This is a test for the guys.

You are at home entertaining a group of people. During the conversation your wife asks you to find something that is in her purse. What do you do? The question is for guys only.

There is an unwritten guy rule concerning the purse. “Thou shalt not go into the purse of thine wife under any circumstance, lest thou be tossed outside the man-cave.” I am not sure who first stated this rule. It is a standing guy rule. It is more a male instinct than a rule that is taught. There are many reasons for not digging in a purse.

First reason, some other guy may witness you digging in a purse. This purse watcher might not know you are married to the owner of the purse. He might see you pull make-up out of the purse and wonder if the purse and the make-up are yours. In some circles purse and make-up possession will cut down on the number of invitations for you to share another guy’s deer stand, duck blind, bass boat or man-cave.

Second reason, you might reach in the purse and pull out something you don’t understand. There are things in the purse of which a male has no knowledge. We don’t know what they are or what they are for. You don’t want to pull something out of the purse and not understand what you are holding. The consequences are like those stated above.

Third reason, there are dangerous items in a purse. She might have been to the hardware store and purchased a mousetrap. Rather than carry the mousetrap around, she stuffed it into her purse. You don’t want to set off a mouse trap or stab yourself with the many sharp implements hiding in the purse. There are trimming and cutting devices in a purse. Males know this only because we have witnessed a purse being dumped out on the kitchen table when something is “lost” in the purse.

Fourth reason, as stated above, there is much stuff in the purse. If in front of witnesses she asks you to find a widget and you can’t and must confess that before the same witnesses; that will do great damage to the male ego. It is especially injurious when she reaches in the purse and finds the widget immediately.

Last reason, it is not your purse. It is not your business, is it? Even when given permission, the male should never peruse the purse. 

There is a corollary to this rule. “Thou shalt not wander through the cell phone of thine wife, lest thou be expelled from the man-cave.” If the purse is off limits, so is the cell phone.

Now talk among yourselves about this. If you are thinking, “She is my wife and everything she has is mine” then we need to talk about boundaries. If you are curious about what you might find, we really need to talk about something very important for healthy happy relationships.

The central issue is trust. When we refuse to look in or place our hands inside the purse, we are displaying trust. We are not being lazy, cute, or even a curmudgeon. We are showing respect for and trust in the spousal owner of the purse. Haven’t thought about it like that have you?

Who do you trust?

Trust is the soil in which love grows. When trust is broken it is almost impossible for the relationship to be restored, right? How many times have you said, “I don’t trust ________.” The blank can be filled with the name of a person, a vocation, or an institution. Maybe rather than conversation we need to confess where we have broken the trust of another. 

Are you a trusting and trustworthy person? If not, you can be transformed.

Jesus has asks for your trust. Do you trust Him?

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When it comes to soft plastic lures, one thing anglers will say is that “color does not matter.” But I’m going to give my perspective on why it does. For years both novice and professional bass fishermen have made a case for why the color of your bait doesn’t matter. They say it’s more about the presentation than it is the color of the bait itself. This may be true in some isolated cases, but if that’s true, then why do manufacturers make soft plastic worms in so many colors? Is it to catch fish or is it to catch anglers?  

Today’s anglers are overwhelmed with color selection by many of the top name brands like Strike King, V&M, Gary Yamamoto, Zoom, and Reaction Innovation, just to name a few. Each of these manufacturers produce some of the best soft plastics ever made. But colors in the bass fishing world are not your standard red, blue or greens. They have very creative names like red bug, tequila sunrise, green pumpkin, watermelon and my personal favorite, black emerald. Bait companies are even more creative than the original box of 64 crayons when it comes to color options. You may remember this from your childhood days when Crayola crayons had names like Brick Red,  Burnt Orange, Chestnut, and even Bittersweet. But today’s box of crayons might include Inchworm, Granny Smith Apple, Caribbean Green, Tropical Rainforest, or my personal favorite Permanent Geranium Lake. Who comes up with these names? How is a child or an angler today, suppose to understand or learn the different color pallets of this magnitude?

Well, bass fishermen new to the industry are in the same boat. How is an angler supposed to know the difference between crab apple or plum? Well crab apple, also known as red bug by some companies, are red worms with green flake. But back in the day when soft plastic baits were first invented by Nick Crème of Crème Lures, crab apple was the original red worm with green flake. By the way, it was at the Cleveland Sportsman’s Show in 1951 that Nick Crème introduced and sold over 9600 packs of soft plastic worms which jumpstarted the soft plastic industry. Today the king of soft plastics is a company by the name of Zoom, which started manufacturing soft plastic baits in 1977.

As you can see, the color pallets of the bass fishing world all depend on what company is producing the baits. But does color really matter when it comes to catching bass? I say yes, because I’ve seen days where you can throw red bugs and then switch to green pumpkin and start catching fish. Just like this past August, I was pre-fishing for a tournament on Sam Rayburn and was throwing one of my favorite V&M baits called a Baby Swamp Hog in watermelon/red with basically zero bites in the first three hours. I switched to Gleason Candy and it was like someone turned on a light switch. Making this change in color allowed me to finish in 2nd place in that event. I’m also of the opinion that if color doesn’t matter, then why do they make so many color options for anglers to choose from? Now I will admit that some colors are designed to catch anglers rather than fish, but in general, the array of color choices allows an angler to experiment and try something that maybe the bass have not seen.

