This week will be a cause for celebration and remembrance as Grambling State University holds its Spring 2022 commencement exercises May 12. Unique to this semester’s ceremonies is the awarding of a posthumous degree to the late Natalie Desselle Reid and Zaria Griffith during the 2 p.m. commencement ceremony to be held in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center and streamed live on Grambling State’s YouTube Channel. 
  
A native of Alexandria, actress Natalie Desselle Reid graduated from Peabody Magnet High School and attended Grambling State University for 2 1/2 years. The acting bug bit her after a starring role in Grambling State’s production of “Bubbling Brown Sugar.” After several productions as a thespian, she decided to move to Los Angeles and test the waters. Realizing Hollywood was not aware of her “arrival,” she became a receptionist, a soul food waitress, and lastly a tank mechanic at McDonnell Douglas. 
  
Her break came when Robi Reed cast her in F. Gary Gray’s “Set It Off” which led to a guest-starring role on television’s “Family Matters.” After her initial foray into Hollywood, she found herself looking for opportunities while living in Inglewood, California, and then the call came. The role that established her as a comedic thespian aka “the funny chick” in Robert Townsend’s” B.A.P.S”, starring opposite Halle Berry. The films “How to be a Player”, “Cinderella” and televisions “Built to Last” and “For Your Love” followed. 
  
In the 2000s, she played Janie Egins on the television show “Eve” for three seasons, and had one of her last film roles in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family (2011). Her most cherished production was her family, which included her husband Lenny Reid and their three children Sereno, Summer, and Sasha. Her family will be present to receive the honorary Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual and Performing Arts in her memory. 
  
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Zaria Griffith graduated from South Shore International College Preparatory High School in 2017 where she was an honor student who excelled at ROTC, tumbling, gymnastics and cheerleading. As a natural born leader, Zaria served as Captain of the cheer squad and led her peers on the mat and in the classroom. During her high school career, her interest in the health profession led her to participate in the medical program where she obtained her phlebotomy license upon graduation. 
  
She attended Central State University and continued her love for cheerleading as a member of the university cheer team where she bonded with her Cheer-Phi members. In 2018, she transferred to her first choice school, Grambling State University, in Grambling, Louisiana. She was a proud Tiger participating as a Grambassador and Senior Associate Justice in Student Government Association. She excelled academically making the Dean’s List every semester. She will receive the honorary Bachelor of Sciences degree in biology in her memory. 

Louisiana Tech University Mechanical Engineering students recently showcased the results of a redesign of the B-52 tow bar via their senior design project for Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC).

As families, friends, alumni and supporters arrive at Grambling State University for Spring 2022 commencement exercises May 12, preparation should be made to adhere to the clear bag policy. Scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., the events will be held in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center and streamed live on Grambling State’s YouTube channel. 
  
Permitted items include clear totes 12” x 6”x 12” in size with a logo no larger than 4.5”x3.4”; clear storage bag (resealable gallon size); small clutch or wallet no larger than 6.5”x4.5” with or without a handle or strap (can be carried separately or within an approved plastic bag); backless cushions less than 16” in size; and items required for medical, family, or childcare needs. 
  
Prohibited items include balloons or gifts (should be left in the vehicle); backpacks, fanny packs, purses larger than 6.5” x 4.5”; cameras with lenses longer than 6”; video cameras; pets; umbrellas; weapons; alcoholic beverages; strollers; food and beverages; beach balls; toilet tissue; artificial noisemakers; and seat cushions larger than 16” or with a zipper, pocket, or compartment.  

For more information, visit gram.edu/graduation. 

To Apply:  Send letter of application, resume and complete contact information for three professionals references to: Apply@nsula.edu  or submit to:

Human Resources
Northwestern State University
ST. Denis Hall
Natchitoches, La 71497 

The successful candidate will be subject to a background check, as a condition of employment.

Northwestern State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, and veteran or retirement status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies (i.e., Title IX):

       Employees/Potential Employees- Veronica M. Biscoe, EEO Officer

       (318-357-6359)

       Students- Reatha Cox, Dean of Students (318-357-5286)

For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns, contact the Disability Support and Tutoring Director, Randi Washington at 318-357-4460.

