gary Kline and Hank Parker. Guys who laid the groundwork and foundation for anglers to follow.

Almost every one of these top anglers made a name for themselves with their TV shows. But one program called the “Bassmasters” set the tone by covering each and every bass tournament. It allowed for great teaching moments for anglers all across the country to learn how professional anglers were catching fish. The popularity of this program was huge for fishing and attracting potential sponsors.

Other TV programs like “Bill Dance Outdoors,” “Jimmy Houston Outdoors” and “Fishing with Roland Martin” have led the way as the most successful TV bass fishing programs of all-time. Then Hank Parker dipped his toe into the TV world with his own program known as “Hank Parker Outdoors.”

They quickly found out that the way to prosperity was through the TV market where they could reach thousands of viewers on a weekly basis. What’s impressive is the fact that all these TV fishing programs still exist today!

It was these same anglers who started the journey themselves by hitting the road like a traveling circus, fishing lakes and rivers across America while competing and introducing bass fishing to so many.

Credit also goes to some other legendary anglers like Kevin Van Dam, Davy Hite, Mark Davis, Larry Nixon and Skeet Reece, who all have played a role in creating a way for anglers to make a living as professional bass fishermen.
The sport has come a long way from the early 1970s and hopefully it will continue for generations to come. But I’m really starting to wonder, have we already gone through the so-called “heyday” of professional bass fishing?

Next week in Part 2, we’ll take a look at the obstacles anglers are facing today in order to make a living as a professional bass fisherman.

Baton Rouge — The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is implementing a series of strategic actions to strengthen and stabilize the frontline child welfare workforce. These steps are part of the Department’s broader commitment to improving safety, timeliness, and permanency outcomes for children and families across the state.

Over the past year, DCFS has undertaken a top-to-bottom review of its operations, informed by staff feedback, legislative discussions, and best practices from child welfare organizations. That review made clear that child safety and timely response depend on having sufficient staffing and supervision at the frontlines.

“Louisiana’s children deserve our very best response, every time,” said DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris. “We are making the necessary adjustments to ensure we have skilled, supported staff where children and families need us most — on the frontlines in their communities.”

As part of this effort:

More than 100 child welfare staff are being reassigned to place expertise closer to the children and families while also building a stronger operational backbone to sustain the change. These reassignments ensure that investigations and in-home services are properly staffed and supervised in every community.

Centralized Intake (CI) operations are being restructured to reinforce the strong commitment to child safety, rapid response, and accountability in how reports of abuse and neglect are handled. Beginning in December, CI staff will report to a DCFS office, improving connection to field operations, training, and supervisory support.

The Department is also expanding evening and weekend coverage, including a second shift of 53 newly hired child welfare professionals to address after-hours reports and reduce response delays.

Secretary Harris noted that the move toward in-office and community-based work reflects both national best practice and the evolving expectations for public service delivery.

“Child welfare work is intensely human work,” Harris said. “It requires collaboration, supervision, and real-time decision-making. Being together as teams especially in intake and investigations allows us to provide faster, higher-quality responses that keep children safer.”

DCFS is following all State Civil Service procedures in the implementation of these changes, and every impacted employee has been notified and will be supported through the transition.

The Department’s recent hiring efforts and organizational changes will produce improvements in response time and workload balance.

“These are difficult transitions, but they are absolutely necessary,” Harris said. “Every decision is being made with one goal – to strengthen the system so children are protected, families are supported, and staff are empowered to succeed.”

On a warm October day at an air show in St. Louis, Missouri, pilot Archie Hoxsey learned that the colonel would be among the spectators. Archie asked the colonel if he would like to take a flight. The colonel quickly responded, “No, thank you. There are enough high-fliers up there already.” The colonel was apprehensive because he had never flown in an airplane before, but more importantly, he had heard about Archie’s most recent flight in an airshow in Lincoln, Nebraska. During that flight, one of the wings on Archie’s airplane collapsed. The airplane flipped upside down and Archie fell out of the airplane. Luck was on Archie’s side during this flight. He was flying slowly enough, low enough, and the airplane threw him out just as he was passing over a tall barn. He fell only a few feet and received only minor cuts and bruises as the barn’s roof broke his fall. The airplane was destroyed, but Archie explained that he had just received a brand-new airplane.

