RUSTON – The Lady Techsters got off to a fast start against SMU, but one quarter continues to plague them in a 69-53 loss Thursday night at the Thomas Assembly Center.
“We got off to a great start offensively that first quarter and then thought we had some empty possessions towards the end after we got out to a lead,” Lady Techster head coach Brooke Stoehr said. “We had some questionable shots that led to some transition that got them going offensively. We were solid defensively to start; a lot was due to our shot selection and taking care of the ball. It allowed us to get back in defensive transition and get our defense set. Tiara Young is a dynamic scorer, and you’ve got to make sure that you limit her touches and have your whole team back to defend as five. We should have valued the basketball more, and that’s been the thing with this group: we can’t turn the ball over 18 times and expect to win a basketball game. It puts so much pressure on you defensively because you can’t defend transition layups, and this group’s got to figure it out. We had some good effort. Robin Lee on the boards was big.
“We are playing hard. We’ve got to play smart and play winning basketball at critical times. That’s taking care of the basketball, good shot selection, and communicating on the defensive end of the floor.”
Anna Larr Roberson connected from deep to start the scoring from the LA Tech (2-9). Salma Bates and Kate Thompson followed with buckets inside the paint to give Tech seven points before SMU (4-5) scored their first points of the game. The Mustangs made a run in the final four minutes of the quarter to take a 16-15 advantage.
Both teams struggled from the floor in the second stanza, combining to shoot just 8-27.
Third-quarter woes continued to plague the Lady Techsters. Tech made just one shot from the field but got to the free-throw line 11 times to finish with nine points in the quarter.
Roberson and Lee would try to pull the Techsters back in, but it would be too late.
Lee finished with her first career double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Roberson finished with career double-double No. 21 with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Amaya Brannon returned to the court for the first time in over 300 days and finished with eight points.
“We are proud to see her out there,” Stoehr said of Brannon. “She’s worked really hard. Our medical staff has done a great job of getting her back, and it’s been a long time coming for her. She brings experience, consistency, effort, a high motor, versatility at the four for us, and just being able to do some of those things. She’s a little rusty, but she’ll get back in the flow, and it’s nice to have her back out there. Having our whole group back will be nice when we get Paris (Guillory) and (Mackenzie) Wurm back.”
SMU fished shooting 43 percent from the field (26-60), with 19 points from Tiara Young and 16 from Amirah Abdur-Rahim.
The Lady Techsters continue a stretch of three games in five days when Alcorn State comes to Ruston on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. CT. The game will be live on ESPN+ and KNBB 97.7 FM/LA Tech Athletics App.
A Funeral Service for Jannie Reah Duke, age 73, of Ruston, Louisiana, will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Brad Jones officiating under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.
A visitation will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, 209 North Bonner Street, Ruston, LA with Bro. Brad Jones officiating.
Jan Duke was born in Elk City, OK on March 6, 1950 to Jess and Mary Tanner and passed away December 9, 2023, at her home in Ruston, LA.
For most of her adult life, she lived in Ruston, LA and she was a homemaker. In her free time, she enjoyed eating out with her husband and children and loved being on Facebook.
Jan is preceded in death by her parents Jess Dillard Tanner, Mary Olene Tanner, and her sister Janice Sibley.
She is survived by her husband Raymond Duke; son, Chad Posey; daughters, Kim Weldon and husband Cass; Tina Newton and husband Joe; and Melissa Ray and husband Scotty; stepson, Raymond Scott Duke and wife Amanda; stepdaughter, Angie Maxwell and husband Michael; sister, Sherry Otwell and husband Tony; grandchildren: Timothy Lindsey and wife Nicole, Taylor Posey and fiancé Logan McCready, Brandon Newton, Tyler Lindsey and wife Madelynn, Logan Newton, Madison Ray, Cameron Weldon, Briar Ray, April Marie Duke and Robin Michelle Posey and husband Gene; great-grandchildren: Isaac Collins, Payton Collins, Briahna Lindsey, Makailyn Borden, Beaux Uzzle, Cypress McClain, Blakelyn Linda Posey, and Ronni Faith Posey, Braden Scott Bagwell, and Cameron Dane Bagwell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Vernon Baptist Church, 1549 Stonewall Road, Ruston, LA 71270.
Jannie Reah Duke March 6, 1950 – December 9, 2023 Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Saturday, December 16, 2023, 10:00 am – 11:00 am Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Saturday, December 16, 2023, 11:00 am
Louis Frazier, Jr. Died: Saturday 12/09/2023 Visitation: Friday 12/15/2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 12/16/2023 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 12/16/2023, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
Laura Turner Sunday 07/26/1936 — Saturday 12/09/2023 Visitation: Thursday 12/14/2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Friday 12/15/2023 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Friday 12/15/2023, St. Rest Cemetery, Choudrant
The Cedar Creek School Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Connie Bradford has accepted the position of President of Cedar Creek School, effective January 1.
“Many will remember Mrs. Bradford, who worked at the school for 16 years,” said Lomax Napper, Cedar Creek Board Chairman. “From 1995 to 2011, she served as a teacher, Lower School Coordinator, and assistant principal, and finally as head of school from 1999 to 2011.
“We firmly believe her addition to our team will help recognize, enhance, and build upon the many excellent programs already in place at our school. She brings a wealth of knowledge and learned insight to this newly created position at Cedar Creek.
“The President role will take more of a global and strategic view of the school focusing on the big picture, while also being an ambassador for the school. She will be working directly with Head of School Cindy Hampton and will report directly to the Board of Directors. We feel excited and fortunate to have Connie join our team here at Cedar Creek School.”
“I am extremely excited to have Mrs. Bradford returning to Cedar Creek,” said Hampton. “We worked together for many years, and I look forward to working with her again as we continue to position Cedar Creek School as the regional leader in academic excellence.”