Additionally, Northwestern complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act. Information about NSU’s campus security and crime statistics can be found at http;//universitypolice.nsula.edu/annual-security-report/.

Full disclosure statement:  http;//university.planning.nsula.edu/notice-of-non-discrimination/

*Inquiries regarding employment application status should be made to the Human Resources Department
Telephone: 318-357-5965

Qualifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or related field from an accredited college or university required.

·       Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in State Purchasing preferred

·       Experience with conducting complex RFP’s required

·       Understanding of Louisiana Revised Statutes regarding purchasing and ethics required.

·       Professional certification as a Procurement Buyer or Officer preferred

·       Managerial experience is essential

·       This position also requires the ability to communicate orally and through written reports with/to Subordinates, Supervisors and outside personnel.

·       Experience in operating Procurement Management Finance Software; Ellucian/Banner knowledge preferred

Job Concepts:

·       Daily supervision of all Purchasing Department staff

·       Prepare all necessary documents for bid invitation and opening in accordance with public bid laws

·       Review approval of Sole Source requests

·       Negotiate complex operating service contracts including but not limited to software agreement, property leases and marketing agreements

·       Administer University’s P-Card Program

·       Assist with month-end soft close and year-end hard close

·       Work with Business Affairs offices for invoicing, budgeting and financial related tasks

·       Other duties assigned by supervisor

Charles Elvin Bayne  
May 16, 1931 – May 2, 2022  
Funeral service: 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 11 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home  
Cemetery Committal: Wednesday, May 11 at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ruston 

Earl Calvin Bayne 
May 16, 1931 – May 10, 2022 

By Madison Remrey

On Friday, May 6, the Lieutenant Governor gave a speech in Ruston in honor of National Travel and Tourism Week. 

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser was virtually introduced by Louisiana-raised singer Lauren Daigle, and Nungesser and said that they were here to celebrate a successful year of tourism in the state of Louisiana. 

“This past year, we saw a 29% increase over 2020 and we had 41 million visitors – way above what we anticipated coming out of COVID,” Nungesser said.

His speech addressed wanting to keep Louisiana residents and visitors informed on everything Louisiana has to offer. The Louisiana Office of Tourism did this by creating the Sunshine Plan. 

The Sunshine Plan is a plan that has been laid out with the goals of guiding Louisiana tourism in an upwards trajectory after the losses that were brought on by COVID-19. 

Because of COVID-19, there are events nationwide that will have to be rescheduled. In order to encourage those groups to reschedule their events to be hosted in Louisiana, the Louisiana Office of Tourism will offer them a “Louisiana Lagniappe.” This includes offering them food and other specialties of Louisiana culture. 

Nungesser continued his speech and said that, as Louisiana opens its doors back up to visitors, there must be efforts made to clean up the state. 

Businesses have been asked to put trash cans back into parking lots and to pick up trash in front of shops. Residents have been asked to clean out the back of pickup trucks and to also tie trash bags before throwing them away.

“This is something we can do and we must do,” Nungesser said.

Nungesser’s speech was followed by a closing speech given by Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker. This speech addressed Ruston’s tourism – specifically the Ruston Sports Complex, Grambling State University and Louisiana Tech University —- and its benefits to the local and surrounding communities.

by Malcolm Butler

The road to the NFL is never easy.

As a young boy, Max Causey had dreams of making it to professional football.

Little did he know those dreams would come true at age 41.

Wait. What?

The Ruston native and former Louisiana Tech QB got a call last week from Gary Slaughter, welcoming him to the NFL … as a down judge on an officiating crew.

 “There are so many really good officials in college that are so deserving of a spot,” said Causey. “Things just have to kind of align. For whatever reason, God has chosen to bless me and allowed a position to open up. It’s a huge honor. It’s also very humbling to know that there are so many other college officials that are very deserving, but I was blessed to be given this opportunity.”

Financial advisor for Merrill Lynch by day. NFL official by night.

Or something like that.

Causey will participate in the NFL’s new hire orientation in a couple of weeks followed by a one-day spring clinic with the rest of his buddies in the striped shirts, working through video and talking through expectations.

“I will get assigned a mini-camp; possibly a training camp,” he said. “I will work a full preseason schedule and then work a full NFL schedule. You don’t dip your toe in. You get hired and go full steam ahead.”

