By T. Scott Boatright

After nearly three years of vagabond-like teaching and learning, the faculty, staff and students of Lincoln Preparatory School have a new home.

Lincoln Prep’s elementary school students – somewhere around 200 first- through fourth-graders, attended class for the first time ever Tuesday in the new $30 million, 100,000-square foot school building, located on a 400-acre site located off of La. Hwy, 150 (Old Grambling Road) where the old Louisiana Tech Golf Course used to be located.

“The students are happy and excited. They were overwhelmed,” said Lincoln Prep Executive Director Gordan Ford of how the first day in the building went. “They loved it. This was a fantastic day for everybody involved and associated with Lincoln Preparatory School.”

While Lincoln Prep’s first- and second-graders had been attending classes on the second floor of New Living Word Church, the third- and fourth-graders had been attending classes held in modular buildings behind the old Fred’s Store site in Grambling where older students have been attending class.

The school, which formed after a decades-long desegregation order forced the closure of the old Grambling Laboratory School in 2017, had originally held classes in that building before a court order forced the school to move off the grounds of Grambling State University.

That led to the school having to conduct classes at various locations, including the old Fred’s, New Living Word Church, Trinity Methodist, Grace Methodist and Calvary Baptist.

“We were even at the movie theater for a while,” Ford said. “That was after schools started back up after being closed during the COVID pandemic. The movie theater hadn’t reopened yet, so we held some classes there until the modular buildings behind Fred’s were ready.”

The Grambling-based charter school plans to start holding middle school classes in the new building next week before completing the transition with high school classes beginning at the site in two weeks.

“This means so much to have our own space to know where we’re going to be and not having to beg for places to keep holding classes and keep the school going,” Ford said. “It’s a huge relief. It’s a game-changer. It stabilizes our school and removes rumors of it maybe and those kinds of things.

“It signals to everybody that we’re here to stay and ready for prime time.”

The new school is being financed through around $30 million in revenue bonds that will be paid back over 40 years by a portion of Lincoln Preparatory School’s Minimum Foundation Program state funding dedicated to facilities.

Lincoln Prep’s boys basketball team, which fell in a hard-fought state championship showdown in Lake Charles, were the first students to get a look at their new home.

“When they came home on Sunday they came through the Fred’s location parking lot where a group of people had gathered to celebrate their return home,” Ford said. “Then the bus traveled parade-style through town, ending up at the new school where the players got to go in and get a look at things.”

Plans for the new building include a football field, a gymnasium and baseball and softball fields.

Right now the Lincoln Prep baseball and softball teams are playing all games on their opponent’s home fields.

“Those are coming and I think will help build even more excitement about those programs,” Ford said. “And it’s been building. Our softball team went to Richwood last week and won a doubleheader. So excitement over our spring sports is growing.”.

“We’re actually looking to try and play a spring game on our own football field this spring,” Ford said. “That’s a big deal, especially after not having our own field or being able to play at GSU for so long now.

“This is a great time to be a Panther – a great time to be a student at Lincoln Prep.”

By Judith Roberts

Passing by Hillcrest Elementary last Friday, one would have thought a playoff game was being played in the gymnasium.  

But, nope, there was no game, no competition. Only victory for the American Heart Association – and the students. 

Students, teachers and staff members all gathered in the gym last week to celebrate not only reaching their AHA goal but exceeding it by double and finishing at $5,070 – and this particular celebration involved having teachers pied in the face and having the Hillcrest principal, Lauren Keen, taped to a wall – and having her kiss a pig. 

“I know kids have fun when they see teachers excited, and then they get more involved. They get more excited about it,” said Lynn Edmiston, physical education teacher at Hillcrest. “We always like to do incentives for the kids.  

“Our big goal at first, because this was our first time to do it, was $2,500 – but we hit that pretty fast. So we thought – okay, let’s tape (Keen) to the wall. And then when we hit that $5,000 mark, we wanted her to kiss a pig.” 

Keen said she was excited to participate – though she said the thought of kissing Harold the pig was not all that appealing. 

“I’m usually all-in on these types of events, but I have to admit, the ideas of kissing a pig took me by surprise,” she said. “Nevertheless, it was a fun incentive to raise money for a great cause, so I was willing to set my reservations to the side and pucker up.” 

Students eagerly began chants of “Kiss the pig” and were yelling their support for their teachers and staff during the entire event. 

“The emotion from these students was something I will never forget,” Keen said. “They were the most excited I had seen them all year. The anticipation for this event has been building, and I have no doubt we surpassed their expectations.” 

Students who raised $100 or more dollars were also allowed to pie a teacher volunteer in the face.  

“I like to get teachers involved too, and the students got to choose who they pied in the face out of our volunteers,” Edmiston said.   

Keen added that she believed it wasn’t just the students who were looking forward to the day.  

“The teachers and staff seemed just as excited as the kiddos,” she said. “They were smiling and laughing and loved participating. We all made memories together, and we’ll be talking about this for the weeks to come.”  

And while this was the first AHA fundraiser, Edmiston said she was looking forward to next year.  

“I’m hoping this gets bigger and better every year,” she said. “Keep thinking big every time there is something like this.” 

A Ruston man was charged with felony DWI Friday night after he was arrested for his third offense.

Ruston Police stopped Tori C. Worrall, 41, for traffic violations on W. California Avenue about 8:00 p.m. Worrall appeared to be impaired, and a Louisiana State Police trooper was called to the scene. 

