By Malcolm Butler

To say that tonight’s Lincoln Parish Police Jury meeting is important is an understatement.

A big-time understatement. Like mammoth.

Why? Because tonight the 12-member jury will vote on four things.

a) President

b) Vice President

c) Doug Postel’s possible reappointment as administrator

d) Buc-ee’s coming to Lincoln Parish

And the results of those four separate votes will not only shape the Lincoln Parish Police Jury for the next 12 months, but will have a direct impact on the direction of our parish for years to come.

If the past 12 months are indication, the people of Lincoln Parish need to come out in force and make sure their voices are heard.

Let’s start with Postel. Unless you were hiding under a rock the past year, you read how an attempt was made by some police jury members to oust Postel from his role as administrator. Police Juror Skip Russell asked Postel to resign from his role during a closed door meeting back in August.

Russell was simply the messenger, citing at the time that “my knowledge came from jury members who called me to tell me about things that have been going on. That’s where I got my info from.”

Russell and a number of unnamed jurors allegedly had “documentation” of improprieties when it came to Postel’s fulfillment of his position as administrator. When this attempt became public, Russell was left to fend for himself as none of the unnamed jurors came forward.

Attempts to reach all 12 members for comment were unsuccessful, including no responses from President Richard Durrett and Vice President Milton Melton.

When the Lincoln Parish Journal requested the said “documentation” from Russell, it was never provided. To this day, it still hasn’t been.

Russell, who declined to provide the names of the other jurors who were involved in the endeavor, did apologize to Postel a few days after the news became the talk of Ruston.

At the next police jury meeting following this attempt, many Lincoln Parish residents offered strong criticism to the entire police jury during the public comment portion of the meeting. This showing of support seemed to quell the attempt.

Until now.

Numerous sources tell the LPJ that a faction of the police jury is going to try to vote Postel out tonight, despite the lack of any documentation of wrong doing.

One police jury member is already taking a strong favorable stance on the performance of Postel.

“Several members of our Police Jury have a real fear there is a renewed effort to dismiss Doug Postel as Administrator,” said police juror Logan Hunt on Monday. Hunt wrote a letter to Skip Russell in September requesting evidence of the allegations. The letter was shared with the media.

“The closed-door attempts made this fall proved to be based on false accusations and untruths,” Hunt said. “Some will say that instead, this is now about job performance. These efforts are not about job performance, but simply power and petty politics.”

Power and petty politics. Unfortunately, those who have followed the police jury during 2022 have seen way too much of this. I know I have.

In fact in my opinion it’s personal agendas that led our parish paying four-to-five times the amount for ambulance and rescue moving forward.

Power. Petty politics. Personal agendas.

And none of this falls on Postel.

“Our parish has exciting days ahead, and our governing body doesn’t need to be distracted by these types of games,” said Hunt. “Doug has done a fine job laying the foundational work to ensure the Jury and Parish’s success for years to come. He has forged great working relationships with the other areas of our Parish government. We are truly in a good spot.”

The list of items that Postel and his team have accomplished over the past two years is long and impressive. Yet, power, petty politics and personal agendas are clouding what should be a clear picture of progress.

“To dismiss Doug and start over looking for an administrator right now would be a huge distraction from the goals that the jury still has before us,” said Hunt. “We should be collectively problem-solving the long-term funding for our ambulance and rescue services. We should be finalizing and implementing solid waste solutions. We should not be moving backwards and starting from square one.”

Tonight is an important night.

Is it time for new leadership at the president and vice president level of the Lincoln Parish Police Jury? That’s another question at hand.

The past year the LPPJ and some of its jurors under the leadership of Durrett and Melton has been anything but unified or transparent. A clear chasm exists within the police jury, much of it forming over the ambulance-rescue fiasco and the attempt to force Postel to resign under what to this day appears to be empty, silent allegations.

The Lincoln Parish Journal’s few attempts to reach out to both the president and vice president back in the fall in regards to both topics whether via phone or following meetings were met with one consistent response: silence.

How can the leaders of the Lincoln Parish Police Jury lack the accountability of responding throughout all the turmoil of the past six months? Why would they stay silent? True leaders lead in times of turmoil.

As a longtime resident of Lincoln Parish for more than 50 years, I desire true leadership in such important roles within our community.

I may not always agree with said direction, but at least I can respect it if its transparent and forthright. I haven’t witnessed much of either the last few months.

Tonight parish residents have an opportunity to come out to the Lincoln Parish Police Jury meeting and let their voices be heard once again. It’s important that you do. There will be a public comments portion prior to each of the four votes above.