Causey, who prepped at West Monroe High School before signing at Louisiana Tech and lettering for the Bulldogs for four seasons, said he started officiating high school games in 2006.  

“My friend Daniel Garbarino called me at some point and said he thought I should try it,” said Causey. “He said, ‘You will love it.’  At the time I didn’t have any hobbies. I had the capacity in my life to be able to do it. I thought, why not? I love football.

“I had never really thought about (football) from this angle. It was make a couple of bucks and stay around the game. I was never really thinking about college or NFL aspirations. It was purely to be around a sport that I loved my whole life.”

He gives credit to John Curtis, Jr., for his early development in the profession.

“The last game of the 2006 high school season, I worked the clock at a Cedar Creek playoff game,” he remembered. “John was the referee. I heard the crew talking and knew they had an opening the next year. I was able to get on with them. John had a passion for officiating. He wanted to get the call right and manage the game, while staying out of the way if possible. He wanted to let the players decide the game on the field.

“I started to fall in love with the officiating aspect. I became passionate about it. I realized that if you had a playing background that you had a little bit of an advantage. Stay in shape and apply yourself. Be coachable. If you did that then you had a chance to advance.”

And advance he did.

Causey worked seven years as a high school official, but would attend off-season camps and clinics where college supervisors would be scouting for talent. His first was a SWAC clinic in Jackson, Mississippi, where college supervisors like Gerald Austin and Walt Anderson were in attendance.

“It’s typical. They do that in the off-season,” said Causey. “They are scouting high school and lower college level officials to see who they can bring into their pipeline.”

The following year he attended Austin’s clinic in Miami and got the call. He was assigned one Conference USA game in 2012 and then six more in 2013. He began to work a full Conference USA schedule in 2014 before he eventually moved to the PAC-12 in 2020.

So when did Causey appear on the NFL’s radar?

“The NFL has scouts all across the nation that go to college games and high school games,” he said. “They are going to scout and build their pipeline and database of candidates. I do not know exactly when I got on the NFL’s radar. I don’t think anyone ever knows that.”

Causey did receive an email in December of 2016 from Dave Wyant, a former NFL official and head of scouting for the NFL, inviting him to St. Petersburg to work East-West Shrine Game practices.

“I worked three or four days,” he said. “It was my introduction into the NFL pipeline. Gary Slaughter was at those practices. He is a line of scrimmage supervisor in the NFL now and was at that time too. He’s had an amazing career.”

Once again, Causey heard nothing immediately following the opportunity.

“They don’t really give you any feedback,” said Causey. “I went back home and went about my business. I worked the 2017 C-USA season. In March of 2018, I received an email from Wayne Mackie who was working in the league office. He invited me into the NFL’s Officiating Development Program (ODP).”

The ODP is a pool of officials in college that serves as potential candidates for future NFL officiating jobs. Causey said normally there is anywhere from 30 to 50 in the pool.

“It formalizes the training,” he said. “We get to be involved in NFL training. I got to go out to their summer clinic and be around the NFL officials in Dallas in 2018, just weeks before the season started.”

Causey had opportunities to work various NFL mini-camps and training camps as well as college all-star games such as the Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine Game and NFL PA Bowl. All the while he called his normal regular season college football games each weekend during the fall.

And finally, just days ago, Causey got the call up to the big leagues.

“I still had no idea that I was going to actually get hired,” he said. “I had been in the program for going on five years. I was working USFL games. You understand you are only going to be in the program for a certain time. I understood it was either going to happen or they were going to move on from me, and I would work college for the rest of my career. I had hopes that I would get the call. I was certainly wanting it. I just didn’t know if it was going to come.”

A man and a woman were arrested Saturday after they allegedly broke into the home of the woman’s ex-boyfriend.

About 11 a.m. Saturday, Lincoln Parish sheriff’s deputies responded to a disturbance on East Sibley Road. The resident said his ex-girlfriend, Haleigh Martin, 21, of West Monroe, moved out about six months earlier. He stated Martin contacted him prior to her arrival and after he told her she was not allowed to enter the house, she sent a message that “I can go through the window.” A screenshot of the message was shown to deputies.

