“Join us for festivities and fellowship!” is the invitation issued by the new Family Harvest Church. They are staging a big celebration of US Independence beginning at 3:00 pm on Tuesday July 4, 2023.
The day’s activities include a waterslide for the kids, so bring your swimsuit and towel. Everyone is invited to a huge BBQ dinner.
The celebration will be held at 513 Catfish Bend Road south of Coushatta. The church meets Sunday and Wednesdays at Magnolia Bend Academy.
By Bailee King
Cow Camp 2023 was one for the books! I am so thankful God put me and Tucker on this path of being their pre-teen leader. These kids may not be our biological kids, but they are our kids.
I have seen God move and do really great things through these kids these past four days. Just to hear what they got from their clinics each night, watching them praise God in worship, pray aloud in big groups in front of others, was truly amazing. I am just so proud of them and can’t wait to see what God will continue to do through them.
Parents you have raised amazing kids, we got so many compliments on how well behaved and kind they are. Thank you for trusting me and Tucker to take your babies.
We are tired, sore, and ready for our own bed and showers, but I would go back tomorrow if they wanted to. Thank you to everyone who prayed for us.
By Steve Graf
As a kid growing up in East Texas, my idea of sleeping in was getting up at 7 a.m.
At my house, there was no lying in bed till noon like some of my friends were able to do.
There was a yard to be mowed, a garden to rake, trash to take out and other chores that were required to live under the roof my mom and dad provided. Many a morning my bedroom light came on at 5 a.m., especially when there was work to be done on our ranch. One thing about growing up on a ranch — there’s always something to be done.
Whether we were fixing fences, building a barn, bailing hay or doctoring cattle, there was never a shortage of work. But most of the time, before my work began, my dad would let me take advantage of the early morning bite as I fished one of our many stocked ponds loaded with bass.
There’s nothing quite like getting up before daylight and getting on a body of water and throwing a topwater bait, anticipating that explosive bite. But no one wakes up like Mother Nature does, as the birds start to chirp, the deer ease out of the woods for an early-morning feed and the squirrels scurry through the trees looking for acorns.
As anglers, there are a lot of special moments that make you realize just how blessed we are. One of those is the daily sunrise which is a huge blessing for those of us who get to see and experience God’s awesome work first-hand. Making it even more special is hearing the national anthem before take-off on all our ABA Tournaments. It’s hard to describe the beauty and splendor of a rising sun as you head out onto a body of water anticipating a good early morning bite.
Even after all my many years of tournament take-offs, I still get chills as I sit in my boat and wonder, “How lucky am I?” It is truly a privilege that we, as anglers, get to do what we do. God has blessed me in so many ways with my health, my family and giving me the ability to enjoy His great outdoors.
If you want to experience what I get to enjoy so often, you must get up and get out of the bed. Whether you sit on your porch, in a bass boat or on a deer stand, watching a sunrise will have you feeling a calm like you’ve never felt before.
It’s that quiet time that we all crave from time to time. It’s that period of time where we plan our day and set our priorities. Some people like to read scripture, while others enjoy a good cup of coffee and a newspaper. But one thing is for certain, it just might be the most peaceful and gratifying time of the day.
‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and take the time to enjoy a sunrise.
From Red River 4-H, “Even though it’s burning up outside, our livestock folks are in the process of getting commercial/market animals for the state fair livestock show. If you have any questions or need help, please let our office know.”
4-H said that DNA kits can be ordered from the state Fair Livestock website. There will be a livestock club meeting the first part of August to get the year going.
Larry Young
3/3/1947 – 6/17/2023
Service: Saturday, July 1, 2023 @ 1:00 P. M. New Mary Magdalene B. C. Coushatta, LA.
The Red River Parish Journal publishes “Remembrances” – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers. Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication.
From David Adkins: David and Mary Adkins attended the graduation of their granddaughter, Emma Claire Bivins in Lebanon, Tn. On May 6th. She graduated from Volunteer College with an Associate Degree as a Veterinarian Tech. and already has a job with a veterinarian in Gallatin, Tn. Sorry, there is no picture but David and I tried but his camera would not send them.
Abundant Life Worship Center will welcome Evangelist James S. Meeks and family to morning worship Sunday July 2nd. Service begins at 10:30 am.
LifeShare has announced a blood drive will be held at Martin Baptist Church on Sunday July 16 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.
