Lt. John Clary, who was indicted on December 15, 2022 on the charges of Malfeasance in Office and Obstruction of Justice in connection with the death of Ronald Greene, has been cleared of the remaining charge of Obstruction of Justice when prosecutors dismissed the charge today.
The Third Judicial District Court had previously dismissed the charge of Malfeasance in Office on July 20, 2023 after a hearing.
Third Judicial District Attorney John Belton filed the Dismissal of Prosecution (Criminal Docket Number 60,600) with the Union Parish Clerk of Court’s office late this afternoon.
“We are pleased that this matter is now concluded for Lt. John Clary,” said Clary’s legal counsel Kyle Green. “John has proudly served citizens in Louisiana for over thirty-eight years with honor and dignity. Today, was the first step in restoring his dignity. John has been suspended without pay for nearly a year. I can say with certainty that he would not have made it through this difficult time without the prayers and support of his friends, family, and church family for whom he is grateful.”
The Dismissal of Prosecution read “Now into Court comes the state of Louisiana, through the undersigned District Attorney, who hereby dismisses the charges pending against the defendant in the docket number aforementioned pursuant to authority of La.C.Cr.P. Art. 691.”
Clary was the top-ranking officer from Louisiana State Police Troop F on the scene May 10, 2019, when Greene died following a vehicle pursuit outside of Monroe.
Clary faced one charge of malfeasance in office and one charge of obstruction of justice when it was alleged that he mislabeled his body-camera footage which showed parts of the scene when and where Greene perished.
Clary was accused of lying about the existence of his body-cam video to keep it from State Police investigators, who sent their file on Greene’s death to Belton in fall 2019.
A supplemental report submitted to Belton’s office in May of 2022 says Clary’s footage turned up only in March, discovered by a State Police training instructor who mentioned it to one of the investigators.
But a State Police spokesperson said in a statement that the administrative investigation ended “with a finding of Not Sustained due to insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation.”
No discipline was delivered as a result of the investigation.
Last winter’s hard freeze killed shrubbery and burst water pipes. It also destroyed one of Lincoln Parish’s most beloved landmarks, the historic three-tiered fountain in Ruston’s Railroad Park.
Older generations remember admiring the goldfish in the fountain or dabbling in the water during one of the hundreds of special events the park has hosted.
The fountain has suffered in the past, even to the point it was replaced for a time. The winter damage to the 100+ year old fountain was too severe for repairs.
Without the fountain, the park is missing its centerpiece and Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker has decided it is time to replace it.
“I was at a Tech alumni event in Fort Worth … and the house where the function was taking place had the exact same fountain,” Walker told the Lincoln Parish Journal. The mayor learned the name of the manufacturer that could duplicate the city’s historic fountain.
Walker wants to make the fund-raising effort a community project, giving individuals, organizations, and businesses a chance to be a part of the campaign. “We just felt like a lot of people might be interested in being a part of that,” Walker said.
Walker is circulating a letter announcing the fundraising campaign to purchase and install a new fountain identical to the old one. “We will have a plaque [listing] the donations that go toward that,” Walker said.
What is now Railroad Park was first called the “depot grounds.” The four-acre undeveloped area was owned by the railroad. The string of buildings facing the lot was referred to as “Brick Row” because it was the only block in early Ruston constructed entirely of brick. When the first lots were sold to businesses moving to new Ruston in 1883, buyers were informed their structures had to be of brick to create a positive impression among those passing through on the train. The open expanse allowed an unobstructed view of Brick Row from the train windows. Traveling carnivals and the occasional town event made use of the barren, dusty plot.
The grounds became a park in the 1890s with more defined streets surrounding it, which reduced its size. Thomas L. Nelson and his son planted the park’s first three oak trees in 1896. Nelson had contracted with Ruston merchants to plant fifty trees along Trenton and Vienna Streets at 50 cents each. With three trees left over, he planted them in the park. One tree died in the 1970s and required removal. The others remained well into the 1980s. Those originals were replaced by new trees and during a more recent renovation, they too were removed for smaller varieties.
The fountain, focal point of the park, was installed before 1906 when it first appears in photographs. Originally an underground stream provided the water. In 1934, the T. L. James Company renovated the park and fountain.
During World War II when communities were gathering scrap metal to transform into tanks, bombers, and ships, someone suggested adding the fountain to the effort. A firestorm of protest nixed that idea quickly.
In 1952, T. L. James restored the fountain again and built a bandstand and new sidewalks. The Ruston Garden Club added new landscaping. At some point, goldfish were added to the fountain pool. The well-fed fish grew to huge proportions and many a kid tried to ensnare one with his hands while old men smoked their pipes in the shade of the big oaks.
Ruston almost lost the park in 1970 when the Illinois Central Railroad decided to sell it for future business locations. The land was originally provided to the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Pacific Railroad by Ruston founder Robert Russ. Through a series of bankruptcies and reorganizations, it passed to the Illinois Central in the 1920s. The railroad offered to sell the park to the City of Ruston for $60,000 and it became public property for the first time.
In 2002, the Ruston Kiwanis Club paid $5,000 for a new fountain after the original one was determined to be beyond repair. Once determined too deteriorated to fix, the beloved fountain was restored and placed at the Historic Fire Station. Mayor Walker had it returned to the park in 2015 during yet another renovation of the space.
The many events hosted by Railroad Park over the past 125 years include a hot air balloon ascension, concerts, craft shows, candlelight vigils, movies, 4-H pet shows, diaper derbies, art exhibits, pep rallies, picnics, campaign speeches, and street dances. Speakers ran the risk of interruption from the whistles and horns of trains passing just yards away. Despite the whims of the weather and whistling locomotives, Railroad Park remains the epicenter of community activity.
With your help, a fountain will grace the park again. Walker said those interested in donating can contact Beth Bennett at 318-251-8623 or bethbennett@rustonla.gov.
With Dr. Jim Henderson’s approval by the ULS Board of Supervisors official as of Wednesday, Oct. 25, to becoming Louisiana Tech’s next President, the Lincoln Parish Journal spoke with him to discuss the transition and the vision for Henderson’s first 100 days beginning on January 1, 2024.
Content has been lightly edited for continuity.
Kyle Roberts, LPJ Co-Publisher:Dr. Henderson, we thank you for your time taking the call. How do you envision the beginning of January going? I have no doubt you are working on your transition into your new role, so what do you anticipate your first 100 days will look like for the university?
