Funeral Service for Jamison Steven Cone, age 39, will be held at Temple Baptist Church Chapel on Saturday, April 29, 2023 @ 1:00 P.M. Dr. Reggie Bridges, Rev. Brad Jones, and Bro. Bill Sanderson will be officiating with interment to follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Choudrant, LA. under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston. Visitation will be Friday, April 28, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. in the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel of Ruston.
Jamison Steven Cone was born on April 9th, 1984 in West Monroe, LA to Patrick and Zilla Cone and went to his heavenly home on April 22nd 2023.
Jamison was a lifelong resident of Choudrant. He was a 2003 graduate of Choudrant High School. For 20 years Jamison managed and oversaw every aspect of the Family Business and Family Farm. There was no task too small or too large that he would not put his full effort into until it was completed. There was no family member or friend that he would not drop everything for to simply give a ride to or help with a project. Jamison truly cherished the small things in life from breakfast in the workshop with his brother on Saturday, the anticipation of rain on the fields after a dry summer, motorcycle rides with his friends, seeing all of his lifetime friends in Gulf Shores during the summer, sleepovers with his brother’s dog George, nights at the drag races on his motorcycle, and even a good pizza party for his birthday. The way he cared for everyone with his selfless attitude will be greatly missed by everyone in his family and friends that were close to him.
Jamison is preceded in death by his Maternal and Paternal Grandparents as well as his loving mother Zilla. He is survived by his Father, Patrick Lloyd Cone; Brothers, Patrick Lloyd Cone II, Robert Dayton Cone (Ashley); his Sister, Samantha Lee Ann Cone; as well as numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
Pallbearers will be Chase Barrett, Larry Brister, Chris Cone, Cameron Doughty, Shawn Gilmore, Daniel Norred, and Mark Tedeton.
Memorial services for Mr. Lyle Dean Kelley, age 75 of West Monroe, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Living Water Full Gospel Church in Dubach, LA with Rev. Scott Jennings officiating.
Lyle was born July 30, 1947 in Jacksonville, TX to Edna King and Wilbur Kelley and passed away April 20, 2023 in Ruston, LA. He was a draftsman for industrial mills. Lyle liked to fish and to watch westerns. He also enjoyed bowling. Lyle loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Missy Kelley; two brothers Ronnie Kelley and Myron Kelley; and one sister Jeannie Kelley.
Lyle is survived by his one daughter Lyndie and Jason Brazzel of Ruston; two sons Billy Kelley of Monroe, LA and Jeremiah Kelley of West Monroe; four grandchildren: Sean Morrow and wife Jordan of Dubach, Kellie Garner and husband Daniel, Robert Kelley of Ruston and Jospeh Kelley of Dubach; five great-grandchildren: Ryker, Maddux, Hailyn, Stetson and Lennon; three brothers: Steven Kelley and Sharon of Monroe, Clay Kelley of West Monroe and David Kelley of Monroe; two sisters Susy Kelley of Monroe and Theresa Wallace of Rogers, AR; and a host of other family and many friends.
John Wesley McKeever, Jr Thursday 02/11/1943 — Saturday 04/15/2023 Age: 80 Viewing: Monday 05/01/2023 9:00am to 12:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Monday 05/01/2023 12:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Monday 05/01/2023 Following Service, Asberry Cemetery, Chatham
Sheila Anne Stevenson Reed Wednesday 09/07/1960 — Tuesday 04/18/2023 Family Gathering: Friday 04/28/2023 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Friday 04/28/2023 3:00pm to 7:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Service: Friday 04/28/2023 6:30pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 04/29/2023 11:00am, Mount Zion Baptist Church, 2586 Highway 150, Grambling Interment: Saturday 04/29/2023 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
After just one season at the school, Randy Carlisle has resigned as the Simsboro boys basketball coach. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
After one year, the Randy Carlisle era for Simsboro High School boys basketball has come to an end.
Simsboro Principal Lacey Holcomb confirmed Monday evening that Carlisle turned in his resignation late last week and that she has started a search for a new coach for the Tigers.
“He said he was resigning to pursue some other career opportunities,” Holcomb said.
Holcomb said that while she has no set timeline for trying to find a replacement for Carlisle, she also admitted the sooner a replacement is found, the better.
“I would like to have somebody in place by summer to be able to practice with the boys, but we’ll just kind of see how the process goes and where it leads us,” Holcomb said.
Carlisle, who graduated from East Texas Baptist College and coached for 17 years in Texas before returning to his native Louisiana, has a career coaching record of 948-257.
Before taking over the Tigers last year Carlisle had directed teams to 10 state championships, including seven in basketball, with 11 of his squads advancing to a state title game. He had led his teams to 27 district titles in 29 years of coaching and has been named a Coach of the Year honors either at the district or state level 26 times.
But while the Simsboro boys team made a late push to reach the Division V Select School playoffs last year, the Tigers limped into the postseason and finished the season at 14-15 after having won two straight previous state championships.
