By T. Scott Boatright

Rain and lightning failed to dampen the spirit of celebration last weekend as Grambling State held its 2024 Black and Gold Spring Football Game.

And this time it was a celebration more than 100 years in the making.

That’s because the game featured a return to the Grambling campus for the Rev. Dr. Arlester Brown, who celebrated his 100th birthday on April 1, making him the oldest living former football player for the G-Men.

Brown was one of the members of Grambling’s famous 1942 team which went unbeaten, untied and unscored upon during legendary coach Eddie G. Robinson’s second season as head coach of the Tigers.

Teammates of Brown that season included Grambling Legend Fred Hobdy, who would go on to become longtime men’s basketball coach and athletics director for the university, as well as Tank Younger, the first NFL player from a predominantly Black college as well as the first Black to become an NFL front-office administrator (scout and executive with the Rams until 1975).

“I had tremendous relationships with my coach and mentors, Coach Robinson, W. L. Garner and Vidilla Adams Johnson (daughter of Charles P. Adams),” Brown said. “They were my mentors and coaches for life and it was them who gave me an opportunity to become a successful man to strive for excellence in all phases of life.  

As the United States became embroiled in World War II, Grambling didn’t field a team the next two seasons due to the war. 

Like most of his Grambling teammates, Brown served his country as a Quartermaster engineer with the 599th Quartermaster Laundry Company, a critical supply source for the front line. 

In January of 1945, Brown was hit by shrapnel when an unmanned buzz bomb exploded near him

“We moved into France, Belgium and Holland before we finally got stabilized in Germany,” Brown said. “That’s where I was hit in the face by a piece of metal as a bomb went off.”

Brown, who was born in Homer before moving to Grambling as a young boy to live with his grandmother, returned to Grambling after the war and earned his teaching degree in 1949.

He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Administration Education from Texas Southern in Houston as  well as a Master’s degree of Divinity and additional theological studies received at Howard University School of Religion. 

Brown also received an honorary doctorate in Divinity from Universal Life Church.

He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area, where he moved in 1970 after years of serving in Louisiana public schools as a teacher and principal. . 

There Brown served for years teaching at Wesley Theological Seminary.

Last weekend’s return was the first return to Grambling for Brown since 1999.

“That was the 50th anniversary of my earning my degree from Grambling,” Brown said. “(President) Bill Clinton was the graduation speaker that year. That was the last time I was back.”

Brown met a host of former Grambling football players over the weekend.

They were all amazed by Brown’s mental and physical acumen while he admitted being amazed by all the love, support and admiration he was shown during his return to campus.

“This is all quite overpowering to think that this group of folks think that much of myself and the services I rendered,” Brown said. 

While the weekend’s Spring Game was delayed and then shortened by lightning and heavy rain, Brown said he loved every minute of being there and that he continues to be an avid follower of Grambling Football.

“I keep up with it over my computer,” Brown said. “The last game I went to was a Bayou Classic. I’ve forgotten what year that was now.”

And Brown will hopefully make another return to “The G” later this summer after receiving another surprise over the weekend during an announcement made by Ray Higgins, producer of the Grambling Legends, Inc. induction ceremonies.

“By executive order from Doug Williams, James “Shack” Harris and Howard Davis, we’re going to induct Dr. Brown with this year’s class of the Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame,” Higgins said as the room at the Courtyard by Marriott erupted into cheers and applause.

Brown said learning of the honor continued his feelings of almost being overpowered by emotions.

“I didn’t know that was going to happen — I certainly didn’t expect it,” Brown said. “It’s been so incredible meeting all of these people and being honored like this. I have been treated so well during all of this. 

“It’s been an amazing experience.”

Former GSU and Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Herman Arvie helped bring about Brown’s return to Grambling but was unable to make it himself last weekend after coming down with bronchitis.,

“I’ve heard it was an amazing thing to be part of,” Arvie said. “And I told him I’ll see him before the induction ceremony because I’ll be in the D.C. area for an upcoming Ravens ceremony and I told Dr. Brown I’ll make it a point to come and see him.

“And then hopefully we’ll both be back in Grambling for the Legends induction ceremony, because I’m part of this year’s class, too.”

That ceremony is set for July 13 at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.

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On Monday, April 22, 2024, shortly before 9:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a fatal crash on LA 841 near Underwood Road. The crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Gary Davis of Calhoun.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2017 Ram 1500, driven by Davis, was traveling south on LA 841. For reasons still under investigation, the Ram exited the roadway to the left and struck a tree. 

Davis, who was unrestrained, received serious injury. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died. Impairment and speed are suspected factors in this crash. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis.  This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.

In 2024, Troop F has investigated 12 fatal crashes, resulting in 13 deaths.

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Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

Dr. Craig Van Slyke, Louisiana Tech University’s Mike McCallister Eminent Scholar Chair in Information Systems, will headline the 17th annual William Ardis Marbury, Jr. and Virginia Lomax Marbury Lecture Series on Tuesday, April 30, at 4 p.m.

Sponsored by the Mr. and Mrs. Lue C. Napper Family and hosted by the College of Business, the lecture is free and open to the public. The event will take place in the Davis Auditorium (101) in the College of Business.

