By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — Highly decorated and esteemed runner Hallie Hebert signed officially to run for the University of Louisiana-Lafayette on Thursday after a celebrated career running both cross country and distance for Ruston High School.

Hebert made it official by signing the ink in Ruston High’s auditorium in front of family, coaches, classmates and members of the media.

“UL-Lafayette is getting a young lady who was raised the right way,” Ruston High Head Cross Country Coach Dustin Cochran said. “And she is going to help many young women while she is there become better versions of themselves. To say the least, I suspect ULL is going to get a major boost to their program. I’m proud of her time here and the time I got to spend with her.”

Hebert earned her way onto Ruston High’s Long Red Line after earning all-state honors in both 2024 and 2025. She is also an integral part of Ruston’s indoor and outdoor track and field teams.

She will run both cross country and distance for the Cajuns under head coach Tommy Badon and assistant coach Rocky Capello. Hebert shared she plans to study law in college.

“I just love the people and the community,” Hebert said when asked why she chose ULL. “They have a great program, so I’m really excited.”

Hebert’s mother, Linzie, was also a talented runner for Ruston when she was in high school.

“I want to say thank you to the faculty and staff at Ruston High — particularly to Coach Cochran and his investment in my daught,” Linzie said. “It means a lot to have somebody believe in your child and call them up. I appreciate (track coach Trey) Smith and her teammates past and present; Hallie is a better athlete because of each of (them).”

Hebert will be running for both indoor and outdoor track to conclude her senior season at RHS.

Her accolades include:

3x All-District 2-5A cross country team
4x All-Regional 1-5A cross country team
2024, 2025-composite All- State Cross Country 
2022-State Runner up cross country team member
Bayou Jam female cross country athlete of the year for 2024 season

2023-4x800m All state indoor track -3rd
2025-District 1600/3200 meter champion 
2025-Regional 4×800 champions &  3200 runner -up
2025-4×800 All state outdoor track state runner up 
2025-3200 5A -7th place 

North La all-time Top 10 list for 1600m

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A Union Parish Sheriff’s Office press release entitled “Mermaid Mayhem” recounts the arrest of a Marion woman who was “trying to be a mermaid” while swimming nude in a neighbor’s pond.

Erin Elizabeth Sutton, 41, was arrested Tuesday on several charges stemming from an November incident in the Linville community in northeast Union Parish.

In November, deputies from the UPSO were called to a residence regarding a trespassing complaint. The caller reported a neighbor had been previously told not to trespass on the caller’s property was standing in their driveway screaming,

When a patrol deputy arrived, Sutton was found swimming nude in the caller’s pond. Sutton, initially refused to exit the pond and speak to the deputy, stating she was “trying to be a mermaid.” After several commands, Sutton finally exited the pond.

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Due to cold temperatures, emergency medical services came to the scene to evaluate Sutton. A blanket was provided and as the deputy attempted to have Sutton step inside a residence to warm up, Sutton suddenly charged at the deputy. Despite several commands, Sutton refused to comply, and the deputy deployed a Taser which had no effect. Sutton was taken to the ground, where she continued to resist detention and began kicking and punching the deputy.

Sutton was finally restrained and EMS services arrived to transport her to the hospital for further treatment. During transport, Sutton threatened to kill deputies and paramedics.

Due to Sutton requiring medical treatment, deputies sought warrants for her arrest at a later time. On January 6, Sutton surrendered herself to deputies at UPSO. Sutton was arrested and booked for three counts of resisting an officer with force or violence, two counts of public intimidation, two counts of battery of a police officer, disturbing the peace, and criminal trespass.

Sutton’s bail was set at $62,000.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

Exceptional fifth, eighth, and twelfth-grade students from around the state are recognized for how they exemplify leadership, academic excellence, citizenship, and service to their schools and communities.

Regional honorees were selected through public, charter, and nonpublic zone reviews per each BESE region. From this group of students, one honoree per BESE region will be named a finalist.

Finalists will be announced later in the school year and celebrated at an awards ceremony where the overall honorees, one per grade level, will be named.

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by Malcolm Butler 

After calling Ruston home for the vast majority of my five-plus decades on this earth, I have a tendency to venture to places that were part of my childhood.

I had one of those adventures earlier this week when I was driving on Burgessville Road.

