A Ruston man who had previously violated an order that he stay off the Louisiana Tech University campus was arrested last Wednesday for reportedly once again ignoring the ban.
Tech Police responded to Tolliver Hall about 2 p.m. Wednesday regarding a man asking students for money. The officer recognized the man as Carlos Jenkins, 49, a person previously barred from the campus.
As to arrest records, Jenkins has been banned from the campus since 2015 because of previous incidents. In October he was spotted on campus and charged with trespassing and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Outstanding warrants were located for Jenkins for failure to appear in Ruston City Court on those charges as well as a warrant for armed robbery from Third Judicial District Court.
Jenkins was arrested and a suspected ‘crack’ pipe was found in his pocket. He was taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and booked for remaining after being forbidden, possession of drug paraphernalia, and the three outstanding warrants.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Ruston High’s state championship football squad toured various schools around the parish today to celebrate the 2023 title with future Bearcats at each site.
“There are so many families with young children that come to our games on Friday nights and support our Bearcats,” Ruston High counselor Kelly Ratcliff said. “The players were excited to have the opportunity to visit all of the schools that they attended and to also thank the younger students for their support. We want these elementary and middle school students to look forward to being a Ruston High student one day.”
The Bearcats visited Cypress Springs Elementary, I.A. Lewis, A.E. Phillips, Ruston Elementary, Dubach School, Hillcrest Elementary, Ruston Junior High and Glen View Elementary.
“Ruston High is special and our students have a great deal of pride in our school and lots of school spirit,” Ratcliff said, who helped organize the day. “The winning season and championship has made this season even more fun. These coaches and football players have worked hard and represented our school and community so well. Watching the guys thank these kids today was just another day of me seeing why Ruston is not just your average high school. We are Ruston High and we are Bearcats!”
Others responsible for putting the event together included the coaches who drove buses, RHS teachers who excused the football players from class, and the welcoming principals of each of the schools.
My friends call it BowlFest, this most wonderful time of the college football year when you can’t swing a cornerback without hitting a Diesel Driving Academy Arkansas Bowl or a Sparkling Caffeine Ice Classic.
It’s a beautiful thing.
It’s easy to get caught up in the momentum of bowl games and holidays and start betting actual real money on the games. Santa doesn’t want you overdoing it. And he’s watching you …
The day I quit betting on ballgames was the day I thought I was about to lose $100 plus juice and nearly started crying like a small wet child.
March Madness. 1993ish? Back when having 100 bucks meant something. I’d bet Xavier to cover against Indiana or the other way around. In the past I’d bet $5 here and there, maybe 10. We figured we were betting $5 to have $5 worth of fun, because nothing makes you interested in a game the way “having action” on it does. Suddenly you’re interested in an Oregon State vs. Louisville score, fanatically so.
But now I was stepping out and betting a Buck, like a big boy, like I had $100 to lose.
It went down to the wire. Was listening on a transistor radio. Sitting in a cheap table chair on Archer Avenue in Shreveport. Living and dying. “If I can get out of this, I’ll never bet again.”
My guys covered. I’d won 100 large. And retired. Wasn’t worth it. I had to work too hard for that little piece of money.
Since then, the stakes have gotten back to normal. I’m in a group that “bets” all the bowl games with the overall winner getting the pot. The capital outlay is about 18 cents a game.
The feeling is the same. Pride. Bragging rights. The joy of thinking of where you’ll spend the $5 each of the guys will have to cough up. Even though both the risk and reward are so tiny, you’ll still pay more attention to the SMU vs. Boston College Fenway Bowl than any sane man should.
Before legal betting in our neck of the woods, you had to “know a guy.” Benny the Bookie or Sam the Human Point Spread. Now you just need your smartphone and a credit card.
Draft Kings. FanDuel. Promo codes. “Free money” to get you going.
Sounds like fun. And with a limit, I bet it is. I just got to thinking that I might as well flip a coin because …
How do I know whether or not the starting center just got a “Dear John” letter from his girlfriend;
Or if the quarterback just failed a big math test;
Or if the professional strong safety might have taken something recreationally before the game, the one I just bet a Honey Bun on.
“Too rich for my blood!” I hear a yokel saying …
You can bet spreads, over/unders, moneylines, parlays, teasers. Prop bets. Futures, in which case you’re betting on something that hasn’t happened yet as always, except this won’t happen for a long, long time. (The Orioles are +1,500 to win the 2024 World Series.)
If all these easy ways of betting — even on stuff mid-game, like coin flips or total interceptions — were available by phone 40 years ago, I might still be glued to that chair on Archer, sure I would get rich by the time they were cutting down nets at the Final Four.
But I backed down. I bet that I really didn’t know what I was doing. And that there would be days when the guys I’d bet on wouldn’t know what they were doing either.
Probably a good bet.
(But … who you got in the Boca Raton Bowl? Asking for a friend …)
While Thanksgiving is a great holiday, Christmas is without a doubt my favorite. There are so many things that make it special, but it’s the memories of Christmas past that make it number one for me. We’ve all had a specific Christmas that carries special memories for each of us. It’s not always about the gifts you got or didn’t get, but it’s about sharing time with family and friends. Yes, the gifts were great, but in our younger innocent years, that’s not what made Christmas special.
Every year you got a lot of new stuff, but first you had to make room for the new stuff by getting rid of the things you got the year before. It was a continuous cycle and ritual that you had to go through every Christmas. I remember calling my best friend on Christmas morning and telling him everything I got. But the funny thing about that conversation was the fact that I usually had a hard time remembering what I did get.
As I got older, it made me realize that it wasn’t the gifts that made Christmas special. It was more about all the moments shared with family and friends at parties or driving around town and looking at Christmas lights. It was the food, like my mom’s pecan pie and homemade fruit salad. It was going downtown to see the annual Christmas parade the day after Thanksgiving, which was a great way to kick off the Christmas season.