On Tuesday, School Superintendent Alison Strong notified JROTC Colonel Mark Duffield that the school system was shutting down the JROTC Program. Duffield told the Journal it had to do with money. He said Strong told him it was a matter of cost vs the number of students impacted.
Late word Tuesday evening from parent Sandy Thompson that there will be a meeting at the School Board office at 9:00 am Wednesday morning. Thompson said she expected the Superintendent to be there and she expected there would be an explanation of why the JROTC program was being terminated.
The decision came as a shock to cadets and their parents. Two of them, Sandy Thompson and Tamisin Lewis are working to rally support in the community to save the JROTC program. Thompson’s son and Lewis’ daughters are pictured in their BDU uniforms.
Duffield and Senior Master Sergeant Lawrence Bunton’s contracts run through the end of June. Those contracts with the school system are not being renewed, even though the Air Force pays half of their salary.
Col. Duffield told the Journal it means there will be no JROTC at Red River High next year, or anytime in the future. Duffield said they were not “on the chopping block” from the Air Force. The unit had passed a recent Air Force inspection and several cadets had just completed the summer Cadet Leadership Course. In addition, incoming freshmen were being signed up for the program next year.
Lewis has two daughters and Thompson has a son in JROTC.
Thompson’s son, Zachary is Cadet Commander of the Color Guard. Lewis said, “We’re just asking for a chance. Our kids want a chance to prove they can do this. It can mean life changing things.” Thompson noted, “There was a big change in my kid as he gained confidence and drastically matured. He set out his career path based upon JROTC and a military career.” And she asked, “Isn’t this what school is supposed to do? Prepare kids for their future?”
Both parents expressed extreme disappointment that the school system would take this action. They said they were not contacted in advance, and none of the other parents or cadets were either as far as they’ve heard.
Thompson said, “JROTC is no different than sports players and athletic scholarships. It gives them options. It helps them find a place to belong.”
The Annual Membership Drive open enrollment for the Red River Council on Aging will be on-going until it closes at the end of business Monday, July 17, 2023. Persons who are 18 years of age and are residents of Red River Parish can enroll.
The Annual Membership meeting for the Red River Council on Aging will be Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 1:00 pm. It will be held at 1824 Front Street, Coushatta, LA. All members are welcome and the public is invited.
The Shreveport office of the National Weather service said, “Oppressive heat is here to stay. A Heat Advisory is now in effect through Wednesday. Widespread afternoon heat indices will range from 105-110 degrees. Isolated areas could see values in excess of 110 degrees. Take necessary precautions.
The heat is predicted to continue through Monday. Here is the local forecast for Red River Parish:
Wednesday-Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 108. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night-Mostly clear, with a low around 78. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday-Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night-Mostly clear, with a low around 79.
Friday-Sunny and hot, with a high near 102.
Friday Night-Partly cloudy, with a low around 79.
Saturday-Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 102.
Saturday Night-Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79.
Sunday-Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 99.
Sunday Night-Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78.
Monday-A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 98.
By Teddy Allen
No one in real life ever wears what models in big city fashion shows wear.
You’ve seen clips of these things on television or, in a weak moment, clicked to see the newest styles, all the rave, “the newest line” by (Made Up Designer Names Alert!) Melik Boovoir or Salome deNeuve or Pepe Duboir.
The model looks like he or she is wearing either a pastel Hefty bag — how to you take a bathroom break with this thing on? — or something they stole off a scarecrow. Everything is really tight or really slouchy. Sometimes they have hats on their heads that look like things we used to make in Vacation Bible School.
Who wears this stuff?
Even at awards shows, most of the Who Looked Best On The Red Carpet gang appear to have lost a bet. Tip of the cap for the man or woman who bought something off the rack pulled the standard tux out of the back of the closet, shined their shoes, and showed up looking like a person you wouldn’t be scared to share either a cab ride or a hymn book with.
For the past 10 days or so, between thunderstorms and power outages and picking up limbs, most of us north Louisiana common folk were too busy looking for air conditioning and cable to watch LSU scrap its way to a seventh College World Series championship to notice that the Berlin Fashion Show was underway in Germany which, conveniently, is where Berlin still is.
Dapper dressers were all up in the Neue Natoinalgalerie to become one with the highlight of the week, the Saint Laurent show, quite a spectacle with fans taking phone videos of, as GQ reported, “the latest evolution of Anthony Vaccarello’s seductive menswear collection.”