Van Slyke’s presentation will focus on the ethics of human-artificial intelligence co-production.

“The future of generative AI will be shaped by how humans and AI work together to produce value, but not just economic value; social value is also critical,” said Van Slyke. “To ensure that human-AI co-production benefits society as a whole, we must carefully consider the ethical implications for individuals, groups, and society as a whole. By proactively addressing the ethical challenges brought on by AI, we can harness its power for the greater good.”

Van Slyke is leading researcher in the field of information systems. Prior to joining Louisiana Tech’s faculty, he was professor and dean of the W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University. He has also held faculty positions as Saint Louis University, University of Central Florida, and Ohio University. He holds a Ph.D. in information systems from the University of South Florida.

He has published over 60 articles in respected academic journals, including a forthcoming article in Organizational Dynamics that explores the ethical issues related to the use of generative AI in HR management. The fifth edition of his fourth co-authored textbook, Information Systems in Business: An Experiential Approach, will be published this year. Van Slyke produces the AI Goes to College newsletter and podcast as well as the Cyber Ways podcast.

“Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize nearly every aspect of business,” said College of Business Dean Dr. Chris Martin. “We want our students to be prepared by knowing how to use AI effectively, appropriately, and ethically. This is already taking place in our classrooms, and now we have the opportunity to expand on that through this year’s Marbury Ethics Lecture. I’m grateful to the Nappers for their continued support of this lecture series and Craig for serving as this year’s keynote speaker.”

“Generative AI has great promise for helping us build a better world,” said Van Slyke. “But such an outcome is not assured. There are many ethical challenges that must be overcome, including addressing AI bias, equal access to AI tools, and the potential uneven distribution of AI benefits and risks. We also need to implement AI technologies in ways that retain human agency and autonomy, while ensuring that our AI colleagues are transparent and trustworthy. Only by overcoming these challenges can we build a better world through AI.”

About the Lecture Series
The William Ardis Marbury, Jr. and Virginia Lomax Marbury Lecture Series began in 2006 and is named after William Ardis Marbury, Jr. and his wife Virginia. The pair, both Louisiana Tech graduates, established William A. Marbury & Company, Inc., a managing general insurance agency. This corporation grew to be the largest agency in Louisiana, and one of the largest in the South. The general agency was sold in the 1950s to Commercial Union Insurance Company with the Ruston branch remaining the company’s largest in the country. In 1959, the Marburys and their associates founded Bankers Life of Louisiana, which became the largest credit life insurance writer in the state. Today the Marbury Companies continue to thrive in Ruston, serving the banking, investment, and insurance sectors. The companies founded by the couple continue to have a major impact on the economy and the community. For more information on the Marbury Lecture Series, contact College of Business Executive Director of Development Mary Susan Britt at marysusan@latechalumni.org.

About the College of Business
Through market-responsive academic programs, impactful scholarship, and a student-focused culture, Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business graduates business and academic leaders who are innovative, entrepreneurially minded, and analytically and technologically skilled for a globally competitive marketplace. Building on a vibrant community of life-long learners, our graduates are prepared to positively impact business and society. Accredited by AACSB International, the College offers eight undergraduate degree programs in addition to the master of business administration, master of accountancy, and doctor of business administration. For more information, visit business.latech.edu.   

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By Kyle Roberts

The Lincoln Parish School Board is set for a Tuesday vote on sending a $17.5 million bond proposal to the public for an April election that includes multiple projects and enhancements for Ruston School District No. 1.

One of the pieces of the proposal includes a $900,000 allocation for activity buses for District No. 1; a price that could possibly include purchasing as many as six activity buses that will never run routes, which would coincide with a yearly sunsetting of a yet-to-be determined number of route buses out of the fleet due to age and mileage.

For LPSB superintendent Ricky Durrett, this is a need that could be very helpful to District No. 1 for both sports and field trips.

“This could be a huge benefit to our athletic programs and even our elementary and junior high schools that go on field trips,” Durrett said. “Most of our trips are not just across the parish; they are to Monroe, Shreveport and Alexandria. Playoff games, regular season games; there’s a lot more travel involved nowadays with that. Having a bus that has the seat belts, has a little bit more comfort, a little more room and storage would be a big advantage of putting our athletes in a better situation riding. I think all of those things factor into being able to get off the bus and play a ballgame and would help a lot.”

LPSB transportation supervisor Doc Hoefler echoed Durrett’s comments in a Tuesday interview from this week and spoke to the safety of begin able to immediately move some of the newer activity buses already in the fleet to route buses.

“It will help us with athletics, no doubt, but it will help with our routes much better,” Hoefler said. “We will have safer, newer route buses out there running road miles.”

Currently, the parish owns approximately 100 buses at any given time, with 80 that run daily that include Simsboro, Ruston, Choudrant, Dubach and special needs routes. Nearly 3,000 kids in Lincoln Parish are bused every school day.

Of the remaining estimated 20 buses, around 15 buses are newer and designated as activity buses first, and five are used as spares in case of an incident, such as a breakdown or a flat tire.

“The differences between the two types of buses are a route bus has the stop arm and the stop sign,” Hoefler said. “It’s also yellow. The activity buses that we are looking to purchase will not have the stop arms, which means you cannot run them on a route.”