Dr. Jim Henderson, next Louisiana Tech president: “It’s going to involve a lot of conversations. And in those conversations, I actually get it started right away. I’m already planning to visit with President Les Guice and some of his leadership team in the next week. And then we’ll spend probably a day, a week before Thanksgiving on campus and then after Thanksgiving in two days a week, just getting acclimated to the campus, getting to know people a little bit deeper level and in ensuring that we’ve got a runway in place to just take off on January 1st.
“And after that time, it’s going to be about open conversations, both internal and external, with community members, with alumni groups, with other supporters, and certainly continuing that dialogue with faculty and staff to to advance this exceptional institution from the foundation that President Guice has laid so ably.”
JH: “It’s a very collaborative style. I like for everyone in the organization to own the vision and to understand what their role is in realizing the vision and realizing it at a level possible, where before we wouldn’t have thought possible. And so you’re really able to set some stretch goals within your current structure, when your current resources seem impossible, and then after you achieve them, then it’s quite a rewarding experience.
“But at the same time, it’s collaborative. You move quickly. I move at a pretty rapid pace. Those that work directly as direct reports find out quickly that we have a lot of bandwidth, and we’re going to utilize it. We’re going to maximize the use of our time and advance things in a pretty rapid fashion. Not haphazard, not reckless, but at a speed worthy of this institution and the faculty and students that we’re serving.”
KR: From your perspective, what are the biggest strengths that you already see Louisiana Tech doing well?
JH: “I think Tech is the strongest undergraduate experience in the state. When you look at time to degree, for Tech students, it’s the shortest in the state. It’s a great measure as students are coming in prepared, and they’re succeeding within the regular time to graduation. And that’s really the hallmark of Louisiana Tech: the student body. They also do have a great faculty. I mean, the faculty at Tech do exceptional both in teaching and in research.
“I think one of the goals that I’m going to have in short order is to create the conditions where they can do that at scale; do that at even higher levels than they currently are. And that’s probably the organizational skill set that I bring is really creating those conditions that everybody can be personally and professionally fulfilled in their work.”
KR: What opportunities externally do you see on the horizon that will allow Louisiana Tech to be successful?
JH: “I think there’s tremendous opportunities around telling the story of Louisiana Tech as it currently is. It’s an extraordinary institution that outside of its inner circle and outside of those that have a connection to Louisiana Tech is known but not as widely known as it should be. I will tell you that here in Baton Rouge, there are a number of folks that talk well of Louisiana Tech. But but we want to bring that to scale that, because I think as you draw a circle from Little Rock maybe to DFW Metroplex down to New Orleans and up around through Jackson; that’s an odd looking circle, but imagine if that was a perfect circle. We want to own that: to be the institution of choice for students that exist in that area, that are looking for a rigorous scholastic experience.
KR: In recent conversations, you have mentioned a $150 million endowment. And a lot of faculty and staff say, “Oh that sounds great; so how are we going to do that?” What do you see as the overall plan in order to achieve that?
JH: “First, we have to understand the ‘Why’ and where we are as a state institution. The state is never going to be able to support our institutions at the level necessary to thrive, and so we’re going to have to own our own future. This $150 million unrestricted endowment, once that’s achieved, if you follow the sound investment principle, that frees up about $9 to $12 million in cash resources that can be used to address faculty salaries, that can be used to incentivize research, that can be used to build out learning spaces and bring them up to speed. It just enables us to have the resource base necessary to be a Tier 1, R1 level institution, whether we get that designation soon or not, it empowers us to compete with those types of universities. And that’s why it’s such an imperative.”
JH: “To reach Carnegie R1, first you have to ensure that there’s a consensus amongst the faculty and those internal to the institution that that’s what we want to be. And you have to have a reason for being there. It’s not just to get the designation– it’s about freeing us up for increased investments of grants and be more competitive in federal grants for research, as well. But once you attain that, it requires you to reach a certain level of research, productivity and research expenses. So we’re going to make sure that when we’re categorizing things the right way, that we’re capturing the whole of our research activities and then create those incentives and provide seed money for faculty so they can they can do that research at that scale.
“Another thing that they evaluate is the production of graduate students, especially doctoral students, and particularly in STEM fields, and that’s there should be a natural strength for Louisiana Tech. And that’s what that resource base will allow us to do– to expand opportunities for students to earn terminal degrees, doctoral degrees in some very competitive fields that already exist at Tech. I think all the ingredients are in place, and now it’s just bringing it up to speed and doing things that at scale requires resources. So that’s the first thing we’ve got to bring to the table.”
KR: Last question: tell me how you see the city of Ruston and Lincoln Parish playing parts in their relationships with Louisiana Tech’s success.
JH: The city of Ruston and the relationship to Louisiana Tech– the word to describe it is “symbiotic.” It’s probably one of the best what we call “town-gown” relationships in the state of Louisiana. But it can be better. And, you know, you’ve got a forward thinking mayor who’s very innovative. You’ve got the local elected officials that are truly engaged in the success of Louisiana Tech. We will be building on that.
“I know when my son went through orientation, one of the first things that happened is Mayor Ronny Walker gave him a business card with his cell phone number. You know, that kind of relationship is an asset, and over time, we’ll make sure we’re maximizing that. And then you look at some of the accoutrements around the Ruston and Lincoln Parish area– it has one of the most beautiful parks with hiking and biking trails that exists. It’s a wonderful community with plenty of places to eat and and have a good time. It’s a perfect place to go to college. And I think that relationship between the university and the citizens is absolutely essential to that.”
KR: On behalf of the Lincoln Parish Journal, we thank you for your time.
Two men and a juvenile were taken into custody by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office after drugs were found on a traffic stop just after midnight last Monday morning.
A deputy saw a GMC Yukon on Interstate 20 with extremely dark window tint. The vehicle was stopped on the South Service Road near Center Street. Keadohnyahe J. Hauley, 20, of Arcadia, was found to be the driver. A records check showed that he had never been issued a driver’s license.
A pat down search was conducted of the rear seat passenger, Tymarkus D. Tate, 21, of Homer, and a plastic bag of suspected marijuana was found in his pocket.
During the stop, while standing by the vehicle, Hauley fell over, and the deputy found him sweating profusely. Hauley was asked if he had swallowed any narcotics, and he said no. He was placed in a Louisiana State Police patrol car.
