Skylar’s Sweet Sips will honor Moolie Tuesday, August 19 from 10am – 7pm. They will be set up in Maxway parking lot.

A special drink has been created in her memory–Moolie’s Sweet Sunset, peach and strawberry lemonade wtih a blend of sweet cream. 

They shared, “Tuesday, our Skylar’s Sweet Sips family is coming together to honor the life and memory of our sweet customer, Moolie. Her smile, her laughter and her kindness touched so many hearts in our community and we want to celebrate the joy she brought into so many lives.”

In honor of her memory, a percentage of all sales Tuesday will be given to her family.

Monday, August 18

Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 99F. Winds light and variable.

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible throughout the evening. Partly clouds. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory until 8pm 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

Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 98F. Winds light and variable.

A mostly clear sky. Low 74F. Winds light and variable. 

Matt Vines

Football season is upon us as Riverdale Academy hit the field for the first time in a jamboree against Prairie View Academy and Union Christian Academy.

No scores were kept, but the Rebels got their first taste of what the season would look like.

Quarterback Ashton Almond is back as he leads a group of seven seniors.

Almond battled through injuries this past season that negatively impacted the offense and the defense.

Riverdale’s regular season begins this week with rival Claiborne Academy visiting for a 7:30 p.m. kick.

Defending district champion Red River football takes the field for the first time Friday in a scrimmage at Bossier High followed the next week by The Battle of the Bricks jamboree at Northwestern State.

The Bulldogs face Tioga on Aug. 29 at NSU’s Turpin Stadium.

Red River’s regular season begins Sept. 5 date at Catholic-Pointe Coupee.

Riverdale softball gets early-season experience
Riverdale softball may not have a win yet in its first three games, but the Lady Rebels gained valuable experience.

Two of Riverdale’s losses have come by one run (1-0 loss to Central and a 10-9 loss to River Oaks).

Riverdale’s other loss came in 8-1 fashion to Claiborne Academy.

The Lady Rebels are scheduled to hit the dirt next against Claiborne Academy on Aug. 28.

The West Central La Area Team for Operation Christmas Child will hold a Project Leader Workshop on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 10am-12pm at the First Baptist Church Gym in Natchitoches.

Register here.

For more information call 318-464-0756 or email jeanineocc@gmail.com.

Meet your peers, share ideas, be inspired, and learn about new resources that will help you reach your goals as you lead Operation Christmas Child for your church or group.

Learn more at samaritanspurse.org/occ-project-leader

West Central La team, which is Sabine, Red River, Natchitoches, and Winn Parishes, is a part of this project.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse that delivers shoeboxes filled with toys, hygiene items, and school supplies to children around the world as a tangible expression of God’s love through this hands of local partners to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, God’s Greatest Gift.

Every fall, the Red River Parish 4-H Club holds their annual mum sale, offering beautiful fall flowers in a variety of colors. The 2025 sale is now underway.

Mums are available in red, yellow, purple, bronze, white and tri-color.

They will be ready for pickup the week of September 29. Each 10-inch pot is $20.

To place an order, call the Red River Parish 4-H Office at 932-4342.

Northwestern State University mourns the passing of former Louisiana House Speaker Joe Reece Salter, a distinguished alumnus and member of the Long Purple Line, NSU’s alumni hall of distinction.

Elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1986, Salter served more than 20 years and was the 62nd Speaker of the House from 2004 to 2008. He was the first from his district to hold the position and became one of the most respected leaders in state government. Alongside his legislative service, Salter devoted his career to education as a teacher and administrator in the Sabine Parish school system. His impact was recognized with induction into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2006, NSU’s Hall of Distinguished Educators and the Sabine Hall of Fame.

Salter also served as a member of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, which is the management board over nine public universities. A Florien resident, he was reappointed by Governor Jeff Landry on January 4, 2025, to represent the 4th Congressional District, with his term extending through December 31, 2030. He was active on several standing committees, including Audit, Facilities Planning, Finance, Legislation (as Chair) and Personnel. In addition to his career in public service and education, he was a veteran of the United States Army National Guard.

Throughout his service, Salter demonstrated outstanding leadership, particularly in guiding Louisiana through the aftermaths of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He was the recipient of numerous honors, including awards from the Louisiana Council on Aging, Louisiana Public Broadcasting and the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, as well as induction into multiple halls of fame recognizing his work in education, politics and athletics.

