The past four Students of the Year (SOY) at Ruston High School (RHS) and for Lincoln Parish shared many common interests, were in many common organizations and had a desire to serve. Two common organizations that they all shared had a huge influence in their selections: all were officers in the RHS Future Business Leaders of America, and all served as editor-in-chief of RHS school newspaper, Chatterbox, “The Voice of Ruston High.” Each reflected on what they had in common that also set them apart.  

2018-2019  Joanna Ham

“When I initially joined FBLA, I had no idea how the decision would go on to shape my life, being the single greatest factor in determining my college path and eventually my career goals. During my time in FBLA, I served in multiple leadership positions and went on to be the editor in chief of Chatterbox. Furthermore, throughout these organizations, I always made it my goal to help as many people as I could whether it be a through mentoring a new member or raising funds to aid a patient at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Undoubtedly, this passion for service is the greatest gift the organization granted me, allowing me the ability to serve both students at my school and the members of my community.”

2019-2020  Amanda Meng

“One of my biggest regrets in high school was that waited until my sophomore year to join FBLA as I had initially refused to join because I believed it to be solely for people interested in business. However, RHS FBLA’s emphasis on community service and leadership made it a crucial part of my high school experience and helped me develop confidence in my ability to pursue my goals. The role pf president of RHS FBLA and editor in chief of the Chatterbox were also responsibilities that helped me develop a sense of organization and the ability to communicate with others. These were traits that carried over to other extracurriculars I participated in and undoubtedly contributed to my selection  as Lincoln Parish Student of the Year.”

2020-2021  Hana Le

“As one of the seven finalists for Louisiana’s 2021 High School Student of the Year, I am incredibly grateful for the skills, opportunities, and confidence that came with being involved in my high school extracurriculars: FBLA, Speech and Debate, the Louisiana Youth Advisory Council, and Chatterbox, among others. Of all my high school commitments, however, being a student leader in FBLA at the local, state, and national levels was by far the most impactful – teaching me how to communicate with purpose, giving me the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life, expand my perspective on what equity in education and the next generation means, and showing me how to best advocate for others. The skills I gained in FBLA aided me tremendously during the written and interview portions of the Student of the Year process. I currently attend the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, which is the # 1 Business School in the world. I have the opportunities I came across and the people I met at Ruston High to thank for supporting me through it all.”

2021-2022  Jason Willis

“I am honored to continue the line of success that has come through RHS and through the FBLA chapter. I worked with Amanda in Chatterbox and FBLA, and with Hana as well on the debate team with her as the captain for a year. Joanna has advised me throughout my FBLA career. I have gotten to know and learn from all three of them in one way or another. That makes it even more special for me that I am following them as Student of the Year.”

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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

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

Monday, Feb. 14
Valentine’s Day

Tuesday, Feb. 15
2 p.m.: Ribbon cutting for Primerica, 2312 McDonald Ave.
5:15 p.m.: Domestic Violence Survivors Support Group (Contact Erika McFarland at 318-513-9373 for information)

Wednesday, Feb. 16
6 p.m.: Louisiana Tech Softball vs. Northwestern State

Thursday, Feb. 17
6:30 p.m.: Louisiana Tech Men’s Basketball vs. UTEP (Thomas Assembly Center)
7 p.m.: Jazz Ensembles Concert (Tech, Howard Auditorium)

Friday, Feb. 18
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
2:30 p.m.: Louisiana Tech Women’s Tennis vs. Sam Houston
5-8 p.m.: La Tech Union Boar’d Mardi Gras Mambo (Woodard Hall Parking Lot)
6 p.m.: Louisiana Tech Baseball vs. Wichita State University 

Saturday, Feb. 19 
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
2 p.m.: Louisiana Tech Baseball vs. Wichita State University 
2-4 p.m.: 4PAWS Mardi Gras party (4PAWS Dog Park, 290 Rodeo Rd., Ruston)
4 p.m.: Louisiana Tech Men’s Basketball vs. UTSA (Thomas Assembly Center)
6-10 p.m.: Krewe of Allegro Mardi Gras Ball 

Sunday, Feb. 20
1 p.m.: Louisiana Tech Baseball vs. Wichita State University 
10 a.m.: Louisiana Tech Women’s Tennis vs. Murray State
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.: SGA Recycling Drive (LTAC Parking Lot)

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Betty Elmore Wright 
03/04/1940 – 02/10/2022
Arrangements pending

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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

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An altercation in an apparent domestic situation Wednesday has led to one arrest for murder.

The incident occurred at the North Village Apartments on Ruston’s northside. 

