Sarah Ryan, a 2020 College of Education and Human Sciences graduate in elementary education and mild/moderate elementary (grades 1-5), has published a new book titled “Inch by Inch – Becoming a Bookworm!”
The book, co-written with her father Greg Ryan, narrates the tale of an inchworm who adores school but faces challenges in reading. With the support of his family and friends, he realizes that reading is a skill that can be enhanced “inch by inch.”
“My dad and I decided to write ‘Inch by Inch – Becoming a Bookworm!’ out of a shared passion for education and our belief in the transformative power of reading,” said Ryan. “We’ve always believed that reading is the gateway to knowledge and imagination.”
Drawing from her experience as an elementary school teacher, Ryan observed a common struggle among students in maintaining interest and enthusiasm in their reading journeys. She and her father aspired to create an engaging, enjoyable, and educational story that resonates with young readers.
“The character of Ian the Inchworm was inspired by the concept of small but consistent steps leading to significant progress, an approach we believe is pivotal in the process of learning to read and cultivating a love for it,” said Ryan. “Our book is a testament to our belief that every child can develop a love for reading, and every small step taken is a step closer to this goal.”
Louisiana Tech University played a significant role in inspiring Ryan to create the book. The education she received from the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership allowed her to understand how children learn and process information, leading her to take a new direction in enhancing children’s reading skills, which ultimately resulted in the creation of the book.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the community at Louisiana Tech, specifically to one of my favorite professors, Dr. Libby Manning,” said Ryan. “Dr. Manning instilled in me the power of teaching essential standards through picture books, offered invaluable education through diverse learning opportunities, and encouraged me every step of the way. I will ever loyal be!”
The College of Education and Human Sciences is honored to have been a part of Ryan and her father’s journey in creating the book.
“Sarah Ryan exudes enthusiasm for teaching and learning,” said Manning. “As a teacher candidate in the writing methods course, I watched her stories come to life on the page as she embraced the role of an author. Like any great writer, Sarah is also an avid reader who reads like a writer, always on the lookout for tips she finds through these mentor authors. We are proud to say she calls Louisiana Tech University home.”
Earlier this morning, shortly after 7:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. Hwy 425 at Buckles Road. The crash claimed the lives of 9-year-old Bryn Thompson and 7-year-old Harrison Thompson of Rayville.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban, driven by 43-year-old Kasey Thompson, was traveling south on U.S. Hwy 425. At the same time, a 2001 Volvo tractor towing a grain trailer, driven by 70-year-old James Barnes, was also traveling south on U.S. Hwy 425 behind the Chevrolet. As Thompson was preparing to turn left onto Buckles Road, the Volvo collided with the rear of the Chevrolet. After impact the Chevrolet became engulfed in flames.
Bryn and Harrison Thompson, who were properly restrained, were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Richland Parish Coroner’s Office. Kasey Thompson and her front seat passenger, who were properly restrained, sustained non-life threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Barnes, who was unrestrained, was not injured. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Stay safe on the road by always driving attentively and without impairment. Avoid distractions, such as texting, eating, or using your phone, and remain focused on the task at hand. Also never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs (prescribed or illicit). Making responsible choices while driving can save lives and prevent tragedies.
In 2023, Troop F has investigated 22 fatal crashes, resulting in 25 deaths.
Now that I’m in my early 60s, I’ve often wondered what kind of person I would have become without the people who mentored me, the people who influenced my thoughts and the things I believe in. I am a believer that each of us has a destiny that only the Big Man above knows who we will become. Everyday growing up we were exposed to people around us like teachers, coaches, preachers, aunts, uncles, family friends and more importantly, our parents.
For me personally, each of the above had a big impact on me in so many ways, but my coaches probably had the biggest impact because I was around them more than anyone else. During my generation, coaches were tough and, in most cases, feared. You respected them because they demanded respect. They taught you what it meant to commit to a task and complete that task. They taught mental toughness and how to overcome what the mind was telling the body when the going got tough.
They taught the concept of being a team player and how to work together to conquer an opponent. Team building, as they called it, was a crucial ingredient in the recipe for team success. No one was bigger or better than the team itself. If you thought you were special, my coaches had a way of bringing you back down to earth. How did they do it you ask? Well, a few examples would be 100 yard bear crawls or barrel rolls, up downs for what seemed like hours but was only for a few minutes, or maybe they just ran you until you either threw up or just couldn’t go any further. They pushed you to limits you thought you could not achieve. Today, the ways my coaches got your full attention would be called child abuse and would not be tolerated. More than likely, you’d end up in court dealing with a lawsuit.
Even though my days of competing on the football and baseball fields are long gone, fishing bass tournaments has replaced that competitive fire that I still have. Over the years and now into my early 60s, my mindset has changed. No longer do I pre-fish from daylight till dark five days straight before an event. I’m just not that mad at the fish anymore and my competitive fire is not as strong as it used to be.
Today, you have to fish smarter not harder and utilize your time on the water more effectively. With today’s high-tech electronics that bass boats possess, it has made searching for bass a lot easier. We used to spend all day casting to find fish, but now all we must do is idle around looking at a screen in order to mark and locate schools of bass.
There a few other things you can do to help prepare for an event like having good line on each reel and making sure your hooks are sharp. Another thing that can help give you a slight advantage, adding your favorite scent to every bag of worms can sometimes make a difference in the number of bites you get in a day. Does it really work? As any professional angler would tell you…if YOU believe it works and gives you more confidence, use it!
To wrap this up, don’t mistake my lower level of commitment to a form of weakness. My desire to win still burns and it hurts just as bad today to lose as it did twenty years ago. All anglers play armchair quarterback on the drive home and question what they could have done differently that might have resulted in a higher place of finish. No one plays devils advocate more than bass fishermen!
Tournament bass fishing is not so much about what bait or color you’re throwing, it’s about the decisions you make on tournament day. Making the right move to a different location at the right time is the difference in catching fish or not. TIMING IN BASS FISHING IS EVERYTHING! The anglers that make the right moves at the right time, are usually cashing a check.
Till next time, good luck, good fishing and make sure you wear sun protective clothing and sunscreen. Melanoma is the number one killer of all the cancers and it’s one that can be prevented.
GSU Coach Hue Jackson (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
Picking the right pieces for the puzzle was a primary order of business as the Grambling State Tigers held an intrasquad scrimmage before Fan Day festivities Saturday morning on the GSU campus.
