By: Chloe Spradley

After a big win last Friday night against Tensas Academy, the Rebels emerged victorious as the MAIS District 3-1A Champions! From opening kick-off, the Rebels consistently outplayed their opponents, resulting in a 54-0 win against Tensas. This much-deserved victory displays the Rebels’ skill, teamwork, and determination, solidifying their claim to the championship title.

Receiving Offensive MVP was Ryder Huddleston with 5 connecting passes totaling 169 passing yards, 4 resulting in touchdowns. On the receiving end of those was Ashton Almond with 33 yards and 1 touchdown, Kaidyn Williams with 32 yards and 1 touchdown, and Kyle Guillory with 104 yards and 2 touchdowns.

In rushing yards, lineman Hayden Hillman stepped out of his comfort zone to complete 2 carries for 8 yards, scoring the first touchdown of his high school career. In addition, Hillman secured the 2 point conversion following his touchdown. This, combined with his defensive contributions secured him the title of Defensive MVP. Tanner Carlisle also had a memorable night with one carry resulting in 44 yards and his first varsity touchdown. Guillory, Williams, Landen Barrett, Kane Dortlon, and Jax Hearold also had rushing yards for the Rebels.

Adding to the Rebels success, the team’s defense consistently shut down Tensas’s attempts to score. Contributing to this was Barrett with 4 solo tackles and 3 assists (4 TFL); Zane Givens with 4 solo tackles and 1 assist; Hillman with 2 solos and 5 assists; John Windham with 3 solos, 3 assists, and 1 sack (3TFL); Carlisle with 1 solo, 5 assists (1 TFL), and 1 punt block; Almond with 1 solo and 4 assists (5 TFL); and Hearold with 1 assist.

Special teams include Guillory with 2 punt returns, 82 yards, and 1 touchdown. Because of his exceptional performance on special teams, offense, and defense, Guillory received this week’s game ball.

by J.C. Dickey

Red River Junior High Cross Country is starting to make some noise in the cross country circles. Coached by Mrs. Brunson, a 7th grade English teacher, is creating something special in the area of distance running in Red River Parish. Last year Mrs. Brunson started recruiting everyone that was willing to run to join her cross country team. With just a few girls and guys on the team there was never enough to compete as a full team just as individuals and on occasions those students finished very well and the excitement grew. Coach Brunson went to work and coach track in the spring last year and from there was able to recruit a few more runners to join her team the next season.

This season the RRJH Boys were able to enter each meet with a full team and started to make their mark early on in the season. In their very first meet of the season and one of the biggest meets of the year RRJH had boys finishing in the top 10 and as a team finished 6th. If you don’t know much about Cross Country the top 5 runners on your team count in your total points and the faster each runner finishes compared to the other teams is how you finish as a team. Which means every runner has to always do their best because even if your top runners don’t win, together they might still score enough points to win.

This last weekend on Oct 21, 2023 our RRJH Cross Country team joined other small districts in the area and all of the Caddo Parish teams to run at Huntington High School for the Middle School Caddo District Championships. There were 12 area teams and about 70 kids in each division running and after coming off a 2 week break our kids were ready to compete.

When the gun went off about 10:30 Saturday morning our boys were off and running with one intention in mind, to win the meet as a team. Eight Minutes, fifty four and 6 tenths seconds later the first Red River Junior High runner crossed the finish line, Logan Mims in 3rd place followed closely by 4th place Ga’Micheal Black (8:54.9) and 5th place Landyn Lewis (9:03.1). As the race went on RRJH waited to see where the final 2 runners would cross the line and JaDavion Banks and Daniel Griggs both finished in the top 25 finishing out our top 5 runners.

When all the runners finished and the scores tallied, Red River Junior High School Boys finished 1st Place in the Non-Caddo Schools Division winning the meet. Coach Brunson was thrilled and so excited for her boys but she wanted to take a closer look at the scores. As she compared the scores to all the schools in attendance, Caddo and Non-Caddo schools, she realized our boys finished 2nd overall, missing first place by just 6 points. This is an incredible feat understanding how small of a school Red River Junior High is in comparison to all the other schools there. Ultimately our school with about 260 students almost beat out a school of over 1,000 students. When asked how Coach Brunson felt today she said, “I am just really proud of the work these athletes have put in this season and today it showed.”

This boys and girls team will compete again at the Louisiana Junior High Cross Country State Championship Meet November 11, 2023. We wish the team the best of luck and know they will be representing Red River Parish strong in the coming weeks.

Also at the meet RRJH had two girls runners compete, that is not enough for a full team but they were able to compete individually. The two runners were Ava Dickey and Carmindy Price. Ava Dickey finished 8th place overall with a time of 10:57 and Carmindy Price finished in the top 25 with a time of 12:57.8. Coach Brunson hopes we get a few more girls to come out next season so they too can have a full team to compete for team honors.