The Tigers defeated Hackberry in the first round of the playoffs in March before falling to Anacoco in the second round.
Carlisle took over the departure of Josh Brown, who had coached the Tigers for seven seasons and guided Simsboro to four state titles over the previous five seasons. But late last spring Brown took over as head coach at Claiborne Christian, where his wife was teaching and his children were attending school.
In his two seasons as Anacoco’s head coach before taking over at Simsboro, Carlisle coached that team to a record of 67-14, with the Indians advancing to the Class B state semifinals last year and the state title game in 2021, when they lost 56-53 to Simsboro.
Simsboro athletics director Matt Herring, who took over as head coach of the Lady Tigers girls basketball program late last spring, had previously also coached boys basketball at Kilbourne High School, and Holcomb said he would be considered should he show interest in the position.
“If he ends up interested in the boys’ position, then I would absolutely consider him for that,” Holcomb said. “He’s done a lot of the school and the girls basketball program and I would absolutely consider him for it.”
Holcomb said the key is to not rush finding the right coach to lead the Tigers into the future.
“We’ve got a good group of boys coming up and I just really want to find the right person to develop their talent,” Holcomb said. “Holcomb said any interested coaches can contact her at (318) 247-6265 or via email at lacey.holcomb@lincolnschools.org.
William Parkerson is the new Cedar Creek head football coach.
By Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek will turn to a familiar face as its next head football coach.
Former Creek assistant coach William Parkerson was introduced to the Cougar players Monday afternoon culminating a three week search following the resignation of Matt Middleton, who departed April 3 to join the staff at Harding University.
Cedar Creek Head of School Cindy Hampton said Parkerson was chosen from an impressive pool of candidates.
“We were very fortunate and grateful to receive interest from many qualified football coaches, and we can’t say enough how impressed we were with the quality of the candidate pool,” said Hampton. “During the interview process, Coach Parkerson revealed himself to be an excellent fit for our football program.”
Parkerson returns to the Ruston-based Class A program where he previously spent seven seasons as an assistant coach for the Cougars on Ben Haddox’s staff. During that stretch, the Cougars posted a record of 57-26 with six playoff appearances, including four quarterfinal appearances and semifinal runs in 2013 and 2016.
“It’s returning home,” said Parkerson. “This place became home during my seven years here. I am excited to be back.”
He served as both the program’s offensive coordinator (2017-18) and defensive coordinator (2011-2017). He also led the Creek track and field team during his time at the school, including to state runner-up finishes on the boys side twice.
Parkerson said he plans to return to his roots when it comes to X’s and O’s.
“The plan is to move back to the flex bone triple option,” said Parkerson, referring to what offense the Cougars ran during his time at Creek. “It’s what I know, and it’s what I believe in. I always thought the entire time I was (at Cedar Creek) that it fit the kids we had, year in and year out. You can tweak it if you have a special quarterback. But I always said that if you can’t fix it on Friday night, then don’t run it. That’s what I’m able to fix when things are going bad so that is what we will do.”
Haddox, who is a Creek alum and who served as the head football and baseball coach and the school’s AD before departing to enter the business world a few years ago, said he believes Parkerson will be a great fit for the school.
“Having the opportunity to work alongside Coach Parkerson was tremendous,” said Haddox. “His dedication to his craft is second to none and it challenged the coaches, and more importantly, the players to perform at their best. I feel confident that he will prepare our student athletes not just for the challenges they face on Friday Nights, but for the world that awaits them when their Cedar Creek careers are over. I could not be more excited to have him leading our Cedar Creek football program.”
Parkerson, who served as a student assistant for Jack Bicknell at Louisiana Tech while earning his bachelor’s degree from the University, was the head coach at Catholic Pointe Coupee in 2008. He also served as an assistant coach at Central Catholic (2009, 2010) prior to his seven seasons with the Cougars.
The 41-year-old comes from a football family. His father was the head coach at West Feliciana High School for more than a quarter of a century and he knows the importance of the coach-player relationship.
“Building that trust is crucial.” said Parkerson. “I will meet with the seniors quickly and tell them whatever happens five years from now, you guys laid the foundation. I will ask them to trust me and buy into everything we are doing. And in return I will invest in them and fight for them.”
Parkerson, who will begin May 1, said he plans to forgo spring practice due to the tight time-frame. Instead he will utilize the LHSAA rule and add an extra week on the front end of fall workouts. However, he will use the final few weeks of the current school year and summer to begin acclimating himself back to the school and program and learning the current roster.
“I look forward to meeting with everyone individually and getting to know them,” Parkerson said. “I will probably observe for a week to see how everything is going before we start implementing how our training will be. I want to watch them work for a week without ripping the band aid off.
“We will stress from the beginning that everything we do we want to be fast, physical and aggressive. That will be how we work out. How we practice. Everything we do will be geared towards being fast, physical and aggressive.”
