By Doug De Graffenried

I know you are busy, and I want to get you back to your life, so this is a short article. Do me a favor, think about these things for just a moment.

Years ago, in seminary, they taught us the adult attention span was 23 minutes. In this digital world the your attention span was by-passed after the first sentence. These are quick. They are in no particular Biblical order.

Jesus threw a Temple tantrum.

Jesus was always borrowing things. He borrowed a boat; borrowed a donkey; borrowed an upper room; borrowed a sepulcher.

Jesus invited himself to supper at Zacchaeus’ house. Jesus invited himself to join the conversation on the Emmaus road. Jesus inserted himself into the political conversation in Jerusalem when he mounted a donkey and rode into the city. Jesus inserted himself into many conversations and situations and His imposition gave each person something they were looking for and a relationship that changed their lives.

Jesus spent too much time with children.

Jesus was a serial procrastinator. On at least two occasions, Jesus was late, and it cost someone his or her life. However, Jesus was always on time. Go figure.

As an infant, Jesus spooked a king. As a child he shocked the theologians.

Jesus comforted the afflicted and afflicted the comfortable.

Jesus.

Northwestern State University was made aware of the off-campus arrest on Oct. 20 of an NSU student by the City of Natchitoches Police Department.

At NSU, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff and take any legal matters involving members of our university community seriously.

We understand that this news may be concerning and want to assure the public that we are actively monitoring the situation and cooperating with the authorities to determine any additional action that the university should take at this time.

NSU is currently unable to comment on the ongoing investigation but will update the university community as more information becomes available.

It is important to remember that an arrest does not imply guilt and we must respect the legal process and the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.

We want to emphasize that the alleged actions of one individual do not reflect the values and principles of our institution.

NSU is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all and will take appropriate action based on the outcome of the legal process.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.

Any inquiries concerning this matter should be directed to the City of Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101.

Detectives with the Natchitoches Police Department and agents with Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force have arrested Maurice Campbell II (B/M, 22 y.o.a. of Memphis) for obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.  Maurice Campbell II was a teammate of the deceased Ronald Caldwell.

Maurice Campbell II was placed in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Shermaria Lewis at (318) 357-3914.  Remember all information given shall remain confidential.  

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388.  All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $3,000 for the arrest of an offender.

Update: Natchitoches Police actively investigate homicide on University Parkway

The Natchitoches Police Department is vigorously investigating the homicide of Ronald Caldwell that took place Thursday morning on University Parkway.  Detectives working the crime scene were able to recover several pieces of physical and digital evidence that will be sent to a crime lab for forensics.  We are following up on all leads and tips we have received throughout this investigation and would like to thank the public for their support. 

On October 12, 2023, detectives with the Natchitoches Police Department arrested John McIntosh (B/M, 27 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) for possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.  John McIntosh is the roommate of the deceased Ronald Caldwell.  He was placed in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

Original Story: Natchitoches Police investigate homicide on University Parkway

The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred early Thursday morning on University Parkway.

On October 12, 2023 around 1:08 a.m., officers with the Natchitoches Police Department were dispatched to 3800 University Parkway in reference to gunshots in the area.  Upon officers arrival they located Ronald Caldwell (B/M, 21 y.o.a. of Manor, TX) suffering from several gunshot wounds.  Ronald Caldwell was pronounced deceased by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office as a result of his injuries. 

This investigation is ongoing and the Natchitoches Police Department will release more details as they become available.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Shermaria Lewis at (318) 357-3914.  Remember all information given shall remain confidential.  

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388.  All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $3,000 for the arrest of an offender.

By Sid Hall, Military Affairs Coordinator / ROTC Program Manager

NATCHITOCHES – In continuing its tradition of honoring those who serve in the nation’s Armed Forces, Northwestern State University named Colonel Lesh Nettles Brown, U.S. Air Force Retired, the honorary captain during its home football game against Southeastern Louisiana University Oct. 19.

In 1966, Brown received a direct commission as a Health Services Administrator after three years of enlisted service. He was a Clinic Administrator and Associate Hospital Administrator before serving on the Health Services staff for Headquarters, Tactical Air Command.