Currently, LPSB has newer buses in the fleet that are designated for activity routes, but they are buses that would still, for all intents and purposes, be capable of running regular routes because they have the stop arms and stop signs. Currently, they run activity field trip routes during the school year, unless there are issues where they run out of spare buses. These new buses would not be able to be used as spare route buses because of the lack of stop arms and stop signs.

Concerning the number of buses in the main fleet, a potential issue of adding up to six new activity buses into the rotation could potentially raise the cost of operation and maintenance. Hoefler explains why there is not expected to be an increase, citing the yearly retiring of buses and purchase of newer ones.

“There is going to be no difference,” Hoefler said. “We’ll retire a certain amount of route buses, regardless. We’re planning to get three to five buses next year, no matter what. It’s just that we could have the chance to purchase strictly activity buses for the fleet.”

The plan, should the bond measure pass, is to purchase six activity buses and then retire the appropriate amount of route buses based on a criteria that includes age and mileage. The goal is to not add more to the fleet than necessary.

Outside of not having the features of a route bus, the activity buses will have some new amenities for students that are traveling for activities and sports.

“We’ll have storage underneath the bus,” Hoefler said. “Then, we’ll also have individualized seating and seat belts. One of the biggest things with route buses is safety being compartmentalized with the way seats are built. And with activity buses, what we’re looking at getting is more of the captain’s chair, bucket seats for each individual person and having its own seatbelt with that.

Each activity bus will be air-conditioned and heated, as well, and are expected to hold around 48 total seats. For context, route buses boast around a 72-passenger capacity, but that’s with three to each bench seat, which is not feasible for older students.

Sports teams also spend money to rent out charter buses for longer trips, such as the football team requiring multiple charter buses to get to the state championship game in 2022 and 2023.

“When I added everything up that was paid, it was around $120,000 over two years,” Hoefler said, admitting that is a conservative estimate given that some teams use funds from their private booster accounts for travel.

A typical route bus also has a proposed driving life of 20 years for running road miles, though Hoefler admitted it’s closer to 12 years due to the “start-stop” of pick-ups in populated areas of the parish that are more dense than their rural counterparts. This requires the warranty, Hoefler added, to be taken into consideration.

“When we purchase a bus now, it goes into activity rotation it is there for two to five years,” Hoefler said. “It’s running road miles and doing great. When we move it to route rotation, the warranty is out and is not running roads miles and issues occur that could have been fixed within the warranty period. Getting the activity buses helps with this situation where we are able to work out the issues while the bus is still under warranty.”

By Hanna Singh

A piece of history has stood the test of time in Ruston. Residing in the home of the McGehees, a family with musical talent to spare, is a Steinway piano manufactured in 1858 in New York that survived the Civil War. Last Saturday, the family held a recital where seven family members and one guest presented musical pieces on the piano for the extended family to enjoy. 

Jeff and Janie McGehee, along with their four children, have resided in Ruston for many years. Growing up hearing about the story of the piano that belonged to his third great grandfather, Jeff was always fascinated with the idea that it was out there somewhere.  

“I’m 43 now and I was a child when my grandfather told me about it,” Jeff said. “He didn’t know who had the piano and we didn’t find out for a long time.” 

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His grandfather, Judge Edward McGehee, lived in Woodville, Miss., and his children played the piano, which was number 1548 of the pianos made, starting with number 1000. During the Civil War, Union soldiers approached the home during breakfast and announced that the family had 20 minutes to get everything they wanted out. After that, the house would be doused in turpentine and burned down with everything left inside. Somehow, amidst his daughter’s pleas, they were able to save the piano from the home. 

“All of this has been well documented with depositions post-Civil War and recorded in various books and papers,” Jeff said. 

In 2012, a book was published called “Plantations in Wilkinson County” which mentioned the McGehee plantation. This led Jeff to find the location of the piano with a distant relative in New Orleans. Dr. Wane Blake received the piano from his mother and held concerts in his home with it. After his passing, Blake’s family agreed to sell the piano to the McGehees, who brought it up to Ruston where it still resides. One hundred sixty-six years total the piano has stayed within the family of its original owner. 

Saturday morning, the family moved all furniture out of their living room to make way for the 8’ grand piano. Sixty-five guests attended to watch the performances of the McGehee children, Mille Marie, Maddie Lu, and Butter McGehee, along with family members Brittany McGehee Welch, Natalie McGehee Meznar, and Seth Jones. Family friend and piano teacher of the children Jeannie Patterson also performed.  

Before the performances, Jeff talked about the history and to conclude the event the family sang a few hymns together. Jeff’s 99-year-old grandmother, Mildred McGehee, was among the attendees. She proudly watched her grandchildren and great grandchildren perform on the piano that had been in her family for so long. 

Grambling Police arrested a Ruston man last Tuesday after a reported domestic incident.

Ronald C. Penn, III, 26, was arrested for domestic abuse battery after officers investigated a report of an assault on a woman.

Police were dispatched to a Nutmeg Drive residence in Grambling where a woman told them she was sitting in a vehicle with her with Penn, her boyfriend, when a verbal argument ensued. During the argument, Penn allegedly punched the woman in the face violently, also grabbing her left arm and forcing her to exit the vehicle.