The fashion writer continued, something along the lines of how “all eyes” would be on “nonstop action on and off runways elsewhere, too.” Yes: after the “hyper-exclusive” affair in Berlin, we are off to places like Florence and Milan, which precedes a “whirlwind blitz through a jam-packed Paris Fashion Week.”
Again, the only real people you ever see in these runway clothes are the people on the runways. And as soon as they’re off the runways, they put on jeans and T-shirts and look much, much sharper than they did wearing clothes that look like balloons.
Granted, when I was growing up my dad told me my idea of being “dressed up” was having my shoes tied. And God love him, he was right. I can tie a tie now and keep my oxfords shined, but the only sense I have of fashion I have is, “Does this look normal? Would this embarrass my grandmother?” It’s about one step ahead of Granimals.
My personal mechanic, old-school country music supplier, and fashion assistant is Shine Broussard, who is from Morgan City. (He goes by “Francois” during Fashion Season; his signature color is brown.) He has assured me that although he can’t “travel abroad” to the Big Shows this summer and fall, he is making the local circuit, which includes stops in Dubach (August 7-11, Denim Week), Greater Sibley (September 18-22, Burlap), Gibsland (October 2-6, Gingham), and Lower Summerfield (November 27-December 1, Dealer’s Choice).
“My main fashion advice,” said Shine, “is to remember that no one pays nearly as much attention to you as you think they do. Save your money and be comfortable and presentable and non-offensive. Good taste never goes out of style.”
Shine, who is a fashionista only during the fall shows, told me this on a break from changing out the transmission on a GTO his uncle willed him. This is a man you can trust.
So …
If you’re like Shine and grease is a common opponent, consider a Dickies jumpsuit. Otherwise, an iron, a white button down, shined shoes, an A-line, a Godet or flare dress, a business suit, jeans that fit, and a clean T-shirt, those are always in style. It doesn’t have to match: it just has to “go.”
Good fashion sense is good common sense.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
Destination Science Campers Brennan Dromm, Mason Jones and Aaron Blanchard donned white coats and did cheek swabs in a biology lab Monday as Northwestern State University’s School of STEM kicked off the week-long science camp Monday. Mason Jones is the grandson of Tom and Debbie Jones and the great-grandson of Lem and Margaret Jones of Coushatta. He spends his summers with his grandparents in Coushatta.
Campers learned to look for bacteria under a microscope, plate the bacteria and study epidemiology. Later in the week they were scheduled to learn about parasites and pathogens.
Throughout this week, students ages 10-14 will explore chemistry, zoology, engineering technology, physics, anatomy, physiology, veterinary science, ecology and natural science both in labs and outdoors.
No one was disappointed. Everyone applauded and sang along with the antics of Harvey Rabbit and Friends as they kicked off the Red River Parish Library’s summer program series for children. This summer the theme is All Together Now.
The Library posted, “Tim and Laura never fail to deliver a great show. Had a super turnout considering the heat. The library is always a cool place to be.”
There was a great crowd at the Library on Monday for the show. Kala Sims, the Children’s Librarian, always puts together a great line-up of interesting, entertaining and educational programs. It is part of the library’s Summer Reading Program, which is now underway. The summer reading challenge for kids from two years old through seventeen runs through July 24th.
Librarian Trey Lewis posted a reminder: Remember due to the July 4th holiday and library closure we won’t have a program on July 3rd. We will have game day on the 6th.
By Royal Alexander
What a sweetheart deal. Two misdemeanors and pretrial diversion for countless crimes established by the Laptop from Hell.
It’s really no surprise to learn that Pres. Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, has received highly preferential treatment regarding the numerous criminal allegations against him, charges that would send most Americans and any Republican to federal prison for years.
It’s still important, though, to know with clarity how Joe Biden has corrupted the DOJ and the FBI to protect Hunter and himself.
What am I referring to?
This past week news broke that the Biden Department of Justice hindered, in numerous ways, the investigation of Hunter Biden.
Of course, for months, a lazy and compliant national media has spun the narrative that the investigation really wasn’t receiving any special treatment. We now know that was false. Two whistleblowers, one named and one anonymous came forward this week and gave sworn testimony.