The trooper found Worrall leaning on his vehicle to keep his balance and when asked to step away from his vehicle, he stumbled. Worrall performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was arrested and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

When the trooper directed Worrall to submit to a breath test, he refused to provide a proper sample. A search warrant was obtained for Worrall’s blood and a sample was taken at the Northern Louisiana Medical Center.

Records indicated Worrall was previously arrested for DWI in 2017 and in 2018.

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 responded to the report of a stabbing on South Trenton Street last Thursday night with the subsequent investigation led to one arrest.

At about 11 p.m., officers interviewed the victim who said he was stabbed at a residence in the 900 block of South Trenton Street by J’Air Ferguson. The victim had a laceration on his upper body and a small cut on his left wrist. The victim said Ferguson stabbed and slashed him before he could flee.

Ferguson, 32, was eventually talked into coming outside to speak with officers. A bleeding laceration was seen on Ferguson’s left eyebrow and an abrasion on his right knee and smaller abrasions on his hands. Ferguson denied stabbing the victim. He admitted, however, he bit the victim on the chest, hands, and wrist. He said the altercation arose after the victim and an unnamed cousin got into an argument over money and a cell phone.

Ruston Ambulance Service transported Ferguson in the company of an officer to Northern Louisiana Medical Center for evaluation. After he was medically cleared, Ferguson was taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and booked for aggravated battery.

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. 

Spring is in the air!, and so is love and so is pollen — in the air, in your hair, your eyes, your nose, on your car.

You take the bad with the good when the payoff is spring.

Before we meet again it’ll be Officially Spring, so says The 2023 Old Farmer’s Almanac. Monday at 4:24 p.m. (Saw that on Facebook too, so it must be true, right?)

That moment in time marks the spring equinox, which I have never had the patience to study enough to see what it really means in terms of the Earth’s tilt and what not and this and that and to and fro.

I do know “equinox” comes from two Latin words that mean “equal” and “night.” The day and night are basically the same length. And after that, our hemisphere starts tilting toward the sun which means the days are longer and it’s about to get hot up in here.

But you don’t need an almanac to tell you spring is coming. You hear a ball pop into a mitt or you start filling out your NCAA March Madness bracket, and you know what’s up.

Or, you just look outside, through the yellow pollen mist, and there’s springtime, waving back.

A month ago, a warmish February morning, six robins and two cardinals were in the backyard, scouting. They’ve been there since.

The willows are greening, bulbs shooting and blooming. Little pictures of springtime.

Like me, you’ve probably already mowed once, which is mainly mowing clover, and leaving a little of that for the bees since they don’t have much else to enjoy right now. My yard looks like a drunk person mowed it. With thinning shears.

Speaking of lame brain, it was three years ago this week that the world shut down, semi-thwarting the man-made things that complement spring. It was 2020 and Friday the 13^th (which was Monday of this week) when college basketball tournaments and then baseball games were cancelled, and then Monday the 16^th (tomorrow, Thursday, is the 16^th) is when schools quit and all sports quit and Weird Spring started.  

(Somebody messed up!)

Thank goodness THAT’s over. At least I think it is …

And, speaking of loopy, those birds in the back yard might have had one too many, and I’ll tell you why.

There is a window-sized mirror along the fence, placed there before we moved in, I suppose for decoration. It’s confused at least one of the robins. She keeps flying into its reflection of grass and water and leaves, landing at its bottom, and trying again. Dozens of times. Flying into the mirror.

It happens almost every day, and maybe it’s the same robin and maybe they are all giving it a whirl, trying to figure it out, trying to fly right into springtime.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu or Twitter @MamaLuvsManning

by Malcolm Butler

Peyton Muse and Allie Furr each recorded three hits to lead Cedar Creek (8-5, 1-0) to a 15-5 run-rule win over Ouachita Christian Tuesday night in Monroe.

Chloe Brashear pitched a complete-game two-hitter, striking out six batters.

Muse was 3-for-4 with 4 RBI and 2 runs scored while Furr was 3-for-4 with 4 runs scored to lead the Creek offense which totaled 12 hits in the ball game.

Olivia Underwood was 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI while Lillian Soto (1-4, run), Brashear (1-3, RBI), Mallory Smith (1-4, run), Anna Grace Lee (1-2, 2 runs), Lizzie Adams (2 runs, RBI) and Bailey Adams (run, RBI) all so contributed to the offensive explosion against the Eagles.

Brashear, Muse and Underwood each recorded doubles while Underwood (2), Furr and Soto recorded stolen bases.

The Lady Cougars were 2-1 over the past weekend, defeating 5A Ouachita 16-1 and 4A Neville 11-1 while falling 16-6 to 5A Alexandria Senior High.

Muse, Soto and McAdams each recorded two RBI while Furr, Muse and Lee (3) each scored multiple runs in the win over Neville. McAdams recorded the complete-game in the circle, allowing just 1 run on four hits with two strikeouts.

Soto (4-4, 3 runs) and Adams (3-4, 3 RBI) led the Creek offensive attack in the loss to ASH.

Furr (3-4, 4 runs, 2 RBI), Muse (3-4, 2 runs, 4 RBI), Soto (2 runs, 2 RBI) and Adams (2 RBI) led the Lady Cougars in the win over Ouachita. Brashear picked up the win in the circle against the Lions, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out four.

Creek will host River Oaks Thursday.