Deputies were told Martin and a friend, Caleb Humphreys, 19, of Winnsboro, tried to enter the house through a window using a hammer, causing damage to the window. They then allegedly used a card to pry open the front door.

Martin told deputies she asked the landlord if she could enter the residence and she was told to contact law enforcement. Instead, she went to the residence without calling the sheriff’s office. Martin said they attempted to enter through a window but then entered through the front door and the complainant told them to leave the property.

Martin and Humphreys were arrested simple criminal damage to property and unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling. 

Martin’s bail was set at $3,200, Humphreys at $2,000.

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.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Higher tax revenue is helping add nearly $350 million to Louisiana’s general fund budget for the fiscal year that ends at the end of next month and $104 million in projected revenue for the year that starts July 1.

The state Revenue Estimating Conference adopted those projections Monday in Baton Rouge during a meeting at the Capitol.

The higher revenue projections will renew debates between Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards and the Republican-dominated Legislature over budget priorities.

For instance, the proposed 2022-2023 budget moving through the Legislature already raises pay for teachers and support personnel. Edwards has said he believes the raises can be higher.

He reacted to Monday’s higher estimates by calling for the current raise proposals of $1,500 for teachers and $750 for support workers to increase to $2,000 and $1,000 respectively.

And he said the expected $349 million in crease in revenue for the fiscal year that is drawing to a close should be treated as a one-time windfall that should be spent on infrastructure. He renewed his push, rejected so far by legislators, to commit $500 million in one-time revenue to making an initial payment for a new Mississippi River bridge at Baton Rouge, expected to have a total cost of $2.5 billion.

“The support for the bridge is there and, without question now, so is the money to get this project started,” Edwards said in a news release. “Once again, legislative approval is necessary to make this happen.”

Underlying Monday’s projections and the budget debates are uncertainties over the future of the national economy. Deborah Vivien, of the state Legislative Fiscal Office and Manfred Dix, of the Division of Administration under the governor, both said they were being cautious.

Vivien said her projections take into account slower growth. However, she’s not predicting a recession, citing signs of peaking inflation and Federal Reserve efforts to curb inflation without tipping the economy into recession. “I’m predicting a soft landing,” she said.

Dix, whose somewhat more conservative estimate of $104 million for next year was adopted by the panel, agreed but added, “The question is how soft.”

The four-member panel that adopted the latest projections was made up of House Speaker Clay Schexnayder, Senate President Page Cortez, Edwards’ commissioner of administration and University of Louisiana-Lafayette economist, Stephen Barnes.

Aside from numerous economic uncertainties cited by Vivien and Dix, including the Federal Reserve effort to curb inflation and the crisis in Ukraine, there is concern among lawmakers over the impending end of a 0.45% sales tax. The tax was approved in 2018 and currently brings in $420 million a year.

The tax is set to expire in mid-2025 — the beginning of the state’s 2025-26 fiscal year.

There has been little talk of trying to win renewal of the tax. There have been competing proposals on how to deal with its looming demise but one got a big boost in the House on Monday. Rep. Tony Bacala, a Prairieville Republican, won passage of his measure phasing out the tax — knocking it down to 0.30% in mid-2023; 0.15% in mid-2024 and expiring as scheduled in mid-2025.

Another measure would have dedicated the revenue from the tax through the next three years to a new Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge, an Interstate 10 bridge in Lake Charles and expansion of the Interstate 49 South corridor and, possibly, other road projects. That measure was voted down by a House committee Monday morning.

The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Spearsville man early Saturday morning after he was stopped for a traffic violation.

Deputy S. Carr stopped a vehicle on La. Highway 33 for a traffic violation just after midnight Saturday morning. 

During the stop, Carr smelled suspected marijuana coming from inside the car. The driver, who identified himself as Kevin Bruster, and a juvenile were asked to exit the car.

During a search, deputies recovered two bags of marijuana, an open bottle of promethazine, two firearms, and digital scales commonly used to weight drugs for sale 

After an advisement of Miranda rights, the driver claimed the items were his.

After the suspect was transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, it was learned he had given Deputy Carr a false name. A fingerprint check identified the arrested man as Tyrone Singleton, 39, of Spearsville, a convicted felon.