The most apparent takeaways from Saturday’s scrimmage were that the Tigers will return a swarming defense while also a full stable of talented running backs on the offensive side of the ball.
“We’re just getting started,” said Grambling coach Hue Jackson. “We’ve had two weeks of finding out who we are and now we have two weeks before we have to go out there and play a game.”
The scrimmage also provided some of the newest Tigers a first step toward earning their stripes.
“It was a chance for the guys to show us what they’ve got,” Jackson said. “We had a great rookie show last night where guys got fired up. I wanted to see how they handled that. Because now they had to come out here between the white lines and play football.
“And for the most part they did. There’s some things we’ve got to improve on. But what I liked was that there was a lot of competing — competition happening out there — and that’s all you can ask for.”
Jackson said the scrimmage was designed to help the coaching staff move toward determining a depth chart for the Tigers.
“It’s getting closer, I do know that,” Jackson said. “We have some spots we feel good about, but we have some spots we’ve still got to make decisions about, too. These guys know that if you miss a day because of injury or if something’s not going well, there’s going to be someone else who steps up in there to play.”
Grambling’s defense looked strong during Saturday’s scrimmage, which wasn’t a big shock by any means.
But Jackson was also satisfied with his offense overall, thanks in large part to a running back by committee approach that seemed to be the driving force through much of the scrimmage.
“It was OK,” Jackson said of the Tigers’ offensive performance. “I thought we ran the ball well. We’ve got to throw it better. We’ll continue to work at that. But I thought we ran the ball extremely well. We just have to continue to grow in our system.”
Sophomore Julian Calvez is the only returning quarterback for the Tigers, but even after starting half the season last year he’s still in a three-man race with freshman Miles Crawley and Armani Gilmore for the No. 1 role under center this season.
“It’s a good race — they’re competing,” Jackson said. “Julian’s obviously the returning starter. Myles is competing. Armani’s competing. We’ll make a decision at the right time. Right now I don’t see the rush to do that.”
Jackson and his coaching staff also took a good look at their kicking game as they try to find a way to fill the golden shoes of two-time all Southwestern Athletic Conference kicker Garrett Urban.
“You start worrying about it now – that’s what getting ready is all about,” Jackson said. “It affects the confidence of our team. When they see guys doing it the way it’s supposed to be done, they get excited about it.
“So I think that’s what’s important about it. We’ll make that decision when we know. We’ve just got to know what we are and who we are. We had that luxury last year with Garrett Urban knowing what we had at kicker. We don’t have that luxury anymore. Not yet, anyway.”
Tonight at 7 on Louisiana Public Broadcasting (KLTM-TV Channel 13 in Monroe, KLTS-TV Channel 24 in Shreveport), viewers statewide can enjoy a two-hour special, “Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame: 2023 Celebration,” recapping the July 27-29 induction festivities for the LSHOF’s Class of 2023.
LPB programming is also available live at www.lpb.org and also with the LPB App.
Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, four-time WNBA All-Star Alana Beard, LSU football record-shattering receiver Wendell Davis and College World Series champion baseball coach Paul Mainieri are part of a star-studded 12-member group of honorees recently inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Beard and Davis are Shreveport natives.
This LPB sports special, produced in partnership with the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, features highlights from the July 29 induction ceremony and many of the festivities surrounding it. Also included are the induction interviews and profile stories on each of the honorees, plus a look at the newly-added memorabilia to the Hall of Fame Museum in Natchitoches.
“As LPB serves as Louisiana’s storytellers, audiences are used to seeing LPB programs featuring our state’s people, history, and culture,” says Clarence “C.C” Copeland, LPB President and CEO.
“A walk through the Sports Hall of Fame Museum will show you that our state’s contributions to the world of sports is another story worth telling! We are excited to expand our sports programming efforts and what better opportunity than this.”
Along with tonight’s premiere, LPB will encore the show on Thursday, August 17 at 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, August 20 at 5 p.m. After the night of the broadcast premiere, the program will be available for on demand streaming for members with LPB PASSPORT – an extended membership benefit.
Along with Manning, Mainieri, Davis and Beard, the LSHOF Class of 2023 also includes New Orleans native Ron Washington, who managed the Texas Rangers to a pair of World Series appearances and helped the Atlanta Braves win the world’s championship; two-time LSU track and field USA Olympian and world champion Walter Davis; and Slidell native, Tulane great and Chicago Bears two-time Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte.
Also inducted were All-American LSU pitcher Paul Byrd, a 14-year Major League Baseball veteran who made the 1999 All-Star Game; multiple national champion and world class weightlifter Walter Imahara, a UL-Lafayette legend whose story began in a Japanese American internment camp in California during World War II; and retired Baton Rouge-Parkview Baptist baseball coach M.L. Woodruff, whose teams claimed 11 state championships.
Rounding out the Class of 2023: two transformational and highly decorated figures in Louisiana’s sports journalism field, Lafayette writer and editor Bruce Brown and longtime New Orleans Times-Picayune prep writer Lori Lyons.
Visit LaSportsHall.com for more information on the Class of 2023 and all 479 people enshrined in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame since 1958, along with information on past and upcoming LSHOF activities.
Aishea S. Grant Wednesday 12/06/1978 — Friday 08/11/2023 Visitation: Tuesday 08/15/2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Wednesday 08/16/2023 1:00pm, St. Rest Baptist Church, 209 Walker Road, Chourdant Interment: Wednesday 08/16/2023, St. Rest Baptist Church Cemetery, 209 Walker Road, Choudrant
Charlotte Ann (Williams) King August 5, 1947 – August 10, 2023 Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Saturday, September 2, 2023, 10:00 am
Mary Shed Friday 02/13/1948 — Wednesday 08/09/2023 Family Gathering: Tuesday 08/15/2023 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Tuesday 08/15/2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Wednesday 08/16/2023 11:00am, Zion Traveler Baptist Church, 1201 Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston Interment: Wednesday 08/16/2023 Following Service, Fellowship Church Cemetery, Highway 507, Simsboro
Nancy Wells Woodard Sunday 08/08/1943 — Thursday 08/10/2023 Family Gathering: Thursday 08/17/2023 2:00pm Visitation: Thursday 08/17/2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Friday 08/18/2023 11:00am, New Rocky Valley Baptist Church, 2155 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Grambling Interment: Friday 08/18/2023 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
James Cottingham Monday 11/02/1942 — Sunday 08/06/2023 Memorial Service: Thursday 08/17/2023 12:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Spurgeon M. Tatum Tuesday 12/11/2007 — Monday 08/07/2023 Age: 15 Family Gathering: Friday 08/18/2023 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Friday 08/18/2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Wake: Friday 08/18/2023 5:00pm to 7:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/19/2023 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 08/19/2023 Following Service, Asberry Cemetery, Chatham
Girtheen Millage Friday 05/08/1953 — Monday 08/07/2023 Family Gathering: Thursday 08/17/2023 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Thursday 08/17/2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Wake: Thursday 08/17/2023 6:00pm to 7:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Funeral Service: Friday 08/18/2023 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Friday 08/18/2023 Following Service, Bonner Cemetery, Ruston
(This is one of 20 profiles on the recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2023 Rising Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. Photo by Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com).