Hunt Forest Products LLC has pledged $500,000 to support the new Forest Products Innovation Center on Louisiana Tech University’s South Campus. The facility will provide space and support for a transdisciplinary approach to solving the challenges associated with the timber industry.

“We believe this Center will have a tremendous impact on the forestry industry by connecting people, ideas, research, and resources,” said Jimmy Hunt, co-owner and vice-chairman of the Board of Directors of Hunt Forest Products. “Louisiana Tech has a discovery-driven culture, and we are thrilled to be a collaborating advisor in the development of the Forest Products Innovation Center. “

Hunt Forest Products (HFP) was founded in 1978 as a full-service wood products company. HFP manufactures a variety of plywood, lumber, and other specialty wood products to meet customers’ needs.

Mike Walpole of Ruston has been chosen as the designer for this phase of the building construction.

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech student-athletes earned high academic marks for the winter quarter, resulting in the second highest term GPA among all the athletic programs on record.

The winter term grade point average for the 16 LA Tech Athletic programs was a 3.13. Not only was it the second highest ever, it was also the seventh straight quarter that the entire department reached a 3.0 GPA and above.

Meanwhile, 185 Bulldogs and Lady Techsters achieved the AD Honor Roll (term grade point average of 3.00 and above) with 103 of those earning academic honors. A total of 52 student-athletes made the Dean’s List (3.5-3.85 GPA) while 51 made the President’s List (3.85+ GPA).

The soccer program led the way with a winter term GPA of 3.67, their third highest on record.

There were 18 student-athletes that earned their college diplomas:

TENNIS – Madison Cefalu
SOCCER – Josie Studer
VOLLEYBALL – Imana Ellis, Mallory Meers, Ainsley Yanz
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL – Keiunna Walker
GOLF – Hunter Battles, Payne Johnson
BASEBALL – Walker Burchfield, Adarius Myers
FOOTBALL – Demarcus Gordon, Rasheed Lyles, Myles Mason, Biron Rossell, Steven Shaw, Charvis Thornton, Noah White
MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD – Johnie Jean-Jacques

The following is a list of all the student-athletes who earned a 4.00 GPA for the winter quarter:

SOCCER – Riley Bonadie, Alma Cedefors, Madita Ehrig, Sophie Fijneman, Maci Geltmeier, Rebecca Lancaster, Kalli Matlock, Lauren Mitra, Lena Radler, Josie Studer
MENS BASKETBALL – Ben Ponder
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL – Silvia Nativi, Lotte Sant
MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD – William Estes, Tim Rummelhagen, Henry Terral, Wilson Yates
WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD – DaLoria Boone, Macy McIean, Nariah Parks, Nike Praetzel, Nia Wiley, Jacquelin LaBerteaux, Ali Looney, Lexa Thompson
TENNIS – Madison Cefalu, Tiffani Nash, Ilana Tetruashvili
VOLLEYBALL – Meghan Dunnigan, Jailen Hurley, Ainsley Yanz
FOOTBALL – Matthew Downing, Patrick Rea, Jack Turner
SOFTBALL – Jina Baffuto, Katelin Cooper, Alyssa Dean, Allie Floyd, Jordyn Manning
BASEBALL – Baylor Cobb, Caden Copeland, Jonathan Fincher, Rawley Hector, Mason Kelley, Adarius Myers, Slade Netterville
BOWLING – Allie Leiendecker, Lindsay Manning, Allyson Sand, Tara Spridco

A Dallas man was arrested Sunday on the Grambling State University campus after he allegedly committed several crimes, including threatening a police officer.

GSU Police received a report of someone breaking into a car parked at Gardner Hall about 4:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Officers found Tyrin Foster, 23, inside the car. Foster said it was his car but when asked to produce identification and the vehicle registration, he became argumentative and said he did not have to show ID unless the officer showed his.

Foster allegedly began cursing and making threats and refused to exit the car. An officer’s report noted Foster said he would “whoop my a—” among other threats. After repeated commands to exit the car, a Taser was deployed. He was forcibly removed from the car by officers.

Foster appeared intoxicated and had to be physically restrained to apply handcuffs.

The owner of the car told officers Foster did not have permission to enter the vehicle.

Foster was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for disturbing the peace, threatening a public official, resisting an officer, and criminal trespass.

Bail was set at $21,000.

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. 

This is a paid advertorial. 

Join us for the Mardi Gras Futurity and Louisiana Downs Futurity at Louisiana Downs on Saturday, March 25, 2023

Three scholarships will be awarded through a LIVE drawing in the Louisiana Downs winner’s circle on Saturday, March 25th, immediately following the 4th race.

Applicants must register in person beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Registration will close promptly after the third race.

ENTRANTS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

• For more information on the scholarship eligibility or the rules, please see the attached flyer or visit LQHBA.COM

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Bulldogs 5, Air Force 0

In the first start of his collegiate career, senior righty Landon Tomkins pitched three shutout innings and three relievers combined for six scoreless innings and only one hit surrendered – just three as a staff – in a 5-0 Tech win in Game 1 of a two-game set against Air Force before 2,166 on a chilly Tuesday night at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.

After walking the only five batters he faced in Tech’s loss at Arkansas Sunday, Tomkins (3-0) left two on in the second and three in the third, but got two of his six strikeouts to end both innings after a 1-2-3 first.

