The 99th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival is December 6 and will feature Coushatta’s own Vickie Johnson as the Grand Marshall of the Festival of Lights Parade. The parade rolls at 1pm. Other activities include Mistletoe Market, live entertainment, and the iconic fireworks show (6pm) choreographed to holiday music over Cane River Lake.

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

The World Health Organization released guidance on GLP-1 medications for adults with obesity, recommending their long-term, continuous use when clinically appropriate. The recommendations emphasize that these medications alone are not a solution to treating the global obesity epidemic. They should be combined with a structure program that includes healthy eating, regular movement and ongoing counseling to lose and maintain weight loss. 

Start the New Year off right with LSU in Shreveport’s first-ever MENtality Workshop: Mental Wealth on Jan. 16. The one-day event will feature interactive breakout sessions, dynamic speakers, and opportunities for networking and collaboration, all centered on the theme of men’s well-being and leadership in today’s fast-paced world. The workshop will begin at 8:30 a.m. and last until 3:30 p.m. in the University Center. The early-bird cost to attend is $79 (register before Jan. 8) with the full cost being $99. Learn more about the conference and register here.

Thomas Wayne Byrd
April 17, 1947 – November 27, 2025
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 2pm at Rockett Funeral Home Chapel in Ringgold.

Red River Elementary School has announced Jamason Morse as its 2025 5th Grade Student of the Year, recognizing the young student’s academic excellence, leadership, and involvement both in and out of the classroom.

Jamason, the son of James and Kim Morse, is well known at RRES for his strong work ethic and upbeat personality. Despite a schedule full of activities, he maintains a 4.0 grade point average, earning high marks across all subjects while balancing a busy lineup of extracurricular interests.

He is active in several sports, including flag football, soccer, and baseball, and participates in multiple programs through Red River Parish 4-H, such as the Explorers Club, BB-gun team, and Chefs Club. Jamason is also deeply involved in his church community at First Baptist Church, where he takes part in M3 and sings in the children’s choir.

Outside of school and sports, Jamason has big aspirations. With a strong interest in science and ancient history, he hopes to become a paleontologist in the future.

Teachers and community members describe him as hardworking, well-rounded, and a positive example for students across the campus. His selection as Student of the Year highlights both his academic accomplishments and the character he displays daily.

Coushatta Chute Chapter, NSDAR, awarded Celia Ann Willis Norman the Community Service Award for 2025. Norman, affectionately known as Ms. CAnn in Red River Parish, has lived in Coushatta all her life.  

Norman may be a retiree, but nothing about her says retired. She has been a teacher, mentor, friend, and helper to so many people in Red River Parish.  

In the presentation of the award, committee chairman Norma Lester described Mrs. Norman to perfection. “When she meets a stranger, she immediately makes a connection, inviting them to church, the Council, or community activities. Over the last 5 years, her volunteer work has ranged from the very young to the elderly. She volunteers for the RRES Bulldog Store and invites other retirees to help each month. She organizes volunteers to read in classrooms and assist with special projects such as Literacy Night. CAnn is also known for her vocal cheerleading at sporting events.”

Norman is a leader at First Methodist Chuch Coushatta. She has spent many hours teaching Sunday School, directing VBS crafts and story time, and welcoming visitors by asking them to sit with her at church.  

Giving back to the community’s elderly is also one of her passions. Norman formed a Helping Hands Committee that provides monthly activities for residents of the local nursing home and those in day care at the Council on Aging. They enjoy the birthday parties, decorations, crafts, and sing-alongs of favorite hymns and songs.  

When a family is struggling with a disaster or illness, she quickly reaches out to agencies and friends for help. She passes out food cards during holidays and makes numerous home visits.  

“Celia Norman is a true Community Service Volunteer. Coushatta Chute Chapter is proud to say Thanks to CAnn for taking care of Red River Parish Citizens from young to old.”  

Red River Parish 4-H is kicking off the new year with a night of fun, learning, and hockey as members head to Mudbugs Night on January 3, 2026. The event gives local youth a chance to enjoy hands-on activities, spend time with friends, and cheer on the Shreveport Mudbugs—all for a $20 ticket, which includes admission plus a food and drink voucher good for a chicken basket, pizza, or nachos.

The evening begins with two hours of excitement from 4:00–6:00 p.m., where students will rotate through four activity groups. Inside the rink, participants can ice skate and learn more about the game of hockey. The fun continues in the Ag Building with bounce houses, obstacle courses, poster-making, Connect 4, sumo suits, street hockey, and more. The variety of stations ensures every 4-H member finds something to enjoy.

At 6:00 p.m., doors to the arena officially open. Families can grab their food, settle into their seats, and get ready for puck drop. The Mudbugs will take the ice at 7:11 p.m., wrapping up a full afternoon and evening of activities.