Singleton was booked for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance in the presence of a person under 17, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, illegal carrying of a weapon while possessing a controlled substance, resisting an officer by providing false information, and improper lane usage.

Bail was set at $34,500.

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.

By Judith Roberts, publisher

The Lincoln Parish Journal is holding a contest for our readers (must be an email subscriber, which is FREE to do) to submit photos or artwork that depict Lincoln Parish.

The winning selection will be incorporated into a new, fresh LPJ masthead (replacing the old timing typewriter keyboard image).

The only criteria for contestants are:

• own the rights to the photo or artwork
• be an LPJ email subscriber
• simplistic, classy imagery that depicts Lincoln Parish
• and the contestant must like FREE stuff

The contest will run through Friday, May 13 at which time our LPJ staff will select a winner. That winner will receive a free LPJ gift pack with gift cards and merchandise from a number of our advertisers.

In order to become an email subscriber to the LPJ and get the latest Lincoln Parish news straight to your email every morning at 6:55 a.m., simply click HERE. It’s free today and always will be free.

By Madison Plaisance

Stanley Nelson, Louisiana Tech University graduate and investigative journalist, recently held a book talk in the Lincoln Parish Library in order to help promote its “Voices and Votes” exhibit.

Nelson, who was a 2011 Pulitzer Prize finalist, presented his book titled “Klan of Devils” and tells the events of the two first African American elected as officers in Washington Parish. While on patrol in 1965, they were targeted and shot by a white man over the color of their skin.

Nelson said he believes this story highlights these voting issues during the Civil Rights era. He discussed how people have gone through so much pain to earn this right and this story is just one of the many instances.

“Voting is such a big thing now and we need to talk about it,” Nelson said. “I think this is one of the most interesting and terrible cases surrounding voting that happened in 1959 and 1960.”

Even though this event took place over 50 years ago, it still affects society today. Kai Malone is a Bossier Parish Community College student who came and attended the talk.

“I’m an African American student and I was very curious as to what Nelson was going to present,” Malone said. “The story reminded me of how differently we are all treated due to the way we look, even today.”

The importance of history is one of the things that Nelson emphasized. Without proper understanding of history, people can not change, he said.

“We can learn a lot from our past but people don’t know about our past,” Nelson said, “When you go out and do the things I do then we start to really learn about what has happened in the past.”

Nelson was able to share this story because he said he searches for and interviews people who know the truth and allow their voices to be heard. He said he believes these stories are important when it comes to shaping the country into what it is today.

“There’s so many people that don’t understand why we are here and why we still have these different issues going on which is part of the problem,” Nelson said. “What happened all of these years ago… people don’t understand thoroughly until they listen to these voices and hear the full truth.”

A Monroe mother and her daughter will be making Grambling State University’s May 12 commencement exercises an especially significant GramFam graduation celebration.

Suzzon Jiles and her daughter Trinity will be graduating together, with Suzzon Jiles earning her bachelor’s degree in Child Development while Trinity Jiles will be presented with her bachelor’s degree in Biology. 

“Grambling State has changed my life,” Suzzon Jiles said. “I’m now educated and soon to be degreed! I have enjoyed every connection I have made here, finding friends for a lifetime and a plethora of knowledge about early childhood education. I’m very much grateful for that. I was inspired to become a child care worker/owner after being number two of 10 siblings. I helped my mom raise my younger siblings and loved teaching them as well. So, I’ve kind of been doing it most of my life.” 

Trinity Jiles thanks GSU for changing her for the better. 

“Coming to this institution has taught me leadership skills, time management, and how to grow as a young adult,” Trinity Jones said. “It also has taught me how to socialize with people after joining the prestigious sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc.” 

Both of the Jiles admitted matriculating through GSU during a pandemic didn’t make for easy times. 

“Organic chemistry was very hard for me due to COVID and the classes being 100% online,” said Trinity Jiles. “I’m more of a hands-on person. But the faculty and staff helped me tremendously. The biology department at Grambling State University is like family to me. They’ve helped me so much even in other areas. Dr. (Dagne) Hill and Ms. (Angela) McMurray were such a big help to me. Ms. Laquetta Anderson helped so much advising me for classes and Dr. (Gernerique) Stewart in the chemistry department helped me understand chemistry and I’m very thankful for that.” 