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Police saw discoloration on the woman’s forehead and left shoulder and a laceration on her ankle.

Penn told officers he was retrieving his belongings from the woman’s residence and saw police arrive.

Penn’s bail amount was not available.

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. 

Baseball fans in north Louisiana whose dads and granddads were raised on the radio sounds of KMOX and St. Louis Cardinals baseball remember Whitey Herzog, who led the Cardinals to a World Series title (1982) and two other World Series appearances (1985 and 1987) in his 10 years as the team’s colorful manager. 

The prematurely white-haired Herzog passed away last week at 92, one of the last “characters” of the old-school game.

A tip of the ballcap to Whitey, the architect of one of the great nights of my otherwise feeble life. 

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It was a July Tuesday in Busch Stadium in 1986, and the San Francisco Giants were in town and so was I, writing stories on some former Shreveport Captains who were now Giants. The Cards were defending world champions but were struggling through a .500 summer, a team built offensively on speed while the Giants were an offense built on power.

St. Louis would sweep the series but it’s that Tuesday game that was the one to remember. The Cards led 10-2 in the fourth. 

In the bottom of the fifth, they stole a base.

It’s sort of an unwritten rule that you don’t steal with a big lead. Roger Craig, the Giants manager, knew this and seemed to take it personally when San Francisco reliever Juan Berenguer (blast from the past, right?) came into the game and threw at the first hitter he saw; it was the only batter he faced.

This brought Herzog out of the Cardinals dugout to protest to the home plate umpire and, a scenario you don’t see often, Craig came out of the Giants dugout and joined the conversation. The last time you’ve seen both managers yelling at the home plate umpire at the same time is … when? Only time I’ve ever seen it. 

Neither manager, as it turned out, was yelling at the umpire. They were yelling at each other. Fairly quickly they were nose to nose. Fingers jabbing. Spit flying. Then the dugouts emptied, and it were as if Herzog and Craig were each a point on opposing spears, with each team forming an arrow behind their guy.

Heated down there on the Busch Stadium turf, sure, but beautiful from where I sat in the press box, listening to 23,000-plus yelling in favor of Whitey “The White Rat” Herzog.

You knew what the argument was about, and after the game, Herzog explained it to me and other writers, his sock feet on his desk in his office underneath the stadium, leaned back in his swivel chair, a can of beer in his left hand. (A former player, Herzog batted, threw, and drank lefty.)

“Does Roger think he invented the game?” Herzog was saying. “I told him if he promised not to hit any three-run homers, I’d promise we wouldn’t try to steal any more bases. We can’t score the same way he can.”

Some other names from that weekend: Chris Brown, Robby Thompson, Jeffrey Leonard, Chili Davis, Mike LaValliere, Willie McGee, Vince Coleman, Tom Herr, Terry Pendleton. Steve Carlton actually hit a three-run homer in the Monday night opener, the only runs his team scored in an 8-3 loss. Only time I ever saw him pitch live — or hit a home run live. Hit it good too; slapped it off one of those columns in right in old Busch.

Good times. 

But the most beautiful part of the whole thing was after the game and Herzog explaining, with a big smile, his side of the argument. His beltless baseball pants unbuttoned to allow that 56-inches-or-so of waist a little freedom. And him holding that can of beer. Of course, in Busch Stadium it was a Busch beer. A freebie. 

The funny part was it was a Busch Light.

Whitey, always looking for an edge.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

A Lincoln Parish deputy arrested a Dubach man last Tuesday afternoon after a check showed he was driving under suspension and was wanted on a warrant.

Brandon Bussell, 41, was stopped on Rough Edge Road about 2 p.m. Tuesday. Bussell said he did not have identification and then apologized for being dishonest and produced a Louisiana ID card.

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A check showed Brussell’s driver’s license was suspended, and the vehicle had no insurance. A warrant was located for Bussell for failure to appear in Ruston City Court on another driving under suspension charge.

Bussell appeared nervous and denied any drugs were inside the vehicle. A search located items in a zippered bag containing methamphetamine residue.

Bussell was booked for driving under suspension, no insurance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and the Ruston warrant.

Bail was set at $3,000.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

It’s finally time to put the topic of forward-facing sonar to rest. Last week I gave a great breakdown on this topic. Now, I’m tired of all the debates of banning this new technology. I’m tired of hearing all the whining from anglers who either can’t master it or just refuse to learn it. It’s time to put this topic to rest and move forward!

This controversy is no different than any other issues that have risen in other sports. This is not about some drug that is enhancing an angler’s ability to perform and fish better. It has nothing to with any one angler having a bigger advantage over another. Why? Because every angler has the right and access to the same technology as the next one.

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The problem with this controversy is the fact that it’s not the young anglers who are complaining. It’s the guys who have helped build the sport of professional bass fishing into what it is today. It’s the legends of the sport and guys who have made a good living fishing with B.A.S.S. or Major League Fishing (MLF).

They don’t like the fact that today’s young anglers are stepping out onto the big stage and not just competing with them, but winning tournaments. They feel that forward-facing sonar is the only reason this is happening. So rather than get on board and get better with it, some have chosen to file complaints.

