Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech redshirt junior holder Noah White has won the 2022 Mortell Holder of the Year award, the organization announced Friday afternoon.

White played a crucial role in Tech, converting 72% (18-25) of field goal attempts and 97% (38-39) of extra point attempts in 2022. The Ruston product also recovered a fumble to extend the Dogs’ drive in the second quarter during a week three loss at No. 4 Clemson.

“I’m kind of in shock honestly,” White said. “This is like the Heisman for holders. When I walked onto the team five years ago I didn’t know how to hold at all and I was just trying to do what I could to see the field and help the team any way I could. From where I started to being awarded the Holder of the Year award, makes my journey much sweeter.”

White is the first Conference USA holder to win the award and the eighth recipient of the award since its inception in 2015.

This past season White showed off his versatility, holding for a pair of kickers, the left-footed Jacob Barnes and the right-footed Buck Buchanan.

White served as the primary holder for LA Tech the past four seasons, assisting in converting 110 of 111 extra point attempts while helping Tech kickers connect on 47 of their 62 field goal attempts.

“The HOTY was something me and the other specialists have talked about for years now and they wanted it for me even more than I wanted it for myself,” White added. “My teammates worked with me a lot and played a role in me achieving this honor.”

The HOTY Foundation was established. The HOTY Foundation is a non-profit (501c3) organization that selects the Mortell Holder of the Year Award winner, given to the top field goal holder in college football. The winner has an opportunity to raise money for a charity of his choice. To date, previous winners Peter Mortell (Minnesota, 2015) and Garrett Moores (Michigan, 2016) have raised over $30,000 for the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital and the VA in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The HOTY Foundation is a platform to recognize and appreciate those who show both excellence on the college football field and outstanding community involvement. Holding has been a thankless job for too long, the Foundation is a way to now say Thank You in a big way.

Other finalists that were up for the award included, Kai Kroger (South Carolina), Brad Robbins (Michigan) and Shane McDonough (NC State).

This Best of the LPJ for 2022 story was originally published on June 20, 2022.

Louisiana Tech senior Gracie Reichman was crowned Miss Louisiana this weekend and will represent the state in the upcoming Miss America contest.

Reichman, who earned her place to compete in Miss Louisiana by taking home the Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival crown, was second runner-up to Miss Louisiana last year.

She was chosen as the preliminary talent winner after dancing to “Blue Suede Shoes.”

“This year was even more special because my big sister, Kassi Carey, choreographed this routine,” Reichman wrote on her Facebook page. “It was only through the support of my family, my wonderful directors and many hours spent at Lambright Aerobics room that I was able to perform.”

Reichman, who resides in Colfax, is a kinesiology major at Tech. 

First runner-up in the contest was Makenzie Scroggs, second runner-up was Jourdan Waddell, third runner-up was Anna Claire Lemoine, and fourth runner-up was McKenzie Connelly.

This Best of the LPJ for 2022 story was originally published on August 10, 2022.

By Malcolm Butler 

Tuesday night’s monthly Lincoln Parish Police Jury meeting turned into another debate over concerns about the direction of the parish’s ambulance and rescue services starting Jan. 1 when the current contract with the Ruston Fire Department ends. 

Numerous parish residents showed up at Tuesday’s meeting to voice their displeasure over the decision by the LPPJ to vote against entering into a one-year, non-negotiable contract with the City of Ruston to provide ambulance and rescue service for parish residents through 2023.  

Despite the Ambulance Service Committee’s 7-3 vote in favor of the $654,604 proposal from the city, the LPPJ voted 6-3 against the proposal during July’s meeting.  

Thus, the LPPJ is now tasked with coming to terms on a contract with Pafford EMS to take over the ambulance service within Lincoln Parish (but outside of the Ruston City limits). However, even that contract is only half the battle. The Lincoln Parish Fire Department would be tasked with handling the emergency rescue aspect for the parish, something they are not equipped for. 

The ambulance and rescue services agreement between the city of Ruston and Lincoln Parish stood at $30,000 annually for more than 20 years, until it recently increased to $120,000 for 2022.  

A debate within the ranks of the LPPJ surfaced during the July meeting after a letter dated Jan. 31 emerged that advised of the police jury’s rejection of a proposal of $125,000 plus 5%, an offer that never reached the entire policy jury according to some members. 