At the St. Louis airfield, Archie and the colonel continued their conversation as the colonel carefully examined the airplane. Finally, the colonel accepted Archie invitation. Archie responded, “You don’t need to fear anything, colonel. You’ll come down without a scratch.” The crowd of 10,000 spectators watched as the colonel clambered aboard the small two-seat airplane. Once Archie made sure the colonel was safe and secure in the co-pilot’s seat, he took the seat beside him. It took Archie and the ground crew ten minutes to get both engines running, which only worried the colonel for a moment or two. “Anything wrong?” the colonel asked. “I’ll get ‘em going,” he replied. “Good,” the colonel said without the slightest sign of nervousness. The anxious crowd cheered as the plane finally took off and climbed to a low altitude. The airplane circled the airfield and headed back over the crowd. People began to gasp as the airplane suddenly nose-dived toward the ground. Just above the treetop level, Archie pulled back on the yoke and the airplane darted back to its previous level. Just as the crowd was breathing a collective sigh of relief, the airplane took another nosedive. Archie let the airplane get within a few feet of the tops of trees before bringing it back to altitude, then immediately dipped the plane again. The third time, the airplane got within just a few feet of the ground before Archie pulled up. The relieved crowd roared with excitement. As the airplane flew over the crowd, they could see the colonel’s grand smile which his large mustache failed to conceal. Moments later, Archie and the colonel returned to the ground in a textbook landing. Their flight lasted just three minutes and twenty seconds. The crowd ran to greet Archie and the colonel. His large smile was only interrupted by his attempts to explain his experience to those nearest him. “There was nothing uncomfortable about it,” the colonel explained. “I don’t know when I have ever enjoyed myself so much. I wish I could have stayed up longer.” During that air show on October 11, 1910, Archie was piloting one of the Wright Brothers’ brand new Model B airplanes on the colonel’s first airplane flight. It was the first airplane flight of a President or former President of the United States. The colonel, as he preferred to be called, was former president Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt.

Sources:

1. St. Joseph News-Press, September 6, 1910, p.1.

2. The Kansas City Post, October 12, 1910, p.6.

3. “Colonel Roosevelt is invited to fly in Arch Hoxsey’s plane at St. Louis, Mo., 1910,” Library of Congress, January 4, 2010, accessed October 13, 2025, https://youtu.be/yIlpDwMKzJo?si=nhRiZqxyPHqajluI.

STEAM Camp will be held Sat Oct 25 and Sat Nov 1 from 9am until 12pm at the Red River High School Vocational Building. Every student that attends both days will get a STEM kit on Nov 1. Lunch will be provided. Students and parents are invited to attend.

Coushatta Christmas Market will be held Dec 13. Purchase your last minute gifts and treats from local vendors, take photos and enjoy your community. All vendors are invited to participate. NO vendor fees. 

Night after the Battle at the Mansfield State Historic Site on Saturday has been cancelled due to the weather.

Harvest Time at the Farm has also been cancelled due to forecasted inclement weather.

Study reveals childhood obesity is the #1 health issue for children in Louisiana.

Coke with cane sugar begins rollout in US.

Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, has been named the Most Powerful Woman in American Sports by Forbes Magazine.

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In the ever-evolving field of spine surgery, few names have earned as much respect and recognition as Dr. Stephen P. Courtney, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon based in Plano, Texas—and a proud Hall Summit native. Known for his precision in the operating room and visionary approach to medical technology, Courtney is widely regarded as one of the leading innovators in modern orthopedic medicine.

Raised in Hall Summit, Courtney’s journey from rural roots to international recognition is a story of dedication, education, and an unrelenting drive to improve the lives of others. After completing his medical training, he established a thriving practice in Texas and went on to found Eminent Spine, a company dedicated to developing next-generation spinal implants and surgical tools that improve patient outcomes and enhance surgical precision.

That mission reached a groundbreaking milestone in 2025, when Dr. Courtney performed the world’s first spinal surgery using a 3D-printed titanium pedicle screw system, designed through Eminent Spine. The revolutionary device features a unique lattice structure that promotes bone growth and strengthens fusion stability—an advancement that has drawn attention from surgeons and researchers across the globe for its potential to reshape spinal repair techniques.

Beyond his achievements in the operating room, Courtney is also a prolific inventor and medical entrepreneur, holding numerous patents and trademarks for surgical innovations. His products are now used by surgeons nationwide, reflecting his lasting impact on both the clinical and engineering sides of orthopedic medicine.

While many have referred to his work as “world-class,” Courtney remains grounded in his Hall Summit roots. He credits his upbringing in Red River Parish for instilling in him a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to serve others. “The real success,” he has said, “is when a patient walks out of surgery with less pain, more freedom, and a new outlook on life.”