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Name: Ashlee Bell
Age: 37
Employer: Lincoln Parish Schools – Ruston High School
Title: Teacher
Hometown: Longview, Texas
How long have you lived in Lincoln Parish: 2017
Civic-volunteer organizations:When I’m not teaching, I spend a lot of my time working with the district to develop grade-level materials and teacher supports and tutoring high school and college students in a variety of subjects related to English language. I am also a wife and mother, and my husband and children are the reason I continue to do the work that I do. My children are in the public school system here, one attends Hillcrest and one is starting at LPECC, and I know that one day they’ll be at Ruston High School. My husband is a 2005 graduate of Ruston High School, and I see my job as preserving and building a legacy that my children will inherit when they become Bearcats. Lincoln Parish Schools set my husband up for his current success, and I get to contribute to the success of our future students, including my own children.
Professional Highlights: Certified Mentor teacher, serves on ELA Curriculum team for the district as a Grade-Level Lead teacher; represented RHS as Teacher of the Year in 2021; represented Lincoln Parish later on as Secondary Teacher of the Year; just returned from Seattle where she, other faculty and the school board superintendent presented their collaborative vertical model at the Advanced Placement Annual Conference.
Emily Howell on Ashlee Bell: When you find one of “your people” in your workplace, you should count your blessings. Over the past five years, Ashlee Bell has become a pillar of Ruston High School and Lincoln Parish Schools. I have had the privilege of teaching students English III after she taught them Pre-AP English II, and I can personally attest to the phenomenal job she does preparing students for the rigor of Advanced Placement work. Students enjoy Ashlee’s class because she is fair, calm, intelligent, and hardworking. She has control of the classroom and cultivates a classroom of curiosity and risk taking. Additionally, Ashlee has a passion for mentoring residents and new teachers and has become a role model for so many around her. She is the epitome of professionalism and poise, and she is an invaluable part of the ELA Vertical Team in Lincoln Parish. She takes the initiative to help teachers not just on her campus but at Choudrant High and Simsboro High as well. She embodies our ELA Vertical Team’s motto of “We are better together.” What I love most about Ashlee, is that chances are, she’s probably the smartest person in the room, but she’s also the nicest. She’s chronically unselfish – it isn’t about her ego, preferences, or comforts. For her, anything she does boils down to what’s best for kids in this district. On a personal level, she has become one of my closest friends – someone who encourages me, someone who gives me constructive feedback when I need it, and someone who just generally enhances my life.
Q&A with Ashlee Bell:
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
The fact that Lincoln Parish is home to two nationally recognized colleges/universities, Louisiana Tech and Grambling State, as well as Delta, an innovator in technical training programs, reflects the value that our community places on education. Our public school system is one of the top performing districts in the state, and the leaders, teachers, and support staff in our school system actively seek to improve and expand success so all students receive access to high quality instruction with a tier-one curriculum. Our students graduate ready to excel in a variety of settings, but because Louisiana Tech, Grambling State, and Delta offer so many excellent programs, many of our best students end up staying right here in Lincoln Parish. Our institutes of higher education have really been the genesis of building a community of diverse innovators and thinkers, and I celebrate the unique opportunity they provide for me, as a teacher, to get to see my former students learn and grow into leaders that serve in their home community.
How do you see your role in improving Lincoln Parish?
My job affords me with such a unique opportunity to teach and challenge the future leaders of Lincoln Parish. I’ve seen former students graduate and move into a variety of professional and leadership roles in our community and around the state. I even get to teach with former students; so I really see my classroom as a platform for improving our parish. My job is to teach every student who enters my classroom and to leave a positive impact on every student I encounter throughout the day. I hold my students accountable to high standards, and I hold myself to those high standards as well. I regularly tell my students that what we’re doing is hard, but that they can do hard things, and I think they leave my room with the resilience and diligence that they need to face current and future challenges successfully. And since I teach English Literature, I hope that they leave my room with the empathy and appreciation for diverse voices that future leaders need to grow our community.
Who has played a pivotal role in your professional development and why?
here are so many people who have taught, encouraged, and challenged me, but I truly would not be at Ruston High School (and by extension Lincoln Parish) without Emily Howell, ELA Facilitator for LPSB. We met in graduate school, and every year I taught at West Monroe, she would reach out to me, tell me about what opportunities were available here, and encourage me to consider a change. The year I came to Lincoln Parish I had just had a baby, and I was panicking about finding available childcare. She reached out to me while I was sitting in the office of yet another daycare provider that was not taking any more infants. She said that Ruston High had a position that she felt was made for me, and I just responded with, “is there childcare in Ruston?” She sent me information on multiple facilities, and I was able to secure childcare within the week. Since then, she has become a professional mentor and wonderful friend to me. I wouldn’t be here without her, and I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today without the team she has put together in this parish.
The 1987 Meridian, Miss., 14u All-Stars with current LA Tech head coach Lane Burroughs middle of the second row (kneeling). (Courtesy Photo)
By Malcolm Butler
Louisiana Tech skipper Lane Burroughs was the featured speaker for the opening ceremonies of the Dixie World Series that the City of Ruston hosted at the Ruston Sports Complex the past few weeks.
Burroughs spoke from his heart on back-to-back Friday nights as dozens of teams from around the nation converged on Ruston to play in their respective age groups Dixie Youth World Series.
A big stage for 10u and 12u teams, but one they have worked all summer to earn.
Burroughs was the perfect man for the job. After all, the Bulldog Boss knows a thing or two about playing in the Dixie World Series.
At age 14, the now-grizzled 50-year old and 15 of his Mississippi buddies represented Meridian and the entire Magnolia State in the 1987 Dixie World Series in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It was a hard-nosed group of 13- and 14-year olds. To this day, Burroughs and his buddies cherish and recall the experience as if it were yesterday.