Brown was activated during Operations Desert Shield/Storm to serve as the Hospital Administrator for the 23rd Medical Group, England AFB LA. He deployed to Southeast Asia to command the 4409 OSW Hospital. Later, he served on the Health Services staff of the Air Force Surgeon General. His final assignment was Administrator for the 433rd Contingency Hospital, Lackland AFB TX. After 33 years of military service, Brown retired in 1993. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

A pillar of the community, Brown is well known for his many years of volunteer service. Notably, he has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches for over 50 years, including service as past president of Kiwanis International. He is the past chairman of the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana and served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches. Additionally, he is the president of the Natchitoches Parish Port Commission and has long supported his alma mater, NSU. In May, the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce named him the recipient of their 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Brown is a Financial Services Professional with New York Life Insurance and is both a Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant. A native of Coushatta, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern. He was escorted on field by NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones and Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Smalley, U.S. Army Retired, Northwestern Demon Regiment Chief of Staff.

Pictured: NSU alum Nettles Brown of Natchitoches was honorary captain of the NSU-SLU football game Oct. 19.  From left are LTC Arthur Smalley, Brown and NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones.

 Just once I’d like to see the tables turned in a sports interview.

I’d like to hear a sportswriter sort of look down and, not defeated but definitely dejected, mumble into the microphone after a poorly written game story, “I just didn’t have my good verbs today. No movement with my action verbs at all. I was missing early in the story with my helping verbs so I couldn’t really set up what’s been my bread-and-butter action verbs like ‘pitched’ and ‘hit.’ It is what it is, I guess…”

Just once…

Part of sports is that familiar give-and-take between players/managers and writers/broadcasters before and after games, familiar and routine as batting practice or pregame warmups.

Monday night after a Game 7 rout by Texas in the American League Championship Series, baseball’s and Houston’s much beloved Dusty Baker, manager of the defending World Series champs but losers in Monday night’s series-deciding game, deftly dodged questions about some of his in-game decisions, decisions that landed somewhere between strange and bizarre, especially for a future Hall-of-Famer who played 19 seasons and has since managed teams to more than 2,000 wins.

Dusty said something about fans having been “spoiled around here, as far as winning,” how the Astros have “nothing to be ashamed of,” how they were beaten “by a better team tonight.” And on like that. Which is fine. No excuses, but no real explanations either.

Just to keep things even, writers should have to do the same now and then. Instead of hanging around the batting cage—let’s say we’re talking baseball here—maybe now and then the manager comes to the press box and says to the writer, “Your game story this morning, it seemed flat. Sally’s story in The Tribune, it was like reading music. Felt like I was at the game. What’s your evaluation of what happened?”

Writer: “Look, Sally’s a good writer and she was the better typist last night,” the writer says, studying his shoes. “I had some opportunities in my lead and didn’t take advantage of those. As the story went on, I had decent command of my nouns, even the Proper Nouns, but my verbs were all over the place. I let that one adjective get away from me in — I think it was the third graph — and after that it seemed I couldn’t find my rhythm or my butt with both hands.

“It’s like I told the staff after the paper came out, I’ve got to do my job, sure, but we’ve got to have good layout too, maybe a few graphics … it takes a team. This isn’t a one-man show. But the bottom line is I’ve got to do better. I can’t just throw my laptop out there and expect to win.”

Coach: “Any thoughts on how home press box proved to be no advantage at all this series?”

Writer: “That’s writing. That’s just writing. My splitting an infinitive and giving a clause away when I hung that preposition late didn’t help, but I think the fight was there: we just didn’t execute at the level we’re capable of.”

Coach: “Your pronoun use has been a strong suit all year. Do you think you landed those today?”

Writer: “My subjective pronouns were as good as they’ve been all year. But somewhere around the eighth sentence, my objective pronouns were flat as a crewcut and the one time I used a possessive case and then a nominative clause, well, those weren’t worth donating to the homeless. Anything else guys?”

Coach: “Thanks, Writer. Good luck tomorrow.”

Writer: “Thanks guys. I appreciate y’all. Just wasn’t our day. But we don’t have anything to be ashamed of. Outside of getting the final score wrong … Sorry about that. Wish I had that one back.”

By Greg Burke

Red River Parish residents no doubt take immense pride in home grown athletes like Joe Adcock and
Frank Brian, who have been recognized for their accomplishments through induction into the Louisiana
Sports Hall of Fame.