So, the next time you’re in your favorite tackle store, make sure you know what color soft plastic you’re looking for. Know the difference between watermelon/red and green pumpkin with red flakes.  If you’re not sure, ask someone to help you. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf
Co-Host Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show
And Tackle Talk Live

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The Ruston High School Lady Bearcats (27-8, 10-0 District) best C.E. Byrd to secure a district title by scores of 25-9, 25-11 and 25-9.

Mariah Hintze led Ruston with eight kills and two aces, while Riley Oakley finished with seven kills and two blocks.

Sophie Mae Smith totaled five kills, six aces, and 32 assists.

Ruston will travel to Natchitoches Central on Thursday and then head to the Dunham Skeleton Classic tournament in Baton Rouge to finish the regular season.

“We are looking forward to this weekend in Baton Rouge,” Lady Bearcat head coach Lucie Hunt said. “It’s always a fun and highly competitive tournament. We are going up against some tough teams, which  will only help us get ready for playoffs. Pairings will be announced Monday and we would love for the community to come out and support these amazing girls who have worked hard all season.” 

Playoff pairings will be announced Monday.

PHOTO CREDIT: Darrell James (http://dgjames.photoshelter.com)

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Joanne Terral 
October 11, 1934 – October 27, 2021 

Jennifer Chandler Kane  
December 20, 1961 – October 22, 2021  
Memorial service: 11 a.m., November 2, The Pond, 1843 Hwy 821, Ruston 

Joe D. Moreland  
January 19, 1940-October 26, 2021  
Visitation: 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 29 at Bethlehem Cemetery in Homer  
Graveside service: 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 29 at Bethlehem Cemetery in Homer  

Willie James Scott  
October 1, 1948-October 25, 2021  
Memorial service: 1 p.m., October 30 at King’s Funeral Home, 1511 W. California Avenue; Ruston  

Sandra Levingston  
November 2, 1963-October 25, 2021  
Memorial service: 11 a.m., November 6 at King’s Funeral Home, 1511 W. California Avenue; Ruston  

Julia M. Lewis  
July 1, 1937-October 25, 2021  
Family Gathering: 2 p.m., Oct. 29 at King’s Funeral Home, 1511 W. California Avenue; Ruston  
Visitation: 3-5 p.m., Oct. 29 at King’s Funeral Home, 1511 W. California Avenue; Ruston  
Observation window: 5 p.m. October 29 to 8 a.m. October 30 at King’s Funeral Home, 1511 W. California Avenue; Ruston  
Lying In-State: 9-10 a.m., Oct. 30 at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 210 Mount Harmony Church Rd, Ruston  
Funeral Service: 10 a.m., Oct. 30 at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 210 Mount Harmony Church Rd, Ruston  
Interment: Oct. 30 at Mt. Harmony Baptist Cemetery 

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After Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the end of this fall’s mask mandate, Lincoln Parish schools made plans to adjust.

While the mask mandate has been lifted, Edwards recommends masks indoors for most. Additionally, K-12 schools must have a mask mandate or follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quarantine guideline.

“After sustained improvement across the state in new cases, test positivity and hospitalizations, I will lift Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate in all settings except for K-12 schools, which may opt out as long as they continue implementing existing CDC quarantine guidelines,” Edwards said. “Under the CDC and Louisiana Department of Health guidance that schools without mask mandates must follow, asymptomatic individuals who may have been in close contact to someone infected with COVID-19 should quarantine.”

Lincoln Parish schools sent a notice to parents Wednesday afternoon announcing that masks will be a decision for parents. The parent’s choice for students wearing masks may affect quarantine days based on exposures. Additionally, the School Board highly recommends masks for students and employees.

Masks will continue to be required on all buses.

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Cedar Creek High School announced its 2021 Homecoming Court this week in anticipation of Friday night’s game against Delta Charter slated for 7 p.m. at Cougar Stadium.

This year’s Homecoming Court is (L to R: Front Row): Cameron Turpin, Sarah Adams (Queen), Riley Patterson and (L to R: Back Row): Millie Venters and Faith Johnson.

These ladies will be introduced during pregame ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. Friday night.

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WHAT: Ruston at West Ouachita

WHERE: Cadeville, La.

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m.

HOW: KXKZ 107.5 FM (Pregame starts at 6 p.m.)

CADEVILLE, La. — Ranked No. 7 by the LSWA and sitting at No. 3 in the power rankings, the red hot Ruston Bearcats (7-1; 3-0 District) will play a rare Thursday night district matchup against the West Ouachita Chiefs (2-6; 0-3 District) at Red Simms Stadium on campus.

Ruston is in control of its own destiny for its first District 2-5A title in football in nearly three decades with two regular season games left after winning seven games in a row. The Bearcats may also creep a little higher in the power rankings if they can win these next two games.