The Red River Schools Students of the Month for September were recognized at the October meeting of the Red River Parish School Board. Students were nominated by their teachers for their academic and leadership abilities.

Allie Kellogg is the student selected from Red River Elementary School. Allie is an exceptional young lady and a model student. She is a hard worker and sets high expectations for herself. She is willing to help anyone at any time, and gets along with all students. Allie participates in class discussions and always does her best to complete her assignments. She is not only a good student she also plays softball and gives the boys a run for their money while playing football. She is a joy to have in the classroom and an excellent choice for September’s Student of the Month. She was nominated by Mrs. Briggs.

The student from Red River Academic Academy is Braylon Johnson. Braylon is one of the sweetest and most respectful students I have even had the pleasure of teaching. He is a hard worker and doesn’t complain about working or doing extra to keep the class moving. He is kind to all his classmates and teachers. Braylon has a funny personality and has a great way of making those around him feel welcomed and wanted. I know Braylon has a bright future ahead of him! Mrs. Pickett wrote his nomination.

Jadavion Banks was selected as Student of the Month for Red River Junior High. He is very dedicated to his studies, very respectful towards his peers and teachers, and has exemplary behavior in and out of the classroom. He always gives his very best effort and is always willing to help his classmates. Mr. Banks embodies the qualities of a model student, and we are proud to celebrate his accomplishments and character as September Student of the Month.

And from Red River High School, Coach Lindsey nominated Caitlyn Jones for Student of the Month. As her assistant principal and athletic director, I can attest to her academic excellence, her strong peer relations, her varied experiences in and out of school, and her commitment to excellence and life-long learning. Not only does Caitlyn excel in the classroom, she also maintains an outstanding work ethic as a member of the Lady Bulldogs Varsity Volleyball team. The dedication it takes to be a scholar as well as a student-athlete is challenging, but Caitlyn meets that challenge with dedication, determination and focus. She is a member of 4-H, Varsity Volleyball and is enrolled in our CNA program. Caitlyn has availed herself of leadership opportunities like being a mentor to freshman students. She is versatile and accomplished, and a great ambassador both to her school and to her community. I am happy to name her as Red River High School’s September Student of the Month.

Superintendent Alison Strong presented each student with a certificate of recognition and a gift certificate to Lott Oil/Chevron. Representing the VFW and Auxiliary 7387 were Barry McCoy, John Brewer and Dawn Brewer. Students of the Month are recognized each month throughout the school year.

Mike Johnson’s election today as U.S. House Speaker marks the culmination of a meteoric rise in the U.S House of Representatives, the result of his diligent but often low-key work advancing conservative constitutional principles and doing so in a respectful and inoffensive manner.

In a highly partisan, if not often toxic, U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Johnson first spearheaded the introduction of a “Commitment to Civility” resolution and he has remained committed to maintaining civil and courteous interaction among members of Congress, often in the face of heated policy and political disagreement. His demeanor and comportment certainly contributed to his gaining the support for Speaker of his fellow members of the often-rambunctious House Republican Conference.

He has now entered into an office the responsibilities and obligations of which are nothing less than monumental. And, while it is impossible to quantify the benefit his service as Speaker will provide Louisiana, it would be difficult to overstate the positive impact.

All of this is to say nothing of the fact that the Speaker post is second in the line of presidential succession. If the president dies or becomes incapacitated, the VP is first and then the Speaker of the House.

I am convinced that the same skills and ability that brought Rep. Johnson to this point—accompanied by his deep faith—will see him through. I offer him my congratulations and my prayers.

—
Royal Alexander

The Red River Parish 4-H Junior Leaders recently participated in “Mystery Night.” Everyone had a lot of fun!

Students got out of their comfort zone, interacting with everyone and using their critical thinking skills, to solve the mystery and had lots of fun doing it! Next month’s meeting will feature “Friendsgiving”.

American Journalist Christopher Hitchens once said, “Everyone has a book inside them, which is exactly where it should, I think, in most cases, remain.” Abraham had published several books, but when he got to his seventh novel, most people thought it should have remained inside his own mind and not in print.

Abraham was the manager of the Lyceum theater in London’s West End. As manager, Abraham held a position of prestige, but his salary as manager did not necessarily reflect his position. To supplement his income, Abraham wrote reviews of plays and books. He also published poetry, stories which were serialized in newspapers, and novels. He had no aspirations to become famous, he wrote whatever he thought would sell well. Most of his published works were in the romance genre. His seventh novel, however, was something altogether different.

Despite many popular reviews, Abraham’s seventh novel was not the runaway success that he had hoped for. He had spent years researching the book and had handwritten over 100 pages of notes on the project, but it sold poorly compared to some of his other published works. When he died on April 20, 1912, he had made little income from his seventh novel, and it was no longer in print. When newspapers in Europe published the news of his passing, the articles listed several of his popular novels but his seventh novel was rarely included among them.

