Life is strange. 

In case you haven’t figured that out by now, perhaps reading some of my columns will help cement the idea in your head. I’ve cited several instances of God winks, as they’re sometimes called.  

You know, the events or personal experiences often labeled “coincidence,” so amazing that they’re seen as signs of divine intervention, especially when perceived as answers to prayer. 

I’ve got another one for you this week. 

As I approached writing my last column, my plan was to center on Christians being the light of the world and how critical it is that we share the gospel, reflect the light of Jesus and be the clearly visible lamp spoken of in Matthew, Mark and Luke. 

But I got sidetracked searching through old notebooks of sermons and lectures I had heard over the years and ended up being able to include only four sentences on the original topic. I gave a reassurance I would return to the subject in a later column. 

Well. Guess what the focus of this past Sunday’s sermon was at our congregation …. 

John 8:12 – “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'”  

It seems that the time to share more about the topic of light came sooner than I anticipated. 

Our minister revealed four aspects of this verse designed to “thrill us and draw us into a deeper discipleship with Jesus.” 

First – The Great Truth: Jesus is the light of the world. No life can exist without light. Somewhere someway something had to be touched by light for there to be life. Even those lifeforms at the bottom of the sea that live in total darkness are still somehow affected by light that shines elsewhere.  

Darkness cannot overcome light; anyone who strikes a match in a dark room can testify to that. Even the idea that no light can escape from a black hole has now been challenged and is on its way to acceptance.  

Second – The Great Condition: Following Him. Jesus will call, but not coerce. God didn’t command Isaiah in the prophet’s great vision of the heavenly throne. God asked: Who will go for me? It was up to Isaiah to volunteer – “Here am I; send me.” Jesus invited the Rich Young Ruler to follow Him, which, unfortunately, did not happen. We choose whom we will serve. 

While the What Would Jesus Do bracelets are fine, additional questions abound: What does Jesus love, what does He dislike, what would He avoid ….? Answering such questions – and living out our answers – separates the darkness dwellers from the light walkers. 

Third – The Great Promise and the Practice. He can deliver us from this present evil world. He rescues His children from darkness and brings them into His kingdom. As 1 John 1:7 says, “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” Actually, that’s my very favorite verse. It indicates that, if we are His children, the cleansing is ongoing. 

Fourth – The Great Reward. Also from I John, this time from 5:12 – “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” And John 10:10 – “… I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” 

Now, again, guess what. 

Another whole peripheral story was cited at this point about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – but, once more, I’m out of space. Suffice it to say that the way this story was related altered my idea of the trio’s experience and is giving me plenty of mental fodder. I promise: I’ll share later. 

————————————————————————————  

Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com. 

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech VP and Director of Athletics Dr. Eric A. Wood announced a number of promotions within the department entering the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Two members – Amber Burdge (Student-Athlete Success Services) and Reggie McIntyre (External Relations) — were elevated to Associate A.D. roles earlier this year. Three other members will begin their new roles effective immediately as Kane McGuire will serve as Associate A.D. for Strategic Communications, Ed Jackson will serve as Associate A.D. for Character Education & Former Student-Athlete Engagement, and Kyle Buffolino will serve as Associate A.D. for Compliance Services. 

The promotions continue a strategic restructuring of roles and responsibilities within the department under Wood’s direction in an effort to position the University’s student-athletes and coaches for even more competitive success. It also provides professional growth opportunities for next level administrators and increases communication avenues within the department.

“Amber, Reggie, Kane, Ed, and Kyle have all earned these promotions,” said Wood. “We are constantly searching for strategic ways to provide additional professional growth opportunities to our administrative team. All of the areas that these four oversee have a direct impact on our student athletes and coaches and help them succeed on the playing fields, in the classroom and around the community.”

McIntyre and McGuire are a part of Wood’s Executive Team while Burdge, Jackson, and Buffolino are a part of the Senior Leadership Team.

Burdge, who recently completed her doctorate, enters her seventh year within the LA Tech Athletics Department where she has helped the student-athletes to exponential academic growth during her time.  In addition to assisting student athletes within academics, she serves as the advisor to the Tech Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), leads the Tech community service efforts, annually spearheads a number Life Skills and Career Development opportunities, and has provided the Name Image and Likeness education for our student athletes.  She was recently named an Aspire IChange Fellow and serves on the University of Louisiana System Black Male Advisory Council.  She will also assist the athletic director with strategic planning framework.

Jackson is one of the longest tenured employees within Tech Athletics, entering his 30th year at his alma mater, his 11th as part of the administration.  He will continue as the liaison to the Department of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity while also helping oversee the Wheels for Dogs program as well as T-Club events.  He has been the advisor for the university’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and his current role enables him to continue to mold the lives of Tech student-athletes.

Entering his second year at LA Tech, McIntyre started his tenure serving as the oversight of brand engagement, video and creative services.  He will now assume leadership roles overseeing Ticket Sales and Service, while leading Louisiana Tech’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) working groups. He will also serve as the NCAA athletics diversity and inclusion designee, known as the ADID, as well managing the Learfield partnership.