As I approached Farmerville Highway Monday mid-morning, I decided to take a left onto Atkins Road headed south. It’s a road I hadn’t driven down in decades. No reason. 

Atkins road wound around, as my Toyota Tacoma (that I bought from the wonderful folks at Karl Malone Toyota) hugged the asphalt with ease. I honestly had forgotten where Atkins Road led. Again, it was just on a whim that I made the turn off of Burgessville.

All of a sudden, as I came around a turn, there was something I remembered. Something I had forgotten, but that quickly came back when I saw the old, rundown red barn-looking build with the white, chipped away, rusted lettering.

Hal’s Roller Rink.

It took me right back to the late 1970s and early 1980s when that place was one of the go-to places for a kids birthday party. I could almost remember the smell, the sounds, and the sights of those times and that place.

The facility was built somewhere in the 1950s (I believe) and originally named Atkins Roller Rink. If my memory serves me correctly from a story I heard years ago, it was then rented to renamed Hal’s sometime in the early 1970s. And man was it a young kids dream.

I went to dozens of birthday parties at Hal’s Roller Rink over the years and they never disappointed. Although I wasn’t the best skater, I was good enough to think I was a professional, rolling around the rink, listening to the top tunes of the times. 

Although I can’t completely picture the entire inside of Hal’s Roller Rink, I have a foggy remembrance of aspects of it. 

But what is clear as day in my mind is the fun times I had just being a kid and cruising around on my skates. 

It would be cool if someone bought that place and reopened it. Any takers? If it ever happens, I may just go act like I’m eight years old again. 

 

 

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The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested two individuals on drug charges after a complaint they were scavenging in trash dumpsters.

Brendan Matthew Terral, 45, and Sarah McDonald, 39, both of Ruston, were arrested Jan. 1 after deputies found them in the trash dumpsters at the intersection of La. Highways 33 and 821.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they saw Terral sifting through items in and around a trash dumpster. McDonald was standing inside a trash dumpster looking through items. Terral said he had loaded items from the dump site into the back of his truck.

Deputies were told McDonald and another woman had arrived in a separate vehicle. A search of McDonald’s vehicle located suspected marijuana and clonazepam in a pill bottle for a different type of medication with the name Sara McDonald on it. McDonald claimed ownership of the drugs.

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A search of Terral’s pickup located an unlabeled pill bottle in the driver’s side door pocket also containing clonazepam.

Darrell and McDonald were arrested. McDonald said all the pills belonged to her even though she arrived in a separate vehicle.

Both McDonald and Terral were booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of clonazepam, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of a parish ordinance prohibiting scavenging in trash dumpsters. McDonald was also booked for possession of marijuana.

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.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

 

By T. Scott Boatright

 

Lincoln Prep Panthers coach Antonio Hudson has built his team around defense and preaches it every day, be it in practice or in a game.

And fittingly, it was the Panthers’ defensive leader, Zion Hicks, who sparked Lincoln Prep’s 50-43 win in a District 1-1A rivalry showdown against Arcadia in a non-league game Thursday night inside the LPS Gym.

Hicks poured in 27 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to lead the Panthers, the No. 1 team in Class 1-A power rankings, to the win over the Hornets, a team Lincoln Prep never has any trouble getting fired up to play,

The first half seemed more a physical, hard hitting football game rather than a run and gun hoops showdown, with Arcadia leading 11-9 at the end of the first quarter before a short jumper by Hornets’ eighth-grader Braylon Harrell with 8.5 seconds left in the second stanza knotted the game at 21-21 at halftime.

“The way we defend, it can be really special at times,” Hudson said. “We can be really good defensively, like we were tonight. But if you notice, overall as a team, we’re still struggling with offensive rebounding. If we can put it all together when we’re defending like that, and get those rebounds, man we would be really special, because I can’t ask for nothing more than they give me on defense. I can’t ask for nothing more for what they do there. 

“But the other thing is, that was a football score on both sides, which means Arcadia defended pretty well, too. I’ve got as much respect for (Arcadia’s Travious Fielding) as I do any coach in the state. I respected him as a player and I respect him as a coach.”

Hudson said the rivalry between the two nearby schools always turns things into a barnburner.

“I don’t care who’s on the team when Grambling/Lincoln Prep and Arcadia play, it’s going to be a tough game,” Hudson said.