“This team has a new coach, and their kids are settling into a new offense and defense,” Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “In my experience, you’re going to have some tough games and then games where everyone comes out and executes well, and that’s due to the fact that it’s a brand new system. Our district is one of the toughest in 5A, and they’re having to deal with that while installing new things and getting used to new coaches.”

Baugh talked more extensively about the need for the Bearcats to stay focused on this ballgame.

“They continue to play hard and that’s what I told our kids to watch for,” Baugh said. “That’s a testament to (Coach Rainwater) and his coaching staff. You can’t just roll out there and think that since we’ve won some big football games, which we have, that they’re going to roll over. That’s not going to be the case.”

Last week, after trailing 23-22 to start the fourth quarter, the Bearcats scored 15 unanswered points in the fourth quarter thanks to red zone touchdowns by both senior Devian Wilson and junior quarterback Jaden Osborn. A two-point conversion was converted thanks to an incredible throw by senior wide receiver Dawson Willis to Osborn in the end zone to put Ruston up 30-23.

“I’m proud for these kids,” Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh said after last Friday’s victory. “I told them at halftime that we just needed to keep playing hard and good things would happen. They did a great job and I’m proud for them. Our fan base came out and supported these kids, and it’s great for our community.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The pregame show will start at 6 p.m. and can be heard live on KXKZ 107.5 FM.

PHOTO CREDIT: Reggie McLeroy

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By Alexis Newman

For anyone who feels too old for trick-or-treating but still wants to get into the holiday spirit, downtown Ruston’s Wine Walk — which has sold out of tickets days before the date — may be the perfect event.

The Wine Walk is scheduled for Oct. 29 from 6-9 p.m. On the night of the event, participants will go to Railroad Park to check in with their tickets, have their ID checked and receive a wristband and a map. From there, they can go door-to-door among the 25 participating businesses and enjoy samplings of wine along with in-store specials, pop-ups, refreshments, and live artists. The Shreveport band Tipsy will also be performing from 5:30-7 p.m. at Railroad Park.

Main Street director and community coordinator Amy Stegall explained that the purpose of the Wine Walk is twofold: to increase traffic and economic development in downtown and to allow businesses to connect with their customers. 

“They can introduce new people to their business, maybe they’ve never been there before, or they’ll have just a special night to visit with their regular customers,” Stegall said. “Really, it’s just one more way to put traffic into downtown and just support the economic development that we have going on here.”

Although this is only the second time the Wine Walk will run, Stegall said that the hope is that it becomes a fun new annual tradition for the Ruston community. 

“It’s a wonderful way for us to build our community, and it’s another fun event for people to get out and enjoy,” Stegall said. “It gives variety, and it gives a night to get out with friends and get a babysitter and enjoy what our downtown has to offer.”

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The Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Ruston have announced “Shop Early, Shop Local,” a campaign to encourage the support of local businesses. This campaign will kick-off on Monday, Nov. 1 and end on Saturday, Nov. 27 at the City of Ruston’s Kickoff to Christmas celebration in Railroad Park at 6 p.m. 

As shoppers make purchases of $20 or more at participating businesses, they will be offered a ticket to write their name and phone number on. On Fridays (November 5, 12, 19, & 26), one ticket will be drawn for five $20 gift cards from five local stores for a total of $100. At the Kickoff to Christmas event on Nov. 27, more names will be drawn for addition gift card give-a-ways. The final ticket drawn will award a shopper with $1,000 cash, sponsored by Jim Taylor Auto Group and RocketFast Car Wash.

Thirty-nine local retailers are participating in this campaign. 

The Chamber of Commerce reported that the effects of shopping local are extensive. The money received by local businesses for their goods or services goes right back into our community in various ways. For example, local business owners employ local residents, purchase locally-produced products and inventory, and give back directly to the community.  

For more information, please contact Ivana Flowers at iflowers@rustonlincoln.org, 318-255-2031 or Amy Stegall at astegall@ruston.org, 318-251-8647.  

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By Thomas Stodghill, IV

The Domestic Abuse Resistance Team held a candlelight vigil remembering victims and survivors of domestic violence in the community. This was held in October because this month is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

DART serves seven different parishes in Louisiana, and they held candlelight vigils in each parish. The vigil in Lincoln Parish was the last one. 

The event was led by Erica McFarland, a Survivor Advocate for DART. She started the event by introducing a survivor of domestic violence, Angela Wallace, to come speak about her experience with domestic violence.

Wallace recounted her story about abuse from a former partner. She was not physically abused at first and did not know who to turn to.

“I did not know who to tell or what to tell,” Wallace said.

Wallace said that she did not share anything until she was physically abused by her former partner in 2012. She also said that she spent a week in the hospital after that and learned that her partner was arrested.

After Wallace told her story, the candlelight vigil started. People took turns reading off the 49 names of people who died from domestic violence in Lincoln Parish. Some people brought photos remembering those victims.

Forty-nine different candles were lit in memory of the deceased. In addition, everyone in attendance was given a candle to hold.

McFarland described the event as peaceful, and she was glad to see the community turn out and support. 