Ruston Police responded to the apartments regarding an unresponsive person. Dekelsha Johnson, 21 a resident of the apartment, directed officers to her roommate lying unresponsive inside. 

Emergency medical treatment was administered, and the female was transported to the North Louisiana Regional Medical Center where she was declared deceased shortly after arrival.

The deceased was identified by Ruston PD as 21-year-old Etavia Yvette Davis of Monroe.

After an investigation into the incident, Johnson was arrested on a warrant for second degree murder and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

Bail was set at $1 million.

North Village is a high-end gated community on Timberline Court off East Kentucky Avenue that offers amenities like screened patios and balconies, a pool, and a dog park.

Speculation about the cause of death spread on social media among North Village residents, but no official cause has been released.

The operators of the complex, Fairfield Property Management, distributed a letter about the homicide to each apartment, terming it “an isolated incident and the matter is under police control.” The letter to residents noted management understood “an event like this can be a cause for concern in our peaceful community. It is our understanding that this event was of a domestic nature.”

Fairfield’s letter provided resources for residents “in need of assistance coping with this event.” Included in the list were numbers for the national and local National Alliance on Mental Illness and New Directions Emotional Helpline.

Ruston PD noted in a press release that investigation into the incident is continuing.

  

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Courtesy of GSU Communications

Every February, family, friends, and football supporters embark to visit the Eddie G. Robinson Museum to honor the late Grambling State University football coach by celebrating his birthday.

Robinson, who would have turned 103 on Sunday, February 13, coached at Grambling State for 56 years and is one of the greatest college football coaches in history. He grew Grambling State from a “small” college into a football powerhouse and retired in 1997 with 408 victories.

Robinson’s legacy as a college football coach paved the way for current Grambling State head coach Hue Jackson.

Jackson, who became the 14th head coach in the program’s history, said Robinson’s impact had a lasting effect on minorities who aspired to coach football.

“He set the standard (for minority coaches) to follow,” Jackson said. “Obviously it is a tall standard to rise to. Anytime you can be called one of the greatest coaches in the history of football, that is special. He was a special man, special coach at a special place in a special time.”

Jackson was the first minority head coach in NFL history to coach at two different franchises, the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders and the Cleveland Browns. In fact, there have only been two minority coaches in the entire history of the NFL to be head coach in two different spots – Jackson and Lovie Smith.

With more than 30 years in the coaching profession, Jackson is excited to land at Grambling State and continue to build upon Robinson’s legacy.

“Being at the institution where Coach Robinson won all these games means everything to me,” Jackson said. “I carry all that weight, along with my staff, our players; to do it as well as he did. We don’t know if we can live up to that, but we sure are going to try.”

Robinson, who was born in Jackson in East Feliciana Parish in South Louisiana, won nine Black College Football National Championships, along with 17 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships.

Robinson received numerous accolades, including being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997. In addition, he received the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) in 1992 and the Amos Alonzo Staff Coaching Award from the United States Sports Academy in 1985.

Family and friends will have the opportunity to celebrate Robinson’s birthday on Saturday, February 12 during an open house event at The Eddie G. Robinson Museum from 1 pm to 4 pm.

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United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Steven Marcus Kelley, 48, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced Wednesday by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty to 120 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, in connection with a murder-for-hire plot. The sentence handed down was the maximum possible penalty under the law that Kelley could have received.

Kelley was convicted by a federal jury in October 2021, following a trial in United States District Court. He was found guilty of use of a facility of interstate commerce in the commission of murder-for-hire. The charge stemmed from a letter that Kelley wrote while incarcerated at Ouachita Correctional Center (OCC) and awaiting trial for charges of rape and molestation. In the letter, Kelley tried to hire someone to kill his ex-wife, who is the mother of the victims in the sex crimes case.

Evidence introduced at the federal trial revealed Kelley obtained the address of an individual in Monroe from another inmate at OCC and mailed the letter to that individual. Believing the individual who lived at that address would carry out the murder, Kelley offered “$10k for the job” for the individual to put “2 in the chest, 2 in the head” and to “make sure it counts.” Kelley drew a map in both blue and black ink of the area where his ex-wife worked. In an effort to avoid the letter and crime being traced back to him, Kelley used another inmate’s name for the return address. He caused the letter to be mailed from OCC via the United States Postal Service.  

On the night of December 10, 2019, the individual who lived at the address Kelley mailed the letter to received and read the contents of the letter. The letter provided a physical description of the victim, the vehicle she drove, where she worked and her normal schedule to arrive at work. The letter stated that it “HAS to look like a robbery.” 