 I relate to this topic the same way I had to become a better hitter in order to get the opportunity to get drafted by Major League Baseball. 

One thing that separates an average hitter from a great hitter is the ability to hit the curve ball. This one thing has kept more baseball players out of the highest level than any other baseball skill. 

Until I got better and learned how to go with the pitch, I was only an average hitter. But I spent two years of my college career getting better with countless hours hitting in a batting cage and working off a batting tee. This was hours of what is referred to as soft toss and programing my body to hit the curve ball and go with the pitch.

I didn’t go and complain to Major League Baseball and push for a “no curve ball rule!” No, I worked at it and got better by putting in the work! This same effort needs to be applied by these fishing pros. Instead of using the offseason to go hunting, it might be a good career move to get on the lake and get better using forward-facing sonar. 

Here’s some food for thought. If the older anglers on tour were winning with this new technology, would anyone be complaining about it? If Rick Clunn or Kevin Van Dam was kicking everyone’s butt with it, I’ll bet a dollar-to-a-donut that all pros would be figuring out how to get better with forward-facing sonar! 

So, for all the anglers that just can’t seem to grasp this new forward-facing technology, you’ve got two choices:  either get better with it or load your boats and go home. You cannot stop technology in an age where a new computer today is out of date before the end of the month you bought it. 

It’s like any other advancements in the bass fishing world, forward-facing sonar is here to stay. Stop waiting on B.A.S.S. or MLF to make rule changes to accommodate the older anglers. In the words of my team partner who got tired of my negative complaining, “Shut up and fish you big baby!”

Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications

The Grambling State University softball team got back in the winning column with a 6-1 victory over Arlington Baptist on Tuesday night at the Ruston Sports Complex.

GSU banged out 11 hits in the win and erased an early 1-0 deficit with six unanswered runs to cruise to the win. Katelynn Walls and Aniyah Lee led GSU at the plate, both picking up a pair of hits.

Jordan Hodge (3-2) notched the win in a relief appearance, holding ABU hitless and scoreless in 3.0 innings of work. Erin Gibs earned her second save of the year, allowing no runs on two hits. She struck out one batter.

Dacia Richard set the tone in the circle, giving up just one run on three hits with two Ks in her start. 

Grambling State returns to the GSU Softball Complex for a four-game weekend series versus Alcorn State. The series is slated the begin on Friday with a doubleheader set for a 1 p.m. start. GSU and ASU will wrap up the series on Saturday with another doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m.
 

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech women’s basketball head coach Brooke Stoehr announced the addition of two student-athletes to the Lady Techsters program on Tuesday.

LA Tech added transfers Sydney Thomas (Kennesaw, Ga./Kentucky State) and Aniya Williams (Marlin, Texas/McLennan Community College) for the 2024-25 season.

Thomas, a 5-8 guard, is a graduate transfer from Kentucky State, where she led the Thorobreds to a 21-7 record this season.

“Sydney brings experience and athleticism to the perimeter,” said Stoehr. “Her ability to defend the ball and disrupt will be a great addition to our team. Sydney is a true 3 and D, as she shot over 40% from 3-point range and will rebound at the guard position as well. We are excited to welcome Sydney to the Lady Techsters family.”

Thomas averaged 7.6 points and 4.0 rebounds a game and shot 46.3 percent from the field, 40.3 percent from long range, and 80 percent from the charity stripe. She scored a season-high 14 against LeMoyne-Owen on Feb. 5 and Tuskegee on Feb. 26.

A two-time First Team All-Conference selection at North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Ga., Thomas added All-SIAC Tournament Team while leading Kentucky State to the conference championship game during her senior season.

Thomas has received the Presidential Award and is a four-time member of the Dean’s List. She will graduate Summa Cum Laude before joining the Lady Techsters.

Williams is a 6-0 forward who has led McLennan to a 53-11 record in her two seasons, including a trip to the NJCAA Division I Basketball National Championship.

“Aniya is a high motor player who possesses the ability to defend and rebound well in our league,” Stoehr said. She will finish around the rim and play facing the basket. She is a coach’s daughter and knows what it takes to compete every day and do the little things that create winning. We are thrilled to have Aniya joining our program.”

Williams has started 60 of the 64 games she has played, averaging 8.6 points and 7.8 rebounds a contest. She averaged 12.1 points and 9.2 rebounds during her sophomore season while scoring double figures in 26 contests and collecting North Texas Junior College All-Conference honor.

She recorded 12 double-doubles on the season, including a season-high 21 points while grabbing 12 rebounds against Temple College on Feb. 24. Williams also had a season-high 16 rebounds in a win against Collin County on Jan. 20.

Williams is a two-time First Team Super Centex and TABC All-Region selection while also garnering a Defensive Player of the Year and MCC All-Conference selection at Marlin High School in Marlin, Texas.

In the classroom, Williams is a four-time Academic All-District selection and a member of the National Honors Society.

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech withstood tough pin locations and windier conditions on Wednesday to shoot 294 (+6) and maintain an eight-stroke lead in round two of the 2024 Conference USA Men’s Golf Championship at the Texarkana Country Club.