The named individual, Gary Shapley, a 14-year IRS veteran, and the anonymous individual have told a story of “blocked search warrants, tip-offs to Mr. Biden’s (defense) team, squelched avenues of investigation, downgraded charges, and interference by Joe Biden’s appointees.” (K. Strassel, WSJ, 6-23-23). Shapley testified that the DOJ, its Tax Division and the Delaware U.S. Attorney’s Office provided Hunter Biden with “preferential treatment and unchecked conflicts of interest.” (WSJ, 6-23-23)
Shapley, head of an elite team of tax investigators, testified that his team was almost immediately prohibited from taking normal investigatory actions.
He was thwarted both in doing spontaneous questioning of witnesses and in searching for evidence because somehow the Hunter Biden defense team was tipped off and able to impede it. Shapley was also not allowed to ask questions about “dad” or “the big guy”. They were also prohibited from investigating campaign finance violations.
It goes on and on.
Shapley provided further evidence of influence peddling when he revealed a WhatsApp message in which Hunter Biden tells a Chinese businessman: “I’m sitting here with my father” and urges the businessman to fulfill the “commitment.”
Hunter Biden then warns the businessman to personally resolve the issue that night or “I will make certain that between the man sitting next to me and every person he knows and my ability to forever hold a grudge that you will regret not following my direction.” (K. Strassel, WSJ, 6-23-23).
There are also photos of Hunter Biden on his later-abandoned laptop showing him at President Joe Biden’s Wilmington, Delaware home on the day he included his father’s name in the WhatsApp message he sent to threaten his Chinese business associate, Henry Zhao, an official working with Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC Energy. (Newsmax, 6-23-23).
While Shapley did not provide evidence that Joe Biden was actually in close physical proximity to Hunter Biden as he threatened businessman Zhao, “if Joe Biden was sitting next to his son as he sent the message as it suggests, it would be a fatal blow to the president’s repeated claims that he never discussed overseas business deals with his son, and the photographs of Hunter Biden at what appears to be a family gathering at the Delaware home is the strongest indication that he was in close proximity to his father when he threatened the Chinese businessman.” (Free Beacon, 6-22-23).
In another email later that day Hunter Biden also mentioned “me and my family”, confirming an agreement for a $10 million contract for “introductions alone,” with bonuses for any successful deals that come about as a result of the Biden family’s efforts.
Still further, Shapley also points out that Hunter’s one-time business partner, Rob Walker, admitted to investigators that an “orchestrated” appearance of Joe Biden while out of office was made to “bolster” the odds of a “deal work (ing) out. “
For obvious reasons, Shapley recommended more serious felony charges than the minor counts to which Hunter Biden has now pled.
If this is not an example of influence peddling—and blatant corruption of our Constitutional principle of equal justice for all—then I don’t know what is. If this is not what favorable treatment by prosecutors and glaring political interference which benefits the powerful at the expense of hardworking, law-abiding Americans looks like, I don’t know what it would look like.
This is rank corruption and those guilty of it need to be held accountable. While that will not likely happen it is, nevertheless, important that the American people continue to be made aware of it.
Last week was vacation bible school at First Methodist Coushatta. VBS workers said they saw a record number of children in attendance, especially among the youngest kids.
The first night of Stellar VBS kids learned why stars appear to twinkle, how Jesus is the light of the world, when life feels dark…shine Jesus’ light. They ate moon pies, and made sun visors.
Day 2 of Stellar VBS saw more kids come. They learned about harmony and how to work with others to shine Jesus’ light. They talked about Zacchaeus and watched planets orbit the sun.
On day 3 the kids ate space ice cream. Then they talked about the joy of knowing Jesus as our light. And they sang about “This Little Light of “mine.”
And on day 4, the last night of Stellar VBS, the kids watched a rocket launch. Then they studied about helping others, and learned how to praise our Heavenly Father.
First Methodist posted, “Thank you to all the volunteers for making this week special for every child. Thank you parents for lending us your children and trusting us to share the word of Christ with them.”
Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for June 16-22, 2023
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
LCCM Policy Solutions is a non-profit established to advocate and educate legislators and the public on public policy based on conservative principles.
By utilizing a myriad of scholars, policy wonks, pollsters, and activists, we help craft and promote top conservative policy priorities for Louisiana.
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A graveside service to celebrate the life of LaVerne De Loach, 92, was held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 26, 2023, at Social Springs Cemetery, Ringgold, Louisiana.