And constituents of all 12 districts need to pay VERY close attention to how your district representatives vote. In fact, I would go as far as encouraging anyone who can’t be at the meeting to contact your district representative this morning or afternoon and make your opinion known.

All 12 jurors will be up for re-election this fall. And each one of them should understand and focus on who they serve … not on power, petty politics or personal agendas.

A man wanted in St. Mary Parish for armed robbery was arrested Saturday at a Ruston domestic disturbance call. 

Police responded to the call on Broadway Avenue about 8 p.m. Saturday. Officers found visible injuries to both the man and the woman in the incident. The woman said Kaelin B. Broussard, 23, of Ruston came home and began arguing with her over using her cell phone. She said Broussard attacked her and grabbed and held her by the neck. Officers observed bruising on her neck. 

A records check revealed the outstanding warrant with the sheriff’s office in Franklin. 

Broussard was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for domestic abuse battery-strangulation and the robbery warrant. 

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. 

Ruston Police arrested two on Clinton Circle Saturday night while investigating a domestic disturbance. 

When an officer responded to a Clinton Circle residence about 3:15 a.m. regarding a disturbance that occurred on Calvin Street earlier in the day, Jamarcio K. Jenkins, 29, of Ruston was seen beating on the door of a nearby apartment. 

Jenkins was directed to leave but continued to cause a disturbance, according to an affidavit filed by police. When the officer attempted to arrest Jenkins, he resisted and said he “wasn’t doing anything.” Jenkins had to be tased to be taken into custody. 

When other officers were called for assistance, Alexis J. Roberson, 24, of Ruston, attempted to intervene. She was told to stay back but continued to scream and act aggressively toward officers. She pushed an officer who had placed himself between Roberson and the officer arresting Jenkins. 

When police attempted to arrest Roberson, she pulled away and used her weight to resist efforts to restrain her. Officers were threatened on the scene and during booking at the detention center. 

Jenkins was booked for disturbing the peace and resisting an officer. Bail was set at $1,000. 

Roberson was booked for disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, battery of an officer, and public intimidation. Bail was set at $6,000. 

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. 

A car stolen near downtown Ruston Thursday was recovered within hours with the arrest of the suspected thief. 

Jermichael Mangham, 32, of Ruston, was arrested four hours after a car was reported at the Dollar General Store on Arizona Avenue Thursday evening. 

Ruston Police investigated the theft about 6 p.m. Thursday. Witnesses at the store provided information identifying Mangham as the suspect. 

About four hours later, Grambling Police responded to a 911 call reporting a man going door to door asking for gas money. They located Mangham and the stolen car on Lee Street. Responding Ruston officers found the car’s license plate had been removed but the vehicle was confirmed as the victim’s through its identification number. 

While searching Mangham after his arrest, a debit card belonging to the victim was found in his jacket pocket. Also recovered from Mangham was a glass smoking pipe commonly used to ingest drugs and phone belonging to a friend of the victim. 

When the victim picked up the car, other items were discovered missing and extensive damage was found to the car. 

Mangham was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for theft of a vehicle, criminal damage to property, theft of property, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no driver’s license. 

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

With second leading scorer Lizzie McAdams out due to illness, Cedar Creek head coach Gene Vandenlangenberg turned to his bench during Monday night’s District 2-1A opener against Lincoln Prep.

And they responded.

Ava Hartwell, making the start in place of McAdams, scored 11 points while reserve Mallory Smith added 10 to help lead the Lady Cougars (12-4, 1-0) to a 56-24 win at the Ruston Sports Complex.

Meanwhile, Allie Furr turned in another Allie Furr performance: 15 points, 15 steals and 6 assists for the senior point guard.

“I loved our performance tonight,” said Vandenlangenberg. “It was our first district game on the road. It was a physical game. Coach Hearne had his girls ready to play. They came out and competed hard. Early on it seemed like they were very physical. We got bumped off of spots. But we didn’t get frustrated.

“We played four quarters really hard and we competed. It’s a great way to start district. We have a big week so it was good to start off district with a win.”

Creek jumped out to a 15-6 lead after the first quarter and then entered the halftime locker room with a commanding 34-8 advantage. Hartwell and Smith combined for 13 first half points, including a trio of three-pointers.

“Ava got a chance to start for us,” said Vandenlangenberg. “She made the most of it. She really played well. She has really picked up her defense. She has been playing hard and giving a lot of great effort and energy.