He added, “Throughout my career, I have remained laser-focused on providing world-class care and innovation to the patients I treat on a daily basis.”

With Eminent Spine continuing to expand and redefine what’s possible in spinal technology, Dr. Stephen Courtney stands as a testament to how far innovation, determination, and small-town grit can go. From Hall Summit to the world stage, his work continues to change lives—one spine at a time.

In his free time, Courtney enjoys time with his wife and family, perfecting his Cajun cooking, hitting mountain bike trails or competing in triathlons.

Source/photo: Eminent Spine

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank for once again being the title sponsor for this year’s Football Pick’em contest. Tyler Insurance Agency is the anchor sponsorship for a second year in a row.  These two businesses love football and love to see you win.   

We also want to thank BOM, Red River Council on Aging, David Beard Builders, 4B Garage, Jimmy Keel-Greg Tilley’s, Pathway Tire, and Tray Murray-State Farm for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest. If you would like to be a Pick’em Partner, email redriverparishjournal@gmail.com for more details. Only a limited number of slots remain.

Another week. Another winner.

Billy Smith was this week’s winner of the Football Pick’em Contest and he walked away with $100!

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2025 Football Pick’em Contest anchored by Tyler Insurance.

START PICKING NOW – This week’s contests –>   2025 Pick Em Form

Picks close Thursday at 4pm.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE, and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected college and high school football games (ties will be broken by tiebreaker consisting of guessing the total points scored in one of our weekly contests).

The American Bank and Tyler Insurance Agency Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over 10 regular-season weeks of the season, starting with Week 1 games (August 28-31) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ if you’re not already signed up for the easily navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could be our first winner!

Week 1: Charles Crockett
Week 2: Michael Birdsong
Week 3: Lori Lee
Week 4: John Perkins
Week 5: Lessonna Clark
Week 6: Randy Thomas
Week 7: Ken Roberts
Week 8: Billy Smith

October 20, 2025
Scam Alert – Fake Quality Ford Inc. Website

Over the past several days, the Coushatta Police Department has received calls from three people across the country who have been victimized by scammers operating a fake Quality Ford Inc. website.

The scammers lure unsuspecting victims into making phone contact with an alleged salesperson at what they believe to be the Quality Ford dealership in Coushatta, Louisiana, which is no longer in business.
The “salesperson” follows routine steps, including bargaining on price, consulting with the sales manager, discussing financial options, and sending official-looking paperwork, such as a buy order, to the potential buyer.

Once a deal is finalized, the soon-to-be victim is asked to wire the money for the purchase of the vehicle to a specific Bank of America account. After the payment is received by the scammers ($46,000 in two known instances), the victim is left without a vehicle and his/her money.

Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office investigators and Coushatta police officers are currently in contact with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office in an effort to launch an investigation into this fraudulent activity.

Fortunately, one person avoided being scammed by calling the police department to confirm that Quality Ford was a legitimate business before wiring the money.

This is a great reminder for all of us to do our research and be careful before sending money or sharing our personal/banking information over the phone or the internet.

Early voting dates and times are set for the November 15, 2025, election. 

Early voting begins Saturday, November 1, 2025, and will end on Saturday, November 8, 2025.   All early voting will be at the Registrar of Voter’s Office on Front Street.  Enter the door on Alonzo Street across from Bearing Service.   

 Three parish renewals will be on the ballot, including: Red River Fire Protection District, Red River Council on Aging, and Grand Bayou Coushatta. 

Wednesday, October 22

Sunny. High near 80F. Winds light and variable.

Mostly clear sky overnight. Low 48F. Winds light and variable. 

Thursday, October 23

Partly cloudy skies. High 82F. Winds light and variable. 

Generally fair overnight. Low near 55F. Winds light and variable.

Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time for pumpkins, costumes, and community fun! Across Red River Parish and beyond, local churches, schools, and organizations are hosting a variety of Fall Festivals and Trunk-or-Treats to celebrate the season. From games and candy to hayrides and family activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a look at where you can join in the autumn festivities this year.

Red River Tourism Commission Fall Fest, Saturday, Oct 25 from 12-8pm at the Coushatta Ball Park. Food, games and live music.

First Methodist Church Coushatta Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct 26 from 5-7pm. Fun, games, candy, food, fellowship and the ice cream truck.

Martin Baptist Church Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct 26 at 5pm. Fun, food and games.

New Life Church (Hall Summit) Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct 26 from 5-8 pm. Numerous games, face painting, bounce houses, candy and many other free activities for kids of all ages.