But it was the Panthers who caught fire to open the third quarter as they scored eight straight points on a Trey Spann putback and free throw, four straight free throws by Hicks and a Josiah Spann layup to move on top 29-21 1:47 into the stanza.

And Lincoln Prep maintained that lead the rest of the quarter, taking a 39-32 lead into the final period of play.

Arcadia cut the Panthers’ lead to four points at 41-37 with 4:24 remaining on a pair of Harrell free throws, but Lincoln Prep countered with Hicks’ layup off a pass from Kaden Vernon followed by Hicks; second thunderous dunk of the contest to stretch the lead to 45-38 with 2:58 left on the clock.

“It could be Zion’s night every night like it was tonight,” Hudson said. “Zion is a special talent. He’s just got to apply it and get that confidence in himself. I felt like I was playing when he dunked that ball because that’s what we’ve been trying to get him to do because he’s so athletic.

“He’s one of the highest jumpers on the floor no matter who he’s playing. Just go up there and finish the basketball. He’s been playing well all year. He’s averaging a double-double and he’s one of the main reasons we’ve been as successful as we have. Those two dunks gave us momentum, and basketball is a game of momentum. In a rivalry game like this with the band playing and popcorn popping and cheerleaders going nuts, it was just so emotional it just gets you going.”

Talking about those dunks got Hicks going emotionally, too.

“I love doing that and having the place go nuts,” Hicks said. “But this is a team game. It’s not only me. The whole team played a good game and led us to the win.”

Down the stretch, Arcadia was forced to foul and Hudson made sure his team got the ball to Xavier Combs to junior free-throw specialist Xavier Combs, who scored four points on a layup and two charity shots while adding a pair of rebounds and a blocked shot in the game;s final minutes.

“He’s a workaholic — the type of player you want on your team,” Hudson said of Combs. “Well-mannered, always good and friendly in the hallways. He’s a good teammate and always plays as hard as he can play.”

The Panthers also got nine points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot from Trey Spann along with six points, four boards, four steals and two assists from Jabari Levingston.

Next up for the Panthers, now 14-2 overall, will be a 7 p.m. game at Madison Parish on Tuesday.

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By T. Scott Boatright

 

If only the first quarter of each half would have counted, it would have been a tight, competitive game.

Unfortunately for the Lincoln Preparatory School girls basketball team, all 32 minutes counted.

It’s been that kind of season for the Lady Panthers, whose lone win came over General Trass, Arcadia used strong second and fourth stanzas to earn a 59-16 win inside the Lincoln Prep Gym.

Early on it looked like the Lady Panthers would make a game of it as they trailed only 6-3 with 2:42 left in the opening stanza before the Lady Hornets heated up to close out the quarter with a 10-3 advantage.

The second stanza was all Arcadia as the Lady Hornets outscored Lincoln Prep 33-2 in the stanza to bring a 43-5 lead into the locker room at halftime.

“We’re a young team just learning the game,” said Lady Panthers coach LaKeia Williams-Brown. “Only two of my girls had any basketball experience before coming out to play. So most of them are still learning the basics, and it shows.”

But that inexperience didn’t show in the third quarter when the Lady Panthers outscored Arcadia 9-7.

“The thing is, we have a long way to go, but they’ve made progress as the season has continued,” Williams-Brown said. “It’s not a lack of effort. These girls come out and work hard trying to learn and then playing the game. I applaud them all for that. But when the season started, we knew it would be like this. Arcadia is a good team and we competed at points in the game.

“And as we learn, we’ll put things together more and more, like we did in the game against General Trass. But right now we’re still very much a work in progress.”

The leader for the Lady Panthers in undeniably is Kayla Ferguson, who scored 14 of her team’s 16 total points.

Londyn Barnes scored Lincoln Prep’s other two points on a pair of free throws.

“Kayla is special and undoubtedly the leader of this team,” Williams-Brown said. “She’s one of the players we have who did have some experience before joining the team and she keeps getting better every game we play.

“I’m glad we have her because right now she’s the one who makes us go. But the other players keep getting better every game, too. We’re all just going to keep working hard and keep pushing this team forward into the future.”

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Staff Reports

Reese Brown scored 22 points to lead Choudrant to a runaway 62-27 win over West Ouachita Thursday night at the St. Frederick High School Tournament.

After going scoreless during a first quarter that saw the Lady Chiefs take a 10-9 lead over the Lady Aggies through eight minutes of action, Brown netted 14 points in the second quarter as Choudrant outscored West Ouachita 18-8.