“Mallory is a great little role player for us. When she first came in I think she had a turnover and gave up a three-point play. But then when she came back in she hit three shots and made some good decision with the ball and didn’t turn it over. Any time we can have someone like Mallory come off the bench and give us 10 points, that speaks a lot about our team.”

Furr did most of her damage at the free throw line, hitting 11-of-12. Dating back to the win over Saline on Friday, Furr hit 23 consecutive free throws before missing her next to last attempt Monday night.

Lillian Soto and Leah Sutherland each scored five points while Zoey Venters and Olivia Underwood added four points each. Elli Dickerson led Creek with seven boards.

The Lady Cougars will host Claiborne Christian tonight at 6 p.m. at the Brickhouse.

By Kyle Roberts

Ruston High continues to make waves after a spectacular 2022 campaign on the gridiron.

Released at midnight on Saturday, the Louisiana Sports Writers’ Association announced its 5A All-State selections, and three Bearcats in senior defensive lineman Christian Davis, senior offensive lineman Mason Skipper and junior linebacker Jadon Mayfield.

”I’m obviously really pleased with those guys being named first team,” Bearcat head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “I think that speaks volumes for what our team was able to accomplish this year, and people are taking notice all over the state on what a good football team we had. Those guys were integral pieces to what we got done this year.

Baugh was also awarded 5A Coach of the Year for leading his team to the championship game. While not wanting to downplay the significance of receiving the award, Baugh was quick to note that his honor was only possible due to the team’s and the entire staff’s efforts this year.

“For me, it’s a testament to what those kids have brought to the table and what they committed to,” Baugh said. “Not only to this program but also to this school. Also to our coaching staff: for what those guys do and the work they put in. It’s really a testament to where our football program is at this point. All the people behind that are the coaches and players that have come through here since I’ve been the head coach. I appreciate the work that they have all put in through the years.”

Skipper was part of an offensive line that propelled the offense to over 5,000 yards from scrimmage with 47 rushing touchdowns and 17 touchdown receptions. Mayfield finished with 119 tackles with 4.5 sacks, two picks with one returned for a touchdown, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Davis tallied 76 tackles with nine tackles for loss, five sacks and one interception. 

By April Clark Honaker

Anna Aswell is in her tenth year at Hillcrest Elementary where she teaches kindergarten. Aswell graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 2013 with a bachelor’s in elementary education and special education. Her first two years at Hillcrest were spent in the special education classroom.

Then, the principal at the time, Patrice Hilton, saw a need for Aswell in the regular education classroom, and she’s been there ever since. “Having the background in special education helps me help students that might need more reinforcement,” she said.

Aswell was recently selected Teacher of the Year at Hillcrest, an award she said she was both excited and emotional to receive. “You don’t like to toot your own horn,” she said, “so it’s nice to be recognized by your peers. It makes you feel like you’re making a difference.”

To expand her already top-notch skills, Aswell is currently taking courses toward a master’s degree and a special certification for teaching students for whom English is a second language. Aswell said they have a high population of these students at Hillcrest, and she is learning how to better support their learning as they are also learning English.

In her ten years of teaching Aswell has seen quite a lot of changes, but she said the biggest change she has seen is the rise of technology. It’s now commonplace in the classroom and students are frequently using activities on tablets, especially for math.

“I can see where it’s good. It reinforces what you’ve been teaching,” Aswell said, “but I don’t like to give them too much screen time. I’m more hands-on, but technology is here to stay, so you have to kinda go with it. I try to make it as fun as I can though.”

In kindergarten, it’s important to make learning fun, limit frustration and really set a positive tone for the rest of their education. Aswell strives to do these things.

Her favorite thing about teaching kindergarten is just witnessing the enormous growth children go through in that one year. “It’s amazing to me,” she said.

Like many young adults, while Aswell was in college, she wasn’t initially sure of her calling. She was majoring in nursing when she had a dream that was basically telling her that she needed to be a teacher. She didn’t listen the first time. “I was trying to run away from that, but it runs in my blood,” she said.

When Aswell had the same dream a second time, she knew it was time to listen and follow in her family members’ footsteps. “I don’t regret it,” she said. “I found what I was supposed to do in my life. I found my purpose.”

Ruston High’s boys’ soccer squad lost 3-2 to Natchitoches Central Monday in the opening contest of district season and now sit 3-5-1 on the season.

“We started slow and got behind,” Bearcat head coach Erich Hankamer said. “We made adjustments in the second half and got an early goal. We pressed hard after halftime but came up short.”