In honor of Salter’s life and legacy, President James T. Genovese has ordered the Northwestern State University flag to be lowered to half-staff. Landry has ordered the same for all state flags.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

August 18 marks National Fajita Day, a delicious excuse to enjoy one of the most flavorful dishes on the menu—fajitas! Whether served with sizzling steak, chicken, shrimp, or loaded with grilled veggies, fajitas are a fiesta on a plate.

A Slice of History
The origins of the fajita trace back to Texas ranchlands, where cowboys (vaqueros) cooked tough cuts of meat over an open fire. The name comes from the Spanish word faja, meaning “belt” or “strip,” a nod to the thinly sliced meat traditionally used. It wasn’t until the 1980s that fajitas made their big debut on mainstream restaurant menus, complete with that unmistakable sizzle that turns heads every time.

How to Celebrate National Fajita Day:

• Head to your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurant—many offer fajita specials.
• Host a DIY fajita night at home with a skillet, tortillas, and all the fixings.
• Try something new, like fajita bowls, veggie fajitas, or even fajita-seasoned tacos.
• Add music, margaritas, and maybe a sombrero to turn dinner into a fiesta.

Whether you love them spicy, smoky, or smothered in sour cream, National Fajita Day is the perfect reason to celebrate flavor, friends, and fun.

So grab a tortilla and let the good times sizzle!

Beginning August 25, Louisiana residents will need to dial the full 10-digit phone number — area code plus the seven-digit number — for all local calls. The change is part of a statewide transition prompted by the need for additional phone numbers as population growth and technology demands strain existing area codes.

Why the Change?

Phone number demand has surged due to population growth and new technology. To address this, the Louisiana Public Service Commission has approved a new overlay: area code 457, which will serve the same geographic area as 318.

• February 24 to August 24, 2025 — Permissive dialing period: both 7- and 10-digit dialing work.

• Starting August 25, 2025 — 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory within the 318 region. Calls dialed with only seven digits will not connect.

• Beginning September 25, 2025 — New phone numbers in the region may use the 457 area code, and dialing will remain 10-digit for both 318 and 457 numbers.

While the change may take some getting used to, phone companies say the new system will ensure calls are routed properly and help prevent future disruptions as more numbers are assigned.

Quick tips to prepare for 10-digit dialing:

• Update saved contacts in your phone to include the area code.

• Reprogram speed dials, alarm systems, medical alert devices, and fax machines.

• Check any business materials (signs, stationery, websites) to ensure phone numbers are shown with the area code.

• Start practicing now so the transition feels natural by August 25.

As Louisiana joins the growing list of states using 10-digit dialing, officials encourage residents to view the change as a necessary step toward keeping the phone network running smoothly in a world where mobile devices, new technologies, and expanded services are creating a constant demand for more numbers.

Antioch Vine Baptist Church in Pelican is holding their Annual Revival tonight through August 20 beginning nightly at 7pm. Guest speaker is Pastor Ronnie Williams and the Rockford Baptist Church family.

Mark your calendars! Meet the Bulldogs night will be Thursday, August 27 from 5-8pm.

DQ is introducing the Blizz & Chill–soft serve with all the mix-in goodness you love into a Blizzard tub you can enjoy at home, anytime (16 or 22 oz). 

NSU’s Fall 2025 semester begins today, Aug. 18 but registration for classes continues through Aug. 26.

Farm Pro Feed & Seed will host Customer Appreciation Day Sept 27. Enjoy free food, live music, vendors and jump house. Contact Rhetta Thomas (318.663.7940) if you have any questions or would like to be a vendor. 

Capitol One has agreed to a $425 million settlement to resolve claims that it failed to raise interest rates for its 360 Savings accounts.

The Winter Outlook from the Farmers Almanac is calling for a colder and wetter than normal winter season for the ArkLaTex. 

The New Orleans Saints week 1 preseason game ranked No 1 in NFL viewership. 

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In 2025, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine awarded more than $291,000 in scholarships and awards to its veterinary students. Recipients received monetary awards, memberships to professional organizations, journal subscriptions, plaques, certificates, and veterinary medicine manuals and supplies.

Since 2015, LSU SVM has distributed more than $2.6 million in scholarships and awards, made possible through the generosity of private citizens, foundations, organizations, and corporations.

Among this year’s honorees was Alyssa Woodard, a member of the DVM Class of 2027 from Coushatta. Woodard received the Robert M. Hammatt Award for Proficiency in Food Animal Medicine, an honor established in 2001 by the Central Louisiana Chapter of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association. The award recognizes outstanding LSU veterinary students in large animal medicine and is named for Dr. Robert M. Hammatt, a respected Oakdale veterinarian and former president of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association.

Friday, August 15

Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 95F. Winds light and variable.