They were bound by baseball.
“I got to carry the flag at the opening ceremonies at the field,” said Burroughs, referring to a ceremonial part of the opening ceremonies for the Dixie World Series. “You go put your flag up. As you lose, you go get your flag.”
Burroughs, who played centerfield for the Mississippi All-Stars, was team captain for a talented group that included numerous boys who would eventually play college baseball later in life.
Meridian is known for producing some great baseball players, including names like Oil Can Boyd, the Cole Brothers (Popeye, Greg, Michael, Brian), Jay Powell, Frank Baker. The list can go on and on.
“Meridian has a rich, rich history of baseball,” said Burroughs. “Baseball is a big deal in that community.”
Burroughs and his boys were just another in a long line of Meridian-based all-star teams that made noise in the Dixie World Series.
Bound by baseball.
“Back in those days 13-and 14-year old was called Babe Ruth, but it was basically Dixie boys baseball,” said Burroughs. “The two teams that came right before us from Meridian had made it to the World Series as well, but hadn’t won it. We felt like we were the team.”
And if the district and state tournament was any indication, they would be. The Meridian All-Stars ran through the sub-district tournament in Laurel and then the state tournament in Hattiesburg.
“I will never forget. We beat Clinton,” said Burroughs referring to the state tournament. “We were just mowing through every team. I remember that game. Ironically, the kid we beat on the mound that game (Patrick Nation) ended up being one of my college roommates at Mississippi College. His son, Connor, is coming to play for us this year. It was like 4-1. I can remember us being like, ‘Dang, we didn’t beat the crap out of them. What is wrong with us?'”
Not much was wrong with that Meridian team of 1987. Burroughs was far from a one-man show, and he will be the first to clarify that point quickly. The team was comprised of David Booker, Bill Cornish, Laverne Crowther, Jimmy Files, Shadrick Glass, Richard, Hickman, Monte Marshall, Marcus McCoy, Phillip Moore, Jamie Parker, Marcus Portis, Ashley Robinson, Jessie Smith, Brian Temple and Eric Wooten. Corky Null, Mike Sterling and Randall Hall were the coaches.
A team bound by baseball.
And from August 7 through August 13 of 1987, these Mississippi-based all-stars took their talents to Cherry Park to face the best from across the south led by their team captain.
“Fast. Gritty. Sweat bands,” said Temple, recalling what 14-year-old Lane Burroughs was like in 1987. “Skinny as a rail. Hustle. Lead off hitter. Leader. Those are the first things that come to my mind. He was our captain.
“I remember Lane and other leaders on the team embracing everyone and making us all feel like a unit. We had a lot of team chemistry.”
Temple, who still lives in Meridian and is a stock broker for Stifel Financial, is still great friends with Burroughs. They tandem would serve as co-captains at Meridian Junior College in 1993 and talk “just about every week” according to Burroughs.
Afterall, they are bound by baseball.
Marshall, who was one of the few 13-year-olds on the Meridian all-star team, said Burroughs make him feel a part of the team instantly.
“He was very much a team player,” said Marshall, who lives in Birmingham and is a financial advisor for NBC Securities as well as the founder of the 33s baseball summer travel ball organization. “He cared about every body doing well and winning.
“He was a very hard-nosed player, from batting practice just before a game to the very last pitch. He was on every pitch. Very intense. He wanted to win but he wanted to do it together. And he made me feel included.
“He was the first older player that I looked up to and say, ‘Hey, I want to be like that.’ If I get a opportunity with a younger player … that’s how I want to treat them. It was a whole lot of fun to play with him.”
These traits and more are the reason that Burroughs was voted the captain of the team.
“I remember taking batting practice at John Moss Field and Corky Null said, ‘Alright we need to elect a captain and person to carry the flag out to when we play in Hattiesburg and if we advance and to be the leader of our team,'” said Temple. “I vividly remember Marcus McCoy coming out and saying, ‘Ya’ll vote for Lane. Ya’ll vote for Lane.’
“We were an integrated team. Marcus was black. And here was the most talented player on the team saying, ‘Ya’ll vote Lane.'”
Bound by baseball.
After the opening ceremony, Burroughs and Co. got punched in the mouth in the opener, falling to Tennessee in the double elimination tournament.
“We lost to Tennessee in game one,” remembered Burroughs. “We had worn these blue jerseys with grey pants all season. One of our gifts for going to the world series was the (Meridian) mayor came and talked to us and presented us new red jerseys. We hadn’t lost a game (all summer) in the blues, and then we lost to Tennessee in the first game in the blue jerseys.”
It would force them to play their way through the loser’s bracket in order to make the championship.
They did.
“We voted that we were going to wear the red jerseys now,” said Burroughs. “So we ditched the blue and then it was ‘Here we go.’ We just kept winning in the red jerseys after that (first loss).”
It set up a match-up against Auburn Montgomery, Alabama and a tough task for the Mississippi fellas if they wanted to take home the title of 1987 Dixie World Series champions.
“We had to beat them twice,” said Burroughs. “We beat them (in game one), and so we had to play them again like an hour later. We are hot and sweaty, but we are rolling. We just knew we were going to win.
“But There was a division on the team on which color jersey we were going to wear. It was almost like there was a face off on which jersey we were going to wear. The red ones were all sweating from playing the first game.
“Our coach Corky Null said, ‘Lane, you are the captain. You decide.’ I said, ‘We are going to put the blue back on.’ And then we got beat. To this day, if I see one of the guys, they say ‘Hey, put those blue jersey’s back on.'”
According to Burroughs, the championship game was a back-and-forth contest. Basically, what a title game should be. Only the wrong guys won.
Auburn Montgomery 12, Meridian 10 … or that’s the score to the best of Burrough’s memory.
“It was eerie at the championship because there was nobody there,” said Burroughs. “You go from that place being packed and people everywhere. Then you make it to the championship game, and there are only two teams left and its their parents and our parents.”
“Pain. It still hurts today,” said Temple. “We should have won. I remember sobbing afterwards, and my dad telling me to quit acting like a little child. We all cried. I remember getting on the bus and Lane and I were sitting by each other sobbing.”
A couple of boys bound by baseball.
The thrill of victory. The agony of defeat.
“We didn’t lose because we were cocky,” said Temple. “We just didn’t play well.”