A search of the Yukon revealed a handgun concealed in a void underneath the center console. An opened container of brandy, a law enforcement style Motorola portable radio charger, a law enforcement style pepper spray holder, and black latex gloves were found in the center console. Suspected marijuana was found scattered throughout the vehicle.
A cigarette package that Hauley had been directed to place on the hood of the car was found to contain suspected marijuana.
Hauley and Tate both denied any knowledge of the alcohol and firearm. The window tint of the vehicle was measured at 3% light transmission, far below the minimum established in Louisiana state law.
The juvenile was taken to the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office and released to a guardian.
The trooper who transported Hawley to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center said that Hauley had kept moving about the back seat and twice unbuckled his seat belt. Change from his pocket was found on the back seat. After Hauley was removed, alprazolam tablets were found in the back seat that apparently came from Hauley’s pocket. The trooper said he had checked the back seat prior to any transport and the pills were not there and Hauley was the only one who had been in the back seat.
Tate was booked for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Bail was set at $2,500.
Hauley was booked for possession of marijuana, possession of alprazolam, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal carrying of a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance, illegal window tint, no driver’s license, and open container. Bail was set at $10,000.
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.
An agreement has been reached to restore Dubach’s historic movie theater.
Local businessman Eric Hanna has purchased the Gem Theater previously owned by the Sheehan family under a non-profit corporation called Wahoo Theater, Inc. Before it was the Gem, the theater was called the Wahoo.
Opened in 1937, the theater has been closed and unused for decades. Like many small towns, Dubach has struggled from prosperous days when oil and gas fields were discovered nearby in the 1940s-50s. In its heyday, Dubach boasted a Chevrolet dealership, furniture store, pharmacy, skating rink, a locally owned bank, restaurants, and numerous small businesses.
“We are thrilled to be able to transfer ownership of our historic Gem Theater to a Dubach native – Mr. Eric Hanna,” said Zack Sheehan. “A little history: After the theater caught fire back in the 1950s, and no bank would loan the owners money to rebuild, our grandmother, Margaret Fuller Sheehan, stepped up and made them a personal loan. She loved going to the movies and didn’t want to see the it closed.
“When they could no longer make the loan payments, they brought her the keys,” Sheehan said. “Later in the 1960s, my dad’s band ‘The Alliance’ used the theater for their band practices. As far as I know, there hasn’t been a movie shown at the Gem since the early 1960s,” Sheehan added.
“And interestingly enough, one of Eric Hanna’s relatives, Mr. Billy Hanna, once worked in the old theater as a projectionist, so this acquisition is very personal to Eric and his family as they restore the Gem back as a premier entertainment venue.”
Hanna, a retired Ruston Police investigator, is the owner of Totally Unwired of Ruston, offering satellite TV, internet services, and mobile device support.
Hanna said, “Restoring this theater is a dream my wife and I have had for many years.”
Hanna admitted the building needs significant refurbishment.
“As you can imagine, due to its age, the old theater needs a good bit of restoration work,” Hanna said. “We plan to get started on that right away. Our goal is to restore the theater, much as it was when it was first opened. In addition to showing movies, we’ll make it available as a venue for functions such as corporate events, parties, and weddings.”
Hann is also seeking old photographs of the interior or exterior of the theater. “It would really help us in our restoration efforts,” he said.
Baton Rouge — In October, 2022, Louisiana lost 94 people in preventable roadway crashes. It was the deadliest month on record since 2008. This year, history does not need to repeat itself.
“Of course, we want everyone to enjoy the Halloween season with their families and friends,” LHSC Executive Director Lisa Freeman said, “but we want to remind drivers to avoid the ‘fatal four.’ That means wear your seat belt, put your phone away, drive the speed limit, and do not get behind the wheel if you’re feeling drunk or buzzed.”
Unfortunately, 2022 wasn’t just a fluke. In Louisiana, over the past decade, October has consistently been one of the deadliest months of the year on the roadways. If you’re driving this Halloween, please watch out for pedestrians and trick-or-treaters.
Death, as well as serious injury, are all too-common outcomes at a time that should be fun-filled. According to the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety at LSU, a suspected 544 Louisianans suffered a severe injury from a crash during the Halloween weekend in 2022.
“We know most people are dressed up and ready to have a good time for Halloween, but we urge everyone to take their driving seriously,” Freeman said. “We want everyone to be able to enjoy many more great Halloween seasons together.”
LHSC suggests that those planning to celebrate Halloween with alcoholic beverages to have a designated driver or plan to use a taxi or rideshare such as Lyft and Uber. And as a reminder, alcohol isn’t the only thing that can impair driving, which can happen with illegal drugs and even prescription medication.
“If everyone does their part, then the scariest thing we’ll have to endure this year will be a corn maze or the inside of a haunted house,” Freeman said. “A good rule of thumb is that if you feel different, then you drive different. Everyone has a right to use the roads, so please focus when you’re out there. You have way too much to lose.”
NHTSA Safety Tips for Drivers
Be alert for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Slow down and continue to scan the road in areas where they are likely to be or where sight distances are limited.
On Halloween, there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in places where they are not expected. Slower speeds save lives.
Stay alert for pedestrians who may come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery. Stop, and wait for them to pass.
Don’t look at your phone when you’re driving. Your attention needs to always be on the road.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement.
Tips for Pedestrians
Walk on a sidewalk if one is available and use crosswalks.
Before the Halloween festivities begin, create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely and prevent walking alone.
Tips for Party Hosts
Be a responsible party host and take action to make sure guests get home safely.
Serve plenty of food and provide non-alcoholic beverage options.
Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.
Prepare to call taxis, rideshares, provide sleeping accommodations, or — if you’re sober — drive guests home yourself.
It’s been a long road this season with so many changes, but Ruston High’s volleyball team secured the No. 7 overall spot in the 2023 LHSAA playoffs with a 26-12 record overall.
The Lady Bearcats will host No. 26 Woodlawn of Baton Rouge Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 6 p.m. at the Ruston Sports Complex.
“I am super excited for another opportunity to play in front of our home town,” Ruston head coach Mandy Cauley said. “This is a great placement as far as the seeding goes. The girls have worked hard this season and they’ve earned it.”
Tickets will be $8 at the gate, and fans are encouraged to wear red shirts.
Already district champions, the Lady Bearcats could possibly host a second round playoff matchup if No. 10 Mandeville defeats No. 23 Benton.
Halloween has its roots in the ancient, pre-Christian Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on the night of October 31. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, believed that the dead returned to earth on Samhain. On the sacred night, people gathered to light bonfires, offer sacrifices and pay homage to the dead.