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The National Science Foundation has awarded a $499,500 grant to Grambling State University. The Department of Computer Science and Digital Technologies will use the funding for a project titled “iMed-Sec: Exploring Hardware-Assisted Solutions for Energy-Efficient Low-Overhead Security and Privacy for the Internet-of-Medical-Things.”  

The project will address the security concerns of physical devices that are connected to internet.  

“The combination of a network of physical devices embedded with electronics, Internet connectivity, and sensors, that can communicate and interact with others over the Internet is known as the Internet of Things (IoT). An IoT-based framework for the healthcare industry is called the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT),” said Dr. Babu Baniya, a GSU assistant professor and the principal investigator for the project. Dr. Vasanth Iyer, a GSU assistant professor of cybersecurity; along with Dr. Bibhudutta Rout, and Saraju Mohanty of the University of North Texas are co-principal investigators.  

The security of implantable medical devices and wearable medical devices is one of the major concerns of IoMT, in addition to medical data privacy.  

“Imminent threats to the safe use of IoMT include the vulnerability of IoMT-devices to hacking,” Baniya said. “The project will undertake research to explore hardware-assisted security with low-overhead, energy-efficient solutions for the IoMT. The uniqueness of the iMed-Sec project is a unified multilayer effort involving devices, circuits, and systems for robust cybersecurity.”  

The goal is energy-efficient protocols for IoMT device cybersecurity and the creation of IoMT cybersecurity course materials (such as modules, training materials, and syllabi) ) to boost various STEM undergraduate curricula. It will provide training to students in smart healthcare paradigms, thus serving the national interest. It will also broaden the participation of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) students in STEM education and research.

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Ruston’s cross country teams both brought home district titles in district 2-5A this past week in dominating fashion with the boys winning with a score of 18 (Pineville finished second with 71) and the girls winning with a score of 19 (Alexandria finished second with 61).

Head coach Dustin Cochran was beyond pleased with both squads and how they competed to bring home the championships.

“Ruston high cross country is a team first sport,” Cochran said. “We have the low sticks at the front that win most every race they run in, but what makes us a really good team is our depth. The district meet yesterday showed that, with 11 boys finishing in the top 16, and 8 girls finishing in the top 10.”

Senior Caleb Babineaux and junior Lily Garrett both finished first place in their respective races. For the girls, Ruston finished ahead of Alexandria, West Monroe and West Ouachita. The boys finished over Pineville, Alexandria, West Ouachita, West Monroe and Ouachita Parish.

Babineaux finished first (15:19.51), while sophomore Thomas Rogers finished second (15:35.40). Senior Nelson Blackburn came in fourth (15:59.08) and junior Bryar Madden finished fifth overall at 16:07.08. Junior Andrew McKaskle rounded out the scorers sixth overall with a time of 16:10.14.

Rounding out the top ten for Ruston’s boys were sophomore Landon Byrd (7th, 16:17.49), senior John Davis Vessel (9th, 16:38.60), and junior Cole Maestrini (10th, 16:47.39).

For the girls, Garrett finished first (18:13.75) while Anna Naff comes in third at 19:27.37. Parker Nations (4th, 19:30.78), Sydney Owens (5th, 19:53.44), and Zoie Holstead (6th, 20:06.38) rounded out Ruston’s scorers. Sara Naff finished seventh at 2.0:12.40).

Cochran highlighted other finishers for the teams, as well, noting that Abby Edgerton finished in the Top 10 with a PR of 20:42.67 despite this only being her first year running. Marina Givens followed her at 21:00.89.

“She really pushed herself to make a jump, Cochran said. “She’s never finished among the top finishers, and I told her she would need to run under 21 minutes.”

For Cochran, he celebrated the total team effort for some of the non-scorers who worked hard for their finishes.

“Jeff Weatherford, Cole Magee, and John Madix exemplify what we’re about,” Cochran said. “They’re not in our top 7 scorers, but they come to meets like this and absolutely run great. It’s a reflection of their commitment and dedication. Edgerton and Parker Nations are two freshman who are doing the same thing, They’re getting better day in and day out; they’re doing the right things, and their results are starting to show all the work they’ve put in.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Dr. Amy Vessel

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RUSTON — Tech Madness is back at the Thomas Assembly Center.

This Monday night (Nov. 1), Louisiana Tech fans can get a glimpse of the 2021-22 Bulldog and Lady Techster basketball teams as Tech Madness is set for 7:30 p.m.

Admission is FREE to all fans with everyone getting a chance to meet this year’s Bulldogs and Lady Techsters who will be introduced to the crowd.

Co-hosted by SGA, the one-hour event will have three-point and dunk competitions, celebrity judges, and more.

Champ, Regal Blues and cheerleaders will also be on hand.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The Bulldogs, who were picked second in the C-USA preseason poll, return four starters off last year’s team that won 24 games, a C-USA West Division title and advanced to the NIT Final Four. Among those starters are forwards Kenneth Lofton, Jr.. and Isaiah Crawford, both of whom were voted as C-USA preseason all-conference honorees.

The Lady Techsters were picked to finish sixth in the C-USA preseason poll.  They return their top two scorers from a season ago in C-USA second teamer Keiunna Walker and Anna Larr Roberson.  They are two of the four returners from last year’s squad that will play alongside nine newcomers, including four transfers.