For years, the only point of recognition for those honorees was in trophy cases at Northwestern State
University’s Prather Coliseum. In 2013, recognition of Louisiana’s greatest athletes took a monumental
step forward with construction of the state-funded 27,000 square foot Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and
Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches’ downtown historic district.

In addition to being open to visitors and for group tours, the museum has hosted events such as the
recent 50 th anniversary commemoration of singer Jim Croce’s untimely death after performing at NSU,
wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners, meetings, and other functions.

The first-ever Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame “Join the Team” membership drive – which research shows
is standard for most hall of fame museums – has been initiated to secure resources which can be used
to update and upgrade the museum. State funding underwrites basic operating costs for the museum
but there are often inadequate funds to enhance the museum, especially in this age of “bells and
whistles” (aka “technology”). Log on to LaSportsHall.com and click the “Join the Team” button or text
LSHOFTEAM to 41444 to “Join the Team.” Checks can be mailed to 500 Front Street, Natchitoches, LA
71457.

While today’s technology comes at a cost, the “asking price” for Hall of Fame membership can be as
little as $10 per month. Member benefits include official Hall of Fame team member gear, the
opportunity to win monthly drawings, discounts on merchandise and other amenities. 2023 Louisiana
Sports Hall of Fame inductees Alana Beard – Shreveport (Southwood High School), Duke University, and
15-year WNBA standout – along with two-time LSU national champion and 14-year Major League
Baseball pitcher Paul Byrd, are Honorary Co-Chairs of the inaugural membership campaign.
And if that isn’t attractive enough, members who sign up by December 31 of this year will be entered in
a January 1 drawing for the “Ultimate 2024 Hall of Fame Weekend Experience,” which includes two
tickets to all induction weekend events, a photo with your favorite 2024 Hall of Famer (Drew
Brees…Seimone Agustus…Daniel Cormier…or another inductee…your choice!) and exclusive access to
some events. The value of that package is close to $1,000!

The initial goal is a very conservative and surely attainable 100 members. This museum is our state’s
pride and joy, a legacy locker room for its greatest athletes that celebrates excellence from all 64
parishes, from Ida to Grand Isle, from Lake Providence to Lake Charles. Statewide ownership will ensure that just as Louisiana athletes are among the best from coast to coast, the same can always be said
about its Sports Hall of Fame Museum.

Greg Burke is Director of Business Development and Public Relations for the Louisiana Sports Hall of
Fame Foundation. He was formerly Director of Athletics at Northwestern State University for 26 years.
Burke can be contacted at gregburke@lasportshall.com

PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

SMITH, SHEREDDRION
23 B F 10/14/2023 10/16/2023
ARRESTING AGENCY: COUSHATTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
FAILURE TO APPEAR – FINES & COSTS $150.00 OR 30 DAYS IN JAIL
SIMPLE BATTERY O.R. BOND

WILLIAMS, SHAKAYLA
30 B F 10/14/2023 10/16/2023
ARRESTING AGENCY: COUSHATTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
FAILURE TO APPEAR – CRIMINAL ARRAIGNMENT O.R. BOND
DISTURBING THE PEACE O.R. BOND

WILSON, ZAVEONTA
21 B M 10/16/2023 INCARCERATED
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
FAILURE TO APPEAR – PRETRIAL $50,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
FAILURE TO APPEAR – PRETRIAL $50,000.00 (CONCURRENT)

PETE, PAUL
48 B M 10/17/2023 INCARCERATED
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDER $10,000.00

SMITH, CHRISTOPHER
50 B M 10/17/2023 INCARCERATED)
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
RESISTING AN OFFICER $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
FAILURE TO APPEAR – FINES & COSTS $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT)

BAKER, JEFFREY
33 W M 10/18/2023 10/19/2023
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
THEFT OF A VALUE LESS THAN $1,000.00 $2,000.00

Nichol’s will celebrate their anniversary on November 3 & 4. All stores will be tax free on EVERYTHING during that weekend! A $1000 gift card will be given away at all locations. 

78th Birthday Honorarium/52nd Ministry Banquet honoring Pastor Jimmie T. Mitchell will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 6pm at the Coushatta Event Center, 5093 Cut-Off Road. To purchase tickets contact Pastor Joey Miller 318.609.3932, Alicia Smith 318.470.3964 or Alice Everett 318.754.5634. Attire is semi-formal and colors are royal blue, silver and black.

