Janice Hammons
August 29, 1940 – February 5, 2022
Visitation: First Baptist Church of Choudrant, 119 Oak Street, Choudrant, Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Service: First Baptist Church of Choudrant, 119 Oak Street, Choudrant, Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 11:00 am
Cemetery: Choudrant Memorial Cemetery, Jones Street, Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Gene R. “Hank” Evans
November 9, 1934 – February 3, 2022
Visitation: Episcopal Church of the Redeemer- Ruston, LA, Thursday, February 10, 2022, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Service:, Episcopal Church of the Redeemer- Ruston, LA, Thursday, February 10, 2022, 11:00 am
Cemetery: Kilpatrick’s Memorial Garden, Thursday, February 10, 2022

Dorothy Hall
December 13, 1940 – Feb. 3, 2022
Funeral service: 11 a.m., Feb. 8, 2022, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2586 Hwy. 150, Grambling

By William Midkiff

On the evening of Feb. 7, Ruston City Council had its monthly meeting, during which several items were introduced and several more were passed, including an ordinance that will save the city $700,000.

The first item discussed was a resolution to publish a notice of intent to amend the boundaries of economic development for District No. 1.

The amendment of these boundaries, which will be voted on as an ordinance during next month’s meeting, would add two new restaurants to the district: the McAlister’s Deli in the Walmart parking lot and the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen on Farmerville Hwy.

The ordinance would also delete from the district a restaurant called The Platter, which was a sandwich place.

The resolution passed unanimously, meaning that the vote to amend those boundaries will be taking place next month.

Next, a resolution to authorize extension of city utilities beyond the corporate city limits was considered. This resolution would allow Rhodes Properties and Development to use the city’s power to facilitate the development of a subdivision called The Reserve at Moore’s Dairy Subdivision.

The resolution passed unanimously.

The next resolution considered was to accept $59,000 in grant money that Ruston was offered through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to be put toward the airport. Mayor Ronny Walker confirmed during the meeting that this money was offered freely, meaning that the city would not have to match the funds in any way.

The resolution passed unanimously.

The next two resolutions called for the city to enter into contract with Amethyst Construction on two new road revitalization projects. Amethyst Construction was the lowest qualified bidder for these projects, and therefore was granted the opportunity to work with the city.

These two projects will be the second and third that Amethyst Construction have partnered with the city on.

Between the three projects, Amethyst Construction is roughly $4.2 million over budget. Mayor Ronny Walker is hopeful that this overage can be counteracted.

The resolution passed unanimously, fulfilling the contract.

The final item of the night was an ordinance to award the sale of the Economic Development District No. 1’s bonds to Origin bank at a 1.85 interest rate. The decrease of this interest rate from 3.07, as presented in last month’s meeting, was considered a great achievement for Ruston, as it will save the city $700,000.

The public hearing for the ordinance was silent, and it was unanimously passed by the council.

By T. Scott Boatright

A trio of Lincoln Preparatory School football players announced their college intentions Monday as they signed on to continue their gridiron careers on the next level.

Athletes DMitry Payne and Tarrell Simmons inked National Letters of Intent with Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, while offensive lineman Imani Marcel signed a Preferred Walk-On agreement with Grambling State University.

The two Lane College signees will move on to play under head coach Vyron Brown, who had previously served as offensive coordinator at Grambling and Lincoln Prep before taking over as OC at Lane in 2018.

Brown was promoted to head coach of the Dragons in January of 2020 and Lincoln Prep graduate Taviaun Turner played his senior season for Lane in 2021. 

From Lincoln Prep, Brown will be getting a pair of players who can both play receiver and defensive back, with Payne also excelling at kick and punt returnees. Simmons meanwhile, played a lot at quarterback for the Panthers as a senior simply because of team need.

“Vyron Brown was on our staff here and has kept up with our program and knows all about these two guys,” said Lincoln Prep coach Glen Hall. “He’s getting two hard working, skilled athletes, but most importantly, two players who are students of the game and work to get better at it all of the time.”

Payne accounted for 2,482 total yards and 23 touchdowns on 98 touches season. That adds up to  a staggering 25.3 yards every time he touched the ball.

The 5-11, 160-pounder hauled in 58 passes for 1,020 yards and nine touchdowns, returned 27 kickoffs for 1,231 yards and another seven TDs while adding 231 rushing yards and seven more scores on only 13 carries.