The Lady Aggies led 27-18 at the half.

“We played phenomenal defense,” said head coach Brandy Roberson. “We had a little trouble scoring at the beginning of the game, but we turned on the defense full court and the scoring happened. When we play hard and smart we are hard to beat.”

The phenomenal defense showed itself in the third quarter when Choudrant held West Ouachita to just one point in extending its advantage to 41-19. Brown led the way with five points while Kat Hernandez added four points.

Alyssa Bell and Maddie Bressin each netted five points in the final quarter for Choudrant as the Lady Aggies picked up the win over the Class 4A Lady Chiefs.

 

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Click the three bars in the bottom corner and select “With Radar” to see current precipitation and storms in your area.

Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com. 

Saturday, Jan. 10
8:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
2 p.m.: LA Tech men’s basketball

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Monday, Jan. 12
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)

Tuesday, Jan. 13
10 a.m.: Grand opening ceremony featuring the Cedar Creek Acceleration Program (Cedar Creek)
7 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Police Jury meeting (Lincoln Parish Courthouse)

Wednesday, Jan. 14
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech men’s basketball

Thursday, Jan. 15
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
6:30 p.m.: Lady Techsters basketball

Saturday, Jan. 17
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
2 p.m.: GSU women’s basketball
2 p.m.: Lady Techsters basketball
4 p.m.: GSU men’s basketball

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

Lady Techsters 65, Delaware 50 (Newark, Delaware)

Averi Aaron got the start Thursday night and made the most of it.

The sophomore forward stuffed the stat sheet, scoring eight points, grabbing 10 rebounds, recording seven assists and totaling three steals to help lead Louisiana Tech (8-5, 1-1) to a 65-50 Conference USA win over Delaware (6-9, 0-3).

It was Tech’s first road win of the season and a bounce back after falling in its CUSA opener at home last week.

Aaron made her first start of the season and led Tech in rebounds (5 offensive, 5 defensive), assists (season-high) and steals in 32 minutes of action. 

Tech jumped out to a 20-14 lead after the first quarter before both teams went cold in the second stanza. The Lady Techsters led 29-14 with just over two minutes remaining before the half when the Blue Hens used an 8-0 run to close the half.

Delaware opened the third quarter pulling to within 33-29 at the 7:42 mark before Alexia Weaver hit one of her game-high five three-pointers on the night. It started a 7-0 run as Tech pushed the advantage back to double figures.

The Lady Techsters entered the fourth quarter up 48-35 but saw Delaware use a quick 8-0 run within the first 90 seconds to pull to within 48-43, forcing a Tech timeout.

Paris Bradley then scored seven points during a 12-0 run over the next five minutes to push the lead to 17, the biggest advantage of the night.

Weaver led Tech with 17 points (5-7 from three-point line), while Bradley added 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

Tech held Delaware to only 30 percent shooting in the game and outrebounded the Blue Hens 40-27, including 15 offensive boards.

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Liberty 72, Bulldogs 56 (Ruston, La.)

League-leading Liberty showed why it was picked to win CUSA.

The Flames used a balanced offensive attack to hand Louisiana Tech its first home loss of the year in a 72-56 victory Thursday night at the Thomas Assembly Center. 

In a game that saw Liberty lead almost start to finish, the Flames built an early lead, kept the Bulldogs at arm’s length, and then methodically pulled away late for the win.

Both teams shot 9-of-24 from the three-point line, but the Flames outscored Tech 13-5 at the free throw line and made four more field goals (25-21) then the Bulldogs.

Liberty led 34-27 at the half despite a halfcourt heave bank shot by DJ Dudley to close the opening 20 minutes of play. Dudley led Tech with 17 points on the night.

Tech pulled to within six points twice early in the second half, but every time the Bulldogs appeared poised to close the gap further, the Flames made a three-pointer or a layup.

Kaden Metheny’s three-pointer with 13:46 to play in the game gave Liberty a 13-point lead (48-35) and Tech would get no closer than 10 points the rest of the way.

All five Liberty starters finished in double figures led by Brett Decker with 15 points and Metheny with 13 points. Dudley was the lone Bulldog in double figures while Avery Thomas pulled down 10 rebounds for Tech.

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Florida A&M 59, Lady Tigers 55 (Tallahassee, Fla.)