Suzzon Jiles said that duties as a wife and mother while being a GSU student amid the COVID-19 pandemic became a tough balancing act. 

“There were many difficulties I faced working and going to school,” she said. “It was overwhelming at times being a wife and a working mother. There were long hours spent studying, not to mention that COVID hit right when I enrolled at Grambling. I never got to enjoy my college experience, and I never even got to tour the campus. But thank God I made it this far, and I will continue.” 

Suzzon Jiles offered special thanks to three GSU faculty members for helping her transition from nontraditional student to upcoming college graduate. 

“Dr. (Suzanne) Mayo-Theus (a lecturer in GSU’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences) really was an inspiration to me. She taught me early childhood (education) and what it takes to teach. She was never too busy to listen, and most of all she welcomed me. Dr. Mayo made me feel like I matter. We need more teachers like her. (Director of GSU’s Student Conduct Office) Inetha Wimberly is such an awesome person with a caring nature. She was another special part of my Grambling journey. While I never met Kisha Altheimer (an administrative assistant in GSU’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences) in person, she has always been so inviting. I was a transfer student and she guided me through the process as if I had known her forever.” 

Suzzon Jiles’ goal is to open her own child development center in Monroe while Trinity Jiles hopes to enroll in the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. 

“In grade school, science was my favorite subject,” Trinity Jiles said. “We took a career path test my freshman year of high school and my results came back saying I should be in the health care field and I was invited to a school of medicine camp at the University of Houston, in Houston, Texas. We shadowed doctors and surgeons and I knew I wanted to major in biology when I got to college. So what I really want to do is become a pediatric dentist. Grambling has set me up to hopefully live out and realize that dream, and I’m so appreciative to the university and everyone here who’s helped me.”

Spring 2022 commencement exercises will be held Thursday, May 12, at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. For more information, visit gram.edu/graduation. 

By Taylor Woods

The Ruston Skatepark is hoping the community comes out and shows support at the 50/50 auction from 6 – 10 p.m. May 13 at the Ruston Farmers Market.

The profits will benefit the development of the Ruston Skatepark so everyone in the community can have a place to skate. There will also be no registration for the event.

50/50 is a fundraiser that plans to auction 150 boards painted by artists from all around the world. The entire auction will be online and the event is free of charge.

The website for the auction can be found at https://www.32auctions.com/5050ruston. The auction opened May 1 and will close at 9 p.m. May 13.

The 50/50 will not only host the auction but also have craft beer donated by Flying Tiger from Monroe sold as part of the fundraiser. Food truck catering is scheduled for the event and a live band from Peelander Yellow is making an appearance. Food vendor specifics are on the @skateparkofruston Instagram.

After the auction, a closing party is scheduled to take place at the Farmers Market.

“Our primary goal is to raise money to build a concrete skatepark where the former municipal pool is,” said Kacey Richard, secretary and marketing coordinator for Ruston Skatepark.

In addition, the 50/50 is expected to make an impact on the growth of the skatepark.

“This particular fundraiser is important because it allowed us to write a grant and partner with the Ruston Farmers Market,” Richard said. “We recently installed permanent walls for our auction display.”

For more information visit skateparkofruston.com. 

Charles Elvin Bayne 
May 16, 1931 – May 2, 2022 
Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 
Funeral service: 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 11 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 
Cemetery Committal: Wednesday, May 11 at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ruston 

It was truly a team effort.

When a team wins 38 games and records an 18-6 mark in league play, every body contributes along the way. And that was certainly true of Louisiana Tech’s march to the 2022 Conference USA regular season title.

Exactly one year ago to the weekend, Louisiana Tech had to sit and watch North Texas celebrate on Dr. Billy Bundrick Field after sweeping a four-game series from the Lady Techsters. The Mean Green were the C-USA champions.

Enter new head coach Josh Taylor and a re-energized, re-focused group of talented softball student-athletes wearing Tech across the front of their jerseys. And there you have the ingredients for a bit of a Cinderella story.

It took 11 straight wins by Tech in league play to end the season. None of them bigger than the other.