Parkerson did confirm that both Mark Ware and Jacob Angevine would remain on the staff with their current positions, something that he and school officials feel is integral for the stability of the program.
“It is critical to for us to build long-term success and stability for our program and for our student athletes,” said Board of Director member Lance Hall. “We are so fortunate to have such strong coaches and leaders in Coach Ware and Coach Angevine on campus to invest in and lead these young men. We look forward to long-term success as Coach Parkerson leads this strong staff.”
A Ruston man is in custody after he allegedly stabbed another man multiple times at a Lincoln Parish residence Saturday.
Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call to Castle Street just before midnight Saturday night. The victim had already been transported to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center by private vehicle.
The victim told deputies he had gone to the residence to pick up his nephew where he encountered Casious Hendricks, 36, of Ruston. The victim said the two know one other and began making conversation and joking with one another. At some point, Hendricks became irritated and retrieved a knife from the kitchen and attacked the victim. The victim said he was able to escape and go to another house where he was given a ride to the emergency room.
At about 10 a.m., Hendricks went to the Ruston Police Department to give a statement regarding the stabbing. He was taken to the Sheriff’s Office and interviewed.
Hendricks said he was at the Castle Street residence visiting his godmother when the alleged victim came in the house. He said the victim began calling him racial slurs and derogatory names. Hendricks said this had been happening for several weeks and usually he was able to laugh it off and ignore him.
Hendricks said the victim “pushed a button” and he retrieved a knife from the kitchen and confronted the victim. Hendricks said the victim got so close to him that as he hollered, spittle landed on Hendricks’s face. He then began stabbing the victim, striking him in the neck, shoulder and back. He then dropped the knife and struggled with the victim before leaving the house.
Hendrix was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for attempted manslaughter. Bail was set at $400,000.
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.
For more information on Andy Halbrook at Edward Jones, CLICK HERE.
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In the financial world, stocks and stock-based mutual funds often get a lot of attention. And deservedly so, because they often form the core of a portfolio. But to help achieve your goals, you may also want to consider a broader array of investments — one of which may be a certificate of deposit (CD).
As you may know, a CD earns interest on a lump sum for a designated period. You can purchase CDs whose maturities range from a few months to 10 or more years. Generally, the longer-term the CD, the higher the interest rate, although this isn’t always the case.
In recent years, CD rates have been pretty low, reflecting the overall interest-rate environment. But now, as the Federal Reserve has repeatedly raised interest rates to combat inflation, CD rates are rising, too. In fact, one-year CDs can currently be found paying in the 5% range — a rate that hasn’t been seen in more than 15 years. Later in 2023, though, if the Fed eases up on rate hikes, or perhaps even starts reversing them, CD rates could fall again.
You can purchase a CD from a bank or buy a “brokered” CD from a financial services provider. The income you receive from a CD may be its main attraction, especially if the rates remain elevated for a while. But there’s another key advantage to owning CDs: They can help diversify a portfolio of stocks and stock mutual funds that are generally more susceptible to movements in the financial markets. A portfolio that contains CDs, as well as bonds and government securities, can help reduce the effects of market volatility. Keep in mind, though, that diversification can’t guarantee profits or prevent losses in a declining market.
While adding individual CDs can be valuable, you might get a greater benefit from a more strategic approach known as laddering. You can build a CD ladder by buying a series of CDs that mature at different dates in the future — perhaps one month, three months, six months, nine months and 12 months out, or an even longer-term ladder of one to five years. In either case, as one CD matures, you can use the money if you need it or reinvest it to another “rung” on your ladder. If interest rates are up, the reinvestment option might be appealing, but if the available CD rates are lower than your maturing CDs, you could find better uses for your money. And you’d still have your longer-term CDs, possibly paying higher rates, working for you. You must evaluate whether a CD ladder and the securities held within it are consistent with your investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial circumstances.
The amount of space occupied by CDs in your portfolio should depend somewhat on your stage of life. If you’re a long way from retirement, you may want to own a larger percentage of growth-oriented investments. But once you’re retired and getting more income from your portfolio becomes more important, you might find a greater need for CDs.
In any case, CDs may prove useful to your overall financial strategy — so give them some thought.
Ruston Police arrested a Monroe woman early Friday morning after she was involved in a crash on Interstate 20.
RPD officers responded to a two-vehicle crash on westbound I-20 near the Louisiana Tech exit early Friday morning. One of the drivers, Sarah Pringle, seemed lethargic and her movements sluggish. According to the other driver involved, Pringle was driving all over the road prior to the accident.
When Pringle was asked for her driver’s license and opened her wallet, an officer saw a clear plastic bag containing suspected marijuana. The odor of marijuana was also detected.
Pringle was arrested. A search of the vehicle found Xanax, a Schedule IV controlled substance in the driver’s door.
At the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, Pringle performed poorly on field sobriety tests and a breath test revealed a lack of the presence of alcohol. A drug recognition expert came to the detention center to perform an evaluation.