“Meci (Payne) is a threat to score any time he touches the ball,” said Lincoln Prep head coach Glen Hall. “He’s one of the more exciting and explosive players I’ve ever coached. The moves and cuts he makes, and that burst and ability he has with his speed that allows him to blow past anyone trying to catch is really something special. Something rare. 

“But he’s also a shut-down corner,” Hall said. “He’s already defined as a cornerback and knows things like the ‘step and slide.’ He knows the ‘mirror motor,’ and knows everything that most college guys are just starting to get on that level.”

Having Simmons joining him on the journey to Lane College become Dragons is something Payne said he is excited about.

“That’s my brother,” Payne said. “We’ve been together since the ninth grade. So we knew we had to make it happen and keep the team together.”

Payne said he hasn’t talked to the Lane staff about their plans for him.

“I really liked playing (defensive back), but they haven’t really talked to me about all of that,” Payne said.

Simmons feels most comfortable at receiver, but the 6-1, 160-pounder connected on 93-of-165 pass attempts for 1,301 yards and 18 touchdowns with six interceptions while adding 971 rushing yards and 13 scores on 102 carries.

“I’ll do whatever they ask me to, but I’m hoping to play receiver,” Simmons said. 

Marcel will try to walk on under the new regime of new Grambling State head coach Hue Jackson.

“I chose Grambling because I wanted to become part of the HBCU community,” said Marcel, who added that he plans to major in business. “It’s an exciting time for Grambling. It’s a fresh coaching staff and they’re bound to do great things,  and I’m just happy to be part of Coach Jackson’s program.”

The 6-3, 380-plus pounder will likely play left guard for the G-Men but showed over his prep career that he’s also capable of playing tackle and center when needed.

“I believe my versatility is a strength of mine,” Marcel said. “And I think that’s part of the reason the coaches feel I can become an important part of the team. I’m just going to keep working hard and make something great happen.”

A man was arrested Friday evening after Ruston Police officers responded to a rollover vehicle crash on Sunset Boulevard.

Miles A. Kelso, 23, of Dallas, Texas was identified as the driver. An officer reportedly smelled what appeared to be an alcoholic beverage on Kelso’s breath. Kelso admitted drinking before the crash.

Kelso performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was arrested and transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where a breath test was administered. After the test revealed a blood alcohol test of .13g%, well over the .08 threshold set in Louisiana law, Kelso was booked for DWI-first offense and careless operation of a vehicle.

Bail was set at $1,500 and Kelso was bonded out Saturday.

By T. Scott Boatright

Preparing for the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Indoor State meet over the weekend, Ruston High School track and field athletes competed at the Last Chance High School Qualifier at LSU.

And it’s safe to say that a number of those RHS athletes made the most of their final opportunity to qualify for that state indoor championship meet that will be held on Feb. 19. The top 16 athletes in each event qualify for the state championship meet.

One of those was junior Ean Outley, with an 11th place finish in the pole vault.

 “He didn’t qualify at the LSU Qualifier but then came in with a lifetime best at the Last Chance meet with more than 12 feet in the pole vault, which put him at fifth best in the state,” said RHS coach Allen Whitaker. “That came out of nowhere, but we’ve seen it coming in practice. He just put it in at the right time.”

Outley wasn’t the only Bearcat who set personal records (PR), if not more.

“Bryana Craig broke the state record in the high jump at 5-9 3/4,” Whitaker said. “That put her at No. 2 in the nation. She also ran the 400m and ran a lifetime best of 57.21. That was a big PR for her.

“She had a lot of lactic acid build up in her legs on that first record, and she goes out an hour later and set the record in the high jump. That’s remarkable to come off the record in the 400m and go back and do it again in the high jump not much later. That’s a testament to her heart and will.”

Both of Ruston’s 3,000m relay teams turned in strong showings.

“Our boys (Andrew McKaskle, Nelson Blackburn, Caleb Babineaux, Bryar Madden) broke the meet record at 8:03 and took down a very good Jesuit team and a good Catholic (Baton Rouge) team,” Whitaker said. “On the girls side, we beat the perennial powerhouse — St. Joe’s. We went under 10 minutes, which was a goal of (distance coach Dustin Cochran), to have his girls go sub-10 minutes indoors, so that group did a very good job.”