However, Sunday’s will stand the test of time when it comes to the flare for the dramatic. Trailing 7-3 and down to their final out in the bottom of the 7th inning, the Lady Techsters pulled the proverbial rabbit out of a hat.

A bases loaded walk by Brooke Diaz forced a run home. 7-4 Southern Miss still led.

An RBI single to left field by Madie Green drove another run home. 7-5 Southern Miss still led.

A loss by Tech and the Lady Techsters would have to share the league title with North Texas and WKU (and Tech would fall all the way to the No. 3 seed in the upcoming C-USA Tournament in Denton).

Former Cedar Creek product Katelin Cooper stepped to the plate. Took a strike. Took a ball. And then Cooper laced a line drive to left centerfield that was just out of the reach of a diving USM centerfielder Destini Brown.

As the ball rolled all the way to the fence, Taylor waved three Lady Techsters home as Green touched the plate for the walk-off 8-7 win.

It had an eerily similar feel to a certain 2021 Diamond Dogs walk-off wins against the same Mississippi-based school last May in JC Love Field. Eerily similar.

Dog pile central. Que the “We Are the Champions” by Queen. Fire off the confetti.

The Conference USA office will only have to mail one trophy out and it’s going to Origin Bank Soccer and Softball Complex to join a collection of three other league championship trophies in Taylor’s office.

Sunday’s win wouldn’t have meant nearly as much if Tech hadn’t pulled out a 1-0 win on Friday behind a complete-game shutout by Audrey Pickett, her 24th of the season.

And not to be outdone, another Cedar Creek product Lauren Menzina tossed a complete-game in a 6-1 Tech victory on Saturday.

It was truly a team effort.

It will take the same effort to claim the Conference USA Tournament Championship which starts Wednesday in Denton. Tech will play its first game Thursday at 2:30 p.m. against whoever survives Wednesday’s single eliminations rounds with Marshall, Florida Atlantic and UTSA.

Another stop by local law enforcement has led to an arrest for possession of ecstasy, an illegal synthetic drug that acts as a stimulant and hallucinogen.

Lincoln Parish Deputy D. Fleming saw a Nissan Versa run a stop sign on Beacon light Road about 1:00 a.m. Friday morning. When the vehicle was stopped, the driver was found to be Freddy Hampton, 25, of Arcadia. 

An open-air sniff by a trained K-9 indicated narcotics in the vehicle. During a search, a bag in the back floorboard was found to contain approximately 25 tablets of suspected ecstasy, a Schedule 1 controlled substance.

Hampton was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of ecstasy and running a stop sign.

The arrest is one of several in Lincoln Parish in the past month for possession of the drug, often in the company of other narcotics.

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 Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Farmerville man early Thursday morning after he was stopped for a traffic violation.

Billy Jack Johnson, Jr., 61, was stopped by Deputy D. Fleming for an obscured license plate just after midnight Thursday morning. 

During the stop, a records check revealed Johnson’s driver’s license was suspended and he was wanted on a failure to appear warrant by the city of Ruston on an earlier suspended license charge.

Johnson was arrested and a subsequent search of his car revealed a small bag of crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Charges lodged at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center include obscured license plate, driving under suspension, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and the Ruston warrant.

Bail was set at $9,500.

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.

At its annual Benefactors Dinner, the Louisiana Tech University Foundation recognized School of Design Professor Nick Bustamante for excellence in teaching, research and service to the campus community with the University Foundation Professorship Award.  

“Nick is no stranger to interdisciplinary work – partnerships that benefit our students, or University, and our community – and how collaboration can strengthen academic opportunities for our students’ future careers,” said Katie Samuels, Foundation Board President. “Through his work, he shows the power of public art to unite us all in our search for belonging and meaning.”

Bustamante is chair of the Studio Art program in the School of Design. He is also one of the founding professors in the VISTA (Visual Integration of Science Through Art) program, which offers minors in pre-medical illustration and scientific visualization.

A nationally recognized painter who has had 16 solo exhibitions and has been included in 38 group exhibitions, Bustamante’s medical illustrations have been published in textbooks and research journals such as the American Chemical Society. Within the last five years he has completed 12 large-scale murals throughout north Louisiana.