Realizing that the letter was soliciting someone to commit a murder, the individual took the letter to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office the next morning. Law enforcement officers obtained surveillance video from OCC and the video revealed that on December 5, 2019, Kelley was sitting on his bed writing a letter. Kelley can be seen in the video alternating between two different pens, which was consistent with the two ink colors used to draw the map. Later that same day, Kelley can be seen taking an envelope into the cell of the inmate who provided the address of the hopeful hitman. Kelley sat on the fellow inmate’s bed and addressed the letter. Moments later, the inmate whose name Kelley used on the return address of the letter entered the cell and engaged in a conversation with Kelley and the other inmate. That evening, Kelley can be seen giving the letter to another inmate who in turns gives it to a correctional officer for mailing.   

On December 30, 2019, law enforcement officers obtained and executed a search warrant for the pods at the OCC where Kelley was housed at the time of the incident. Deputies found in Kelley’s belongings a blue and black ink pen. They found in the other inmate’s bunk the address of the individual to whom Kelley mailed the letter.

The case was investigated by the FBI, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Leon H. Whitten.

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After 4 months of the deer hunting grind, February is a month I look forward to.  I need a change of scenery and there is nowhere better than being on one of our local bodies of water with a 12’ jig pole.

Yes, I’m a crappie fisherman.  Why? Because we have one of the best crappie lakes in the country in our backyard – Lake D’Arbonne.  I grew up just a few miles from the nearest boat ramp.  As a kid, my friends and I would run yo-yos and have an absolute blast.  As I got older, my father bought a boat and the addiction began.

I’ve always been a competitive guy.  Doesn’t matter the sport or contest, I want to win.  About 10 years ago, I heard there was a national crappie trail coming to D’Arbonne and decided to fish it.  I had no clue about tournament fishing but knew I could catch fish.  Long story short, myself and Neal Carter fished it and finished in the top 10.  We got some nice prizes and qualified for the national championship on Kentucky Lake.  We made the drive to Kentucky Lake and well… let’s just say we got humbled quick.

This fueled my fire however, and I wanted to keep competing.  Luckily, that first tournament put D’Arbonne on the map and it is now a destination for all national tournament trails.  I’ve fished in them every year and have had some great finishes.  I’ve had a few different partners but none better than my current Crappie Masters partner, Anders.  We were able to win the adult/youth division last year on D’Arbonne, edging out around 100 teams in the field.

This year is jam packed with every single national trail coming to the lake in the next 2 months.  Crappie USA will be here February 19^th.  Anders is playing baseball for his 4^th grade team every Saturday, so I will be teaming up with Jason Thomas to fish that event.  The following weekend February 25-26, Crappie Masters is coming back to town.  I asked Anders if he wanted to fish or play baseball for their last weekend, and he didn’t hesitate and chose fishing.  We have a title to defend and I’m looking forward to it.  Lastly, the American Crappie Trail is having their National Championship on D’Arbonne the last weekend in March.  I will be fishing that one with my buddy Josh Starkey.

The popularity of just this one lake has enormous economic benefits for Lincoln and Union Parishes.  Most of the trails bring upwards of 100 teams for each tournament.  Most teams are here for a week practicing and when you add up lodging, fuel, tackle, food and other expenses, it has a significant economic impact for our area.  Hundreds of thousands of dollars are pumped into our local economy each tournament.

A common theme from the out-of-town anglers is that our area has the best hospitality, food, and fishing. Even though that is something I knew already, hearing it makes me incredibly proud.   I urge every one of you reading this to come out to the weigh-ins, to not only support the great local teams we have, but for the teams who traveled hundreds of miles to come to our area.

We have some of the best crappie fisherman in the country living right here.  Odds are that you know many of them and I know they would love to have you come out and cheer them on at the weigh in.  I can personally attest to how much it means when the audience cheers and claps when we walk on stage. The weigh in location for all the upcoming tournaments will be at Rhett’s Tails and Shells on the lake and I hope to see you there!

__________________________________________________________

Dusty McGehee is a native of Downsville and a 2006 graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a bachelors in wildlife conservation. He is currently employed by WestRock and serves as an environmental engineer at the Hodge Mill. Dusty is an avid hunter and crappie fisherman, fishing crappie tournaments with his son when he is not in the woods. He and his wife Rachel have three young outdoorsmen/women: Anders (9), Ridge (7) and Mae (5). If you have a story idea or question about the great outdoors, you can reach Dusty at dusty.mcgehee@westrock.com.

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A Ruston man was arrested Wednesday evening on charges of domestic abuse battery. 

A Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s officer responded to North Foxcroft Road in reference to a domestic disturbance. The officer talked with the woman who had called, who stated that she and her fiancé, Joseph Eagland, 26, had argued at a residence on Tally Ho Lane, where they live.  