Policy jury member Logan Hunt questioned Durrett during the July meeting as to why they hadn’t seen this information.  

“I can’t answer that right now,” Durrett told Hunt that night. “I’ll be glad after the meeting to discuss it with you. But we’re at this point, and we can’t go backward.” 

Resident Chris Garriga was the first to address the policy jury Tuesday night during the public comments portion of the agenda for the August meeting. 

“My concern is we had a $120,000 offer (for the city) to do fire and rescue that was given to Mr. (Melton) Milton, Mr. (Doug) Postel and Mr. (Richard) Durrett in April of 2021,” said Garriga. “That was 440 days ago that this option was presented in a 50-page binder from Chief (Chris) Womack. … The information Mr. Womack has is priceless. It is calls. It is volume. It is numbers. It is information that should have been given to every single juror at the beginning of last year. 

“In December of 2021, Greg Pafford, the owner of the largest family-owned ambulance business in the country, met with the same gentlemen about ambulance options. He recommended that the board sign with the city before the city changed their mind because it was a great deal.” 

Garriga was followed by four more parish residents, all addressing their feelings about the decision and the potential for a more expensive and possibly less efficient system starting in January. 

Keith Newsome voiced a concern about the difference with ambulances containing paramedics vs. ambulances with EMTs, knowing that paramedics are certified to offer much more critical care services that could be the difference between an individual surviving the emergency on the way to the hospital.  

“I am asking this board not to enter into a contract in haste,” said Newsome. “Call the Ruston Mayor. Call the chief of the fire department. Set up a meeting. Negotiate a contract that is acceptable to both parties. Don’t try to fix a problem that does not exist.” 

But according to Lincoln Parish Policy Jury Administrator Doug Postel, the option of using the city was no longer on the table.

“I asked the Mayor if that was an option, and he consulted with the fire chief and the answer was no,” said Postel. 

Shane Davis, the COO for Pafford in Louisiana and Mississippi, followed a short time later, clarifying some points about a possible contract between the parish and Pafford. He stated that an additional ambulance would be brought into Lincoln Parish (increasing the number servicing the parish to four … with the ability to have two more from adjoining parishes if needed). He also said that the ambulances would contain paramedics aboard them, and not EMTs. 

The suggested cost of the additional ambulance for Lincoln Parish would allegedly be $360,000. Davis stated that Lincoln Parish would join Pafford’s existing system of emergency ambulance services. During the discussion of the contract that is still in the works, it was stated that Pafford would be willing to provide $50,000 to help with rescue equipment within the parish. 

Perhaps an even bigger concern is the potential cost of the emergency rescue portion which would fall upon the Lincoln Parish Fire Department. A quote has not yet been received, but numerous jurors and residents expressed a concern about the potential cost for equipment, manpower and service. 

“Lincoln Parish Fire as of today has not hired a single person to man a rescue squad,” said Garriga. “In 140 days, the parish is in the rescue business. In 140 days, Lincoln Parish Fire will be the people you call if you get in a wreck outside the city limits. I believe the jury has put the parish fire department in a tough situation.” 

At the end of the night, emotions ran high. 

“We didn’t have just a good system (in Lincoln Parish),” said Director of Homeland Security Kip Franklin. “We had the absolute best system. And now it’s gone forever.” 

Garriga, who worked for Pafford for three years, concluded the public comments portion with high praise for Pafford’s ability to serve the Lincoln Parish community. But he also asked the jury to find out where the disconnect occurred on the initial offer from the city. 

“Pafford does a great job. Ruston Fire does a great job. We had a great system until the ball was dropped somewhere,” said Garriga. “I implore that the jury figure out where this ball was dropped because our system is going to change.” 

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

Tuesday, Dec. 27
5-7 p.m.: Winter Wonderland ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex)

Wednesday, Dec. 28
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
5-7 p.m.: Winter Wonderland ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex)

Thursday, Dec. 29
5-7 p.m.: Winter Wonderland ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex)
7 p.m.: Grambling basketball v. North American Stallions

Saturday, Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve
2 p.m.: LA Tech women’s basketball v. Charlotte 

Sunday, Jan. 1
Happy 2023!