New Hope #3 Baptist Church in Hanna will celebrate its 90th Church Anniversary on Sunday, November 5 at 1:30pm. Special Guest will be Pastor Christopher Burton from Starlight Baptist Church, Coushatta. 

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.

Margaret Calvet Patterson
September 12, 1937 – October 23, 2023
Service: Wednesday, October 25 at 2pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel, Coushatta

Stephen Thomas Adcock
August 2, 1951 – October 8, 2023
Memorial service: Thursday, October 26n at 11:30am at Carmel Cemetery, 1822 Smithport Lake Road, Mansfield

Robert Aldine Posey
November 16, 1934 — October 18, 2023
Service: Thursday, November 2 at 1pm at Bellaire Baptist Church, 4330 Panther Dr, Bossier City
Burial will follow at Springville Cemetery, Coushatta

It’s Monday, we have just launched another High School Football Pickers Contest.  The Journal has another $100 to award to the reader in the parish who does the best job of predicting the outcome of ten area football games.

CLICK HERE to get the entry form.  Fill it out. You could be our next $100 winner!

The deadline is 4:00 pm today for this week’s American Bank High School Football Pickers Contest.  Time is running out!  Entry by CLICKING HERE to get to the entry blank.

Are you the best at predicting the outcome of ten area high school football games?  The winner last week was Michael Birdsong who got 10 out of 10, a perfect score.  The Journal reader in the parish who comes closest to guessing the winners this week will get $100! 

Enter now, before the 4:00 pm deadline today.  Win $100.  Good luck.

The 2023 Holiday Express train is set to return. Santa Claus and his elves will be visiting 20 communities in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. This festive six-car train will continue its charitable tradition with The Salvation Army this year, and has raised over $3.1 million in 22 years.

The Holiday Express resumes its free public stops, allowing visitors to meet Santa and explore the festively adorned train cars. Donations for the 2023 campaign are welcomed!

The Holiday Express will visit Coushatta on Sunday, December 3 at 4pm.

Link to full schedule https://www.cpkcr.com/content/dam/cpkc/documents/english/pdfs/holiday-train/2023-Holiday-Express-Schedule.pdf

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.

The Chili Cook-Off is open for anyone to enter ($10) or purchase tickets ($2) to sample/vote for winners. Bragging rights and trophies will be involved. To enter just fill out this form and pay $10. Then show up at the fairgrounds with at least 2 gallons of your best chili on October 26 at 5pm. Participants should bring a table (can be decorated) and chili already heated. No electricity is available. Trophies will be presented at 6:45pm. Chili must be made with traditional ingredients: meat, beans, tomatoes, peppers and spices. List all ingredients for public view and display the name of person who made the chili. 

Treats of all kinds are up for grabs in a cake walk style Treat Trot. Walk to music, if your number is called you win the treat of your choice. Donations of any treat or cash/check are accepted. Monetary donations should be dropped off at Red River Industries by October 24 at 2pm and treat donations on October 26 by 2pm. Cost is $2 to participate in each trot. Please call 932.6520 for more information.

Children ages 0-12 years of age may enter the Costume Contest. Judging is at 6pm. Trophies will be given for the following categories: funniest, most artistic, best, most colorful, scariest, most creative. Family friendly costumes please.

Pumpkins for the Pumpkin Shine can be carved, painted or decorated. Pumpkins will be displayed for all to see so make sure names are visible. They should be dropped off at the fairgrounds by 3pm October 26. 

Tethered hot air balloon rides will be available for $20 per person. 

Magnolia Bend Academy is proud to recognize the following students for their hard work during the 1st 9-week grading period:

4.0
Birdwell, Carter
Birdwell, Channing
Carney, Aidan
Carney, Anderson
Collins, Alyana
Cottingham, Marlee
Cummins, Corbin D.
Davis, Cassie A.
Davis, Charleigh A.
Davis, Harper
Feazel, Ava
Foster, Violet G.
Gandy, Madilyn
Gill, Ezra W.
Hall, Kayslyn P.
Harris, Brock J.
Hesser, Brantley C.
Johnson, Brooklyn A.
Marin, Jonathan R. (Ramey)
McNeely, Abby G.
McNeely, Anna N.
Mena, Esperanza (Hope)
Mudge, Kensley
Nelson, Adrian B.
Olliff, Ethan
Pearson, Kyler P.
Pearson, Rylee A.
Pierce, Allie G.
Pleasant, William
Powell, Chassidy A.
Rains, Luke
Rascoe, Thomas L. (Lake)
Weems, Tye
Williams, Alexia
Williams, Lily G.