The summer was over. The season was over. The dream of winning a Dixie World Series was over.
“We probably weren’t able to do that without players like Lane,” said Marshall. “As talented as some players can be, that never-say-die mentality has to be there. You have to have players like that. We had a couple, and Lane was definitely one of those guys for us.”
More than 35 years later, the memories and the relationships built during the summer of 1987 created a bond so strong with 16 boys that it has lasted well into their adult lives.
“You don’t realize it at the time, but you are making memories and friends that will last a lifetime. We are on a group text, and we are constantly communicating,” Burroughs said. “It’s special. These are the guys I played little league with 36 years ago.”
Bound by baseball.
Burroughs won two state titles at West Lauderdale High School. He played for a national championship at Meridian Junior College. He has been a part of SEC and CUSA championship teams as an assistant coach and head coach. He has managed in numerous NCAA Regionals.
But the the Meridian All-Stars still hold a special place in his heart.
“That ’87 team … there was something different about it,” said Burroughs. “It’s the group of kids that you grew up with and went to school with and you are playing for your city. Now you are playing for your state. We almost did it, and really should have done it. You are connected now. Whether you like it or not, you will always be connected.”
San Antonio native Brandon A. Logan has been named Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation at Grambling State University. In his new role, Logan also serves as Executive Director of the Grambling University Foundation, Inc. while also leading university teams in strategic communication and marketing, alumni engagement, philanthropy, career services, university events, and innovative initiatives. Logan previously served as Executive Director for the Doug Williams Center for the Study of Race and Politics in Sports since 2020.
“We are so excited to welcome Brandon, his wife Ryanne, and their son Bryce to our university family,” said Grambling State President Rick Gallot. “Brandon distinguished himself as a student-athlete here at GSU and he has returned with that same tenacity and drive to lead a winning team in University Advancement and Innovation. We are very fortunate to have him and look forward to leadership here.”
Finding inspiration at the nexus of business, community, and mentorship, throughout his career Logan has carved a niche for himself as an entrepreneur, advocate and speaker on all topics relating to diversity, business, and service.
“Serving in this capacity brings together my love for building community through giving,” Logan said. “Combined with a great brand and an extraordinary history, I am committed to casting a vision that will move this institution into a new era of excellence. Furthering the academic and social development of our students, while establishing the right impact strategies with current and future stakeholders will be central to growing Grambling State University, together.”
Logan’s accomplishments have been noted on local, national, and international levels. For his contributions, he has also received personal recognition from President Barack H. Obama, USAA, Essence Magazine, United Negro College Fund, Rotary International, and the United States Marine Corps.He has devoted and dedicated his life to service, specifically in the areas of youth, education, and the underserved population.
As founder and CEO of Urban Capital Partners, Logan led people and place-based strategies to uplift the standard of learning and living in inner-city communities.The organization’s community-based program, Becoming A Better You, has been uniquely designed to deliberately influence a change in thoughts and attitudes by intentionally targeting four cause areas: education, family support, leadership, and health.
He has also spent a considerable amount of time working to positively reconstruct the built environment, through real estate transactions, to better fulfill the basic human needs and desires of the communityLogan graduated Cum Laude in three years from Grambling State University, where he focused his efforts on academics and athletics.
Notably, he was named Grambling Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was a contributing member to the 2005 national championship team.Since 2005, he has been an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and his accolades from the fraternity range from being awarded the Undergraduate Louisiana Scholar of the Year to receiving the highly coveted International Citizen of the Year. Logan has also received the Beacon Award from Grambling State University, Distinguished Alumni Award from Grambling University National Alumni Association, and was the recipient of the Bayou Classic Marines’ Excellence in Leadership Award.
Logan is a proud graduate of Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program, FBI Citizens Academy, and Air War College’s National Security Forum.He also has a well-established record of giving his time to the long-term betterment of the community.
As Chairman of the 2016 San Antonio Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, Logan’s efforts elevated the standard of participation for the Nation’s largest MLK, Jr. March by increasing participation to a record of over 300,000 people and, simultaneously, raising more than $400,000 in scholarships.
As the 107th President of the Rotary Club of San Antonio, his strategy was to address the most pressing issues affecting the advancement of humanity, while enhancing the quality of life for residents. Under his leadership, San Antonio’s first-ever outdoor ice-skating rink, the Rotary Ice Rink, was delivered to the central business district, all while raising more than $300,000 and contributing 8,500 hours of service from Club membership to marginalized communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
After being shaken by the tragic death of George Floyd, Logan directed and produced a documentary entitled “Living in My Skin” to help facilitate a better understanding to the community of what the American experience is like as a Black man or boy. This impactful film garnered the attention of PBS and, subsequently, the documentary has aired in local and national markets as a feature during Black History Month.As Tri-Chair of the 2022 City of San Antonio Bond Program, appointed by Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Logan organized and engaged voters across the community to overwhelmingly pass six ballot propositions totaling $1.2 billion – the largest municipal bond program to date – delivering improved public infrastructure in streets, parks, drainage, facilities, and housing.
Logan also currently serves on the Board of Directors at The Najim Charitable Foundation, Pre-K 4 San Antonio, Valero Alamo Bowl, San Antonio Parks Foundation, United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, and Southwest Research Institute. And in 2022, Logan was afforded an opportunity to become an investor in the San Antonio Missions baseball team.
A Las Vegas, Nevada, man was arrested on the Grambling State University campus Tuesday with marijuana and a large amount of cash.
Two GSU police officers were conducting a walkthrough of the student union area during a school function when they smelled the strong odor of marijuana on an individual. Chuck Holliday, 22, was walking with an open backpack positioned in front of him. Holliday was stopped and admitted he had a small amount of marijuana but “could not be arrested.”
Officers took Holliday into custody and searched the bag, finding plastic bags of marijuana, digital scales, and a box of sandwich bags. Holiday had cash in the backpack and in his pants pocket totaling $9,370.
Holliday was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $40,000.
Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists about the importance of safety in and around school zones, while driving near school buses, and when transporting a child. We urge everyone to be vigilant and follow the rules of the road to ensure the safety of all motorists and our young students.
School Zone Safety:
According to Louisiana law, crossing guards have authority to stop traffic or send traffic through intersections for the safety of students. Please be observant of the crossing guards and the posted speed limits in designated school zones. Be prepared for sudden stops and increased pedestrian/vehicle traffic, especially during drop-off and pick-up times. Be mindful of posted Hands-Free Zones. These particular school zones ban all drivers, even those over 18, from using a cell phone to engage in a call, read/send a text, or use social media. Lessen distractions, stay alert, and always be mindful of children in the area.