In 1927, Abraham’s seventh novel was used as the basis of a stage play which was better received than the novel had been. Based on the play’s success, Universal Pictures purchased the rights to the book for $40,000. Adjusted for inflation, $40,000 in 1930 would be almost $750,000 in today’s money. Abraham’s widow, Florence Balcombe, made much more money from the seventh novel than her late husband had. Universal Pictures took a giant risk with the film. Production costs totaled nearly $400,000. The film based on Abraham’s seventh novel was released on February 12, 1931. Universal Pictures executives were relieved when, unlike the novel, the film became a hit. Domestically, it earned more than $700,000, almost double its production cost. The film added a new character into worldwide popular culture which is instantly recognizable. The film also spawned new interest in Abraham’s seventh novel. Since the film’s release, Abraham’s book has never been out of print, and it has become one of the most famous works of English Literature. Abraham’s novel has been adapted for film more than 30 times so far, and his characters have appeared in all forms of media. Abraham could never have imagined how popular his creation would become.

We almost knew the title of Abraham’s seventh novel by a completely different name. Just before the novel went to the publishers for printing, Abraham made a last-minute decision and changed the title of the novel from “The Un-Dead.” You and I know Abraham “Bram” Stoker’s seventh, almost-forgotten, novel as “Dracula.”

Happy Halloween!

Sources:

1.     London Daily News, May 27, 1897, p.6.

2.     The Pall Mall Gazette, June 1, 1897, p.11.      

3.     The Morning Post, June 3, 1897, p.2. 

4.     The Standard Union, April 22, 1912, p.3.

5.     The Daily Telegraph, April 22, 1912, p.6.

6.     The Sun, April 22, 1912, p. 9.

The Coushatta Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7287 was presented the All American Post award on Thursday, October 19th. The presentation was made by VFW District 12 Commander Walt Korb.

Korb congratulated members of the post for the hard work that went into earning All American status. The post serves veterans of all branches of service and local first responders and school children.

Also last Thursday, the post received an outstanding rating on its annual inspection. District 12 Inspector Tom Kijak commented, “This post is in excellent working order.” The post got a “yes” to all questions asked concerning the community service and activities performed for veterans within the past year.

Robert Aldine Posey was born November 16, 1934, in Coushatta, Louisiana to Robert E. Posey, Jr. and Elizabeth “Tap” Posey and passed away on October 18, 2023, at home in Bossier City, Louisiana.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Robert Posey, 88, on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Bellaire Baptist Church, 4330 Panther Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Springville Cemetery, 118 Caliope Steet, Coushatta, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Dr. Randy Harper, from Bellaire Baptist Church, Dr. Eric Capaci, from Gospel Light Baptist Church, Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Randy Posey.

Robert was Preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Louise Booty and Shirley Frye; brothers-in-law, Dewitt Booty and Charles Frye. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Shirley; children, Pam Clapp and husband, Paul, Randy Posey and wife, April, Renee Southern and husband, James, Jennifer Easley and husband, David, and Janet Otey; grandchildren, Holly Valeton and husband, Brandon, Heather Blake and husband, Aaron, Nolan Clapp, Caitlin, Dale, and Caleb Smith, Justine Wren and husband, Bryce, Tiffany Sims and husband, Darien, Justus Lemons and wife, Victoria, Lydia Yonai and husband, Matthew, Amber Hodges and husband, Logan, Adam and Justin Otey, Joshua, Shelby, Emily and Makinsey Southern; nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Robert worked for the Louisiana Department of Transportation as a sign fabricator for twenty-five years. He was an active member of Merrywoods Baptist Church, Haughton, Louisiana, where he faithfully served the lord for thirty-four years in the bus ministry bringing many souls to Christ. He retired to Hot Springs, Arkansas in 2008, where he faithfully attended Gospel Light Baptist Church, and returned to Bossier City in 2019, where he was a member of Bellaire Baptist Church.

The family would like to express their thanks for the care and friendship of Dr. Kertan Kotisha and also for the wonderful care he received at Christus Highland, Pathway Rehab Center, and St. Joseph Hospice Care.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2023

II’s better than I: Tech opens Tech Pointe II

A new addition to Louisiana Tech University’s Enterprise Campus — Tech Pointe II — has officially opened.

The plans for the construction of Tech Pointe II were announced in 2019 by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. Four years later, Edwards attended the building’s ribbon cutting ceremony and stressed the importance of a statewide commitment to higher education and to growth of universities like Louisiana Tech.

“This represents that we are, in Louisiana, again strategically investing in our most critical priorities,” Edwards said. “And there are none more important than higher education.”

Edwards pointed out that the facility is not the only testament to his words and referred to the Integrated Engineering and Science Building across the street from Tech Pointe II, another large, campus-enhancing project that was funded in part by state support.