3.67-3.99
Ammons, Jasper
Ammons, John R.
Armstrong, Harper S.
Beauboeuf, Cameron S.
Beauboeuf, Corbin G.
Broadway, Colby
Broadway, Raylehn J.
Cooper, Mckenzie
Cottingham, Aylah
Davis, Brantley
Davis, Corley L.
DeMoss, Darbi A.
Dycus, Annalise S.
Edwards, Raelynn
Feazel, Layla
Freeman, Riley N.
Friday, Jordan C.
Greer, John W.
Hays, RayleAnn
Hesser, Casen R.
Lasyone, Kayson
Lirette, Nicholas
Lucky V, William A. (Quincy)
Maines, Annaleigh
Martin, Jacob A.
Mire, Reese K.
Mitchell, Remington C.
Moseley, Rachyl E.
Moseley, Rylan J.
Rains, Addison
Rowe, Chloe
Scott, Kyndal C.
Shaw, Carter
Shirley, Carter
Simmons, Wyatt
Sims, Maciee
Townsend, Ava G.
Townsend, Jaxon
Williams, Claire

3.0-3.66
Armstrong, Roman B.
Arnold, Hayden B.
Baldwin, Breanna H.
Calvert, Kira F.
Calvert, Ty K. (Kayne)
Carney, Adalynn
Carney, Evan
Coffelt, Kaitlyn
Dans, Levi M.
Dubois, Cayden R.
Foshee, Gabreal
Freeman, Emmett R.
Freeman, Hayden J.
Gardner, Colton
Gilcrease, Rayleigh J.
Griffith, Kolton
Hill, Teagan
Hilliard, Ski
Lester, Xoe A.
Long, Brayden
Long, Mason
Maines, Sawyer
McCullough, Tuff A.
Morgan, Ava
Moseley, Reese D.
Scaife, Avanna K.
Smith, Noah
Watkins, Jace
Watkins, James
Weeks, Noah J.
Weems, Jon T.
Wood, Kendall

A-Shift
Sunday October 15, 2023 at 19:21 Red River Fire District was dispatched to the report of a structure fire with all occupants out of the residence. While enroute Red River EMS was dispatched to the scene to be on standby.

RRFD arrived on scene to find heavy fire showing from Bravo side window with heavy smoke throughout. Fire crews performed a transitional fire attack from Bravo side, transitioning into an interior fire attack. While interior fire attack was underway, a primary search was completed to rule out any possible victims. This incident was called under control at 20:05. No injuries were reported from this incident.

While packing up hose and putting equipment back on the trucks, future firefighter Cedric lent a helping hand to Firefighter Colbey Bryant and the rest of the crew. Thank you Cedric for all of your help, and were looking forward to seeing you on your visit to the fire station.

Red River Fire District would like to say thank you to the agencies that played a role in this incident. Red River EMS, Red River Parish Sheriff’s office, and Coushatta PD.

RRFD would also like to say thank you to the firefighters of Red River Parish who protect our community.

A support group ministry for mothers or other women who are primary caregivers to children who have special needs will meet at Fairview Baptist Church at 6pm today to get to know each other and discuss future plans.

Raylie Hardy, one of the founding members of the ministry, explains that the group will be focused on educating, equipping, and supporting women as they navigate special needs parenting.

Dinner will be provided.

If you would like to attend the meeting, this is the link to RSVP:
https://forms.gle/eRmVGe6gnxNtmJBH9

Experience Legendary Music, Food & History at the Louisiana Legends Fest presented by Car Giant Chevrolet GMC of Homer! This unique festival is this Saturday, October 21st from 10am- 6pm in Downtown Historic Homer, LA!

The music line up this year includes two stages of live music starring multi-platinum singer/songwriter Deana Carter!