LA Tech shot the third-best round of the day, securing two rounds at or under par but still managed to increase its lead by one stroke. The Bulldogs are eight strokes ahead of second-place Liberty and are looking to stay in the top four after Wednesday’s final round in order to quality for match play.

Hunter Battles was the first to tee off and ended up securing the best round for LA Tech, shooting 71 (-1). The fifth-year senior had nine straight pars on the front nine before dropping in his first birdie on the par 4 No. 10.

His lone bogey came on the par 4 No. 15, but he backed that up with another birdie on the par 5 No. 16 after making it on the green in two. As a result, he jumped 16 spots on the player leaderboard into a tie for seventh.

Niilo Maki-Petaja came into the round tied for third and finished the second round in the same spot after shooting 72 (E). The freshman tallied back-to-back birdies on No. 7 and No. 8 to shoot a 35 on the front. The lone miscue on the back was a bogey on the par 4 No. 14 with the other eight being pars.

Lake Juban, who was tied for the lead after 18 holes, shot 75 (+3) to drop the fifth-year senior into a tie for fourth. Between holes five and 13 he dropped in three birdies, but those were erased by three bogeys on the final five holes.

The fourth and final scoreboard used for the Bulldogs was that of Thomas Henson who shot 76 (+4), putting him in a tie for 11th. The senior’s best stretch came through the first eight holes where he was one under.

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech is back at the Love Shack to take on Nicholls State tonight after an eight-game road stand. The first pitch between the Bulldogs and Colonels will be at 6 p.m. with coverage on ESPN+ and on 97.7 FM.

Tech (29-12) is coming off a series win against No. 25 DBU over the weekend. Tech wrapped up the series by picking up a 6-1 victory over DBU on Sunday, handing the Patriots their first series lost at home since 2022. Tech ended its eight-game road stand by going 4-4.

Cole McConnell leads the team in batting average with .405, in slugging percentage of .747, and on-base percentage of .475. Sam Brodersen leads the team in ERA with 2.02 and in strikeouts with 67.

Nicholls State (27-14) is coming off a series sweep against Houston Christian University in Houston, Texas. The Colonels also play LSU on Tuesday night down in Baton Rouge. Nicholls State is currently on an 11-game road trip, which they are currently 3-1.

Tech is currently 18-15 against Nicholls State all-time. LA Tech’s last victory came over Nicholls in Thibodaux on March 20, when the Bulldogs secured a 6-4 win.

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Beverly Thurow Doucet passed away peacefully and in no pain on Sunday, April 21 2024 at Ruston Nursing and Rehab. Her body is broken no more!

Beverly was born in Winnfield, Louisiana on January 10, 1938. She stayed close to the Ruston area for most of her life, graduating from Ruston High School and Louisiana Tech University with an English Degree. Her ex-husband and she lived all over the United States with their family and she was able to use her degree teaching English. Her students loved her and she was voted Favorite Teacher in many of the high schools she taught at, including Florissant, Missouri and Savannah, Georgia.

Upon her divorce in 1976, Beverly moved back to Ruston, LA with her two daughters to be close to her parents. She began teaching at Bethel Christian School and once again loved her students! In 1979, Beverly joined PMA as a salesperson for supplementary health insurance. This was way before cell phones and sales were done through cold calls by knocking on doors. She traveled all over Louisiana and Mississippi and was very successful. She rose to being named Area Vice President of Sales. PMA was a part of Kanawha Insurance Company. She was a natural at Sales and never met a stranger.  Beverly LOVED the New Orleans Saints almost as much as she LOVED the Lady Techsters Basketball Team. She constantly coached from the sidelines!

Beverly was preceded in death by her second husband, EJ Doucet; parents: Dewitt and Estelle Sanders; brothers: Ralph and Rip Sanders; sister, Willa LaForme and; her sweet grandson, Seth Thomas Clark. Beverly promised to take care of Seth as soon as she got to Heaven and there is no doubt that are together now.

Beverly is survived by daughters: Teri Harvey (James) of Charlotte, NC, Randi Scott (Dan) of Savannah, TN; grandchildren: Stephen Clark (Haylee) of Durham, NC, Alexandra Weller (Mack) of Orlando, FL, Kylie Scott of Raleigh, NC and Zach Scott of Houston, TX; sister, Shirley McCowan of Nederland, TX; and brother, Randy Sanders of Ruston, live to remember great memories with their sister.

There is absolutely no way that Teri was able to take care of her Mother from 800 miles away without the “Village” of people in Ruston who were there at every minute and able to step in at a moment’s notice. We all knew Mother was having a good day when during the Facetime Videos she would comment on Teri’s nails being too red or her hair not being combed or Teri wearing too much jewelry! She was a wonderful mother until the very last days and kept us all on our toes! Even as her body was tired and she was ready to be made whole, she weakly said “love you” during the last facetime video, Saturday. Teri saw her Mother every three months, but the people who loved her locally and jumped in for the past three years were: Danny and Beverly Willis, Donald Litton and Rev. Bob Deich who was able to give her rest and counsel  spiritually last Tuesday. It was to Bob that she said she was tired and ready to go. David and Taylor with Elara Caring Hospice were more than healthcare professionals, they are family. Family we choose are so very special and David and Taylor were just that!