As Pringle’s condition continued to worsen, she was taken to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center for evaluation. Once she was released from the emergency room, she was transported back to the detention center and booked for first offense DWI, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and careless operation of a vehicle.
Bail was set at $3,000.
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.
One of the first projects of the Lincoln Parish Sesquicentennial Committee has come to fruition with the recent release of a long out-of-print history of the parish.
The Lincoln Parish Library has posted a digitized version of “Lincoln Parish History,” a book published in 1976 by the Lincoln Parish Bicentennial Committee.
The massive hardbound book was available only for a short time in connection with the American Bicentennial. The only printing sold out quickly. The volume often sells at online auctions sites for hundreds of dollars but is now available as a digital file on the library’s newly designed history section of its webpage celebrating the 150th anniversary of the creation of Lincoln Parish.
Library Director Jeremy Bolom, a member of the Sesquicentennial Committee, commented, “I am pleased to be a part of this parish-wide effort to not only celebrate Lincoln Parish’s anniversary, but also to highlight the parish’s rich and sometime elusive history.”
The project was an early idea of the Sesquicentennial Committee appointed by the Lincoln Parish Police Jury to find ways to commemorate the anniversary.
“The book is a collection of materials and articles from whoever wished to donate in 1976,” Sesquicentennial Committee chairman Wesley Harris said. “While it is very large at nearly 700 pages, it has its shortcomings. Nothing is included about the world war experiences of Lincoln Parish and other significant events. But it contains valuable information, most of which has not been published elsewhere.”
The book contains history articles with sections on parish schools, families, churches, and businesses. Originally, the book came without an index, but one has been added to this digitization.
“I get asked often where to obtain a copy of the book,” Harris said. “I looked for years before I found my copy at a garage sale. It’s been available to view at the parish and Louisiana Tech libraries, but finding a personal copy is difficult.”
“We appreciate Louisiana Tech Archives scanning the book for us, but we have been looking for an easy way to disseminate it free to the public,” Harris said. “Its size makes it difficult to email, so we hoped to find a means to get it to the public at no charge. Jeremy Bolom and the library have solved that issue for us.”
“The library has always kept our two copies noncirculating to preserve our community’s history in print as long as possible,” Bolom said. “It’s very exciting to finally offer wider access to this unique and rare document, especially with the addition of an index.”
“The printed book was prepared by a committee of citizens appointed by the Police Jury, so it belongs to the public,” Harris said. The sesquicentennial committee decided quickly when the digitization project was brought up that no one would be charged for the book, he said.
Bolom said the book can be accessed at mylpl.org/lincoln-parish-history/. Articles on early parish history and other information on Lincoln’s 150th anniversary can also be found on the page.
Bolom and Harris said the committee is working on activities to involve the community in the anniversary and hope to announce them soon.
Last fall, Shauna Vallery became a curriculum strategist at Ruston Elementary after teaching for 24 years. Vallery is currently pursuing and will graduate in May with a master’s in curriculum and instruction with a focus in reading from the University of Louisiana in Monroe.
This additional education and training makes Vallery well-suited for the curriculum strategist position, which she said is a position in which she coaches the English language arts and social studies teachers.
She uses her extra knowledge and resourcefulness to provide her peers with support, whether that means assisting them in unpacking a curriculum, providing interventions, or helping them manage a behavior problem. Vallery also has continued to teach small groups of third, fourth, and fifth grade students who are reading below grade level. In these groups, she provides special interventions to help them be successful.
In addition to earning her master’s in May, Vallery holds a bachelor’s in elementary education from the University of North Texas, which she earned in conjunction with Louisiana Tech University. Vallery moved to Ruston before completing her degree in Texas and did her student teaching residency through Louisiana Tech. This unique scenario allowed Vallery to graduate with a teaching certification in grades K-6 for both Texas and Louisiana.
Vallery said she no longer maintains her Texas certification because Louisiana and Lincoln Parish have become home to her, but she holds a lifetime certificate in Louisiana.
“I have absolutely loved my 24 years of teaching,” she said. “This is my passion.” Vallery never wanted to be anything else. It was being able to work with resident teachers that caused Vallery to change her course.
“I loved working with new teachers,” she said. “It helped me to grow and challenged my way of thinking and teaching. Being able to influence a new teacher to go on and have their own teaching journey is so rewarding.”
Vallery said that if you’d asked her 10 years ago where her teaching career would lead, she would not have imagined that it would lead to becoming a curriculum strategist, but serving as a mentor to resident students changed her. It pushed her out of her comfort zone.
“My scope of love began to include not only my own students, but also my fellow teachers,” she said. “I felt becoming a coach was the next step in my journey.”
Now, as a curriculum strategist, Vallery said she is still very much involved with teachers and students, just in a different role. Although her role now involves supporting other teachers, she still gets to remain in the classroom with small groups and gets to have the best of both worlds.