Grambling State battled down to the final possession, but Florida A&M held on late to secure a 59–55 victory Thursday evening in Southwestern Athletic Conference action.

The Tigers opened the game strong building an early eight-point advantage in the first quarter and holding Florida A&M to 33 percent shooting.

Grambling led 19–14 after the opening period, but offensive struggles in the second quarter allowed the Rattlers to claw back into the game.

FAMU trimmed the deficit to 28–27 at halftime. Florida A&M gained momentum coming out of the break, using a 21-point third quarter to take control.

Grambling responded in the fourth, cutting the deficit to one with just over two minutes remaining

Florida A&M converted key free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Grambling shot 34.0 percent from the field and finished 5-of-19 from three-point range.

The Tigers stayed within striking distance throughout, but 20 turnovers and missed free throws proved costly in the closing moments.

Monica Marsh led Grambling State with 12 points. Shaniah Nunn and Douthshine Prien added 10 points each, while Zaria Johnson pulled down a team-high seven rebounds. D’Mya Griffin chipped in eight points off the bench.

Florida A&M was led by Tahnyjia Purifoy who finished with 14 points and five assists. The Rattlers capitalized at the free-throw line, shooting 25-of-29 to edge the Tigers in a tightly contested conference matchup.

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Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications

The Grambling State University track & field head coach Lamonte Vaughn Jr. announced the addition of Hagan Landry to the staff as an assistant coach.

Landry joins GSU after spending the 2024-25 season as the throws coach at West Virginia State University, where his athletes broke six school records across the men’s and women’s programs. He also coached freshman Anthony Belcher to a conference championship in the discus.

Prior to his coaching career, Landry competed professionally for 11 years as a member of the United States Paralympic Track & Field Team under the guidance of Lawrence Judge.

He earned a silver medal in the shot put at the 2021 Paralympic Games and a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships, currently holds the Americas record, and ranks fourth on the all-time world list in the shot put.

A native of Delcambre, Louisiana, Landry brings elite competitive experience to the Grambling track and field program.

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Betty Jo Bartlett Paul, 73, of Ferriday, LA, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Young’s Funeral Home in Ferriday. The family will receive friends during a visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with a memorial service immediately following from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In Lieu of flowers that family asks that donations be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or Pilots for Patients, PO Box 8178 Monroe, LA 71211.

Betty was born in Watertown, NY, on June 24, 1952. She grew up in Monroe, LA, where she graduated from Neville High School in 1970. In 1972, she married the love of her life, Lloyd “Buddy” T. Paul. Together, they operated the 84 Quick Stop in Ferriday for many years.

A lifelong learner, Betty returned to school and graduated from Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM) in 1987 with a degree in Elementary Education. She dedicated 30 years to the Concordia Parish school system, where she profoundly influenced the lives of countless students. Beyond the classroom, Betty was a devoted volunteer with local hospice organizations and a faithful member of Sevier Memorial Church (formerly Sevier Memorial United Methodist).

Betty is survived by her husband of 54 years, Lloyd “Buddy” T. Paul; two sons and their families: Aaron and Jennifer Paul of Ruston, LA, and Ryan and Tiffany Paul of Baytown, TX; her brother and sister-in-law, Robert “Bobby” E. Bartlett and Maureen G. Bartlett of Jackson, LA; and her four cherished grandchildren: Hayden, Annalise, Andrew, and Preston Paul. She also leaves behind her nephews and their families: Chad, Jordan, and Zach Bartlett, George Michael Guyer, and Taylor Fuller; and her nieces, Regina and Julie Hileman and many dear cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William G. and Bernice R. Bartlett; her sister, Beverly Bartlett Brown; her brother, William “Billy” G. Bartlett III; her niece, Bobbie Lynn Brown; and her nephew, Robert Lawrence Brown.

Honorary Pallbearers: Michael Ferguson, Ronnie Tyson, David Eames, Michael Guyer, Hayden Paul, Annalise Paul, Andrew Paul, Preston Paul and Julie Hileman.