4-H Mudbugs Night has become a favorite event for many members—bringing together recreation, learning, and community spirit. Organizers encourage families to purchase tickets early and join in on a night designed to make lasting memories.

Deadline to purchase tickets is December 11.

Looking at a chilly mid-week forecast as clouds settle in on Wednesday with a high near 56°F and an overnight low around 43°F. Partly cloudy skies early give way to showers later in the evening. Chance of rain 80%.

Thursday, forecasts show an 80% chance of rain paired with temperatures that are expected to climb no higher than 46°F throughout the day. With cold air and wet conditions lining up just in time for the Christmas parade and fireworks, visitors should prepare for a brisk and potentially soggy evening.

If Thursday’s weather pattern holds, umbrellas, jackets, and warm layers may be essential for anyone planning to attend the parade. The combination of rain, chilly winds, and limited daylight warmth could make outdoor viewing more challenging than usual.

Even so, holiday cheer doesn’t always wait for perfect skies. If forecasts shift in our favor, crowds may still gather to watch the lights roll through town and fireworks glow against the night. For now, keep an eye on the radar and dress for a winter-worthy December night.

Prime Time Family Reading 

938 Lafayette St, 300

New Orleans, LA 70113 

504-620-2625

Accepting Bids for DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River Parishes 

Early Head Start and Head Start Food Service Vendor 

Question Period: Monday, 12/1/25 – Monday, 12/15/25 

Proposal Submission Deadline Date/Time: Tuesday, 12/16/25 @ 4:00 pm 

Proposal Submission Format: Mail ONLY (5 copies) to above address c/o Shantrell Austin

Proposal Opening Date/Time: Wednesday, 12/17/25 @ 1:00 pm   

Proposal Opening Location: Online Convening (review committee only)

Award Decision Communication Date: Monday, 12/29/2025 

Email austin@leh.org for details and with questions 

Bid Invitation Details/RFP at: https://primetimefamily.org/northcenla/  

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

I survived a family cruise, if you’ve never been on one, they are—also known as the floating palace of unlimited shrimp and questionable karaoke. I enjoy cruising to places I’ve already been to, and this is our third trip to this destination. It’s like reruns of your favorite sitcom: familiar, comforting, and you already know where the good snacks are.

Looking out over the Gulf, I feel the majesty and awe of God. It’s a transcendent moment of praise—right between the buffet and the bingo tournament. If you’ve never been on a cruise, let me share a secret: the moment you step on board, you are royalty. They greet you with a smile, a fizzy drink that tastes like vacation, and a level of attention that borders on psychic. Your cabin steward knows your schedule better than your spouse. They know when you’re on deck, when you eat, and how many towels you use. It would be creepy if it weren’t so delightfully nautical.

But the day the cruise ends? Oh, friend. You go from royalty to livestock. Overnight. The elevators are lined with flak jackets—not for safety, but to protect the walls from your overstuffed luggage and your overstuffed self. The crew stops smiling. They start pointing. They point to the bill for those fruity drinks. They point to the herd holding pen where you wait for your number to be called to get off the ship. They point to the exit. No wave. No hug. Just a silent “don’t let the anchor hit you on the way out.”

But here’s the thing: the contrast between the cruise welcome and the cruise farewell is instructive.

I knew a couple who visited a church for five years before joining. When asked why, they said, “We liked being guests. We didn’t want to be treated like just members.” I get it. We schmooze guests like we’re selling timeshares in heaven. We offer Tupperware, a three percent tithe, eight commandments, and three free sins just to get folks to join. But once they do? Boom. Welcome to the Kingdom—here’s your Sunday School class, now start teaching!

From the outside, it looks like bait and switch. Or maybe just the cruise ship dynamic. So, we’re working on treating everyone like it’s their first Sunday. (Methodists, that was your cue. Don’t make me spell it out in Wesleyan.)

We clergy and church staffs watch people sit on the same pew for fifteen years and not know first names. So, learn a name. Make a friend. Offer grace with a side of gumbo. What if we treated everyone like a first-time guest to our neck of the woods?

Church folks, listen up: Jesus said, “Welcome the stranger.” Sunday, someone might walk into your church who’s never been in one before. In Jesus’ name, welcome them. And maybe offer them a fruity drink. Or at least a smile that says, “You’re not s number. You’re family.”

We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym in Shreveport is celebrating its One year Anniversary Fri Dec 5 and Santa is helping them celebrate from 5-7pm. They will also have free popcorn, cake and giveaways.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk was officially introduced Monday as the new head coach at Southern University.

Northwestern State will celebrate the newest members of the Demon football family with its early Signing Day luncheon on Thursday, December 4. The 11:30 a.m. event will be held at Merci Beaucoup in downtown Natchitoches and cost $20 which includes a choice of entrees from a select menu. Head coach Blaine McCorkle will introduce the high school signees that are part of the 2026 signing class, share highlights from the prep playing career and how they will impact the program in the coming years. The luncheon is open to fans, alumni and community members.

