The First Methodist Church in Coushatta is hosting a church wide confirmation class that starts next week on Wednesday August 27 at 5:30pm.

You do not have to be a member of the church or Methodist to attend.

“What is confirmation?” Confirmation is the means by which Christians are educated in the pillars of the Christian faith, thus “confirming” their faith in Jesus Christ. Whether you went through confirmation as a child and forgot much of what you learned, or you became a Christian as an adult and never had the chance to go through it, many of us are in need of a time to submerse ourselves in the foundations of the Christian faith that we so love.

This course will teach you what does and does not make a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, how to understand basic Christian teaching in your own life of faith, and how to distinguish Christianity against other faiths. Second, you will explore the Methodist/Wesleyan family of Christians and how Methodists have practiced discipleship to Jesus over the last three hundred years.

The confirmation class will take place over ten sessions. Beginning next Wednesday, August 27 with the final session on October 29. Sessions will last about an hour and fifteen minutes and will be discussion based.

All denominations are welcome to join in to see how Methodists fit into God’s whole family of believers. You will discover all denominations have much more in common than you previously thought, and that the few differences are covered in the grace of Jesus.

Unsure if you are a believer in Jesus? This is a great place for you to explore the foundations of Christian faith that unite all believers in a judgement-free, caring environment where questions are not only encouraged – they are expected.

Whoever you are, wherever you are, you are invited to join in the journey of encountering the historic faith of Christianity, and confirming (or reconfirming!) yourself as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Love’s collects critical donations for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Love’s Travel Stops will kick off its annual Miracle Balloon Campaign on Friday to raise critical funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) in support of CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System.

This nationwide initiative brings together Love’s locations from coast to coast to help change kids’ health to change the future.

“At CHRISTUS, we’re committed to delivering comprehensive care that supports every aspect of a child’s health, from innovative research and preventative services to compassionate family support,” said Kelley Matkins, CMN Hospitals program director, CHRISTUS Foundation Shreveport-Bossier. “We’re deeply thankful for the generosity of Love’s Travel Stops. Their partnership not only strengthens our mission but also brings hope and healing to the children who represent the future of our communities.”

From Aug. 22 through Sept. 26, customers can donate at any Love’s Travel Stop, with proceeds benefiting the local CMN member hospital. These donations directly support pediatric care, helping children receive urgent, high-quality treatment while offering families the comfort of knowing what’s next.

Not only do Love’s Travel Stops fuel customers, including those who move consumer products that impact society, but they also fuel the vision to change kids’ health. By ensuring our children lead healthy, fulfilling lives, Love’s fosters the professional drivers, travelers and families of tomorrow.

Love’s Travel Stops has been a proud CMN Hospitals partner since 1999. Through its iconic Miracle Balloon Campaign, Love’s Travel Stops has raised nearly $40 million for local children’s hospitals, bringing in $75,000 for CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System last year. The campaign has become a cherished tradition, symbolizing teamwork, generosity and the spirit of giving that defines Love’s culture.

By supporting treatments, facilities and programs, these funds help address today’s most pressing pediatric health challenges while preparing for those of tomorrow. When we change kids’ health, we change the future, for all of us.

• Blanchard, LA
• Greenwood, LA
• Mansfield, LA
• Minden, LA
• Carthage, TX
• Shreveport, TX

Friday, August 22

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 96F. Winds light and variable.

A few clouds from time to time overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible throughout the evening. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. 

Saturday, August 23

Sunshine. High near 95F. Winds light and variable.

Clear skies overnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. 

Sunday, August 24

Sunshine and some clouds. High 96F. Winds light and variable.

A mostly clear sky overnight. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable.

Judy was still young when World War II broke out. When she went onboard, she became the only female among about 50 males on the Royal Navy’s insect-class ship HMS Gnat. She could not speak English, but she understood a few words after a while. The Gnat’s designation as an insect-class ship was misleading because the Gnat was a well-armed gunboat that the Germans wanted to eliminate. On October 21, 1941, German submarine U-79 located the Gnat and fired a torpedo. The torpedo struck its mark and did enough damage to the ship to put it out of service, but not to sink it. The survivors, including Judy, were transferred to the dragonfly-class river gunboat, HMS Grasshopper. Four months later, on February 14, 1942, Japanese dive bombers attacked the Grasshopper, and it slowly sank. The survivors made their way to land and began their daring trek to safety in enemy territory. On land, the men searched but were unable to find a source for drinkable water. Once Judy learned what they were looking for, she joined the search. It was she who found fresh water. For that, the men began referring to her as their “guardian angel.”