School Bus Safety:
When approaching a school bus with flashing red lights, from either direction, traffic must come to a complete stop at least 30 feet away from the bus. Remain stopped until the bus’s stop arm is retracted and the bus resumes motion. Be extra cautious around school buses, as children may quickly enter into the roadway unexpectedly. While many drivers can be confused when to stop for a bus when traveling in the opposite direction, a good rule of thumb is always stop unless on a four-lane road with a physical barrier, a raised median, or continuous turn lane.
Car Seat Safety:
Louisiana law requires children under the age of 13 to ride in the backseat of a vehicle when one is available. For younger children, rear-facing until the age of two and have outgrown the upper limits of the seat by weight or height. Children that are older and are able to face forward must utilize the internal harness to its upper limits, which on most seats that upper limit is 65 pounds. If any caregiver is ever unsure about their child’s seat installation, they are urged to contact their local State Police troop office to consult with a certified child passenger safety technician; this is always a free service.
As a community, we must work together to keep our children safe, whether it be traveling to and from school, to afterschool activities, or work. As a driver, please stay alert and stay safe. Our future is depending on you.
Joshua Brantley scrambles for a gain during Friday’s intrasquad scrimmage. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
Iron sharpens iron.
But gaining glimpses of the future can be a winning proposition, too.
And it’s for those reasons and more that Ruston High School’s Fan Day/Scrimmage was a triumphant experience for all on a sultry Friday evening at L.J. “Hoss” Garrett Stadium.
The turf on T.L. James Field was more like a griddle than a gridiron, but that didn’t deter a Bearcats’ squad determined to take care of “Unfinished Business.”
That was the slogan on the T-shirts the Bearcats, coming off the team’s run to the Class 5A championship game last season, wore as they were introduced during the Fan Day part of Friday night’s festivities with temperatures hovering above the 100 degree-range.
But the real heat came on the field during an intrasquad, with shade slowly flowing from west to east across the sweltering turf while the Bearcats took on each other in an intrasquad scrimmage.
“I think the crowd here says it all,” Bearcats coach Jerrod Baugh said. “It’s 100 degrees out here and our fans are still out here supporting us. We’re all in this together and we’re going to keep on trying to win it together.”
During the scrimmage, it was iron sharpens iron, admittedly the expected result when one of the state’s best offenses collides with one of the state’s top defenses.
But maybe the biggest takeaway from Friday’s scrimmage is that the Bearcats have a stable full of young running backs ready to answer a call up to varsity should circumstances arise.
“It wasn’t bad. I wanted to get a few snaps with all the groups out here on video – get them out here with the band and the crowd, with a lot of racket going on. I talk about it practice all the time when we’re out here by ourselves,
“We learn how to communicate out here with nobody here, and it’s a little bit different when you add a good-sized crowd and the noise and all of that. There’s a ;lot of things that aren’t necessarily football-related that they need to go through — what we get out of this. There’s a learning experience I think we’ll need going into some of the games we have ahead.”
Baugh admitted getting the RHS freshman and junior varsity teams into play was part of the plan heading into the scrimmage.
“We specifically talked about that before the scrimmage — looking at some younger guys and seeing what the future might look like,” Baugh said. “I think all the kids did well. There’s some things to work on, but I think we’re making some progress.”
Field temperatures on the T.L. James Field turf hovered well over 120 degrees when the scrimmage started. But the smoldering heat didn’t seem to bother the Bearcats during the blistering practice.
“We’ve been practicing earlier in the morning — until 10 o’clock when it really starts getting hot,” Baugh said. “But I think that still has prepared them for this. You’ve got to be in shape. You see teams wearing down in the third and fourth quarter when they’re not used to it.
“But when it gets to the regular season and it’s still 100 degrees, it’s bad if you’re not ready. But our kids are doing a great job of staying hydrated. I know they get tired of me talking about it, but we’ve consistently kept preaching it and they’ve done a really good job taking care of themselves.
Junior varsity running backs Jeremiah Freeman and Nolan Parnell both made the most of their scrimmage opportunities.
“He’s had a little trouble holding on to the ball sometimes but he’s got a lot of the same moves kind of like Jordan does as far as his shifitness and all of that. He had a really good day as did Nolan Parnell with the third group.
“Both of those guys have come a long way in a short period of time and I’m expecting some good things in the JV games. And we;ve talked about what would happen if we had some injuries at running back, and I think we can get some snaps out of those two guys if we should need them.”
That junior high to high school football pipeline is something Baugh said was discussed earlier Friday.
“Earlier today in pregame meetings we talked about that,” Baugh said. “You want to make sure to make sure when you have a three-year starter graduating, you have another guy ready to step in there. That’s what we’ve done at quarterback with Jaden Osbourne and now handing it over to Josh Brantley.
“We’ve known since Josh was in junior high that was going to be the transition. He worked his way into things doing some really good things with the scout team last year and he’s put himself right in the position to jump in there and make some plays for us. He’s been the perfect match-up for what we want from junior high to high school, because we knew back then we would be a good fit once he got to varsity.”
A Ruston woman was booked for felony theft Wednesday after she was allegedly caught on camera taking money from a desk drawer where she worked.
Alyson Foust, 44, of Ruston, was arrested by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office for theft of about $4,000 from Meaux’s Plumbing.
According to reports, Foust confessed she took money from the drawer on three occasions to pay her past due bills.
The victim said he noticed money missing twice in July. A security camera was installed and video from Tuesday showed Foust opening the desk drawer and the next day the owner discovered more missing money.
Bail was set at $15,000.
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.
Bigger question. Are you ready to win $200 in cash and prizes each week?
Starting in September, the Lincoln Parish Journal will hold the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Martin Presence and Heard Construction.
Last year it was NFL games. This year it’s what the deep south lives for …. college football.
Anyone is eligible to participate and each weekly winner will go home with a $200 cash prize. Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 15 selected college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Martin Presence and Heard Construction will be conducted for 13 regular season weeks of the college season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 2).
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Lincoln Parish Journal. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $200 each week!
A Ruston man was arrested Thursday after the investigation of a domestic incident at the Royal Crest Apartments on Tech Farm Road.
Police responded to a call about 11 a.m. Thursday from a woman who said her ex-boyfriend, the father of her child, was at the apartment breaking things. The woman said that upon hearing her call police, the man fled in his vehicle.