LSU Shreveport Athletics announced the launch of a varsity women’s volleyball program set to begin competition in Fall 2026.

Northwestern State University’s annual Makers’ Faire will be Tuesday, Dec. 9-Friday, Dec. 12 in Orville Hanchey Gallery. The Makers’ Faire will feature original art, paintings, pottery, sculpture and crafts created by students, faculty and alumni of NSU’s Fine and Graphic Arts Department.  Shoppers can purchase unique holiday gift items and support NSU artists. Hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-noon Friday.  Cash, card, check, Venmo and Paypal are accepted. For more information, contact Matt DeFord at defordm@nsula.edu.  

NONE

Tragedy struck in the early hours of Thanksgiving Day in Red River Parish.

According to officials, the Red River Parish Fire Department responded to a structure fire alarm in the early hours of Thursday morning, arriving on scene at 2:22 AM. Upon their arrival, firefighters encountered a mobile home fully engulfed in flames. Initial reports indicated that one occupant had safely exited the residence, while two individuals were believed to still be inside.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control. During subsequent overhaul operations, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office was contacted and requested to assist with the fire investigation. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office.

Social media posts indicated that one man and a young child were killed in the fire.

December is almost 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
The CPKC Holiday Train will make a stop on Front Street in Coushatta Wednesday, December 3 from 8:15-8:45pm. The stop will feature a performance by Dylan Marlowe and Emily Ann Roberts.

The Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce presents the Christmas Comedy Christmas Festival Thursday, December 4. Parade rolls at 4:30pm; Santa & Mrs. Claus 5:15-7; Fireworks at 6pm.

Fairview Baptist Church will host a Ladies Christmas Paint Party December 5 from 6-9pm. Registration is required. Deadline to sign up is Nov 30. Cost $25. Bring a favorite finger food to share.

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

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 Town of Zwolle Christmas Festival is December 5-6. The parade rolls on Sat Dec 6.

The 10th annual Stonewall Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, December 6 at 6pm.

The 25th Annual Benton Christmas on the Square Festival will be held Saturday, December 6 from 10am to 5pm. The Benton Rotary Club Parade rolls at 3pm.

The 2nd Annual String Quartet Christmas performed by the Armonia String Quartet is Sunday, December 7 at 3pm at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Mansfield. Reception immediately following.

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.

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. 

Matt Vines

Red River boys open 2-1 in first week

While the football season ended earlier than many had hoped, it meant boys basketball transitioned early enough to enter into Thanksgiving events.

The Bulldogs are off to a 2-1 start with wins against Franklin Parish (81-45) and Pineville (76-64) before “learning lessons” in a 57-38 loss to Bossier High on Saturday.

Red River has its sights set on a state title after two consecutive trips to the Top 28, which included an appearance in the 2023-24 state championship game.

The Bulldogs are back on the court in a boys/girls doubleheader Tuesday at Byrd before hosting St. Mary’s on Friday.

Red River girls busy during break

The Red River girls basketball team has been busy this past week with a 3-2 mark in tournaments at Parkway and Woodlawn.

The Lady Bulldogs (4-2) logged key wins against Class 5A Airline (36-34), Class 4A Bossier (48-39), and Class 4A Woodlawn (55-22).

Red River fell to Brusly (39-36) and Booker T. Washington (37-32), the latter of which turnovers and missed free throws cost the Lady Bulldogs another chance at a higher classification win.

But the early-season results overall are positive for a program attempting to position themselves to win a playoff game.

Red River hits the road at Byrd on Tuesday and hosts St. Mary’s on Friday.

Riverdale girls bounce back with dominant win

After suffering a pair of losses to public school Arkansas teams, the Riverdale girls basketball squad bounced back in a big way with a dominant 69-24 win against Prairie View Academy on Tuesday.

Riverdale (4-2) will host River Oaks on Tuesday before hosting the Maddie Cannon Classic, a three-day tournament starting Thursday.

The Classic honors former Riverdale basketball player Maddie Cannon, who passed away in 2024 after founding the Academy for Collaborative Education in Monroe. ACE is a specialty charter school designed to serve children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Riverdale boys gear up for Maddie Cannon Classic

The Riverdale boys basketball team is preparing for its return to its home floor for the Maddie Cannon Classic starting Thursday.

The Rebels are 0-2 with one game against Prairie View Academy without a score on maxpreps.com.

The Louisiana Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee will host its annual DOTD Road Show for District 04 on Tuesday, December 2, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The public hearing will be held at Shreveport City Council Chambers inside Government Plaza, located at 505 Travis Street in Shreveport.