The survivors were eventually captured by Japanese soldiers and taken to a prison camp. The men became official prisoners of war under the Geneva Convention, but the Japanese guards refused to register Judy as an official P.O.W. The guards were unsure what to do with Judy, but they refused to provide food, water, or shelter for her. The men shared their meager rations of putrid water and maggot infested rice with Judy. When the guards were abusing the men, Judy intervened. It usually ended the beatings, but the guards often trained their hostilities onto her instead. Somehow, one of the prisoners convinced the camp commandant to register Judy as an official prisoner of war. This meant that they had to provide food, water, and shelter for Judy.

Judy was unbreakable. Her determination to survive brought hope to the other prisoners. Then, after being in the camp for more than two years, a Japanese captain arrived and ordered the men to move to a ship which would take them to another camp. Judy, he ordered, would be left behind to fend for herself. The prisoners knew better than to try to convince the captain to bring Judy, but they were not going to leave her behind to die alone. They quickly came up with a plan in which they could communicate by using hand signals and low whistles. The men rehearsed loading Judy in and out of rice sacks and taught her the different whistle signals, the most important one was the signal for her to be still and quiet. On June 25, 1944, the prisoners loaded the sacks of rice from their former prison onto a ship which was to take them to their new prison camp. Judy was hiding in one of those sacks and made it safely aboard. Just one day into the trip, their ship was sunk by a torpedo. Judy not only survived, but she pulled survivors from the water. Finally, after Victory over Japan on August 15, 1945, and after three years of captivity, the prisoners, including Judy, were rescued.

Many English soldiers owe their lives to Judy, their guardian angel. In May 1946, Judy was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal for bravery which is commonly referred to as the Victoria Cross for animals. Judy, a pure-bred English Pointer and mascot for the Royal Navy, was the only dog in history to be officially registered as a prisoner of war.

Sources:

1. “PDSA Dickin Medal,” PDSA, accessed August 10, 2025, https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal.

2. “Meet Judy,” National Military Working Dogs Memorial UK, accessed August 10, 2025, https://nmwdm.org.uk/dogs/judy/.

 On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Speaker Johnson’s office – in coordination with the Bossier Clerk of Court Jill Sessions – will host a passport fair for all Louisiana residents hoping to either renew or acquire a passport. Any Louisianian with upcoming plans to travel outside of the country is encouraged to attend and prevent future passport emergencies.

Click here for details and required documents to bring on Tuesday, courtesy of the Bossier City Clerk of Court.

WHO: Speaker Johnson’s Staff, Bossier Clerk of Court Staff

WHAT: Passport Fair

WHEN: Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 10:00AM – 2:00PM

WHERE: Bossier Parish Courthouse, 204 Burt Blvd., 3^rd Floor, Benton, LA 71006

For more information, please contact Speaker Johnson’s Bossier City Office at 318-840-0309 or direct questions pertaining to passport applications to the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court at 318-965-2336.

By Nolan Mckendry Aug 15, 2025

(The Center Square) − A federal grand jury has returned a 45-page indictment charging Mayor LaToya Cantrell and New Orleans Police Department officer Jeffrey Vappie with conspiring to defraud the city by conducting a secret personal relationship while Vappie was on duty, falsifying records, and obstructing investigations.

The indictment, unsealed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, lays out 18 felony counts against the pair, including conspiracy, wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and making false statements to federal investigators and a grand jury.

According to prosecutors, from 2021 through 2023, Cantrell and Vappie used Vappie’s official police assignments – particularly his role on the mayor’s Executive Protection Unit – to spend extended periods together at non-work-related locations, including Cantrell’s apartment at the Upper Pontalba building, while falsely representing these activities as legitimate law enforcement duties.

Pprosecutors say the scheme resulted in approximately $70,000 for Vappie’s travel expenses.

The indictment says the two repeatedly falsified timesheets and official New Orleans Police Department records show Vappie working protective detail when he was engaged in personal activities with Cantrell. 

Cantrell and Vappie are charged with the following: 

• Count 1: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and obstruct justice.