Like the rest of the Enterprise Campus, Tech Pointe II serves both its tenants and Louisiana Tech students, fostering partnerships that will lead to world-class career paths for home-grown talent.

“Tech Pointe II will bring new life to the Enterprise Campus of Louisiana Tech,” Tech President Dr. Les Guice said during the ceremony. “I look forward to the unparalleled learning opportunities and experiential research that will take place within its four walls.”

Tech Pointe II expands on the efforts of the original Tech Pointe to welcome industry partners to the University. Three companies — Radiance Technologies, Louisiana New Product Development Team, and Crossmark Management Group — currently call Tech Pointe II home. The companies enter a five-year lease to occupy the building.

“When I think about the opportunities that will be created for students here at Tech Pointe II, that every time a tenant comes here and is successful by working with a Tech student … I believe we are going see a virtuous cycle of success begetting success,” Edwards said. “That’s what the leadership here in Lincoln Parish, Ruston, and Louisiana Tech understands.”

Kyle McDonald, Argent CEO and President of the Tech Point II LLC Board, said in his opening remarks that “it’s been a great honor to work on this project, and I look forward to what is going to come from the work in this beautiful building.”

Others in attendance included Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker, Representative Chris Turner, members of Representative Julia Letlow and Senator Bill Cassidy’s teams, and other state leaders.

Gavin Kelly
Social Media Strategist
Louisiana Tech University
University Communications
Wyly Tower 1227
318.257.4857 | 318.413.0

By Wanda Anderson Hanna

Riverdale Academy welcomed home five classes at the homecoming celebration on October 13, 2023. The classes of 1973, 1983, 1993, 2003, and 2013 were honored with a reception in the gym. But our class, the class of 1973, met at Armadillo Grill before the celebration at the school in order to enjoy some delicious Mexican food and to have some extra time to “catch up.”

Even though the Class of 1973 was a relatively small class, we’ve tried, through the years, to get together when we can. We’ve lost 7 of our 17 classmates over these 50 years, so when we can get together, we always take time to remember those that have passed away.

The original 17 graduating class members were: Marilyn Almond (Tisdale), Wanda Anderson (Hanna), Kenneth Bierden, Whitten Foster, Charles Friday, Timmy Gahagan, Jerry Glover, Sonny Higgs, Leigh Jackson (McCune), Trudy Lafield (Abboud), Cecil Leonard, Rusty Lester, Ricky McCoy, Nick Moore, Glen Roddy, Benjamin Rush, and Gray Stothart.

Understandably, not all of the remaining members were able to attend this year’s homecoming celebration. Gray Stothart made the longest trek to make it here, coming from Tennessee. Cecil Leonard drove in from Monroe, and Rusty Lester arrived from Springhill. Jerry Glover and I had the shortest trip, since we both still reside in Coushatta.

We were honored to have Leta Townsend (Brown) as a special guest, coming from Natchitoches. Leta was a member of our class until she graduated early with the Class of 1972. While she might not have actually graduated with the 1973 class, she will always be considered as one of us!

Beginning on the left, and going around the table, those attending the meal at Armadillo Grill were Hallie Hanna (Wanda’s granddaughter), Wanda Anderson Hanna, Susie Lester, Rusty Lester, Jerry Glover, Tresha Glover, Ron Brown, Leta Townsend Brown, Gray Stothart, Jean Leonard, and Cecil Leonard.

#oncearebelalwaysarebel

First, I would like to preface this article by saying please don’t judge me for how this article is written. I’m only trying to show the verbal nature of a particular co-angler I fished with a couple of years ago and that I do not condone the language she used.

In a recent American Bass Anglers (ABA) regular season two-day championship on Lake Sam Rayburn. What made this event unique was the fact that it was the final event in which ABA allowed co-anglers. Let’s define what the term co-angler means. This is an angler who fishes out of the back of the boat and is not allowed to fish off the front deck because it is strictly for the boater/pro. The co-angler is only fishing against other co-angers while the boater/pro is fishing against other boater/pros.

Over the years, I’ve had some co-anglers who were great anglers and I’ve had a few who had no clue what they were doing. Some get in the boat looking to learn while others are there to get your fishing locations so they can come back later and fish everything you showed them. This is a major no-no in the tournament fishing world and there are even rules in place to discourage co-anglers from such behavior. No co-angler is supposed to share the information they learned while fishing with the boater/pro. But there are no rules in place for language.

In one particular event, I had a co-angler, who we shall call “Karen,” who threw me for a loop and tested my patience. Not because she talked too much, but rather how she talked. Over the years, I’ve only had a female co-angler maybe twice. But for this event, Karen would be my co-angler and would be one I’ll never forget.