She said she had tried to leave in her car, but Eagland had taken the keys from her and her phone. She said he then hit her in the back of the head, which caused her to fall in the yard. Once on the ground, she said Eagland continued to kick her. She added that her earrings had been ripped out. 

The officer observed scratches on her back and blood on her forehead, as well as redness on the back of her neck.  

Deputies located Eagland at their residence and arrested him on a charge for domestic abuse battery. He was transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.  
 

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

CHARLOTTE – Some key defensive stops and clutch free throws down the stretch helped Louisiana Tech pick up a road victory over Charlotte with a final score of 82-77 on Thursday night inside Halton Arena.

It was a total team effort with four Bulldogs scoring at least 14 points – Kenneth Lofton, Jr. (18), Keaston Willis (16), Cobe Williams (15) and Amorie Archibald (14).  The offense also took care of the basketball, committing a season-low five while forcing 17 on the 49ers.

“Charlotte was very challenging for us to defend,” said Tech head coach Eric Konkol. “I thought our guys did a nice job of settling in, getting some stops.  The turnover margin was really big for us tonight, having just five turnovers. 

“And then we knocked down our free throws at the line.  I thought tonight was another slice of how Junior is developing.  The amount of double teams he gets.  He gets so much attention.  I thought he and his teammates did a really nice job of finding one another.”

Charlotte (13-10, 6-5 C-USA) opened up by making its first six field goals, but LA Tech settled in and held the 49ers to just six makes in their last 18 attempts of the first half.  As a result, the Bulldogs took their first lead at 31-30 when Archibald came up with a steal and went coast-to-coast for the layup.  It was a one-point lead at the midway point, up 33-32.

Three ties and a series of lead changes took place early in the second half.  Then it was a game of runs – 6-0 run here, 6-0 there.  LA Tech had a 57-56 advantage with 8:37 to go, but six straight points by Williams and a triple by Keaston gave the ‘Dogs their largest lead of the game at 66-56.

After a timeout by the 49ers, the home team countered with an 8-0 run to slice their deficit down to two.  LA Tech punched back with a 7-2 run of its own.  A couple of half-court stops and big free throws by Lofton, Williams and Willis helped secure the Bulldogs seventh road win.

LA Tech shot 44.4 percent from the field (28-63) and made 18 of its 21 free throw attempts.  Charlotte shot 54.5 percent from the field (30-55) and were led by Jahmir Young who had a game-high 28 points.

The Bulldogs host UTEP Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Thomas Assembly Center.

By William Midkiff

On Saturday, Feb. 12, the Lincoln Parish Library will host a free book reading and signing for a local children’s book titled “When You See a Child Who’s Different,” at which attendees will be able to meet the author and illustrator.

This story, written by Abbey Luckett Benjamin and illustrated by Michael Garriga, serves as a gateway for parents to talk with their children about different forms of disability.

“After seeing the way people looked at my daughter in her wheelchair and hearing the questions children had for her, I felt it was important for parents to be able to open dialogue with their children,” Benjamin said. “I would see parents not know how to answer questions like ‘Why is she in that chair?’ and ‘Why do her legs not work?’ This book was born from wanting children to learn to be inclusive from a young age.”

Garriga said he believes in this message strongly as well, since he also has a personal connection to it.

“My wife teaches first grade, and I’ve learned through her how important it is for kids to learn at a young age that no two people are the same,” Garriga said. “My hope is that children learn to be curious without judgement and ask questions about what makes each of us different.”

“When You See a Child Who’s Different” aims to represent a minority of children who are often underrepresented in media, and Benjamin is beginning to see the change that the book is affecting.

“I have already had parents reach out and tell me amazing stories of how this book has been life-changing for their children,” Benjamin said. “For the children who live with a disability, to see themselves represented in a book has been so exciting for them.”

The book readings will take place in the Community Room of the Lincoln Parish Library at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with book signings to follow. Benjamin and Garriga will also speak on the inspiration for the book and the characters.

Benjamin has published two previous books, “In My Sissy’s Wheelchair” and “Dance from the Heart,” and is currently working on releasing two more books after “When You See a Child Who’s Different.”

“My children were my inspiration, Tommy and Avery Joy, for writing each book,” Benjamin said. “I pray that everyone who reads each book is touched and changed to be inclusive and kind.”

This book is the first published piece that Garriga has illustrated, but it won’t be the last.

“I’m so thankful that my first book was with the talented Abbey Benjamin,” Garriga said. “I am currently working on other projects that will hopefully come to life in the next few months.”

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Ruston Elementary students and faculty alike are making lists and taking names – literally. 