After trailing 3-0 at halftime, Ruston would score the only goals of the second half. Both senior Jaiden Langiulli and sophomore Jack Elliott notched goals for the Bearcats. Elliott scored in the 45th minute off an assist by senior Cameron Harps and sophomore Carter Tims. Langiulli scored unassisted in the 63rd minute of the match to cut the lead to 3-2.

Ruston returns to action Thursday, Jan. 12, at 6:45 p.m. to take on Tioga.

A new year has always been a time for reflection, fresh starts, and New Year’s resolutions. I highly recommend taking time to reflect and taking advantage of fresh starts. I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions though. Far too many resolutions don’t get past the desire phase while others fail several weeks into the year. While a resolution starts with a desire and often progresses toward a goal, most will fail because they lack a well thought out plan or a solidifying purpose.

A goal without a plan is just a wish. A resolution without a foundational purpose is a good idea that never materializes into life change. Two of the more common resolutions involve some form personal health improvement or some form of financial change.

Many people will have resolutions around exercising more, eating healthier, saving money, or giving more to charitable organizations. Some will even take the next step (which is important) and set a goal such as working out three times a week, losing 20 pounds, limiting deserts to one a week, saving 5 percent of each paycheck, or giving 10 percent of their monthly income. Goals help clarify the resolution and provide a measurement basis for progress, but they are still not enough to drive real change.

How many people do you know that have lost the same ten pounds every six months? How many times have you set similar goals only to lose interest after a few weeks and gradually move on from the resolution by mid-February?

The key is to think identity change and not isolated resolution. Don’t get so caught up in what you are going to do, but rather focus on who you want to become. If we could focus on identity change and becoming the person we desire to be, our commitment level would take on an entirely different look. For instance, rather than just naming a resolution to lose 20 pounds, why not clarify the identity you want. Even at my age, I want the identity of an athlete. My foundational purpose is to live a healthy lifestyle. With that identity, I run because I have become a runner. I eat healthy because I have become a healthy eater. I train daily because I
have an identity as an athlete. I do those things (which are now habits) because that’s who I am.

I set specific goals each quarter to help me manage my training, measure my progress, and motivate my effort. You can take the same approach and move closer to the person you want to become. Some may say that they want to read more in 2023. If you want that to be your identity, then you want to become a reader. A reader prioritizes reading over other discretionary activities. Set a goal of reading for 15 minutes each day. Develop a plan that places your book next to your nightstand to make reading before bed an easy habit. Place your book on top of the remote so that you will read for 15 minutes prior to watching Netflix. Place your book next to the coffee pot or where you eat lunch every day to facilitate reading early in the morning at lunch. Just make it easy to
get started and to do it regularly. Increase the time after 15 minutes becomes a habit.

If you want to save or give more money each month, consider having it automatically deducted or drafted from you account each month. Be specific on the amount you want to save or give each month and tie it to a specific purpose. That purpose could be something you want to acquire, an investment level you want to achieve, or specific charitable need you want to meet.

A clear purpose with a detailed plan that is easy to execute and supported by specific short-term goals will increase your potential for lasting change. You don’t want to just save money; you want to become a saver. You don’t want to just give; you want to become a giver.

Just to recap:
1) Think broad change such as identity change and not just an isolated action.
2) Define a foundational purpose that provides lasting motivation for your identity change.
3) Develop a specific plan that is easy to execute and help you form a habit to support the
change. What do you need to start doing? What do you need to let go of?
4) Set short-term goals that will help you manage your actions, measure your progress, and
motivate your behavior. (Be specific with actions to take and timing to meet).
5) Write everything down and share it with others that will help hold you accountable.
The year 2023 can be a year of real change for each of us as we move closer to the person we
want to become. Take those desires and dreams that get caught up in New Year’s resolutions
and work through the progression above to make that move toward who you want to become in
2023. Don’t look back this time next year and see the same person.

Doug Strickel
Author of: People are the Plan – A Leadership Approach to Winning with People

by Malcolm Butler

Cedar Creek knew it had a tremendous challenge in its District 2-1A opener as the Cougars faced Lincoln Prep at the Ruston Sports Complex Monday night.

And early on the Cougars met that challenge.

Creek (6-9, 0-1) jumped out to an early 7-2 advantage and led 11-10 late in the first quarter before Lincoln Prep (12-4, 1-0) utilized its full-court press to race past and run away from the Green and Gold in a 74-29 victory.