On the Friday evening before an event, the ABA tournament director sends out who your partner will be the day of the tournament via a text message, along with their contact information so you can call them and make arrangements on where to meet on tournament morning. My very first conversation with Karen was one to remember. As I made the call to introduce myself, her response was, “Mr. Steve, how the F*** are you?” Well rather than continue to go over every conversation we had for our two days together, I’ll cut to the chase. Turns out, she was not able to complete a sentence without an “F” bomb or two thrown in to make her point clearer.

Understand, I grew up in locker rooms and understand foul language. For some, it’s just how they were raised and that’s the only language they know. Hoping Karen would take a hint, I tried to steer the conversation by asking her what church she went to? Even though I already knew the answer, I was hoping it would bring light that I’m a Christian and attend church on a regular basis. Now I’m not a saint and have my own issues from time to time with a damn or hell occasionally, but she took foul language to a whole other level. It was by mid-morning on tournament day that I said to myself, “I wish she would shut up!”

Being paired up with someone like this makes for a long day on the water. It’s a true test of one’s patience as she continued with her obscene language all day long. To make this day even worse, we had a late weigh-in time of 4:00 rather than 3:00. So, the joy for me was knowing I had an EXTRA hour of “F” bombs! But it all came together when she told me how she was raised. Now off the top of my head, I was thinking she came from an abusive home life with maybe an alcoholic parent or maybe she spent time as a child in a juvenile detention center. No. Turns out that she grew up on a bull riding ranch in Texas. Ha! Now it all came together; she was raised by cowboys!

Rodeo cowboys are a species unto themselves and have their own language limitations. If you ever watched the hit TV series, “Yellowstone,” you’ll understand how cowboys communicate. There’s a reason someone wrote the song “Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.” Look, I realize it takes all kinds to make up this world, and I’m not one to judge, even though I do.

To wrap up my day with the queen of obscene language, Miss Foul Mouth ended with these comments as she decided that her fishing day was over. As she sat down in the passenger seat on my boat, she made this profound statement, ”Mr. Steve, I’m done and let me tell ya what I need right now. I need an F***ing cigarette, an F***ing beer and a F***”ng toilet, and not necessarily in that order!” I was now beyond the shock value of Karen’s statements but could not wait to get her out of my boat. Rather than make an issue out of what her most recent demands were, while shaking my head, I just decided to say, “Me too!” I pulled the trolling motor up and cranked my engine to head back for the weigh-in. This was something I’d never done before…come in from an event 30 minutes early.

Over the years, I’ve had some long days on the water, but none longer than this one. It just goes to show, you never know who or what kind of person you’re going to get in a Pro/Am tournament. You just hope and pray that Karen is not your partner for the day. Till next time good luck and good fishing! Please make sure to check out our Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Facebook page for all kinds of tips and tricks to help make you a better angler. Go to hutdshow.com to learn more!

Steve Graf

The Pine Beetle Festival in Castor will be held on Saturday, November 4. Opening ceremonies begin at 9am and the parade rolls at 10am. All day fun including silent auction, pet parade, food, vendors, goat drop bingo, tethered hot air balloon rides and balloon glow.

Red River 4-H is selling sweet potatoes and pecans. Sweet potatoes come in 20 or 40 pounds. Pecan–1lb bags in plain, spicy roasted, roasted, sugared, praline crunch, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate. Also have chocolate almonds. Last day to order is November 6. Orders will be ready November 15. Call the 4-H office (932-4342) to order or see a 4-H member.

Castor High School will host a Cheer Clinic on Saturday, November 11 in the new gym. PreK-5th grade will participate from 8:30-11:30am. Cost is $30. Grades 6-8 will participate from 1-3pm with a cost of $40. Price includes shirt, pom poms, and snack. Contact the school for more information. 

Hayden Tyler McCrocklin
July 17, 2003 — October 23, 2023
Service: Saturday, October 28 at 2pm at Henrietta Congregational Methodist Church, Converse

Red River Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com)

 A $251M expansion of the carbon facility in Armstead is expected to begin in November. The proposed project could employ an additional 103 persons and impact over 250 indirect jobs by 2026.

The Police Jury along other agencies in the parish and the state have been working with ADA to create an incentive package that benefits the proposed expansion. This package may include workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and a $2 million performance-based grant for construction and infrastructure expenditures. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs.

The Red River plant is the largest activated charcoal plant in North America. ADA is the country’s only fully integrated domestic producer of activated carbon products and provides products and services that purify the air, ground, and water by controlling mercury and other contaminants released by coal-fired power generators and other contaminants in industrial and municipal processes.
“This proposed expansion and addition of jobs will have a lasting impact on Red River Parish,” stated School Superintendent Alison Strong. “We are excited about the prospect of working with this company to create desirable employees for their hiring pool”.

If the project continues as planned, the construction will begin as early as November of this year and commence in 2026.

OCTOBER 26
Coushatta/Red River Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the first Red River Glows Thursday October 26. This new venture will include 5 hot air balloons, one tethered balloon for rides, a pumpkin shine, a chili cooking contest, a costume contest, and a treat trot. Located at the parish fairgrounds, gates will open at 5:30pm, and the balloon glow will begin at dusk. Single-person tickets are $2.00, and families with up to 5 children are $8.00.