McGuire, who takes over the strategic communications department following the retirement of Malcolm Butler, enters his 11th year at his alma mater and has served in an Assistant A.D. role for the past two years. He has served as the primary contact for men’s basketball, soccer and tennis and has been an integral part in department-wide growth within the social media accounts as well as the official athletics website LATechSports.com. He has also served as the chair of the NIL committee and the website redesign committee. In his new role, he will be the sport administrator for the tennis program as well as the primary contact for men’s basketball, tennis and golf.

Buffolino enters his fifth fall assisting the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters in navigating NCAA rules. He is tasked with managing the day-to-day operations of the compliance office for each of the 16 varsity sport programs.  Since arriving in Ruston, he has been heavily involved in updating and creating department policies and procedures, waiver submissions, infraction reporting, maintaining the transfer portal, and keeping student-athletes up-to-date with the name, image and likeness landscape.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports research, innovation and discovery that provides the foundation for economic growth in the United States.

The National Science Foundation has awarded Louisiana Tech University $300,000.

The project that received this funding is entitled “IRES Track I: Towards a Green and Self-Powered Internet of Things (IoT) using Vibration Energy Harvesting,” is under the direction of Dr. Hamzeh Bardaweel, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering & Nanosystem Engineering.

Over the span of three years, 18 undergraduate students will be recruited from two Louisiana institutions, Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University, to participate in international activities at the University of Sheffield, UK.

During the six week stay at the University of Sheffield, students will be engaged in research activities that are focused on raising students’ awareness of potential applications and environmental impacts of eco-friendly green energy harvesting systems.

Energy is a central focus of research within the College of Engineering and this project will contribute to the field of green energy generation by answering questions related to utilizing systems as reliable eco-friendly power sources for IoT sensors.

“The outcomes from this project will have significant societal impacts,” said Bardaweel. “Results from this project will help answer fundamental questions about how it may be possible for greener solutions to be used as power sources.”

The outcomes will be presented at the ASME-IMECE Undergraduate Research and Design Exposition and two annual on-campus recruitment and dissemination workshops at both Louisiana Tech and Grambling.

Ouachita Parish – On Saturday, July 23, 2022, just after 9:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Hwy 165 south of LA Hwy 2.  This crash claimed the life of 76-year-old Mary C. Robertson of Sterlington.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2011 Ford Explorer, driven by Robertson, was traveling south on U.S. Hwy 165.  For reasons still under investigation, Robertson attempted to make a left turn onto Lenox Bridge Road.  As the Ford entered the northbound lanes of U.S. Hwy 165, it was struck by a northbound vehicle.

Robertson, who was not restrained, sustained serious injuries in the crash and was transported to a local hospital.  The driver of the other vehicle, who was properly restrained, sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.  Impairment is unknown; however, a toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis.  This crash remains under investigation.

Earlier today, Troop F was notified that Robertson had succumbed to her injuries.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that buckling up is the most effective way to protect yourself during a vehicle crash.  Failure to take a few seconds to buckle up can have devastating consequences.  Louisiana law requires every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained day or night.

In 2022, Troop F has investigated 17 fatal crashes, resulting in 21 fatalities.

Funeral services were held Monday for a woman killed in an Interstate 20 crash involving six vehicles in West Monroe last Wednesday.

West Monroe Police said Judy Cupit Clark, 68, of West Monroe died in the crash on eastbound I-20 near Thomas Road Wednesday afternoon.

The initial investigation determined a Donnie Plunk’s Towing & Recovery tow truck driven by John Thomas Garrett II, 24, struck two vehicles either stopped or slowed on I-20 due to traffic congestion. Clark died as a result of the crash.

The speed limit on I-20 eastbound changes from 70 miles per hour to 60 just before reaching the crash site.

Routine toxicology is pending, and police say the investigation is ongoing. Once complete, the investigation will be forwarded to the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office.

The Louisiana Office of Tourism has scheduled a series of statewide Louisiana Birding Trail meetings as a follow-up to the original meetings held across the state earlier this month. The upcoming series of meetings is scheduled for August 1-5, 2022, in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, New Orleans, Natchitoches and Shreveport.

Since the first meetings, much of the work on the Louisiana Birding Trail project is already complete, including site visits to more than 300 nominated locations. During this next series of meetings, Louisiana Office of Tourism staff will present updates on the work to date on site nominations and the assessments of all nominated sites; a presentation of the recommended binding trail sites; and, showing possible birding trail mapping and interpretive content for the website.

The intent of the Louisiana Birding Trail is to improve the visitors’ experience, maximize the value of Louisiana’s outdoor resources, open new visitor markets, and assist communities across the state to promote their respective areas to national and international visitors.

These public meetings allow for feedback and input into the process and birding site recommendations. Upon approval of the recommended birding trails, sites, descriptions, maps, and other content the Louisiana Office of Tourism will develop a website strategically marketing nature-based experiences focused on birding and outdoor recreation to domestic and international visitors.

Louisiana Birding Trail Meeting Schedule

Monday, August 1, 2022
Capitol Park Museum
660 N. Fourth Street
Baton Rouge, LA
2 p.m.

Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Clifton Chenier Center Town Hall Auditorium
220 W. Willow Street
Lafayette, LA
10 a.m.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Natchitoches Events Center
750 2nd Street
Natchitoches, LA
10 a.m.

Thursday, August 4, 2022
Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau
629 North Spring Street
Shreveport, LA
10 a.m.

Friday, August 5, 2022
New Orleans Jazz Museum
400 Esplanade Avenue
New Orleans, LA
10 a.m.

For more information, visit labirdingtrails.com.

Henry Harris, Jr.  
September 11, 1958 – July 21, 2022  
Service to be held at later date 

By Malcolm Butler 

Qualifying closed Friday for the Nov. 8 primary elections and Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker as well as all five alderman positions will once again run unopposed. 

Walker said that not only is it a tribute to the job the city council members have done, but it’s a tremendous benefit to the city of Ruston.  

“The significance is this is the second time that the city council members and (mayor seat) have all run unopposed,” said Walker, who will serve his third term in Ruston. “I am not sure that has ever happened anywhere in the state of Louisiana. It shows that our city council members are doing such a good job and are all involved in our community.  

“I am so thankful they are all on the council. John Denny will be a new one and is running unopposed. Having the continuity (on the city council) makes a world of difference for our city. It allows us to get things done. When the mayor and the city council members are on the same page at every meeting and not fighting against each other, it makes a tremendous difference.” 

Qualifying began last Wednesday and closed Friday at 4:30 p.m. 

Carolyn Elmore Cage (Ward 1), Shane Mayfield (Ward 2) and Bruce Siegmund (Ward 5) are all incumbents on the city council. Melanie Lewis (Ward 3) was appointed by Walker over a year ago when her husband Jed retired from the seat. Denny (Ward 4) will serve his first term. 

“Jim Pearce served as the Ward 4 alderman for 24 years and has done a stellar job,” said Walker. “Jim said it was time for someone else. I am so appreciative for Jim and the job he has done for our city for more than two decades.” 

“Ruston is my hometown, and I will continue to work to keep our community great, but I will not seek re-election for another term,” Pearce said during a city council meeting in early May. 

“This has been a rewarding experience working together with them (prior Mayor Dan Hollingsworth and current Mayor Ronny Walker) and with other city council members to make Ruston a great city. Thank you to the citizens of Ward 4, who have given me the opportunity to be your representative for these past 24 years.” 

Three of the other five mayor races are also running unopposed as Dubach (Mona Durrett Wilson), Simsboro (Sybil Smalling Foster) and Downsville (Reggie Skain – Incumbent) are the lone qualifying candidates.  

The Grambling mayor’s race includes four candidates, including incumbent Edward R. Jones and challengers Alvin Bradley, Toby Bryan and LeShaun “Yummy” Johnson.  

Choudrant’s mayor race includes incumbent Bill Sanderson and challenger Brandon Milner. 

Chief of Police races are scheduled for Dubach, Choudrant, Downsville (part of Downsville falls in Lincoln Parish), and Simsboro. 

Choudrant, Downsville, Dubach, Grambling,  Simsboro and Vienna city council seats are all on the November ballot as well.  

Mayor City of Ruston 

Ronny Walker (R-Incumbent) 

Mayor City of Grambling 

Alvin Bradley (D) 

Toby B. Bryan (D) 

LeShaun “Yummy” Johnson (NP) 

Edward R. Jones (D-Incumbent) 

Mayor Town of Dubach 

Mona Durrett Wilson (NP) 

Mayor Village of Choudrant 

Brandon J. Milner (R) 

Bill Sanderson (R-Incumbent) 

Mayor Village of Simsboro 

Sybil Smalling Foster (D) 

Mayor Village of Downsville 

Reggie Skain (D-Incumbent) 

Chief of Police Town of Dubach 

Don Dufour (NP) 

Chief of Police Village of Choudrant 

Willard Sullivan (R) 

Chief of Police Village of Downsville 

Earl Roberts (D) 

Chief of Police Village of Simsboro 

Gene Butler (D) 

Alderman Ward 1, City of Ruston 

Carolyn Elmore Cage (D-Incumbent) 

Alderman Ward 2, City of Ruston 

Angela “Shane” Mayfield (D-Incumbent) 

Alderman Ward 3, City of Ruston 

Melanie Lewis (R-Incumbent) 

Alderman Ward 4, City of Ruston 

John Denny (R)  

Alderman Ward 5, City of Ruston 

Bruce Siegmund (I-Incumbent) 

Alderman Village of Choudrant 

John W. Croswell, Jr. (R) 

Blake Duncan (NP) 

Rick Maier (NP) 

Thomas Patton (R) 

Alderman Village of Downsville 

Howard Allen (R) 

Sheree Allen (R) 

Myron Toft (I) 

Alderman Village of Simsboro 

William “Doug” Durrett (D) 

Hazel Tuminello (R) 

Jerry White (R) 

Council Member District A, Town of Dubach 

Ruby Dawson (D) 

Angela Dunn (NP) 

Council Member District B, Town of Dubach 

Chris Moerbe (R) 

Council Member District C, Town of Dubach 

Mary Billberry (R) 

Council Member District D, Town of Dubach 

Evelyn Graham (D) 

Council Member District E, Town of Dubach 

Monique Roberts (D) 

Council Members City of Grambling 

Kerry Blakemore (D) 

John F. Brown, Jr. (D) 

Cathy Holmes (D) 

Jerry Lewis (D) 

Aundrea “10-4” Livingston (D) 

Karen Ludley (D) 

Marvin McCarty (D) 

Phyllis Miller (D) 

Devaria Hudson Ponton (D) 

Kia Baldwin Richardson (D) 

Delores Wilkerson Smith (D) 

Garnet Wagner II (D) 

Councilmen Town of Vienna 

Shannon R. Smith (R) 

A Ruston police officer spotted a man he knew was wanted on warrants Thursday. 