Did you know? Although it is unknown precisely where and when the phrase “trick or treat” was coined, the custom had been firmly established in American popular culture by 1951, when trick-or-treating was depicted in the Peanuts comic strip. In 1952, Disney produced a cartoon called “Trick or Treat” featuring Donald Duck and his nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie.
During some Celtic celebrations of Samhain, villagers disguised themselves in costumes made of animal skins to drive away phantom visitors; banquet tables were prepared and food was left out to placate unwelcome spirits.
In later centuries, people began dressing as ghosts, demons and other malevolent creatures, performing antics in exchange for food and drink. This custom, known as mumming, dates back to the Middle Ages and is thought to be an antecedent of trick-or-treating.
By the ninth century, Christianity had spread into Celtic lands, where it gradually blended with and supplanted older pagan rites. In 1000 A.D. the church designated November 2 as All Souls’ Day, a time for honoring the dead. Celebrations in England resembled Celtic commemorations of Samhain, complete with bonfires and masquerades.
Poor people would visit the houses of wealthier families and receive pastries called soul cakes in exchange for a promise to pray for the souls of the homeowners’ dead relatives. Known as “souling,” the practice was later taken up by children, who would go from door to door asking for gifts such as food, money and ale.
In Scotland and Ireland, young people took part in a tradition called guising, dressing up in costume and accepting offerings from various households. Rather than pledging to pray for the dead, they would sing a song, recite a poem, tell a joke or perform another sort of “trick” before collecting their treat, which typically consisted of fruit, nuts or coins.
Modern-day trick-or-treating also has elements akin to annual celebrations of Guy Fawkes Night (also known as Bonfire Night). On this night, which commemorates the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, British children wore masks and carry effigies while begging for pennies. On November 5, 1606, Fawkes was executed for his role in the Catholic-led conspiracy to blow up England’s parliament building and remove King James I, a Protestant, from power.
On the original Guy Fawkes Day, celebrated immediately after the famous plotter’s execution, communal bonfires, or “bone fires,” were lit to burn effigies and the symbolic “bones” of the Catholic pope. By the early 19th century, children bearing effigies of Fawkes were roaming the streets on the evening of November 5, asking for “a penny for the Guy.”
Some American colonists celebrated Guy Fawkes Day, and in the mid-19th century, large numbers of new immigrants, especially those fleeing the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s, helped popularize Halloween.
In the early 20th century, Irish and Scottish communities revived the Old World traditions of souling and guising in the United States. By the 1920s, however, pranks had become the Halloween activity of choice for rowdy young people.
The Great Depression exacerbated the problem, with Halloween mischief often devolving into vandalism, physical assaults and sporadic acts of violence. One theory suggests that excessive pranks on Halloween led to the widespread adoption of an organized, community-based trick-or-treating tradition in the 1930s. This trend was abruptly curtailed, however, with the outbreak of World War II, when sugar rationing meant there were few treats to hand out.
At the height of the postwar baby boom, trick-or-treating reclaimed its place among other Halloween customs. It quickly became standard practice for millions of children in America’s cities and newly built suburbs. No longer constrained by sugar rationing, candy companies capitalized on the lucrative ritual, launching national advertising campaigns specifically aimed at Halloween.
Today, Americans spend an estimated $2.6 billion on candy on Halloween, according to the National Retail Federation, and the day, itself, has become the nation’s second-largest commercial holiday.
For more information on Andy Halbrook at Edward Jones, CLICK HERE.
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We all make mistakes in many areas of life. These mistakes are usually fairly harmless — we took a wrong turn while driving, used the wrong ingredients in a recipe and so on. But sometimes, our mistakes can be costly — especially those connected to investing.
Here are some of the most common investment mistakes:
Too much buying and selling – Some people find it exciting to constantly buy and sell investments in the pursuit of big gains. Yet, frequent trading can work against you in a couple of ways. First, it can be expensive — if you’re always buying and selling investments, you could rack up taxes, fees and commissions. Perhaps even more important, though, excessive purchases and sales can make it difficult to follow a unified, cohesive investment strategy. Such a strategy requires, among other things, careful construction and management of an investment portfolio that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Heavy trading can disrupt this strategy.
Failing to diversify – If you only owned one type of asset, such as growth-oriented stocks, your portfolio could take a hit when the financial markets go through a downturn. But not all investments will respond the same way to the same forces — for example, stocks and bonds can move in different directions at any given time. And that’s why it’s usually a good idea to own a mix of investments, which can include domestic and foreign stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and government securities. Keep in mind, though, that while diversification can help reduce the impact of market volatility, it can’t guarantee profits or protect against losses in a declining market.
Trying to “time” the market – “Buy low and sell high” might be the original piece of investment advice, but it’s pretty hard to follow — because no one can really predict when an investment will reach “low” or “high” points. Also, trying to “time” the market in this way can lead to bad decisions, such as selling investments whose price has dropped, even if these same investments still have good business fundamentals and strong prospects.
Not understanding what you’re investing in – If you don’t know the nature of investments when you buy them, you could set yourself up for unpleasant surprises. For example, some companies, by the very nature of their business and the type of industry they’re in, may consistently pay dividends to their investors even though their stock prices may only show relatively modest price gains over time. If you bought shares of this stock, thinking it had the potential to achieve quite substantial appreciation, you might end up disappointed.
Making the wrong comparisons – You’re no doubt familiar with some of the most well-known investment benchmarks — the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq Composite. But it might be counterproductive to compare your results against these indexes. If you have a diversified portfolio, you’ll own an array of investments that won’t fit into any single index or benchmark, so you won’t get an apples-to-apples comparison. You’re better off comparing your portfolio’s performance against the only benchmark that really matters — the progress you need to make to help achieve your goals.
Investing will always have its challenges — but you can help make it easier on yourself by staying away from as many mistakes as possible.
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This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Others receiving votes: Pope John Paul 7, Ascension Episcopal 6, Northlake Christian 6, Loreauville 3, Houma Christian 1, Mangham 1, Mansfield 1, Oakdale 1.
Class 1A
Vermilion Catholic (7) 8-0 148 1
(tie) Ouachita Christian (6) 8-1 148 2
Southern Lab 7-1 129 3
Riverside Academy 8-1 108 5
Kentwood 7-2 102 4
Homer 6-2 84 6
Logansport 8-1 76 7
Haynesville 8-1 70 8
St. Martin’s 7-1 51 9
Ascension Catholic 7-2 39 NR
Others receiving votes: St. Mary’s 21, Glenbrook Academy 16, St. Frederick 8, Jeanerette 4, Opelousas Catholic 3.