9:00 – 12:00 – DJ Haynes
12:00-12:30 – Firm Foundation (GBT Gospel Stage)
12:30 – 1:00 – Edgewood Square (GBT Gospel Stage)
1:00 – 2:30 – Muzikology (Fibrebond Main Stage)
2:30 – 3:00 – Combined Choirs of Homer & Haynesville 1st Baptist Churches, Calvary Baptist and Cornerstone (GBT Gospel Stage)
3:30 – 4:00 –  Sean and the Crew (GBT Gospel Stage)
4:00 – 5:30 –  Deana Carter (Fibrebond Main Stage)

Tours will be available of the historic Claiborne Parish Courthouse and Ford Museum. Enjoynlocal antique shopping, over 50 art and craft vendors and mouthwatering food in the food Court.

There will also be cars on display at the Thomas G. Bourn Memorial Car Show, Art Contest, Farmer’s Market and much more!

The Louisiana Legends Fest honors and celebrates Louisianans’ that have had a significant impact with their life. This year’s honoree is Coach Alton “Red” Franklin who served as Head Coach of Haynesville’s Golden Tornado. From 1966-2000.

FREE General Admission
$25 Super Fan (Special Seating – Artist Meet & Greet Access)
$100 VIP (Covered Special Seating – Artist Meet & Greet Access – VIP Parking – VIP Lounge Access & Complimentary LLF Folding Chair)

Tickets: https://www.legendsfest.us/tickets

Homer is located 45 miles south of El Dorado, AR and is approximately 50 miles east of Shreveport and 65 miles west of Monroe.

More information can be found by visiting legendsfest.us.

Red River Parish Schools will celebrate Red Ribbon Week October 23 – 31. The 2023 Red Ribbon Campaign Theme, “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free.™” was submitted by Danielle Helm, a Youth Service Coordinator from Russell County Middle School in Russell Springs, Kentucky. This year’s theme is a reminder that everyday Americans across the country make significant daily contributions to their communities by being the best they can be because they live Drug-Free!

Please see each school’s Facebook page for dress days. 

At the Harrington Law Firm, we are a Debt Relief agency and we do assist people in filing for Bankruptcy under Federal Bankruptcy Law and also counsel people about non-bankruptcy options when they are suffering from financial problems.

There are lots of “street lawyers” out there who are very quick to give “advice” about the process and the effects of filing for bankruptcy.

First of all, the information those “street lawyers” give you is very likely incorrect. It may be that they or someone they knew filed bankruptcy in the past but bankruptcies are like snowflakes, every one is different. No two financial situations are exactly alike and what may or may not have worked for one person may work the total opposite way for another. In any event, here are some of the most common myths that we come across when counseling our clients about the possibility of filing bankruptcy:

MYTH #1:

If you file bankruptcy you will lose everything you have. That is actually almost never the case. In fact, most of the Chapter 13 Debt Consolidation Bankruptcies we file have the opposite effect. They often allow our clients to keep their property instead of losing it to their creditors.

MYTH #2:

You will never get credit again and you will never be able to own anything again. Both of these myths are absolutely false. We find that in the vast majority of our clients, the filing of bankruptcy actually improves their credit, sometimes dramatically, and that after they finish the bankruptcy, if they otherwise qualify for loans, they can purchase vehicles, homes, and as we like to say: “do anything you’re big enough to do.”

MYTH #3:

Filing will hurt your credit for ten years. This is absolutely a myth. While this may have been true many years ago, our experience has been that our clients’ credit improved dramatically upon receiving their discharge and they start receiving credit cards in the mail and offers from companies wanting to provide them with credit. Of course, we caution our clients to be very careful and conservative before getting themselves in debt again.

MYTH #4:

If you are married, both spouses have to file. This is not the case; we have many cases where one of the spouses in a married couple files while the other one does not.

MYTH #5:

You’ll have to testify in court. This is very, very unlikely. During Covid, the Bankruptcy Courts in our area began conducting the debtors’ meetings with the Trustees by telephone conference and/or Zoom and that continues to this day. That means that you can participate by phone from your home, work or wherever you are. It is rare that a court appearance would be required, and most of those are now are conducted by ZOOM.

MYTH #6:

Even if you file, creditors will still harass you and your family. Upon filing either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, which are the two types of consumer bankruptcies, all of your creditors will be served with what is called the “Automatic Stay,” which is an order issued by the Court prohibiting your creditors from suing you, calling you, writing you, or having any other further contact with you. You will have filed for bankruptcy protection, and protection is what it provides.