This Best of the LPJ for 2022 story was originally published on September 20, 2022.

By Malcolm Butler

Louisiana Tech punter Patrick Rea has never met Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee. 

In fact, Rea said he has never even seen Bryan play.

However, the two will forever be fraternity brothers in a fraternity that no one would want to be a part of.

Bryan’s loss of his 15-year-old sister Ella to brain cancer last week has been widely publicized, especially after Clemson coach Dabo Swinney openly thanked Sonny Cumbie and the Bulldog Football program for their support for the Bresees and the Clemson family following Saturday’s game between the two schools.

Swinney spent much of his post-game press conference talking about Cumbie wearing an Ella Strong t-shirt and the entire team’s gesture in hand-writing notes to the Bresee family to offer their condolences on the loss.

On Monday during his weekly coaches radio show, Cumbie was asked about the gesture and he told the story behind the story. 

A story that started with Rea, the Bulldog freshman punter from Melbourne, Australia.

“Pat caught me Friday before we left to head to the airport,” said Cumbie. “He shared that his younger sister had passed away when she was little from a very similar situation. He wanted to do something to reach out to Bryan and his family.”

Pippa Rea was 11 when she passed away from DIPG, a rare, fast-growing tumor that forms in cells in a part of the brain stem called the pons. This tumor usually forms in children and has a poor prognosis. 

In Pippa’s case, it was true. After being diagnosed when she was 9, Pippa passed away less than two years later.

“There wasn’t much that could be done,” said Patrick. “They were able to prolong it through things like chemotherapy and there were a few attempted surgeries as well. But because of the location of where it was, it was sort of inoperable.”

Patrick was 12 when Pippa lost her battle. He is now 20. And he remembers the pain and fully knows what Bryan and the entire Bresee family are going through. So when he heard the news, he felt compelled to act.

“I had a friend on Thursday night that sent me an article about Bryan’s story and what had happened (to Ella),” said Patrick. “As soon as I saw it, my heart just dropped. 

“That night I started thinking what is something I can do? I didn’t want to just sit back and not reach out because I know when I was younger I had someone in a similar position that reached out to me. And that made a world of change. Just knowing that you are not completely isolated, not completely alone.”

So the next morning Patrick moved on what his heart was telling him to do. 

“On Friday morning just as we were about to get on the bus to head to Monroe and get on the plane I ducked into Coach’s office,” said Patrick. “I said I’m sure you’ve heard about what has happened to one of the players at Clemson. I just really feel like (I want) to reach out to him and just sort of get in touch. 

“You know, send him a message if he’s not going to be at the game, which he wasn’t. Coach Cumbie and I spoke about it for maybe 10 or 15 minutes. I told him my story, and that I wanted to be available and sort of help out Bryan if he needed. Just sort of be there for him.”

So Friday night after the Bulldogs arrived in South Carolina, Cumbie addressed the entire team.

“I shared with them the story about what’s going on,” said Cumbie. “I shared the story about Pat’s sister. I shared with them the story of why you will see me in pregame (warm-ups) with this shirt. This is why. We are supporting this family. We want them to know that they are loved and cared for from our standpoint as well as we can without even knowing them.

“I told our players not to feel obligated, but if they wanted to share a note or if they wanted to write a letter of encouragement … whatever they wanted to do. I think every player on our team grabbed one of the letters and wrote a note.”

It’s a teaching moment in life that hopefully the Bulldog players will remember. And what a great lesson during a time in our world where more kindness and empathy is needed.

“We don’t know them as a family, but we wanted to be there for them,” said Cumbie. “One of the things we talked about in our program a lot is service. How can we give? That’s what we talk about. How can we give to others and not just live from the standpoint of take, take, take. It was a wonderful gesture of our players’ hearts.

“We wanted them to know we’re thinking about them, and we’re praying for them. We talked to our players about the fact that writing a note today is a little bit of a lost art, and it takes time to do it.

“But it’s a moment where that family knew that for five or 10 or 15 minutes there was a concentrated effort by our players to think about them and a concentrated effort to put some thought into what we wanted to write and what we wanted to say. We are still continuing to pray for their family. We just wanted to try to provide a sliver of encouragement during an unimaginable trying time.”