“We got off to a good start,” said Creek head coach Lance Waldron. “And then we just got out of sync. We did get better tonight. If we didn’t keep score, I’d like to play this team every day (because they help you get better). But you do keep score, and it would demoralize you to do that.”

Brandon Heard scored 15 points and Brayln Mayfield added 10 points for head coach Antonio Hudson’s Panthers.

“We defended pretty good and we ran the floor in transition pretty good,” said Hudson. “I think when we defend at a high level and push the ball, then we usually play pretty good and are a tough team to beat.”

Lincoln Prep used a 30-point second quarter and 29-1 run covering part of the first and second quarters to build a 46-19 halftime lead.

“Our turnovers really hurt us,” said Waldron. “We knew going in that we couldn’t turn it over. We can’t afford to turn it over against anybody, but much less this group because they feed off of them. They got a belly full tonight.”

Carter Hill led Creek with nine points while Davis Walsworth added eight points for the Cougars.

“We have grown from earlier in the season,” said Waldron. “We have played some teams like this early in the year. I think we learned from those games that helped us prepare for this. I think we have improved although it doesn’t show it on the scoreboard tonight.”

Hudson emptied his bench in the fourth quarter, allowing his reserves to see some playing time.

“It builds up confidence,” said Hudson of the reserves playing. “In the playoffs sometimes you get in a deep run on the road and someone gets in foul trouble or you have an injury. Some guys will be put in situations that maybe they aren’t used to. So it’s always a good thing when you can get those guys playing time. Plus, it makes the moms and dads smile.”

Creek hosts Claiborne Christian tonight at 7 p.m. while Lincoln Prep plays St. Frederick’s Friday.

New words and phrases are constantly popping up in my life. Maybe you’re more in the know than I am and maybe these things don’t persistently jump out at you because you’re already aware of them – but, for me, they almost continually surface in unexpected ways.  

I can even remember when certain terms entered my personal lexicon. Take “24/7.”  

My friend Becky innocently tossed it out one day, and I managed to translate it silently in my head to “24 hours a day, seven days a week.” My memory and a recent web search both tell me that this was probably in the 1980s, when the shortened “24/7” phraseology was first officially noted. Actually, such an internal translation wasn’t that hard. Same with “cray cray” for “crazy.” The context provided the key.  

Other words, though, particularly the non-slang variety, are a bit more difficult. I actually keep a list of such words I’ve run across while reading. (Yes, I’m a word lover, a word nerd, a logophile, a lexiphile – take your pick.) Currently at the top of that rather long list are “anodyne” and “boffinry.” 

But appearing even more recently than those obscure words: the “Sunday scaries,” also known as the “Sunday blues.” Only recently have I noticed this term, but now that it’s caught my attention, I’ve found that it’s been around since 2009.  

The definition: the anxieties that build up over the course of Sunday afternoon and evening when thinking about the impending workweek, school week or other obligations that await in the week ahead. A survey conducted by job site Monster found that up to 76% of Americans self-reported having “really bad” Sunday night anxiety. 

Looking back to my pre-retirement years, I can remember experiencing such emotions only a few times. Now, with no looming obligations poised to rear their ugly heads Monday morning, I can still report a dearth of such sensations. This, of course, is not to say that they don’t exist for other people and that they don’t need to be dealt with. 

Before I looked up the meaning of “Sunday scaries,” my initial musings about the term caused me some mental conflict. I wondered: Why would Sunday be scary? To me, having the opportunity to attend church services with one’s forever family – as it’s often called – and being reassured concerning God’s love and care is anything but scary.  

As I read through multiple articles containing advice about the Sunday scaries, an abundance of hints surfaced concerning how to deal with this particular brand of blues. I had hoped to find in the secular stories at least one suggestion that indicated paying attention to your spiritual life might make a difference. But I couldn’t find even one word related to this. 

Two religiously based articles, however, did address the spiritual aspect of the situation: “How to Banish the ‘Sunday Scaries’: The Key to Living with Empowered Purpose” and “12 Surprising Ways to Get Rid of the Sunday Scaries as a Christian.” So thank goodness for that. 

I’d like to add to the discussion. In the congregation I attend, our theme for this year is “Set Free in ’23.” Sermons and classes will focus on this periodically in the coming months.  

To get us started, on New Year’s Day our minister spoke of redemption, of being of being set free, like the Israelites referred to in Psalm 126 when they returned to Zion from Babylonian captivity. “It was as if they were in a dream,” the minister said. “They danced; they sang; they ran; they jumped; they smiled; they laughed. They were going home.” 