Officer D. Smith was patrolling on Eastland Avenue when he spotted Brandon Walker, 37, of Grambling standing a driveway. Smith knew Walker was wanted on warrants held by the Grambling Police Department.

Walker was arrested on the warrants and placed in a patrol car. On the floorboard of the vehicle Walker was standing beside. Smith found a clear plastic bag of what appeared to be crack cocaine. Walker stated that he was in possession of the car, and it belonged to his sister. In further searching the car, Smith found a small digital case scale commonly used to weigh drugs.

Walker was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (cocaine), possession of drug paraphernalia, and the Grambling warrants. 

Later the Department of Corrections Probation and Parole placed a probation violation hold on Walker. 

The Grambling arrest warrant for Walker alleged charges of home invasion and simple criminal damage to property. No additional information on the incident prompting those charges was immediately available. Bail on those charges were set on the warrants at $55,000.

Bail had not been set on the cocaine and paraphernalia charges at press time.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

by Malcolm Butler

The Lincoln Parish School Board could have as many as six new members following the November 8 elections based on qualifying which ended on Friday.

Races in Districts 3, 7, 10 and 12 include the incumbent but also include at least one challenger. District 1 and 8 will have a new representative as Susan Wiley (District 1) and Lisa Best (District 8) will not be running for re-election. Willie “Jim” Washington and Danielle Williams will battle it out for District 1 while Gregg Phillips will take over the seat for District 8 as the lone candidate.

“Because school board seats are now term limited (3 terms, 12 years), we had the possibility that almost the entire (current) board was going to be wiped out at this time next term (2026),” said LPSB President Joe Mitcham. “But now with the possibility of up to six new people coming on board, that may not be a possibility any more.”

Phillips said he felt a calling to serve on the school board after his four sons all came through the Lincoln Parish School system.

“Our teachers and administrators are amazing, and I want to make sure that we not only retain our great teachers here in our parish, but also attract the best teachers,” said Phillips. “A quality education is one of the most significant and impactful factors that determines a young persons future. And we owe it to our children to provide them the best opportunity we can for them.

“Teachers have an incredibly difficult job, and I want to make sure they know and feel our appreciation and respect. I am anxious to begin meeting with some of our educators and administrators and listen to what we do right and what we can do to improve our system. I know that our administration, beginning with our Superintendent (Ricky) Durrett are doing an amazing job. I want to help them in anyway I can to continue to improve our schools.”

David Ferguson (District 2), Donna Doss (District 4), Danny Hancock (District 5), Mitcham (District 6), Lynda Henderson (District 9) and George Mack (District 11) will all retain their seats as the lone candidates for their respective districts.

The race in District 3 includes Paul E. Bean, incumbent Clark Canterbury and Gloria Miller while the race in District 7 includes incumbent Hunter Smith and Ginny Shadoin Canterbury. Two other races include District 10 where incumbent Otha Anders and challenger Juan Hooper battle while District 12 will be between incumbent Debbie Abrahm and Doug Perry.

Mitcham, who has been a member of the school board since 1995, said its imperative that the elected group continue to work together to keep the parish among the top in the state in terms of education.

“We have a really good board,” said Mitcham. “We work well together. People are really conscientious. We get a lot accomplished. I have been proud of the way we have all worked together.

“The education of our children is so important. Education is the primary job base for Lincoln Parish with Louisiana Tech and Grambling State. When you think about it everything falls back on education.”

Lincoln Parish School Board 

District 1 

Willie “Jim” Washington, Jr. (NP) 

Danielle Williams (D) 

District 2 

David Ferguson (D-Incumbent) 

District 3 

Paul E. Bean (NP) 

Clark Canterbury (R-Incumbent) 

Gloria Miller (NP) 

District 4 

Donna Doss (NP-Incumbent) 

District 5 

Danny Hancock (NP-Incumbent) 

District 6 

Joe Mitcham Jr. (D-Incumbent) 

District 7 

Ginny Shadoin Canterbury (R) 

Hunter Smith (R-Incumbent) 

District 8 

Gregg Phillips (R) 

District 9 

Lynda Henderson (NP-Incumbent) 

District 10 

Otha Anders (D-Incumbent) 

Juan Hooper (D) 

District 11 

George Mack, Jr. (D-Incumbent) 

District 12 

Debbie Abrahm (I-Incumbent) 

Doug Perry (NP) 

By Malcolm Butler 

The Ruston American 10u All-Star team isn’t quite done with their summer season. 