MYTH #7:

You can’t get rid of back taxes through bankruptcy. This is not always the case. Although there are some taxes that you cannot discharge through bankruptcy, we are often able to wipe out a good deal of back taxes and even if we can’t, could at least stop the penalties from running and protect our clients from seizures or any other collection efforts by the IRS or the State.

MYTH #8:

Bankruptcy cannot help you get your driver’s license back after suspension for MV fines. Again, this is false. We see many clients who owe thousands in Office of Motor Vehicle (DMV) fines and charges, and who have had their driver’s license suspended. In most cases we are able to file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, take care of the fines through the plan, and immediately get the suspension lifted.

MYTH #9:

You can only file once for bankruptcy protection. This is definitely not true; debtors can file multiple times for bankruptcy protection.

MYTH #10:

Only deadbeats or bad people file for bankruptcy. This is definitely a myth. We find that our clients see bankruptcy as an absolute last resort and 90+% of our clients file for one of the following reasons: divorce, excessive medical bills, or becoming unemployed or under-employed.

MYTH #11:

When you get behind on your bills and can’t catch up bankruptcy, is your only option. When a client comes to us for a free consultation at The Harrington Law Firm, we discuss all of their options. Often times we will recommend non-bankruptcy options with our clients, such as, allowing us to negotiate with their creditors.

Remember, your first appointment is always free!

In addition to bankruptcy, The Harrington Law Firm handles Automobile Accidents, Medical Malpractice and other type of Personal Injury cases, Successions, Social Security Disability claims, and uncontested Divorces.

The Harrington Law Firm may be reached by calling (318) 352-5900 or going to http://www.theharringtonlawfirm.com

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 make ghostly photos. 

Make sure to swing by and join in on the fun!

When our country was still in its infancy, in the 1790s, John Chapman began an apprenticeship in Ohio as an orchardist, a grower of fruit trees. John was born in 1774 in Leominster, Massachusetts. He was the second of three children. John’s mother died in 1778 shortly after giving birth to John’s younger brother. Two years later, John’s father remarried and had several more children. Little more is known about John until he was an adult, and even then, the details are sketchy.

During his apprenticeship, John learned to grow and care for a wide variety of fruit trees, but he preferred apple trees. Once his apprenticeship was complete, John set up his own apple tree nursery. He planted a large tract of land in apple trees, all from seeds, and built a fence around the plot to protect the seedlings from wildlife. Once the trees were established, John turned the nursery over to a neighbor. The neighbor watched over the nursery, sold the young trees, and he and John divided the money. Most of the trees were sold to settlers as they arrived in the area. The neighbor saved John’s portion for his eventual return.

John moved on, sometimes to another state, to start another apple tree nursery. He usually moved west to stay just ahead of the arriving settlers. Again, once the trees were established, he turned the nursery over to a neighbor. He repeated the process over and over. By the end of his life, John owned or had long-term leases on about 1200 acres of land in Ohio and Indiana. John planted orchards in Ohio, Indiana, and several other states. It is impossible to know just how many apple trees John planted in his lifetime.

When heading to a new area to set up a new orchard, John often visited his sister, Elizabeth, who lived in Savannah, Ohio. Based on newspaper and magazine articles written about him during his lifetime, John became wealthy from selling young apple trees, yet he almost always traveled on foot so as not to misuse or abuse horses or other animals. Always preferring to travel light and practical, John wore a hat made of metal, probably tin, and liked to walk barefooted to feel the earth on his feet. The metal hat kept his head dry during rainstorms, and he used the hat to fetch drinking water and to cook food over an open fire. While visiting his sister, John refused to sleep in her or anyone else’s home. John usually slept on the floor of a small outbuilding at a nearby farm owned by a Mr. Harvey. On one such trek to his sister’s, John showed his gratitude to Mr. Harvey by establishing an apple orchard on his farm.

Most of the trees that John planted died many decades ago. If you visit a certain picturesque 19th century farmhouse just outside of Savannah, Ohio, you can see an ancient tree which is little more than a large stump with sparse and random sprouts. This tree, on what was the Harvey farm, is believed to be the last surviving apple tree planted by John, a Males Pumila.