Police found the woman bleeding from the head. She said she and Jordan G. Williams, 20, had gotten into an argument about their young son. The woman said Williams threw her against the wall and broke her cell phone.
Grambling Police spotted the spotted Williams’s unoccupied car. Ruston Police responded and took Williams into custody. He was questioned at RPD where he stated he was not the aggressor and that his former girlfriend was. William said everything broken in the residence was his.
Based on the information obtained in the investigation, Williams was arrested for domestic abuse battery and simple criminal damage to property.
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.
Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Monday, August 14 Classes begin at Grambling State University Staff development day for Lincoln Parish teachers (no students) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
Tuesday, August 15 Staff development day for Lincoln Parish teachers (no students) 6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creative Exchange, Ruston)
Wednesday, August 16 Staff development day for Lincoln Parish teachers (no students) 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Capitol Chats: Legislative Session Roundtable (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Thursday, August 17 Staff development day for Lincoln Parish teachers (no students) 5:30 p.m.: VFW monthly meeting (Historic Fire station; all combat veterans welcome) 7 p.m.: Lincoln 150 Sesquicentennial event featuring university Presidents Rick Gallot and Les Guice (Lincoln Parish Museum)
Friday, August 18 First day of school for Lincoln Parish students (1st grade through 12th grade; full day) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Out to lunch summer concert series (Heard Freighthouse Food Truck Park)
Saturday, August 19 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
Sunday, August 20 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Back to School Bash (Cricket Wireless, 205 W. California Ave.)
Baton Rouge – Recently, Louisiana State Police announced the graduation of its 102nd Cadet Class, as 40 cadets have completed their journey to becoming a Louisiana State Trooper. The Louisiana State Police Training Academy and Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge hosted the graduation ceremonies.
On February 19, 2023, 48 cadets from across the state began their 24-week journey through the Louisiana State Police Training Academy. Throughout the academy, cadets received training in various subjects including crash investigation, emergency vehicle operations, impaired driving detection, fair and impartial policing, legal aspects and constitutional updates, advanced firearms, and leadership skills in addition to a rigorous physical training regimen. Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow troopers, 40 of those cadets achieved their goal this morning and received the distinguished badge of the Louisiana State Police. Having successfully completed the LSP Training Academy, the newly graduated Troopers will deploy across the state, where they will participate in a 10–14-week field-training program while supervised by a veteran Louisiana State Trooper.
For more information on the process of becoming a Louisiana State Trooper, please visit our recruiting page at Recruitment – Louisiana State Police (lsp.org)or contact a LSP Recruiter at LSPRecruiting@LA.gov. The Louisiana State Police Commission is currently accepting applications.
For those applicants not meeting LSP minimum qualifications at this time, immediate positions are available within the Louisiana Department of Public Safety. Please visit http://www.civilservice.louisiana.govor email LSPRecruiting@LA.gov for more information.
The following is a list of graduates and their Troop assignments:
Louisiana Tech Golf head coach Matt Terry announced the 2023-24 schedule on Friday, a slate that features 10 regular season events plus the Conference USA Championship.
“I am excited for our upcoming season with the slate we have put together,” said reigning Conference USA Coach of the Year Matt Terry. “The guys will have an opportunity to see some of the best teams in the country on great golf courses. We are looking forward to the challenges that the 2023-24 schedule will provide this team.”
LA Tech gets the season started on their home course, Squire Creek Country Club, on Sept. 10-12 in the Argent Financial Classic. The Bulldogs will welcome in 15 teams for what will be the 20th year the program has hosted an event at the championship golf course in Choudrant.
The ‘Dogs will play three more events in the fall including the GMAC Invitational on Sept. 24-26 (hosted by UAB), the Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate on Oct. 8-10 (hosted by East Tennessee State), and the Steelwood Collegiate Invitational on Oct. 28-29 (hosted by South Alabama.)
The spring portion of their slate gets underway at the Sea Best Invitational on Jan. 29-30 at Dyes Valley Course TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida (hosted by Jacksonville). The Bulldogs then play one event in the month of February at the Hal Williams Collegiate on Feb. 12-13, a second tournament hosted by USA.
Next up, the Bulldogs head south to Lafayette to take part in the 39th annual Louisiana Classics, hosted by UL-Lafayette on March 11-12. This will mark LA Tech’s 10th appearance at this event at Oakbourne Country Club.
The team then travels to the state of Georgia to participate in the Linger Longer Invitational on March 17-19, an event they last played in two years ago.
LA Tech rounds out the regular season with two events in April hosted by SEC programs. The first comes on April 6-7 at The Aggie Invitational hosted by Texas A&M followed by the Mossy Oak Collegiate on April 15-16 hosted by Mississippi State. This will be the Bulldogs third straight trip to West Point, Mississippi.
Then comes the Conference USA Championship on April 22-25, an event the ‘Dogs finished runner-up in last season. This will be the 10th appearance for LA Tech.
Charlotte Ann (Williams) King August 5, 1947 – August 10, 2023 Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Saturday, September 2, 2023, 10:00 am
Mary Shed Friday 02/13/1948 — Wednesday 08/09/2023 Family Gathering: Tuesday 08/15/2023 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Tuesday 08/15/2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Wednesday 08/16/2023 11:00am, Zion Traveler Baptist Church, 1201 Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston Interment: Wednesday 08/16/2023 Following Service, Fellowship Church Cemetery, Highway 507, Simsboro
Nancy Wells Woodard Sunday 08/08/1943 — Thursday 08/10/2023 Family Gathering: Thursday 08/17/2023 2:00pm Visitation: Thursday 08/17/2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Friday 08/18/2023 11:00am, New Rocky Valley Baptist Church, 2155 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Grambling Interment: Friday 08/18/2023 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
James Cottingham Monday 11/02/1942 — Sunday 08/06/2023 Memorial Service: Thursday 08/17/2023 12:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Spurgeon M. Tatum Tuesday 12/11/2007 — Monday 08/07/2023 Age: 15 Family Gathering: Friday 08/18/2023 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Friday 08/18/2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Wake: Friday 08/18/2023 5:00pm to 7:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/19/2023 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 08/19/2023 Following Service, Asberry Cemetery, Chatham
Girtheen Millage Friday 05/08/1953 — Monday 08/07/2023 Family Gathering: Thursday 08/17/2023 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Thursday 08/17/2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Wake: Thursday 08/17/2023 6:00pm to 7:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Funeral Service: Friday 08/18/2023 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Friday 08/18/2023 Following Service, Bonner Cemetery, Ruston
Qualifying closed Thursday afternoon for the political races that will be voted on Oct. 14.