Ruston 3,200m girls team (Lily Garrett, Zoie Holstead, Anna Naff, Sara Naff) also turned in a first-place finish at the Last Chance Qualifier.

Sibling rivalries have helped the Lady Bearcats as Anna and Sara Naff and Bryanna and Autumn Craig each push their sisters as well as other teammates to better performances.

Bryanna Craig, a Louisiana Tech signee, is a heptathlete who set a personal record over the weekend in the high jump and placed third in the 400m, but Autumn also qualified to compete in the state meet in the shot put.

“I inherited two Craig girls,” Whitaker said. “Autumn threw a PR of 38 feet in the Qualifier Meet, then came back and threw 35 feet this week to rank fifth in the state and helps give our girls a great chance at winning state this year. I think we’re 35-point favorites right now over St. Joe’s and Scotlandville.”

Thomas Rogers is another Bearcat who has turned up the pace as the indoor season has progressed.

Thomas ran a personal record of under two minutes in the two-mile run and PR’d in the 1,600m,” Whitaker said. “Coach Cochran had been telling me how if Thomas finally puts it together, we’re going to see some nice stuff from him.”

Proven Bearcats standouts Jada Williams, who signed with Texas Christian in November, and Brandon “BJ” Green, who signed with Oklahoma, also had big weekends for the Bearcats.

“Jada set a PR in the 400m at 57.01, coming in second place behind a Scotlandville runner who’s a sophomore that is running fantastic right now,” Whitaker said. “BJ qualified for the indoors in the long jump by going 22-feet, seven-inches, and that sets up a pretty nice state championship because a guy down the road at Ouachita (Parish) jumped 49 feet, 8 inches, which put him as No. 1 in the nation and knocked BJ down to No. 2. That’s going to be a match the whole country will be watching and paying attention to when the indoor state meet rolls around. It may take 50 feet to win the triple jump this year.”

And last but by no means last, Whitakers’s son Josiah, a junior, also turned in a strong meet at the Last Chance Qualifier.

“He actually didn’t qualify for the state meet until this weekend when he finished in the Boys 800m,” Whitaker said. “That was a personal indoor record for him. The previous two meets he had fallen down in both and couldn’t put together the runs that he wanted to, but he went out with a lot of heart over the weekend and ran the race of his life.”

A Ruston man was arrested Saturday during a traffic stop for missing court appearances.

Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Sergeant Jeremy Johnson stopped Shaquille D. Williams, 27, of Ruston, Saturday night for a traffic violation. Williams admitted he did not have a driver’s license, but identified himself. 

A records check confirmed Williams had no license and was wanted on five warrants, including one for failing to appear in District Court for possession of a controlled substance and four held by the Ruston Police Department for failure to appear in city court.

Williams was arrested on the five warrants and for no driver’s license and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

Bail was set at $31,000.

East Park Avenue between North Vienna Street and North Bonner Street in downtown Ruston is closed until further notice.

The closure is necessary for the Downtown Revitalization Phase 6 Project. This project will update the streetscape, sidewalks, light posts and other small improvements in the downtown area.

This project is running at the same time as the Monroe Street Project and encompasses a seven-block area downtown. 

While this is a multi-step project, any downtown road closure will be posted on the city’s website and posted on Code RED alert system. Residents can sign up for Code RED alerts by clicking here. Updates included are road closures, if city offices are closed, electric outages and water outages. 

“Progress sometimes has a few pains and this is part of it,” said Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker in his recent Facebook video. “We hope you understand and work with us on that.”

Louisiana Tech University Foundation has expanded its team by welcoming a new team member and two promotions in the new year.

CLICK to COMPARE: https://www.humanateam.com

If you are enrolled in a Medicare/Medicaid plan rated less than 5 stars, you may switch to a Humana 5-star plan even after the Annual Election Period ends. The 5-star Special Enrollment period runs from December 8, 2021 through November 30, 2022.

A Humana Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan has everything Original Medicare has – and benefits you might not get with Medicare Part A and Part B alone. Your Humana Dual Eligible Special Needs plan works with your Medicaid benefits, so you can get the benefits you need – and even more – like:

• Healthy Foods Card – $75 each month for approved groceries
• $200 over-the-counter allowance every three months*
• Hearing benefit includes annual exam and $0 copay for advanced TruHearing hearing aids
• Unlimited rides to your doctors**
• $3,000 dental coverage annually for select services, plus exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings and more

*, Available only through participating retailers and Humana’s mail-order pharmacy, Humana Pharmacy, always consult with your doctor or medical provider before taking over-the-counter medications.