• Counts 2–13: Wire fraud, alleging specific instances where falsified time and activity logs led to improper payroll payments.

• Count 14: Conspiracy to obstruct justice by coordinating false statements to investigators and the media.

• Count 15: Making false statements to federal law enforcement during the investigation.

• Count 16: Obstruction of justice by attempting to influence witness testimony and conceal evidence.

• Counts 17–18: False declarations before a grand jury.

Prosecutors say after public scrutiny intensified in late 2022, Cantrell and Vappie strategized to align their stories, delete text messages, and limit what they told federal agents.

In one cited instance, the indictment says Cantrell instructed Vappie to “stay consistent” with a public narrative denying any misuse of city resources.

The charging document references surveillance footage, badge swipe data, text message records, and testimony from other officers indicating that Vappie frequently remained at the mayor’s private residence during his scheduled work shifts.

Cantrell’s attorneys have previously denied any wrongdoing, framing the investigation as politically motivated. Vappie has also denied misconduct.

As a guy that played baseball on all levels in the ‘70s and ‘80s from the age of 7 ‘til 27, I never thought I would see the day where robots would be calling balls and strikes. But fast forward to 2025 and that’s where baseball is headed as this year’s MLB All-Star Game showed.

This new technology for calling balls and strikes has been in the works for quite a while, but I feel it has no place in professional baseball! Call me a purist, or just an old fogie, but there are certain parts of the game of baseball where the human element is so important. Calling balls and strikes is one of those areas that does not need a technological update.

I like the fact that a human is making those calls and appreciate how each umpire is different on how they call the game. Pitchers and hitters have always had to adjust their perception of the strike zone depending on who is behind the plate. IT’S A PART OF THE GAME OF BASEBALL THAT MAKES IT INTRIGUING!

The human element of umpires calling balls and strikes, as well as safe or out, is what makes baseball so pure. I’m OKwith instant replay on whether a guy is safe or out or if a ball is fair or foul, but when it comes to calling balls and strikes, let the human umpires do their jobs.

Remember this, for all you hitters, prepare to strike out a lot more than you have previously! That’s right, the robotic strike zone is not forgiving at all. If the baseball just touches the outer edge of the rectangular square, it’s a strike.

Those inside or outside pitches, that used to go in the hitter’s favor by usually being called a ball, will no longer be such. Pitchers and hitters are already paranoid on how certain umpires call the game, and now with technology calling balls and strikes, there will be more challenges by both on questionable calls with regards to balls and strikes.

This is similar to how technology and forward-facing sonar is affecting professional bass fishing. Anglers no longer spend their days trying to figure out where the fish are. All they must do now is drop the trolling motor and turn on their forward-facing and look for fish on a screen.

Professional bass fishing has lost the integrity of the sport. Locating fish has always been the number one skill anglers had to develop. They do this with time on the water while understanding bass behavior based on the time of year, weather, and what they are feeding on.

But now with the flip of a switch, anglers can look at a screen in real time and see the exact location of where bass are set up. All the guess work and fishing skills have been eliminated. While seeing fish on a screen does not always equate to catching fish, locating the fish is 80 percent of being successful as an angler.

I’m not trying to be “Debbie Downer,” I just think there are certain elements with all sports where we need the human interaction. Technological advancements are great and can really simplify all our lives, but we must proceed with caution.

As a fan, this new technology sounds boring to me and if it’s implemented, it will discourage me from watching Major League Baseball. Next thing you know we’ll have robots as designated hitters with the ability to hit every kind of pitch man can throw while never striking out.

If you need proof of how technology can ruin a sport, look no further than professional bass fishing as its TV viewership has fallen off considerably due to new technology and forward-facing sonar. Fans have made it known they do not want to sit in their living rooms and watch as anglers stare at a 14 or 16-inch screen and catch bass.

Hopefully Major League Baseball will re-evaluate the thought of using this new technology.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and make sure to use your sunscreen and wear good UV protective clothing during these hot summer days.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

By Nolan Mckendry Aug 19, 2025

(The Center Square) − A new report from the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says the state’s big tax changes, passed in late 2024, will leave most households paying less in state taxes — but some of the poorest may end up paying more.