OCTOBER 27
Social Springs Baptist Church is having their Fall Festival on Friday, October 27 from 6-9pm. There will be games, cake walk, face painting, hayride, toy walk, s’mores, food and much more.

OCTOBER 28
Fairview Baptist Church invites everyone to their Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 28 from 2-4pm. Decorated cars will hand out candy. There will also be some carnival games, popcorn and of course, a ton of fun.

Martin Baptist Church will host their Fall Festival on Saturday, October 28 from 5-7pm. There will be games, crafts, Hot dogs/Chili dogs, cake walk, bounce house and Trunk or Treating.

The Village of Hall Summit will sponsor a Trunk or Treat and Chili Cookoff Saturday, October 28 at the Hall Summit Community Center and Park. The Chili Cookoff begins at 5pm and Trunk or Treat at 6pm. If you have any questions, contact Rachel Henry at 932-5355.

New Life Church will host their Fall Festival Saturday, October 28 from 5-8pm. Come out for live music, paintball target shooting, video game truck, door prizes, jumpers, face painting and lots of candy.

OCTOBER 31
You don’t want to miss the Halloween spooktacular at the Red River Parish Library on Tuesday, October 31 from 3-5pm. There will be lots of candy. Even a backdrop for you to take ghostly photos.

Abundant Life Worship Center is hosting a Trunk or Treat Tuesday, October 31 starting at 5:30PM. Bring the kids for a fun, safe family friendly night of treats. Refreshments will be available.

First Baptist Church Coushatta will hold their Fall Festival on Tuesday, October 31 from 6-8pm. Doors open at 5pm. Free entry. Enjoy games, food, and fellowship.

The Journal congratulates Michael Antilley of Coushatta. He won $100 in last week’s American Bank High School Football Pickers Contest with a perfect score. Michael got 10 out of 10 winners correct for the best overall entry.

This week will you be the parish resident with the best guesses of the outcome of 10 area high school football contests. The Journal has another contest underway and Friday at 4:00 pm is the deadline to enter.

CLICK HERE to enter. You could walk away with $100.

The Red River Parish Journal is adding an additional day to our publication. Beginning October 30, 2023, the journal will be published Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You have asked for more, and more you shall have. We will need more articles and events to announce with the publication of an additional day. Are you interested in writing about your community or sport? Do you want to try your hand at being a writer? Send it to redriverparishjournal@gmail.com

Stephen Thomas Adcock of Minden, Louisiana, was born August 2, 1951, and passed away October 8, 2023.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 11:30 at Carmel Cemetery. Father Mark Franklin will officiate.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas David Adcock, Linnie Laurine Adcock, and Nora Stephens Adcock; daughter, Melanie “Nicki” Babish; brother-in-law, John Coghill.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Adcock; daughters, Melinda Solomon (Greg) and Heather Adcock; granddaughters, Arielle Gathright and Whitney Mann; Grandson, Spencer Solomon; sisters, Rebecca Coghill and Deborah Bell (Doyle) and brother, Charles Adcock; Great-grandson, Bodhi Mann: Brother-in-law Kenneth Roblow (Beth); Sister-in-law Amanda Kendrick (Herbert Dale). He is also survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of cousins who loved him dearly.

Steve was a man known for his deep devotion to God, his family, his country, and living life to the fullest. He served his country in the Navy for seven years. He serviced jet engines while stationed in Rota, Spain. He maintained lifelong relationships with the people he served with and took his commitment to service to heart till the day he died.

Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin. Affectionately known as “Bubba” by his siblings and oldest cousins, Uncle Bubba by his nephews and nieces, Pop by his granddaughter Arielle, and Bubble Pop by the great-nieces and nephews who adored him, Steve was the protector of all. He never forgot a birthday, was always willing to help build something, was ready to cook for all who showed up, and loved being with his family. He doted on “his girls” and believed grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the greatest blessings on earth. His eyes lit up, and his smile brightened when Arielle entered the room. She had him wrapped around her finger from day one, and he would have it no other way.

Steve was vivacious. He never let a moment of life pass him by. Whether listening to or playing his beloved music, telling tall tales with his buddies, chuckling over something the kids did, or talking politics with anyone who would listen, he was forever the favorite in any room. If nephew Aaron called, he was ready for any adventure or project they could get into. Their time together was precious to him. His favorite pastime was fishing, and Ginger Craig was his partner in crime on so many of those fishing trips. His distinct laughter will forever be remembered. Those who knew him best know he is fishing the best holes in heaven and preparing for the day he can show us the best spots.