**, This benefit is not to exceed 100 miles per trip.

CLICK to COMPARE: https://www.humanateam.com

By Dan Gill, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

“A tree which has lost its head will never recover it again, and will survive only as a monument of the ignorance and folly of its tormentor.” –George William Curtis, American writer, editor and speaker 

“Crape murder” is the term coined to describe severely cutting back crape myrtle (or crepe myrtle) trees. Although a little overly dramatic, it is in used by horticulturists across the Southeast wherever crape myrtles are a popular and common tree.

I often encounter gardeners who’ve somehow gotten the idea they are supposed to prune crape myrtles that way. This is often from seeing crape myrtles that have been treated this way. But this is absolutely incorrect. Cutting back crape myrtle trees is not, and never has been, the preferred way to handle these graceful and beautiful trees. In addition, it is not healthy for the trees in the long run. Cutting back crape myrtles creates large wounds that serve as points of entry for fungal decay organisms. Pruning like this shortens the life of the tree. One way to stop a practice is to debunk the reasons why it is done.

Pruning misconceptions

Belief: This is the preferred or best way to prune a crape myrtle. 

Truth: Nothing could be further from the truth. Enhancing the natural shape of our crape myrtles is most appropriate.

Belief: Crape myrtles bloom better when cut back. 

Truth: This is not accurate. The flower clusters may be larger on severely pruned trees. But the added weight on the ends of long, thin branches causes them to bend over awkwardly, especially after a rain. These low-hanging flower heads can create problems and get in the way when a crape myrtle is planted near a driveway, sidewalk or path. And because the tree is smaller, it produces fewer flower clusters.

Belief: You can cut back a crape myrtle to change its shape. 

Truth: Some types of crape myrtles grow tall and upright like a vase, while others are shorter and spreading, more like a mushroom. These shapes are controlled by genetics. You cannot make an upright-growing crape myrtle grow in the shape of a mushroom by cutting it back. An upright-growing variety will simply grow back upright again. So if you want a crape myrtle that will mature the shape you desire, make sure you choose one that naturally grows that way.

Belief: Young crape myrtles should be cut back to make them look “fuller.” 

Truth: Young trees often appear spindlier and less substantial than older, well-established trees. But this is a matter of age, not something that needs to be corrected with pruning. Young crape myrtles are not supposed to look like older crape myrtles. Over time, young trees will attain the shapely, full canopies of older trees without drastic pruning.

Belief: You should cut back a crape myrtle to control its size. 

Truth: If the height of the crape myrtle is not causing a problem with a nearby structure or power lines, there is little reason to reduce a tree’s height. To cut a crape myrtle back for the vague reason of “it just seems too large” ignores the fact that these plants are trees. They are supposed to be large. Nobody cuts back other flowering trees just because they dared to grow into what they are – small trees. Why do we do it to crape myrtles?

Prune properly

To prune a crape myrtle properly, first decide if it needs to be pruned at all. As with any pruning project, you must have a specific, valid purpose in mind before you begin. In other words, if you don’t have a good reason to prune your tree, leave it alone.

If you do see something that calls for pruning, study the tree carefully and determine what needs to be removed to accomplish the specific purpose. If the problem is one branch is touching the edge of the roof, deal with that branch. Don’t cut back the whole tree.

Every crape myrtle will need some pruning in its life to grow properly and fit in well with its surroundings. Here are some examples:

– Over time, branches that are too low on the trunk(s) will need to be removed to raise the canopy to the desired height. We often need to remove weak, thin or vertical shoots from the inner part of the tree to produce a cleaner-looking plant.

– Selected branches may need to be pruned back to a side branch or the trunk to create a shapelier tree and to eliminate crossed and rubbing branches. Generally, avoid cutting back or shortening branches much larger than your finger, although cutting larger branches back to a side branch or to the trunk when needed is fine.

– Of course, you need to prune to keep suckers removed from the base of the trunk. This is especially important in younger trees.

