Victorious Life Ministries will host a Corporate Prayer & Healing Service Tues Oct 28 at 7pm. 

Red River Parish Library will host Bingo fun Wed Nov 11 at 1pm.

LSU Board approves football ticket and parking price increases for the 2026 season. However, many are questioning this decision including Gov. Landry given how LSUs season is going thus far.

Neutrogena makeup remover wipes recalled after testing positive for serious bacteria according to the FDA.

The NW Region Red River Research Station will host a Family Christmas Movie night Dec 13 from 5-8pm. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus too. Popcorn and hot cocoa will be available. $5per ticket. Bring your blanket and chairs. 

The 2025 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is set for Dec 30 at 1pm. 

Cypress Bend Resort Christmas Lights will open Nov 29 – Dec 28. Open every Thur – Sunday. Santa visits every Fri and Sat. $10 per carload.

The Louisiana Rouxgaroux, local arena football team, is back at the Brookshire Grocery Arena with seven home games. 

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Red River Fire Protection District runs three full shifts of firefighters. These highly trained, dedicated groups of firefighters are ready to serve the people of Red River in some of the most trying times any family can have.

Meet B SHIFT

Served by Captain Jeff Gibson of Martin, B Shift has both youth and experience. Gibson is a firefighter with Red River EMS. He is highly decorated and trained and was recognized in 2024 as firefighter of the year by the VFW. Gibson is married to Whitney Allison Gibson, and they have two children.

Mike Prince of B shift is married to Angela, and they have three children. He has been in the fire service for 9 years. The last two and a half have been in Red River Parish. Since being employed with Red River, he says he has obtained many fire service certifications, including HazMat Awareness, HazMat Operations, Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, Officer 1, Instructor 1, Instructor 2, Live Fire Instructor, Apparatus Driver/Operator, and Emergency Medical Technician.

“I enjoy working for Red River Parish because I enjoy being able to serve the citizens of the parish and the training opportunities provided by the department”.

David Norwood, the youngest crew member, is 21 and hails from the Ajax area. Norwood obtained EMT while in high school and volunteered for a local fire department after high school. He joined Red River and has become an integral part of B shift. He has already been certified in hazmat awareness and hazmat ops and is currently in a Fire 1 class. He is EMT-B nationally registered and state-licensed, holds Basic Life Support/CPR certification, and is EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course) certified. He just completed the heavy vehicle rescue training.

“I enjoy working in the parish because of the small-town/ rural feel. I love serving the community in Red River Parish. I also enjoy the fact that a lot of our work is in the country.”

Three renewal propositions are on the ballot for Red River Parish on Nov. 15, 2025.  Each continuation of millages directly affects the people of Red River Parish.  

First on the Ballot is the millage continuation for Red River Parish Council on Aging.  

Parishwide Proposition
(Millage Continuation)
Shall the Parish of Red River, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), continue to
levy a special tax of 1.21 mill on all the property subject to taxation within
the Parish (an estimated $308,500 reasonably expected at this time to be
collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10
years, beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035, to acquire,
construct, maintain and operate Parish Senior Citizens’ Centers and
to provide funding for Parish Senior Citizens’ Programs, operated by the
Red River Parish Council on Aging, said millage to represent
a .21 mills increase (due to reappraisal) over the
1 mill tax authorized to be levied through the year 2025
pursuant to an election held on December 6, 2014?

This is a YES or NO vote

The second proposition is for John K. Kelly Grand Bayou Reservoir District Proposition
(Millage Continuation)
Shall the John K. Kelly Grand Bayou Reservoir District (the “District’’), continue
to levy a special tax of 1.21 mill on all property subject to taxation
within the District (an estimated $312,500 expected at this time to be collected
from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years,
beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035, for the purpose
of maintaining, operating and supporting the Grand Bayou Resort, including
acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining and operating
facilities, equipment and programs therefor, and assisting
Wildlife and Fisheries in controlling aquatic
vegetation in Grand Bayou Reservoir, said millage to
represent a .21 mill increase (due to reappraisal) over
the 1 mill tax authorized to be levied through the year
2025 pursuant to an election held on November 21,
2015?
 This is also a YES or NO vote

The third will be for Red River Parish’s Fire Protection District Proposition
(Millage Continuation)
Shall the Parishwide Fire Protection District of the Parish of Red River,
State of Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of 4.66 mills
(the “Tax”) on all property subject to taxation within the District (an estimated
$1,204,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the
levy of the Tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with
the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035, for the purpose of maintaining
and operating the District’s fire protection facilities and paying the cost
of obtaining water for fire protection purposes including charges for fire
hydrant rentals and service, provided that a portion of the Tax proceeds is
required to be contributed to state and statewide retirement systems as
provided in R.S. 11:82, said millage to represent a .80 mills increase (due to
reappraisal) over the 3.86 mills tax authorized to be
levied through the year 2025 pursuant to an election
held on October 24, 2015?
YES
NO

Matt Vines

EAST POINT – Riverdale Academy’s seven seniors have been through it in their football careers.

From playing supporting roles on a nine-win Riverdale squad with a much bigger roster to scratching and clawing to put the Rebels back in the second round of the playoffs in 2024.