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Tommie Jarrell Jackson, 82, of Dubach, Louisiana was born October 7, 1941 in Yazoo City, Mississippi to Jarrell VanBuren Jackson and Dorothy May Jackson.

His early years were spent in Cotton Valley and then in Shreveport where he graduated from Byrd High School.  He attended Louisiana Tech before moving to Texas for several years.  Tommie returned to North Louisiana where he continued to raise his family and began his journey as a horseman with the Cotton Country Open Horse Show Association.  Membership in the American Quarter Horse Association, Louisiana Quarter Horse Association, Louisiana Paint Horse Association, and founding member and past president of the Louisiana Palomino Horse Club followed.  Tommie was also an active Free Mason ardently fulfilling all possible requirements in Masonry. 

Tommie is survived by many loved ones including his wife Bonnie Lou Dugan Jackson, son Jarrell VanBuren Jackson (Kate), daughter Jennifer Lynn Hopkins (Kirk), and stepson Jason Daniel Elmore (Melissa). 

Granddaughter is Catherine Nicole Jackson (fiancé Tyler).  Grandsons are Thomas Alexander Nash, Joseph Michael Nash, and Brandon James Nash.  Step-grandchildren are Cole Chandler Elmore, Kylie Elmore, and Courtney Elmore. 

Brothers and their families are Deward Jackson (late wife Linda) and Kenneth Wayne Jackson (Debbie).  Nieces include Melissa Fouts (Edwin) and Amanda Smith (Sean) and nephew Ethan Kyle Jackson (Melanie).  Great nieces and nephews are Annabelle, Sarah, Jessica; Jackson and Tyler; Cole and Cameron, as well as a great-great niece, Georgia.

Our Lord and Savior took Tommie home early Sunday morning April 14, 2024.

On behalf of the family, we would like to thank the staff of Northern Louisiana Medical Center, Allegiance Hospice & Palliative Care, and Ruston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who cared for our father during his last days, as well as the friends and family who visited and prayed with Dad.  They have meant so very much to us.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Archie Lee Skipper, age 89 of Ruston, LA was born September 2, 1934 to the union of Charlie Henry Skipper and Erma Faye Coleman Skipper in Ruston, LA. He passed away April 18, 2024 in Ruston, LA.

Lee joined the Marines at the age of 17. He served in Korea and Vietnam as a Staff Sargeant before retiring after 20 years’ service. Lee returned to Ruston and opened a mechanics shop with a full-service gas station. He ran that shop for 25 years. Lee also worked at Otasco’s and The Donut Shop. He loved gardening. Lee enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working around the house. He was a hard worker. Lee’s greatest love was his wife of 50 years, Cecilia Skipper. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Bobbie Lolly, Doris Theodus, and Charlene Sherrill.

Lee is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cecilia Estelle Aaron Skipper of Dubach, LA; sons: Ray Skipper and wife Ginny of Minden, LA and Scott Skipper and wife Deborah of Los Angeles, CA; daughter, Cyndi Skipper Alsawas of Los Angeles, CA; stepsons: Billy Pierot and wife Debbie of Calhoun, LA, Mike Pierot of West Monroe, LA, and Phillip Pierot in Ruston, LA; and 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Service arrangements will be made at a later date, please check back.

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Joy Carol Rowe 
October 8, 1949 – April 17, 2024 
Visitation: Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, Friday, April 26, 2024, 9:30 am – 11:00 am 
Service: Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, Friday, April 26, 2024, 11:00 am 
Cemetery: Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens, Friday, April 26, 2024 

Shirley Mae Gipson 
Saturday 01/04/1947 — Saturday 04/06/2024  
Visitation: Friday 04/26/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Celebration of Life: Saturday 04/27/2024 11:00am, Life Church, 3000 South Vienna, Ruston 
Interment: Saturday 04/27/2024 Following Service, George Washington Carver Memorial Park, Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston 

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By Hanna Singh

The Ruston community came together last Friday morning to provide a great opportunity for young athletes. The Spring 2024 Special Olympics was hosted at the Louisiana Tech Jim Mize Track for special athletes to compete in track and field events. 

The Special Olympics is an international organization providing sport and game competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities and other related disabilities. This Special Olympics competition was specifically track and field, with opportunities for athletes to compete in running and throwing events.  

Older athletes prepared prior to the event by practicing with their Adaptive Physical Education teachers and then participated in running and throwing events the day of. Younger athletes prepared for their future participation by doing motor development stations created and run by Tech kinesiology students. Some of these included an obstacle course and a parachute tent. The activities gave them the opportunity to get a hands-on experience with physical activity at a young age.  

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Many sponsors and volunteers contributed to the success of the event, providing meals, tents and volunteer support. McDonalds and Ruston Parks and Recreation teamed up to sponsor a meal for all athletes, teachers and volunteers.  The event also received the use of tents from Origin Bank, Century Next Bank, Louisiana National Bank, Lincoln Parish Sherriff’s Office and Louisiana Tech Athletics.  

Louisiana Tech instructor of kinesiology Lacey Deal led as the Event Coordinator for the Special Olympics. Under her guidance, many volunteer students from Tech kinesiology came out to run the activity stations and help with day-of setup. This being her eighth year coordinating the event, Deal has developed a strong passion for providing opportunities for special athletes in the community. 