To celebrate Black History Month, teachers decorated their classroom doors with facts about black leaders in a “Who am I?” challenge. Students – and teachers – read the information about the person and then guess who that individual is. 

“It’s been so fun,” said RES principal Mandy Brown. “The students will walk by the doors, and some of them will carry notebooks and take notes about what they see, so when they get back to their class, they can figure out who it is.” 

This is a new activity for the RES community, Brown said. 

“We try to do something different every year,” she said. “We had a committee of teachers come together, and everyone threw out ideas. This was an idea everyone really liked. It involved the whole school. With COVID, we can’t get together for big assemblies. This is a way we can celebrate all month and everyone can participate.” 

While each homeroom class decorated a door, Brown said all of the doors were decorated reflecting the theme of Black History Month this year, which focuses on health and wellness of African Americans. She said the doors of the homeroom classes focused on individuals in history as well as current black leaders students may see on the news – and in their community. 

“A couple of our doors are reflecting our (school security) officer, Mitch Jenkins,” Brown said. “Another of our doors celebrates Dr. Shontrece Dupree, our curriculum strategist. It’s people the students know and who they see every day.” 

Third grade teacher Hannah Hyatt said her classroom door had facts about Maya Angelou. 

“My classes are loving the doors,” Hyatt said. “They have loved going around to the different classrooms trying to figure out who is on the doors. Some were easy for them to figure out but others, sadly, they’d never even heard of before.” 

Brown, Hyatt and fourth-grade teacher Alison Rhodes said it was important to celebrate Black History Month in the school. 

“When a well-rounded curriculum of black history is presented in the classroom, the achievement of African American students increases,” Rhodes said. “Students begin to see themselves as achievers who can follow in the footsteps of their ancestors.” 

Rhodes added that teaching black history adds to the students’ understanding. 

“America has been described as a patchwork quilt which emphasizes the contributions of many,” Rhodes said. “When we as a people can acknowledge that each ethic group has made contributions to make this nation great, it adds to harmonious living.” 

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John Wesley never dreamed he was starting a church. He never intended to. He was seeking to revive and renew the Anglican Church in England. The ecclesiastical descendants of John Wesley are found in the United Methodist Church, other bodies with the name Methodist, the Nazarene Church, the Assemblies of God and many of the Pentecostal churches across this country. You can also find “Wesleyan” theology in some “Non-Denominational” churches. We are all cousins who don’t really claim each other. We should!

Wesley was a pragmatist. He believed in what worked. One author opined that Wesley was “theologically promiscuous.” This is a tantalizing way of saying Wesley believed in what worked.

Wesley also fancied himself as an expert on medicine. The truth is that Wesley was a bit of a hypochondriac, so he was always trying out remedies on himself. I have been researching this subject matter in preparation for Confirmation class. Since the class is only one night and I have much more to share. I thought I would share some of John Wesley’s medical treatments with you. You might enjoy them, but I would say, “don’t try this at home, or any place else for that matter.”

To cure Baldness

Rub the part morning and evening, with onions, till it is red; and rub it afterwards with honey.

Or wash it with a decoction of box-wood.

Or electrify it daily. (Since Wesley lived in the 18^th century, one wonders what the source of the electrifying was.)

Hard Breasts

I have no idea what this is. Once my mind ruled out all other options, I decided that this must be what you and I would call chest congestion.

Apply turnips roasted till soft, then mashed and mixed with a little oil of roses. Change this twice a day, keeping the breast very warm with flannel.

The Itch

Wash the parts affected with strong rum. (Wesley noted that he tried this. He didn’t note if it worked or not. This was before the advent or rum cakes or Christmas Fruitcakes. I’m wondering what would happen at the drive-up alcohol places here, if you said, “I have the itch and I would like the Wesleyan cure?”)

Or, anoint them with black soap.

Or, steep a shirt half an hour in a quart of water, mixed with half an ounce of powdered brimstone. Dry it slowly and wear it five or six days. Sometimes it needs repeating.

For One Seemingly Killed with Lightening, a damp, or suffocated.

Plunge him immediately in cold water.

Or, blow strongly with bellows down his throat. This may recover a person seemingly drowned. It is still better if a strong man blows into his mouth. (Even a stopped clock is correct twice a day! Wesley got one right.)

A windy Rupture.

Even from the “cure,” I have no idea what a windy rupture is. I know that I would never want it nor would I desire John Wesley’s treatment of it. Which is,

Warm cow-dung well. Spread it thick on leather, strewing some cumin-seeds on it, and apply it hot. When cold, put on a new one. It commonly cures a child (keeping his bed) in two days.

Mr. Wesley was much better giving advice for those seeking the assurance of salvation in Christ. His answer was always God’s grace.