A man allegedly trespassing on the Louisiana Tech University campus was arrested early last Tuesday morning after he was spotted by a police officer.
And about 2 a.m., a Louisiana Tech police officer saw a man riding a bicycle near Davison Hall and recognized him as Carlos Jenkins, 48, of Ruston. Jenkins had been banned from the campus since 2015 because of previous incidents. He was also spotted by the department’s dispatcher through video surveillance.
Jenkins was stopped and placed under arrest for criminal trespass. A search revealed a glass smoking pipe Jenkins claimed was his “crack pipe.” He was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for trespassing and possession of drug paraphernalia.
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.
How often have you heard that statement? How often have you uttered that statement?
Personally, I’ve heard it – and I’ve said it – countless times.
Lately in my life I’ve come to realize that there’s something amiss with this declaration. That fact was borne out recently when I attended the 27th Prayer and Spiritual Growth Workshop sponsored by the Calhoun Church of Christ.
If you read my most recent “Just A-Passing Through,” you know that this workshop spoke to me in a deeply personal way, so much so that I built my whole Oct. 17 column around it. The only thing was, I ran out of words before I ran out of things to say – and I promised I would be back this week with additional insights gathered at the event.
So why might “the only thing we can do is pray” be off-kilter?
My minster, Don Stevens, who was one of the workshop speakers, put it simply: “Prayer should be first.”
Yes, prayer should be the first thing we do when we’re caught in a dilemma, when our backs are against the proverbial wall, when all hope seems to be fading. The very first thing. I’m trying these days to remember that, but I must confess: I still want to utter those words at times (“the only thing we can do …”), but I try to stop myself. And I still often fail to faithfully approach our Father from the very get-go.
Yet we should never hesitate to go to God with our entreaties. “God waits for his children to speak,” Don said. “You cannot out-think or out-ask God.”
I found it interesting that Don’s explanation of God’s answers to our prayers differed a bit from what I’ve normally heard – and I liked the way it sounded. I’ve always heard that God can answer prayer in one of three ways: “Yes,” “Not now” or “No.” Don’s take on the situation is basically: “Yes,” “Later” or “That’s not what you need.”
That puts a little different spin on the situation. Not “no” – but “that’s not what you need.” What a wonderful way to express how much God loves us.
In my previous column I discussed several aspects of Jesus’ prayer time in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion. I’d like to add to that now. We saw last time how, even though Jesus’ earthly friends did not manage to support him while they were in the garden, God sent an angel to strengthen him at what was undoubtedly the second hardest part of his sojourn here on earth.
We looked at how this blessing to Jesus from God is often not noticed as we read the scripture – but, oh, how important it is. And how God will strengthen us, too, when we come to him in prayer. We looked at Jesus’ sweat falling as drops of blood to the ground as he prayed concerning the upcoming events that he knew were in the very near future. He knew the agony that he would face.
Here’s what I did not have room to say earlier: That’s why we need to volunteer to be his. He paid the blood, sweat and tears for us. We can say, “We know the one who made it through the garden, and he’ll help me – he’ll help you – to make it through, too.”
Finally, on a slightly Halloween-ish theme, although Don certainly didn’t present it that way, he did say, “Everyone is a corpse without Jesus.” But the good news is, you can get a transfusion from Christ. We can become new creatures, putting our old ways behind us and embarking on a new spiritual journey.
With Christ, God can do with us more than we can think or imagine.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
Former Grambling State University women’s basketball standout Mary Currie has been announced as a 2023 inductee into the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Hall of Fame.
The hall of fame ceremony is set on Friday, December 15th, 2023. The enshrinement ceremony is slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. EST at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.
Currie was an integral part of the Grambling State women’s basketball team from 1983-87. She finished her career at Grambling with 2,256 points and 906 rebounds, averaging 20.7 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game over four seasons.
A prolific shooter, Currie once scored 52 points in a single game for Grambling State. She would become the first female player to score more than 2,000 points in a career at GSU, averaging 51.9 percent from the field and 74.8 percent from the free throw line.
Currie received several athletic honors during her stellar career including two all-tournament awards, All-SWAC and SWAC Player of the Week honors, and the team’s Most Valuable Player award. She also led the SWAC in rebounding. As a senior, she was named to the Black College Sports Information Directors Association first-Team All-American.
Currie was not only an outstanding basketball player, but also an exceptional student. She majored in computer science, maintained a 3.5 GPA, and received an academic award for her work in the classroom.
During the summers, Currie interned with IBM, in New Mexico, Irving, Texas, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. After graduating from Grambling State University in May 1987 she accepted a job with General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas and in 1990 she accepted a job with Unisys.
Currie was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and was just 12 hours away from completing her MBA at Texas Southern University. Sadly, she passed at the age 34 after a battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
She was also the first women’s basketball player in school history to have her jersey retired.
The newest members of the SWAC Hall of Fame were chosen from a list of nominees who were submitted by their respective institutions and selected by the SWAC Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
Full 2023 SWAC Hall of Fame Class Mary Currie (Grambling State) Ashley Ambrose (Mississippi Valley State) Issiac Holt (Alcorn State) Charles McClelland Sr (Alcorn State) Gloster Van Richardson (Jackson State) Eddie Davis (Prairie Vie A&M/Texas Southern)
Sundiata Anderson has been named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Football Defensive Player of the Week, announced by the conference on Monday afternoon.
Anderson was a significant force for the Grambling State defense during the Tigers’ 28-14 win over Bethune-Cookman. He led GSU with 12 total tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
The Grambling State football team travels to Mobile, Ala. to take on Alabama State on Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
Elizabeth Ann Sheridan Smith February 10, 1966 – October 21, 2023 Celebration of life: Lincoln Parish Park, Saturday, November 4, 2023, 2:00 pm Cemetery: Downsville City Cemetery, Saturday, November 4, 2023, 11:00 am
Dr. Jim Henderson (right) shows off his Southland Conference championship ring presented by Northwestern State players Tia Youngblood and Sami Thomas. (Courtesy Photo)
By Malcolm Butler
Although Dr. Jim Henderson has a diploma from Northwestern State, he was raised on Louisiana Tech as a child.