He gave up two of the Falcons three hits as the bullpen was dynamic. Alec Sparks pitched two innings, Ryan Harland pitched three innings of one-hit ball, and senior lefty Jonathan Fincher, who took the loss in Game 1 in Arkansas as the Friday starter, added the exclamation point by striking out the side on 10 pitches.

Tech (9-7) and Air Force (5-12) are scheduled to play at 3 Wednesday on a getaway day for the Falcons.

“Extremely great to get back in the win column,” Tech coach Lane Burroughs said; the Dogs lost three last weekend in Fayetteville and did not pitch or play well, Burroughs said after that series.

“I could not be more proud of the staff,” he said. “They’d been talked about, ridiculed, yelled at – mostly by me. And all they did tonight was pitch a shutout with 17 strikeouts.”

Fincher closed the game with pitches between 89-94 miles per hour.

“That’s what it’s supposed to look like, not 83 (mph) like we saw in Fayetteville,” Burroughs said. “Just told him that’s what we need this Friday (at 6 when he starts and the Bulldogs open CUSA play against visiting Charlotte.)”

The Bulldogs gave Tomkins and the staff a 2-0 lead in the first and made their seven hits on the night count.

Brody Drost walked to lead things off, Ethan Bates doubled him to third, Dalton Davis knocked in Drost and Karson Evans, the freshman getting his fourth straight start, this time at catcher, hit a sac fly.

While the pen held the lead, the Dogs got some breathing room in the sixth. Shortstop Logan McLeod battled for a two-out walk – “Big at-bat,” Burroughs said – on a 3-2 pitch and second baseman Jeffrey Ince, getting his third start in seven game appearances, unloaded to The Kennel to make it 4-0 with his second homer of the year.

Tech added an insurance run in the eighth when Adarius Myers singled sharply to left and, running on the pitch, scored easily on a double by Jonathan Hogart, his second double of the year and first RBI.

A few players, including catcher Jorge Corona and designated hitter Walker Burchfield, are battling a contagious bug picked up in Fayetteville and will not be with the team Wednesday.

Lady Techsters 5, Northwestern State 0

Behind dominant pitching, the Louisiana Tech Softball team shutout Northwestern State 5-0 on Tuesday evening at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.

With the midweek victory, the Lady Techsters are now 16-8 on the season including a 10-4 mark at home.

“Getting the lead early tonight was big for us,” said head coach Josh Taylor. “Our pitching staff threw great tonight. All three pitchers threw really well and our defense played really well. When we can pitch and play defense like that it takes pressure off of our offense and when we score early runs they can settle in a bit which is what happened.

“I could not be prouder of the job Chelsea (Cohen) has done with our pitchers and Shelby (Hiers) has done with our defense. Once we click on offense we are going to be a dangerous team.”

Mary Martinez (3 inn.), Brook Melnychuk (3.0 inn.) and Alyssa Martin (1.0 inn.) combined for the three-hit shutout. Melnychuk picked up the win with three innings in relief, as the starting pitcher must throw four innings to be credited with a win. The Saskatchewan, Canada native is now 4-2 on the year.

Amanda Gonzalez led LA Tech with two hits at the plate. Kylie Neel reached base three times, going 1-1 with a walk and a hit-by pitch. Katelin Cooper, Ella Rose Wright and Brooke Diaz recorded an RBI, while Amanda Gonzalez stole her ninth base of the season.

Tech travels to Miami this weekend for a 3-game Conference USA series against FIU.

She loved deeper than anyone else we know. Gabrielle Lana Crockett departed this life on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the age of 26. She was born August 15, 1996, in Covington, Louisiana to Gary and Lynda Crockett.

She spent her early years in her beloved Bogalusa attending Annunciation Catholic School. When she moved to Alexandria, she attended Our Lady of Prompt Succor and graduated from Holy Savior Menard High School as a Bishop Greco Scholar. She continued her education at Louisiana Tech where she received both her undergraduate and a Masters of Business Administration. She then became a dedicated loyal blue employee at Louisiana Tech in the University Communications Department.

Gabrielle was a follower of Christ.  She lived out Ephesians 4:1, ‘…Live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits Godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation].  Gabrielle put Christ first in her life and nurtured that relationship in many ways.  Church and ministry were important to Gabrielle, so she was always involved in her student, college, or young adult ministries, as well as music ministries.  Quite the vocalist, she sang with many worship teams.  Within these faith-based groups she developed deep friendships with likeminded peers and gained mentorship and adoration from leaders and older adults.  She served on numerous mission trips and volunteer efforts to aid those in need and to spread the message of salvation.

Gabrielle had a zest for life!  She was witty, adventurous, and spirited.  If she was ‘in,’ than she was ‘ALL-IN!’ You could expect her full participation in events, competitions, and even dress-up themes.  Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she was always up for trying something new. She never met a stranger and made everyone feel as if they were her best friend. Over her lifetime, Gabrielle primarily lived in three locations:  Bogalusa, Alexandria, and Ruston, Louisiana.  In each community she shared her ‘spunk’ for life and cultivated lifelong friendships, leaving her invaluable mark wherever she was.

Even though Gabrielle was easily labeled as the most fun person in the room, she somehow managed to also be the most mature.  Gabrielle was wise beyond her years and possessed a keen sense of purpose and responsibility.  She carried herself with equal parts confidence and humility.  Gabrielle was self-driven and succeeded in education as a scholar.  She also flourished in the professional world, working at her alma mater, Louisiana Tech.