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William “Dicky” Morris Burley, Jr. 
June 14, 1940  –  January 5, 2026 
Visitation: Friday, January 9, 2026, 9:00AM – 11:00AM, Kilpatrick Funeral Homes 
Final Resting Place: Greenlawn Memorial Park106 Morgantown Road Natchez, MS 

Kenneth Earl Williams 
Friday 05/07/1971 — Friday 12/26/2025  
Visitation: Saturday 01/10/2026 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 

Rev. Kenneth Wayne Lampkin   
Sunday 08/24/1952 –Tuesday 12/30/2025   
Visitation: Friday 01/09/2026 5:00pm to 7:00pm at King’s Funeral Home  
Celebration of Life: Saturday 01/10/2026 11:00am, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 622 West Line Ave, Ruston  
Interment: Saturday 01/10/2026 Following Service, New Rocky Valley Baptist Church Cemetery, 2155 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Grambling 

John Drake, Jr.  
Friday 01/16/1953 — Saturday 01/03/2026   
Visitation: Friday 01/16/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home  
Celebration of Life: Saturday 01/17/2026 12:00pm at King’s Funeral Home  
Private Burial  

Rene Davis   
Saturday 01/22/1966 — Tuesday 12/30/2025    
Visitation: Saturday 01/10/2026 10:00am to 11:00am, Zion Traveler Baptist Church, 1201 Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston,   
Celebration of Life: Saturday 01/10/2026 11:00am, Zion Traveler Baptist Church, 1201 Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston   
Interment: Saturday 01/10/2026 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling 

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by Malcolm Butler

Choudrant High School senior Benton Case had the surprise of his young life on Wednesday afternoon.

Case, who is set to graduate this spring, was asked by Choudrant High principal Chris Jones to attend an after school faculty meeting.

It was some made up excuse.

“I told him I needed him to come up there and talk to our teachers about the importance of them sponsoring clubs,” said Jones. “I told him I needed help recruiting these teachers for some of these clubs we have.”

Even the Choudrant teachers weren’t in on the big surprise. 

“Yeah, the teachers didn’t know either,” said Jones.

The real reason for the gathering was to inform Benton that he had received his appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

However, it wasn’t Jones nor any of the CHS teachers or faculty that ultimately informed him.

It was Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Mike Johnson. One of Johnson’s aids was in the next classroom over and Benton was told he was needed in that room.

When he entered, he was handed the phone.

“When I heard he was on the other end of the phone, I was almost speechless,” said Benton. “I didn’t think it was real at first. But I’m sitting there talking with him … the Speaker of the House. I was deeply honored. 

“I’m truly grateful. I have been in a lot of time working towards this goal. Seeing the fruits of that labor over all the years was a moment of awe for me. And hearing from Mike Johnson himself was almost a dream.”

As Jones said, Benton checks so many boxes. He scored a 32 on his ACT and boasts a 4.6 grade point average at Choudrant High. He is very involved in plenty of extracurricular activities, including being a member of the Aggies basketball and track and field teams.

Benton is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), the Beta Club, and the Interact Club. He serves as the president for FBLA and the Beta Club. He also serves as an Aggie Ambassador. 

This year he joined the Eco-Car at Ruston High this Year. 

“He is one of those service-above-self kids,” said Jones. “He has great academic numbers when it comes to the ACT and his grade point average. He checks all the academic boxes. He is truly a selfless kid. He lifts others around him up. He is really driven in his faith. He is such a leader. He is a remarkable kid in every sense of the word.”

Benton’s desire to join a branch of the United States Armed Forces should be no surprise.

His late father, Jason Case, served as a Green Beret in the United States Army. His grandfather, James Reynolds, was a Naval officer. His brother, Jackson Case, is in the United States infantry. And his stepbrother, William Bartle, is in officer training school in the National Guard. 

However, he said it was a couple of conversations and experiences that led to his decided to apply for the U.S. Naval Academy.

“I always thought the military might be something for me,” said Benton. “I saw some (Choudrant High School) upperclassmen that went into the military. Eli Watson came back and visited one time and was talking about the Naval Academy. I really looked up to him. He was one of my role models. I saw the honor he displayed.”

That conversation led to a little more research which then led to an opportunity to go to the US Naval Academy’s week-long “Summer Seminar” program this past June.

“I looked around and realized this was really something that I wanted to do,” said Benton. “The experience this summer pushed me beyond what I thought my limits were both academically and physically.”

According to Benton, the summer program includes physical training, educational classes, and some various Naval Academy activities. However, it was a speech that might have been the final factor in his decision. 