So what did Patrick communicate to Bryan in his note?

“I had to grab two cards just because I couldn’t fit it all on one,” said Patrick. “I just told him how sorry I was to hear about the news. How I was thinking of him and his family at this time. I told him about my story to let him know he has someone if he ever needs anyone to talk to. 

“I told him if he ever wants to reach out to someone, especially since we haven’t met. Sometimes people find it easier to talk to someone that’s not part of their circle. I told him I was always available, and I put my phone number at the end of the letter.”

Bryan Bresee and Patrick Rea may never meet or even communicate past this point. Who knows. 

However, the Bresee family will know that Patrick, Sonny Cumbie and the entire Bulldog Football Family had them on their hearts and minds during one of the most trying times in their lives.

“I just sent my love from Louisiana Tech and from myself and from my family,” said Patrick. “I told my mother about the situation, and she wanted to pass her wishes on to them as well. It was just letting him know that I’m here for him no matter what he needs.”

Ella Bresee’s funeral is today.

This Best of the LPJ for 2022 story was originally published on April 22, 2022.

After a nine-year stint as part of the Senior Administration within the Mississippi State Athletics Department, Ruston native Leah Beasley has accepted a job as the Executive Athletics Director over External Engagement at the University of Oklahoma.

Beasley is one of the rising young stars in the college athletics industry and has been one of the most sought-after females in the business, previously turning down offers at numerous other Power Five programs.

“Numerous times over my career, I’ve heard how special the people of Oklahoma Athletics are and how well-respected and visionary Joe Castiglione is,” said Beasley. “During this process, it took no time to realize the depth and truth of that for myself.

“I’m very excited for this incredible opportunity. There’s no doubt that Oklahoma plus Joe C. equals a huge well-renowned brand. Of course, that made this more exciting, but their people and the new opportunities – those were the deciding factors.”

In her new role within the Sooners Athletic Department, Beasley will oversee numerous areas, including Stakeholder Relations/Fan Engagement, Strategic Communications, Sooner Vision, Digital and Creative Strategy, Sooner Sports Properties (Learfield), and Ticket Operations and Sales.

She will also be heavily involved with athletics development and will be part of the leadership team that spearheads the University’s transition into the Southeastern Conference.

Beasley began her collegiate career as a softball player at Louisiana Tech, earning her bachelor’s degree in marketing in 2005 and her master’s in business administration in 2006.

Beasley then joined the Louisiana Tech Athletics Department in her full-time job as an assistant athletic director, leading the marketing, branding and game management departments at Tech – a year after finishing her bachelor’s degree.

After guiding the Tech marketing department for seven years in which time she won numerous awards for her creative marketing plans and game-day promotions, Beasley accepted a job in Starkville at an Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing and later was promoted to Associate AD and Senior Associate AD.

Most recently, Beasley served as Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs.  She oversaw Mississippi State’s five external pods of Broadcast Operations, Communications, Creative & Digital Strategy, Fan Experience/Outbound Sales and Marketing/Branding. Beasley also served as the primary sport administrator for baseball and the secondary administrator for football.

“I’m incredibly thankful for my nearly nine years at Mississippi State,” said Beasley. “The Starkville and MSU community will forever be dear to me. I’m forever grateful to AD John Cohen along with campus and athletic leadership for the wonderfully wild and fun ride.”

She will start at OU on May 11.

To handle the extra garbage generated during the holidays, the City of Ruston is making bins available to handle the overflow.

Roll-off garbage bins will be available from Friday, December 23 to January 3 at the following locations:

Elmore D. Mayfield Park on MLK Drive

Duncan Park at Vaughn & Arlington

Huckleberry Trails Park on Magnolia Drive by Cypress Springs School

R. L. Cook Park on Kavanaugh Road

Civic Center back parking lot

Live Christmas trees can also be dropped off next to the bins at these locations.

Memorial services for Nita Jean Libby, age 89, of Ruston, LA were held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Christ Church Ruston in Ruston, LA with Amos McFalls officiating.

