The Blue Essence Dance Team and Red River High School Cheer announced the 2026-2027 teams.

Red River 4-H, with the help of NCH Agent Elizabeth Martin, held an Italian Cooking Camp at the LSU AgCenter Red River Parish office during Spring break.

Students practiced food prep skills while making Italian cheesecake, caprese on a stick, homemade pasta, marinara sauce, and fettuccine Alfredo.

Shared by Red River 4-H

By Darren Svan | April 20, 2026

(The Center Square) – Caddo Parish Judge Ramon Lafitte ruled in favor of a special use permit for Amazon’s multi-billion dollar data center in west Shreveport.

The massive industrial and economic development project was in limbo for 90 days. At stake for Shreveport was the promise of sales tax revenue, more jobs and substantial investment dollars.

Late Monday, Lafitte dismissed litigation brought by three plaintiffs asking for a judicial review of the City Council’s decision to approve the development after the city’s Planning Commission initially blocked it.

The permit is needed for a data center to operate at Resilient Technology Park.

The ruling gives Amazon the green light to move forward with its third massive data center campus in north Louisiana. Development is already underway in north Bossier and rural Caddo Parish, west of Blanchard.

“I do not think that the council, or the legislation that they approved, was arbitrarily or capriciously done,” Lafitte said. “You keep indicating … that the plaintiffs need to see an actual document and title ‘operating plan.’ I am not aware of anything in jurisprudence that indicates that you have to have a specific document entitled ‘operating plan.’”

The plaintiffs are considering an appeal, the Sierra Club told The Center Square after the ruling. The New Orleans-based Sierra Club Delta Chapter helped fund the litigation.

“The lack of information is the point,” said Clay Garside, attorney for the plaintiffs. “A promise is not a document.”

Resilient Technology Park is the location that originally attracted Amazon to the region, leading to its initial $12 billion commitment. It’s unclear how much the company plans to invest at Resilient Park but it’s expected to approach the cost of their other local projects, each estimated at $6 billion.

Amazon Web Services is considered one of the largest hyperscalers. A hyperscaler is a company that provides cloud computing services at an extremely large scale, according to company documents.

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I think it is timely and important to address this topic.

In a compellingly written declaration for the ages, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas highlighted the dangers of Progressivism to our American constitutional form of government. The premise of his statement is that the values enshrined in the Declaration of Independence are no longer popular among many Americans who are foolishly open to progressivism taking their place. ‘Progressivism’ is a dishonest term which masks the brutal atheistic socialism of Nazism and Soviet Communism.

The dangers of Progressivism include an unlimited expansion of government power that stifles liberty and creates highly inefficient bureaucracies, coupled with the scornful dismissal of traditional American values.

Progressivism holds as its central premise the belief that our rights flow from an “enlightened” and “benevolent” government which serves as a replacement for God who, in the secular view of Progressivism, does not exist.

The Declaration directly contradicts that premise declaring that our natural, unalienable rights flow not from man or government but from God. That is why the values enshrined in the Declaration cannot ultimately coexist with Progressivism. They are directly antithetical and reflect a diametrically opposed world view and concept of ‘Nature and Nature’s God,’ to employ Thomas Jefferson’s eternal phrase.

There has simply never been a founding document like our Declaration of Independence, enshrining as it does one of the most profound principles in history:

“We hold these Truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness…”

Jefferson was a brilliant man and there can be no doubt that, as he sat there in the candlelight, dipped his quill pen in ink, and began his beautiful cursive, he fully understood that this principle of God-given equality he was laying down certainly did not exist in the colonies at the time he authored the document, or likely would during the period of his lifetime. We know that this principle of equality would, in fact, not be fully realized for another 150 years in this country.

But, to me, that is what makes so astounding his inclusion of such a principle in the Declaration, the founding document of our fledgling nation, a principle that was later imbedded in our Constitution, our Supreme Court jurisprudence and in the DNA of our historical and cultural patrimony handed down to us from our brave and farsighted Founders.

That Jefferson would have the wisdom, foresight, courage, and moral foundation to boldly include the principle that—no matter when it may be fully achieved—equality was the fundamental and surpassing ideal. No nation in world history had ever included as part of the very blueprint of its government the belief that all its citizens were created by God and all of them were created equal.

Something else I have considered: Jefferson wrote that “we hold these truths to be self evident…”

Jefferson had a masterful command of the language and for him to invoke the words “self-evident” in this context means he intended to place the truths forming the foundation of this principle of equality beyond debate. They were settled; Were so clear that anyone could understand and recognize them.