Then, he added, the redeemed are like that. One day we’ll be going home. Indeed, in the church, we’re already home.  

When I hear that, it’s hard to feel the Sunday scaries.  

Let me know if you’d ever like to talk about this. 

Ruston fans are invited to celebrate the 2022 Bearcat football team after a 12-2 record and an appearance in the LHSAA Non-Select Division I State Championship game on Monday, Jan. 23, at 5:30 p.m. in the Ruston Civic Center.

Tickets will be $20 per person and will be available for purchase from Monday, Jan. 9, through Friday, Jan. 13, in the RHS Ticket Office.

Fans will be treated to a catered meal with a dessert. All football players, freshmen through seniors, will be able to get in for free.

By T. Scott Boatright

CHOUDRANT — In a battle of two of the top teams in Louisiana Class B boys basketball, the Choudrant Aggies never trailed the Doyline Panthers until the final tick off the clock.

But that last second was a heartbreaker.

Doyline standout Jamaria Clark’s driving putback that sank through the nets as the final buzzer sounded Monday night helped the Panthers stun a packed and raucous crowd at the CHS Gym as the visitors escaped with a 50-48 walk-off win.

“It’s tough to let it slip away there at the end, but I’m truly proud of the guys and I told them that in the locker room,” said Choudrant Coach Ryan Smith. “We’re a very resilient bunch still dealing with some injuries that have left us a little shorthanded. But playing a team like this with the kind of heart we showed was really good to see.”

Choudrant opened scoring on a putback by Mike Jones 36 seconds into the first quarter and closed out the stanza with a layup off an offensive rebound by Eli Callender that put the Aggies on top 13-6 heading into the second quarter in a physical, hard-fought game from start to finish. 

A little more than a minute later Doyline’s Brook Swain drove to the bucket for a layup that cut the Choudrant lead to one point at 13-12, but the Aggies countered with four straight points before the Panthers counter-punched with five straight points to tie things up at 17-17 with 3:!8 remaining in the second quarter on a 3-pointer by Clark.

But the Aggies outscored the Panthers 6-1 the rest of the first half to take a 23-18 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

By late in the third quarter the Aggies started trying to take control, with a pair of consecutive inside buckets with 1:01 and :46 remaining in the stanza putting Choudrant on top 36-24.

Doyline cut Choudrant’s lead back down to 10 with a pair of Clark free throws with 12:5 second left in the quarter to shrink the Panthers’ deficit to 36-26 heading into the final eight minutes.

The Aggies maintained their intensity throughout as that showed to open the fourth quarter as a Lachlan Thompson jumper and a baseline layup off an assist from Parker Batterton put Choudrant up by 14 at 40-26 with 7:09 remaining.

Doyline answered with a 10-0 run culminating with a short turnaround jumper by ShaDavion Martin that cut Choudrant’s lead to 40-36 with 5:34 left on the clock.

After Jones finally ended Choudrant’s scoring drought with an inside basket with 5:22 remaining, Clark pulled up and fired in a 3-pointer that sliced the Doyline deficit to three points at 42-39 in favor of the Aggies at the 5:02 mark of the final stanza.

Choudrant rebuilt a five-point advantage at 45-40 with 4:09 remaining on a Lawson Stevens free throw, but the Panthers kept scratching and clawing, cutting the Aggies’ lead to 47-46 with 1:23 seconds left on a Jay Patterson putback.

Stevens connected on one of a pair of attempted free throws with 41.8 seconds remaining to push the Aggies’ advantage to 48-46, but Doyline’s Keidric Clark followed with a layup with 32 seconds remaining to set up the thrilling finish.

Doyline’s Jay Patterson had a chance to put his team on top with 14:4 seconds left, but missed on both of two attempted free throws.

The Panthers were able to rebound the ball, and after Clark failed to connect on a late jumper, Clark raced in to grab the rebound then drove to the basket to sink the putback at the buzzer for the win.

Clark led all scorers with 24 points while Damarion McClendon and Patterson added 10 points each for the Panthers.

Choudrant was led by Jones with 16 points while Thompson added 12 points and Stevens chipped in with 11 for the Aggies, who fell to 18-6 while Doyline climbed to 16-2.

“We knew it would be tough with their talent level and how well they move and score the ball,” said Smith about Doyline. “They can just really play.”

By T. Scott Boatright

CHOUDRANT — Choudrant’s girls hoopsters ran out of steam after a third-quarter surge Monday night as the Lady Aggies fell 45-39 to Doyline at the CHS Gym.