Bradford is a native of Baton Rouge, and she attended Louisiana Tech University where she earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and her master’s degree in both Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership. She has served on the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and also on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches.
During her tenure at Cedar Creek, the school was named one of the top five all-star schools in America by USA Today in 2006 based on the academic achievements of its students.
She brings a proven record of building outstanding school programs focused on her philosophy of educating the whole child: the mind and the heart. She also brings an unmistakable passion for children and their development. She understands and embraces the value of each student’s uniqueness and helps them use those God-given abilities to reach their full potential.
Representatives from the four businesses receiving workforce development grants are David McCandless (McCandless Consulting LLS), Angie Casico and Tabitha Hennigan (Bellissima Salon and Co.), Amber Brazzel (Michael Brooks Family Clinic), and Diwanitra Hill (Nurse Cosmetics IV Lounge and MedSpa) along with Will Dearmon, President/CEO of RLCC.
The Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce announced the inaugural recipients of the 2023 Workforce Development Grant Program during a press conference on Tuesday at the Ruston-Lincoln Visitor’s Center.
The purpose of the Workforce Development Grant Program is to provide local businesses with resources to train and develop their workforce to reduce turnover and contribute to a growing business environment. By focusing on workforce development, the Chamber is carrying out its mission to help Ruston-Lincoln Parish prosper. This annual grant program will serve as the Chamber’s primary initiative supporting workforce development across Ruston-Lincoln Parish.
The 2023 grant recipients include: McCandless Consulting LLC, Michael Brooks Family Clinic, Nurse Cosmetics IV Lounge & MedSpa, and Bellissima Salon and Co.
“We are excited to provide local businesses meaningful resources to invest in their workforce,” said Elizabeth Turnley, Chair of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber Board of Directors. “We know this investment in personnel training and development will have positive impacts across our business community.”
Executives from O’Nealgas and b1BANK participated in the awards presentation as representatives of the title sponsors of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber Golf Tournament. This annual event serves as the chief fundraiser for the Workforce Development Grant Program. Each applicant submitted a one-page application detailing how requested funds would be utilized to support and address their workforce needs.
“I want to congratulate all four chosen grant recipients. This investment in local businesses will help meet current and future business needs, contributing to a robust and sustainable economic environment,” said William Dearmon, President and CEO of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. “Ruston-Lincoln Parish is in a unique position to grow, and this grant program is designed to empower local businesses as they educate and train individuals for years to come.”
A Grambling man was arrested on his third DWI offense early Sunday morning by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.
At about 2 a.m., an LPSO patrol supervisor saw a pickup truck run the red light at the intersection of the South Service Road and Trenton Street. The vehicle accelerated rapidly, and the deputy was unable to catch up to the vehicle immediately. The truck was seen exiting Interstate 20 at Tech Drive and was stopped on Alabama Avenue near the Thomas Assembly Center.
The deputy smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the truck. The driver Fredrick J. Arceneaux, 35, had a strong odor of alcoholic beverages on him and showed signs of intoxication. A records check showed Arceneaux’s driver’s license was suspended, and he was wanted on a warrant for failure to appear in Ruston City Court. He was placed under arrest and a search of his vehicle located four firearms and suspected marijuana. According to the deputy’s report, Arceneaux’s criminal history showed him to be a convicted felon with two prior DWIs.
Arceneaux was arrested, taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, and administered a breath test this showed his blood alcohol content was .202g%. He was booked for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, third offense DWI, careless operation of a vehicle, possession of marijuana, and the City of Ruston’s warrant.
Bail was set at $102,000.
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.
Major thanks to the entire football team, coaches and staff for an amazing and electrifying season. Week after week, you’ve come out and entertained the community, gave us the best Friday night experiences and showed us all what being unified, determined and resilient can produce: Undefeated State Champions.
It has been my pleasure, honor and greatest moments traveling with, cheering for and supporting each of you all season. I’m one of many proud to be a Bearcat Fan!!
To the leaving seniors and staff; to the returning players and coaches: may you all always remember your “Why and Who” in everything you do. Remembering that has made this a rewarding season. That brotherhood, bond and trust each of you have on and off the field, has created connections with families and friends for a lifetime and we aRe always, Better TogetheR!
Congratulations again, 2023 Division I, Non-Select State Champions!!
Celebration of Life for Dr. William S. “Billy” Bundrick, Sr., 85, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Noel Memorial United Methodist Church, 520 Herndon St., Shreveport, Louisiana, 71101. Officiating the service will be Rev. Max Zehner, Dr. Tom Harrison and Rev. James Davison III. A private burial will take place after the service.
Dr. Bundrick, loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and recognized orthopedic surgeon, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
He is preceded in death by parents, William Cecil and Dennie Inez Bundrick and brother, Ray and by his wife, Carol Tollett Bundrick. Billy is survived by his wife of 19 years, Linda Collins Bundrick; children, Dr. William Stewart Bundrick, Jr. (Michele), Margaret B. Davison (Jim), John M. Bundrick (Dr. Jennifer), Dr. Courtney L. Bundrick and Dr. Karen C. Soul. Billy is also survived by grandchildren Megan B. Boatwright (Stewart), Ashley D. Ivy, Spencer Dingler (Melissa), Zackary Benson, James Davison III (Josie), William Davison (Kaytie), Sarah Margaret Davison, Charles Bundrick, Samantha Bundrick, Mackenzie Soul, Mabry Soul and Sarah Teutsch (Luke). His great-grandchildren are Preston Swords, Gabriel Dingler, Jed Davison and Zion Teutsch. Also surviving Billy are sisters-in-law, Frances Spencer (Bill), Phyllis Romans, and Terri Collins (John).