Dr. Henderson, who was named the 15th president in Tech history last week by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, comes by his Bulldog and Lady Techster fandom honestly. His father, Clem, played football for the Bulldogs under legendary head coach Joe Aillet in the 1940s.
“My relationships with this institution started in 1941,” Henderson told those in attendance at Howard Auditorium during a town hall forum October 19. “Dad played for (Coach Aillet) for two years before he and 21 of his teammates went to Joe and said ‘Coach, we’ve got work to do. We’ve got to go overseas.’
“When dad and his 21 teammates returned from the war in 1946, Coach had their scholarships and welcomed them back with open arms.”
A great example of EverLoyalBe back in the 1940s, more than 70 years before hashtags were a thing.
So due to his father’s background, Jim Henderson was raised on the red and blue and heard Louisiana Tech stories from Clem during his childhood. His passion for athletics also grew as Clem coached on the high school level in the Shreveport area, sending “every athlete he could to” Louisiana Tech.
So with an upbringing that includes both Tech and athletics, what is Dr. Henderson’s perspective on how college athletics fits within the scope of the overall mission of the University?
“I’m a big fan of athletics,” said Dr. Henderson. “I think a lot of people view athletics as their connection to the institution. It helps students become more connected to the institution. The community is more connected to the institution. Alumni are more connected to the institution.
“Athletics are essential. I think people sometimes look at it as a financial drain. But athletics has to be successful because it’s a great way to generate earned revenue for an institution.”
Dr. Henderson used the example of Florida Atlantic’s men’s basketball program this past March, and the Owls run to the Final Four.
“They generated $800 million in earned media for that institution,” said Dr. Henderson. “As a result their enrollment has increased, their grant funding has increased, their prominence within the state of Florida has increased.”
However, Dr. Henderson was quick to point out how athletics must fit into the financials for Louisiana Tech.
“The priorities of this institution are scholarship and research,” said Dr. Henderson. “Athletics has got to be a supplement of that. It takes a lot of work and fundraising. Putting a (good) product on the field encourages people to attend and support. People don’t give to need; they give to excellence.”
Two current Louisiana Tech head coaches have first-hand experience and knowledge of Dr. Henderson’s connection and relationship with athletic. Both Lane Burroughs (baseball) and Brooke Stoehr (women’s basketball) served in their same roles at Northwestern State during Henderson’s time as president in Natchitoches from 2015 to 2017.
Burroughs and Stoehr said Dr. Henderson’s ability to unite people is one of his many strengths.
“His vision, energy and passion for the job are the first things that jump out,” said Burroughs. “He is a unifier and a positive life force. It’s obvious that the retention of students and the overall student experience are something he places high value on.”
“He has an energy and presence about him that people naturally gravitate towards,” said Stoehr. “He is one of the most dynamic leaders I’ve been around and has a unique ability to unite people of differing opinions and perspectives to work together for the greater good of the organization.”
They can also both speak to his love for college athletics and the student athletes.
“Dr. Henderson knew our students and supported them tremendously on and off the court,” said Stoehr. “He and (his wife) Mrs. Tonia cheered for our team and were always behind our group in everything we tried to accomplish.”
Burroughs remembers Dr. Henderson driving eight hours to deliver diplomas to the graduating baseball players while they were on a road trip representing Northwestern State University.
“It was amazing,” said Burroughs. “Our boys and their families were able to have their own little graduation ceremony, because of his willingness to drive eight hours and deliver a great message and their diplomas.”
Greg Burke, who served as the Director of Athletics at Northwestern State during Dr. Henderson’s time as president, had a front row seat to Dr. Henderson’s involvement within the athletics side of the campus experience.
“(Athletics) was ingrained in him at a young age,” said Burke. “As he progressed in life and got into University administration he very clearly understands the value of an athletic program to its campus community. Not at the expense of the overall campus, but he understands that athletics is the front porch … has been, is and always will be.
“He won’t just attend an athletic event so he can check it off a list. He goes because he wants to go. He will be a fan. The officials and referees better understand that if they aren’t holding up their end of the deal being fair to Louisiana Tech teams, he will offer his executive opinion on that.”
All three can also speak to Dr. Henderson’s impact across the entire spectrum of the college campus.
“Student engagement was very important to Dr. Henderson,” said Burke. “There is a lot of dialogue about this generation and about college students. Dr. Henderson did a great job of engaging them. He was visible at everything, whether a play a concert and athletic event.”
“He is very intelligent, but very humble,” said Burroughs, who recalled Henderson meeting with every single Northwestern State employee within the first semester on the job. “I think our alumni, donors, students, faculty, staff and stakeholders will see what a great person and leader he is and feel the impact of his leadership immediately.”
“He will engage with the students, faculty and stakeholders in ways that will help take Louisiana Tech to the next level,” said Stoehr.
More than 150 local Special Olympic athletes participated in Friday’s event at the Jim Mize Track and Field.
By Malcolm Butler
Although the music blared over the portable speakers at the Jim Mize Track and Field Complex Friday morning aiding in the upbeat atmosphere, the sound of laughter pierced the air as more than 150 athletes from around the area participated in the fall Special Olympics on the Louisiana Tech campus.
Lacy Deal, the event’s organizer and an instructor in the Louisiana Tech Kinesiology Department, said the event has evolved over the years.
“This event is something we started a long time ago, but it has changed a lot,” said Deal. “We started the field day about seven years ago, giving these kids an opportunity to get out of school, have some fun, and be acknowledged for how special they are.”
Deal said the main bulk of the volunteers that make the event successful are Louisiana Tech students who come from the kinesiology department. The majority of the event coordinating volunteers coming from Kinesiology 414, a class Deal teaches every fall.
“It’s an adaptive class taught every fall,” said Deal. “My students select events that are fall related. Special Olympics have designated sports that go with the fall season. Those are soccer, bocce ball and flag football. So all of the stations are associated with those.”
Deal said the older participants competed in events specific to those sports while the younger kids did modified activities teaching skills associated with the sports.
The rest of the more than 200 volunteers Friday came from different organizations within the University, (Tech) Athletics as well as individuals from Choudrant High School and Ruston Junior High.
Aleya Hill, a junior member of the Bulldog softball team and an interdisciplinary major who said she wants to work with special education students upon graduation, said she loved working the event on Friday.
“I love how they have so much energy they have,” said Hill. “They give off such a good vibe.”
Senior Salma Bates, a member of the Lady Techster basketball program and a communications major, said she gets as much joy and fulfillment out of volunteering at the event as the kids doing participating.