The Lady Aggies started sluggishly, trailing 12-6 at the end of the first quarter and 21-12 at halftime as Choudrant failed to get its offensive game untracked.

But the Lady Aggies started hitting their shots in the third stanza, outcoring the Lady Panthers 17-9 in the period to cut Doyline’s lead to 30-29 heading into the fourth quarter.

Reese Brown’s jumper at the 4:15 mark of the third quarter cut Doyline’s lead to five points at 23-15, and by the 2:21 mark of the stanza the Lady Aggies only trailed by one after Heather Murphey connected on a pair of free throw attempts to make it 23-22 in favor of the Lady Panthers.

Choudrant managed to tie things up at 26-26 at the 1:47 mark of the third quarter when Kadence Nugent’s jumper bounced high off the rim before falling down through the nets but the Panthers countered with four straight points to go up 30-26 with 1:01 left in the period.

But the Lady Aggies finished the stanza strong to slice Doyline;s lead to 30-29 heading into the fourth quarter.

Choudrant kept things close through much of the final stanza, tying things up at 39-39 on a Murphey layup with 2:19 remaining.

But Doyline shut down the Lady Aggies from there, going on a 6-0 run to close out the game and move to 10-5 while Choudrant fell to 4-19.

Mattie Johnson led the Lady Aggies with 16 points while Nugent added 12 and Abby Frazier and Brown chipped in with four each for Choudrant.

“We’re young and still looking for a way to play a whole game,” said Lady Aggies coach Geoffrey Underwood. “We’re making progress as we gain experience, but we still have a long way to go, too. We’re just going to get back after it and keep trying to make it happen.”

Choudrant will next play at Castor on Friday.

Louisiana Tech VP and Director of Athletics Dr. Eric A. Wood announced the hiring of Shyandrea Glass as the athletic department’s Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Success Services.

Glass comes to LA Tech from Utah Valley where she served as Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services, Diversity & Inclusion.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shyandrea to the LA Tech Family,” said Wood. “The academic success of our Bulldogs and Lady Techsters is at an all-time high in terms of GPAs, APR scores, and our academic achievements. I look forward to Shyandrea leading our student-athlete success staff as we continue to strive for excellence in the classroom and the ultimate prize of graduation among our 300+ student-athletes.”

Glass spent the past year and a half at UVU where she oversaw and developed academic programs and related support services within the department that promoted and facilitated academic success and progress of 400 student-athletes towards degree completion in compliance with the Western Athletic Conference, Big XII Conference, and the NCAA.

She directly monitored the academic progress of the men’s basketball and wrestling teams while also planning and executing diversity and inclusion programs for 120+ staff and coaches.

“I would like to thank Dr. Wood and the committee for the opportunity to join the LA Tech Family,” said Glass. “I look forward to working with the student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and campus partners to continue ensuring that our student-athletes are excelling in the classroom as well as being prepared for life after college.”

Glass joined Utah Valley after having worked as the Assistant Athletic Director for Academics at Jackson State. She spent six years at JSU, initially working as an academic counselor in 2015 before working her way to Coordinator of Student-Athlete Support Services, Assistant Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Support Services, and then her most recent position as the Assistant Athletic Director for Academics.

At JSU, Glass developed effective academic programming and related support services, which promoted and facilitated academic success and progress of student-athletes toward their degree completion. She planned and executed life skills events for Jackson State’s 300 student-athletes as well as overseeing and monitoring the academic progress of football, men’s basketball, and baseball.

Glass earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications in 2012 from Alcorn State University. She received a Master’s degree in Media and Communications from Arkansas State University in 2014 and then earned a second Master’s degree in Sports Administration in 2015 from Belhaven University.

South Maple Street between Walnut Avenue and Beech Avenue will be closed to through traffic Wednesday, January 11, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The closure is necessary to allow for utility repairs.

The City of Ruston regrets any inconvenience this necessary work may cause residents and motorists.

Graveside services for Si Chandler, 70, of Choudrant, LA will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Douglas Cemetery.  Rev. Robbie Lawson will officiate the service under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.  A visitation will be Monday, January 9, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston.

Si was born on February 22,1952 in Ruston and died January 7, 2023, in Ruston. He was employed by Deep South Equipment.  Si is preceded in death by his wife, Kay Chandler; his parents; and his sister, Jennifer Kane.