First Baptist Church Coushatta Trunk or Treat, Wednesday, Oct 29 from 5:30-7pm. Trunks, popcorn and bouncy houses.

Christus Coushatta Trunk or Treat, Friday, Oct 31 from 4-6pm. Trunks and lots of candy.

Red River Parish Library Trick or Treat, Friday, Oct 31 from 5-7pm. A Halloween theme photo op will be available for patrons to make pictures of children in their costumes.

Halloween Trunk or Treat, Friday, Oct 31 from 5-7pm at the Red River Boat Launch. Candy, face painting, games. Make sure you wear your costumes. Sponsored by Bigg Round, Klassy Pink, K’s Tax, A & JM Catering, Hot Boyz Crawfish and the Smile Squad.

Fairview Baptist Fall Fest, Saturday, Nov 15 from 4-6pm. Games, food, giveaways, activities, candy, prizes, and cake walk. 

If you are hosting an event, please send info to redriverparishjournal@gmail.com.

Marjorie Clemons Loftin, age 87, of Coushatta, Louisiana passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025. She was born on January 24, 1938, to the late C.C. “Cliff” and Lillie Belle Clemons.

Graveside services will be held at Holley Springs Cemetery, Martin, Louisiana at 10 A.M., on Monday, October 20, 2025. Officiating will be Rev. Richard Kaufman. Services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home.

On March 23, 1956, Marjorie married the love of her life, Thomas Wiley Loftin. They shared many wonderful years together until his passing. The couple attended Woodridge Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, before moving to Coushatta, where they became active members of Martin Baptist Church.

Marjorie retired from working at The Women’s Clinic in Shreveport, Louisiana. After retirement, she and Thomas returned to Coushatta, where they enjoyed their later years surrounded by family, friends, and the community she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Thomas, and her sister Marvel Clemons Moore.

Her three sons survive her: Thomas Glynn Loftin and wife LaVenda, Kenneth Alan Loftin and wife Johanna, and Charles Wiley Loftin; her beloved grandchildren: Travis Loftin, Anna Loftin Myers, Alicia McCarthey, and Morgan Lamirande; six great-great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Back by popular demand, Mansfield State Historic Site will once again host “The Night After the Battle” on Saturday, October 25, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This one-of-a-kind evening program invites guests to step back in time and experience the aftermath of the Battle of Mansfield, one of Louisiana’s most pivotal Civil War encounters. As the sun sets and lanterns flicker to life, the historic battlefield transforms into a hauntingly immersive experience filled with live reenactments, ghostly encounters, and chilling tales from those who lived—and died—on the field that fateful night.

Visitors can expect guided lantern-lit tours, dramatic portrayals of soldiers, surgeons, and survivors, and stories steeped in battlefield lore that bring history to life in unforgettable fashion.

The event has become a favorite among history buffs and thrill-seekers alike, combining authentic storytelling with the eerie atmosphere of a historic battleground after dark.

Space is limited, and this event fills up quickly each year—so grab your lantern and don’t miss your chance to walk the same ground where history was made… and still lingers.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has officially relaunched its T4LA initiative – Transforming Transportation with Transparency and Teamwork – during a department-wide update event at its headquarters.

Originally established in 2024 under Gov. Jeff Landry’s executive order, T4LA is focused on transforming DOTD’s internal operations and improving how the agency serves the people of Louisiana. The relaunch marks a renewed commitment to accountability, teamwork, and innovation within the state’s transportation system.

“Today we relaunch T4LA not just as part of the transformation, but as a renewed pledge to the people of Louisiana,” said DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet. “Our mission is to deliver infrastructure and services that are efficient, transparent, and worthy of public trust.”

As part of the relaunch, DOTD introduced two new offices created during the 2025 Regular Legislative Session: the Office of Transformation and the Office of Project Delivery.

The Office of Transformation, led by Deputy Secretary Julia Fisher-Cormier, will oversee departmental reforms, implement efficiency strategies, and improve communication and performance tracking. The office will also focus on expanding innovative practices and outsourcing routine maintenance tasks.

“The relaunch is an opportunity to reintroduce ongoing efforts and present new goals that will all work toward modernizing DOTD,” said Fisher-Cormier. “It’s time we pull back the curtain and clearly show Louisiana what we’re doing right and also what we know we can do better.”

The Office of Project Delivery, directed by Assistant Secretary Eric Dauphine, will focus on streamlining project development, management, construction, and delivery. The goal is to improve project efficiency, reduce delays, and enhance accountability.