“I want to be active in the community and give back while being a role model for kids,” said Bates. “It makes me happy seeing the smiles on their faces. For us to be here helping them have fun means everything. It’s gratifying.”
While Special Olympic athletes of a variety of ages spent the morning showcasing their skills, so many parents, families and friends joined the volunteers in cheering them on.
“These kids are excluded from so many things,” said Deal. “When you are a parent of a child who does not get the opportunity to participate in sport, who is always on the sideline cheering for individuals — their classmates, their friends — it’s great for them to have a day or two days a year where it is just for them. Where we cheer for them and raise them up for the special people that they are.”
Deal said all of the participants came from Lincoln Parish schools and D’Arbonne Woods. She hopes that the spring event will include participants from even more schools and said individuals can contact her directly at ldeal@latech.edu or call 318-257-5458.
As October’s Domestic Violence Awareness month comes to an end, the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team held a candlelight vigil in remembrance of lives lost.
Last week, The Bridge Community Church was bright with candles lit across the audience.
Terri Autrey, DART founder and community advocate, opened up the ceremony.
“A lot of times, DART has events that are positive and easy,” said Autrey. “We can’t describe this event that way. It’s inspiring and impactful.”
Chris Hanchey, The Bridge teaching pastor, gave an opening prayer to welcome all attendees to the event.
Across the seven parishes, 42 women, four children and three men had been murdered by the hands of domestic violence.
Alpha Chi Omega Beta Psi called out the 49 stories, then began lighting candles.
“We know there are more than 49 stories,” said Autrey. “We know we missed a lot, but we hope there is no more.”
As each attendee passed the flame, they stayed that way in remembrance and observed a moment of silence.
“We are hoping this teaches others to look for red flags in domestic violence,” said Autrey. “We just want others to be able to give help to those when needed.”
The event ended with Grambling State University’s Police Chief, Rod Demery, sharing his domestic violence story.
To become involved in assisting the organization’s efforts, DART’s next event will be on Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. called “Cut it Out”, a seminar for beauty and salon professionals at the Gallery Salon at 1407 Farmerville Hwy in Ruston.
Ruston kickoff specialist Joaquin Ramos was successful on a pair of onside kicks during Friday night’s win over Ouachita. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
It was both a special and big victory for Ruston High School as the Bearcats took a timely 49-7 win over Ouachita Parish High School on Senior Night at L.J. “”Hoss” Garrett Stadium.
That’s because special teams plays along with big plays in all phases of the game sparked the Bearcats to the win that featured a running clock beginning with 3:07 remaining in the second quarter after Ruston moved out to a 42-point lead.
The big-play principle was a key factor for the Bearcats from the get-go as on the first play from scrimmage after the opening kickoff, Ruston quarterback Josh Brantley swept out wide right and sprinted 65 yards to paydirt to give RHS a 7-0 lead at the 10:49 mark of the opening stanza.
“We needed to start fast and not give Ouachita any momentum and big plays help make that happen,” said RHS coach Jerrod Baugh. “That was one thing we talked about as a coaching staff and it always helps if you run a long one in.”
How did the opening kick that was fair caught followed by one play — Brantley’s scoring scamper — chew 1:11 off the clock? That was another part of the timely win as the clock on the opening kickoff never stopped until Brantley crossed the Ouachita goal line.
That same early running clock after a kickoff miscue happened again later in the first quarter after Ouachita’s lone score of the night.
“I didn’t even realize that,” Baugh said. “I guess we were too wrapped up in other things.”
Ruston’s special teams recorded its first big play of the night on Ouachita’s opening possession after Brantley’s score. Ruston’s defense twice stuffed OPHS running backs for losses before a third down incompletion forced the Lions to punt.
And the Bearcats blocked that punt to take over at the Ouachita eight-yard line. Jordan Hayes’ touchdown run on the next play pushed the RHS advantage to 14-0 only 4:14 into the contest.
RHS kickoff specialist Joaquin Ramos was successful on an onsides attempt on the following play as another big special teams play gave the ball to the Bearcats on the OPHS 48-yard line.
“It was something we saw on video and it’s something I told the kids that if we line up right on our first kickoff that we were going to go ahead and onside it,” Baugh said. “We didn’t get it on that first one but I’m hard-headed enough that if they give it to us that’s something we have to do. Just because it doesn’t work once doesn’t mean that we’re not going to go back to it.
“The kids take a lot of pride in it and it’s something that we do work at a bunch and we were able to get a couple of them.”
But Ouachita didn’t allow a first down on that drive and then blocked Ruston’s punt attempt before scoring two plays later to cut the Ruston lead to 14-7 at the 3:56 mark of the first quarter with the second “early running clock” occurring on the ensuing kickoff.
Ruston then marched downfield on a 78-yard drive with Hayes’ second score of the night pushing the RHS lead to 21-7.
Ramos was back at it again on the next play with another successful onsides kick that gave the ball back to Ruston at the OPHS 46-yard line with 10:13 left in the first half.
“We do a bunch of special teams work,” Baugh said. “We’ve been knowing since he was in the eighth grade that he was going to be a really good kicker. He does a great job at placing the ball in specific spots, and we worked at finding the open areas where the ball would hit the ground where we could get it.
“It’s the same way with the shorter sky kicks we do where we look for empty spots on the field, and Ramos does a great job of putting it into those empty spots where nobody’s at and we get to scramble. We should have gotten another we had a chance at along the sideline.”
Then the Bearcats went to the big-play principle again as Brantley fired a 46–yard scoring strike to Zhy Scott to put Ruston on top 28-7 at the 10:06 mark of the second quarter.
A big interception by Semaj Jones on Ouachita’s next possession set up another RHS score to give the Bearcats a 28-point advantage at 35-7 only 2:37 into the second stanza.
Ruston’s big-play attack went into effect again with 3:59 left before halftime as Hayes broke loose on a 73-yard scoring scamper that put the Bearcats on top 42-7.
And the Bearcats began the running clock a couple of plays later on a pick six by Zander Hayes to make for a quick second half and end to the game.
Ruston Police arrested a man on numerous drug charges last Saturday evening after he was found behind a closed Ruston business.
A RPD sergeant on patrol saw two men walking behind Green Clinic Saturday night while the business was closed. The men were stopped. Jahmonze C. Briggs, 31, of Ruston, was found with a glass smoking pipe considered drug paraphernalia and a bag containing suspected marijuana. In a backpack Briggs was wearing, a plastic bag containing methamphetamine was found.