He is survived by his daughter, Cheri Chandler Foster and husband Corey; grandsons, Dustin Foster and Dylan Foster; sisters, Sandra Hancock and husband Danny and Sharon Haddox and husband Lee Jay; brothers and sisters in-laws, Betty Hartwick and husband Paul, Johnny Johnson, Victor Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews and other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Lee Jay Haddox, Ben Lowe, Dylan Foster, Timothy Hancock, Jason Craig, and Daniel “Pete” Hancock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Douglas Cemetery Fund, 1683 Hwy. 821, Ruston, LA 71270

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.

Margie Nell Otwell Brown, age 85, joined the Lord Saturday, January 7, peacefully at home with her loved ones. She was born August 21, 1937 in Vienna, Louisiana to Owens and Florence “Blue” Otwell. On August 27, 1955, she married Stanley Allen “Buster” Brown at Dubach Pentecostal Church. 

Margie was affectionately known by her loved ones as “Nanny.” She spent her life as a devoted wife, homemaker, and mother to many. Nanny spent many years teaching Sunday school. Her love and passion for children stretched well beyond her Sunday school class.  She babysat many of the children in her community where she was known as “Nanny Brown.”

Nanny was an avid football fan. She looked forward to every Saints and LSU game. In the spring, Nanny enjoyed spending time in her garden. You could find her outside tending to her yard. Her favorite flower was a tulip and the biggest, greenest fern she could find.

Nanny is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 43 years, and her first born son, Billy Dean Brown. She is survived by her brother, Harold Otwell of Dubach; sister, Donna Foster of Dubach; daughter, Debra Norman and husband Donald of Dubach; sons, Greg Brown of Dubach, Rick Brown and wife Chris of Choudrant; 8 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Allen Brown, Nathan Brown, Dylan Chandler, Logan Sanderson, Cain Martin, Aaron Martin, Olen Chandler, and Eli Norman. Also serving as honorary pallbearer will be Chris Norman.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM and the service at 1:00 PM. Graveside ceremony to follow at Mineral Springs Cemetery in Dubach, Louisiana, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

Leroy Ray Minnifield, Jr. 
Sunday 01/12/1941 — Friday 01/06/2023 
Family Gathering: Tuesday 01/10/2023 2:00pm to 3:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Visitation: Tuesday 01/10/2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Celebration of Life: Wednesday 01/11/2023 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home 
Interment: Wednesday 01/11/2023 Following Service at St. Rest Cemetery, 209 Walker Road, Choudrant

Jimmy B Green 
February 26, 1936 – January 8, 2023 
Visitation: First Baptist Church, Dubach, Wednesday, January 11, 2023, 10:00 am – 11:00 am 
Service: First Baptist Church, Dubach, Wednesday, January 11, 2023, 11:00 am 
Cemetery: Hamilton Cemetery, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 

The Federal Communications Commission has published new broadband service and availability maps, which will be used to determine how much funding states will receive from the federal government to provide internet to underserved areas in their state. Ensuring the accuracy of these maps is critical in efforts to truly eliminate the digital divide by 2029, so visit broadbandmap.fcc.gov to view your neighborhood and share the graphic below with others.

Challenges must be submitted by Jan. 13, 2023.

For more information, email connect@la.gov. 

By Kyle Roberts

Call it your favorite gas station or heavenly rest stop or the only place to get a Dr Pepper Icee and Beaver Nuggets.

Just don’t you dare call it a truck stop.

What has become a staple for travelers in the Southeast originally started as a humble 3,000 square foot store in Lake Jackson, Texas in 1982 by Arch Alpin III. Alpin named the first store “Buc-ee’s” in homage to his lab Buck, and the store still stands as an historic monument as a precursor to his successful convenience store empire. Shortly afterward in 1985, Alpin partnered with Don Wasnek to launch a second store in Lake Jackson, as well.

Taking a different approach from what would be considered a normal gas station, Aplin and Wasnek started to offer more than just gas and conventional snacks. Stores would have fishing equipment, restaurant quality food and even live music.

Since then, over 40 travel centers have blossomed all over Texas and into places as far east as Kentucky, South Carolina and Florida thanks in large part to Alpin and Wasnek’s collective vision for growth and business acumen along with immaculate amenities and sundries not found in the average fuel stop.

And now, with the chance of a location in Ruston, Buc-ee’s would finally call Louisiana home, as well.

Be sure to tune in daily as the Lincoln Parish Journal continues its coverage of the Buc-ee’s possibility.

Information for this story was pulled from Southern Living Magazine and Forbes.