“I have been working with the special needs populations for going on 20 years,” Deal said. “I have seen how the lack of opportunities to engage in exercise and sport activities can affect a developing child.” 

She explained how by partnering with local community groups, her team can provide two events each school year for the school-aged special athletes. They will begin preparing for their Fall Field Day event over the summer. Deal believes that encouraging her students to get involved in this program is a great way to serve others. 

“I can stand in front of a classroom and lecture to my students but placing them in a real world setting that provides them the chance to serve and learn at the same time is a bonus,” Deal said. “Good grades on a test are important, but learning to be a person with a serving heart is more important.” 

Having the opportunity to participate in these sporting events gives special athletes a chance to feel supported by their community. They can build up their confidence while developing physically and mentally through getting active.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help with special athletic events can contact Lacey Deal at ldeal@latech.edu for more information. 

By Kyle Roberts

Ruston High is sending more Bearcats off for collegiate competition after seniors Jaliyah McWain, Landon Byrd and Thomas Rogers all signed with their chosen universities.

McWain will play basketball for Trinity Valley Community College, while Byrd and Rogers will run track for Louisiana Tech and Louisiana State University, respectively.

Ruston High girls head coach Meredith Graf spoke of McWain’s contributions and what she has meant to the program overall.

“In her time here, I’ve seen her work tremendously hard putting the time and effort to not only get better as an athlete, but also grow as a person and leader,” Graf said. “That for me is what I’ve enjoyed most. Trinity Valley is getting a wonderful student athlete; I can say that wholeheartedly.”

McWain was named the MVP of District 2-5A and the most outstanding player for the Lincoln Parish Journal after leading her team to the quarterfinals in the playoffs and averaging 13 points, six rebounds and five steals per game.

“When I went on the visit, it felt like home,” McWain said of her choice to play for TVCC. “It’s a great environment. They have a great program and they’re known for getting two-year players to four-year schools.”

Ruston High cross country coach Dustin Cochran then spoke of the hard work that both Byrd and Rogers have put into their running careers.

“These two guys are the definition of what it means to be a Bearcat,” Cochran said. “We’re thankful for for what they have done for our track program.”

After a stellar career as a Bearcat which included winning the indoor 3200-meter state championship this year, Rogers elected to run for the Tigers.

“It just had everything that I wanted,” Rogers said of his choice to go to LSU. “It’s a great team and a great school.”

Byrd, on the other hand, has decided to stay home and run for the Bulldogs.

“I really wanted to continue my running career,” Byrd said. “I can’t wait to continue at Louisiana Tech. They have a great program, and I’m looking forward to working with the coaches there.”

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Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my full support for the Lincoln Parish School bond proposal for the Ruston School district. As a retired educator with over 30 years of experience, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of well-funded and well-maintained educational facilities.

I am extremely pleased with the School Board’s commitment to transparency and accountability regarding the bond proposal. This includes holding public forums, providing details about the proposal, allowing citizens to seek clarification by asking questions, and ensuring follow-up articles are published in local newspapers and on social media to adequately inform the public.

The proposed projects target essential needs at Ruston High School and Ruston Junior High. Some key areas include school maintenance, security measures, parking extensions, and athletic facility upgrades.

My perspective on specifics are as follows:

• A new roof for Ruston High School is a crucial investment. A well-maintained roof not only protects the building but also ensures a conducive learning environment for our students.
• The installation of body scan machines at school entrances can enhance security by detecting prohibited items such as weapons, drugs, or other dangerous objects. This helps create a safer environment for students, staff, and visitors.
• Extended parking facilities can alleviate congestion, enhance accessibility, and create a more organized campus. Adequate parking reduces the need for illegal or unsafe parking practices (such as parking in fire lanes or blocking walkways). Well-organized parking areas enhance overall safety on campus.
• Athletic facility upgrades help create a balanced education. Athletics complement academic learning. Research shows that students who participate in sports often perform better academically. It also provides an incentive to maintain good grades and remain eligible for sports participation.

As a community, we have always valued education and recognized its role in shaping the future. The proposed bond issue is an opportunity for us to reaffirm this value and take concrete steps towards enhancing our school district. I urge all community members to consider the long-term benefits of this bond and vote YES at the polls this Saturday, April 27.

Sincerely,
Liz White
Retired Professor
Louisiana Tech University

Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial and publishing staff of the Lincoln Parish Journal.

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A Farmerville man was arrested last Tuesday after he was stopped in Lincoln Parish for not wearing a seat belt and drugs were found in his vehicle.

Joshua Taylor, 43, was stopped on Arnold Road by officers of the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team for driving without a seat belt.

Taylor displayed nervous behavior when asked about narcotics in his vehicle. A drug detection dog was deployed around the outside of the vehicle. The K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from inside.

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A search located methamphetamine and a glass smoking pipe containing marijuana residue. Taylor was arrested and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where he was booked for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no seat belt.

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. 

On Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration will host DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at locations across the country. DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

For more than a decade, the event has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction.

What:                    National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

When:                  Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Who:                     Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office 

Where:                 Super One Foods ( 1500 North Trenton Street Ruston, LA )

In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit http://www.DEATakeBack.com.

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