Now these seniors will play what is perhaps their final football game looking to put one in the win column when Union Christian visits Friday.

Riverdale (0-8) and Union Christian (0-8) are looking for their first wins of the season.

“This group of seniors have been some of the most resilient players over the years,” said coach Nathan Edie. “From taking their lumps in the early years to persevering through struggle the last couple years.

“These boys never quit on each other, and that spirit is what they will be known for.”

The playoffs still aren’t out of the question.

A Riverdale win and a Franklin Academy (3-5) victory over Heritage Christian (1-6) would send the Rebels to the playoffs as the No. 12 and final seed.

More than just a playoffs appearance and at least one more week together, Edie wants his players to taste victory at least one more time for a group that’s been part of 24 victories the past three seasons.

“To get the win this week would mean a lot for the boys,” Edie said. “Through all the struggles, to go out on Senior Night and get a win would be a great end to the regular season.

“These boys want to play a little more football, and a win keeps us alive for a playoff spot.”

They’ll face a Union Christian team in the same boat, a team that’s come close to one win (six-point loss to Tensas Academy) but that’s still dangerous.

“UCA likes to throw the football, and they have very good receivers,” Edie said. “Their quarterback is a good athlete also and can throw the ball down the field.

“We will definitely have to keep them from hitting the deep ball against us and keep the quarterback from running around and making plays. If it turns into a backyard football game, we will struggle. If we stay disciplined, we put ourselves in a better position.”

Riverdale similarly has a few close calls – a six-point loss to Tensas Academy in what looked like Riverdale scored the go-ahead touchdown late before a penalty wiped it out.

The Rebels seemed to make strides in a 44-20 loss to Wilkinson County Christian two weeks later, but those gains evaporated in Riverdale’s 58-point loss to Tallulah Academy this past week.

Now the Rebels get one more shot at a win against a team that they’ve beaten seven times in the last six years dating back to 2019.

Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – Homecoming.

A celebratory time when alumni come back into town and turn the stadium and surrounding areas into a party.

An environment that provides plenty of distraction for a football team in position to compete for a second straight district title.

Good thing that Red River (3-4, 1-1 District 3-2A) knows its hands will be full when Many 4-3, 2-0) rides into town looking to take another step toward a district crown of its own Friday.

“We make sure our guys keep the main thing, the main thing,” said first-year coach Travis Gary. “The fun and energy that surrounds homecoming is a great thing for kids, but I had to make sure they understood that everyone is coming home to watch them play a football game.

“What better way to show our appreciation than to win the game.”

The Bulldogs need a win to keep its district title hopes alive and to better position itself for a home playoff game (No. 21 in Division III Non-Select coming into this Week 8 matchup).

Red River bounced back from a district opening loss to Mansfield (38-30) by thumping Lakeside (49-21).
But this is a Many bunch that’s intent on laying claim to a district in which it held a death grip on for so long before the 2024 winless season.

Running back Daniel Thomas and Co. have won their two district games by a combined 69 points (over Lakeside and Winnfield).

“We just have to be disciplined and play sound defense,” Gary said. “Align correctly and play fast and physically.

“We have to start fast and finish faster while playing to our strengths and be great at what we do.”
That starts with three-year quarterback Malique Smith, who’s proven to be a threat with his legs and his arm.

Weapons like Warren Bowman, Lathyn Lewis and Cedric Moody will power a Red River offensive attack that may need to outscore a Many offense that’s scored 49 or more points three times.

Red River’s topped the 36-point mark four times itself this season.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Many head coach Tyler Hassell, who spent this past season on the Red River staff after a long and successful tenure under Many coach Jess Curtis as the program’s defensive coordinator.

Hassell is on his way to restoring that proud program.

“We are looking forward to this matchup,” Hassell said. “We’re expecting a big crowd and a great atmosphere.

“It’s always fun to compete against coaches you’ve worked with and to see athletes you’ve coached on the other sideline.”

Gary added that it’ll be a “good time, especially with the way district is shaping up.”

Mansfield and Many are the two undefeated teams left, and Red River needs to win its last two district games and have Mansfield lose one game (Winnfield, Lakeside, Many) to claim a share of the district crown.

Riverdale Academy will celebrate Senior Night this evening, recognizing senior football players, cheerleaders, and danceline members before kickoff.

Senior presentations will begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by the football game at 7:00 p.m.

Before the ceremony, families and fans can stop by a Maker’s Market starting at 5:00 p.m. Students will be selling a variety of homemade items, including baked goods, tea cakes, fresh eggs, balloon animals, clay art, pecans, blankets, face painting, and more.

The school invites the community to come early, support student sellers, and help celebrate the Class of 2026 seniors on this special night.

Friday, October 24

Partly cloudy with high of 82F. Winds SE at 5 to 10mph.

Partly cloudy in the evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers after midnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.

Saturday, October 25

Thunderstorms in the morning, then cloudy skies late. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 73F. Winds SE at 10 to 15mph. Chance of rain 70%.

Thunderstorms. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.

Sunday, October 26

Chance of shower or two during the morning, followed by partly cloudy skies in the afternoon. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Change of rain 40%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.

Mostly clear skies overnight. Low 58F. Winds light and variable.

(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.