The study, prepared by economist Greg Albrecht, looked at how the new system affects different income groups. It found that income tax cuts generally outweigh sales tax hikes, but the balance depends on how much people earn and spend.

For income taxes, Louisiana now has a single 3% tax rate and a much larger standard deduction ($12,500 for singles, $25,000 for couples). At the same time, smaller deductions were eliminated. Overall, nearly everyone will owe less in income tax.

“With regard to the changes in the personal income tax, the average filer in each income cohort experiences a material reduction in tax liability,” the report says. “Percentage reductions are larger for lower income filers than for higher income filers due largely to the increase in the standard deduction, which effectively eliminates taxation of much of the income of these filers, even with the elimination of the personal and dependent deductions.”

The state rate rose from 4.45% to 5%, and many digital products and services (like streaming subscriptions, e-books, and software) are now taxed. Phone, cable, and streaming services carry an extra 5% tax, making the total state rate 10% on those items.

Families making under $10,000 a year may see their tax bills rise slightly because they don’t owe much income tax but still pay the higher sales taxes, according to the report.

For middle-income households, most will see meaningful savings, in some cases a few hundred dollars a year. Higher income households get the biggest tax cuts in dollar terms, though they also pay more of the increased sales taxes.

The study estimates about 9% of households could see their taxes go up, with another 7% getting only a very small cut.

The report concludes that Louisiana’s tax code overall remains slightly progressive – higher earners pay a bigger share – but the changes make the system a bit less tilted toward lower-income individuals and households than before.

The state changes come on top of sweeping new federal tax cuts signed into law this summer.

The changes to the state taxes have now been complemented by federal tax changes.

The Tax Foundation projects that Louisiana residents will save nearly $3,000 on average in federal taxes starting in 2026 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The law, championed by President Donald Trump, makes permanent the individual tax changes from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and adds new provisions, including deductions for tipped and overtime income, an expanded child tax credit, and permanent 100% bonus depreciation and research-and-development expensing.

Savings vary widely across Louisiana: residents in Lafourche Parish are projected to save about $4,022 a year, while Madison Parish residents will see the smallest average benefit at $1,505. The national average savings is higher, at about $3,752 in 2026. Over time, the cuts are also expected to help add more than 8,700 jobs in the state.

Tax Study

Red River Parish Schools will be closed for the Labor Day holiday beginning Thursday, August 28, through Monday, September 1. Students will return to class on Tuesday, September 2.

Mayor Ashanti Cole has announced a Parish-Wide Prayer in the Park to be held on Friday, August 30. The event is a call for the entire community to come together in unity and prayer.

The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 60th season with five concerts, as a part of the annual Christmas Gala and collaborating with Northwestern Theatre and Dance during its 2025-26 concert season. The theme for the orchestra’s season will be “NSU Symphony Diamond Jubilee: Celebrating 60 Years of Music.” and will feature the world premiere of a work, a patriotic concert, winners of the NSU Concerto Competition and a performance with the NSU Symphony Chorus. Dr. Douglas
Bakenhus is musical director of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra. Symphony concerts will be held in Magale Recital Hall and begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by mail at Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society, 107 South Drive, PMB No. 113, Natchitoches, LA 71457 or online at https://nnssla.org/. There is an added charge for buying tickets online. For more information, email NSUsymphony@gmail.com. 

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum invites everyone to celebrate its next Free First Sunday on September 7, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, featuring free general admission generously sponsored by ExxonMobil, as well as a special $5 unlimited pass for all shows at the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium. Don’t miss this exciting day of exploration, inspiration, and fun for the whole family—right in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge. For more information about upcoming programming at LASM, visit lasm.org. 

Northwestern State University’s Department of Fine and Graphic Arts is hosting a show featuring the work of ceramic artist Gretchen Murchison to honor her induction into NSU’s School of Creative and Performing Arts Hall of Fame. The show will run through Sept. 11 in NSU’s Orville Hanchey Gallery. A reception to meet the artist will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28. The public is invited to attend.

The Keep Louisiana Beautiful State Conference is Sept 22-24 at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center in Baton Rouge. Over 300 local and state leaders, businesses, non-profits, enforcement agencies, universities, tourism entities, and individual citizens. Hear from experts on best practices for litter prevention, recycling, beautification, education, and sustainability efforts in Louisiana.