“Change is never easy, but these initiatives will prove to accomplish a better, faster work product,” Dauphine said. “We’re engaging our peer states for best practices and efficiencies.”

Key components of the T4LA initiative include:

• Program and project delivery: Streamlining planning, construction, maintenance, and operations to boost efficiency.

• Innovation: Expanding scheduling, permitting, and performance tracking systems while incorporating automation and new technologies.

• Workforce and wage assessment: Ensuring balanced workloads and competitive wages to support employees’ success.

• Economic development collaboration: Aligning DOTD projects with statewide economic goals and fostering partnerships across government sectors.

DOTD has already introduced several new tools through the initiative, including the Project Viewer, which allows the public to track the status and timelines of infrastructure projects statewide.

The relaunch of T4LA underscores DOTD’s commitment to building a more accountable, efficient, and transparent transportation system for all Louisianans. Updates on progress and upcoming changes can be found at www.T4LA.com

Preachers have all sorts of microphone stories. Microphones left one when one has “turned aside.”

Microphones left on in the middle of singing. Thankfully my ushers know how to get my attention on that one. The last two Sunday’s I have lived my Saturday nightmare. That nightmare is we show up to lead worship, and we don’t have the bulletin the congregation does. The other part of that dream, the microphone doesn’t work!

It’s a common clergy nightmare: you’re mid-sermon, the Spirit is moving, the congregation is leaning in… and then poof — the microphone dies. You tap it, blow into it, give the sound booth a look that says, “Help me, Lord,” and suddenly your voice is swallowed by the sanctuary’s silence.

But maybe — just maybe — this isn’t a technical glitch. Maybe it’s a parable.

Because isn’t that how prayer sometimes feels? You’re pouring your heart out to God, asking, pleading, praising… and all you get back is silence. No booming voice from heaven. No divine thumbs-up. Just the spiritual equivalent of a dead mic.

But here’s the twist: when the mic goes out, the preacher doesn’t stop preaching. They raise their voice. They step forward. They trust that the message matters enough to be heard — even if it’s not amplified.
And maybe that’s what faith looks like when God feels silent. You keep praying. You keep showing up. You trust that your voice still reaches heaven, even when it feels like the sound system of the soul has short-circuited.

After all, Scripture is full of mic-drop moments — but also mic-off moments:

Elijah in the cave, waiting for God to speak through fire and wind, only to hear a whisper.

David crying out in the Psalms, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?”

Jesus himself, on the cross, asking, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

These aren’t failures of faith. They’re echoes of it. They’re reminders that silence isn’t absence. That God’s hearing isn’t always felt — but it’s always real.

So next time the mic dies, smile. It’s a holy metaphor. And maybe — just maybe — the sermon gets louder when it’s spoken from the heart, not the speakers.

A spirit of unity and renewal will fill Red River Parish next month as churches across the community come together for a Parish-Wide Revival, scheduled for November 18–20 at 7:00 p.m. each evening in the Red River Junior High School gymnasium in Coushatta.

The three-night revival will feature a dynamic lineup of local ministers: Pastor Ben Taylor of Good Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church, Pastor Kalvin Douglas of House of Refuge Ministries, Pastor Trevor Blair of First Methodist Church Coushatta, and Pastor Chad Peterson, youth pastor of Davis Springs Southern Methodist Church.

Organizers invite everyone in the community to attend and take part in an uplifting time of worship, prayer, and fellowship. All are welcome.

The Pine Beetle Festival will be held in Castor Sat, Nov 1

The Christmas Scavenger Hunt will begin on Nov 3. 8 clues scattered all over the parish and cash/gift cards.

Red River Woman Church will be held Nov 11 at 6pm. Guest speaker is Mardy Summerlin with Jennifer Breedlove as worship leader. A meal will be served.

The Christmas Parade will roll Dec 4. This year’s theme is Christmas Comedy. Registration forms will be available in November.

Stellantis is investing $13 billion to bring more autoworker jobs back to the US. The automaker plans to expand US production by 50% and launch five new vehicles.

Gas prices dropping, could reach $3 national average for  first time in 4 years.

Tinseltown USA in Shreveport failed a second health inspection. The theater is now at risk of fines, legal action or closure if problems continue.

Nellie Marie Davis
September 2, 1941 — October 15, 2025
A mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 11am aat St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Spanish Lake.

Matt Vines

Sibley – When Red River couldn’t make enough of the crucial plays in last week’s home loss to Mansfield to open District 3-2A play, one may have pondered how the Bulldogs would respond on the road.