The team defeated Lakeshore out of Jefferson Parish in a two-out-of-three series this past weekend to earn the title of Team Louisiana and qualify for the upcoming Dixie Youth World Series. 

The World Series will take place in Lumberton, North Carolina, from August 6th through the 11th.  

After winning the district tournament in Benton and then the North Region tournament in Vidalia, the Ruston American 10U all-stars traveled to face the South Region champion Lakeshore in a best of three series that would ultimately crown one of them as Team Louisiana. 

Ruston won Game 1 on Friday night by a score of 3-1 before dropping Saturday morning’s Game 2 by a score of 7-1. However, in the decisive rubber match Saturday, Ruston dominated from start to finish to win 6-0, clinching the spot in North Carolina in two weeks.  

Ruston (Team Louisiana) will join the title teams from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia in Lumberton for the double elimination tournament.  

Their first match-up will be against South Carolina on August 6th at 3:15 p.m. 

The Ruston American 10u All-Stars consist of Grant Alexander, Brycen Bennett, Barnes Causey, Kingston Culpepper, Joseph Davison, Rhodes Kilpatrick, John Cole Parker, Grey Ramsey, Jacoby Smith, Henry Walpole, Ryder Walpole, and Eli Wilson.  

They are coached by Davison, Jeff Parker and Jordan Taylor. 

Since the addition of the indoor pool to the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center, many have driven down Tech Drive and wondered, “Do the windows on the side of the building mean anything?”

A decade ago, when architects constructed the newest addition to Lambright, the Bulldog Code that can be seen on the side of the building was used to aid in the design.

In late June, during one of his daily walks, Louisiana Tech University President Dr. Les Guice urged followers on Facebook to solve the puzzle using their love of Louisiana Tech and their wits. Sarah Scarlato, a student lifeguard at Lambright, saw a code that was meant to be cracked.

“I have always wondered what the windows meant but never actually took time to try to crack the code on my own,” Scarlato said. “One day I decided I was going to take the time to sit down and figure it out. So I did!”

Scarlato said she solved the code with a notebook, a pen, a pencil and an episode of “The Golden Girls.”

“The funniest part about this is that I’m really quite awful at math, codes, and other things like that,” Scarlato said. “I am also incredibly proud of myself and very excited to have done something like this here at Louisiana Tech.”

Now that the decade-long secret has been cracked, the code will remain a secret until the time is right to reveal it.  But others, including Louisiana Tech’s cyber students are working to discover the code’s meaning themselves.

The code’s solution will remain hidden in the Centennial clock tower, Guice said.

“Once you understand the Bulldog Code, you will never look at Lambright, or Louisiana Tech, the same way,” Guice said. “Congratulations to Sarah for her incredible work in decoding this familiar phrase.”

by Malcolm Butler

Here are a few notes and nuggets from around Lincoln Parish on the sports scene.

Jennings Signs with Blue Jays: Former Louisiana Tech star Ryan Jennings has officially signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. According to reports out of Toronto, Jennings — who was selected in the 4th round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the AL East club — signed for $70k with the organization. He begins a two-week draftee camp today and the club will decide on whether to send him to an affiliate or to have him start off-season workouts. Jennings was the last of the four Bulldogs drafted (Taylor Young – Dodgers, Kyle Crigger – Marlins, Cade Gibson – Marlins) to sign with their respective franchises.

Tech Golfers Earn Award: A pair of Bulldog golfers were honored late last week as James Swash and Hunter Battles both received the 2021-22 Srixon/Cleveland All-America Scholar honor for Division I. The two were among 440 student athletes from 157 schools nationwide to receive the academic accolade. It also marks the second straight year that both earned the award. Swash is a 4-time C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll recipient with a 3.28 GPA. He recently graduated with a finance degree. Battles is a 3-time C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll honoree with a 3.35 GPA. He is majoring in marketing.

Martinez Named Tech DFO: Bulldog head coach Sonny Cumbie has hired Jacob Martinez as the Director of Football Operations. Martinez spent the past three years at UTEP, serving as the program’s player personnel director. He also served as a GA for football operations at UTEP (2016-18) after coaching football and track and field at Cathedral High School in El Paso. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UTEP in 2014 and his master’s degree in 2018 while playing football for the Miners from 2012-2015.

Tigers to Play Additional TV Games: Grambling State now has a total of six televised football games this fall after an announcement from the Southwestern Athletic Conference Friday. GSU will play four games on ESPN+, one on ESPNU and one on NBC/Peacock. GSU’s games against Arkansas State (Sept. 3, ESPN+), Jackson State (Sept. 17, ESPNU), Bethune-Cookman (Sept. 24, ESPN+), Alcorn State (Oct. 29, ESPN+), UAPB (Nov. 5, ESPN+) and Southern (Nov. 26, NBC/Peacock) will all be televised or streamed.

LA Tech Football Women’s Clinic: Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie and Company are offering a Women’s Clinic on Thursday at the Davison Athletics Complex. Participants can learn some football drills, hear speakers, and maybe even get to dress up in a uniform for a photo shoot. Cost is $50 and all proceeds will go to DART.  Go to SonnyCumbieFootballCamps.com to sign up.