It was picking out a real tree until our family decided to go the artificial route. I even remember my grandparents having this weird white Christmas tree with a rainbow-colored lamp that rotated different colors onto the tree. I thought it was the worst Christmas tree of all time and whoever came up with this idea should have been taken out behind the woodshed and severely beaten.
But for me, it was more about the anticipation of Christmas Eve and believing that jolly Ol’ Saint Nick was headed my way. It was tuning into the 10 o’clock news that night and watching the Santa tracker as I laid two feet on the floor in front of the TV. Where is he right now and how soon will he be coming to my house?
As a youngster, I was a true believer, but could not wrap my head around how he would get into my house since we did not have a chimney. How was this man, bigger than life, going to enter my house and leave the gifts I so desired and had earned? It’s amazing the imagination you had as a kid and the thought process that went with it.
Finally, the big day arrived after a long and sleepless night trying to hear Santa’s arrival. I remember waking up at 5:00 AM on Christmas morning and having to lie in bed until everyone was up, wondering did the big man leave me the Hot Wheels Track or the Daisy BB gun I requested, or would it be underwear and clothes that I did not request? Did he remember the new bike I desired with the sissy bar and chopper handlebars? I gave him plenty of options so surely, he left at least one of those! After the gifts were opened and I was dressed for the day, I remember going outside and looking for sleigh marks or deer tracks as proof that he actually came.
Then the day comes when someone delivers the shocking news that Santa isn’t real! It puts that little bit of doubt in your mind and makes you question Santa’s true existence. They would destroy your beliefs with common sense facts and tell you that the big fat man in the red suit does not exist! They would try to reason with you how impossible it would be for a full-size man who eats nothing but cookies and drinks lots of milk would ever fit down a chimney! It was hard to argue with that!
But, in the back of your mind, you’re thinking the “know it all” kid just might be mistaken….. or is he? He puts just enough doubt in your mind that you feel that the only way to find out for sure is by asking your mom. Moms never lie and she would never tell you something that’s not true!
Then your mom says to you that it doesn’t matter what anyone says, and tells you to ask yourself, “Do YOU believe?” She never actually answers your question, and she leaves you continuing to think that maybe he is real. This is what keeps the magic of Christmas alive. The one thing I always told my kids as each of them at some point ask the age-old question, “Does Santa really exist?” was, “If you stop believing, he will stop leaving.”
Now the day finally comes when you know the answer, but it sure was a lot more fun when you thought differently and just weren’t quite sure. Your imagination as a child is what made Christmas so special. That’s still the case today, as there’s nothing more fun and exciting than to see that twinkle in a kid’s eye as they see jolly Ol’ Saint Nick.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this look back in time when all of us had that special believing look in our eye. It’s always fun going back in time and remembering the things that made each Christmas so special. As we get older, we realize that it’s more about the times we share with family and friends that makes Christmas so special. To each of you, Merry Christmas, and may all your dreams and wishes come true. Remember, believing is not always about seeing.
Leah Sutherland (24) drives to the bucket during the Lady Cougars contest at Choudrant Tuesday night. (Photo by Darrell James)
Sophomore Caroline James scored 11 points and freshman Alivia Lee added eight and the Cedar Creek defense held Choudrant in check as the Lady Cougars were able to pull out a 43-28 win against its Lincoln Parish neighbor at the Choudrant High School Gym Tuesday night.
“We played well tonight,” said Cedar Creek Head Coach Katie Hall. “Our defense was really good and we were able to keep them out of a rhythm. We hit some outside shots early that really got us going.
“We emphasized trying to get some paint touches against their zone. We have been settling for too many outside shots, but we were more patient tonight. I was proud of that.”
Olivia Underwoond and Leah Sutherland each connected on three-pointers in the opening quarter as the Lady Cougars (8-7) jumped out to the early lead. Sutherland added another three-pointer in the second quarter while James scored four as Creek continued its lead into the lockerroom.
“Caroline James played really well for us on both ends,” said Hall. “These girls were tired. It’s midterms and these girls just don’t sleep. But we found a way to get a win. They all need a break.”
Ainsley Riley led Creek in the third quarter with four points although the Lady Cougars just netted a total of seven points in the frame.
However, Creek pulled away in the fourth quarter thanks to hitting four three-pointers – two by Lee and one each by James and Underwood.
Sadie Jones led Choudrant (8-13) with 12 points while Reese Brown added nine.
The Louisiana Tech Men’s Basketball team plays its final game before Christmas break, taking on Seattle U tonight inside the Redhawk Center.
The contest will tip-off at 9 p.m. CT (7 p.m. PT) and can be heard on the LA Tech Sports Network on 107.5 FM with the pregame show starting at 8:30 p.m. CT with Malcolm Butler.
After trailing by as much as 13 early in the second half at Saint Louis, LA Tech (9-3) made a comeback taking a 6-point lead with less than a minute to go. However, the Billikens make a furious rally late and hit a game-winning three at the buzzer to win, 75-74.
The Bulldogs went the entire 40 minutes without committing a turnover versus the Billikens. According to CBS Sports, LA Tech became just the fourth DI men’s basketball team since the 1996-97 season — and the first since 2009 — to finish a game with zero turnovers committed.
Daniel Batcho scored a season-high 18 points while pulling down 13 rebounds, marking his fifth double-double of the season which is tied for the 15th most in the country. He also registered three blocks to give him 20 on the season. The forward now has three games this season with at least 10 points, 10 boards, and three blocks, which is tied for third most of any player in college basketball.
LA Tech pulled down 12 more offensive rebounds at Saint Louis, the ninth time this season with double-digit offensive boards. As a result, they scored 13 second-chance points versus the Billikens. The Bulldogs are averaging 13.6 second-chance points per game, having outscored their opponents in that category, 163-94.
Seattle U (6-5) had as much as a 16-point advantage over Washington this past Sunday, but the Redhawks ended up falling in double overtime, 100-99, to the Huskies.
It was yet another close loss suffered by SU this season. While Seattle U has collected six victories, all five of its losses have been by six points or less.