Nita was born August 11, 1933 in Provencial, LA to Milton Foster of Natchitoches, LA and Grace Holt Foster of Robeline, LA. “Mama Jean” to everyone who knew her. Mama Jean was a tailor, seamstress, and storyteller her entire life. She was active and vibrant until 7 months before her death. Mamma Jean loved to sing and travel. She was always up for a last-minute road trip. She thrived on life experiences and lived hers to the fullest. She loved Jesus, her family, frogs, and flowers. Mama Jean was also an active member of the Christ Church Ruston. Nita was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Grace Foster; three brothers: Charles Foster, Alfred Foster, and Nathan Foster; one sister: Ramona Lyman; one grandchild: James Allen Singleton; and one great grandchild: Ella Kate Faber.

Mama Jean is survived by two daughters: Carrie Renea Thompson, and Lorrie Ann and husband Tom Faber; one step-daughter: Martha Jean and husband Billy Henry; and six grandchildren: Will Singleton and family, Jim Thompson, Jaime Thompson, Wayne Milam and wife Lindsey, Tommy Faber and wife Jessica, and Isaac Faber and wife Katelyn; twelve great grandchildren; one great great grandchild: four brothers; two siters; and numerous nieces, nephews, and “claimed” children and grandchildren.

To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.

Eddie Ruth Harris 
Sunday 09/05/1937 — Saturday 12/17/2022   
Funeral Service: Tuesday 12/27/2022 11:00am, Asberry Baptist Church, Chatham 
Interment: Tuesday 12/27/2022, Asberry Cemetery, Chatham

Johnathn Fritzgerald Rushing 
Friday 06/25/1971 — Tuesday 12/20/2022    
Visitation: Thursday 12/29/2022 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Funeral Service: Friday 12/30/2022 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Interment: Friday 12/30/2022, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling 

Foy “Bubba” Scroggins, III 
September 1, 1963 – December 25, 2022 
Funeral service: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Hebron Baptist Church in Bentonia, MS 

By Kyle Roberts

Coming off an historic season and a run at a state championship, the Ruston Bearcats will face another high quality schedule in the 2023 season with a nearly mirrored schedule from this past season.

“Just like last season, this schedule will give us opportunities throughout the entire season to see where we are and what things we need to work to improve on,” Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “We will need to work quickly to improve those things to give ourselves opportunities to win games throughout that schedule. I feel like our team and coaches will embrace the challenge and look forward to the hard work it will require to be successful during the regular season and on into the playoffs. We want to build on the great things that this year’s team was able to accomplish.”

Ruston’s summer scrimmage will be at James Field at “Hoss” Garrett Stadium on Friday, Aug. 18 against Byrd at 6 p.m. The Bearcats will finish out preseason for the second straight year at the Bayou Jamb at Joe Aillet Stadium Saturday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. against West Monroe.

For the regular season, all games will kick off on Fridays at 7 p.m. Ruston will open with Warren Easton at home on Friday, Sept. 1, for Junior High recognition night. Warren Easton was the one loss the Bearcats had in the regular season in 2022.

The Bearcats will be on the road for the following two weeks; first at Jesuit on Sept. 8, and then at Cabot High School in Arkansas on Sept. 15.

Ruston will return home to take on Lafayette Christian on Sept. 22 for Teacher Recognition and Red Out before ending the non-district slate Sept. 29 at Neville in a rivalry that is nearing a century long.

District 2-5A play will begin at home on Oct. 6 against Alexandria Senior High for a Pink Out game, while homecoming will be the following week against Pineville.

The Bearcats will return to the road Oct. 20 to take on West Ouachita before coming home on Senior Night to play Ouachita.

Finally, the Bearcats will end the regular season on the road against West Monroe on Nov. 3.

The schedule is set barring any changes at the Annual LHSAA Convention, which will be held on Jan. 17, 2023.

The full projected schedule is as follows:

The United States Attorney’s Office has announced a federal grand jury has indicted Bonnie J. Sherrard, 46, for illegally dispensing and distributing controlled substances.

The indictment alleges that Sherrard was a licensed nurse practitioner licensed working with a physician in Ruston. According to officials, the indictment seeks forfeiture of Sherrard’s license to practice as a nurse practitioner in Louisiana.

Documents also stated Sherrard was allegedly authorized to distribute and dispense controlled substances as long as the acts were in accordance with the collaborative practice agreement between her and the physician. Sherrard allegedly had a DEA Registration Number issued to her for use in distributing and dispensing controlled substances, but she was not authorized to prescribe controlled substances to treat chronic pain or in connection with the treatment of family members.