In addition, she gets to have a bigger impact. “Impacting teachers ultimately impacts students,” she said. “In some way, I’ve touched all of our students through their teachers. It truly trickles down. Now I’m impacting our entire student body, not just those in my classroom. They are all my students.”
Vallery’s new role is demanding in the sense that she is constantly learning new things to then share with the teachers she coaches and the students she continues to teach. “Every day brings a different question from a teacher,” she said, “and every day a student has a new need.”
Vallery relies not only on the knowledge gained from being a veteran teacher and from her extra education, but also on her own ability to research and keep learning. She then has to process what she learns so that she can use it to help others be successful.
“So you can teach an old dog new tricks,” she said. “There’s always new learning that I can apply to my career and then turn around and share with others.”
Fishing poles and Michelob’s can be a man’s best friend for many, but for one fisherman the beauty of nature itself can replace a cold drink.
21-year-old John Thomas, a biology student at Grambling State University, started throwing hooks at 5 years old when his grandparents showed him a fishing derby.
“The event was for the youth on this specific day, I was amazed at how they prep the lakes and placed fishing nets in the water so the fish couldn’t escape,” Thomas said.
Furthermore, as he got older, Thomas realized the beauty behind fishing which is patience and loving the peace around him.
“I have to sit out there and wait; I can’t force a fish to bite a hook,” Thomas said. “It’s not like basketball when you have to practice, but with fishing it’s a waiting game with a cheat code of enjoying the trees.”
Also, while waiting for a lucky catch, his favorite fish to hunt is perch and catfish.
“The biggest I caught was a catfish that was about over a foot long maybe two — I don’t want to exaggerate but it was huge,” Thomas said.
Nevertheless, a gigantic fish needs a proper fishing pole. For Thomas, his favorite mechanism is a closed reel pole. It helps with the string and seeing the system better.
“I use open reels before, but I like the close reel fishing poles because I’m not a sports fisher as well,” Thomas said.
Since there’s no competition to be on time at, the early bird gets the worm. Thomas describes morning fishing as purity, whole, and still.
“You can go whenever, but when the sun is coming up, that’s the best time,” Thomas said. “It gives organic vibes that I can connect to that helps me fish better.”
He goes on to explain that morning fishing comes with benefits such as a cool water temperature and low light from the sun. This gives Thomas better confidence before he throws the hook.
Furthermore, to fulfill his benefits for fishing and peace, Thomas attends certain lakes such as Lincoln Parish Park, Grambling Pond and anyone with a body of water so he can have his fun.
“If I didn’t have fishing I would be upset, what else I’m supposed to ease my mind with other than music,” Thomas said. “Fishing is my best friend, I can’t lose that.”
On Monday, April 24, 2023, at approximately 7:30 a.m., detectives assigned to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations Monroe Field Office (LSP MFO) were requested by the West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office (WCPSO) to investigate a homicide that occurred at 134 Bran Road in Oak Grove. The deceased victim is identified as 61-year-old William Dewayne Copeland.
The initial investigation revealed that deputies responded to the residence of William Copeland and his wife, 56-year-old Frances Gilley Copeland, after she placed a call to the WCPSO asking for assistance. Upon the deputies’ arrival, they discovered William Copeland fatally shot inside the house.
Based on the findings of the investigation and information obtained, Frances Copeland was placed under arrest and booked into the River Bend Detention Center for second degree murder and obstruction of justice.
LSP MFO will serve as the lead investigating agency, with WCPSO assisting. The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further information is available at this time.
SHREVEPORT — Argent Mineral Management, a subsidiary of Argent Financial Group, announced Anna Rachal has joined the company as mineral manager.
As mineral manager, Rachal will focus on mineral wealth, contract negotiation, oil and gas accounting and asset evaluation. Rachal will report directly to David Luke, Argent Mineral Management president and David Smith, Argent Mineral Management Louisiana manager.
“We are pleased to welcome Anna to Argent Mineral Management,” said Luke. “Anna has an impressive knowledge of the industry and exceptional management skills – which will make her a valuable asset to our team.”
Rachal brings more than 13 years of experience in the energy and land management sectors. Most recently, Rachal served as an energy consultant. In this role, she evaluated property ownership and advised clients on recommended strategies for negotiation, management, organization and regulatory needs.
“I am excited to join the Shreveport office and Argent Mineral Management,” said Rachal. “I look forward to working alongside Argent’s team of talented professionals to provide our clients with a wide variety of services to best fit their needs.”
Rachal is a Louisiana Tech University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts. She also earned her Master of Energy Business from the University of Tulsa.
Argent Financial Group (Argent) is a leading, independent, fiduciary wealth management firm. Responsible for more than $40 billion in client assets, Argent provides individuals, families, businesses and institutions with a broad range of wealth management services, including trust and estate planning, investment management, ESOPs, retirement plan consulting, funeral and cemetery trusts, charitable organization administration, oil and gas (mineral) management and other unique financial services. Headquartered in Ruston, Louisiana, Argent was formed in 1990 and traces its roots back to 1930. For more information, visit www.ArgentFinancial.com.