– You may also need to redirect a branch’s growth. This can be done by studying the branch carefully and looking for a side branch that grows in the desired direction. Prune the branch of interest back to that branch, and you have redirected the growth of the branch. This can be helpful where trees are too close to a structure, such as a house. A common problem is crape myrtle trees being planted too close to a house; they should be located at least 10 feet away from the house roof line. In situations where trees are close to a house and branches are hitting the roof, branches can be redirected to grow away from or up and over the roof line by using this pruning technique. 

When the dust settled Monday night at the Thomas Assembly Center, Louisiana Tech staved off a furious UTEP rally and picked up a 68-65 win over the Miners.

It was an important win for Tech – which moved into second place in the C-USA West Division standings just a half game behind Southern Miss – and it marked the program’s 500^th victory at the Thomas Assembly Center.

“There are a lot of programs that don’t have 500 wins in their history, much less 500 in their home building,” said Tech head coach Brooke Stoehr. “It’s a tribute to all the great players and coaches who have been a part of this program.”

Win No. 500 didn’t come easy.

Tech (14-8, 6-5) led 49-30 midway through the third quarter before UTEP used a 10-0 run over a two-minute stretch to claw its way back into the game.

The Lady Techsters led 57-46 entering the fourth and final quarter. One reason for the lead was the fact Tech committed just six turnovers through three quarters which offset UTEP’s dominance on the glass – the Miners pulled down 15 offensive boards which led to 18 second chance points.

However, the fourth quarter saw Tech commit eight turnovers as UTEP turned up the pressure. The Miners capitalized on the turnovers and pulled to within two possessions, but Tech held on for the win – its fourth straight and sixth in the last seven games.

Keiunna Walker – who was named the LSWA State Player of the Week earlier on Monday – led Tech with 17 points while Anna Larr Roberson added 12 points and Salma Bates 11 points.

Tech hosts Charlotte Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Photo: Sadie Patton

Juanita Odom Beck
February 12, 1932 – February 5, 2022
Graveside Service: Simsboro City Cemetery, Tuesday, February 8, 2022, 2:00 pm

Janice Hammons
August 29, 1940 – February 5, 2022
Visitation: First Baptist Church of Choudrant, 119 Oak Street, Choudrant, Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Service: First Baptist Church of Choudrant, 119 Oak Street, Choudrant, Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 11:00 am
Cemetery: Choudrant Memorial Cemetery, Jones Street, Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Gene R. “Hank” Evans
November 9, 1934 – February 3, 2022
Visitation: Episcopal Church of the Redeemer- Ruston, LA, Thursday, February 10, 2022, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Service:, Episcopal Church of the Redeemer- Ruston, LA, Thursday, February 10, 2022, 11:00 am
Cemetery: Kilpatrick’s Memorial Garden, Thursday, February 10, 2022

Dorothy Hall
December 13, 1940 – Feb. 3, 2022
Funeral service: 11 a.m., Feb. 8, 2022, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2586 Hwy. 150, Grambling

Last week, LPNET agents executed a search warrant at 705 E. California Ave. Apt #5 and arrested six individuals. 

When agents entered the house, Aujwan Simmons, 21, of Ruston, was placed in handcuffs. Agents were in the process of securing the residence so it could be searched, and he continually tried to pull away from agents. He was told multiple times to calm down and sit down but refused. He had to be forcefully seated in a chair. Simmons then stood back up and continued to yell. He was then placed in the back seat of a patrol unit and transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for booking. 

Upon securing the residence, two of the occupants who occupied the northwest bedroom were identified as Jacque P. Young, 29, of Arcadia, and Sumika N. Rhone, 40, of Ruston. Upon searching the residence, specifically that bedroom, the following items were found: 90 grams of methamphetamine, 58.2 grams of crack cocaine, digital scales and a Girsan 9mm pistol. Also in the residence was an infant belonging to another occupant of the residence. 

Agents also searched the northeast bedroom, which was occupied by Eric Brown Jr., 26, of Ruston, and Aujaney Simmons, 22, of Ruston. Brown had to be forcefully removed from the residence because he continually tried to pull away from agents after being placed in handcuffs. Brown continually yelled and was eventually placed into a marked control unit.

During a search of the northeast bedroom, agents located a clear plastic bag containing 165 grams of suspected marijuana, a green pill bottle containing an assortment of Oxycodone pills, an AK-47 rifle, a large amount of US money and packaging material. The infant was in this bedroom and was released to the custody of a family member. 