From January 11, 2020 through November 27, 2020, Sherrard allegedly distributed and dispensed controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice to members of her family. According to officials, the controlled substances included Clonazepam, Xanax, Hydrocodone, and Adderall.

If convicted, Sherrard faces 20 years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. She also faces 4 years in federal prison for Illegal Use of a DEA Registration Number issued to another person.

Ruston police arrested a man early Monday on numerous charges following a traffic stop.

Sha’Quille D. Williams, 28, of Ruston was stopped at about 1:00 a.m. for driving a vehicle with an inoperable headlight. A records check indicated Williams was wanted on bench warrants for failing to appear in Ruston City Court. When officers attempted to arrest him, Williams fled on foot.

A TASER electronic control device was deployed to stop and arrest Williams.

A quantity of marijuana was also recovered during the arrest.

Williams was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for the warrants for failure to appear in court for two counts of no driver’s license, possession of marijuana, and no liability insurance and for charges stemming from the traffic stop–resisting an officer, second offense possession of marijuana, no driver’s license, failure to register a vehicle, and improper headlights.

Bail was said in $14,000.

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

Following its 7-5 season that saw Cedar Creek advance to the second round of the Division IV playoffs, the Cougars have announced their 2023 football schedules for varsity, JV and middle school.

Cougars head coach Matt Middleton’s varsity squad will play six games at Cougar Stadium and four on the road with Creek opening the year with back-to-back home tilts against Glenbrook and Vidalia. Other home games include match-ups against Delhi, Tensas, Ouachita Christian and St. Frederick.

Homecoming is set for Sept. 29 against Tensas.

Road tilts include Winnfield, River Oaks, Lafayette Renaissance and Lincoln Prep.

2023 Varsity Schedule

Sept. 1 vs. Glenbrook (Home)

Sept. 8 vs. Vidalia (Home)

Sept. 15 at Winnfield (Away)

Sept. 22 vs. Delhi (Home)

Sept. 29 vs. Tensas (Homecoming)

Oct. 5 at River Oaks (Away)

Oct. 13 at Lafayette Renaissance (Away)

Oct. 20 vs. OCS (Home)

Oct. 27 at Lincoln Prep (Away)

Nov. 2 vs. St. Frederick (Home)

______________________________

The junior varsity schedule includes four games, two at home and two on the road.

2023 JV Schedule

Sept 5 vs. West Ouachita (Home)

Sept 18 at OCS (Away)

Sept. 25 at Winnfield (Away)

Oct. 9 vs. Winnfield (Home)

_______________________________

The middle school will play a seven-game slate with two home games scheduled for Sept. 18 vs. Jonesboro-Hodge and Oct. 5 against Beekman-Charter.

2023 Middle School Schedule

Aug. 24 at Beekman-Charter (Away)

Aug. 31 at Woodlawn (Away)

Sept. 5 at Calhoun (Away)

Sept. 12 at Lincoln Prep (Away)

Sept. 18 vs. Jonesboro-Hodge (Home)

Sept. 26 at Jonesboro-Hodge (Away)

Oct. 5 vs. Beekman-Charter (Home)

A Choudrant woman was arrested Monday afternoon after Lincoln Parish sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic complaint.

The victim told deputies Shawniya Jenkins, 24, had gotten mad over a comment and grabbed her by the throat and threw her up against a wall and held her against the wall with her forearm. The victim said she punched Jenkins to get her off of her.

The victim said she went into the living room and Jenkins got a bottle and threw it at her. When the victim called the sheriff’s department, Jenkins retrieved a knife out of the kitchen and held it to her throat and then threw the knife, hitting the victim in the hand.

Deputies saw a small cut on the victim’s left hand.

Jenkins was located later and arrested for battery of a dating partner and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

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. 

The Grambling State University men’s basketball game at No. 17/18 Wisconsin scheduled for Friday at the Kohl Center has been canceled due to weather and will not be rescheduled.

The Tigers (6-5) will return to action on December 29 against North American University. Tip-off against the Stallions is set for 7 p.m. from the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.