McConnell Makes Cape Cod All-Star Team: Tech outfielder Cole McConnell was named to the Cape Cod Summer League West All-Star team. McConnell is playing this summer for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks where he is batting .265 with 30 hits, three doubles, three home runs, 13 runs, 18 RBI and 8 stolen bases in 3 games. McConnell was 0-for-2 at the plate in the game and the West All-Star team lost 4-1 to the East All-Stars Saturday. 

Cougars Open Fall Camp August 1: Cedar Creek head coach Matt Middleton and the Cougars will open fall workouts August 1 (just helmets) and then will go to full pads on August 7. The Cougars will face Evangel on Aug. 27 at the Bayou Jamb at Joe Aillet Stadium before opening up their season Sept. 3 against Glenbrook at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. Cedar Creek returns a strong nucleus of last year’s team that advanced to the Division IV playoffs. 

She had blond hair and was sitting in front of a white wall. She talked about how she and her family had been in the Ukraine until March but then left due to the war – but they were planning to return soon. 

Another woman spoke of how she and her child were still in the Ukraine. “A lot of people are tired of war,” she said. “We need to support people. We can be more united.” 

He had dark hair and smiled continually during the breakout room session. Another American, from Portland, I believe, and I asked him a few questions about the war, as he’s still in the Ukraine. He participated in the American House Kyiv workshop because he wants to see change for the better. He said he sees a Ukraine after the war where great minds come to the country to rebuild it. But he didn’t want to focus on that. 

“I think we should talk about change for the good,” he said, “but there’s not a lot of good things right now.” 

Sometimes it’s easy for me to forget about the war that’s going on across the ocean, about the lives that have been displaced because of war. I see heightened gas prices and grocery prices, and often that makes me remember, but generally, the Ukrainian war isn’t personally affecting me. But it is for so many others. 

It’s ongoing. It’s long. It’s painful. And often it feels so impossible to help. 

I – along with about 50 other Americans and Ukrainians – participated in a social change program, a three-week virtual workshop that brought together people scattered around the world to determine how each of us could make a difference in our communities. 

One person can’t change the world; but one person can change one piece of the world. Change one part for the better. 

I am, at heart, a problem solver. If you have a problem, I want to help find a solution. It’s innate in my personality. I am a Christ follower, so I do pray – but I believe God gave each of us an ability to help physically as well.  

For the Ukraine, several options for assistance are available, so I won’t make a list of all – only the ones that I have experience with. 

Olya Kudinenko, founder of Tabletochki, a non-profit that helps Ukrainian children receive cancer treatments, is currently in New York with her child during the war. During the workshop, she discussed how the children Tabletochki has helped have been displaced — many of the United States — and how they are looking for individuals in the US who may can assist. 

“We do have our employees are in touch with them,” Kudinenko said. “Maybe families will need help on the ground.” 

For more information about Tabletochki or how to assist, click HERE. 

Another option is Razom for Ukraine, which also offers concrete steps to support Ukraine. We listened to speakers from Razom, who are working to evacuate individuals from the Ukraine, to provide critical humanitarian relief and to advocate for support.  

My last suggestion would be World Central Kitchen, which has individuals from the Ukraine working for them. During this last spring break, my elder daughter offered a dog walking service to raise money to donate to WCK. I’m proud of her support for this worldwide cause. 

These are just three suggestions, and, as I mentioned, there are so many other worthwhile organizations supporting the Ukraine. If you have time or finances available to offer, please do.   

This war is far from over. 

A Calhoun woman was arrested Thursday for allegedly trespassing at a Stuckey Road residence. 

Lincoln Parish sheriff’s deputies responded and found Sabrina K. Johnson, 47, had returned to the residence. Earlier in the day, deputies had encountered Johnson on an unwanted guest call. She was banned at that time from returning to the residence.

The victim stated Johnson came back to the house and was going through belongings under the back porch. Johnson was arrested for entering or remaining after forbidden (trespassing) and criminal mischief. She was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

Bail was set at $2,500.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of upcoming events happening in the parish. The LPJ will help promote not-for-profit events on our weekly events. All for-profit events should call 318-614-4513 or email to get advertising rates. If you would like to add your event to this list, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com. 

Monday, July 25
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — free sack lunches while supplies last each week
6-8:15 p.m.: Vacation Bible School (Douglas Church, 1642 Hwy. 821, Choudrant)

Tuesday, July 26
10 a.m.: Story time (Lincoln Parish Library)
10 a.m. to noon: Lift Every Voice free workshop
4 p.m.: Teen Scene (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Adult crafting (Lincoln Parish Library Community Room)
6-8:15 p.m.: Vacation Bible School (Douglas Church, 1642 Hwy. 821, Choudrant)

Wednesday, July 27
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — free sack lunches while supplies last each week
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: 2022 Legislative Roundtable (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
2 p.m.: Terry “Snake Man” Vandeventer presents educational program (Lincoln Parish Library)
6-8:15 p.m.: Vacation Bible School (Douglas Church, 1642 Hwy. 821, Choudrant)
7-9 p.m.: Dog Days of Summer (Railroad Park)