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Graduate Conner Killian keeps running away with awards.

On Wednesday Killian became the first Louisiana Tech student-athlete to ever earn a spot on the Conference USA All-Academic team for their respective sport five times.

Killian earned a spot on the 6-person 2021 Men’s Cross Country All-Academic Team for the fifth time in his collegiate career. He was joined on the team by Charlotte’s Avery Cannon, North Texas’ Caleb Bouchard and Jack Beaumont, and Rice’s Andrew Abikhaled and Hociel Landa.

The Metairie native earned Conference USA Cross Country All-Academic honors in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and now 2021 for his performance in the classroom, the community and on the track.

Killian boasts a 4.0 grade point average in graduate school while pursuing his MBA and a 3.94 grade point average in undergrad while he earned his forestry degree with a minor in accounting. He graduated Summa Cum Laude.

In addition to his work in the classroom, Killian served as the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for multiple terms. He has also been named a C-USA Academic Medalist five times and a C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll five times.

Killian was named the C-USA Spirit of Service Award winner in 2018. He also won the Jimmy Collins Special Award presented by the All-State Sugar Bowl in the fall of 2019 for his community service work done following the April 25 tornado that hit Ruston and LA Tech.

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Deloitte, a multinational professional services network with offices in over 150 countries and territories around the world, announced the creation of a $250,000 scholarship program to help fund the cost of tuition for students from Grambling State University who are seeking a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree from Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business. The announcement further showcases the global professional services organization’s commitment to increasing diversity within the accounting profession. 

As previously announced last fall, Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University — a long-standing HBCU located five miles from Louisiana Tech’s campus — signed a memorandum of understanding that provides an accelerated pathway for Grambling students to achieve a degree that is not provided at their undergraduate institution. This agreement allows Louisiana Tech and Grambling to provide their shared students with the education, resources and support they need to sit for the CPA exam and launch successful careers. 

Because financial aid packages will not transfer from institutions in Louisiana, senior accounting majors at Grambling State are required to self-fund their coursework at Louisiana Tech. Prior to Deloitte’s scholarship program investment, scholarships and graduate assistantships were primarily funded by Louisiana Tech alumni in order to lift the financial burden for these students. 

“The scholarships from Deloitte will be a game changer on multiple levels and we are thrilled to team with Louisiana Tech and Grambling State through this program,” said Stephen Metoyer, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Deloitte Tax LLP and graduate of Louisiana Tech University. “By eliminating the financial barrier many students face when seeking access to higher education, not only do we anticipate helping to diversify and grow the regional accounting workforce, it is our earnest hope that many graduates of this program will go on to become tomorrow’s leaders of the accounting profession, fueling the long-term change we are seeking. This investment complements other bold initiatives we are undertaking, including our Making Accounting Diverse and Equitable (MADE) and Deloitte Tax Scholars programs.” 

“We are truly grateful for Deloitte investment in this innovative pathway to our Master of Accountancy,” said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of Louisiana Tech’s College of Business. “Our collaboration with Grambling — and now Deloitte — is a testament to the importance of investing in shared student success that will benefit the field by providing highly qualified accounting professionals who will diversify the field. We look forward to expanding this model to other HBCUs in the future to continue to increase diversity of thought and opportunities in the accounting profession.” 

“Deloitte’s support of our shared MAcc students will help create greater success and opportunity for them,” said Dr. Les Guice, president of Louisiana Tech. “Together, we will help many students achieve their academic goals, and I know they will then make a positive impact on our region and state.” 

“We are thrilled our students have the opportunity to pursue MAcc courses while still enrolled at Grambling, giving them a decided edge while preparing for the CPA exam and ultimately earning a masters from the esteemed Louisiana Tech,” said Dr. Donald White, dean of the College of Business at Grambling State University. “Students and faculty at Grambling are thankful to Deloitte for their support of this program that will benefit accounting students for generations.” 

“We are grateful for Deloitte’s investment in our students,” said Grambling State University President Rick Gallot. “Their support of our accountancy students reflects their commitment to a highly trained and diverse workforce.” 

The investment from Deloitte’s scholarship program will be used to fund graduate assistantships, undergraduate tuition at Louisiana Tech University (up to nine credit hours to support concurrent MAcc studies), and graduate tuition at Louisiana Tech University (up to 30 credit hours to support MAcc completion). Students who are interested in learning more about the concurrent program requirements can do so here. 