Autrevion M. Rhone, 20, of Ruston, was also in the residence during the search and had four outstanding warrants. He was arrested and transported to the detention center for booking. 

Jacque P. Young was charged with possession of schedule II methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of schedule II crack cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a CDS felony, possession of CDS in presence of persons under 17 years old, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, and being a fugitive from another jurisdiction (Bienville Parish). 

Aujaney Simmons was charged with possession of schedule I marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of schedule II oxycodone with intent to distribute, possession of firearm during the commission of a CDS felony, and possession of CDS in the presence of persons under 17 years old. 

Aujwan Simmons was charged with resisting an officer/interfering with an investigation 

Eric L. Brown Jr. was charged with possession of schedule I marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of schedule II oxycodone with intent to distribute, possession of firearm during the commission of a CDS felony, possession of CDS in the presence of persons under 17 years old, and resisting an officer. 

Sumika N. Rhone was charged with possession of schedule II methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of schedule II crack cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a CDS felony, and possession of CDS in presence of persons under 17 years old. 

From ESPN and CNN reports

While Grambling State head coach Hue Jackson has been busy working on the Tigers 35-man recruiting class announced Wednesday, the former Cleveland Browns coach has also been busy with involvement in one of the biggest national stories.

Last week in an interview on ESPN SportsCenter that he was incentivized to lose games during his two years in Cleveland. This came in the wake of Brian Flores suing the NFL and three franchises – the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos and New York Giants – alleging discrimination regarding his interview processes with Denver and New York and his firing last month by Miami.

On Friday night, Jackson clarified in an interview with CNN that he was never paid to lose games, but stressed that evidence supporting his allegations that team ownership intended to lose during the 2016 and 2017 seasons “will come to light at the right time.”

“No, I was never offered money like Brian [Flores] had mentioned,” Jackson told CNN. “I think this is a totally different situation but has some similarities.”

On Wednesday, Jackson and Kimberly Diemert, the executive director of the Hue Jackson Foundation, which works to prevent human trafficking, began tweeting in response to Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL and the three teams.

Jackson tweeted that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam “was happy while we kept losing” and referenced the dollar amount he allegedly received from Haslam per loss as, “trust me it was a good number.”

Jackson told ESPN that the Browns had a “four-year plan” that incentivized losing during the first two years; bonus money was available if certain measurables were met such as aggregate rankings, being the youngest team and having so many draft picks. He said that plan led to his 1-31 record during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, which gave Cleveland the No. 1 overall draft pick in back-to-back years.

Haslam came right back at Jackson on Thursday, telling the Knoxville News Sentinel that Jackson “has never accepted blame for one thing” and called the claim he paid Jackson to lose games “an absolute falsehood.”

Jackson told CNN that he wasn’t paid to lose games, but he had evidence to back his claims that ownership and the Browns’ executives intended to lose games.

Grambling State hired Jackson as the Tigers head football coach in December.

By Tori Davis

Experience Ruston is proud to announce Lincoln Parish Park as the recipient of the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) 2022 Louey Award for Campground/RV Park of the Year. LTA presented the award to James Ramsaur, Director of Lincoln Parish Park, during its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 2 in Alexandria.

Lincoln Parish Park was nominated for the Campground/RV Park of the Year by Experience Ruston. The park is one of the top attractions in Ruston & Lincoln Parish with more than 100,000 visits to its pristine grounds annually. Lincoln Parish Park’s continued development of campgrounds and surrounding recreational amenities, in addition to a record-setting visitation, solidifies its position as one of the most valuable tourism assets in North Louisiana.

“For many years I have felt like our campground is one of the premier camping locations in the state of Louisiana,” said James Ramsaur, director of Lincoln Parish Park. “To receive this award is validation that we have something really special here in Lincoln Parish.”

This year, LTA presented 19 “Louey Awards” to honor and showcase individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the Louisiana tourism industry.

“We are thrilled to see Lincoln Parish Park recognized on a state level,” said Amanda Carrier, president and CEO of Experience Ruston. “Regardless of recent challenges, park staff and parish leaders continue to develop the park as a prominent tourist destination. We are proud to call Lincoln Parish Park an industry partner and look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.”

If you build it, they will come.