Small College Basketball and the National Hall of Fame committee announced that former Louisiana Tech great Jackie Moreland will be inducted into the SCB Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2023.
First landing in the national spotlight while establishing a high school scoring record at Minden High School, the 6-foot-7 Moreland was said to have been one of the most sought after basketball recruits in the nation. The local product ended up staying home, coming to LA Tech where he played three seasons (1957-60) for Cecil Crowley the Bulldogs.
“The Small College Basketball Hall of Fame of 2023 is just outstanding! I hope that people take the time to read and research the accomplishments of each member of this class,” said Found of Small College Basketball, John McCarthy. “Collectively and individually, this Hall of Fame Class is historically significant to the great game of basketball at the collegiate level.”
Moreland was LA Tech’s first All-American following his first season. He ended up being an All-American all three years with the Bulldogs as well as a three-time All-Gulf States Conference selection and the 1960 GSC Player of the Year.
He currently ranks 17th on the all-time career scoring list, having totaled 1,491 points. His career scoring average of 21.3 points per game still ranks second in program history while his career rebounding average of 16.0 boards per game is likely to never be broken.
Moreland helped the Bulldogs to a 21-4 record and a Gulf States Conference championship in 1959 while averaging 21.1 points and a school-record 18.7 rebounds per game.
He went on to be the fourth overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. He played for the Pistons for seven years and later played three more years for New Orleans of the ABA.
Moreland, who passed away on Dec. 21, 1971 at the age of 33, was enshrined into the LA Tech Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984. He was part of the Class of 1984, the first ever class inducted.
The Small College Basketball Hall of Fame began in 2016, a creation that unites the college basketball from the NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA, USCAA, and NCCAA levels. This year’s Nationally Hall of Fame Class marks the seventh class inducted into the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 3 inside the Polk Theatre in Lakeland, Florida.
2023 National Hall of Fame Class Frankie Allen (Roanoke College) Gerald Cunningham (Kentucky State) Bayard Forrest (Grand Canyon) Greg Grant (Trenton State) John Grochowalski (Assumption) Charles Hardnett (Grambling State) Henry Lee Logan (Western Carolina) Jackie Moreland (Louisiana Tech) R.C. Owens (College of Idaho) Glenn Roberts (Emory & Henry) Joe Hutton (Hamline) Ed Steitz
LA Tech landed Texas Tech transfer Daniel Batcho. (Courtesy Photo)
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team beefed up its roster on Monday as head coach Talvin Hester announced the signing of Texas Tech transfer Daniel Batcho.
Batcho, standing 6-foot-11 at 235 pounds, has spent the last two seasons with the Red Raiders in Lubbock, Texas.
“We needed to continue to beef up our interior and adding Daniel is the last piece to that,” said Hester. “His ability to protect the rim and rebound is elite with his size. He will be a key contributor for us inside.”
The Paris, France native played in 23 games last season at Texas Tech, including 17 starts, when he averaged 7.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. He led the team in field goal percentage (60.5) and total blocked shots (35).
Batcho tallied three double-doubles throughout his redshirt sophomore season, including a 15-point, career-high 13-rebound effort against Georgetown in the Big 12-Big East Battle. He also tallied a career-high 21 points against Ohio State in the Maui Invitational.
In his first season with the Red Raiders, the forward helped the team reach the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. He played in 33 games, averaging 2.2 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 63.2 percent from the field.
Batcho transferred to Texas Tech following a season at Arizona where he redshirted after undergoing knee surgery. Prior to heading to Tucson, Arizona, he played for Centre Federal du Basketball (CFBB). He helped U18 CFBB Paris to a runner-up finish at the Euroleague Basketball Next Generation Tournament where he recorded a double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds.
Melba Jones February 23, 1948 – April 23, 2023 Services pending
Sheila Anne Stevenson Reed Wednesday 09/07/1960 — Tuesday 04/18/2023 Family Gathering: Friday 04/28/2023 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Friday 04/28/2023 3:00pm to 7:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Service: Friday 04/28/2023 6:30pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 04/29/2023 11:00am, Mount Zion Baptist Church, 2586 Highway 150, Grambling Interment: Saturday 04/29/2023 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
Pictured are dignitaries ceremonially breaking ground Saturday for Louisiana’s Tech Williams Champions Plaza. (Photo courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications)
By T. Scott Boatright
Louisiana Tech’s Athletics Department kicked off something even bigger than Saturday’s Spring Football Game was held when a groundbreaking ceremony was held celebrating the start of construction for the Sarah and A.L. Williams Champions Plaza.
Named in honor of former Louisiana Tech student-athlete and football coach A.L. Williams and his wife Sarah, the plaza that will be situated above and behind the north end zone of Joe Aillet Stadium.
Former Louisiana Tech football standout Chris Richardson, who is the nephew of A.L. and Sarah Williams, provided the philanthropic gift that will fund the plaza.