Billy was a native of Shreveport. He was a graduate of C. E. Byrd High School, Louisiana Tech University, and LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. In 1964, he began his lifetime love of practicing orthopedic and sports medicine.
While at Byrd, he was an outstanding football and baseball player. He was a member of the 1956 State Championship C.E. Byrd High School Baseball team. In 1996, Billy was inducted into the C. E. Byrd Hall of Fame as one of the school’s most distinguished alumni. In appreciation for his devotion and support the school dedicated the Dr. William S. Bundrick Football Field in his honor.
At Louisiana Tech University he was a three-year letterman in football and co-captain. He served as team physician for over 40 years and was enshrined into the Louisiana Tech Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996. The Tower Medallion, Tech’s highest honor, was given to Billy in 1995. The Dr. Billy Bundrick Softball Field on the Tech campus is dedicated in his honor.
In 1969, Billy joined the Bone and Joint Clinic in Shreveport. For his dedication to his profession, the American Sports Medicine Institute named its Distinguished Lecture Series in honor of Billy. Another special honor was Billy’s selection to the Herodicus Sports Medicine Society, a group of sports medicine physicians from around the globe.
Billy’s life was one well-lived-in service to others. He was beloved by his family, his many friends, and the many patients and athletes of all ages for whom he provided care over the years.
Billy’s love for area athletes was also reflected in his generous support of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes ministry where he served as a member of its Board of Directors. For his long-time support of presenting the Gospel to young people, Dr. Bundrick was a recipient of the FCA Founders Award. He was a member of Noel Memorial United Methodist Church.
Honoring Billy as pallbearers will be Stewart Beatty, Zackary Benson, James Davison III, William Davison, Spencer Dingler, Karl Malone, Wayne Smith, and Mackenzie Soul.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Eddie Anglin, James Davison, Jim Oakes, Perry Pringle, Rick Shirley, Michael Slaughter, Ivan Smith and Sam Wilkinson. In memory of Dr. Don H. Burt, Dr. Spiro Cosse, Royce “Spanky” McCoy, Richard “Skippy” Shirley and Mickey Slaughter.
The family is grateful to Wayne Smith for his many years of devoted, loyal service and also to Dr. Scott R. McRight, Dr. Edward L. Morgan and the nurses and staff at Willis-Knighton Pierremont for their great concern and care during the years of health struggles. A special thank you is extended to Mrs. Billie Stephens for her unwavering friendship and care of “Doc” throughout his illness. The extra care provided by Tomorrow White and Cece Pennington in recent months was also such a gift to Billy.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Northwest Louisiana, P.O. Box 5118, Bossier City, LA 71171, Noel Memorial United Methodist Church, 520 Herndon St., Shreveport, LA 71101, or other charities of the donor’s choice.
A 32-year-old California man was arrested for trespassing and disturbing the peace after he returned to a Ruston residence after being barred from doing so.
Ruston Police responded to a Paul Avenue residence regarding the tenant wanting Willie J. George, III, of Newhall, Calif., to leave. Officers told George that he was being banned from the property by the tenant and he had to leave. George was informed that if he returned to the residence, he would be arrested.
At about 10 p.m., the tenant called RPD again to report George had returned to the property. Officers found George standing at the front door. When asked why he had returned after he had been told to leave, George said he was waiting on a ride. Officers noticed George’s words were slurred and he was unsteady on his feet and appeared to be intoxicated.
The tenant told police George returned and had been banging on her door, yelling for her to come outside. George was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for disturbing the peace by appearing intoxicated in public and entering and remaining on premises after being forbidden (trespassing).
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.
Grambling State University President Rick Gallot and Southern University Shreveport signed an MOU Tuesday morning to create a seamless pipeline for SUSLA students to transfer to Grambling State to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology. Photo by Carlton Hamlin
Grambling State University (GSU) President Rick Gallot signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between GSU’s Department of Engineering Technology and Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) Tuesday morning inside the Grambling Hall Auditorium.
This MOU will serve as an agreement between both institutions to facilitate the articulation of coursework and provide a seamless transfer of SUSLA’s Associate of Applied Science students into GSU’s Department of Engineering Technology to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
Essentially, the agreement will allow SUSLA students to use course credit from their two-year degree at SUSLA program toward a four-year degree program at GSU.
“The MOU is a way to foster an academic collaboration to join both institution’s electronics and electrical programs in providing a quality education to enrich the educational experience of those students who decide to continue to a four-year college,” said Dr. Edwin Thomas, interim head of GSU’s Department of Engineering Technology.
Grambling State President Rick Gallot said he believes this is only the next step in building a strong partnership with not only SUSLA but with Southern University in Baton Rouge and other institutes of higher learning.
“This is indeed a great occasion to show our partnership in this program, and as we continue to develop not only partnerships with Southern-Shreveport. We’re also, thanks to the work of Dean Warren, working to develop partnerships with (Southern University’s) Baton Rouge campus and the (Southern University) Law Center, and other places as well,” Gallot said.
“Look, we do compete, and don’t forget the Battle of the Bands, we do that every year, too. But the other 363 days that we’re not competing in the Battle of the Bands and the Bayou Classic we have the same role, scope, and mission, and that is to provide education for our students that is important both to Grambling State University and Southern University — in this case, Southern University at Shreveport. We look forward to additional partnerships as we move forward.”
As Dr. Thomas had previously stated during the signing ceremony, Southern University at Shreveport Chancellor Dr. Aubra Gantt in her remarks remembered and thanked the late Warner Brown, who was born in Columbia, Louisiana, but became a Grambling native in his early childhood, graduating from Grambling Laboratory High School.