“While we were there someone gave a speech about Travis Manion,” said Benton. “He was talking about serving his country and if not me, then who? I was just looking around thinking we aren’t guaranteed anything. Our families futures and rights aren’t guaranteed. It’s a product of the people who are able to defend it for us. 

“There is no other path I want to follow then the one where I protect others and protect my family. Because if it’s not me, then who.”

 

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By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — As part of Tuesday’s meeting, the Lincoln Parish School Board voted to expand the current agreement with Winn Community Health (known as Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana) to bring school-based clinics to both Dubach School and Ruston High School starting in the 2026-27 school year.

“(This partnership has) been a real positive thing for our kids and also our faculty to be able to be seen for things right there on campus and have to take a half day off,” Lincoln Parish School Superintendent Ricky Durrett said. “It gives access to immediate care before they get too sick while trying to get to a doctor. It’s just been a real positive all the way around. We’re very appreciative of the good partnership we have with Trinity and hope to continue build it.”

Currently, there are clinics imbedded in all four elementary schools in Ruston (Glen View, Hillcrest, Ruston Elementary and Cypress Springs), I.A. Lewis and Ruston Junior High. Adding RHS and Dubach will bring the total to eight schools with an embedded clinic.

“I feel like having a clinic on site at Ruston High is going to be a positive thing for our students and staff,” Ruston High Principal Dan Gresett said. “We have one fulltime nurse on staff now to service over 1200 students, so any help there will be a bonus. Based on what I’ve heard from other schools, and having used the clinic at the junior high myself, I don’t see anything but positives coming from this. There are some logistics to figure out, but we are excited to be getting the clinic.”

Dubach School Principal Tiffany Young sees the clinic being a huge plus for her campus in a rural area.

“I am so excited for Dubach School to be a part of the school clinic expansion,” Young said. “Being a rural school is a unique experience and the clinic allows us opportunities to support families and the community in new ways. Having a clinic at Dubach will provide our students and families health care opportunities without parents having to take time off work. The addition of the school clinic will continue to make sure that great things happen at Dubach. Students and staff both will benefit from the clinic, it’s a win-win for everyone.”

School Board member Donna Doss (now Vice President) also expressed her excitement at the meeting.

“I have seen this program work first-hand, having a daughter-in-law that teaches in once of these schools,” Doss said. “This is the best New Year’s gift I could receive in District 4 to have these services brought to Dubach School. I say thank you very much.”

As per the original agreement, the embedded clinics would come at no cost to the LPSB, as Trinity’s status as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) would allow the company to be reimbursed for services by billing Medicaid. The schools will be responsible for providing space and utilities as normal.

According to Trinity CEO Deano Thornton, no students or faculty who visit the clinic, regardless of insurance status, will pay an out-of-pocket cost.

“This school system has been great to work with,” Thornton said Tuesday night. “We’ve started this program in several parishes, and (Lincoln Parish) has been one of the best ones we’ve worked with. We’ll start interviewing staff and try to have everyone in place to start in August (at Dubach School and Ruston High).”

Durrett added that Simsboro would be next in line for a clinic in the coming years should the partnership with Trinity continue.

The original agreement was voted on back in December of 2024 by the School Board in a 7-5 vote. The MOU was for three years and began in the 2025-26 school year.

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by Malcolm Butler 

Ruston mayor Ronny Walker makes it a weekly — sometimes daily — goal to take a trip out to Tarbutton Road to view the progress on the dirt work and ultimate construction of Buc-ee’s.

And although concrete hasn’t been poured, there has been plenty of preconstruction work taking place since October’s groundbreaking ceremony where founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III told hundreds of attendees that he was “a little emotional” hearing Governor Jeff Landry say he was “living the American Dream.”

“I am living it in color now,” said Aplin.

Since that late October ceremony, plenty of red clay of north Louisiana has been pushed around in the 30-plus acre footprint that will eventually become Buc-ee’s. And Walker has been following it with eager anticipation. 

“They are moving a lot of dirt,” said Walker. 

A lot of dirt.

This week crews have begun forming the foundation for what will eventually be a 74,000 square foot travel center, the first of its kind in the state of Louisiana. 

Since the original announcement in January of 2023, there has been plenty of speculation of whether Buc-ee’s would ever truly call Lincoln Parish home due to delays, mostly with the Department of Transportation and Development. 

With all of those hurdles cleared, the project is moving forward with an anticipated opening in August of 2027.