Besides her relationship with Christ, her most important relationship was with her parents.  Gabrielle loved her parents and the three of them valued spending time together.  Her mom was her best friend, confidant, and cheerleader.  Although 26 years old, Gabrielle still enjoyed being ‘Daddy’s little girl’ and his favorite date to sporting events – especially anything LSU!  As a family, their favorite activity was traveling together on trips and making wonderful memories. Gabrielle had a large extended family whom she adored and enjoyed visiting.

She was a bright light known as ‘Gabby’, ‘Gabs’, ‘Gabeaux’, or Gabrielle. We will never understand why her earthly life was cut short, but we trust in God’s sovereignty.  We know she was a vessel of God’s love and joy, and her light will continue to shine brightly through all of the lives and ministries she has touched.

Gabrielle was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Mildred and Wilfred Crockett, aunts Patricia Lynn Strickland and Lana Gayle Crockett, and her maternal grandparents Arthur and Gail Lemane.

She is survived by her parents Gary and Lynda Crockett. She is also survived by numerous aunts and uncles and many loving cousins.

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Brennan, James Michael Brennan, Tim Gregoire, Juan Pablo Rodriguez, Nicholas Leonard, Matthew Leonard, Andrew Leonard, and Joshua Core. Honorary Pallbearers are Shane and Chris Strickland, and Chris and Austin Darden. Her Honorary Junior Pallbearer is Hayden Crockett.

We will start visitation on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home in Bogalusa, Louisiana from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Gabrielle’s life will be on Saturday, March 18, 2023, with visitation starting at 10:00 am with the service starting at 12:00 pm noon. Interment will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Jean Haire Hays, age 88, passed away on March 11, 2023, in Ruston. The funeral will be Friday, March 17 at 11:00 am in the chapel at Temple Baptist Church. The family will be receiving visitors prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 am.  Interment will follow at Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens in Ruston, LA. under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston.

She was born September 24, 1934, in Lafayette County, Mississippi. She graduated from high school at Vardaman, Mississippi, and obtained a degree in elementary education from Blue Mountain College in 1956. She taught in Gulfport City School District for two years and then became education secretary at First Baptist Church, Gulfport, Dr. Landrum Leavell, pastor. She met her husband, Bill, in Gulfport and they were married June 18, 1961. They moved to Ruston and became active members of Temple Baptist Church where Jean sang in the adult choir, worked with children in Sunday School, and was a member of Lunch Bunch mission group. She was an active member of Long Leaf Pine Chapter, DAR.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Reverend and Mrs. L. F. Haire, sisters Faye Taylor, Voncille Tedrick, brother Reverend Joel Haire, and her husband of 53 years, William Hays.

She is survived by her children, Muriel Ryder, Edward Hays, Elizabeth Porter and husband Pat; Brian Hays and wife, Jen; grandchildren Logan Ryder and wife Amanda, Caroline Wilt and husband Caleb; Anna Ryder; Travis Hays, Sydney Hays, Michael Hays and wife Sarah; Hays Porter and wife Emily; Joel Porter; Will Porter; Cole Hays, Troy Hays, Carly Hays, Cade Ashcraft, Jake Ashcraft; and great grandsons Gabe Ryder, Zane Ryder, Finn Wilt (“Zip”).

The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers to Life Choices of North Central Louisiana.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the administration and staff of The Arbor and Terrace of Ruston for their care and many acts of kindnesses to Mom during her time there.

Willie Leon Green, 86, of Ruston, Louisiana, entered into his heavenly home on March 12, 2023, surrounded by his family and friends.  Willie was born in Ruston, LA on March 03, 1937. He graduated from Ruston High School, where he was a talented and dedicated player on the Bearcat basketball team. His love for his school and his classmates was such that he later became a founding member of the Ruston High School Alumni Association.

In 1959, he married Annette Hightower. Willie and Annette were blessed with two children, Candee and Gary. In 1973, they lost their son Gary in a tragic accident, which shaped the trajectory of their lives, their relationship with the Lord, and their Christian faith. For many years, Willie was a devoted firefighter for the city of Ruston, and he retired in 1995, as the Assistant Fire Chief.

After retirement, Willie spent many wonderful years riding his tractor, having coffee with friends, and spending quality time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was an ever-present source of love and support and found immense joy in watching his family members grow and thrive. Willie, who was fondly called “Pap,” was the true patriarch of his family, and was known for his quiet demeanor and good advice.

Willie is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Annette Hightower Green, son Gary Allen Green, mother Maude Barmore Green, father Leon Colvin Green, brothers Spencer Newton Green and Raymond Martin Green, and sister Jackie Thulin.

 He is survived by his daughter, Candee Green Anderson and her husband Joe. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren: Brittany Albritton (Chris), Grant Terry (Dannie Place), Garrett Terry (Carla), Meaghan Anderson, Christopher Anderson (Danielle), great-grandchildren: Anderson, Adeline, and Griffin Albritton, Carson, Cameron, John Carter, and Caroline Terry. In addition, Willie is survived by his girlfriend, Pricilla Bowman, his sisters: Nelda Cooper, Gail Evans, and Ann Hernandez (Keith), brother John Green (Jennifer), step-mother Doris Tatum, sisters-in-law Angie Green and Judy Watson.

There are not enough words to express the family’s appreciation for the compassionate care and love given to him by his dear friend Val Bridges. The family would also like to give thanks for the kind care provided by Dr. Ben Grigsby, Tina Morrow, Debra Newton, Jody Scott, and Jennifer Smith. 