Returning to Justice Thomas.

He makes the point that the century of world Progressivism “did not go well. The European system that President Woodrow Wilson and the progressives scolded Americans for not adopting, which he called nearly perfect, led to the governments that caused the most awful century the world has ever seen. Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini, and Mao all were intertwined with the rise of progressivism, and all were opposed to the natural rights on which our Declaration is based. Many progressives expressed admiration for each of them (these leaders) shortly before their governments killed tens of millions of people.”

Far from the progressive delusion that our Declaration has kept us from achieving “higher” forms of government, it has done the opposite. Grounding our Declaration in the sacred and transcendent belief in unalienable, God-given natural rights directly blocks a government’s ability to crush its people.

If our individual liberty and self-autonomy don’t flow from government, neither can they legitimately be taken by it. By addressing this, Justice Thomas reminds us of why America is such a unique country and why we should be vigilant to see we maintain it.

By Alton Wallace | Apr 17, 2026

(The Center Square) – After months of uncertainty, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed Wednesday that the Project Cypress Direct Air Capture project in Louisiana has survived a “critical” department-wide audit – conducted as part of a broader administration review of federal spending – with funding of up to $600 million possible.

In testimony Wednesday at a fiscal 2027 budget hearing, Wright announced the completion of a monthslong review of about 2,200 projects approved during the Biden presidency, which includes Project Cypress, an initiative with sites at the Port of Caddo-Bossier and in Calcasieu Parish.

Testifying before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, Wright said roughly 80%—or approximately 1,950 awards—passed the administration’s test of business viability and would either be “retained or modified” rather than canceled. Wright said the administration prioritized projects with “meat on the bones” and clear business plans, rejecting those deemed impractical or wasteful.

“I am happy to say that effort has finally come to a completion,” Wright said. “We have finished that effort and we are keen to move forward with the majority of projects, which did pass [the review] either straight up or through restructuring.”

Project Cypress is eligible for up to $600 million in federal grants tied to a pay-for-performance structure that requires matching private sector investment. To date, the Department of Energy has disbursed $50 million to the developers.

Heirloom, a San Francisco-based direct air capture company, will proceed with its plans at the Port of Caddo-Bossier after what company Head of Policy Vikrum Aiyer called a “rigorous review.” The carbon captured at the site will be sent by pipeline approximately 100 miles for permanent burial at the Central Louisiana Regional Carbon Storage Hub (CENLA Hub) operated by CapturePoint.

While Heirloom focuses its operations in northwest and central Louisiana, Climeworks serves as the second anchor technology provider. The Zurich-based company plans to construct its own facility in Calcasieu Parish near Vinton. Through a partnership with Gulf Coast Sequestration, developers plan to pump captured carbon about 10,000 feet underground for permanent storage at a privately owned cattle ranch situated between Lake Charles and the Sabine River.

To qualify for the full $600 million in federal support, the DOE requires a “Community Benefits Plan,” a legally binding framework designed to ensure taxpayer investment translates into measurable local gains. Project developers say the hub will create at least 1,000 construction jobs and over 80 permanent positions, with many workers in Calcasieu Parish expected to earn average annual salaries of $123,000.

These opportunities are supported by partnerships with Bossier Parish Community College and SOWELA Technical Community College, where developers are helping design a specialized curriculum for the emerging industry.

“We appreciate the Trump Administration for supporting American Jobs and further empowering Louisiana’s role in the American Energy Dominance Agenda,” said Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Midcontinent Oil & Gas Association.

Louisiana is one of only six states with “primacy” over Class VI injection wells, giving state regulators rather than the federal government the authority to regulate underground carbon storage. Gulf Coast Sequestration is currently in the advanced stages of the permitting process, with final approvals expected within 12 to 18 months.

This is story from a book entitled “Moments for Mothers.” The Rogers family was a strong Christian unit. Mr. Rogers took seriously his role as spiritual leader. Often at supper the family would have a Bible quiz or discuss some spiritual truth. One evening the family was discussing what heaven will be like. 7-year-old Jimmy grabbed this subject and ran with it; he had a very creative imagination.