Thursday, July 28
10 a.m. to noon: Lift Every Voice free workshop
10 a.m.: Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Ribbon Cutting for Shooting Range (160 Old KOA Road, Simsboro)
4 p.m.: Camping and Survival Skills Demo (Lincoln Parish Library)
6-8:15 p.m.: Vacation Bible School (Douglas Church, 1642 Hwy. 821, Choudrant)

Friday, July 29
10 a.m.: Ribbon Cutting for Frosty Factory (2301 S. Farmerville St.)
8 p.m.: Outdoor Choudrant movie night showing “The Sandlot” (Choudrant Park, 3911 Elm St., Choudrant)

Saturday, July 30
7:30 a.m.: Faith Walk/Run (Cook Park)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
Noon to 4 p.m.: Sidewalk Chalkwalk (Ruston Artisans)

Sunday, July 31
7 p.m.: The Stoll-Deutsch Duo (Dixie Center)

AS AN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER, YOU WILL: 

• Identify opportunities to introduce flow and visual management into processes and work alongside area leadership to implement 
• Utilize process mapping, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis 
• Capture manufacturing cycle time data in the production department, develop improvement plans, and execute action plans 
• Create, review, and update standard work 
• Maintain plant and workstation layouts to reflect the current state and to provide potential future state options to project leaders and management 
• Lead improvement activity by facilitating kaizen events or acting as a project resource 
• Develop area leadership through lean daily management process 
• Train new employees on continuous improvement concepts in Orientation and in other settings 

REQUIRED EDUCTION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 

• BS degree in engineering, manufacturing, or equivalent degree and a minimum of two years’ experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in manufacturing identifying opportunities for the efficiency of manufacturing processes and operations  
• Experienced in lean manufacturing principles 
• Project management experience 
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD 2D for managing plant layouts 
• Analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Excellent communication skills 

If qualified and interested, please apply online at www.emerson.com 

Benefits 

We offer medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more. We also provide you flexible time-off plans, including parental leave, vacation, and holiday leave.  

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.  

AS A TEAM LEADER, YOU WILL: 

• Supervise utilizing strong interpersonal skills 
• Use technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, as applies to such supervision 
• Utilize computer skills to facilitate processes and software used 
• Pursue objectives with organizational skills to meet goals 
• Work with personnel at all levels of the organization 

REQUIRED EDUCTION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 

• Two (2) year Associates Degree, plus one year of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience 
• Excellent communication skills; both oral and written 
• Great computer skills (Excel and Word) 

Benefits 

We offer medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more. We also provide flexible time-off plans, including parental leave, vacation, and holiday leave. 

Shift is 11:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m.  Overtime requirements are based on customer needs to meet business objectives.

If qualified and interested, please apply online at www.emerson.com 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.  

Natica Jean Hennen Hibbard 
February 24, 1929 – July 22, 2022 
Visitation: Douglas Church, Monday, July 25, 2022, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm 
Service: Douglas Cemetery, Monday, July 25, 2022, 3:30 pm 
Cemetery: Douglas Cemetery, Monday, July 25, 2022  

Michael Bond Singleton 
November 4, 1951 – July 21, 2022 
Service: Dubach United Methodist Church, Monday, July 25, 2022, 10:00 am 
Cemetery: Hamilton Cemetery, Monday, July 25, 2022  

Henry Harris, Jr. 
September 11, 1958 – July 21, 2022 
Service to be held at later date 

The North Central Louisiana Arts Council and the Black Creative Circle of North Louisiana have combined resources to offer four weeks of workshops based on the four areas of the BCCNL’s mission: literary, visual, performing and culinary arts.

The free workshops, open to 13 to 17-year-old students, will be held at the Blue Gym, 1306 Cornell Avenue, where BCCNL artists Vitus Shell and Drek Davis are also creating a community mural. Area children are encouraged to come and draw their ideas in chalk for the mural on the sidewalks around the building. 

Workshops will be capped at 25 kids. Parents or guardians can sign them up online, or call 318-255-1450. Kids of all ages are welcome to help with the mural and sidewalk art. The workshop schedule is listed below. 

 10 a.m.to noon July 26 and 28 – Photography Workshop:

       Kids will learn the basics of photography with professional photographer Michael LeBlanc, utilizing their own smartphones, or a digital camera will be loaned to them by NCLAC.

10 a.m.to noon Aug. 2 and 4 – Literary Workshop:

       Kids will explore expressing themselves in written form with local artists and authors Jaulevia Potts and Jada Starks. 

10 a.m.to noon Aug. 9 and 11 – Culinary Workshop:

       Kids will learn healthy eating habits and how to make nutritious everyday alternative snacks, as well as learn about food security with Chefs Daniel Jackson and Jelarius Davis.

10 a.m.to noon Aug. 16 and 18 – Podcast Workshop:

       Kids will learn how podcasts are made, and explore making their own with Darius Mamon.

The workshop series will culminate in a “Greenwood Community Day” celebration Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  There we will unveil the mural, present a documentary-like film made by Mike LeBlanc of the workshop series and mural work, and share works made by the students with the public.

This program is a part of our “Lift Every Voice Initiative.” To learn more or sign up for these events, go to www.nclac.org/lift-every-voice. 