Have you checked on your authoritative sources recently?

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

Friday, Feb. 11
9 a.m.to  5 p.m.: Big Creek Trade Days
12 p.m.: Louisiana Tech Women’s Tennis vs. Oral Roberts
6 p.m.: Black Arts Fest (Wesley Foundation)

Saturday, Feb. 12
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
9 a.m.- 5 p.m.: Big Creek Trade Days
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Library Book Signing with writer Abby Luckett Benjamin and illustrator Michael Garriga 
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Adopt A Puppy Day (Lincoln Parish Library)
1-4 p.m.: Eddie G. Robinson Museum Open House 

Sunday, Feb. 13
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Big Creek Trade Days
11 a.m.: Louisiana Tech Women’s Tennis vs. Texas State
2-3:30 p.m.: Pickleball Clinic (Registration required; click HERE)
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.: SGA Recycling Drive (LTAC Parking Lot)

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

MONROE, La. – The Josh Taylor-era of Louisiana Tech softball opens Friday when the Lady Techsters travel down I-20 to participate in the Best of the Bayou hosted by ULM at the Ouachita Sports Complex.

Tech plays five games in three days, including match-ups against Morehead State (Friday at 12:30 p.m.), SIU-Edwardsville (Friday at 3 p.m.), Stephen F. Austin (Saturday at 3 p.m.), Southern (Sunday at 11:15 a.m.) and Mississippi Valley State (Sunday at 1:30 p.m.).

Tickets are $10 per day or $25 for an all-tournament pass. Tickets can only be purchased at the gate of the Ouachita Sports Complex day of games.

Taylor said he is anxious to see his team take their preparation onto the field against some outside competition this weekend.

“Our strength is going to come in our willingness to compete. I think this is a very competitive group, and I think they have learned a lot since we took the field in September,” said Taylor, who came to Tech in June from the University of Nevada. “I think the things they have learned has created a more competitive environment. I think their ability to overcome adversity will be a strength. Their mental toughness.”

Unfortunately, that mental toughness and ability to overcome adversity will be tested early as the Techsters have already lost KB Briley (shoulder) and Brook Melnychuk (knee) for the season with injuries.

However, the excitement of the 2022 campaign has the group eager to take the field this weekend.

“I think this weekend is going to be very exciting for this team, we have worked so hard all fall to get to where we are,” said senior Audrey Pickett. “I think we are going to be successful this season because we are loaded in every position. It’s going to be a very exciting season for us for sure.”

“I am super excited to play this weekend,” said senior outfielder Kara Goff. “Our team and staff have worked very hard to be prepared this season. I have seen everyone on our team improve and work hard during the off season.

“t makes this season even more exciting because we finally get to show off how much we have grown as a team and with a new staff. I am very proud of my team already, and I can’t wait to see everything we accomplish this season.”

The Lady Techsters are coming off a 22-30 season in 2021 in which the team qualified for the Conference USA Tournament in Bowling Green. The Techsters had plenty of near misses against some top opponents last year, and the group feels its ready to take a step or two forward this year.

“We are super excited for opening weekend,” said senior outfielder Madie Green. “We have come a long way from the fall to now, we have learned so much from our coaching staff and shown a lot more improvement. As long as we come out confident & competitive, it will be a great start for us! For some of us, it’s our last season of playing at this level so we have high hopes that this year will be a fun one.”

There will no live video or audio for any of the games this weekend. Fans can follow the action through live stats on LATechSports.com.

Season tickets for the 2022 home schedule featuring 23 games at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field are on sale and can be purchased by calling 318-257-3631 or going to LATechSports.com/tickets. The Techsters open the home portion of their schedule Feb. 16 against Northwestern State.

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Bettie Lou Merritt 
July 30, 1940 – February 9, 2022 
Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 2300 W. California Ave., Ruston 
Funeral service: 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 2300 W. California Ave., Ruston 
Cemetery: Minden Cemetery

Lester Allen Doss, Sr. 
March 12, 1941 – February 7, 2022  
Service: 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11 at Fellowship Baptist Church, 6470 Hwy. 151, Dubach 
Cemetery: Friday, Feb. 11 at Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery, Dubach 

Patsy Ann Taylor Stewart 
March 2, 1938 – February 8, 2022 
Visitation: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Monroe 
Service: 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Monroe  

Carrie Belle Riser “Kitty” Boyd 
June 15, 1926 – February 5, 2022 
Visitation: 9:30-11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 12 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, 209 N. Bonner St., Ruston 
Service: 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 12 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, 209 N. Bonner St., Ruston 
Cemetery: Saturday, Feb. 12 at Riser Cemetery in Ruston 

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The Louisiana Tech College of Business hosted the First Louisiana Future Business Leaders of America Leadership Conference where high school FBLA members in District I and District II FBLA met together for the first time as a region rather than as individual districts to go head-to-head in 50 different competitive events at the high school level and 16 events at the middle school level.