Warner obtained a degree in physics from Grambling State University in 1981 and after doing graduate studies at State University of New York in Buffalo, he returned to Grambling to earn his master’s in teaching Natural Sciences from GSU in 2000. Warner taught at SUSLA for 28 years, including serving as head of the Southern-Shreveport Department of Engineering Technology, before his death in 2011 at the age of 51.
“I too want to echo (the remembrance) of Warner Brown,” Gantt said. “I remember his hard work in the Southern University (at Shreveport) engineering program and the partnerships he worked toward. He wanted to see this happen, so I, too, know that he is smiling down watching this today.”
Specifics of the MOU between GSU and SUSLA are as follows: In order to articulate approved coursework to GSU, SUSLA students must earn a grade of “C” or better in each course.
Those SUSLA students who earn their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree following the prescribed coursework shown in the agreement and declare their intent to pursue the Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Arts and Sciences (Department of Engineering Technology) at GSU, will be: Admitted to GSU as a junior upon successful completion of the SUSLA AAS degree with an overall GPA of 2.0 on all work attempted; Admitted to GSU using catalog of record upon entry and assigned a faculty advisor at GSU for assistance in accordance with policies of GSU’s College of Arts and Sciences (Department of Engineering Technology).
Present also at the signing ceremony from Grambling State was Dr. Connie Walton, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Stacey Duhon, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Mr. John Frazier, faculty in the Engineering Technology Department. Representatives from SUSLA included Dr. Brandon Lacey, B-STEM Academic Advisor and Project Manager of PEAT, and Dr. Kenie Moses, Department Head for Engineering & Technology.
By now, everyone in Lincoln Parish should be aware of Ruston High’s recent state championship in football.There have been numerous articles, interviews, and celebrations.I can’t give justice to what many have already written from firsthand experience, but any time an organization or team achieves something so noteworthy, there are no doubt key takeaways for all of us to learn from if we just take the time.
Ruston High has talented players and very capable coaches.They have the support of the school administration and the entire community.Those facts are awesome, but they are not enough to win state championships.To achieve something as noteworthy as a championship against the top competition in the state, it takes more than talent and support.There are other teams equally talented with their local support.
Whether we are talking Bearcat football, business success, or personal achievement, there are a few other key elements to success that were evident Saturday night in the Superdome.
Purpose:There was no doubt that losing in the championship last year left the Bearcat team with plenty of motivation to work hard in the off-season and do everything possible for a return trip.However, if you listen to Coach Baugh, the players mean more to him than a championship.As important as it was to win that game, the purpose of the Ruston program seems to go much deeper than the goal of winning a state championship.
Life Lesson #1:Goals are great to have, but they need to support an overriding purpose and that purpose should be people based!
Strategy:The Bearcat coaching staff did more than just put together a game plan for Saturday night, they had a strategy for the entire season.As in prior years, they assembled a very challenging schedule that gave them an opportunity to play teams with different styles of play that would prepare the Bearcats for whatever they would face in the playoffs.Not only did the schedule prepare them for what they would encounter on the field, but making a trip to New Orleans earlier in the year provided travel experience to ensure they were ready to play when they arrived.
Life Lesson #2: A well thought out strategy will ensure that the individual/organization is focused on the right things.
Adjustments:If you have followed the Bearcats the last few years, you know they rely heavily on running the tailback off-tackle.However, Zachry completely took that option away from the Bearcats. Rather than just keep pounding that off-tackle play under the premise of “persistence pays off”, the Bearcat coaching staff came out in the second half throwing the ball and running the quarterback.
Life Lesson #3: There will be variables and uncertainty in life.Those individuals and organizations that can recognize the challenges, maintain flexibility, and make adjustments in a timely manner will navigate the peaks and valleys of life more effectively.
Humility:The Bearcat team has its share of outstanding players.The unique thing is that it seems like a different player has stepped up at different points of the season to make game changing plays.Saturday night in the state championships game was no different.As the game plan changed, and the nature of the game dictated different issues, different players rose to more prominent roles.
Life Lesson #4: Organizations that are comprised of people that don’t care who’s right, who gets the credit, or who gets the best assignment will always achieve more.
Amazing that a high school football team can teach so many life lessons that apply to individuals, teams, or organizations of all types.So, congratulate the Bearcat team and thank them for teaching so many key lessons!
Louisiana Tech Concert Association will present the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 in Howard Auditorium.
Performing Home for the Holidays, this big band event will help inspire the spirit of the season.
Jeremy Davis serves as band leader, tenor sax, and vocalist;Clay Johnson sings and performs on trombone.
Inspired by the style and swagger of legendary entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr, Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson are making their own revisions to the Great American songbook. This event will feature the favorite melodies from recent history–a dash of Motown, a shot of Country, some folk and rock sprinkled on top–and the stories behind them, serving up a musical banquet that feeds every soul.
This event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
For additional information, please contact Dr. M. Steele Moegle at 318-257-5275 or atmmoegle@latech.edu.
To reserve seats for this free event, please email Dr. Moegle.Seats reserved but not occupied by 6:55 p.m. the night of the show will be opened up for patrons in attendance.
Each year on Christmas Eve, the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Cologne, Germany hosted a Living Crèche, what you and I know as a nativity scene or manger scene. Church members dressed as shepherds, angels, wise men, Mary, and Joseph, stood as motionless as possible to show their reverence for such an important and sacred event. If one was available, a newborn child played the part of baby Jesus. The recreated nativity scene often included various animals. In some years, a parishioner read the story of the birth of Christ to be sure that everyone, regardless of age, understood the occasion. A well-rehearsed choir of children broke the silence by singing a religious hymn, followed by a period of silence, then another hymn.