Grambling State opens Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play on January 2, 2023 at Prairie View A&M.

’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes–how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

Do we sing about someone making a list and checking it twice? Do you keep lists this time of year? My lists are jamming up right now.

I have a shopping list. I have a list of gifts that I am to purchase for those whom I love. The problem with my list is that those, whom I love, usually change their mind about what they want. Guys, I will confess I am a terrible gift giver. My first year of marriage, my wife wanted perfume for her birthday, and I bought her a weed eater. Every year I purchase something that must be returned. There have been years where I have purchased the “return gift” on purpose, so she could get a store credit and purchase what she wanted. I know a gift card to that store would be more practical, remember “it is the thought that counts.”

About this time of year, she starts saying, “You remember what I said I wanted in September?” Of course, I remember because I wrote it down! “Well, I don’t want it anymore!” So, my Christmas shopping list is one big erasure! I’m thinking about another weed eater so she can return it and get something she really wants! 

There is the other list that the guy in the red suit seems to keep. He is keeping that “naughty and nice” list. I want to know where I fall on that list. I have been very nice while being very naughty. Isn’t that the way with us? The Bible proclaims it as a paradox. While we are saints in the church, we are also sinners, or if you like the converse sinners are also saints. We have a paradoxical existence. The Apostle Paul said, “The things I don’t want to do, those things I do.” If the author of most of the New Testament struggled with his sinfulness, who am I to attempt perfection? I want to know where I fall on Santa’s continuum of naughty and nice.

Then there is the whole list of things I must do for the holiday. By the time most of us get to Christmas we are exhausted, with parties, gatherings, reunions, and festivals. We crave some “Silent Night” in our lives and that is on my list of things to do.

We do this to ourselves, because? Oh yeah, we are remembering God in the flesh. He was born in a simple manger to peasant people. We are remembering God coming as a baby so we might approach Him and hold Him. I wonder if being in the presence of that baby of Bethlehem has made any of our lists? Would a relationship with Him change the lists we keep?

The concept of success is woven into our culture at various levels.  Parents want success for their children.  Fans want success for their athletic teams.  Business owners want success for their companies.  Individuals want success for their personal lives.  All of those are understandable.  Who wouldn’t want to achieve their goals, win championships, exceed financial projections, and experience prosperity, advancement, and accomplishment?  Our culture has generally accepted that success is woven into achieving, winning, advancing, and experiencing prosperity. 

There is nothing wrong with seeking success in various areas of our lives.  We should strive to be the best at whatever we embark on in life.  The danger with a success only focus is that life also includes periods of tough challenges, struggles, and failures.  How do we respond in those periods?  If we aren’t careful, success can also be a totally inward focused approach and can be very short-term in nature.  The temporal nature of success is evidenced by the requirement to continue to strive to maintain or advance further.

As we approach Christmas Day and a new year, there is another concept that is worth all of us considering.  Significance focuses on the impact we have on others as opposed to the results focus of success.  While success and significance can complement one another, the two are viewed differently in our culture:

Success will look at the bank account while significance will look at the calendar.

Success will focus on the scoreboard while significance will focus on the players.

Success will focus on the job title while significance will focus on the impact on others.

Success will focus on the report card while significance will focus on the learning influence.

Success will focus on financial projections being met while significance will focus on the lives improved.

Success will focus on the won/loss record while significance will focus on the young people developed.

Success will often follow the size of the organization while significance will follow the culture created.

There is nothing wrong with pursuing success, but I encourage all of us to seek significance beyond success.  Significance can be present in good and bad times.  Significance weathers economic downturns, tough seasons, disappointing circumstances, and unforeseen challenges.  Significance will be the legacy you leave.  People may forget results, but they won’t forget impact!

Going back to that first Christmas, no one would consider it a success by the world’s standards.  A baby born in a stable, surrounded by animals, visited by shepherds, and sleeping in a manger is not a picture of success.  However, we are still celebrating that day some 2000+ years later.  I would call that significant!  Success can be fleeting, but significance can outlast a lifetime!  You don’t have to choose, but I encourage you to seek significance beyond success.

To handle the extra garbage generated during the holidays, the City of Ruston is making bins available to handle the overflow.