Jimmy said, “When we get to heaven, the big angel will call the roll. He will come to the Rogers family and say, ‘Daddy Rogers’ and Daddy will say ‘Here! ‘. Then the angel will call out, ‘Mommy Rogers,’ and Mommy will say, ‘Here! ” Then the same thing will happen for Susie and Mavis. Then the angel will call my name, “Jimmy Rogers,” and because I’m little and don’t want to be missed, I will jump up and shout real loud, ‘Here!’”

Just a few days later, there was a tragic accident. A car struck down Jimmy as he made his way to the school bus. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The family gathered round his bed and kept a prayerful vigil through the night. The doctors told them that he had suffered severe brain damage and could not recover.

Just before dawn, Jimmy seemed to be stirring a bit. The family saw his lips move; just one word was all he uttered before he passed from this life. But oh what comfort and hope that word gave for this grieving family. In a voice clear enough for everybody in the room to hear, Jimmy said, “Here!!” and then he was gone, to another world, to a better world, where a big angel was calling the roll.

We Christians believe this is true. It is why we can live with hope in the midst of such a crazy world. We know that we are all pilgrims, simply passing through this life. Our home is in heaven.

Easter people believe that one day we will all answer, “Here!”

Red River Public Schools will hold parent teacher conferences Thur Apr 23 from 4-6pm and Fri Apr 24 from 7:45am until 12pm.

Clara Springs Fourth Friday Fish Fry will be held Fri, Apr 24 from 5-7pm. Cost is $15 ($10 for kids 10-17). Dinner includes All you can eat fried fish, coleslaw, french fries, hushpuppies, pinto beans, lemon bread pudding, homemade ice cream and drink. Grand Cane Baptist will host.

Bro. Olan McLaren announced his retirement in church this past Sunday. His last sermon will take place this Sun Apr 26 at 11am at Davis Spring Southern Methodist Church. 

LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) Women’s Basketball Player of the Year, leading the 2026 All-Louisiana team after a standout senior season.

Louisiana Tech celebrated its eighth annual Giving Day in March, receiving 897 gifts from students, faculty and staff, alumni, parents, corporate partners, and friends who together raised more than $1.25 million for the University.

Geraldine C Bumgardner
March 21, 1947 — April 18, 2026
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 2pm at New Ramah Baptist Church in Ashland.

Gloria A. Wood
March 16, 1942 — April 18, 2026
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11 am at Rose-Neath in Coushatta.

Edna Frances Worley
April 10, 1941 — April 16, 2026
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 4 to 6pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.

At Red River High School’s final softball game of the season, the school took time to honor Coach Ginger Craig for her many years of service and dedication to the children and youth of the parish.

Craig will retire at the end of the school year in June, closing out a remarkable 36-year career in education.

Her teaching/coaching journey began at Martin High School in 1990, where she served until the school closed in 2001. During her time there, she coached girls basketball, boys and girls tennis, began the softball program, and even spent time as the boys basketball coach.

In 2002, Craig moved to Red River Elementary, where she continued investing in student-athletes through a wide range of sports and age groups. Over the years, she coached elementary basketball, junior high softball, high school softball, and golf, leaving her mark on countless students and families across Red River Parish.

For 25 years, Craig also served as the director of Red River Biddy Ball, where she touched countless lives through what many saw as her ministry of sports. Through that program, she taught young athletes not only how to play the game, but also how to carry themselves, how to persevere, and how to believe in something bigger than themselves.

Her influence has reached far beyond local gyms and ballfields. Craig has been instrumental in helping develop athletes who went on to compete at the collegiate level, a testament to her knowledge of the game and her ability to bring out the best in her players.

Craig’s own athletic career was impressive long before she became a coach. A standout athlete from Converse, she went on to play four seasons of softball at Northwestern State University. During her remarkable career at NSU, she built an outstanding record and set several marks that still stand today. One of the highest honors of her athletic career came when her No. 3 jersey was retired, a reflection of the legacy she built as a Lady Demon player.

The tribute at Red River High School’s final softball game was a fitting way to recognize a woman whose impact has been felt across generations. Through decades of teaching, coaching, and mentoring, Craig has shaped lives not only through wins and losses, but through the values, discipline, and encouragement she poured into young people year after year.

As she prepares to retire in June, Craig leaves behind a legacy built on service, faith, dedication, and a deep love for the students and families of Red River Parish.

While her coaching career may be coming to a close, the impact Coach Ginger Craig has made on Red River Parish will continue to be seen in the lives of the students and athletes she helped shape.

Red River Elementary School and Red River Junior High have both been recognized as 2025-2026 Capturing Kids’ Hearts honored campuses.