ESPN has named Jim Hawthorne, the legendary former Voice of the LSU Tigers, as the top play-by-play announcer in the history of American sports broadcasting, an accolade that cements his legacy as not just a Louisiana legend, but a national icon in the world of sports media. 

Swimming legend Michael Phelps has officially accepted an invitation from the United States Sports Federation to become the head coach of the US swimming team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The DeSoto Quilters will host a quilt show October 3 & 4 from 9am until 4pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1314 Polk Street, in Mansfield. It is a free event. 

NONE

 A state contractor’s crew began cleaning up the Highway 71 route through Red River Parish on Sunday evening. They worked on the ditches and along the roadside to enhance the beauty of the state highway.

This cleanup is part of the “Keep Louisiana Beautiful” campaign and the “Love the Boot” initiative, which prioritize litter removal across the state. Residents of Red River Parish can contribute by ensuring that our roadways and ditches remain clean long after the crew has departed.

Here are some tips to help prevent trash from accumulating on our roadways:

– Bag your trash, tie the bag securely, and cover your bin to prevent litter from entering the environment and harming wildlife.
– Keep a bag in your vehicle for garbage, and dispose of your trash properly when you return home.
– Use a travel ashtray to keep cigarette butts off the roadways.
– Check the bed of your truck to ensure it’s free of trash and debris that could fly out and become litter.
– When transporting large items, secure your load with tarps, nets, or tie-downs.

Red River High School will hold a parent meeting for all student athletes this evening (Wednesday, August 20) at 5:30pm in the school’s auditorium.

According to Athletic Director Dadrian Harris, the meeting will include every sport and every coach.

Essential information will be shared to ensure that all parents are fully informed as the new athletic year begins. 

Topics will include: 

• Team expectations and program guidelines
• Travel procedures and required forms
• Safety rules and athletic policies
• Opportunities for parent involvement and support

Harris added, “This is a great opportunity for parents to meet all the coaches, hear updates across all programs and learn how we work together to support our student-athletes. Attendance is very important as we set the foundation for a successful year in Bulldog athletics.”

Matt Vines

EAST POINT – Every single football team in Louisiana is chomping at the bit to play games that count in the standings, but at Riverdale Academy, the feeling is even more amplified.
That’s because the Rebels are combining the first regular season game feelings with that of playing its rival.

Riverdale opens its regular season Friday by welcoming Claiborne Academy in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

“The first game on the schedule is always the focal point through the summer, but when it’s a rival, you expect an added interest,” said Riverdale coach Nathan Edie. “You always want to start the season off with a W, but to be over a rival would definitely add a positive spark.”

There were some positive sparks in Riverdale’s jamboree this past week against Prairie View Academy and Union Christian Academy, but one storyline from last season has already surfaced.

A small Riverdale roster is already dealing with injuries.

Starters Tanner Carlisle and Zane Givens went down with injuries, and Edie is hoping everybody is back for the rivalry game.

The 2024 season was marked by recurring injuries to quarterback/linebacker Ashton Almond, which forced Riverdale to change its offense and left a big hole on defense.

But Almond is cranked up and ready to go for his senior season, leading a group of seven seniors on the 14-player roster.

“Ashton is motivated this year, and he knows the role he needs to fill for this team to be successful,” said Edie, who is aiming to improve on a 5-6 record from this past season after winning nine games in 2023. “I thought we came out and competed in our first series on offense against PVA.

“We had some positive plays, but we also looked like a team who doesn’t have the ability to do a lot of hitting in practice. We battled in our two series against UCA, but it showed we have work to do.”

The Rebels, who won a first-round playoff game against Union Christian this past season, will have tough sledding against a Claiborne squad that won eight games and returns its top three scorers from last year.
Quarterback Kyler Monk led the team in passing and rushing while Dylan Buckner and Maddox Gaston were the team’s other top rushers and receivers.

“It’s a two-headed monster in their backfield as Monk and Buckner are both great athletes who can get in the end zone on any play,” Edie said. “If we can compete at the line of scrimmage, then we’ll have a good night.”

Riverdale must replace captain Logan Gryder on the line as well as the versatile weapon Kaidyn Williams, but the Rebels do return a wealth of experience throughout its roster.

The biggest question will be if Riverdale has enough depth, especially in the early-season heat, to match its opponents for four quarters.