LaVerne was born June 6, 1931, in Coushatta, Louisiana, to Arthur L. Lowrey and Eunice Madden Lowrey. She went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, in Longview, Texas.
LaVerne was a homemaker and while at home she enjoyed making ceramics and truly was an artist. She was a gardener and loved her flowers and plants. LaVerne married the love of her life Truman C. De Loach on April 6, 1963. She had great faith as a Baptist and showed that in her daily life. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be greatly missed.
LaVerne is preceded in death by her parents; son, William Lee De Loach; sister, Dianne Prudhomme; and brother, Herman Lowrey. She is survived by her husband, Truman De Loach; sons, David De Loach and wife, Patti, and Stephen De Loach and wife, Jennifer; grandson, Brandon De Loach; granddaughter, Erika Hamilton; great-grandsons, Jay De Loach, and Gabriel De Loach; and nieces and nephews.
LaVerne DeLoach
June 6, 1931 — June 21, 2023
A graveside service was held at 10:00 am Monday, June 26, 2023, at Social Springs Cemetery.
Nolan Carter Mabile
January 24, 2004 – June 22, 2023
Funeral service was held at 4:00 pm, Sunday, June 25, 2023.
Johnnie Faye Rawls
March 23, 1939 – June 23, 2023
Funeral services was held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel.
Margaret Kathleen Adams Cason
August 20, 1931 – June 22, 2023
Funeral services was held at 10:00 am Monday, June 26, 2023 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel.
The Red River Parish Journal publishes “Remembrances” – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers. Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication.
Red River public schools remind everyone that the summer feeding program is underway. Every Monday through Thursday until July 27th there will be meals available from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at the Red River High Cafeteria. It is first come, first served while supplies last.
The Fourth Friday Fish Fry at Clara Springs Camp was last Friday afternoon. Afterwards, the camp posted, “Thank you Grand Cane Baptist Church for helping us serve 321 people amazing fish at our June Fourth Friday Fish Fry.” The next fish fry at the camp is scheduled for July 28th.
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic will host a grand opening to celebrate the expansion of its family medicine facility in Shreveport, located at 9220 Ellerbe Road on Wednesday, June 28. The expanded clinic will help serve a growing need for care and services in the Shreveport-Bossier region. The facility offers a larger waiting room, more exam rooms, an on-site lab, radiology and x-ray services, pediatric and primary care, virtual appointments and more. It will be staffed with five highly skilled CHRISTUS Health clinicians.
A graveside service to celebrate the life of LaVerne De Loach, 92, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 26, 2023, at Social Springs Cemetery, Ringgold, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Pastor Michael Sanders.
LaVerne was born June 6, 1931, in Coushatta, Louisiana, to Arthur L. Lowrey and Eunice Madden Lowrey. She went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, in Longview, Texas.
LaVerne was a homemaker and while at home she enjoyed making ceramics and truly was an artist. She was a gardener and loved her flowers and plants. LaVerne married the love of her life Truman C. De Loach on April 6, 1963. She had great faith as a Baptist and showed that in her daily life. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be greatly missed.
LaVerne is preceded in death by her parents; son, William Lee De Loach; sister, Dianne Prudhomme; and brother, Herman Lowrey. She is survived by her husband, Truman De Loach; sons, David De Loach and wife, Patti, and Stephen De Loach and wife, Jennifer; grandson, Brandon De Loach; granddaughter, Erika Hamilton; great-grandsons, Jay De Loach, and Gabriel De Loach; and nieces and nephews.
Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for June 16-22, 2023
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Nolan Carter Mabile
January 24, 2004 – June 22, 2023
Visitation will be held at Fairview Baptist Church from 2:00 pm until funeral services begin at 4:00 pm, Sunday, June 25, 2023.
Johnnie Faye Rawls
March 23, 1939 – June 23, 2023
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel.
Margaret Kathleen Adams Cason
August 20, 1931 – June 22, 2023
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Monday, June 26, 2023 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel.
Pugh Theis Huckabay, Jr.
March 02, 1942 – June 20, 2023
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, June 24, 2023 at First Methodist Church of Coushatta.
Charles Smith
7/10/1950 – 6/12/2023
Service was Saturday, June 17, 2023 @ 1:00 P. M. Springville Missionary Baptist Church Coushatta, LA.
The Red River Parish Journal publishes “Remembrances” – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers. Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication.
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