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible throughout the evening. a few clouds. Low 74F. Winds light and variable. 

Saturday, August 16

Except a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 96F. Winds light and variable.

Clear to partly cloudy overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds light and variable. 

Sunday, August 17

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 95F. Winds light and variable.

A few clouds overnight. Low 74F. Winds light and variable.

Through Executive Order JML 25-083, signed by Governor Jeff Landry on July 22, 2025, Louisiana has launched the Governor’s Task Force on Public Higher Education Reform, chaired by State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley.

The 13-member Task Force will lead statewide efforts to protect academic quality, expand choice, and ensure Louisiana’s public colleges and universities answer to the state rather than distant bureaucracies. Its mission includes exploring dual accreditation options, evaluating membership in the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), and developing recommendations to strengthen institutional autonomy and academic excellence. Final recommendations are due January 30, 2026, ahead of the 2026 Regular Legislative Session.

This initiative marks a bold step toward aligning higher education with Louisiana’s values and priorities, strengthening trust in schools, empowering families, and securing a future where education reflects the needs of the state.

Landry added, “”This leadership is strengthening trust in our schools, empowering families, and securing a future where education reflects Louisiana values and priorities.”

Once upon a time, there was such a thing as courtesy and etiquette with all people who loved to go fishing. Today those two words do not exist on our area lakes and waterways. Why is that? Is it because people don’t care anymore? Or is it because we have raised a generation of anglers who have never been taught the unwritten rules of the water?

People today, I believe, no longer have patience and think that when they are on the lake, there are no rules. We have become such a “me” society that no one thinks about how their actions might affect others on the lake; and to add to that, they don’t care!

I want to take the high road here and give people the benefit of the doubt when it comes to courtesy. But then, you pull up to a boat ramp and watch how people are oblivious as to what is going on around them. They’re in their own little world blocking the entire boat ramp while they get all their junk in the boat.

You would think by now, in 2025, that word would have gotten out about how to manage a boat ramp the proper way. You should load all your gear into the boat AWAY from the ramp, not once you line up to launch your boat.

People talk about road rage and how people have forgotten how to drive. Well, this same rage is now taking place on our area lakes. Boaters with little to no experience are on the water now and have no idea on navigation do’s and don’ts.

Even experienced tournament anglers are doing things they know are not right. The worst and most common thing happening today is one angler cutting off another angler. While I don’t have a problem with sharing a particular stretch of boat docks or a point, there’s an unwritten rule on how you should approach another angler that’s already there.

The rule is if you approach another angler on a stretch of boat docks, you don’t come in on him and start fishing one dock away, especially if his boat is pointing in the direction of the dock you pulled up on. Go down 5 or 6 docks, start there and go away from the angler and fish in the opposite direction … not towards him.

If you pull up on a point with another angler already there, either go to the next point or ask permission to share the point with him. The rule in fishing goes back to what we’ve always heard, “First come, first serve.” You’re always better asking for permission to share a point than to just bulldoze your way in.

So, to all the up-and-coming anglers, listen up! There are two things to always remember. One: Never cut another angler off when he’s fishing a stretch or fishing boat docks. ALWAYS pay attention to the direction the guy is fishing and go the opposite direction!

Two: Never pull up on a point when another angler is already there. If you just insist on trying to fish there, ask the other angler for permission and how he’s going to fish it.

Bottom line, follow the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Good luck, good fishing and hopefully cooler weather is coming soon!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

Ice cream lovers may have a new reason to smile. A recent study has found that enjoying a small serving of ice cream each day could be linked to better heart health — at least for some people.

The research, which examined dietary habits and cardiovascular outcomes, found that among individuals with diabetes, those who ate about half a cup of ice cream daily had a lower risk of heart-related problems.

While the finding may seem too good to be true, researchers say the correlation was consistent in the data. The exact reason for the link is unclear, but it’s possible that certain nutrients in dairy — such as calcium, specific fatty acids, or milk proteins — may play a role in supporting cardiovascular function.

Experts caution, however, that this is an observational finding, meaning it shows an association rather than proof of cause and effect. Eating too much ice cream can still contribute to weight gain and other health issues, so moderation remains key.

For now, the results offer a sweet possibility: that an occasional scoop might not just lift your spirits, but could also give your heart a little boost.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced this week that the state has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, the nation’s most popular online gaming platform for children and teens. The lawsuit claims Roblox has become a breeding ground for sexual predators and that the company has failed to take adequate steps to protect young users.