Cameron Tyson is the man that makes the Redhawks go offensively, averaging 17.9 points per game. He was a First Team All-WAC selection after pacing SU in scoring last season as well. He has scored 20+ points in five of his last six games, including a season-high 28 against UC San Diego. Over his last six games, he has hit 25 three-pointers. He averages 3.50 made threes per game, which ranks 12th in the country.
Despite surrendering 100 points to Washington in double OT, the Redhawks are allowing just 65.5 points per game by their opponents. They are one of the best at guarding the three-point line as opponents are shooting just 29.6 percent. No team has made double-digit three-pointers against them this season.
LA Tech leads the all-time series over Seattle U, 3-1. The two programs faced off against one another on two occasions in regular season tournaments, playing in the Great Alaskan Shootout in Anchorage, Alaska in 2008 and again in the 2k Sports Classic in Irvine, California in 2010.
The Bulldogs and Redhawks squared off twice in 2012-13 as foes in the Western Athletic Conference, SU’s first season in the league and LA Tech’s last season in the league. The ‘Dogs won both of those meetings and have won three straight in the series.
Four Louisiana Tech Football student-athletes earned Academic All-District honors from the College Sports Communicators as kicker Jacob Barnes, offensive lineman Abraham Delfin, tight end Ryan Rivera, and linebacker Zach Zimos earned the distinction the organization announced Tuesday.
The Bulldogs’ four selections are a program record eclipsing the previous mark of three in 2022 (Jacob Barnes, J’Dan Burnett, Parker McNeil). The four selections were tied with FIU for the most among CUSA programs.
The 2023 Academic All-District® Football teams, selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC), recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes football honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA.
A professional aviation graduate, Barnes is a back-to-back selection to the team. In addition to being a two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, the Baton Rouge product is a three-time CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll recipient (2023, 2022, 2020). He also made the Academic All-CUSA team this season. Barnes led the Bulldogs in scoring this season with 65 total points while connecting on 12 of his 15 field goal attempts. His 80 percent field goal percentage led all CUSA kickers. The Baton Rouge product finished his Tech career as the program’s all-time leader in career field goal percentage at 79.4 percent.
Delfin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering and technology, a master’s in science and engineering technology, and a master’s in business administration. The academic all-district selection is the third in his career. He also earned the distinction in 2021 and 2020. The Plaquemine product became the only player to be named to the Academic All-CUSA for four consecutive years in CUSA history early this year. He is a six-time CUSA Academic Medalist (2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018), and six-time CUSA Commissioners Honor Roll selection (2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018). At the conclusion of the regular season, his 61 career games played were tied for the fourth-most in FBS history. He helped pave the way for seven 100+ yard rushing games in 2023 and played a role in 38 100+ rushing yard performances in his career.
Rivera succeeded in the classroom and on the field during his lone graduate season in Ruston. The Tracy, Calif. native posted a 4.0 GPA while pursuing his master’s of arts in counseling and guidance. Rivera started eight games while appearing in all 12 contests in 2023. He hauled in 13 receptions for 174 yards for an average of 13.4 yards a catch while helping pave the way for seven 100+ yard rushing games. According to Pro Football Focus he allowed just one pressure and no sacks in 40 pass-blocking snaps in 2023.
Zimos is currently pursuing his master’s in business administration. The Arkansas transfer appeared in all 12 games at linebacker while starting five in 2023. He registered 60 tackles, including 3.5 for loss and one sack. Zimos led Tech in tackles twice during the season with a game-high 14 tackles at Middle Tennessee and nine tackles at Nebraska.
All four were denoted as finalists and will advance to the CSC Academic All-America ballot. First- and second-team (if applicable) Academic All-America honorees will be announced in late January.
Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business is joining forces with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Louisiana Economic Development to offer the newest site of the Community Development Institute, a national program aimed at training community leaders and economic development professionals.
This will be the only site in the state of Louisiana and will serve as a satellite site of CDI Central at the University of Central Arkansas in 2024. All sessions in Bossier City will be held at the Louisiana Tech Academic Success Center located in the National Cyber Research Park.
“This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen our communities across Louisiana and region, and perfectly aligns with the College’s vision to be a catalyst for economic development and growth in the region and beyond,” said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business. “We are honored to partner with the Bossier Chamber and CDI to offer this professional development opportunity and look forward to welcoming the first cohort to Bossier in February.”
CDI trains leaders to strengthen their local economies and build communities. Participants are taught to identify community assets, set goals, encourage collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders, and bring communities, organizations, and businesses together to respond to a broad range of economic and quality of life issues.
“Continued training in community and economic development for our local and regional stakeholders is a crucial ingredient to our success in an ever-changing environment,” said Don Pierson, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development. “Hosting this accredited training in an area of the state that is made up of many rural communities will help to provide guidance to local leaders and encourage their thoughtful engagement in growth opportunities. We look forward to working with the Bossier Chamber and Louisiana Tech to offer this certification in Louisiana.”
Ideal participants include elected officials, city planners and employees, chamber directors, community and economic developers, nonprofit leaders, bankers, state employees and others dedicated to making the community a better place to live, work, play, and learn.
“Personally, I have attended four years of Community Development Institute at the University of Central Arkansas and have brought a lot of those practices back to incorporate into our work at the Bossier Chamber,” said Lisa Johnson, President/CEO of the Bossier Chamber. “I could not be more excited to bring this training to our community.”
The complete CDI experience is a three-session program, with one week of training per session. Unlike other CDI sites, the Bossier City site will have participants complete all three sessions within one year. Participants move through the program curriculum in cohorts and are exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to the field of community and economic development. After attending all three sessions, participants are then eligible to take the Professional Community and Economic Developer exam to earn that certification.