Honorary pallbearers include Joe Taylor, Doyle Bell, Herbert Dale Kendrick, and Kenneth Roblow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home at 3130 Arthur Ray Teague Parkway, Bossier City, LA 71112,
Or the Carmel Cemetery fund at 1746 Smithport Lake Rd, Mansfield, LA. 71052.

By: Glynn Harris

I saw my first black bear in Louisiana several years ago when I was on a deer hunt in Madison Parish. My host had dropped me off at my deer stand for an afternoon hunt when we looked down the foot plot and saw a bear.

Grabbing my camera, we slowly walked in his direction and as we closed the distance to about 100 yards, the bear stood up, checked us out giving me the opportunity to snap a couple of photos before he turned and ambled away into the thicket.

Two years ago, my wife and I were visiting the Tensas National Wildlife Refuge as we spotted a female bear and two cubs a few yards from our car. I was able to snap a few photos before they disappeared into the woods.

Seldom does a day go by that I don’t read on Facebook and see photos of bears all around north Louisiana, mostly bears captured on trail cameras as they take advantage of deer feeders, often dragging them to the ground and destroying them.

Property owners and those who deer hunt in the Tensas and Madison Parish area often see their hunting camps broken into as bears search for food. Many have long called for a hunting season for bears and are hopeful that the recent news coming out of Baton Rouge will reach fruition.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is expected to vote in its November meeting on the possibility of establishing a bear season for 2024-25.

The situation regarding the growing number of bears has created spirited discussions from those who can’t wait for a season to curtail the numbers of bears that are showing up all across north Louisiana along with others who are opposed to the idea.

Is the possibility of a bear season something new for Louisiana? I found a listing of hunting seasons for Louisiana for the 1939-40 season that includes bears that could be hunted from November 1 through January 1 with a daily limit of one; season limit of five.

Reading comments by some in response has been interesting. One respondent wrote…”My family has had land on the Tensas River in Madison Parish since the 1930s and there was always bears there and they were always a nuisance.” Another wrote…”I grew up along the Tensas River and there have always been bears there. They are protected, they breed and they spread out.”

The protection of bears in our state has to do with the assumption that Louisiana black bears we have are a sub-species. Some argue that the DNA of our bears is the same as those in other states. A black bear is a black bear, they contend.

We know that we have had bears as early as 1902 when President Teddy Roosevelt came on a bear hunt to Mississippi and Louisiana. In order for the President’s hunt to be successful, a bear was cornered and tied to a tree so he would have an easy target. He refused the offer, news spread and as a result, the warm cuddly stuffed animal, the Teddy Bear, was named in honor of the President.

Will Louisiana once again have a bear hunting season? Will everybody be happy should the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approve? Some for sure will be happy but there are others who believe bears should forever be protected.

Next week we’ll discuss preparing bear for the table, processing the meat and hide, comments from some who love it; some who gag at the thought of eating bear meat.

Stay tuned.

On October 23, 2023 the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office launched its new website www.redriverparishsheriff.org. Among other services, visitors to the site will be able to pay taxes and citations, view the parish sex offender registry, and purchase commissary items for those housed in the Red River Parish Jail.

Announcements will be routinely posted to the site and links to other agencies/organizations of interest will be provided as well.

Please visit the website to see the full list of services available.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2023

Contact: Kevin Calbert | kevin.calbert@la.gov

BESE affirms approval of policy establishing appeals process for LEAP scoring graduation requirement

On October 11, 2023, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) reapproved its policy establishing an appeals process for qualifying high school seniors who do not meet the state’s LEAP test scoring requirement for graduation.

Originally passed by the Board on June 14, the policy is advancing in the state’s Notice of Intent process, through which rulemaking entities such as BESE submit proposed policies to the public, oversight committees, and Governor for review prior to adoption as final rule. Last week’s BESE action reaffirming the policy approval followed a public comment period and a public hearing conducted by the Board on August 25.

On October 11, in compliance with the Louisiana Administrative Procedures Act, BESE submitted a summary report of public comments and agency responses (SPCAR) to the House and Senate Education Committees. The House Education Committee has scheduled an oversight hearing for October 26, 2023, to review the policy.

If the appeals process policy receives a favorable ruling by the oversight committee, BESE may submit the policy to the Louisiana Register for final adoption as rule. If an unfavorable ruling is received, the oversight committee must send its report to the Governor for review within four days of its hearing. The Governor would then have 10 days from receipt to approve or disapprove the unfavorable report. If the Governor approves the report, the policy will not advance to final rule. If the Governor disapproves the report, BESE may proceed to final adoption.

The earliest date that the appeals process policy may become final rule is November 20, 2023.

Of the eight states that still require minimum standardized test scores for graduation, only Louisiana has not offered students an appeals process for that requirement. The new policy provides an appeal option for seniors who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills sufficient to graduate, but struggle with difficulties related to standardized assessments, such as English Language learners and students with other learning challenges. Among other requirements, eligible students must complete all Carnegie unit requirements for the TOPS University or TOPS Tech Career Diploma, submit a portfolio of work aligned to LEAP 2025 standards, and demonstrate evidence of employability. Appeals will be administered at the local school level, and students would still be required to take the LEAP assessment.