In the years leading up to the Living Crèche of 1670, the children in the choir became bored between songs. The choirmaster instructed them not to move from their assigned spots and not to talk. The period between songs was reserved for absolute silence. The children followed the first instruction and remained in their spots, but as they became bored, their natural inclinations slowly took over. One would give another a look. Another would whisper. The progression continued as long as they went unnoticed by the choirmaster. Before long, the children were talking. A stern look from the choirmaster quelled their conversations, but only for a few moments and the progression began again.
The choirmaster was determined that the Living Crèche of 1670 would be different. In previous years, the choirmaster had threatened and meted out different types of punishments, but they had little effect. Nothing seemed to keep the children quiet. He planned to find another way to keep the children quiet. After much consideration of various ideas, all of which he quickly discounted for one reason or another, he decided that the only way to keep the children quiet was to put something into their mouths, but what? Handkerchiefs? Pieces of wood? Surgeons used items such as these for their patients to bite down on during operations, but the parishioners would never have allowed that to happen. Finally, the choirmaster settled on something more positive, food. If he gave the children something good to eat, something all the children liked, they would not be able to talk. The choirmaster knew the parishioners would not allow children to eat during such a solemn occasion. He searched for a loophole and, after a visit to the local confectioner, the choirmaster came up with a solution. He ordered enough white “sugar sticks” specially designed to resemble a holy symbol related to the story of the birth of the savior.
The archbishop raised an eyebrow in disapproval when the choirmaster explained that he would give the choir children sugar sticks during the Living Crèche. When the choirmaster explained how the sugar sticks tied into the nativity scene, the archbishop relented. On Christmas Eve of 1670, the choirmaster passed out his specially designed sugar sticks to the children. During the service, the children were silent between songs as they enjoyed their sugar sticks. His plan had worked. In the following years, in addition to the children in the choir, the congregation enjoyed the sugar sticks as well. The ritual eventually spread around the Christian world and became a part of our Christmas tradition which continues to this day.
We buy more of these sugar sticks during the Christmas season than any other time of year. In addition to their great taste, we often decorate with them. They still have the same shape as designed by the Cologne choirmaster, but they now come in a variety of flavors and colors. The most popular, by far, is the peppermint flavored red and white sugar stick. Back in 1670, the choirmaster had the confectioner bend the sugar sticks in the shape of a shepherd’s crook or hook. We know these sugar sticks as candy canes.
Ruston High School was everywhere to be seen on the 2023 all-district team following an historic season completed by the Non-Select, Division I state championship.
“We are always very proud for the kids that get individual awards on the All District teams,” Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “I think it’s a tribute to the accomplishments that we had as a team. It also shows how the other coaches in the district felt about our team this year.”
Bearcat senior linebacker Jadon Mayfield was named most valuable player on the defensive side, while junior running back Jordan Hayes finished as MVP for the offense.
First team defense included seniors Geordan Guidry and Ahmad Breaux along with juniors Peyton Bell and Ka’Varion Key on the defensive line.
Both Mayfield and junior Zheric Hill took first team for linebackers, while senior Semaj Jones along with junior Aidan Anding were named first-team cornerbacks. Both seniors Nate Johnson and Jacoryian Crowe were named first team safeties.
On the offensive side of the ball, senior Chamarian Williams and junior Sam Nations earned first-team honors. Senior Zhy Scott was named first team tight end, while senior wide receiver Logan Malone earned top honors at wide receiver.
Junior Jordan Hayes finished first team at running back, while junior Josh Brantley earned first team at quarterback.
Anding also earned first-team as a returner.
Second team honors included junior defensive tackle Ka’Varion Key, junior corner back Fabian Stringfellow, senior safety Ronald Findley, senior punter Will Fendley, senior offensive lineman Kylon Bradley, sophomore fullback Lander Smith, senior wideout Jamar Woods, and junior wideout Joran Parker.
Honorable mention Bearcats included Rakeem Potts, Zander Hayes, Ahmad Hudson, Cedric Rhône, and Demario Nash.
Ruston High’s soccer squads both got Tuesday night wins this week with the girls blanking Franklin Parish 8-0 in their district opener and with the boys shutting out Union 3-0.
The Lady Bearcats cruised to victory with four different girls getting goals on the night.
“It was important for us to get this first district win,” Ruston head coach Jacquelyn Bean said. “We’ve struggled in the past few games, we’ve had some setbacks with injuries, and we have had to ask players to take on new positions because of those injuries. Last night was the culmination of things we have worked on for the last couple of two weeks. My girls work hard, and that hard work and determination paid off for them last night.”
Ruston put up double-digit shots and shots on goal. Junior Elliana Ramos exceeded a hat trick with four goals and an assist.
After subbing in with 12 minutes to go in the first half, sophomore Layla Smith scored a quick goal and followed shortly after with her second. It was her first time this season she found the back of the net.
Morgan Foster added her second goal of the season, and Mia Tapia would score the final goal of the match, which is her fifth this season, off an assist by freshman Kaelyn Huerta.
Rilee Atwood would finished with three saves on the night for the shutout win.
On the boys’ side, senior Ty’Jai Ursin, junior Carter Tims, and sophomore Alex Hunt all scored goals for the Bearcats.
Freshman Ben Wages gave Ruston the shutout in goal.
“They boys played great tonight,” Ruston head coach Isaac Ramirez said. “I’m super proud of this team and the progress continue to make.
Jianna Morris will lead the Lady Techsters into tonight’s contest against SMU.
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletics Communications
The Lady Techsters return to the Thomas Assembly Center for the first of a three-game home stand against SMU tonight. The game will be live on ESPN+ and KNBB 97.7 with Kyle Roberts providing a call of the action.
Louisiana Tech (2-8) is coming off a loss against Arkansas State, 69-58. The Lady Techsters started the game out hot, shooting 59 percent from the field in the first half. The shots stopped falling in the second half as they finished 45 percent for the game.