“We spent most of the summer with 12 players and got three new players at the start of school, so we’ll get those late comers acclimated,” Edie said. “We’ve definitely focused on conditioning as much as possible this summer knowing that we’re going to be asking a lot of each individual this season.”

Wednesday, August 20

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 96F. Winds light and variable.

A few clouds from time to time overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible throughout the evening. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory until 7pm tonight. Heat index values up to 110 degrees. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. 

Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 

Tuesday, August 19

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds light and variable.

Clear to partly cloudy overnight. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. 

Fire up the grill and grab the ketchup! August 21 is National Burger Day, a mouthwatering celebration of one of America’s most iconic meals. From backyard barbecues to gourmet gastropubs, the burger has cemented its place as a national treasure—and this day is all about honoring it.

A Juicy Bite of History
While the origins of the hamburger are debated, most agree it evolved in the late 1800s as ground beef became more popular. By the early 20th century, burger joints began popping up across the U.S., and the rest is delicious history. Today, Americans eat over 50 billion burgers a year!

How to Celebrate National Burger Day:

Grab a burger from your favorite local spot—many restaurants run special deals or limited-time creations.
Grill your own with creative toppings like avocado, fried egg, jalapeños, or even mac & cheese.
Go meatless and try a veggie, black bean, or plant-based patty.
Snap a pic of your burger masterpiece and share it using #NationalBurgerDay.

Whether it’s classic with lettuce and tomato or decked out with gourmet toppings, there’s no wrong way to burger. So dig in, share a smile, and celebrate the burger that brings people together—one bun at a time. 

College football’s most beloved on-air personality, Lee Corso, will make his final headgear pick on ESPN’s College GameDay during its season-opening broadcast on August 30, as the defending national champion Ohio State hosts Texas. The choice will signal the close of an iconic 38-year era.

Corso, who will celebrate his 90th birthday on August 7, first joined GameDay in its debut year of 1987 and became a cornerstone of the show. He gained national fame for his signature headgear picks—where he dons the mascot head of the team he’s predicting to win—a tradition that began in October 1996 during a game in Columbus.

Across his tenure, Corso has made 430 headgear picks, boasting an impressive 286–144 record and a success rate exceeding 66%. His most picked team: Ohio State (45 selections), followed by Alabama (38), LSU (25), Florida (22), and Oregon (21).

Past picks are rich with memorable moments—from dressing as the Notre Dame leprechaun or Stanford tree, to riding a motorcycle with the Oregon Duck mascot. He even held a live alligator during one selection and once matched wits with Katy Perry in The Grove.

Beyond the theatrics, Corso’s journey wasn’t without challenge. A stroke in 2009 left him partially paralyzed and greatly limited his ability to ad-lib on camera, forcing him to rely on scripted performances. Yet, he returned later that year and continued to be present—even as travel became harder with time.

To celebrate his legacy, ESPN is airing a special—Not So Fast, My Friend: A Lee Corso Special—premiering August 22, ahead of his final appearance. The program features contributions from players, coaches, and broadcasters across generations, including Patrons like Nick Saban, Desmond Howard, and even celebrities such as Ken Jeong and Drew Brees.

As College GameDay makes its way to Columbus, Ohio for Week 1 of the 2025 season, Corso will take his rightful final bow—bringing down the curtain on a signature tradition imbued with humor, authenticity, and boundless affection from fans nationwide.

The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) of Natchitoches kicked off the new school year by joining Northwestern State University’s First Night Fest with a student-focused event called “Slice to Meet Ya!” Partnering with Louie’s Pizza, WRC invited NSU students to grab a free slice and learn more about the Center’s mission to support women and families in our community.

The event was more than just about pizza—it was an opportunity to connect with students during one of the busiest times of the year, NSU Move-In Day. Hundreds of students stopped by the WRC booth on Iberville Green to enjoy a slice, pick up information, and find out how they can get involved through volunteering, service projects, or community partnerships. Along with pizza and resources, students also received “a little Jesus”—a simple but meaningful reminder of Christ’s presence and WRC’s faith-driven mission. Fountain of Life Church also partnered in the outreach by handing out cold waters, helping keep students refreshed on a warm Louisiana evening.