A records check indicated Briggs was wanted on three warrants for failure to appear in Third District Court on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone.
Briggs was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal trespass, and the three failure to appear warrants.
Bail was set at $50,400.
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.
“House Boat on the Ouachita,” Patricia Tait Jones, mixed media, 36” x 80″
The Water Show, a water-inspired art exhibit and community conversation featuring North Louisiana artists will take place Thursday, Nov. 2 from 6-8 p.m. in the Norton Building, located at 207 W. Mississippi in Ruston. It is sponsored by Fringe: An Art Experience and The Water Institute, a Louisiana – based research institute.
Fourteen North Louisiana artists and The Water Institute have teamed together to bring community awareness to the issues surrounding water in the region. Together, they hope to open doors for positive change within the community and be a source of reciprocal inspiration — where water inspires art and art inspires action on water.
Each artist used a full-sized door as their canvas to create artwork based on their interpretation of the water theme – its beauty, uses and power.Artists represented in the show are:
Sallie Byrum Anzelmo Christy Bishop Maggie Jones Boudreaux Kate Brashear Leigh Barksdale Buffington Emily Caldwell Taryn Davidson Ellerbe+Rowan Kate Sartor Hilburn Patricia Tait Jones Shelly Nealy Emily Pullin Annie W. Richardson
Short remarks at the beginning of the opening reception will be made by Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker, Beaux Jones, Acting President and CEO of The Water Institute, and Lindsay Gouedy, Executive Director of the Sparta Commission.
In addition, there will be a reading by Kelby Ouchley, local environmentalist, author, and host of Bayou Diversity.
Special thanks to Pearce Lumber, Peter Goertz, Dean Norton, and KayBaby’s Smokin’ Hot Foods.
Others receiving votes: West Monroe (8-1) beat Alexandria, 28-23, Captain Shreve (8-1) beat Benton 65-33, Holy Cross (7-2) beat Jesuit, 30-0, Terrebonne (6-3) lost to Thibodaux, 26-21, Airline (8-1) beat Parkway, 33-16, Southside (7-2) beat Lafayette, 56-38, Archbishop Rummel (4-5) lost to Edna Karr, 39-31, St. Paul’s (8-1) beat Ponchatoula, 20-19, Central (6-3) beat Woodlawn-Baton Rouge, 35-0, Walker (7-2) lost to St. Amant, 31-28.
Class 4A
St. Thomas More (9-0) beat Westgate, 31-21
Lafayette Christian (8-1) beat North Vermilion, 56-7
Neville (8-1) beat Franklin Parish, 58-14
North DeSoto (8-1) beat Bossier, 55-8
West Feliciana (8-1) beat Broadmoor, 57-0
Archbishop Shaw (6-2) plays Saturday
Cecilia (8-1) beat Livonia, 50-0
Warren Easton (4-5) lost via forfeit
Lutcher (6-2) beat Morgan City, 48-0
Teurlings Catholic (6-3) beat Northside, 38-20
Others receiving votes: Westgate (5-4) lost to St. Thomas More, 31-21, Evangel Christian (5-4) lost to Huntington, 34-29, Assumption (7-2) beat Vandebilt Catholic, 55-30, Tioga (7-2) beat Peabody, 33-32 (OT), Opelousas (6-3) beat Breaux Bridge, 51-7, St. Michael (7-2) beat Istrouma, 49-34.
Class 3A
University (8-1) beat Collegiate-Baton Rouge, 56-0
E.D. White (9-0) beat Sam Houston, 45-31
St. James (8-1) beat Berwick, 54-13
Sterlington (8-1) beat Amite, 24-18
Jena (9-0) beat Caldwell Parish, 60-7
Parkview Baptist (8-1) beat Port Allen, 49-12
John F. Kennedy (8-1) beat Patrick Taylor, 51-0
St. Louis (7-2) lost to Iowa, 26-21
Union Parish (5-4) lost to Wossman, 12-7
Wossman (8-1) beat Union Parish, 12-7
Others receiving votes: Madison Prep (6-3) beat Glen Oaks, 48-0, Amite (5-3) lost to Sterlington, 24-18, Bunkie (8-1) beat Bolton, 59-6, Iowa (7-2) beat St. Louis, 26-21, Pine (7-2) lost to Bogalusa, 42-21, Jennings (7-2) beat Lake Charles Prep, 30-28..
Class 2A
Calvary Baptist (9-0) beats Lakeside, 52-0
St. Charles (9-0) beats Country Day, 49-7
Newman (8-0) beats M.L. King Charter, 47-12
Oak Grove (7-2) beat General Trass, 49-12
Dunham (7-2) beat Baker, 48-6
Notre Dame (6-3) beat Grand Lake, 46-7
Many (6-2) beat Red River, 52-18
Episcopal-Baton Rouge (7-2) beat East Feliciana, 50-14
Catholic-New Iberia (7-2) beat Loreauville, 14-0
South Plaquemines (7-2) beat Helix Mentorship, 44-0
Others receiving votes: D’Arbonne Woods (7-1) beat Green Oaks, 42-16, Loreauville (6-3) lost to Catholic-New Iberia, 14-0, Welsh (7-2) beat Vinton, 47-6, Ascension Episcopal (6-3) beat Delcambre, 49-14, Northlake Christian (6-2) beat St. Helena, 23-22, Pope John Paul II (7-2) beat Springfield, 41-38, Oakdale (6-3) lost to Holy Savior Menard, 13-12..
Class 1A
Vermilion Catholic (9-0) beat Central Catholic, 48-17
Ouachita Christian (8-1) beat Grant, 56-0
Southern Lab (7-1) beat Kentwood, 33-31
Kentwood (7-2) lost to Southern Lab, 33-31
Riverside Academy (8-1) beat Varnado, 49-0
Homer (7-2) beat Glenbrook Academy, 38-28
Logansport (8-1) beat St. Mary’s, 20-3
Haynesville (8-1) beat Ringgold, 51-6
St. Martin’s (7-1) beat Cohen, 56-12
St. Mary’s (6-2) lost to Logansport, 20-3
Others receiving votes: Ascension Catholic (7-2) beat White Castle, 67-26, Glenbrook Academy (7-2) lost to Homer, 38-28, St. Frederick (5-3) did not play, Jeanerette (7-2) beat Covenant Christian, 20-14, Opelousas Catholic (6-3) beat Sacred Heart, 52-21.
