Ruston Community Theatre has announced its 47th season.  

2024-2025 Main Season 

• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (October 17-20, 2024) – Step into the pages of Washington Irving’s eerie tale of suspense and thrills. New school master, Ichabod Crane makes a strong first impression upon his arrival to Sleepy Hollow, inciting disdain from many of the men and admiration from the ladies, including the belle Katrina Van Tassel. Will his rivals effectively frighten him off with the local urban legend of the headless horsemen?

Adapted from Irvin’s short story, the play is written by Mary and Andrew Arnault and will be directed by Tami Alexander.  

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• White Christmas. (December 5-8, 2024) – Irving Berlin’s classic holiday movie is now a hit stage musical! Follow two WWII veterans Bob Wallace and Phill Davis as they take their song-and-dance routine on the road with the lovely and talented Haynes sisters. Next stop: a lodge in Vermont that happens to be owned by Wallace and Davis’s former army captain! With festive dance numbers and well-known songs, this holiday show is certain to put you in the Christmas spirit.

The show has music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, book by David Ives and Paul Blake, and will be directed by Steele Moegle.  

• Southern Hospitality (April 3-6, 2025) – The small town of Fayro, TX is dwindling and threatening to become extinct! Enter the Futrelle sisters (Frankie, Twink, Honey Ray, and Rhonda Lynn) who are determined to save their home town through whatever antics it takes. This results in the community banding together to host an impromptu festival to woo a salsa factory scouting rep looking for a new town to set up business. Their plan is fraught with hilarious complications and ridiculous situations.

The show is written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten and will be directed by Mary Watkins.  

• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (July 17-20, 2025) – The biblical account in Genesis comes to life as you’ve never heard it before in this sung-through musical adaption of Joseph. Being favored by his father, Joseph is despised by his eleven brothers who sell him into slavery in Egypt. But what they intended for harm, God used for good, as Joseph rises in the ranks and becomes second in command under Pharaoh! The diverse styles of music in this show (from Calypso to Country) help tell this timeless story in a new and imaginative way that will keep you wanting more.

With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the show will be directed by Dee Alexander. 2024-2025  

Junior Shows  

• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (February 27- March 2, 2025) – Enter a world of magic, talking animals, mythology, and adventure. Through the wardrobe lies the world of Narnia, cursed into an eternal Winter by the White Witch. The Pevensie children find themselves as unsuspecting heroes, and the only hope of ending the witch’s reign and bringing back Spring. The great lion Aslan is on the move and will guide them to victory!

Based on the novel by C.S.Lewis, the play was adapted for stage by Joseph Robinette and will be directed by Tami Alexander.  

• Singin’ in the Rain, Jr (June 26-29, 2025) – Dubbed the “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time,” Singing in the Rain has been faithfully adapted for younger performers in this junior musical. It’s 1927 and silent movies are being replaced by “talking pictures.” Silent movie sensations Don Lockwook and Lina Lamont will have to adapt to the changing times, but Lina squeaky voice could threaten her career! Perhaps a rising young starlet could lend her some dubbed vocals?

Based on the MGM movie, with screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, the musical contains songs by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown. The show will be directed by Steele Moegle.  

For more information, visit rctruston.org.  

By Malcolm Butler

Cedar Creek once again turned to a pair of former Louisiana Tech student-athletes as the school’s administration announced Monday that MiKayla Stiles has been hired as the head cross country coach while Ashley Whitman has been hired as the assistant cross country and assistant track and field coach.

Stiles takes over for the recently retired and long-time Cougars cross country coach Craig Moss.

“We are proud to announce the hiring of both MiKayla and Ashley,” said a release from Cedar Creek High School. “They are both avid runners and ran collegiately together at Louisiana Tech.”

Stiles and Whitman both lettered for retired Tech coach Gary Stanley during their collegiate careers while Whitman also rank for the Bulldog outdoor track and field team.

They join former Tech softball letterwinner Amanda Gonzalez and former women’s basketball letterwinner Gabbie Green who were hired last summer to serve on the Cedar Creek coaching staff, although neither Stiles nor Whitman will teach classes at the school.

Stiles lettered on the Tech cross country team from 2016 through 2019 after prepping at Liberty Hill High School in Liberty Hill, Texas. She graduated in kinesiology from Louisiana Tech in 2019 and is currently working full-time at Argent Financial.