The answer – pretty well.

Red River steadily pulled away from Lakeside on Friday in a 49-21 win.

“They responded like I felt they would,” said first-year Red River coach Travis Gary. “They came out focused and on a mission. “We were more dialed in on this road game.”

The Bulldogs (3-4, 1-1) built an early 13-7 lead and led 28-13 at the half.

Up 7-6, quarterback Malique Smith connected with Warren Bowman on an 83-yard strike to create early separation. Smith later found Lathyn Lewis on a scoring pass to end the half.

Red River started the second half quickly as Bowman hauled in a 30-yard pass from Smith as Red River led 35-13 early in the third quarter.

Lakeside quarterback Brock Case found Eric Jones for one of his two touchdown passes to pull within 35-21.

But the Bulldogs made sure Lakeside didn’t ignite any further hope.

Red River scored two more touchdowns and coasted to the 28-point win as the 49 points is a season high.

The Bulldogs weren’t perfect, and Gary is highlighting areas that need continued work.

“We still have to clean up turnovers on special teams,” Gary said. “We had a muffed punt that resulted in Lakeside getting great field position.

“But the offense did finish drives this week and only stalled out once.”

The defense continues to make strides with its 21 points allowed being the third-fewest this season – next to a White Castle shutout and a 20-14 win against St. Mary’s.

A young Bulldogs unit continues to gain experience that it will need with its next two opponents (Many and Winnfield) capable of scoring 40 points with regularity.

“They are getting better, and they are starting to become more football savvy and understanding the game more,” Gary said. “They are still hesitant at times due to being unsure, but we will continue to work on their confidence in what they see.”

Sheriff Glen Edwards and the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office are joining the nationwide effort to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Deputies are wearing pink to honor survivors, remember those lost, and show support for families currently facing the disease.

The Sheriff’s Office is also encouraging residents to use this time to learn more about breast cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of regular screenings.

By raising awareness and showing visible support, RRPSO stands with those affected in Red River Parish and beyond. Together, the agency hopes to inspire action, education, and hope within the community.

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank for once again being the title sponsor for this year’s Football Pick’em contest. Tyler Insurance Agency is the anchor sponsorship for a second year in a row.  These two businesses love football and love to see you win.   

We also want to thank BOM, Red River Council on Aging, David Beard Builders, 4B Garage, Jimmy Keel-Greg Tilley’s, Pathway Tire, and Tray Murray-State Farm for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest. If you would like to be a Pick’em Partner, email redriverparishjournal@gmail.com for more details. Only a limited number of slots remain.

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2025 Football Pick’em Contest anchored by Tyler Insurance.

START PICKING NOW – This week’s contests –>   2025 Pick Em Form

Each week the picking will remain open until 4 p.m. on Thursdays.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE, and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected college and high school football games (ties will be broken by tiebreaker consisting of guessing the total points scored in one of our weekly contests).

The American Bank and Tyler Insurance Agency Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over 10 regular-season weeks of the season, starting with Week 1 games (August 28-31) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ if you’re not already signed up for the easily navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could be our first winner!

Week 1: Charles Crockett
Week 2: Michael Birdsong
Week 3: Lori Lee
Week 4: John Perkins
Week 5: Lessonna Clark
Week 6: Randy Thomas
Week 7: Ken Roberts

The Red River Parish 4-H program has been busy with hands-on learning and fun activities that blend creativity, science, and life skills.

At the Sizzle & Grill Hibachi Workshop, students discovered how Louisiana commodities can be transformed into delicious dishes while learning authentic Hibachi-style cooking techniques. Chef Damien Marin shared his culinary expertise and career experiences from the restaurant industry, giving students a glimpse into the professional world of food service. A special thank you goes to 4-H parents Damien and Tammie Marin for taking the time to share their knowledge and passion with our youth.

Students in grades 3–12 who enjoyed this workshop or are interested in learning more about cooking are invited to join the 4-H Chefs Club, which meets the fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity for young food enthusiasts to practice food preparation, learn kitchen safety, and explore new recipes using local ingredients.

Meanwhile, our younger members in the Explorers Club enjoyed a seasonal science lesson as they learned about different types of leaves and why they change colors. After identifying leaf shapes and discussing how temperature and sunlight affect trees in the fall, the students created their own beautiful pieces of leaf art to take home.

From the kitchen to the classroom and outdoors, Red River Parish 4-H continues to inspire students to learn by doing.