Serving as pallbearers are Brian Green, Larry Jones, Allen Neel, Colton Perritt, John Thompson, Bolton Warren, Emory Watson, and Keith Watson. 

A celebration of Willie’s life will be at 11:00am on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston. Visitation will be at 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment will follow in at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ruston, LA.

Memorial donations may be made to Temple Baptist Church “in memory of Willie Green,” 1515 S. Service Rd. W., Ruston, LA 71270.

Willie Leon Green 
March 3, 1937 – March 12, 2023 
Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Thursday, March 16, 2023, 10:00 am 
Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Thursday, March 16, 2023, 11:00 am 
Cemetery: Forest Lawn Cemetery ~ Ruston, Thursday, March 16, 2023 

Jean Haire Hays 
Date of Death: March 11, 2023 
Visitation: Temple Baptist Church Chapel, Friday, March 17, 2023, 10:00 am – 11:00 am 
Service: Temple Baptist Church Chapel, Friday, March 17, 2023, 11:00 am 
Cemetery: Kilpatrick’s Memorial Garden, Friday, March 17, 2023 

Latonia Moore 
Saturday 04/21/1984 — Tuesday 03/07/2023 Age: 38 
Visitation: Friday 03/17/2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Funeral Service: Saturday 03/18/2023 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home 
Interment: Saturday 03/18/2023, China Grove Cemetery, 699 Mondy Road, Grambling 

Rosie Lee Rice  
May 17, 1932 – March 7, 2023  
Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Friday, March 17, 2023, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm  
Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Friday, March 17, 2023, 1:00 pm  
Cemetery: Ebenezer Cemetery, Friday, March 17, 2023 

by Malcolm Butler

Ruston mayor Ronny Walker wants to answer questions in regards to the upcoming March 25 vote on the alcohol propositions.

As many as he can.

Thursday night Walker will join City of Ruston Attorney Bill Carter and Planning and Zoning Director Jim Hayes at the Ruston Civic Center at 6 p.m.to answer residents questions in regards to the upcoming vote.

“I will answer any questions asked,” said Walker. “I am going to answer the question. That’s the very reason in our City Council meetings –unlike everyone else — I allow people to ask a question. I feel like if a citizen is going to take time to come to a meeting and have a question, then we should answer it. The citizens deserve that in my opinion. If somebody wants to talk about this, then I want to talk to them.”

There are five alcohol referendums on the March 25 ballot, three that are currently allowed in propositions 1, 2 and 5.

However, in the fall, the Louisiana Economic Growth Committee — working closely with Walmart and Brookshires Grocery Company — successfully obtained the Louisiana state law required 25 percent of signatures from registered voters within the City of Ruston.This (Proposition No. 4) was aimed at allowing grocery stores to sell liquor.

“I want to remind people that the City of Ruston did not request this group to come here,” said Walker. “That came directly from the grocery stores.

However, if one of the propositions goes up for a vote then all five of them (even the three that are already allowed) have to go back up for a vote. The Ruston City Council during its December meeting set the March 25 voting date.

Below are the propositions that registered voters in the City of Ruston will be voting on during the upcoming election.

Proposition No. 1 – CURRENTLY ALLOWED (Passed in 2002)

Authority to sell beverages of alcoholic content containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume by package only and not for consumption on the premises in the city.

Proposition No. 2 – CURRENTLY ALLOWED (Passed in 2002)

Authority to sell beverages of alcoholic content containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume for consumption on the premises in the city.

Proposition No. 3 – NOT CURRENTLY ALLOWED

Authority to sell beverage alcohol containing one-half of 1% alcohol by volume and above for consumption on the premises in the city.

Proposition No. 4 – NOT CURRENTLY ALLOWED

Authority to sell beverage containing one half of 1% alcohol by volume and above by package only and not for consumption on the premises in the city.

Proposition No. 5 – CURRENTLY ALLOWED (Passed in 2002)

Authority to sell beverages of high and low alcoholic content permitted only on the premises of restaurant establishments which have been issued an “R” permit as defined by law in the city.

Walker said he wants to make sure voters are well educated on what is what when it comes to all five propositions.

“I want to be sure that everyone knows about the town hall meeting,” said Walker. “We will have everyone from planning and zone to legal to myself to try to get some clarity to the liquor (propositions). It has gotten so confusing to so many people. There is a lot of inaccurate information out there. We need people to show up so we can clarify it and have it come from the horses mouth.

“If you want to keep Ruston Ruston, then you need to vote yes on Number 1, 2 and 5. Bottom line if you want everything like it is today. If you want everything like it is today but you also want to go to the grocery story and pick up a bottle of wine or a bottle of Jack Daniels, then you need to vote (yes) to Number 1, 2, 4 and 5.”

Walker said preliminary numbers based off of Pineville, Louisiana, would have the city financially benefiting by around $1.6 million (2.5 percent plus the 1.78 percent from businesses that are located within the TID). Pineville annually grosses $36 million in alcohol sales.

“There have been three legitimate supermarket chains that have called and said they are interested in coming to Ruston,” said Walker. “First question is can they sell alcohol. No. Then they tell us when we chain the law to call them.I was at the headquarters for a certain grocery store three months ago that we would all love to have here and this subject came up. I told them it was coming up for a vote. They said if it is voted in, they would definitely be looking hard at Ruston.”