“We are all pleased to be able to recognize Nick for his exceptional contribution to our campus community,” said Brooks Hull, Vice President for University Advancement and CEO for the Foundation. “His work has served to unite and inspire us all, and his students have a rich experience in and out of the classroom.”

This recognition comes with a monetary award and a plaque.

It was a strong weekend for Lincoln Parish track and field teams.

In fact, a historic one.

Choudrant and Cedar Creek both had athletes capture individual state titles in several events, but it was a double runner-up finish by Ruston High School followed by the news that RHS head coach Alan Whitaker is leaving the program that made the biggest impact of all.

“I told my team in March that God has given me a peace about stepping away after the season is over.” Whitaker said. “People may question why would I leave a program that I’ve helped bring back to prominence? My household is one that is led by God. He knew the challenges I’ve faced over the years heading the program.

“He strengthened me during those times. He encouraged me during those times. He has led me to believe that my assignment as head coach is complete. He has given me the peace that I’ve been seeking. I’ve given the program everything that I can give mentally, emotionally, physically.

“In my 11 years at Ruston high we’ve accomplished four state championships, 6 state runner-ups, 8 regional titles, 15 district championships, countless individual state championships and more than 40 college scholarship athletes. I’ll pat myself on the back and say, ‘Job well done!’”

Whitaker also has tabbed the person he feels should succeed him as head of Ruston’s track and field program.

“As I step away, I’m proud of the countless lives I’ve touched. I’m proud of the impact that this program has made over the years. We are known nationally and internationally. I’m thankful for the memories and experiences this program has given me. I’m thankful to all those who played a part in my success as a coach and our success as a program. Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat.

“I would now like to pass the torch to my assistant coach Kevin Jackson. I told my administrators that he is the man for the job. He’s been by my side for the last four years learning what it takes to run a program. He’s ready. He needs support. As our school goes through the interview process, they need to look no further than what we have already at Ruston High.”

Ruston turned in four first-place performances — Brandon Green doubled up in the Boys Long Jump and Boys Triple Jump while Jada Williams took top honors in the Girls 400m Dash and Lily Garrett won the Girls 3,200m Run.

Caleb Babineaux finished second for the Bearcats in the Boys 800m Dash while Josh Anding placed third in the Boys 400m Dash.

Green added a second-place showing in the Boys 300m Hurdles.

The Bearcats in the Boys 4×100, 4×400 and 4×800 Boys Relays. 

On the girls’ side, Ruston’s Bryana Craig won the Girls High Jump while Garrett also placed third in the Girls 1,600m Run while the Lady Bearcats also took second place in the Girls 4×100, 4×200 and Girls 4×400 events.

Cedar Creek turned in three top performances in Class 1A – Annie Jones won the Girls Javelin; Taylor Ramsey won the Girls 3200; and Ryleigh Geis, won the  Girls Triple Jump.

Also turning in top performances for the Lady Cougars were Caroline James, who finished second in Girls 1600 and Jones again with a third-place showing in the Girls High Jump.

In Class B, Choudrant’s Kylie Portiloz finished first in the Girls Discus while Alyssa Sanders added a second-place performance for the Lady Aggies in the Girls High Jump.

By Madison Remrey

An art crawl, hosted by Fine Line Supply Co., is going to be held in Downtown Ruston on May 13. There are nine participating businesses, each with their own artists to be featured.  

At this event, the community will have the opportunity to walk around downtown and hangout with friends while looking at art from local artists.  

“You just come out, hangout with your friends, get some drinks and refreshments, look at and buy art and walk around,” said Henry McCoy, owner of Fine Line Supply Co.  

Various businesses will participate, all of which are creative-based that usually work with artists even outside of doing art crawl.  

Some of the businesses that will be participating are Ruston Artisans, Garden Baby, Creative Exchange, The Fringe Gallery and Limitless Grooming Lounge.  

Holding an art crawl in Downtown Ruston will not only give artists a chance to feature their work, but it also gives local businesses an opportunity of exposure to the community that they may not get otherwise.  

“There’s a lot of places downtown that people just don’t know exist,” McCoy said.  

The Downtown Ruston Art Crawl will be May 13 from 5-9 p.m. It is free and open to the public.