BESE has directed the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) to develop implementation guidance for local school systems.

More information about the appeals process is available in the June 14, 2023 BESE news release here:

https://bese.louisiana.gov/about-bese/bese-news/2023/06/14/bese-introduces-appeals-process-for-state-s-leap-scoring-graduation-requirement.

The complete policy is available for viewing online at https://bese.louisiana.gov.

The October BESE meeting agenda item and related materials, including public comments, BESE and Louisiana Department of Education agency responses, and mockup implementation procedures may viewed here: http://go.boarddocs.com/la/bese/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CVTRVX6FC2E1.

# # #

BESE is the administrative policymaking body for elementary and secondary schools in Louisiana. The Board sets key education initiatives and works to outline an education agenda to achieve continuous improvement of public education as measured by student and school achievement.

U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson as U.S. House Speaker Would Also Be Historic and Impactful for Louisiana

I have written previously that it would be difficult to overstate the significance of a Louisiana member of the U.S. Congress becoming Speaker of the U.S House of Representatives. That applies whether that individual hails from north or south Louisiana.

I first wrote that in connection to the nomination for Speaker of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise. Scalise has now withdrawn himself from consideration. U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson has now stepped forward to offer his candidacy, among others.

Mike Johnson is from Shreveport-Bossier, and, like Scalise, I have also known Mike Johnson for over 20 years and know him to be a highly cordial, respectful individual. While Mike is an intellectual, he has not lost his light touch, sense of humor and easy-going manner. He is unfailingly polite in that toxic environment that is today’s U.S. Congress. In fact, he is the individual who introduced a “Commitment to Civility” to memorialize an agreement between members of Congress to, among other things, restore collegiality, trust, and civility to the Congress, encourage productive dialogue, and work to build consensus and trust in America’s institutions.

In January 2021, he was elected by his colleagues to serve as Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference, one of the seven elected leadership positions for Republicans in the House of Representatives. In November 2022, Mike was unanimously re-elected to serve another term as Vice Chairman of House Republicans in the 118th Congress. He also serves as a Deputy Whip for the 118th Congress. He previously served as chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus of conservatives in Congress, known as “the intellectual arsenal of conservatism in the House.”

He also serves on the House Armed Services and Judiciary committees. (Enormously beneficial to Louisiana military bases, prominently including Barksdale and Ft. Polk).

If he becomes Speaker, Rep. Johnson would impact literally everything that moves or occurs in the U.S. House.

From handing out coveted committee assignments to managing all of the inner workings of the U.S House itself. He would specifically address and/or direct appropriations which would no doubt increase the likelihood of Louisiana receiving desperately needed funding for our natural disasters, funding for flood plain insurance, to say nothing of numerous other critical infrastructure upgrades (roads, bridges, etc), and offshore federal mineral royalties that states like Louisiana are constantly having to fight the federal government to keep.

It’s also certainly worth remembering that the U.S. House Speaker is 2nd in the line of presidential succession, meaning that if the president were to die or become incapacitated, the VP serves next and then Speaker.

Mike Johnson is also well regarded by his fellow members of Congress, including across the aisle, and will provide principled leadership of that body. In short, his temperament and personality make him well suited to serve as a desperately needed consensus candidate who will serve as a trusted caretaker and an honorable steward of the gavel. His deep Christian faith, no doubt, lends itself to this monumental task.

I have recently been asked my view of the so-called “chaos” in a U.S. House with no speaker. Well, “raucous” and ‘chaotic” are what the Framers of our Constitution envisioned when they designed the U.S. House as the “people’s” house—because it was closer to the people with smaller congressional districts and 2-year terms—while the U.S. Senate was to serve as the calmer, more deliberative body with its 6-year terms.

Notwithstanding, though, chaos is ultimately not a long-term strategy. The House urgently needs a speaker to captain the House “ship” for many reasons not least of which being that the “power of the purse” lies in the U.S. House—Israel, for example, may ask for assistance from the U.S.—as well as the fact that the U.S. House must participate in decisions regarding its numerous other specific constitutional powers requiring the concurrence of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate.

Rep. Johnson’s temperament and personality will no doubt help him manage his diverse Republican Caucus, one that contains the full spectrum of members. He will attempt to corral and manage personalities ranging from conservative firebrands all the way to much more moderate Republicans trying to hold on in Blue states. It must be like trying to herd cats.

Rep. Johnson is as ideal a candidate as any and better than just about any I could imagine. I wish him luck.

Royal Alexander

Shreveport attorney, Royal Alexander, worked in D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 8 years for two different Members of Congress from Louisiana. He has witnessed up close several Speaker races.