Walker openly admits that he isn’t in favor of Proposition No. 3, but he also doesn’t have any fears if passed due to the strict restrictions the city has decided upon that will restrict bars from popping up on street corners.

“Bars … I personally don’t want, but I think we have set restrictions so tight that I would be we don’t have any open,” said Walker. “And contrary to what some people are saying, you can’t have bars all over downtown. It’s impossible (based on the restrictions).”

One thing Walker does fear is what would happen to the city if No. 5 — which is currently allowed — is voted down.

“My concern is that because of confusion, No. 5 could be lost which would be detrimental to our cities growth,” said Walker. “That’s my concern. It creates an incredible amount of revenue for our city.”

Walker said it would cost the city of Ruston a significant number of jobs as well.

He also thinks the loss of No. 5 would have a significant negative impact on both Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University.

“Absolutely, it would be detrimental,” said Walker. “Show me one college town anywhere that doesn’t have bars or restaurants. I think it would be detrimental to both universities. I can promise you if we lose No. 5, Jade (West’s) job recruiting restaurants is going to be a whole lot harder.”

When Donovan Hart was arrested for second degree murder Friday in connection with the shooting death of Latonia Moore, he was riding in a car driven by his father.

Damesey J. Hart, 43, of Ruston, was also arrested at the time for accessory after the fact to second degree murder.

Donovan Hart, 18, had been sought for several days in connection with the murder on Greene Lane last Tuesday afternoon. Information was received Friday afternoon that Hart had left Nutmeg Drive in a white sedan headed west on U.S. 80. The car was spotted on U.S. 80 by Simsboro Police Chief Gene Butler and stopped. Lincoln Parish deputies took both Harts into custody.

Louisiana law defines an accessory after the fact as “any person who, after the commission of a felony, shall harbor, conceal, or aid the offender, knowing or having reasonable ground to believe that he has committed the felony, and with the intent that he may avoid or escape from arrest, trial, conviction, or punishment.”

The penalty for accessory after the fact is up to five years in prison.

Damesey Hart’s bail was unavailable at the time of publication. Donovan Hart is being held on $1 million bail on the murder charge.

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 April Clark Honaker

Corinne Leyden Nutt teaches German at Ruston High School. With over 20 years of experience, she is also the district supervisor for the world language program and immersion program. 

Nutt had her first taste of teaching while coaching gymnastics in high school, but she originally studied international business along with German in college and imagined herself teaching only after retirement. When she was about to begin graduate school for business, Nutt’s dad sat her down and said, “”This isn’t what you want to do.” He was right. 

Nutt then went on to work for a nonprofit in Cologne, Germany, at age 21 and earned a master’s of foreign language education from the University of Georgia, which also gave her the opportunity to complete some of her graduate work in Rostock, Germany, at the University of Rostock. 

After teaching high school German in Texas, Georgia, and Arkansas, Nutt began teaching at Ruston High School and is now in year 17. 

In learning a foreign language, people inevitably find themselves in situations that require them to accomplish a goal with whatever knowledge they have, no matter how little, according to Nutt. These types of situations drive creative thinking. 

Knowing how to speak a foreign language is certainly a valuable skill in itself, but Nutt said, “This other language teaches them to think outside the box, and language helps them problem solve.” 

At the same time, she acknowledged that the process is not always easy. “Language is so personal,” she said, “and to speak in a different language is hard.” Feelings of embarrassment can hinder learning sometimes, buNutt wants to see them succeed. “They can do this,” she said. Nutt also has her students work together, which helps. “I make them work with their peers,” she said, “and they see that everyone is kinda in the same boat.”

She lets them know, too, that it’s really whether they can communicate the idea that counts, which she said takes a bit of the pressure off. 

Nutt typically has her students for two years and occasionally three. By the end of that period, they can read, write, and hold a conversation in German. They have the basic skills needed to get a job and make friends. “The growth and progress is so tangible,” she said. “If we dropped them off in Germany, they could survive.” 

According to Nutt, some of them do go to Germany. Some study abroad in Germany while in college, and at least one former student has earned a degree in German. Nutt said she’s also had her students tell her that having experience with German has helped them stand out in the job market, especially with international companies, which is a nice bonus.

Brookshires and Wal Mart contracted with Texas Petition Services of Buda, Texas to secure enough petition signatures to trigger a local option alcohol vote within the City of Ruston. Mr. John Hatch of TPS noted that the City of Ruston could be expected to garner an additional $2.5 million in sales taxes if alcohol sales were expanded. He explained that this number was based on one of their previous efforts in Pineville. This estimate was used to encourage residents to sign the petition.

City of Ruston officials now concede that this number is wrong and the actual number is likely around $1.5 million. However, they are not able to estimate what the increased alcohol sales numbers might be.

The City of Ruston receives 2.5% of collected sales taxes. If we were to assume the increase in alcohol sales to be $2 million (likely a very generous estimate), the city would receive $50,000 from those sales. Note that it would take $40 million in additional alcohol sales in order for the city to receive $1 million worth of increased tax income!

The previous Restaurant Referendum in 2002 grew from a groundswell of local support and Propositions 1, 2 & 5 are legal in the City of Ruston at this time. This is in stark contrast to the current effort by Brookshires and Wal Mart, which is largely driven by paid consultants. What is to be gained by legalizing bars in downtown Ruston and full-blown alcohol sales in the grocery stores where our families shop? The only gain we can see is to these corporations’ bottom lines. We urge you to volt YES to maintain Propositions 1, 2 & 5 and NO for Propositions 3 & 4.