“I am really excited to be a part of this program to increase professional development access to our economic development officers within Louisiana,” said Dr. Patrick Scott, Associate Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Economic Research. “CDI is a nationally recognized program for economic development training, and this is the first time we have brought the training piece to Louisiana. The partnership between the Louisiana Tech College of Business, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, and CDI represents a crucial step in economic development for the region. Affordable and accessible professional development training is an important component to the long-term aspirations of our economic development professionals. This means more of them stay in the region, which only serves the community better.”
Jeannie Burns was presented the Date Night photo by Century Next Bank President/CEO Bill Hogan and Argent Financial CEO Kyle McDonald. (Courtesy Photo)
By Malcolm Butler
Jeannie Burns remembers the first time she ever attended the Dixie Theater in Ruston.
The year, she believes, was 1968 or “somewhere around that time.”
This knowledge, of course, is based on the release date of the movie that her and her future husband, the late Terry Burns, saw that night.
Jeannie and Terry drove from Bernice to Ruston to see the flick that night somewhere in the late 1960s. It was one of their first real dates.
“My dad finally let me get in a car with Terry and drive to Ruston,” said Jeannie. “That was a big deal for Bernice couples.”
Little did they know that more than 50 years later, a photo taken of the Dixie Theater by their son, Paul, would be auctioned off with all proceeds going to benefit the local chapter of the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART).
Terry, who passed away following a battle with cancer in April of 2022, had plans of working with a non-profit after retiring from the banking industry. However, sadly enough, he never got that opportunity.
However, thanks to Paul’s photo and the generosity of some of Terry’s long-time friends and colleagues, he was still able to be the driving force behind a cause that ultimately helped a local non-profit in DART.
The idea started early one morning a year or so ago in Ruston.
“I was in town and had gone downtown to do some photography of Ruston early one morning,” said Paul, who now lives in Memphis with his wife Ashley and two daughters. “I looked up and there was the Dixie. And the sky was beautiful.
“I got back to the house, and I was editing some of those photos. Mom was like, ‘You know that Terry Burns and I went on of our first date there?’ I was like, ‘No way.’
“She really liked the photo. I could tell it brought back some memories. So I decided to call it Date Night.”
Paul, now 42 years old and the owner of Little Studio on the Square Photography, approached local DART community activist Terrie Queen Autrey — who he had known for years — about the idea of joining forces to raise some money using the photo in an effort to honor his father’s dream of helping a non-profit.
The idea turned into a plan and ultimately turned into a special night in early December that Jeannie, Terrie, and those who were in attendance will ever forget.
The weekend prior to the auction ending, Bill Hogan — a longtime colleague and family friend of the Burns — began formulating a plan. That plan eventually grew in numbers.
“So I looked at it to see where the bid was over that weekend,” said Hogan. “And I said, ‘That’s not enough.’ So I raised the bid by a good bit. Then Kyle McDonald sends me a text asking what I was going to do with with the photo. I told Kyle I was going to buy it and give it to Jeannie. And he said, ‘Well, I want to play.'”
Hogan and McDonald then joined forces with Byron Moore, who was also close to the Burns family. But that wasn’t the end of it.
“We heard a collector was possibly going to get involved in the bidding,” said Hogan. “Kyle heard it was Jared Ramsey so we contacted him and he said, ‘Well, I want to give it to Jeannie.’ So the four of us raised the bid up quite a bit so that DART could make some money in honor of Terry. And we bought it and gave it to Jeannie.”
The auction for the framed copy of Date Night culminated on December 5 as part of Lincoln Through the Lens hosted by Century Next Bank. Jeannie, who said she attended this event with Terry for years and attended that night as well, was in for a pleasant surprise. Everyone was.
“It was just so heartwarming and such a loving thing,” said Jeannie. “And it was all such a win win outcome because it was about DART, but it had a story behind it with (Terry and my) relationship. But just think how many lives can be changed from the money raised, you know. And then the heartwarming, blessed surprise of getting to receive the photo.”
Autrey said she was touched by the actions of all of those involved.
“I was so blown away that night by the generosity of all four men,” said Autrey. “And what was so incredible was how full circle the compassion and kindness of this entire effort came starting with Paul. It was such a powerful tribute to Terry and a wonderful benefit to DART.”
It obviously had a deep and significant meaning to Paul as well.
“This project meant the world to me. Ruston always comes through to support the community,” said Paul. “It was a honor to raise money for such a great cause and amazing to watch what this community can do when they come together.”
“I was touched from day one as soon as I realized what Paul was up to,” said Hogan. “I was really touched by the whole thing. Then for it to end up like it did, it was very, very cool. And Jeannie was very touched. What a wonderful family. It was just a real sweet, positive thing to have played a small role in.”
Date Night now hangs on the wall in Jeannie Burns dining room, a photo taken by her son and a daily reminder of her first date with Terry.
Mickey Joseph (center) was introduced as the new Grambling State football coach during Monday’s press conference. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
Minutes after being officially introduced as the new head football coach at Grambling State University, Mickey Joseph let the media and supporters know there are changes ahead for the GSU gridiron program.
Old-school changes.
“We’re going to restore the order,” Joseph said. “They (opponents) need to fear Grambling and that’s what we’re going to set out to do.”
Joseph said setting the proper environment will be key toward reviving the GSU football program.
“My focus is to create an environment where our athletes can excel in the classroom and win championships on the gridiron,” Joseph said. “We want them to be productive citizens in the local community and enjoy prolific careers once they graduate.”
“I’m here to win — on the field and off the field. I’m going to be a guy you can touch. I’m going to go into Walmart. I’m not going to hide. I’m not going to say I’m too big for this. I’m a real one, as the kids would say, and I’m going to continue to be that way.”
Joseph said he knows the standard set by College Hall of Fame Coach Eddie G. Robinson during his 57-year coaching career at GSU and that he will remember lessons learned from the legend as he tries to make his own mark on the Grambling State football program.
“Coach Rob set the stage,” Joseph said. “His shoes can’t be filled. But I know he’d want me to be myself and I know I can lead this program. We have to lead with integrity. You have to do things right by playing hard. … I want everyone to know we’re going to surround these kids with coaches that are going to demand that from them. That’s what Coach Rob did.