Red River Elementary was named a National Showcase School for the ninth consecutive year, while Red River Junior High earned recognition as a Rising Star Campus for the 2025-2026 school year.

The honors, awarded by the Flippen Group, recognize campuses that show a strong school culture built on relationships, meaningful student-teacher connections, and a positive learning environment.

In a recent Capturing Kids’ Hearts Facebook post, the organization praised the schools by saying, “These campuses are shining examples of what it looks like to lead with heart, build strong relationships, and create cultures where both students and staff thrive.”

The Capturing Kids’ Hearts program focuses on building trust, strengthening communication, and creating campuses where students feel connected, supported, and valued. These recognitions reflect the work being done on both campuses to create school environments where relationships are a priority and students can thrive.

The Village of Martin will take part in Love the Boot Week with a community clean-up day on Saturday, April 25.

Volunteers are asked to meet at 7:45 a.m. at the Village Hall to help with the effort to keep Louisiana beautiful. Organizers say lunch will follow the event.

The clean-up day is part of the statewide Love the Boot campaign, which encourages communities across Louisiana to come together and help pick up litter and improve public spaces.

Anyone with questions is asked to message the Village of Martin Facebook page or send a text to 318-581-6016.

Matt Vines

Riverdale track team advances to South A Regional meet
The Riverdale track and field team excelled in its district meet earlier this week and will advance to the Class A South Regional meet.

Both boys and girls teams finished third in district, with the girls scoring 45 points and the boys 34.

The girls were paced by Julia Grace Riggs, who won the shot put with a throw of 30 feet, three inches (30-3).

The boys won two events as Kandyn Nettles took the 400 meters (58.51) and Zane Givens captured the high jump (5-10) district crown.

The girls finished in the top three in eight other events.

Dally Bell took second in both the 800 meters (3:02.36) and the long jump (13-06.50) while running legs on third-place relay teams (4×100, 4×200, 4×400).

Alaina Boyd, who also ran a leg of each relay, added a silver in the 300 hurdlers (1:02.80) and a bronze in the high jump (4-2). Other relay runners included Abbi Jowers and Avery Longino.

Makayla Pickett added another throws medal with a second-place effort in the discus (84-09).

On the boys side, Givens earned third place in the 200 meters (27.73) and ran a leg of the second-place 4×400 and third-place 4×200 and 4×100.

Tyler Wilhite, who also ran legs on all three relays, added a third-place in the 400 meters (1:04.61).
Other relay runners included Nettles and Lane Mancil.

Riverdale anglers set for state tournaments
The Riverdale Bassmasters High School Team and the Junior Bassmasters are preparing for their upcoming state tournaments.

The high schoolers will compete May 2-3 on Diorions Landing in Morgan City while the junior team will fish the RA Championship on Grand Bayou on May 15.

Riverdale golfer takes to the links Monday
Riverdale sophomore golfer Jackson Hillman qualified for the MAIS state championships and will hit the links at Morehouse Country Club on Monday.

Hillman will compete as an individual for a state title.

Red River 4-H members traveled to Chicot State Park on Tuesday, April 14th to participate in the State Jr WHEP (Wildlife Habitat Education Program), where they competed in activities such as making a Wildlife Management plan, map skills, Wildlife ID, trail scavenger hunt, and ecosystems knowledge, all while enjoying the beautiful environment at the Arboretum.

We ended the day with a service project, helping to build and repair boxes for Warblers.

Brylee Halbmaier, Lane Mancil, Grayci Bamberg, and Hasty Davis place 2nd with their Teen Leader Alaina Boyd.

Thank you so much to Chicot State Park for hosting us, LSU AgCenter Wetlands department, for organizing this event.

Shared by Red River Parish 4-H

Young hunters Carter Allen and Ella Stewart are celebrating a milestone after a successful season recognized at Last Chance Hunting Club’s 2026 Family Day.

Both Carter and Ella harvested their first deer during the recent hunting season, an achievement marked not only by the experience itself but now by mounted trophies commemorating the moment. The event gave family and friends an opportunity to honor the dedication, patience, and effort that led to their success.

A planned Parish-Wide Clean-Up Day has been postponed, and organizers say a new date will be shared once it is decided.

The community event had originally been scheduled for April 25 at 8 a.m. at the fairgrounds.

Residents are encouraged to watch for an updated announcement once the new clean-up date is set.

The Village of Martin Clean-Up Day is still scheduled for Saturday, April 25.