“I am really excited to try to help them improve their times on the field and help them improve off the field as well,” said Stiles, who met with the Creek runners for the first time on Monday. “I want to instill a sense of integrity and pride for themselves and their team and of course their school.

“Cross country is not an easy sport. I always joke that cross country is other sports punishment. So even through the tough practices and the tough meets, I am still hoping to have a joyful atmosphere. Hopefully as the season goes on, the students learn us and we learn them and we can create a good cross country team community.”

Stiles said she is excited to work alongside one of her former Tech teammates in Whitman.

“One of my passions has always been running,” said Stiles. “Ashley and I have known each other since 2016 when we met at Louisiana Tech as part of the cross country program. We became friends and have stayed friends through church and FCA. She got married last year, and I was actually one of her maids of honor.”

Whitman, maiden name Ashley Wingerter when she ran at LA Tech, was also a part of the Bulldog cross country team after prepping at John Curtis High School and spending her freshman year at Mississippi College.

She graduated from Louisiana Tech in 2019 in pre-med biology and then earned her master’s degree from LSU-Shreveport in 2022. She currently works for Johnson Physical Therapy in Ruston.

She served as a volunteer coach for Gary Stanley at Louisiana Tech in 2020.

“I know some of the (Cedar Creek) kids already,” said Whitman. “I am excited to develop that running spirit and community at Cedar Creek. Hopefully we can get some more kids in the program, some fresh faces.”

Whitman also said she was excited to work along with her former teammate and friend from Louisiana Tech.

“Mikayla and I have been friends and ran at Tech together,” said Whitman. “She was a huge part of how I met the Lord. She encouraged me to go to FCA with her, and I finally gave in one day. I owe MiKayla a lot. She is a great, great friend.”

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Pay it forward has personally touched my world.

While I have appreciated the thought behind this phenomenon for some time, I have never actually singled out anyone to receive this tangible demonstration of love for one’s fellow humans.

And to my recollection, until last week, no one had singled me out for such kindness either.

But last week as I stood in the line at Walmart, everything came into place for me to enter into this realm of reciprocity.

I had amassed a small stash of items while journeying through the store, and when I approached the cashier, I nonchalantly pulled out my wallet to retrieve my credit card. But … oops … no card appeared.

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I must admit: I’ve experienced this occurrence more than I would like to admit, but usually after a few moments of panic, the wayward card surfaces from beneath a stash of other cards or tattered receipts – or even from one of my pockets. Not so this time. I pawed, I rooted, I rummaged through my wallet.

The sweet young woman who was checking me out even offered tips as I fretted. “Maybe it’s somewhere else in your purse,” she offered. But again … nothing.

“I guess I’m going to have to call the credit card company,” I finally mumbled. “Is there anywhere you can keep this while I go home to get the card?”

“I can take it to the customer service desk,” she said, “and you can pick it up there.”

When this fiasco started, I had been grateful that the line was empty. But during all my frantic searching, a woman had quietly appeared in the checkout area behind me. She was minding her own business, discretely looking at the chewing gum and candy bars, but then suddenly, without my realizing it, she somehow circled behind me and appeared at the card reader with a piece of colorful plastic in her hand.

I was temporarily confused. What was she doing?

It soon became clear.

“I’ve got it,” she softly told the cashier.

Our eyes met, and I could barely get out the words. “You are so kind,” I said with as much expression as I could without crying. “Thank you SO much.”

I wanted to hug her, but I didn’t think it was appropriate. Still, I wanted to do or say something to connect us in a more meaningful way, so I blurted out, “I’m Sallie.”

“I’m Cindy,” she returned.

And that’s all I remember. I think I thanked her again, and then I took my two deodorants and my eight taper candles that I needed for an upcoming ceremony and left.

Now, as I ponder the incident, I feel the urge – the need – to pay it forward with someone else.

Not only that, but I realize that even though said I had never been the recipient of a Pay It Forward Encounter before, that is incorrect. And if you think that you have not been the recipient of such a blessing, then your thinking might need adjusting, too.

More than 2,000 years ago the most significant Pay It Forward Event of all time happened. Jesus paid it forward – and backward – so that our sins could be forgiven. Yet we can never pay it forward enough to repay what he did for us. There’s simply no way. No way to pay him and no way to pay others enough to equal that.

We simply have to accept his offer of that payment, listen to his voice through the Bible, and obey what he has asked us to do. Oh, life won’t always be easy even when we do this, but the ultimate gift in the Pay It Forward and Backward Scheme is worth it.