Salma Bates and Anna Larr Roberson led the way with 13 and 11 points, respectively. Roberson also finished with eight rebounds.
Silvia Nativi reached the 200-assist plateau against Arkansas State. She contributed seven points, four rebounds, and four assists. For the season, Nativi is No. 5 in CUSA with 35 assists and 3.5 assists per game.
Jianna Morris is having a solid start to her freshman campaign. She averages 7.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Morris has five games with three or more assists.
SMU (3-5) is hitting the road for their first true road game of the season. They started the season with wins over UC Riverside (78-55), Alabama State (96-47), and Nicholls (69-54).
Since then, the Mustangs have lost five in a row to No. 5 Colorado (84-69), Toledo (74-73), Harvard (80-67), No. 13 Baylor (85-61), and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (78-76).
SMU has three players averaging double figures: Tiara Young, Tamia Jones, and Chantae Embry.
Young, who spent two seasons at LSU and two at Houston, leads the way with 20.5 points per game, which ranks 24th nationally. Young has four games of 30 or more points, including a season-high 30 against Colorado.
Jones and Embry are the top returners from last year. Jones averages 10.4 points, three rebounds, four assists, and three steals per game. Embry has 10 points and 5.1 rebounds per game average. Embry is shooting 50 percent from behind the arc with 14 of the team’s 45 three-pointers this season.
LA Tech holds an 18-2 record all-time against SMU. Tech started the series on an 18-game winning streak before dropping the last two. The Lady Techsters remain undefeated against the Mustangs in Ruston.
Louisiana Tech is celebrating the 50th season of Lady Techster basketball. All former Lady Techster coaches, players, and staff are invited to the celebration held during the CUSA home opener against Sam Houston on Jan. 6, 2024. A reception will be held on Friday, Jan. 5, and formal recognition will be during the game.
Holideal ticket packages are now on sale for Bulldog and Lady Techster Basketball, which includes all eight of their Conference USA home games.
The sale runs through January 5 with the packages starting as low as $50. The CUSA Basketball Holideal ticket discount can be purchased for men’s, women’s, and a combo of the two.
For the Bulldogs, the lower bowl is $175, 100 level is $125, and 200 level is $65. For the Lady Techsters, the lower bowl is $100, the 100 level is $75, and the 200 level is $50. For the combo, the lower bowl is $215, 100 level is $175, and 200 level is $100.
The Lady Techsters play their first CUSA home game on Jan. 6 versus Sam Houston, which doubles as their 50th Anniversary game. For the Bulldogs, their first CUSA home game in the TAC will be against the Liberty Flames on Jan. 14.
This week, we’re going to flip last week’s Forecast edition upside down and explore additional players who have favorable/unfavorable match-ups coming in the weeks that matter most to fantasy football enthusiasts- that is, playoff weeks.
The Weeks that constitute 15-17 on the schedule if you will. Last week, we looked at quarterbacks and running backs within those boundaries. This week, it will be all other positions (excluding kicker) beginning with wide receivers. We’ll combine this week with last and together you’ve got your players to target and avoid as the playoff window begins.
Here we go!
Wide Receivers with Favorable Playoff Window (Weeks 15-17) Match-ups:
A.J. Brown/DeVonta Smith (Philadelphia): @ Seattle, vs. NY Giants, vs. Arizona
The Eagles are about to unleash all of their frustrations over having to play the 49ers and the Cowboys back-to-back on three teams that won’t be able to defend the pass well at all. It starts with Seattle and if you can remember back to what CeeDee Lamb did to them, you’ll know what is likely coming in the form of Brown and Smith as well.
Chris Olave (New Orleans): vs. NY Giants, @ LA Rams, @ Tampa Bay
With Micheal Thomas out for the remainder of the season most likely and Rashid Shaheed and Taysom Hill banged up, Olave is getting a huge target share in games of late. And, all three match-ups between now and January are juicy to say the least. Expect good things.
Courtland Sutton (Denver): @ Detroit, vs. New England, vs. LA Chargers
Before each of the last two seasons, it’s been speculated that Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, or both would be traded before the trade deadline in those seasons. Both have lasted in a battle to see who would emerge as WR1 for Denver for years to come. Touchdown machine Sutton is that man and these match-ups make him a top-10 option for the remainder of the year.
Wide Receivers with Poor Playoff Window (Weeks 15-17) Match-ups:
Tyreek Hill/Jaylen Waddle (Miami): vs. NY Jets, vs. Dallas, @ Baltimore
I’m not telling you to bench Tyreek Hill. Ever. He transcends any list of players to target and/or avoid. What I am saying is that the Dolphins have the toughest schedule in the whole league in weeks 15-17 when it comes to wide receiver production. Temper expectations as they continue to run just as much as they pass.
Amari Cooper (Cleveland): vs. Chicago, @ Houston, vs. NY Jets
First of all, kudos to Joe Flacco. Flacco certainly has enough coin at this point to no longer need the NFL and yet, here he is slinging it (and pretty effectively) for Cleveland for the rest of this year. The problem for him and for Cooper and other Browns WRs is that these three teams defend WRs well. Very well actually.
Tight Ends with Favorable Playoff Window (Weeks 15-17) Match-ups:
T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota): @ Cincinnati, vs. Detroit, vs. Green Bay
The Vikings will try out Nick Mullens at QB this weekend and how that impacts the Vikings’ pass game is really anybody’s guess. That said, you don’t have to guess how the Bengals, Lions, and Packers defend the TE position. I’ll save you the trouble of looking it up. Not at all well. Expect Hockenson to overtake Travis Kelce as top fantasy TE by season’s end as a result.