“Now we can’t practice like Coach Rob used to practice because now we have a 20-hour (per week) rule. But we’re going to ask the kids to give us their best at the practices — to play hard and do things how we want things done.”
Joseph said passion and aggression will be part of his coaching style on both sides of the ball.
“I’m passionate — I coach with a lot of emotion,” Joseph said. “If my arms are folded that means I’m upset about something. But I have to make the kids feel me. They’re going to take on my personality. We’re going to play hard. We’re going to play to the echo of the whistle. We’re going to be passionate about the way we do things.
“On the offensive side of the ball, we’re going to be very aggressive. We’re going to be an RPO team, we’re going to keep you off balance. On defense, we’re going to come get you and play man. We’re going to be really sound on special teams”
He’ll also focus on the basics before anything else.
“Fundamentals will override the schemes,” Joseph said. “We’re going to be fundamentally sound.”
Joseph, who also served as running backs coach at Louisiana Tech in 2016, was wide receivers coach for LSU from 2017-2021, also serving as assistant head coach from 2020-21. He was most recently assistant head coach and then interim coach at Nebraska for the 2022 season and said that lessons learned from those roles will come into play as he takes over at Grambling.
“Structure,” Joseph said of the biggest takeaway he’ll be bringing with him from LSU and Nebraska. “I’ve talked to (GSU President Richard Gallot and Vice President for Athletics Dr. Scott) about it. By having structure — getting more pieces into the program. It’s 2023, about to be 2024. You’ve got to have help with these kids, because right now if you ask 10 coaches to run behind 125 kids, that can’t happen. So we’re going to bring more structure to the program and we’re going to get these kids to do things right on the field and off the field.”
“We’re going to touch every high school in the state of Louisiana when it comes to recruiting,” Joseph said. “Because I think right here in the state of Louisiana, pound-for-pound it’s the best state for high school football. So we’re going to draw a five-hour radius around Grambling and basically stay in state to recruit these kids.”
As far as staff, Joseph said he hadn’t yet looked at that before Monday’s press conference but left all doors open at that point as far as the potential of keeping any of the coaching staff who served under Hue Jackson, who was fired earlier this month after going 8-14 over two seasons.
“I’m going to sit down and look at that after this is over because that’s one of the toughest things —- talking about the future of this staff,” Joseph said. “ Most of the guys in this building I know. So I have to sit down and look and talk about it, but at the end of the day, we’re going to do what’s best for Grambling.”
Joseph does already have a plan set about the way he’ll handle the NCAA transfer portal.
“I have a plan —- 85-15,” Joseph said about his views on the transfer portal. “That means 15% of the roster will come from the transfer portal, and 85% will be investing in and recruiting high school players. I think that these days with the transfer portal, people are forgetting that the high school kid needs to be developed — that you can’t give up on him after three semesters saying he can’t play.”
Joseph knows it’s the younger players who mean most for the long-term future success of his Tigers.
“What happened at Nebraska is the recruiting fell off —- you have to recruit. That’s your lifeline,” Joseph said. “At the end of the day, good players make good coaches. I was a good (receivers) coach (at LSU) because I had Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Terrace Marshall Jr. I had all three of those dudes on the field at one time.
“And we want to do that here. We want kids here who want to play in the NFL. So we’re going to recruit NFL-caliber talent. You can’t be scared of those types of kids. I think it’s going to be really competitive around here, but we’re trying to recruit kids who want to play in the NFL.”
Joseph admitted he’s talked to older brother Vance, former head coach of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals who now serves as defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, about taking over as head coach at Grambling.
“His advice is, ‘Mickey, invest in the kids. When they walk into the building, they’re going to be the most important people,’ “ Joseph said what he was told by his brother. “If we’re in a staff meeting and a kid needs me, we’re going to stop that meeting so I can talk to that kid
“We’re going to invest in those kids, because at the end of the day, if we can get those kids to do right and play hard, we’re going to win more games than we lose. But Vance calls every morning at 5 o’clock — 3 o’clock his time. I don’t know when he sleeps.”
In the end, Joseph believes building team trust is a key to building Grambling back into a consistently winning program.
We’re going to put the fear in our opponents. We want them to know when we walk down that hill (at Eddie G. Robinson Stadium), we’re going to give them 60 minutes of hell. That’s the only way I know how to do it.”
“I think the kids are going to trust me because I’m going to trust them,” Joseph said. “I’m going to have an open door policy. The kids are going to love me and I’m going to love them and we’re going to make this thing work.”
The Louisiana Tech softball players, coaches and support staff served as Santa’s elves as they served as Santa’s elves for a local family in need.
By Malcolm Butler
Each year the Louisiana Tech softball team participates in what would be considered your prototypical “team-type” Christmas party.
Exchange names. Buy gifts. Eat a meal. Play games. And enjoy each others company.
Nothing wrong with any of those things.
However, this year, the Bullldog softballers decided to spend their party — and their money — in a different way — one focused on more on the true Christmas spirit behind it.
“We were trying to find a fun way we could mix it up this year,” said Tech Assistant Coach Chelsea Cohen. “I have in the past known about the angel trees and adopting a family for Christmas, and I figured that that would be a great tradition (for our program) to start.”
The team was asked about their opinion of the idea following practice one day. It was met with over-riding excitement according to junior Alyssa Martin.
“I was super excited just because it’s pretty cool to give back to a family with things that we’re already fortunate to have,” said Martin. “All the girls on our team are pretty blessed family-wise and with our coaching staff and everything that they provide for us. So for us to be able to bless a family in ways the Lord has already blessed us in our life, I was super excited to hear that idea.“
Cohen was able to locate a local family needing some assistance during the holiday season by contacting First Baptist Church of Ruston. She said the church provided her with specific lists from the family with clothing sizes and favorite colors and the kids wish lists.