Roll-off garbage bins will be available from Friday, December 23 to January 3 at the following locations:

Elmore D. Mayfield Park on MLK Drive

Duncan Park at Vaughn & Arlington

Huckleberry Trails Park on Magnolia Drive by Cypress Springs School

R. L. Cook Park on Kavanaugh Road

Civic Center back parking lot

Live Christmas trees can also be dropped off next to the bins at these locations.

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

After finishing the 2022 season in the Austin Regional, Colligate Baseball named Bulldog Pitcher Jonathan Fincher and outfielder Cole McConnell Preseason All-American on Monday morning. 

Both Fincher and McConnell earned third-team All-American honors.

Fincher was named second-team All-Region by ABCA/Rawlings last season, with an 8-2 overall record. He concluded the season with a 3.52 ERA and a 73-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 79.1 innings. 

After starting 14 games on the bump for the Dogs, Fincher finished with 73 strikeouts in 79.1 innings tying him for second in C-USA wins. The Shreveport native registered a career-high 11 strikeouts against McNeese in his third start of the season and tossed six scoreless innings of one-hit ball his very next outing against Houston Baptist. 

Fincher has also shown promise in the classroom being named to the C-USA All-Academic Team, the Commissioner’s Honor Roll, and a C-USA Academic Medalist with a 3.90 in Kinesiology.

McConnell was named second-team ABCA/Rawling All-Region last season while starting 64 games in centerfield for the Bulldogs. The outfielder broke and set the new single-season RBI record at LA Tech with 76 and ranked 23th in the nation while hitting .336 with a .535 slugging percentage. With 24 doubles, 76 RBI, and 52 runs scored, McConnell finished with a lead-leading 29 multi-hit games, 21 multi-RBI games, and the longest on-base streak at 26. 

Over the 2022 summer, McConnell was named to the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star team hitting .278 with three home runs and nine stolen bases. 

The Beaumont, Texas native was also named First-Team All-Conference USA and named to the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll while pressuring a degree in Management. 

LA Tech opens the 2022 season at home against BYU on Feb.17-20, then continue at The Love Shack on Feb. 24-26 against Nicholls State before heading to Oxford, Miss. To face off with defending National Champions, Ole Miss.

THIRD TEAM
LHP Jonathan Fincher , Louisiana Tech.
RHP Drue Hackenberg , Virginia Tech.
RHP Juaron Watts-Brown, Oklahoma St.
LHP  Carter Holton, Vanderbilt
RHP Matt Jachec, Indiana St.
RHP Levi Wells, Texas St.
Relief Sam Klein, Ball St.
Relief Thomas Schultz, Vanderbilt
C Matthew Ellis, Indiana
C BT Riopelle, Florida
1B Chris Sargent, Southern Miss.
1B Sam Kulasingam, Air Force
1B Joe Kinker, Florida Gulf Coast
1B Drake Pierson, Campbell
1B Jackson Feltner, Morehead St.
2B Brock Rodden, Wichita St.
2B Mason Hull, Missouri St.
3B Drew Bowser, Stanford
3B Alejandro Figueredo, Florida Gulf Coast
3B Ryan Peltier, Ball St.
3B Diego Baqueiro, Loyola Marymount
SS Maui Ahuna, Tennessee
SS Luke Keaschall, Arizona St.
SS Cody Schrier, UCLA
SS Kaeber Rog, Southern Illinois
OF Cole McConnell, Louisiana Tech.
OF Max Ryerson, Georgia St.
OF Matt Kirk, Eastern Michigan
OF Nolan Schanuel, Florida Atlantic
OF Brendan O’Donnell, Rider
UT Jay Luikart, Wright St. 

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

Friday, Dec. 23
6 p.m.: Christmas Eve-Eve service (Trinity United Methodist Church)
7 p.m.: “The Polar Express” at the Dixie 

Saturday, Dec. 24
Christmas Eve
4 p.m.: Christmas Eve candlelight service (Temple Baptist Church)
4:30 p.m.: Christmas Eve worship service (Douglas Church) 
5 p.m.: Christmas Eve candlelight service (Trinity United Methodist Church, The Springs Church)
6 p.m.: Christmas Eve service (John Knox Presbyterian Church; Temple Baptist Church) 

Sunday, Dec. 25
Christmas