David Njoku (Cleveland): vs. Chicago, @ Houston, @ NY Jets
You might be thinking “How can you put Amari Cooper on a list of players with poor match-ups and turn around and say that teammate, David Njoku, has match-ups to exploit?” Simple. David Njoku plays a different position and these teams do stop WRs well. They just haven’t been able to figure out how to stop TEs yet. Njoku’s star, thus, continues to be on the rise.
Tight End with Poor Playoff Window (Weeks 15-17) Match-ups:
Trey McBride (Arizona): vs. San Francisco, @ Chicago, @ Philadelphia
This has been a break-out year for McBride and Dynasty owners no doubt have him on their short lists for who to keep for 2024 and beyond. But, the 49ers and Eagles generally swallow up tight ends with the 49ers being particularly brutal on them. That makes McBride a poor play in two of the three weeks and thus off my radar for guys to definitely have in lineups.
Team Defenses with Favorable Playoff Window (Weeks 15-17) Match-ups:
Indianapolis Colts (vs. Pittsburgh, @ Atlanta, vs. Las Vegas Cleveland Browns (vs. Chicago, @ Houston, @ NY Jets
When picking a defense to start during the playoff weeks, the formula is pretty simple. Find a team whose opponents have a QB who is struggling or commits lots of turnovers (both of those things sort of go hand in hand, I think). Anyway, the Colts face Mitch Trubisky, Desmond Ridder, and Aidan O’Connell. The Browns face Justin Fields, a hurting C.J. Stroud with hurting receivers, and Zach Wilson. Fire both up with confidence based on that hypothesis as you can see.
Finally, we mentioned last week that we would name the teams playing in potentially bad weather in December. Here are three to watch: Chicago, New England, and Cincinnati. As if you’ll be starting anyone for the Patriots anyway! The other two, though, play in nothing but cold weather and possible precipitation.
Good thing LPJ readers live in Louisiana for the most part. Enjoy and good luck this weekend!
Ruston High School was everywhere to be seen on the 2023 all-district team following an historic season completed by the Non-Select, Division I state championship.
“We are always very proud for the kids that get individual awards on the All District teams,” Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “I think it’s a tribute to the accomplishments that we had as a team. It also shows how the other coaches in the district felt about our team this year.”
Bearcat senior linebacker Jadon Mayfield was named most valuable player on the defensive side, while junior running back Jordan Hayes finished as MVP for the offense.
First team defense included seniors Geordan Guidry and Ahmad Breaux along with juniors Peyton Bell and Ka’Varion Key on the defensive line.
Both Mayfield and junior Zheric Hill took first team for linebackers, while senior Semaj Jones along with junior Aidan Anding were named first-team cornerbacks. Both seniors Nate Johnson and Jacoryian Crowe were named first team safeties.
On the offensive side of the ball, senior Chamarian Williams and junior Sam Nations earned first-team honors. Senior Zhy Scott was named first team tight end, while senior wide receiver Logan Malone earned top honors at wide receiver.
Junior Jordan Hayes finished first team at running back, while junior Josh Brantley earned first team at quarterback.
Anding also earned first-team as a returner.
Second team honors included junior defensive tackle Ka’Varion Key, junior corner back Fabian Stringfellow, senior safety Ronald Findley, senior punter Will Fendley, senior offensive lineman Kylon Bradley, sophomore fullback Lander Smith, senior wideout Jamar Woods, and junior wideout Joran Parker.
Honorable mention Bearcats included Rakeem Potts, Zander Hayes, Ahmad Hudson, Cedric Rhône, and Demario Nash.
The home of Louisiana Tech University’s latest major campus art installation, Aspire, will be named Guice Plaza in honor of the 14th president and first lady.
The plaza’s dedication to the Guices was announced during the president’s retirement dinner in November, hosted by the Louisiana Tech Foundation Board of Directors. A full guestbook of family, friends, and University partners gathered in the Davison Athletics Complex to socialize and reminisce on Guice’s legacy as he prepared to work the final weeks of his lengthy Tech career.
The dinner was marked throughout by a theme of three key words: Achieve, Innovate, Aspire. These words were repeated by the night’s guest speakers—Corre Stegall, Tim Cutt, and Mayor Ronny Walker—as the concepts most indicative of the successes during Guice’s presidency. It was during the Aspire phase of the evening’s proceedings, punctuated by a piano performance of the original “Aspire” piece composed by Shayla Blake, that the plaza’s new name was revealed. The Guices were visibly moved at the unveiling of the rendering and received a standing ovation
“As we contemplated opportunities to recognize your great service, we were continually impressed with the impact you have in connecting with the students and community,” said Louisiana Tech Foundation Board President Tim Cutt at the event. “Your vision of Aspire as a physical representation of ‘the convergence of the disciplines and people who foster creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and partnerships in interdisciplinary and collaborative environments’ motivated us when selecting an opportunity to recognize your collective service.”
Aspire was installed on Tech’s campus in late 2021, commissioned via funds from the State of Louisiana’s Percent for Art Program that matched a portion of the University’s new construction costs at the time. The plaza quickly became one of Guice’s many favorite spots on campus. After he founded the Tech Family Walking Group, a weekly walking session where Guice is joined by students, faculty, staff, and community members for a healthy dose of exercise and camaraderie, it was not long before he decided that the Aspire sculpture was the perfect place to begin those Saturday walks.
Aspire at Guice Plaza will be partially renovated with landscape and lighting improvements and signage bearing the space’s new name. Installed on that naming feature will be a bronze plaque detailing the impact the Guices have made on Louisiana Tech.
To learn more about Aspire and how to honor the Guices’ legacy of service to the University, visit LATechAlumni.org/Aspire or contact the Division of University Advancement at 318.255.7950.