The suit alleges that sexual predators use the platform to connect with minors and that user-created games featuring explicit and disturbing content remain accessible to children. Examples include games with themes referencing sexual exploitation and simulated abuse.

Roblox, which has more than 111 million monthly users and millions of user-created “experiences,” has a large base of underage players—about 40 percent are believed to be under the age of 13. The Attorney General’s office argues that Roblox does not verify users’ ages or require parental consent at registration, allowing adults to pose as children and children to misstate their ages.

While Roblox maintains it has a zero-tolerance policy for the exploitation of minors, the lawsuit claims current safeguards are inadequate. The state is seeking court-ordered changes to Roblox’s safety practices, a ban on misleading safety claims, restitution, attorney’s fees, and additional penalties under Louisiana law.

Evelyn Ryan worked hard helping her husband, Leo, provide for their struggling family. Evelyn and Leo married in 1936 and had ten children together. Since 1943, Leo had been employed by the Defiance Screw Machine Products, but his salary usually failed to meet the needs of such a large family. Leo purportedly turned to alcohol to quell the stresses of their financial struggles which only worsened the situation. Evelyn had too many household obligations to take on a job which required her to be away from home, but she needed a way to earn money. By the early 1950s, Evelyn and Leo’s older children were nearing their teenage years, and the family’s financial struggles along with Leo’s drinking was getting worse. One day in September 1953, Evelyn took a momentary break from her endless chores to read the newspaper when she saw an advertisement for a Western Auto Bike Contest.

Evelyn had a background in writing. While in junior high, her step-grandmother, Josephine Etchie, who was the editor of the Sherwood Chronicle, got Evelyn an after-school job as a typesetter for the newspaper. In 1931, Evelyn was the valedictorian of Sherwood High School. Soon after graduation, she became a columnist at the newspaper. She worked at the newspaper until she quit to take care of her growing family.

She read the Western Auto Bike Contest information again and learned that she could enter by completing the phrase in 25 words or less, “I like the all-new ‘X-53 Super’ Western Flyer bicycle because…” The ad announced that the “winner’s family gets all this: $5,000 cash and bike for child, plus 15-h.p. outboard motor for dad, plus automatic washer and dryer for mom!” While Evelyn returned to her endless household chores, she mulled over her entry. Finally, she completed the phrase on the entry form, “brand new ideas about safety, service, sleekness, combined with Western Flyer’s old reliable construction, make ‘X-53 Super’ a standout in ANY bike rack.”

The Wester Auto Bike Contest was just the first of many writing contests that Evelyn won. In 1961, she won a 1961 Triumph TR3 sports car, a Seeburg jukebox, and a trip for two to New York City to appear on Merv Griffin’s Saturday Prom television show. She quickly sold the car and jukebox to pay bills, but she and her son Bruce enjoyed their trip to New York. Evelyn won about one in every four contests she entered. She won kitchen appliances, TVs, watches, sports equipment, and a host of other items. She won so many contests that she earned the nickname the Contest Queen.

At first glance, it appeared that the Ryans were rolling in money, but the large family remained impoverished. In 1965, unbeknownst to Evelyn, Leo took out a second mortgage on their house at 801Washington Avenue in Defiance, Ohio. Evelyn learned about the second mortgage when she received a final notice from the bank. Unless they could come up with $3500, they would be homeless. Evelyn read about a contest held by Dr. Pepper in which contestants were asked to complete the following limerick: “With Dr. Pepper, the flavor that’s in. It’s distinctive and bright. It’s lively and light.” Evelyn completed the form with, “There’s no time like NOW to begin!” Out of 250,000 entries, Evelyn won the grand prize, which was a two-week trip for two to Switzerland, a new Ford Mustang, his-and-hers gold Longines wristwatches, and $3500 in cash. Evelyn received the cash payment on the day before they were to be evicted from their home.

Sources:

1. Bryan Times, August 1, 1983, p.3.

2. The Blade, August 31, 1998, p.16.

3. W.H. Chip Gross, “Contest Queen,” February 1, 2022, Ohio Cooperative Living, https://ohiocoopliving.com/contest-queen.

By Nolan McKendry Aug 12, 2025

(The Center Square) – The Louisiana Department of Health paid roughly $9.6 million in monthly premiums for more than 1,000 Medicaid beneficiaries after their deaths between February 2019 and March 2025, according to a new progress report from the state auditor.

The analysis found 1,072 deceased beneficiaries continued to be listed as eligible for Medicaid, triggering fixed per-member, per-month payments to Managed Care Organizations despite receiving no services after their date of death.

This means the state kept paying insurance companies for people who had already died.