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Jennifer Chandler Kane 
December 20, 1961 – October 22, 2021 
Memorial service: 11 a.m., November 2, The Pond, 1843 Hwy 821, Ruston

Joe D. Moreland 
January 19, 1940-October 26, 2021 
Visitation: 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 29 at Bethlehem Cemetery in Homer 
Graveside service: 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 29 at Bethlehem Cemetery in Homer 

Willie James Scott 
October 1, 1948-October 25, 2021 
Memorial service: 1 p.m., October 30 at King’s Funeral Home, 1511 W. California Avenue; Ruston 

Sandra Levingston 
November 2, 1963-October 25, 2021 
Memorial service: 11 a.m., November 6 at King’s Funeral Home, 1511 W. California Avenue; Ruston 

Julia M. Lewis 
July 1, 1937-October 25, 2021 
Family Gathering: 2 p.m., Oct. 29 at King’s Funeral Home, 1511 W. California Avenue; Ruston 
Visitation: 3-5 p.m., Oct. 29 at King’s Funeral Home, 1511 W. California Avenue; Ruston 
Observation window: 5 p.m. October 29 to 8 a.m. October 30 at King’s Funeral Home, 1511 W. California Avenue; Ruston 
Lying In-State: 9-10 a.m., Oct. 30 at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 210 Mount Harmony Church Rd, Ruston 
Funeral Service: 10 a.m., Oct. 30 at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 210 Mount Harmony Church Rd, Ruston 
Interment: Oct. 30 at Mt. Harmony Baptist Cemetery  

 

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Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards announced yesterday that the mask mandate in the state has been lifted.

While the mask mandate is lifted, the state recommends masks indoors for most. Additionally, K-12 schools must have a mask mandate or follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quarantine guideline.

“After sustained improvement across the state in new cases, test positivity and hospitalizations, I will lift Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate in all settings except for K-12 schools, which may opt out as long as they continue implementing existing CDC quarantine guidelines,” Edwards said. “Under the CDC and Louisiana Department of Health guidance that schools without mask mandates must follow, asymptomatic individuals who may have been in close contact to someone infected with COVID-19 should quarantine.”

Previously, the mask mandate had been lifted over the summer but reinstated before most schools started back due to the increase of positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Cases have continued to decrease over the course of the month, when Edwards extended the mask mandate back in September.

“There is no doubt that our COVID-19 situation in Louisiana has improved since the peak of our fourth surge, which was largely driven by the Delta variant, and for that I am deeply grateful,” Edwards said when he extended the mask mandate Sept. 28. “Even so, the amount in COVID in Louisiana is still incredibly high, at 243 cases for every 100,000 people, as it is disproportionately driven by transmission in those 5 to 18 years old.”

As of Sunday, 53 percent of the population in Louisiana has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Additionally, yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory committee started receiving evidence for the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech shots for children between the ages of 5 and 11. Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is available for individuals ages 12 and above. After the day’s discussion, the FDA advisers voted 17-0 with one abstention in recommending the vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11. 

The advisory panel’s recommendation will now go to to the FDA, which will need to approve, and an advisory panel for the CDC will also give its recommendation next week. If the FDA authorizes the vaccine, it could be available for kids in this age group in November.

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Ghouls, ghosts and goblins — as well as a few princesses and Pikachus too — were running around Argent Pavilion at Louisiana Tech University Tuesday night at the annual Tech-R-Treat.

Hosted by the Union Board, more than 1,000 people walked around the carnival-styled games before the first hour of activities were even over.

Zane Lovas, a student at Tech, said he came out to help KLPI at the event and to have fun.

“I really didn’t do anything freshman year and then last year, COVID closed everything down,” Lovas said. “It’s really fun. I’m surprised at the turnout. It’s really great. I love the set up and how involved all the organizations are.”

Organizations set up booths with games such as popping balloons, bean bag toss and face painting. Other activities included a hayride, pumpkin painting and even a haunted trail — one Tech student Jacquelyn Williams said she would pass.

“I came here for t-shirts and pumpkins,” Williams said. “I don’t like scary stuff. I went freshman year, and that’s it. There was a chainsaw they removed the actual blade from. That happened freshmen year and — never again.”

Williams did get her pumpkin, but the infamous Union Board Tech-R-Treat t-shirt that many Tech students vied for was not hers.

“I waited 40 minutes,” Williams said as she painted her pumpkin. “But this is good.”

Skylar Blackwell, Union Board secretary, said planning the event had been a challenge but one well worth it.

“There were still some limitations we had to face, but we had something small and now we have this,” Blackwell said.  

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(This is the second part of a two-part story on RHS principal Dan Gressett. Part 1 ran Tuesday.)

By T. Scott Boatright

Gressett was more than ready to retire as nothing more than a baseball coach and science teacher before life tossed him a change-up pitch.

“Ricky Durrett was the principal at Ruston and knocked on the classroom door on a Friday, I remember, and he said he needed to talk to me when I had a minute. That’s usually not a good thing. But I talked to him and he told me he was going to have an assistant principal position open and wanted to know if I might be interested.”

Gressett’s first instinct was to lay off the change-up. But then he decided to swing away.

“At first I thought I didn’t want it, so I asked him for some time. He said he needed to know on (the next) Monday. At that time he told me that I’d have to get out of coaching and all that. I went back and forth over it all that weekend and ended up deciding that I wanted to try it, and started that new position in January.

“Mr. Durrett told me I could finish out that baseball season, then that would be it. But it didn’t turn out that way and I ended up staying on for a few more years with the baseball team.”

Durrett, who also moved through the coaching ranks (basketball) to school administration, said getting to know Gressett made him feel Gressett could succeed in the same kind of journey he had made himself.