Architect Mike Walpole (standing) presented a Health Hub planning update to the Public Works Committee before Tuesday night’s Lincoln Parish Police Jury meeting. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
An advertising mistake made by the Lincoln Parish Police Jury’s official journal — the Ruston Daily Leader — has forced the LPPJ to reject acceptance of an original low bid for a sewer consolidation project and begin the process all over again.
That news generated the most discussion during the LPPJ’s monthly meeting held Tuesday night at the Lincoln Parish Courthouse.
“There was an error made by the paper (the Ruston Leader) on the advertising for the sewer project,” Hall said. “The ad was supposed to run three times in 25 days and it only ran twice. Baton Rouge caught it and basically said that we have to reject the bids we received and we have to re-advertise.”
Henry Shuler, consulting engineer for the project, tried to clarify the matter.
“Actually, we caught it first, but by that point it was over with,” Schuler said. “I don’t want to get into a bunch of finger-pointing and what not, but the bottom line is that the third ad didn’t get run. Courtney and I pleaded two different times, ‘Can we do this? Can we do that?’ with the state general counsel and the answer both times was emphatically, ‘No.’
“The low bid we received was a good bid, but there is no other option in my mind but to take this action — reject and start over.”
Juror Theresa Wyatt said the company that put in the original low bid would now be at a disadvantage because other companies will know what that bid was and asked if the issue would affect customer sewage rates.
“No, it shouldn’t affect rates,” Hall said. “It’s going to delay the project and create a lot of scenarios where the low bidder might not bid again because now everybody knows what that low bid was and (the company that made that bid) might just not even try to rebid. It’s just not a good situation.”
Schuler said that original low bid was close enough to grant funding proceeds that he felt the LPPJ could work with it.
LPPJ President Richard Durrett then pointed out that if the original low bidder doesn’t bid again, the bid prices could go up, potentially jeopardizing the grant if that funding is significantly lower than the new low bid. There is also a scenario where the new bid could be lower, but none of that will be known until after the second bid process is completed.
“It’s just not a good situation,” Schuler said. “I’m pretty confident that they will rebid, but they did leave money on the table so to speak — that’s their lingo. But everybody knows that now.”
Hall said the LPPJ received a certification that the advertising had run three times; however, after it was checked that turned out to be untrue.
“Our hands are tied,” Hall said. “Like Henry said, we appealed but they wouldn’t accept it. We (advertised) online too, so we were as transparent as we could be and came to them with our hat in hand and told them it’s not our fault … but the law’s the law.”
LPPJ Treasurer Michael Sutton said there were three original bids but that there was a considerable gap between the lowest and second-lowest.
“It’s a Catch 22,” Hall said. “We’ve got one paper in this parish that qualifies as the official journal.”
Currently, Louisiana Revised Statute 43:142 (2014) stipulates that official Louisiana governmental journals must be a print publication with the additional following regulations:
(1) Shall have been published in an office physically located in the parish in which the body is located for a period of five years preceding the selection.
(2) Shall not have missed during that period as many as three consecutive issues unless caused by fire, flood, strike, or natural disaster.
(3) Shall have maintained a general paid circulation in the parish in which the body is located for five consecutive years prior to the selection.
(4) Shall have been entered in a U.S. post office in that parish under a periodical permit in that parish for a period of five consecutive years prior to the selection.
“In smaller towns and parishes, we need to be able to advertise on the internet, or an internet paper,” Durrett said. “We’re tied to one newspaper in the sense that they charge the highest rate that the (state) legislature lets them. Even if we advertise on our website, it goes out to everybody. We need more leeway in the small parishes.”
Wyatt quickly followed by saying police juries like the LPPJ need more choices.
“We have two choices — the (Ruston Daily) Leader and the online (Lincoln Parish) Journal,” Juror Annette Straughter quickly added. “But because of rules and regulations, we have to go with the Leader even though, and I hate to say it, but it’s true, the online Journal will give us a better rate.”
Shuler said the second week in January would probably be the earliest the LPPJ can begin the readvertising process.
The LPPJ also set its 2024 meeting schedule, with the February – December meetings being held at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.
But the LPPJ’s first meeting of 2024 will be held on a Monday — Jan. 8 — to allow LPPJ members to take their oath of office and take website photos before the meeting officially begins at 7 p.m.
“The first meeting has to be Jan. 8,” Hall said. “You can set whatever time you’d like, but I can tell you know it will probably be a pretty light agenda because it will be the first meeting (for the new jury). You can add a special meeting later if you feel you need it.”
In other business, the LPPJ adopted the 2023 amended and 2024 proposed budgets for Humanitarian Enterprises of Lincoln Parish, the North Louisiana Exposition Center, and the North Louisiana Criminalistics laboratory. It also voted to authorize annual paperwork authorizing the LPPJ president to execute a 2024 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the GSI and IT offices as well as a intergovernmental agreement with the Lincoln Parish coroner’s office.
The LPPJ also appointed TaDarian Jackson to the Lincoln Parish Communications District to fill the unexpired term of Grambling State University Police Chief Rod Demery and three appointments to the Ruston-Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau Board — Gerald Jordan to represent Louisiana Tech University, Jeff McGhee to represent the Hotel/Motel Association and Rob Owens to represent the Ruston Restaurant Association.
Jurors also authorized annual filing of applications for an annual grant with the Louisiana Housing Corporation and a Louisiana Community Services block grant for Humanitarian Enterprises of Lincoln Parish.
The LPPJ also recognized Highway Superintendent Jerry Doss, who is retiring as of the end of the year, for his 33 years of service to the parish. The Jury’s Public Works Committee also heard an update from architect Mike Walpole on design plans for the Health Hub project.
Walpole said he expects plans to be finalized by February with a 12-14 month construction period beginning in early May with a targeted move-in date of the summer of 2025.