“These things usually take 16 to 18 months to build,” said Aplin.

 

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The National Weather Service issued a severe weather warning for a four-state region including Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma that could start today and run through parts of Friday.

On Wednesday afternoon, the NWS in Shreveport sent out an advisory that includes Lincoln Parish and that could include high winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes.

The inclement weather pattern would bring a marginal risk of severe weather today and tonight to mainly far northern portions of the region. A more significant marginal to slight risk of severe weather could occur across a larger portion of the region Friday and into Friday night. The risk for tornadoes Friday should be more focused on central and northeast Louisiana. 

A cold front pushing through Friday night will re-introduce more typical temperatures for the time of the year with dry conditions anticipated this weekend and through at least early next week.

For the latest on up-to-date weather, CLICK HERE. 

 

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Psalm 90:12 reads: “Teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom”.  It was a prayer of Moses asking God’s guidance as he sought to make each day meaningful, purposeful, and impactful. 

That is a great consideration as we start a new year! 

As I reflected on this verse, three key thoughts came to mind.

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Perspective impacts every circumstance

Romans 12:2 tells us: “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds”.  The world tells us to be discontented, dissatisfied, and dismayed.  The world further tells us to take care of ourselves, focus on self, and elevate self above all others.

A different perspective, regardless of the circumstances, starts with our thoughts.  Being thankful for what we have rather than focused on what we don’t have changes everything.  Being thankful for who we are with rather than consumed with who we aren’t with changes everything. 

We don’t need new circumstances; we need a new perspective.  We need new thinking, not new circumstances.  If we want more joy in 2026, it will start with our thoughts.  The key to renewing our thoughts is to renew our intake throughout the day. 

Is 2026 a year of renewal for you?  It starts with your thoughts.

Purpose is the foundation for everything

Every person I talk with and every organization that I meet with knows what they are doing to varying degrees.  However, very few know why.  Very few invest the time to think about purpose beyond some identified target or goal.

Purpose provides meaning beyond some achievement, acquisition, or targeted result.  Purpose is something that can unite people.  Purpose provides motivation when the outcomes aren’t clear. 

Several years ago, I defined my purpose as Matthew 5:16: “To let my light shine before others so that they see good works and glorify God”.  That purpose/verse is the underlying driving force behind what I do every day. 

Is 2026 a year of purpose for you?  Identifying purpose is worth your time.

Persistence could be your superpower

I have talked at length about focusing on consistency more than intensity.   Just showing up matters.  Every time you do something on a consistent basis, you are making a deposit into becoming something new. 

Persistency matters when talent isn’t enough.  Persistency is a strength any of us can exhibit, but few embrace it.  It’s not pretty, but it is powerful!

I work out early every morning.  It wouldn’t really matter much physically if I skipped a morning.  In fact, no one workout even matters that much.  However, when I stack those workouts on top of one another, it makes a difference.  Also, I make that deposit every morning into becoming something new.  Persistence matters!

Is 2026 a year of persistence for you?  What area of your life do you need to show persistence?

2026 is a year to number our days and make it count!

Doug provides professional speaking and coaching services to organizations and individuals.  Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build a team culture, feel free to reach out to Doug at  doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

A Grambling man stopped by state police for failure to wear a seat belt ended up being charged with numerous offenses Monday.

Antuane Davon Gamble. 30, was stopped on U.S. Highway 167 near La. Highway 545 at about 8:45 a.m. Jan. 5. In addition to the seat belt violation, the trooper determined the license plate displayed on the Chevrolet Malibu had been switched from another vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle gave his name as Kayon Gamble with a date of birth indicating he was 33. The trooper found no Louisiana driver with that name. A passenger, the driver’s wife, provided his correct name and date of birth. That identification was confirmed when the trooper retrieved a Louisiana identification card photograph.

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When the trooper attempted to handcuff Gamble, he initially appeared to comply but then pulled away and turned around to face the trooper. With the assistance of Dubach Police, officers were able to overcome Gamble’s resistance and apply handcuffs.

Gamble stated he lied about his name due to being nervous about other things going on in the area, according to the trooper’s report.

Gamble was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for no seat belt, switched license plate, no driver’s license, resisting an officer by providing a false name, resisting an officer by force, and a warrant from Grambling Police for failure to appear in court on a speeding charge.

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.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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