“Dan is a guy who relates well to students and has good relationships with them and relates well with their parents,” Durrett said. “I just noticed a knack he has of handling situations in a positive way. Even the kids who don’t often do well in class seemed to thrive under Dan.

“Many people in the community had gotten to know and believe in him and I just felt like he would be a good assistant principal. He did a good job on following through with things and finishing projects.”

Then, two-and-a-half years later, life fired a curveball to Gressett.

“Mr. Durrett called me in that time and told me he was moving to the school board office as secondary school supervisor and that he was recommending me to be interim principal,” Gressett said. “He told me that (then-Lincoln Parish Schools Superintendent Mike Milstead), would be calling. So I met with Mr. Milstead and turned it down. I wasn’t interested. I was assistant principal and still getting to coach and really enjoyed it. I was just very comfortable where I was.

“But Mr. Milstead called me in a couple of more times and we kept talking. It was just going to be an interim deal for one year, so I finally said I’d do it. That was four years ago. It worked out well. I consider myself an average principal with above-average students and above-average teachers and administrators surrounding me.”

Gressett admits his knowledge of facing pressure on the mound as a baseball pitcher and then serving as a longtime coach has helped him through a tumultuous period as RHS’s principal who has had to face social unrest, a pandemic, tornadoes and even a hurricane.

“I absolutely think that playing sports definitely prepares you for some things,” Gressett said. “You learn to let a lot of things just kind of roll off your back and not bother you. But it’s coaching that I think helped prepare me much more. You have to deal with a lot of different people as both a coach and a principal. Kids are easy to deal with. But as a principal you have to deal with parents, with adults in your building, with adults at the school board office and all of that.

“It’s been an incredibly wild ride since I became principal. But it’s been a fun one. And I do believe things are getting better and better with the COVID situation and that we’ll soon be past all of it for the most part. When I first came to Tech did I believe I’d be a teacher, let alone an administrator? No. But now I wouldn’t give it up for the world. I love Ruston and I love my job. Becoming assistant principal and then principal at Ruston has been a home run for me.”

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By T. Scott Boatright

It’s shaping up to be one of the biggest regular season football games ever for Lincoln Preparatory School as the Panthers prepare to take on Haynesville at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Jonesboro-Hodge football stadium.

And if the Panthers, who have turned in a solid season so far and stand at 5-3 overall and 4-3 in District 1-1A, could somehow take down the Golden Tornado, it would be a victory of historic proportions.

History has shown that Lincoln Prep will have its hands full facing a Haynesville team that has gone to the playoffs for 42 straight seasons, the third-longest streak in the state behind only John Curtis and Kentwood, which have both made 46 straight playoff appearances.

Haynesville has also won 17 state championships (1924, 1929, 1936, 1970, 1971, 1984, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2009, 2013 and 2014), ranking second for most titles in Louisiana behind only John Curtis, which has won state 26 times.

“Everybody knows about those guys,” said Lincoln Prep head coach Glen Hall about Haynesville. “They’re a strong team every year. They make deep playoff runs every year. It’s like ‘David vs. Goliath,’ and Haynesville is Goliath.

“But anything is always possible. David beat Goliath with only a slingshot. It was all about execution. And that’s what this game will be about for us. We’ll have to execute and play near perfect football in all three phases of the game to have a chance. That’s the only way you can beat great teams like Haynesville.”

Lincoln Prep has never defeated Haynesville since rising from the metaphoric ashes of what was once known as Grambling Laboratory High School to start the 2016-17 school year.

Since 2009, the Golden Tornado has stormed past high school football teams from Grambling by the combined score of 446-95 through 10 games.

Following is a year by year breakdown of series results since 2009.

• 2020: Haynesville 57,  Lincoln Prep 0

• 2019: Haynesville 43,  Lincoln Prep 8

• 2018: Haynesville 53,  Lincoln Prep 12

• 2017: Haynesville 20,  Lincoln Prep 13

• 2016: Haynesville 49,  Lincoln Prep 0

• 2015: Haynesville 56,  Grambling Lab 8

• 2014: Haynesville 58,  Grambling Lab 22

• 2013: Haynesville 40,  Grambling Lab 8

• 2010: Haynesville 46,  Grambling Lab 6

• 2009: Haynesville 24,  Grambling Lab 18

The Panthers have been consistent so far this season, defeating all teams it was considered to have a chance against. But Lincoln Prep fell hard to perennial powerhouses Calvary Baptist and Homer, and also lost big to Louisiana High School Athletic Association newcomer Glenbrook.

Lincoln Prep comes into the contest riding the momentum of a 45-12 win at Magnolia School of Excellence last week in Shreveport.

Haynesville (5-3 overall, 4-2 in District 1-1A) will be looking to rebound from a 49-7 home loss last week to Calvary Baptist. The Golden Tornado has also lost to Glenbrook at home and at North Webster this season.

“Haynesville is Haynesville,” Hall said. “They’re going to be solid on their running game and they’re going to play solid defense. I’ve told our guys that if we go in and make the tackles we need to make, and make our blocks, I think we can score the ball because I’m doing some new things and the kicks are picking up real quick on it. I think if we can execute we can score, but I also know we’re really going to have to do some tackling if we want to stay in the game.”