District I schools cover Louisiana from the Texas/Arkansas line south to Mansfield and across to Arcadia, with District II schools covering from the Mississippi/Arkansas line down to Jena and back across to Simsboro.  

As the District II vice president was from Ruston High School, and individuals from RHS worked to set up Louisiana Tech as new conference site in 2019-2020, RHS FBLA took the lead in working with Jessica George, executive director of student service and placements in Tech’s College of Business, and with Tasha Smith, also of the College of Business.

After weeks of planning, and multiple changes due to testing to allow schools  not allowed to travel or attend in person to participate, Louisiana Tech saw 350-400 members and advisers attend the conference. 

The opening session began with District II Vice President Matthew Daulton from RHS, and District I Vice President Bennie Ferguson from Homer High School, presiding. Joining them were four other Louisiana FBLA State Officers from District II: State Secretary Moriah Jackson (RHS), State Reporter Mattie Beaubouef from Weston High School, State Parliamentarian Peter Owen (RHS), and Middle Level President Joshua Daulton from Ruston Junior High School. Dr. Christopher Martin, Dean of the College of Business, welcomed the students during the opening ceremony. 

After the opening ceremonies, with Ashley Cox, College of Business recruiting, gave FBLA members a speech on what Louisiana Tech has to offer students. Afterward, the Louisiana Phi-Beta Lamba’s (PBL – the college level of FBLA) President Joanna Ham, gave a speech on student life at Louisiana Tech. Joanna was the former president of RHS FBLA for 3 years and selected as the Louisiana FBLA Who’s Who in 2019.

FBLA members with interviews, speeches and demonstrations competed in the College of Business Building, while other members ventured to the Student Center for the FBLA exhibits and information booths. All five Louisiana Tech colleges set up information booths; both District VPs featured informational displays on FBLA in their districts; RHS FBLA set up three displays highlighting community service efforts for Little Helpers Pediatric Day Health Center and the Arkansas Children’s Hospital; three local RHS students set up displays of merchandise; and RHS FBLA also had two gift card giveaway tables for members to register to win one of 14 $25 gift cards (two gift cards were drawn for each grade represented (6-12). Members at the community service tables drew cards, pictures and more to send to the children of the Little Helper’s Pediatric Day Health Center as well as the children at the Arkansas Children’s’ Hospital.

Prior to lunch, Current Events team members took to the stage to compete in a question-and-answer session, with members eliminated as they missed questions. The last team standing was District II’s D’Arbonne Woods Charter School. Their adviser, Melease Colvin, was a student teacher mentored by the RHS adviser, Lloyd R. Bruner, whose team was the last team knocked out of the event. He simply responded “perhaps the student has become the master.” Immediately afterward, RHS FBLA officers conducted the gift card drawing and presentation to the 14 lucky members throughout the region. 

The conference awards ceremony began right on schedule at 1 p.m., announcing all members who placed and the first ever Regional Champion in every event. Many middle level school chapters were limited due to travel restrictions and changes; however, Ruston Junior High School captured 11 of the 16 events, with I.A. Lewis, the only sixth grade middle level school competing in the state, claiming five regional champions.

At the secondary level, District II took home 31 of the 50 events, with District I taking home 19. Leading the way for District II was RHS with 20 regional champions, besting their own previous record when competing as only a district. Leading the way for District I was Saline High School, who claimed the second most regional championships at seven. Lincoln Parish schools alone won almost half of the total championships (24).

“The Louisiana Tech College of Business was honored to host this conference,” Jessica George said. “We believe the skills these students are honing through their involvement in FBLA will provide them with the solid foundation needed for success in a career in business.  We hope that these students will join us in the College of Business after graduation to build upon that foundation and pursue a business degree.”

Louisiana Tech also provided six different scholarships totaling $5,500 to FBLA members in attendance, should they decide to attend the College of Business at Louisiana Tech. The first two scholarships were $1,000 scholarships awarded to both the Mr. Future Business winner (Jason Willis – RHS) and to the Ms. Future Business Leader winner (Mattie Beaubouef – Weston). The next three scholarships went to three regional juniors or seniors selected randomly from all regional champions. The $1,000 scholarship winners were Mason Scott (Business Calculations – Saline High School); Briley Kent, (Public Speaking – Ruston High School); and Jeremiah Gray (Securities and Investments – Saline). Louisiana Tech will select the remaining scholarship winner of $500 from a random drawing of members who entered the QR code drawing and announce it later.