Although they had no idea who the family is, the Tech softball players pooled their money together and set out on a mission to enjoy each others company while playing Santa Claus this past Saturday.
“I think what they did was super,” said First Baptist Church pastor Chris Craig. “It’s the spirit of Jesus and the real spirit of Christmas; giving and loving people. As a pastor and a Christian, I think it’s a wonderful thing for them to do.”
“Our goal this year was to just make sure that we could give the family kind of a Christmas miracle and support someone here in our community,” said Cohen. “And I knew our our girls would jump right on board with it.”
And jump they did.
Some dressed in Christmas sweaters. Some in Santa hats. And some in their holiday PJ’s. But all with one giving goal in mind as the Bulldog softball players, coaches and support staff set out to fill the families Christmas wish list.
The group of more than 30 was divided into smaller groups and each of the smaller groups was provided a list for a specific member of the family. TJ Maxx and Five Below were bombarded by these Santa’s elves feverishly shopping with the Christmas spirit in their hearts.
“It was a different side of some of my teammates from what I had seen, so that was cool,” said freshman Karolyn Glover. “We had no idea who these people we were helping were, but we were all trying to figure out what they would like the best. We put a lot of thought into it. It was a good team bonding experience. It was way more rewarding to do something for others than if we had just done something for each other at a normal Christmas party.”
Despite the fact that none of the players or coaches will know or meet the family they helped during this holiday season, head coach Josh Taylor said that the gesture and ultimately his players passion for helping complete strangers is what he is most proud of.
“It goes along with our team’s mentality,” said Taylor. “We have a great group of young women who just have a giving mentality, whether it’s with their time or their own money. I think our team feels a lot of gratitude for the things that they have. It really was special to see the joy they had in giving back in this way. They are a special group with a wonderful perspective.”
“It was cool knowing we were going to help these kids and have a part in their excitement on Christmas,” said Martin. “It was cool to work with my teammates to see what we could find and to then put it all together.”
A Grambling youth was shot late Friday night after a bullet from an apparent accidental discharge of a pistol penetrated his apartment.
Police officers were dispatched to a report of an injured person at an apartment on Martin Luther King Avenue about 11:45 p.m. Friday night. A woman told GPD officers her juvenile son had been shot in his right arm and that the bullet had come from an adjacent apartment.
The child was reportedly lying on his bed at the time of the incident. The child was transported to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center by ambulance.
Police spoke to Donald R. Nabors, 21, who reportedly admitted to accidentally dropping the pistol. Nabors said the pistol fell on a bed railing and discharged, with the bullet penetrating the wall to the adjoining apartment. A KelTec .22 pistol was recovered at the scene.
Nabors was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for aggravated second degree battery with a firearm and simple criminal damage to property.
Bail was set. $105,000.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For more information on Andy Halbrook at Edward Jones, CLICK HERE.
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If you own a small business or are self-employed, you’ve always got plenty to do, but you can’t forget about the days when you’ll be less busy — that is, when you’re retired. How can you prepare for that time of your life?
One key step is establishing a retirement plan for your business or yourself. And thanks to the 2022 SECURE 2.0 Act, you can now receive tax credits for opening and administering a 401(k), SEP-IRA or SIMPLE IRA. These aren’t the only plans available for small businesses or sole proprietors, but they are among the most popular. Let’s look at each of them:
401(k) – A 401(k) offers several key benefits: First, any earnings growth is tax deferred, and your contributions can be tax deductible. (Taxes are due upon withdrawal, and withdrawals prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% penalty.)
If you choose a Roth 401(k), your contributions aren’t deductible, but your earnings and withdrawals will be tax free, provided you meet certain conditions. And a 401(k) offers a variety of investment options. If you have workers, you’ll need to consider whether to offer matching contributions, which are tax deductible to you, up to the limit of 25% of compensation paid to eligible employees.
But even if you’re self-employed, with no employees other than your spouse, you can establish what’s known as a “solo” or “owner-only” 401(k). In 2023, you can put in up to $22,500 as an employee, plus a catch-up contribution of $7,500 if you’re 50 or older, for a total of $30,000. Plus, you can contribute an additional 25% of earned income as an employer, up to an overall employee and employer maximum of $66,000 (or $73,500 if you’re 50 or older).
SEP-IRA – An SEP-IRA may be attractive to you if you’re self-employed or if you own a business but have few or no employees. That’s because you must contribute an equal percentage of your own compensation to every eligible employee. In 2023, you can contribute up to $66,000 or 25% of your income, whichever is less.
SIMPLE IRA – A SIMPLE IRA is easy to establish and administer. As with an SEP-IRA, earnings in a SIMPLE IRA can grow on a tax-deferred basis. If you have employees, they aren’t required to contribute to this plan — but you are. You must match up to 3% of employees’ contributions or provide 2% of their annual salaries, although you do have some flexibility. If your business goes through a rough patch, you can temporarily decrease SIMPLE IRA contributions to 1% for up to two years out of the previous five. Your contributions to your employees’ accounts are tax deductible, but in in terms of building resources for your own retirement, a SIMPLE IRA may be less appealing because of its contribution limits, which are relatively low compared to a 401(k) or SEP IRA. In 2023, you can put in up to $15,500, or $19,000 if you’re 50 or older.
You should consult with your tax advisor to determine which retirement plan is right for you. Your financial advisor can also help you explore your options. And the sooner you put a plan to work, the better.
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This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Ruston Cultural District held its Poetry Out Loud competition recently, and two Lincoln Parish students will advance to Regionals.
Ruston Cultural District’s is part of a national Poetry Out Loud organization that is funded by the Endowment for the Arts and allows high school students to compete for scholarships. The Ruston Cultural District’s city competition is one of several in the parish, and those who win at the city level will an opportunity to compete at regionals, then, if successful, a state level competition, and, if successful there, nationals.
Elena Baines received first place in the competition with Grisham Locke taking second place, allowing them to advance to Regionals. Baines shared “Shall Earth No More Inspire Me” by Emily Bronte, and Locke shared Richard Blanco’s “Burning in the Rain.”