Louisiana Tech found out that was true during the 2021 Bulldog baseball season when the brand-new JC Love Field at Pat Patterson Park was opened.

It also helps if you win … which the Bulldogs did to a tune of 42 victories, a C-USA West Division title and an NCAA regional host – first time in program history.

Due to the success and the new diamond digs, Bulldog baseball tickets have been a hot commodity in Ruston.

Tech Athletics announced today that between existing season ticket holders from 2021 and those individuals who put the deposit down in June following the NCAA Regional, all available chairbacks are sold.

Berm seating behind the first base dugout is also sold out.

Tech may sell a limited number of standing room-only tickets on a game-by-game basis.

Any opportunities for unclaimed single game tickets will go on sale 24 hours in advance of the game if available. Availability is subject to change on a game-by-game basis.

Another option available to Bulldogs fans will be to look for tickets on Louisiana Tech’s preferred secondary market vendor, Ticketsforless.com.  Season ticket holders are encouraged to sell any unused tickets via this platform.

Louisiana Tech students will be able to claim single game tickets for the Kennel (right field berm) starting Feb. 14 at 9 a.m.

There are some premium seating opportunities still available on a game-by-game basis, including the Home Plate Suite and the Hot Corner.

Packages for the Home Plate Suite (unavailable for the LSU game) will include 10 tickets and starts as low as $400.

Packages for The Hot Corner (last year was utilized as the Coaches Corner) will include anywhere from 20 to 40 tickets and will start as low as $500 per game (pricing for both Home Plate Suite and The Hot Corner is dependent upon game). 

Anyone interested in purchasing the Home Plate Suite or The Hot Corner should contact Avrielle Steward at 318-257-5154 or asteward@latech.edu.

Individuals who selected mobile ticketing should have their tickets on their LA Tech Athletics app mobile account. Individuals who selected hard tickets should in the mail over the next week. Individuals who qualify for parking passes will receive those in the mail prior to the Feb. 18 home opener (either via mobile or mail).

One of Ruston’s own businesses was the recipient of a Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grant. 

Rebecca Huff, who owns 212 W. Mississippi Ave., where Blue Sky Yoga is located, is one of 11 recipients of the grant, which will be used to revitalize the historic building. 

The Louisiana Office of Cultural Development’s Division of Historic Preservation announced more than $92,000 in grant funding through the Louisiana Main Street Program. The Main Street Program is an economic development program with its foundation in historic preservation.  

“The Louisiana Main Street Program, along with the Main Street communities around the state, represent the core of what community means here in Louisiana,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Many visitors to our state spend time in our cities learning about their history, seeing historic landmarks and experiencing a culture found only in Louisiana, a culture that will feed your soul.” 

To qualify for the funding, a building must be located within a Main Street district, be used for commercial purposes and be at least 50 years old.  

Grant awardees were selected by a panel of experts from other coordinating Main Street programs across the country.  

CLICK to COMPARE: https://www.humanateam.com

If you are enrolled in a Medicare/Medicaid plan rated less than 5 stars, you may switch to a Humana 5-star plan even after the Annual Election Period ends. The 5-star Special Enrollment period runs from December 8, 2021 through November 30, 2022.

A Humana Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan has everything Original Medicare has – and benefits you might not get with Medicare Part A and Part B alone. Your Humana Dual Eligible Special Needs plan works with your Medicaid benefits, so you can get the benefits you need – and even more – like:

• Healthy Foods Card – $75 each month for approved groceries
• $200 over-the-counter allowance every three months*
• Hearing benefit includes annual exam and $0 copay for advanced TruHearing hearing aids
• Unlimited rides to your doctors**
• $3,000 dental coverage annually for select services, plus exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings and more

*, Available only through participating retailers and Humana’s mail-order pharmacy, Humana Pharmacy, always consult with your doctor or medical provider before taking over-the-counter medications.

**, This benefit is not to exceed 100 miles per trip.

CLICK to COMPARE: https://www.humanateam.com

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Lady Techsters 81, FIU 62

RUSTON – The Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters have now won five of their last six, including three in a row, with an all-around performance to beat Florida International 81-62 inside the Thomas Assembly Center in front of a pinked-out crowd Saturday afternoon. 

The 19-point win is the largest margin of victory for the Techsters this season in conference-USA play and the 81 points is also their highest point total versus C-USA opponents.