“We’re just so grateful to Chris and Ann Richardson for their generous support and I would like to say they have been so beneficial and supportive of this university in so many ways over so many years,” Louisiana Tech President Les Guice said. “We’ve known each other for a long time and interacted a lot and I know that this project could not have happened without their leadership, support and committment, along with so many other things they’re helping us on.”
The plaza will be the front entrance to the new academic center that will be constructed in the north end of Joe Aillet Stadium that will house the student athlete success center. The new facility will also include a new video board and scoreboard for the stadium.
It will also include statues in honor of the most highly-decorated student-athletes and teams in the university’s history: Terry Bradshaw, Fred Dean, Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, Willie Roaf, and Teresa Weatherspoon.
A former Louisiana Tech running back, receiver and punt return from 1953-56, Williams went on to serve as the head football coach at Northwestern State University from 1975 to 1982 and Louisiana Tech University from 1983 to 1986, compiling a career college football coaching record of 66–65–1. Williams was also the athletic director at Northwestern State from 1978 to 1983.
Louisiana Tech Director of Athletics Eric Wood thanked Richardson before moving on to celebrating the occasion
“It’s not only a chance to celebrate one of our greats, but to also impact and hopefully inspire our current student athletes with that academic center,” Wood said. “Being front and center in this location, every day that these kids, these student athletes, come in to study, whether it’s required study hall or just hopefully a place they want to get their work done, they’re going to walk by the our former student athletes who achieved the highest awards they could in their sport and in the classroom.”
The Louisiana Department of Education awards the title of “Comeback Campus” to principals Chris Jones from Choudrant High, Mary Kilgore from Cypress Springs, Tiffany Curry from Dubach Elementary and Alisia Thomason from I.A. Lewis.
The award by increasing the percent of students scoring mastery and above while decreasing the percent of students scoring unsatisfactory on the statewide assessment.
Mary Kilgore, Cypress Springs Elementary School principal, commented on her feeling of pride for her students.
“I knew we were improving and growing kids daily, but I had no idea we would receive state recognition,” said Kilgore. “It is truly an honor to be named a Comeback Campus for our math gains. The official Louisiana Department of Education Comeback Campus banner proudly hangs in our building for all to see.”
Alisia Thomason, I.A. Lewis principal, expressed the honor of her school’s hard work.
“We are so honored to receive this recognition. Our teachers are dedicated every day to meeting the individual needs of each student,” said Thomason. “Students were held to high expectations and they worked hard to improve.”
Louisiana State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley and District 5 BESE Representative Ashley Ellis visited the principals to learn more about their strategies their teams implemented to achieve the accomplishment.
Tiffany Curry, Dubach Elementary principal, gives credit to their math teachers.
“Our third to fourth grade math teachers Kimberly Robison and Kimberly Franks do an excellent job of making sure are students are equipped with what they need to be successful when it comes to mathematics,” said Curry.
After accomplishing high test scores for students, the schools hope to achieve much more.
“We look forward to continuing to excel academically, not only in math, but in ELA as well,” said Curry.
A white 2015 Ford F-150 crew cab truck stolen from a residence in Hico Thursday has been recovered and a suspect arrested.
A 38-year old Dubach woman, Jessica Johnston, known to the victim had been named as a suspect.
The truck was stolen between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Thursday and was spotted by the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office Friday night. Johnston was reportedly driving the vehicle.
The arrest was Johnston’s second in as many weeks. Last week, the Lincoln Parish Journal reported sheriff’s deputies were sent to Hico Loop Street in Dubach on April 11 regarding a woman lying in the ditch and harassing vehicles driving by.
Johnston was found sitting in the ditch by deputies. When they attempted to talk to her, she allegedly cursed the deputies and refused to answer any questions. Two witnesses said they saw Johnston lying in the ditch and attempted to stop and help her. Both said when they attempted to talk to the woman, she yelled profanities at them and then threw dirt and rocks at their vehicles. Johnston was booked for criminal mischief, disturbing the peace, and resisting an officer.
Bail amount for Johnston was not available at press time.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Choudrant pitcher Holley Bennett and third baseman Mattie Johnson celebrate seconds after locking down their quarterfinals win over Holded on Saturday.. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
It ain’t over until it’s over.
That’s a lesson learned by the Choudrant Lady Aggies Saturday afternoon, even if it all happened the hard way.
But the Lady Aggies made the grade Saturday with an 8-7 win over top-seeded Holden to advance to the championship round of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Division V Select School playoffs to be held in Sulphur.
Against Holden, Choudrant jumped out early, building a 2-1 advantage by tH
Single scored herself when Elissa Guillotte also reached first on a Holden fielding effort to push Choudrant’s lead to 2-1.
The Lady Aggies added three more runs in the bottom of the second as Choudrant scored three runs off of two hits, two walks and a hit batter with Mattie Johnston, Faith Milton and Bennett all accounting for runs to propel CHS to a 5-1 advantage.