The biggest local elections are in the Lincoln Parish Police Jury where seven of the 12 district seats have multiple candidates on the ballot, including three candidates running in each of Districts 1, District 10 and District 11.
However, she then told the Ruston Daily Leader in its August 2 publication that she had decided not to run.
The Lincoln Parish Journal heard of Wyatt’s decision to withdraw on August 1 and Scott Boatright called her that night prior to the RDL’s story running the following day. In the phone interview, Wyatt was asked if she had decided to drop out of the race.
“I did, but look, I have rescinded that also,” she said. “I have received so many calls today. I’ve rethought it and like a woman, I’ve changed my mind. I am in the race.”
Wyatt then went off the record with all follow up questions and declined to go on the record the following day as well when Scott Boatright called to follow up. If Wyatt remains in the race, she will face off against challengers in Will Edwards and Greg “Big Coach” Williams.
The District 2 race includes a pair of challengers in Tommie Woods and Karen Ludley in District 2 as incumbent Hazel Hunter opted not to run for re-election. District 3 will be incumbent Richard Durrett against challenger Dan Lord while District 6 is incumbent Glenn Scriber against challenger John Cole.
District 9 pits incumbent Joe Henderson against challenger Nakisha Evans while District 10 is a three-person race with incumbent Milton Melton against challengers Gary Wayne Baldwin and Morris Winters. The District 11 race includes incumbent Sharyon Mayfield against challengers Patsy Candler and Diane Richards.
Five police jury district races are basically decided as only one candidate qualified, including: District 4 (TJ Cranford), District 5 (Logan Hunt), District 7 (Matt Pullin), District 8 (Chris “Moose” Garriga), and District 12 (Annette Straughter).
Lincoln Parish Sheriff Stephen Williams will see another term in office as he was the lone qualifier for that position. Linda Cook (Clerk of Court) and Billy Mac McBride, Jr. (Assessor) were the only qualifiers in those two races. James Michael Belue and Holly Kidd will be in a two-person race for the coroner position.
Incumbent Chris Turner was the lone qualifier for the State Representative in District 12 while incumbent Jay Morris is the lone qualifier for the State Senator 35th District.
Energy and impact. That was both the message U.S. Rep. Julia Letllow brought and the way she brought Thursday afternoon as she served as opening speaker, presenting a “national perspective,” during the first day of the national Call Me MiSTER conference hosted by Grambling State University (GSU) in the auditorium of the Betty Smith Nursing Building.
Once again using the theme DETERMINED, the event is the only conference of its kind to be held in the state of Louisiana following last year’s conference also hosted by GSU.
The Call Me MiSTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role models) program was founded originally at Clemson University in 2000. The program strives to increase the pool of available teachers from a more diverse background, particularly among the lowest-performing elementary schools.
Because less than 2% of the teachers in the U.S. are African American males, Grambling State’s Black Male Teacher Initiative joined with Clemson’s program to help develop and recruit more Black men into the teaching profession.
Grambling State’s Call Me MiSTER program continues to grow and thrive, thanks in a major part to lawmakers like Letlow, who hails from Monroe, Louisiana, and last year helped GSU’s Call Me MiSTER program receive $2 million.
That funding has helped the 25 current participants in GSU’s Call Me Mister program receive scholarships, preferred housing, individual advising, mentors from practicing or retired professionals, recognition at school activities, professional development opportunities, and more.
After graduation, program participants are expected to have an impact by returning to critical need schools and communities to pursue their professional careers.
“It feels like yesterday, not three years ago, when I first came to campus to hear about your Call Me MiSTER program,” Letlow said as she began her energetic speech. “From the moment I heard about it I knew I was going to be a champion and a cheerleader for this program up in Congress and I will continue to be as long as I have breath because I knew from that minute I was told ‘Julia, if young men can see it, they can be it.’
“That resounded in me. I felt it in my bones. That you young men are going to be it for other young men who are coming up. And that is just such an incredible mission. And I knew it was one I would valiantly get behind.”
Letlow told the crowd that the Call Me MiSTER program is helping defeat a deficit of young male teachers that communities are experiencing on a nationwide basis.
“As you move forward, and you begin to teach and educate children, you know that if one person believes in a child, and that child feels like one person has their back — one person believes in them — that is a gamechanger,” Letlow said. “And they can go on to be successful because of that one difference-maker in their lives. You young men are going to be difference-makers. You are going to transform lives.”
Letlow also urged the MiSTERs to think outside of the box in order to impact the lives of the students they teach, telling the story of how one of her instructors when she was a college freshman did exactly that for her as he began the first day of class tossing candy out of a plastic prosthetic leg he was carrying while also holding a boombox playing the theme song from the movie “Rocky” (“Gonna Fly Now”) as he did so.
“I tell you that because there’s no moral to this story other than it was unforgettable,” Letlow said. “It was remarkable. He came in and he wanted to make an entrance, just like you young men did with me right outside that door when you introduced yourselves as MiSTERs. I’ll never forget that.
“So, what I’m encouraging you to do is to be remarkable. Find a way to be impressionable on these young kids. I’ll never forget that instructor I had because yes, that was weird. Yes, that was crazy and outside of the box. But it made an impact. We learned it and soaked it all in. That’s the kind of influence you will be for future generations.”
Ruston High will host Bearcat Madness tonight at James Field at Hoss Garrett Stadium for the final football-less Friday heading into the 2023 season.
The festivities for the general public will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will give the community the chance to see the team take the field, even if it’s an intrasquad scrimmage.
“There’s a lot of excitement around our football program,” Ruston head football coach Jerrod Baugh said. “We’ve had a good turnout with people buying season tickets. A couple of years ago, I challenged the community to come out and support us, and they have absolutely done their part. I am very pleased with that.
“I think Bearcat Madness is the kickstart for getting back into football mode, and I think it will be a great opportunity for us to get into a routine to get out on a Friday night.”
At 5:30 p.m., there will be a Bearcat meeting in the field house for the parents. Following at 6:30 p.m., the players and staff along with the spirit groups will be introduced with a scrimmage following afterwards.
The band will perform prior to the scrimmage.
Bearcat Madness will be free to attend for the public.