The Road Show serves as an annual opportunity for legislators, parish officials, DOTD staff, and residents to review and discuss proposed highway construction priorities for the upcoming 2026–2027 fiscal year. District 04 includes Bossier, Bienville, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Red River, and Webster parishes.

Each DOTD district across the state hosts its own Road Show to gather feedback and share information about projects in the preliminary Highway Priority Program, highlighting where improvements are planned and how they will affect local communities.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate. Anyone wishing to speak will be given the opportunity to share their views. Oral comments may also be supplemented with written statements or supporting documents. Written comments may be submitted at the hearing or mailed within 45 days to:

Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee
c/o LA DOTD (Section 45)
P.O. Box 94245
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245

Residents can review more details about the proposed construction projects in the preliminary FY 2026–2027 Highway Priority Program by visiting bit.ly/4riSbGw.

This first week of December puts us right in the middle of a rainy storm track with multiple rounds on the way.

Monday, Dec. 1 is rolling in with full-on winter vibes! Expect cold rain, gray skies, and a high that barely reaches 41°. It’s the kind of day made for warm socks, hot drinks, and staying indoors whenever possible. By nightfall, temps slide to 32°, so get ready for a frosty finish. Chance of rain is 80%.

Tuesday, Dec. 2 gives us a break and brings back the sunshine—but don’t let that fool you. It’s still a crisp, chilly day with a high near 50° and a cold 29° overnight. Perfect weather for quick errands, holiday decorating, or soaking in some bright December light before the next round of winter weather arrives.

Bundle up, Red River—winter is knocking!

Did you know that chewing gum while studying—and then chewing the same flavor during a test—may actually help you remember what you learned?

Researchers say this works because of something called context-dependent memory. Your brain can associate certain sensory cues—like the flavor or smell of gum—with the information you were learning. When you chew that same gum again during a test, it can help trigger those same memories and improve recall.

Scientists believe this effect comes from both sensory association and increased alertness. The act of chewing can boost blood flow to the brain and may help improve focus, concentration, and reaction time. In other words, gum might keep your brain just a little more awake and ready to retrieve information.

But before you rush to the store for a pack of spearmint, experts add a few notes of caution. The memory boost is usually small and short-term, and chewing gum too loudly or aggressively can become distracting. Also, some teachers and testing environments may not allow gum during exams—so check the rules first!

Still, it’s a fascinating reminder of how our senses and memories are connected. The next time you’re preparing for a big test, grab your favorite flavor of gum, study with it, and see if your brain makes the connection.

It’s not exactly a secret weapon—but for students looking for a small edge, it’s definitely something to chew on.

We have shopped Black Friday, supported Small Business Saturday, and filled our carts for Cyber Monday, but have you thought about what comes next?  

Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. In 2025, it will take place on December 2. This day encourages people to give back through donations, volunteering, and acts of kindness, following major shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

It was created in 2012 to inspire generosity and has grown into a year-round movement that motivates millions to contribute to their communities.

Prime Time Family Reading 

938 Lafayette St, 300

New Orleans, LA 70113 

504-620-2625

Accepting Bids for DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River Parishes 

Early Head Start and Head Start Food Service Vendor 

Question Period: Monday, 12/1/25 – Monday, 12/15/25 

Proposal Submission Deadline Date/Time: Tuesday, 12/16/25 @ 4:00 pm 

Proposal Submission Format: Mail ONLY (5 copies) to above address c/o Shantrell Austin

Proposal Opening Date/Time: Wednesday, 12/17/25 @ 1:00 pm   

Proposal Opening Location: Online Convening (review committee only)

Award Decision Communication Date: Monday, 12/29/2025 

Email austin@leh.org for details and with questions 

Bid Invitation Details/RFP at: https://primetimefamily.org/northcenla/  

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

LSU to introduce Lane Kiffin as head coach in Monday press conference, reports say, with most of offensive staff joining him in Baton Rouge.

The CPKC Holiday Train will make a stop on Front Street in Coushatta Wednesday, December 3 from 8:15-8:45pm. The stop will feature a performance by Dylan Marlowe and Emily Ann Roberts.

The Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce presents the Christmas Comedy Christmas Festival Thursday, December 4. Parade rolls at 4:30pm; Santa & Mrs. Claus 5:15-7; Fireworks at 6pm.

Fairview Baptist Church will host a Ladies Christmas Paint Party December 5 from 6-9pm. Registration is required. Deadline to sign up is Nov 30. Cost $25. Bring a favorite finger food to share.

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.

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs secure their first winning football season since 2019. 

Haynesville, North DeSoto, Calvary and Ruston are area teams that will play in the LHSAA semifinals next weekend.

Arginine, a supplement used to treat high blood pressure, has been shown to reduce toxic protein clumps associated with Alzheimer’s in the brain.

Louisiana’s Dr. Ralph Abraham named CDC Principal Deputy Director.