Louisiana Tech coordinated all this year’s judges for events, which was a huge help to FBLA. They also provided many College of Business students to assist with information booths, timing events, and assisting any FBLA member as needed.   

All the regional champions, members placing superior (top 15-20%), and select state-only event members now move on to the Louisiana FBLA State Conference held Mar. 27-29, 2022, in the CajunDome at the University of Louisiana – Lafayette. Anyone  interested in participating as a judge in one of the many different presentation, speaking, role-play, or interview events is asked to please go to the following link and apply: https://lafbla.wufoo.com/forms/la-fbla-slc-judge-information-form-2022. 

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It’s been almost a month since Matt Middleton announced his decision to take the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach job at Southern Arkansas.

The decision left Cedar Creek High School in search of its next head football coach.

Since that time, the Board of Directors has seen a turnover at the top with Lomax Napper taking the place of Paul Riley, who announced his decision to step down as Board President on January 21.

From all indications, it’s Napper and the Board’s job to make the next hire with interim head of school Cindy Hampton concentrating on running Cedar Creek for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year … and quite possibly beyond.

There hasn’t been a lot of public noise surrounding the head coaching job in the last few weeks.

The Lincoln Parish Journal has learned that both Ruston High quarterback coach Steven Ensminger and Mike Collins, who served the past year as the defensive coordinator at Neville High School, were contacted about the opening.

Those same sources say that Collins request (pay and responsibilities) wasn’t on the same wavelength as the schools. Ensminger by all accounts is happy to remain at Ruston High. Coaching searches can turn on a dime so anything is possible, but it appears as though both of those candidates are out.

Where does that leave the search?

Candidates for the job would most likely come from one of two pools:

• A young up-and-comer that is either in the private school sector already or who hasn’t been in the state retirement system long

It would be hard to lure someone who has eight-plus years in the state retirement system to leave in favor of the private school system, unless the pay was significantly worth it. Ensminger would have fit this criteria.

• A more veteran coach who has already met retirement qualifications within the state system

This pool of candidates is already drawing retirement from the state and thus moving to the private school sector doesn’t have an affect on retirement. Collins would have fit this criteria.

There are plenty of qualified, quality coaches within the state and even the private school system. However, salary range could be the biggest factor in luring someone away from another school. Does Creek have the money to pull a successful head coach from another school?

Multiple sources also confirm that Creek defensive coordinator Mark Ware – who has done an impressive job with that responsibility with the Cougars – isn’t interested in assuming the head coaching role.

So where does that leave Creek?

Dan Childress’ name has been tossed around the Creek community since Middleton’s departure. Another plus is Childress’ wife Mary Bell is one of the top school administrators in the south.

A number of former Creek assistants that are coaching elsewhere have been mentioned.

It’s an important hire for both the Cougars program and the entire school. Stability is needed for a program that has a lot returning in 2022. The next coach needs to stay to build the program.

Whoever gets the job will inherit a talented roster that lost only three players off of this past year’s team that finished 6-4 with a historic win over Oak Grove and near misses against OCS, Jonesboro-Hodge and St. Frederick’s.

And with spring football approaching in a month or two, the Creek Board finds itself on the clock in a very important and possibly pivotal hire.

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Renowned journalist and author Roland Martin served as keynote speaker at Grambling State University earlier this week during the Black History Month program with the theme, “Fitting Into The Country We Built.” 

Martin spoke to the audience Monday night about the value of the black dollar. He stated that the influence and power of African American spending habits are documented, and the ability to support black businesses can be impacted by what is said and what is done. 

“We don’t even realize how we are degrading our own when we’re talking to each other,” Martin said in his speech. “How many of y’all heard this – ‘Man, it’s a black business, though.’ Right there, that phrase by itself – you just said black owned is second class … You’ve got to stop somebody.” 

Martin is the host of the Roland Martin Unfiltered Daily Digital Show, which streams on Facebook Live, YouTube, Periscope, and IGTV at 5 p.m. CST daily. 

The show focuses on news and analysis of politics, entertainment, sports and culture from an explicitly African American perspective. 

Ebony Magazine has four times named Martin as one of the 150 Most Influential African Americans in the United States. NewsOne.com named Martin as the number one Black pundit in the country and he has also been named several times to The Root 100’s annual list of influential African Americans. 

The four-time NAACP Image Award winner, including named Best Host twice out of the last three years, has also earned more than 30 awards for journalistic excellence, including being named the Journalist of the Year in 2013 by the National Association of Black Journalists for his extensive focus on voter suppression and other issues of concern to African Americans during the 2012 election. 

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