Florida International (11-9, 3-6 C-USA) took an early 2-0 lead on their first possession of the game but after back-to-back buckets from Salma Bates and Anna Larr Roberson, LA Tech (13-8, 5-5 C-USA) took absolute control and never looked back. 

Tech spent the next six minutes enjoying a 16-3 run to take a 16-5 lead with 3:42 in the first quarter thanks to a quick six points from Bates, who finished the night with 13 points and five assists. 

After a slow start, Keiunna Walker got going in the second quarter to score eight of her game-high 22 points on a perfect 9-9 shooting from the floor. 

The Techsters closed out the half with a 9-1 run over the final 2:16 capped off by a Robyn Lee three-pointer to take a 40-27 lead into the break. 

LA Tech continued to impress building their largest lead of the game to 27 (65-38) with 3:19 left in the third on their way to a to a 25-point quarter. 

Amaya Brannon scored nine of her career-high 17 points in the quarter to go along with 11 more from Walker as Tech took a 65-40 lead into the fourth. 

Brannon also finished one rebound off her career-high with eight. 

To go along with Walker, Brannon, and Bates, Anna Larr Roberson also scored in double figures for the 14^th straight time this season finishing with 13 points and 7 rebounds. 

The Techsters host UTEP tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Thomas Assembly Center.

LA Tech 86, FIU 82

MIAMI – In an extreme tale of two halves, Louisiana Tech held off FIU on Saturday night in an 86-82 victory inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

Both teams struggled to score in the first half as LA Tech (17-6, 8-3 C-USA) held a 30-25 advantage over FIU (13-10, 3-7 C-USA) at the midway point.

The game completely flipped in the second half.  It was like playing NBA Jam on Nintendo and the ball was on fire.  For both teams.

“It was an amazing game,” said Tech head coach Eric Konkol.  “hat a tale of two halves.  It was such a grinder in the first half when I thought we played really good defense and made things difficult for FIU.  I thought in the second half we played pretty solid defense.  I just thought that the shot-making from FIU and us was at another level.  The ball felt like it was on fire for both teams.  So many guys contributed for us.  This was a big-time win.”

But, every time the Panthers drained a shot from 25 feet out or got an alley-oop dunk to ignite the crowd, the Bulldogs had an answer.  When the Panthers cut it to one at 49-48, Keaston Willis and David Green answered with back-to-back threes.

When FIU cut it to within one point again at 62-61, it was Kenneth Lofton, Jr. who had the answer this time.  He sparked a quick 8-0 run to force the home team to call a timeout.

FIU made another run, and another, and another, cutting the deficit to one yet again at 80-79 with 45 seconds left.  But it was Junior again who finished with an old-fashioned three-pointer play to go back up four.  And in a half that have very little defensive stops, the Bulldogs got a couple of them in the closing seconds – steal by Exavian Christon and Junior pulling down his 13th rebound on the other.

LA Tech needed 56 second-half points to come away with its first victory at FIU since 2000.  They shot 63 percent in the second stanza and 47.5 percent for the entire game.  Lofton, Jr. and Archibald both scored a team-high 21 points followed closely by Willis who had 19. 

FIU shot 62.9 percent in the second half and 50.0 for the entire game, getting double-digit scoring by four different Panthers.  Eric Lovett scored a game-high 25 points.

Getting married on Valentine’s Day does have its perks. 

Valentine’s Day is generally loved – no pun intended – or despised, but it is a popular day for couples to tie the knot. There are many benefits, too, to saying “I do” on the day that celebrates love. 

First, every anniversary is basically a worldwide holiday. Some restaurants may have couples’ specials just for Valentine’s Day, fancy candy abounds, and the card selection is numerous. So even if you’re working or busy or running around with kids on any anniversary, it’s just a little extra special because everyone else is celebrating on your special day, too. 

Secondly, imagine getting married with a snowy background. As we in Louisiana just anticipated ice last week, the odds of snow occurring on Valentine’s Day for a local wedding are higher.  

Thirdly, you’ll likely never forget your anniversary. When it coincides with Valentine’s Day, which has been on your calendar your whole life, it helps to remember – and keep your significant other happy. 

Also, if you’re one of the individuals who cringes just at the thought of Valentine’s Day or think it’s a silly holiday, getting married on Valentine’s Day can make it seem a little less corny because it’s all about you and your loved one.