Lincoln Prep’s three losses saw the opposing team pull away from the Panthers early. That’s something not lost on Hall.

“If we can stay close or even heading into the fourth quarter, I think they will give us a chance to win,” Hall said Tuesday evening. “We looked really focused today and had a great practice. I told the team today I feel good about this game. I know it’s going to be tough and there might be times it will be tough on them. But I told them I don’t want to see them put their heads down at any point. We just have to keep on fighting the whole way — the whole game.”

Lincoln Prep center Marvin Johnson missed last week’s game due to illness, forcing Hall to juggle his offensive line and move blue chip left guard Imani Marcel to center.

Johnson has been back at practice this week, but as part of some of the new offensive schemes Hall has had the Panthers work on, Marcel could remain at center against the Golden Tornado.

“I can move Imani back to guard, but I might not do that,” Hall said. “We have a huge nose tackle (Lathan Elmore, who Hall said stands at 5-9 but weighs in over 380 pounds) that I think I want to match up with Haynesville sizewise. So we may keep Imani at center, because he really knows how to snap the ball, and move our other big nose tackle to guard.”

Those aren’t the only offensive changes Hall is considering.

“Simmons ran well today,” Hall said. “We had races going on and the kids really enjoyed the practices (Monday) and (Tuesday). They’re excited and they look good. That’s part of the reason I feel good.

“During the practices we’ve been using Emmanuel Bryant, who has been playing H-back and tight end, some at tailback. We actually have practiced with Ta’Rell Simmons moving from quarterback to the receiver opposite Dmitry Payne to maybe try and keep the defense from doubling on Payne so much. Or if they do still double Payne, Ta’Rell is a natural receiver and such a big target that he can really help us that way. We’ve moved Braylen Mayfield to quarterback and he’s been looking pretty good doing that and has made some good throws.”

Hall hopes any offensive changes will help the Panthers stay close early in hopes of trying to pull off the win.

“The first quarter will be big,” Hall said. “But even if we fall behind, as long as we stay positive and move the ball some and score ourselves, I like our chances. Haynesville deserves all the accolades they’ve earned over the years. But this team I have just seems more together than we’ve had over the past few years. They like being around each other and having fun. If I can get them to keep fighting together the way they have fun together, then I think we have a chance.

“I can promise one thing — we’re going in to win. What Haynesville has done in the past is great. But our team is working toward the future one game at a time. We could get really good playoff positioning if we can somehow pull this off. Our players have been excited in practices this week. Now we have to carry that over to the opening kickoff on Thursday.”

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By Alexis Newman

Local teacher Brooke Hoefler explains how she uses reading, communication and pacing to teach her young students.  

Hoefler teaches kindergarten at Glen View Elementary School. She’s been teaching for 11 years, 10 of which were in special education. Hoefler said that she always knew she wanted to be a teacher because she enjoyed things like babysitting and had a heart for children. 

Hoefler said her favorite learning activity is reading. She said that the students love to be told stories, especially when the books are part of a series so that they can see what the character does next. Hoefler enjoys watching the students get excited for story time because, as she said, it’s important to foster interest in reading at such a young age. 

“I just love to instill a love of reading in the kids and to have excitement when they read,” Hoefler said. 

As with any child, the students also learn by communicating with one another. Hoefler said that she likes to watch the students interact with each other and that sometimes a student’s friend can explain things to them even better than she can. 

“When they build their relationships, they learn from each other, and so I love to let them play with each other and talk to each other, and I feel like that builds more learning than me getting up there and teaching sometimes,” Hoefler said. 

The most important principle of teacher for Hoefler, though, is acknowledging that students work at their own pace. Each student learns at different rates, and it’s important to work with a student based on where they are at currently. 

“My teaching philosophy is meet them where they are,” Hoefler said. “You can always improve, but you have to meet them where they are and love them, and that will make you make them grow.” 

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By Thomas Stodghill, IV

Some of the local churches are going to host fun fall and Halloween events for the community this week and next week. These events are open to everyone.

First Baptist Church will host its Fall Fest tonight. This will feature live music, a game tuck, food, inflatables, face painting, photo spots and other fun for the whole family. 

Ed Colvin, the children’s pastor at First Baptist, said that the church recognizes the beauty in God’s creation at this time of year and views the fall fest as a fun way to kick off the holiday season.

On Halloween night, two local churches plan to host Trunk-or-Treat events. 

The Springs is going to host its first Trunk-or-Treat from 4-6 p.m. It will be a night of family fun where people are going to pass out candy. 

The pastor of The Springs, George Lee, said that the event helps to bring a sense of community and it helps people get to know one another. He said that families can come and go to this before they go trick-or-treating.

Also, Trinity United Methodist Church is going to host a Trunk-or-Treat event Halloween night from 5-7 p.m. and it will feature fun activities. They plan to give out candy, host a cake walk and have a Kona Ice truck.

Karen Florence, the director of children’s ministry at Trinity, described their event as a safe alternative to Trick-or-Treating from door to door.

All of these events are free to the community.

If your church or non-profit is planning a fall or Halloween event, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com to get it added to our weekend events list.

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