The ancient apple tree on the old Harvey farm is just one reminder of John’s love and appreciation of apple trees. 70-year-old John Chapman died in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1845 after contracting pneumonia. Following his death, one newspaper reported, “This man had imbibed so remarkable a passion for the rearing and cultivation of apple trees from the seed, and pursued it with so much zeal and perseverance, as to cause him to be regarded by the few settlers, just then beginning to make their appearance in the country, with a degree of almost superstitious admiration.” Although the exact location of John’s final resting place has been debated for decades, many historians believe his grave is located on a small hill in a park in Fort Wayne which bears his nickname. It is known as Johnny Appleseed Park.

Sources:

1.       The Wilkes-Barre Advocate, June 3, 1846, p.1.

2.     “The Man – the Johnny Appleseed Educational Center and Museum.” Accessed October 15, 2023. https://johnnyappleseedmuseum.org/the-man/.

Northwestern State University is offering a new undergraduate certificate in Medical Humanities that is administered through the Louisiana Scholars’ College but is open to all students.  

“The field of medical humanities offers perspectives on medicine and health drawn from the arts, literature, history, philosophy and the social sciences,” said Dr. Keith Dromm, professor of philosophy and coordinator of special curricula. “It is a growing field that is increasingly becoming part of the education of health professionals. It is a valuable credential for students pursuing a career in healthcare. It signals to schools and employers that the student has a broad understanding of medicine, including its social, cultural and ethical dimensions. For students in other fields, like education or humanities, it gives them a timely and important area of expertise that they could utilize in their careers and graduate studies.” 

The certificate’s core courses are taught in the Scholars’ College. One of these, SPHI 3100 Professional Ethics, will be taught in the Spring 2024 semester. Other courses will be taught through disciplines throughout the university. Because of its interdisciplinary curriculum, courses that fulfill students’ major requirements may also fulfill requirements of the certificate. For some majors, like biology or psychology, students only need to take a few extra classes to earn the certificate, Dromm said.  

The field of Medical Humanities began in the late 1960s when scholars who believed that the understanding of human health could be extended by drawing on disciplines outside of the natural sciences. Today, courses in medical humanities are offered in more than 80 percent of medical schools. At the undergraduate level, universities across the country offer majors, minors and/or certificates in medical humanities, or they sponsor other initiatives that promote and disseminate medical humanities scholarship.  

The aim of medical humanities is to expand and extend knowledge of medicine as well as better prepare those aspiring to careers in health professions.   

“It aims to produce more effective and empathic clinicians and to produce in others knowledge that will lead to improvements to healthcare,” Dromm said. “Many envision it becoming an integral part of medical education.”

Information on the program is available at: https://www.nsula.edu/scholars/certificate-programs/

LCU’s annual jam-packed Homecoming and Spirit Week begin Monday culminating in the football game against Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28.

The 2023 Homecoming Court will be presented during the annual Homecoming Chapel service on Tuesday. The following students make up this year’s court:

Senior Court

• Isabel Armand, exercise science-clinical wellness major from Opelousas
• Gabrielle Daigle, nursing major from Crowley
• Sydni Gross, psychology major from Lambertville, Michigan
• Hannah Miller, math education major from Iowa
• Camille Soileau, communication studies-public relations major from Ville Platte
• Holly Tony, social work major from Haughton

Junior Court

• Kate Campbell, exercise science major from Baton Rouge
• Samantha McCollough, psychology major from Oakdale
• Elisabeth McGrath, business administration-economics/finance major from Westlake

Sophomore Court

• Camille Allgood, history major from Denham Springs
• Skyler Garza, social work major from Stonewall

Freshmen Court

• Grace Artigue, missions and ministry major from Opelousas
• Annemarie Campbell, biology major from Patterson
• Kayla Condrey, education major from Rayville

The 2023 Homecoming Queen will be crowned during halftime of the game Saturday.

Events scheduled for Homecoming Week include:

• Homecoming Hoe-Down, Thursday, 7 p.m. at Lynn Alumni Center
• Pep Rally/Bonfire, Friday, 8 p.m. at Lynn Alumni Center
• Homecoming Parade, Saturday, 11 a.m. in the LCU Circle
• Wildcat Carnival, Saturday, 11:30 a.m. near football stadium
• Wildcat Tailgate, Saturday, 11:30 a.m. in Cottingham lot
• Alumni Reunion Reception, Saturday, noon in Granberry Conference Center