Third place honors went to Maddison Cunningham and Melissa Le. Isabelle St. Amant, William Cox and Gabe Garcia also participated in the event.
Tami Lockwood Alexander served as the student coach for the event, and the students memorized a poem to present during the competition.
“Thank you to Emma Alexander, Louisiana Tech biology Ssenior as our Accuracy Judge and thank you to our judges, Cherrie Sciro from Louisiana Tech University , Genaro Ky Ly Smith from Louisiana Tech University, and Jonathan Jackson from Grambling State University,” Alexander said. “Thank you to Amy Bolton Stegall and the Ruston Cultural District, along with Ruston Community Theatre for providing this opportunity for these students.”
Alexander said she wishes the best to Baines and Locke as they move on to Regionals.
“I am so proud of every contestant,” she said. “It was a beautiful evening of poetry sharing. We are very excited to send two contestants to Region Eight in 2024. This was a wonderful competition for Ruston Cultural District. We look forward to the next one.”
A report by citizens of a reckless driver on Interstate 20 last Tuesday led to the arrest of a Shreveport man by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Several complaints were received about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night of a Honda CRV driving erratically. Callers reported the Honda had run one car off the road into the median.
Deputies located the Honda driving at a high rate of speed eastbound on I-20 near the 83-mile marker. The vehicle was seen making multiple lane changes traveling between 80-90 miles per hour. Once a deputy tried to stop the vehicle, it began weaving from side to side across both lanes of travel for about two miles before pulling over near the La. Highway 33 exit ramp.
When the driver, John M. Williamson, 76, stepped out of the vehicle, he immediately lost his balance and fell face first into the payment resulting in deep cuts on his head and hands.
Deputies and Ruston Police rendered aid while waiting for Ruston Ambulance Service. During that time, the odors of alcoholic beverages and burning marijuana were detected on Williamson.
Williamson was transported to the North Louisiana Medical Center for treatment. A check of Williamson’s car discovered a half-empty bottle of Kentucky Deluxe Whiskey on the floorboard and a partially smoked marijuana cigarette in the ashtray.
At the emergency room, Williamson was asked by medical staff if he had been drinking, and he replied, “more than I should have.” After treatment. Williamson was able to walk a short distance but needed the wall for support and was unable to perform field sobriety tests. A blood sample was collected for lab analysis.
After his discharge, Williamson was taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where he was booked for DWI first offense, reckless operation of a vehicle, open container, and possession of marijuana.
As part of the Lincoln Parish Sesquicentennial Celebration, the community has been invited to an Opening Reception of the “Connective Captures of Lincoln Parish Art Show” tonight at the Ruston Visitors Center.
The show was curated by Creative Exchange, a Ruston art gallery and art supply store, and features pieces that incorporate Lincoln Parish in various ways. The eclectic collection of artwork captures the beauty, culture, and history of Lincoln Parish.
The parish, now in its 150th year of existence, was created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1873. The show will culminate a yearlong acknowledgement of the anniversary.
Visitors can stop by between 5-7 p.m. tonight, Dec. 19, to view the art show and enjoy refreshments provided by Experience Ruston and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. The Visitor’s Center is located at 2111 North Trenton Street.
The art will be on view at the Visitors Center for the remainder of December.
Ruston High took a 58-31 win on the road Monday night at Gibsland-Coleman despite not shooting the ball very well, according to head coach Meredith Graf.
“Gibsland showed a lot of heart and pride tonight especially with only having six players as well as having some key players out due to injury and sickness,” Graf said. “We took a lot of quality shots but they were not falling. The only thing that really turned it around for us was our full court defense and transition baskets. I’m glad everyone got to play tonight and we will keep working to get better with every game.”
Ruston outscored Gibsland-Coleman 24-7 in the fourth quarter to seal the win after being up 34-24 after the third quarter.
Senior Zaccheya Jackson finished with 16 points for the Lady Bearcats, with 12 points coming in the second half. Senior Jaliyah McWain totaled 15 points with five baskets and four free throws.
Ruston will return to action on the road Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Booker T. Washington in Shreveport. Tip off is set for 6 p.m.
BATON ROUGE, La. – Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) awarded 33 Beautification Grants to organizations in 21 parishes, totaling $181,831. Made possible by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the grant program funds planting projects and welcome signs on public property in highly visible areas such as community entry points, highway corridors and medians, and major roadways and intersections. Grantees are reimbursed up to $8,000 for their beautification projects.
“I’m pleased to support this KLB grant program as community beautification is a demonstration of pride in place,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “When we take the time to enhance the appearance of our communities, we convey our love for Louisiana.”
“Trees and plants are good for the environment and contributes to an improved quality of life for all who call Louisiana home,” said KLB Executive Director Susan Russell. “Not only do beautification projects improve community appearance, but it’s also proven people are less likely to litter in well-maintained areas.”
This grant requires plants and trees to be at least 25% native to Louisiana. In addition to beautifying public spaces, projects are required to exhibit diverse community support, collaboration between organizations, matching contributions, and benefits to community residents. Louisiana parishes, municipalities, state agencies, governmental entities, political subdivisions, universities and colleges, and non-profit organizations were eligible to apply for the grant funding.