Joining the Center were Hannah Guilliam, Youth Director of Louisiana Right to Life, and Cailey Difulco, Students for Life Regional Coordinator, who each spoke with students about the importance of promoting life-affirming resources on campus and in the wider Natchitoches community. Their presence highlighted the strong collaboration between local, state, and national partners who share a commitment to supporting young women and families.

“Our goal is to meet students where they are—whether they’re new to NSU or returning—and invite them to be part of something bigger than themselves,” said Nicole Woods, Director of the Women’s Resource Center. “Events like this allow us to build relationships, share our mission, and encourage students to get involved in life-affirming work right here in Natchitoches.”

The evening was a lively mix of community spirit, free food, and meaningful conversations. Many students expressed interest in volunteering with WRC or attending future events, while others simply enjoyed the chance to connect with peers in a welcoming and encouraging environment.

Looking ahead, the Women’s Resource Center is excited to host its Annual Gala on Thursday, September 18, 2025. This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Benjamin Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life, and will highlight WRC’s new designation as a Maternal Wellness Center. Guests will also learn how the recently launched Louisiana Maternal Wellness Center Tax Credit allows supporters to give back while receiving a 50% state tax credit. The Gala promises to be an inspiring evening of celebration, community impact, and life-affirming vision.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced that this year’s annual drawdown of Lake Bistineau is officially underway, a management practice aimed at helping control the spread of invasive giant salvinia.

But LDWF isn’t stopping there. Officials said several additional measures are being rolled out to protect and preserve the lake as a vital recreational and natural resource.

During the drawdown, LDWF staff will be conducting a water flow study by releasing tagged oranges near the Burges Camp area. Scientists have long used oranges as a low-cost, environmentally friendly way to track water movement. Residents who spot one of these oranges are encouraged to report the date and location to AquaticPlantControl@wlf.la.gov and then return it to the water.

In the coming weeks, LDWF will also release salvinia weevils into the lake to help reduce the invasive plant population. Officials say these weevils survived the past winter in central Louisiana, suggesting they may be more cold-tolerant than in previous years.

Other control efforts include continued herbicide applications, the strategic placement of floating booms to block plant movement, and the use of drone technology to detect problem areas more quickly and effectively.

LDWF expressed gratitude for the strong community support of its management efforts. “We’re working hard to keep Lake Bistineau the treasured resource it is,” officials said, noting that residents can learn more about salvinia and the state’s Aquatic Plant Control Program online.

This time 50 years ago, I was beginning my senior year of High School.

Ah, high school. That magical four-year stretch where hormones rage, cafeteria food defies science, and algebra ruins lives. But not all high schools are created equal—especially when separated by half a century. Let’s hop into our metaphorical DeLorean and compare high school in 1975 with its futuristic cousin in 2025.

In 1975, high school was a land of corded phones, disco balls, and chalk dust. Students roamed the halls in polyester glory, wielding Trapper Keepers and feathered hairlike weapons of mass distraction. The biggest tech innovation? Overhead projectors that required a PhD in transparency sheet alignment.

Teachers wrote on chalkboards with the intensity of Shakespeare composing sonnets. If you missed a class, you begged a friend for notes, which were handwritten in cursive so elaborate it could double as a ransom letter. Research papers involved actual books, and the Dewey Decimal System was your GPS.
Lunch was a mystery meat roulette. You didn’t ask questions. You just prayed it wasn’t Salisbury steak again. Gym class was a Darwinian experiment involving dodgeballs the size of beach balls and zero regard for dental safety.

Social life revolved around passing notes—actual paper notes—folded into origami triangles and delivered with the stealth of Cold War spies. If you wanted to ask someone out, you had to do it face-to-face, risking rejection and acne exposure simultaneously.

Fast forward to 2025, where high school resembles a tech startup with lockers. Students glide through hallways wearing smartwatches that track their hydration, mood, and whether they’ve blinked enough today. The dress code? A mix of athleisure, LED accessories, and whatever TikTok said was cool last week.

Teachers now wield touchscreens and AI assistants. Chalkboards are extinct, replaced by interactive whiteboards that occasionally glitch and show cat videos mid-lecture. Homework is submitted via cloud platforms, and plagiarism detection software is so advanced it can tell if you copied your own work from last semester.

Lunch menus are curated by nutritionists and include gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, joy-free options. There’s a salad bar, a smoothie station, and a robot named “Lunchatron” that dispenses quinoa with judgmental precision.