Nearly half of these cases – 511 beneficiaries – were identified through obituary records, while 210 were caught through the department’s records data.

The median delay between death and the last payment ranged from just 23.5 days when identified through the department’s records to more than 799 days when found through the federal Social Security Administration Death Master File.

“LDH could identify additional deceased Medicaid beneficiaries if it included additional third-party data sources such as obituaries, the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File, and other states’ Vital Records databases,” the audit states.

Auditors noted that 68% of the cases – representing nearly $7.7 million – were uncovered using sources the department does not currently include in its eligibility checks.

The report follows a 2017 audit that also flagged improper payments for deceased Medicaid recipients. The Health Department’s eligibility manual requires that deaths be reported within 10 days, but current verification methods rely primarily on Louisiana’s vital records.

In a July 30 letter responding to the findings, the department said it “concurs with the recommendation” to expand its data checks.

“LDH is in the process of working with the U.S. Department of Treasury to gain the necessary approvals to receive the Social Security Administration Death Master File,” the department wrote, adding it will incorporate the file as a third-party source once obtained.

According to the agency, about $4 million in improper payments flagged in the audit will be withheld from managed care organizations during its next monthly payment cycle.

Who knew how ripe a banana is can significantly influence its taste, texture, and health benefits. Here’s how banana ripeness impacts what your body gets out of it:

Green (Unripe) Bananas

Texture/Taste: Firm, less sweet, slightly bitter
Main Benefits:

• High in Resistant Starch: Acts like fiber, supports gut health, helps feed good bacteria, and slows digestion.

• Lower Glycemic Index (GI): Better for blood sugar control.

• Keeps you full longer due to slower digestion.

• May help reduce diarrhea by adding bulk to stool.

Best For:

• People with diabetes or insulin resistance

• Anyone seeking to feel fuller longer

• Promoting gut health

Yellow (Ripe) Bananas

Texture/Taste: Softer, sweeter
Main Benefits:

• Easier to digest – natural starches have turned into simple sugars.

• Provides quick energy – ideal pre- or post-workout.

• Higher in antioxidants than green ones.

• Still contains fiber, though less than unripe bananas.

Best For:

• Active people needing energy boost

• Those with sensitive digestion

• Supporting general immunity and energy

Spotted/Brown (Very Ripe) Bananas

Texture/Taste: Very soft, very sweet
Main Benefits:

• Contains high levels of sugar (glucose, fructose) – fastest energy source.

• Rich in antioxidants – higher as bananas ripen.

• Some studies suggest they may boost immune response due to compounds like TNF (tumor necrosis factor).

Best For:

• Quick energy, especially for athletes or post-workout

• Smoothies and baking

• Supporting the immune system

No matter how you like your bananas—green, yellow, or spotty brown—each stage brings unique health benefits to the table. Whether you’re aiming to stabilize blood sugar, fuel a workout, boost digestion, or get a dose of antioxidants, there’s a perfectly ripe banana waiting to help. So next time you’re picking one from the bunch, consider what your body needs that day. With just one simple fruit, you can serve your health in more ways than one.

Anyone interested in participating in 4-H Shooting Sports must have Hunters Education if you are age 10 or up. Go to the LDWF page to see when the next class will begin.

The Red River Parish Rodeo will be held September 19-20 at 7pm. Events include Mutton Bustin, Hometown Barrels and Calf Scramble. Call in for Hometown Barrels Wednesday, September 16 from 6-9pm at 409-782-2220–Pee Wee, Jr and Open.

Dollar General issues nationwide coffee recall for Clover Valley Instant Coffee. The recall of 8 oz. containers of Clover Valley Instant Coffee is because of possible broken glass contamination.

Mattel has announced that Barbie is honoring 7-time Grand Slam champ Venus Williams with her own doll-recognizing not only her athletic greatness but also her fight for pay equality in sports. The doll drop today at Mattel Creations and at major retailers. 

Shipley Donuts to open five location in the Shreveport-Bossier area. The first location will open in late 2026.

Top 5 Box Office weekend winners are: 1. Weapons 2. Freakier Friday 3. The Fantastic Four: First Steps 4. The Bad Guys 2 5. The Naked Gun.

The Backstreet Boys will return to the Sphere in Vegas to end 2025 with a bang and make the start of 2026 “Larger than Life”. 

Barbara M. Batchelor
December 22, 1941 – August 13, 2025
A graveside service will be held August 15, 2025 at 9am at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Ringgold.

Sha’Talma Talik “Moolie” Guye
September 29, 1996 – August 7, 2025
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11am at Springville Baptist Church in Coushatta.