2023-2024 Beautification Grant recipients include:
City of Kinder (Allen Parish)
Assumption Parish Recreation Department (Assumption Parish)
Town of Arcadia (Bienville Parish)
Keep Bossier Beautiful (Bossier Parish)
Southern University at Shreveport (Caddo Parish)
Village of Belcher (Caddo Parish)
Concordia Parish Library (Concordia Parish)
City of Baker (East Baton Rouge Parish)
Louisiana State University – Keep LSU Beautiful (East Baton Rouge Parish)
City of Ville Platte (Evangeline Parish)
City of Westwego (Jefferson Parish)
Grand Isle Garden Club (Jefferson Parish)
Town of Lake Arthur (Jefferson Davis Parish)
City of Broussard (Lafayette Parish)
City of Scott (Lafayette Parish)
Moncus Park (Lafayette Parish)
University of Louisiana at Lafayette – Keep ULL Beautiful (Lafayette Parish)
City of Thibodaux (Lafourche Parish)
Keep Natchitoches Beautiful (Natchitoches Parish)
Northwestern State University of Louisiana – Keep Northwestern State Beautiful (Natchitoches Parish)
Dillard University (Orleans Parish)
New Orleans Museum of Art (Orleans Parish)
Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Merchants & Business Association (Orleans Parish)
Keep Algiers Beautiful (Orleans Parish)
Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful (Ouachita Parish)
Keep West Monroe Beautiful (Ouachita Parish)
Village of Florien (Sabine Parish)
Sabine Parish Tourist and Recreation Commission (Sabine Parish)
St. Mary Parish Library (St. Mary Parish)
Town of Madisonville (St. Tammany Parish)
Terrebonne Historical and Cultural Society (Terrebonne Parish)
Ruston High’s boys squad had a dominating performance on the road at Gibsland-Coleman with an 82-46 win to get the Bearcats a second win in a row.
“We are still not where we need to he defensively,” Ruston head coach Ryan Bond said. “Our fouling and staying in front of people has to improve. Offensively, we shot the ball much better tonight.”
Bearcat junior Aidan Anding knocked down five threes for Ruston for a total of 17 points to lead all scorers. Senior Zhy Scott added 13, while freshman Ahmad Hudson finished with 10 points.
“We are looking more comfortable on the offensive end,” Bond said. “I thought Zhy and Ahmad played very well tonight.”
Ruston will be back in action Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Booker T. Washington in Shreveport.
Ruston High’s Lady Bearcat soccer squad finished with a 4-4 tie Monday night against Evangel in a road matchup.
“Evangel is a good team and in the top 5 of their division,” Ruston head coach Jacquelyn Bean said. “We went head to head with them for the majority of the match. We were missing players again tonight from sickness and injuries. We had the win in our hands, but a draw also leaves the girls hungry for the next match. We’ll take this momentum into Wednesday’s match up at home vs Benton.”
Ruston junior Elli Ramos scored in the first minute of the match, which Evangel answered to tie 1-1 five minutes later.
In the second half, freshman Leigh Johnson scored her first goal as a Bearcat to take a 2-1 lead.
Ramos would score twice more for the Lady Bearcats in the match for a hat-trick.
After Ruston had amassed a 4-3 lead with a few minutes left to go, Evangel benefited from a handball call that ended up in a penalty kick goal to tie 4-4 as the final whistle blew.
Ruston’s last match of 2023 will be Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Hoss Garrett Stadium at 5:30 p.m.
Grambling State University is thrilled to announce a series of theme nights that promise to add excitement to the upcoming basketball events at the Frederick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. These special nights are designed to celebrate and engage the diverse community surrounding GSU.
Faculty/Staff Appreciation Game – January 6th (2/4pm) and 8th (5:30pm/7:30pm) Grambling State opens SWAC play with a special Educator Appreciation Weekend on Jan. 6 and Jan. 8. All Lincoln Parish teachers and higher education professors are invited to enjoy complimentary admission by presenting a valid school or university ID at the entrance.
Greek Night – January 20th , 2024 (12pm/2:30pm) BLACK OUT Weekend Embracing the rich tapestry of Greek life, GSU presents Greek Night on Jan. 20. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Greek letters and join the festivities, which include special performances, recognition of Greek organizations, and a spirited basketball competition. This event celebrates cultural pride, unity, and diversity within the Grambling community.
Coaches vs Cancer Game (Kid’s Day) (2/4pm) – January 27, 2024 On Jan. 27, Grambling State hosts a Coaches vs Cancer Game, a poignant event against cancer, with coaches, players, and the community joining forces to make a difference. In collaboration with the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the university aims to raise awareness, honor those affected by cancer, and contribute to the fight for a cure. Join us for an impactful evening that goes beyond basketball.
Kid’s Night – January 29, 2024 (5:30pm/7 :30pm)PINK NIGHT On Jan. 29, GSU proudly hosts Kid’s Night as the Tigers host the lions of UAPB. Fans can expect an evening of kid friendly activities with our Cub Club program as well as free entry for fans under 18. Fans are also encouraged to support their Tigers by wearing pink in support of the fight against Breast Cancer.
Alumni Weekend – February 10th (2/4pm) and 12th (5:30/7:30pm), 2024 On Feb. 10 and 12, the black & gold proudly hosts Alumni Weekend at Grambling State University. As the Tigers host Alabama State and Alabama A&M fans will also get an opportunity to mix and mingle Athletics administration, and Coaches to bridge the gap between the past, present and future.
Senior Night & Dr. Seuss Day – March 2nd, 2024 (2/4pm) GSU’s Senior Night, a time-honored tradition, occurs on Feb. 15. This event honors graduating senior players with special recognitions, heartfelt speeches, and an opportunity for the community to show appreciation for their dedication and hard work. Adding a whimsical touch, the game will also feature a festive Dr. Seuss Day celebration, bringing joy to fans of all ages.
Church Night – March 4, 2024 (5:30/7:30pm) Grambling State concludes the series with Church Night on March 4, inviting local churches and their congregations to unite for an evening of fellowship, community, and spirited collegiate basketball. This event promises an atmosphere of unity, celebration, and friendly competition. GSU extends a warm invitation to churches and their congregations to join Church Night’s fellowship and excitement.
Grambling State encourages everyone to mark their calendars for these extraordinary theme nights as they showcase the university’s commitment to community engagement, cultural celebration and making a positive impact beyond the basketball court.
Ticket Specials 2024 Basketball Season All Games Single Game Tickets $15 Group Ticket Discount: 10 or more = $12 each 20 or more= $8 each
1/6 & 1/8/24 Lincoln Parish Faculty/Staff w/ID: FREE