Gym class has evolved into “Mindful Movement,” featuring yoga, breathing exercises, and virtual dodgeball—because no one wants to risk a lawsuit over a bruised ego. There’s a wellness room with bean bags, aromatherapy, and a counselor who speaks fluent emoji.

Social life? It’s digital. Crushes are confessed via encrypted Snapchats, and drama unfolds in group chats with names like “TeaSpillers2025.” Asking someone out involves sending a meme, a GIF, and a poll to gauge interest.

So, which era wins? In 1975, high school was raw, analog, and gloriously awkward. In 2025, it’s sleek, sanitized, and algorithmically optimized. But one thing remains constant: teenagers still think adults don’t understand them, cafeteria food still tastes suspicious, and nobody knows what the mitochondria actually does.

Or as the writer of Ecclesiastes said, “There is nothing new under the sun.”

Summer is a season for family vacations, cookouts, and time outdoors; and it’s also a time when blood donations drop sharply. In fact, donations decrease by about 20% during the summer months, creating a critical shortage for patients in need.

Right now, the need is urgent: supplies of Type O blood are rapidly declining.

Why Type O Matters So Much

• O-Positive blood is the most common type, found in about 39% of the population. Because it’s compatible with more than 80% of patients with positive blood types, it’s the blood type most often transfused in hospitals.
• O-Negative blood is known as the universal donor. Any patient, regardless of blood type, can safely receive it. Doctors depend on O-Negative in emergencies, trauma cases, and for newborns when seconds matter most.

“Every time a Type O donor gives, they’re providing hope for patients who may not have another option,” said Mandi Johnson, Director of Community Engagement at LifeShare. “We are so grateful for our Type O donors who step up for their community in times of need and we’re asking our O donors to donate now.”

Special Thank-You Gift for Type O Donors
To recognize their lifesaving impact, LifeShare is offering an exclusive reward. Type O donors who donate
blood or red cells at a LifeShare donor center or mobile blood drive between August 19 – September 9, 2025, will receive a $25 eGift Card to a retailer of their choice. The promotion will be active at LifeShare donation sites across Louisiana, East Texas, and South Arkansas.

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are always welcome. Donors can schedule an appointment at
http://www.lifeshare.org/give or call 800-256-5433 for more information. This promotion is open to Type O
donors ages 18+ who successfully complete a whole blood or red cell donation. Donors must have a valid
email address on file with LifeShare. Gift cards are distributed electronically within 1 week. Additional
terms and conditions apply. Visit http://www.lifeshare.org/promos for full promotion details.

The Reebok Angel Reese 1 “Mebounds” launches Sept 18. 

Antique Adoption Fall Trade Days in Keatchie will be Oct 10 & 11 from 9am to 5pm. Vendor applications are being accepted now. 

The 3rd annual Louisiana Homesteader Conference & Expo at the NW Red River Research Station will be held Oct 17 &18. Vendors are needed. Call Donna Haynes at 318-408-0971 or dhaynes@agcenter.lsu.edu for more information. 

The 3rd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Ball will be held October 18 at 6pm at the Red River Community Center. Tickets are $20 (advanced) or $26 at the door. Sound by DJ Sirlo.

The Red River Tourism Commission Fall Fest will be held October 25 from 12-8pm at the Coushatta Ball Park. Enjoy food, games and live music. 

AT&T will pay out up to $7500 for data breach victims in new $177 million settlement.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is featured on the August 18, 2025, cover of Time magazine. The cover story, titled “The Survivor,” profiles Johnson’s political partnership with former President Donald Trump and his ascent to Speaker. The article highlights his leadership in enacting legislation aligned with Trump’s goals, including the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the Laken Riley Act, and pro-crypto legislation. It also delves into Johnson’s background, including his Christian faith, his upbringing in Shreveport, Louisiana, and his academic career at LSU.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Education will offer a Notary Public Exam Prep Course starting Tuesday, Sept. 2. The early bird fee is $499 until Aug. 27 and $519 after that date. For more information or to register for classes, go to checkout.nsula.edu or call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355.

Ocie Doyle Baker
October 4, 1965 – August 17, 2025
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 10am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.

Cindy Hoover Smith
June 4, 1952 – August 17, 2025
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 10am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta. 

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.

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 two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two 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!