By T. Scott Boatright

City of Grambling Police Chief Tommy Clark has made his mark on not only the residents he protects, but also Lincoln Parish as well as the state of Louisiana as a whole.

Clark can usually be found protecting the city he’s called home for 19 years, but Wednesday night he was in Baton Rouge at a conference for the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, the organization he has served as president of over the past year.

“I really can’t say enough about what Chief Clark means to the city of Grambling,” said Grambling Mayor Edward Jones. “He does a wonderful job protecting this city, but he also does much more than that. The City Council and I know that if we need something important done, Chief Clark will take care of business and make it happen. He’s helped with our fire department, served as a liaison for us so often and done so much more.

“If you ask him, he’ll do whatever it is and make you feel confident it will be done right.”

Clark’s role as a deputy came after Clark served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he learned his skills as a military policeman before joining the Caddo Sheriff’s Office, where his association with Grambling first began.

“I was assigned to the training office, so before I came to Grambling I trained a lot of law enforcement officers from Grambling and Lincoln Parish,” Clark said. “A lot of officers in north Louisiana I trained at the Training Academy. I was their drill sergeant.

“About half of my nine-year tenure with the (Caddo) Sheriff’s Office was with the Training Academy.”

Back then, even Clark couldn’t imagine how times could change and the kinds of circumstances law enforcement officers would face today.

Some of those changes have been beneficial.

“Technology-wise, things are much better now,” Clark said. “Because now with everyone having cell phones and video, it’s totally changed the game of law enforcement. And that’s part of what happens when questions come up about mistakes some law enforcement officers can make, too. Everything anyone does — law officers or criminals do — can be captured on video and put out on social media.”

Time has also changed circumstances Clark faces as Grambling’s police chief.

“Respect for authority, not necessarily just the police but authority overall, just doesn’t happen as much anymore,” Clark said. “You’ve got more violence and more crime. I think it’s because so many people are facing really tough times. We’re just like every other part of America right now.

“Times have changed, and those tough times have caused a lot of problems with alcohol and drugs, and those lead to other, bigger problems. You see a lot of people with mental issues right now. People who need to be are not being medicated or receiving any kind of counseling. I think we’re seeing that in the national news more and more.

“There are a lot of people out there who want to be and do better. But they’re not receiving the services, and don’t have the life skills or mental capacity to make that happen.”

Clark admits that when he took the job as police chief in February of 2013 he didn’t see himself becoming as involved in as many non-law enforcement duties as he has fulfilled for the city of Grambling — duties like serving as acting or de facto fire chief, helping improve ambulance services to the city, and many other administrative services he’s been asked to handle.

“I’ve just dealt with it all with the understanding that I’m a manager — I came here as a manager and a department head,” Clark said. “I follow policy, and I believe in getting the job done, so I figure the mayor and the council saw that in me. They realized that.

“And when you look across the board at (Grambling) department heads, I guess I’m the most stable department head they’ve had in a while. So when I do a good job in something, they decide to see what kind of impact I might have in another area, too. I think a big part of that was that any time another department was lacking, I guess I was easily accessible by the employees within that department. So they would just call me, and the mayor and council saw that.”

While Clark has built those relationships with his officers, he still believes leadership is key to keep things running correctly.

“It’s a tough job, it’s hard, and it’s not supposed to be easy,” Clark said. “But the officers know they’ve got to do the job. I know it’s tough and I know it’s rough and I know it’s hard, but that’s what we train. That’s why we get certified to do this job, and I expect them to do that job. I expect them to do no less.”

In the end, Clark said it’s about making his home a better place for all.

“Grambling is my life — my job is my life, so the city is my life,” Clark said. “All of Lincoln Parish is my life and my family. So I’m just going to keep on working hard to take care of it. That’s what I know and what I do.”

A Lincoln Parish Journal writer is scheduled to speak at the 16th annual Red River Heritage Symposium Saturday at Arkansas’s Historic Washington State Park.

Titled “Communities that Bind us Together,” the conference will focus on the impact of different communities and their formations in the Great Bend Region of the Red River.

Wesley Harris, both a LPJ writer and the historian at the Claiborne Parish Library, will talk about using a community’s history to further education, economic, and civic goals, focusing on the history of Claiborne Parish for examples.

Harris has written extensively on the history of north Louisiana for LPJ and other publications. He has worked on the staff of the Claiborne Parish Library since 2020 when he retired from a law enforcement management career.

Historic Washington State Park preserves the largest collection of 19th-century buildings in Arkansas. Thirty of them are labeled as historically significant. The setting gives a solid sense of what town life was like from the tragic days of slavery through the Civil War. A dozen restored structures can be visited, including antebellum homes, a gun museum, and an old courthouse.

Other planned topics and speakers include the History of Fort Towson, Oklahoma, by Calista Stephens; Slaves to Christ: Methodist Missions to the Enslaved Community, by Josh William; and The Caddo Culture of the Red River, by Dr. Andrew Beaupre

The Red River Heritage Symposium will take place Saturday from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Historic Washington State Park, 103 Franklin St. in Washington, Ark.  Registration is $30. For more information, call 870-983-2684.