Sincerely,

Ben Humphries

Keep Ruston Ruston

Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business will host Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace on Tuesday, March 21. The virtual forum includes five sessions featuring diversity, equity, and inclusion thought-leaders from top global corporations. This free event is open to the public, and registration is required for each session. Attendees can register at business.latech.edu/deiforum.

“We look forward to hosting this year’s forum and providing a platform for awareness around issues of diversity and inclusion in the business world,” said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business. “We strive to create a rich learning environment that appreciates and accepts differing perspectives, a mindset that is critical in today’s global workplace. Last year, around 900 students, alumni, faculty, and community members joined us to take a deeper dive into these topics. We hope to make an even larger impact with this year’s fantastic lineup of speakers.”

The schedule includes:

8:30 a.m.: DEI in the Workplace Opening Session

• Stephen Metoyer, ’91 (Chief Inclusion Officer, Deloitte Tax LLP)

10 a.m.: Leading the Conversation on Diversity and Inclusion 

• Alexis Kerr (Vice President, Mahogany Brand, Hallmark Cards)
• Dr. Todd Jenkins (Global Inclusion Executive, Bowtie Leadership and Development)
• Steven Johnson (Global Director for Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, Lowe’s Companies)
• Brad Baumoel (Global Head of LGBT+ Affairs, JP Morgan Chase)
• Juan Suarez (Vice President Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Southwest Airlines)
• Moderated by Shon Gables, ’19 (Anchor, Atlanta News First)

12:30 p.m.: Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Leadership Lessons from Women in Business

• Tamberlin Golden (Executive Director Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, General Motors)
• Shunda Robinson (Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, GM Financial)
• Jackie Lawrence (Director Inclusion Strategy, JB Hunt)
• Danielle Sligh (Director, Inclusive Diversity & Equity, Allstate)
• Moderated by Dr. Johnette Magner (Anchor, KTBS News)

2 p.m.: Building a Diverse Workforce: Infusing DEI into Recruitment, Onboarding, Corporate Giving, ERGs, and Volunteerism

• Monique Carswell (Director, Center for Racial Equity, Walmart)
• Scott Nycum (Vice President, Inclusion, Diversity and Giving, GDIT)
• Lisa Iannarino (Senior Manager, Diversity Community Partnerships, CapitalOne)
• Stefen Welch (Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Detroit Pistons)
• Moderated by Michelli Martin, ’06 (Communications Director, City of Monroe)

3:30 p.m.: Fireside Chat and Closing Session

• Kim Jenkins (CEO, The Kim Jenkins Experience; former Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, PayPal)

As a follow up to the event, talent acquisition teams from the participating corporations will network with business students on Wednesday, March 22. Students interested in attending one of the virtual info sessions should email Jessica George at jgeorge@latech.edu.

The College of Business is introducing a new component to this year’s conference. Following the event, attendees will receive information via email about completing a short exam covering content explored during the conference. Participants who successfully complete the exam will receive a digital badge validating involvement in the event and mastery of DEI concepts. While the conference is offered free of charge, the optional exam and digital credential are $99. All proceeds from the badge will go toward scholarships for underrepresented populations within the College of Business.

For more information or to register for a session, visit business.latech.edu/deiforum.

Ruston Police arrested a Haynesville woman after responding to a disturbance on Park Ridge Lane Sunday evening.

Officers responded to a call where Chandris Jones, 28, alleged a man was beating her and she needed help. She then apparently hung up the phone. After arriving at the scene, officers learned Jones had been banned from the residence. She admitted she had not been battered and called 911 because she wanted the man to leave. 

When told she was barred from the premises, Jones reportedly said she knew that but did not think it still applied. Warrants were located charging Jones with stalking and unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling, and failure to appear in court on criminal trespass. The warrants pertained to previous incidents involving Jones and the occupant of the residence. 

Jones was arrested for criminal trespass and criminal mischief (false report of a crime), along with the warrants 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. 

By Brenda Daniel

In recognition of National Women’s Month and celebrating its 75th Diamond Anniversary, Chapter President Patricia Hutcherson and the Grambling Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will kick off festivities by hosting The Red Dress Brunch & Beyond event.

The event takes place at the Clifton E. Lewis Family Life Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25.

Seventy-five years of sisterhood, service, scholarship, and social action will be highlighted by honoring Grambling Alumnae Chapter’s immediate and past presidents, their contributions and impact made to the chapter, community and service areas.

We have impacted the Grambling area through service, activities and various youth projects for many years,” said Ruby Higgins, GAC president 1975-1977. “Through our youth projects, we have laid the groundwork for many of our area young people to be successful at the next level.  Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is regional, national and international through its programmatic focus.  The combined years of service for current Council members is equal to over 300 years.”

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded Jan. 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need. The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta envisioned an organization committed to sisterhood, scholarship, service and addressing the social issues of the time. Since its founding, Delta Sigma Theta has become one of the preeminent service-based sororities, with more than 300,000 initiated members and over 1,000 chartered chapters worldwide.  The Grambling Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., chartered in 1948, in keeping with outstanding public service and loving sisterhood.

This is a public ticketed event, and for more details contact Kwenita Lewis-Garner at (318) 596-9098 or Michelle Hopwood at (318) 596-1412.