Holden countered with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth inning, but Choudrant answered by pushing across three runs in the bottom of the fifth to build an 8-3 lead.
Zoey Smith and Addison Worley both singled to start that inning for the Lady Aggies before Smith scored on a sacrifice hit by Guilotte.
Emma Bell then reached first on a fielding error, scoring Worley, before scoring herself on a sacrifice hit by Milton.
Then Bennett had to survive a four-run barrage by Holden in the top of the sixth inning that cut Choudrant’s lead to one run at 8-7 heading into the top of the seventh.
Bennett gave up a single to the first Holden batter, but after picking off that baserunner at second on a stolen base attempt she shut down the next two Lady Rockets’ batters to secure the win pushing the Lady Aggies into the Division V select semifinals.
There the ninth-seeded Lady Aggies will meet fourth-seeded Converse in semifinals play starting at noon Friday in Sulphur.
“This one of the more intense games I’ve ever coached in,” Choudrant’s Wayne Antley said after the contest. “It was just crazy intense. But we pulled it off and now we go down to Sulphur where it’s anybody’s tournament. This is just a great win for this team during a great season.”
The way Bennett maintained her composure in the circle and buckled down for the win did not go unnoticed by Antley
“She did that the last two games in the playoffs – just shook off the starts and just kept fighting,” Antley said. “That’s just the way this team is – the personality of the team. It wasn’t ‘if’ we beat Holden, it was ‘when’ they beat Holden.
“And they went out and did it. Against the top team in the state for a while now. We’ll see what happens, but this team can do whatever they want to. Beat whoever they want to. We have something special happening here.”
Learn to know your value. That was the message keynote speaker Ken Lear presented to Grambling State University students awarded during an Honors Convocation held Thursday morning inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
As Vice President for Real Estate for AT&T, Lear, who graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology from GSU in 1989 before going on to earn his MBA from Saint Mary’s College in California, oversees a large corporate portfolio consisting of more than 50,000 owned and leased assets totaling 220 million square feet.
Lear shared three things from his standpoint as a GSU alumnus and corporate executive of three things he believes the honors students should be doing or plan to do to enhance their chances of one day joining him in the corporate world.
He gave them three points to consider, the first being how they plan to fit into a company’s culture.
“You want to create a college record that shows your academic success, your campus engagement and your community engagement,” Lear said.
He encouraged them to stay on the right academic track, but to remember practical application of that knowledge is even more meaningful.
“Execute on your academics, but also be a participant in the Grambling community and family, and beyond the Grambling family – the community that Grambling supports and supports Grambling,” Lear said. “Another way of phrasing this is to be well-rounded. And make sure it doesn’t look like a token. It needs to look like true, genuine participation, because what the corporate world wants is engagement. We measure employee engagement.
“Why? Productivity drives revenue. We’re seeking employees that are going to be ideal corporate citizens, so demonstrate your citizenship through your college experience.”
Lear’s second point to consider was for the students to demonstrate initiative and preparation.
“Curiosity is good, but initiative produces results,” Lear said. “When meeting a prospective employer, the way you ask questions, or what questions you ask, or how you respond, is a reflection of your preparation and readiness.
“If you don’t take the initiative to prepare before you are hired, as an employer I would assume you will not take initiative after I hire you. I won’t assume you’re suddenly going to become stellar after you’re hired if you’re not demonstrating such behavior before.”
Lear’s third point was for the students to demonstrate self-awareness.
“Lacking confidence will hinder your growth, but false confidence is a credibility killer,” Lear said. “If you perceive you have talents that you don’t, if you perceive that your execution is what it isn’t, you will make a fool of yourself, and people will quickly dismiss what you have to say.
“So, you must enter an engagement with objectivity and transparency if to no one else, then to yourself. Your strengths and opportunities will likely change throughout life. You’re constantly growing and constantly evolving. And the environment around you is changing as well.”
The honors convocation recognized GSU students on the President’s List, Dean’s List, and Honor Roll as well as GSU graduate students, with all receiving medallions at the program’s conclusion.
“Today we celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievements of our talented students,” said GSU President Rick Gallot. “I am proud to announce that between the previous fall and spring semesters, over 3,500 of you have earned being on the President’s List, Dean’s List or the Honor Roll.
“Your accomplishments are the embodiment of excellence and are proof that hard work pays off. You’ve not only made yourselves and your families proud but also have brought pride to our institution.”
Ruston Police arrested a Belle Chase man last Tuesday after he allegedly left drugs at a local residence.
Officers were called to a South Vernon Street home early Tuesday morning regarding an unwanted guest. Cameron V. Delafosse, 28, had left the residence before officers arrived. The complainant reported Delafosse had left drugs at the house. Police took thedrugs as evidence.
Delafosse was located nearby on Mills Avenue. He was asked about the drugs left at the Vernon Street home. Delafosse confessed to having possession of the narcotics and leaving them at the house.
He was arrested and booked for possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance and possession of a legend drug.
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.