Instead of merely getting to say “thank you” and wanting to reach out and hug someone in Walmart, those of us who accept and act on this plan will get to spend eternity with the ultimate Pay It Forward Master.

Meanwhile, here on Earth, we, too, can make someone’s day a bit better by doing what Cindy did.

Or asking, as the saying goes, “What would Jesus do?”

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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.

On Sunday, May 12, 2024, shortly after 10:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on LA 143 near Sherwood Lane.  The crash claimed the life of 37-year-old Patrick Hendrix of Marion.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2016 GMC Sierra, driven by 45-year-old Tareccos Dismuke of Carthage, Mississippi, was traveling south on LA 143.  At the same time, a 2021 Toyota Corolla, driven by Hendrix, was traveling north on LA 143.  A 2018 Mazda CX9 was traveling north on LA 143 behind the Toyota.  For reasons still under investigation, Dismuke veered left, crossed the centerline, and struck the Toyota head-on.  After the impact, the GMC became disabled in the northbound lane of LA 143 and was struck by the Mazda.

Hendrix, who was properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.  The Mazda’s driver and front seat passenger were properly restrained and uninjured.  Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis.

As part of the continued investigation, Dismuke was determined to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.  Dismuke was arrested and ultimately booked into the Union Parish Detention Center for vehicular homicide, careless operation, operating a vehicle while license is suspended, and safety belt use.  Dismuke submitted a voluntary breath sample that was over the legal limit.  This crash remains under investigation.

Far too often, Troopers see the tragic consequences of preventable crashes.  Troopers urge motorists to have a plan in place before consuming alcohol as it can impair visual ability, diminish fine motor skills, and decrease reaction times.  Please choose never to drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver, and always buckle up.

In 2024, Troop F has investigated 16 fatal crashes, resulting in 17 deaths.

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BATON ROUGE, La. – The Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism is partnering with the Louisiana Economic Development (LED) and Louisiana Entertainment to promote filming movies, television shows, and other projects in our state during a visit to the Cannes Film Festival this week.

“We are excited that Louisiana Entertainment, under the Louisiana Office of Economic Development, is partnering with us for the first leg of this mission at the Cannes Film Festival. After the actor’s strike, securing a spot at Cannes to promote filming in Louisiana was essential. We will meet with media and participate in panel discussions to promote the Louisiana film industry and tourism, which we know people travel to destinations where film and television shows are produced. We will also host Louisiana Day at the American Film Pavilion to urge filmmakers to shoot movies in Louisiana,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

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The Louisiana Office of Tourism, along with a tourism delegation, will also make stops in Milan, Italy, and Madrid, Spain, as part of a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Commerce Department to promote Louisiana as a tourism destination to the Italian and Spanish markets. In total, the grant covered three markets which included Mumbai, India.

On this mission, the U.S. Ambassador of Spain Julissa Reynoso Pantaleon will host Lt. Governor Nungesser and the delegation at her residence where Chef Samantha Carroll will provide Louisiana seafood dishes for the guests to highlight Louisiana’s culture, tourism, and seafood industry. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain are also among invited guests. In 2018, Lt. Governor Nungesser welcomed Spain’s royal couple for a tour of the Cabildo in New Orleans during the opening of an exhibit showcasing Spain’s support for the American colonies during the Revolutionary War.

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

The Louisiana Tech track and field teams claimed four more Conference USA Champions and added seven podium finishes on Sunday at the CUSA Outdoor Championship at Kidd Field.

The men finished fifth with three conference champions and 85 points. It marked the Bulldogs’ first outdoor champion since 2019, their first year with multiple champions since 2014, and the first sweep of the 4×100 and 4×400 since 2013. It was also the most points scored at a CUSA meet for LA Tech.

Not to be outdone, the women finished with two CUSA Champions and 86 points for sixth place. It also marked the most points at a CUSA meet and the first time with multiple champions since 2015.

“I am so proud of this team,” said head coach Brian Johnson. “We fought to the end. We won 13 medals and five gold medals. We are coming, and it’s only going to get better.”

Julian Forde, Rodney Heath Jr., Quoi Ellis, and Karo Oghomi claimed the first title of the day in the 4×100. The Bulldogs edged out Sam Houston to take home gold with a time of 40.42 seconds.

Tonie-Ann Forbes, Shatayla Dorsett, Saran Kouyate, and Praise Ofoku won the silver medal on the women’s side with a 45.52. Forbes returned to the track only a short time after to pick up a bronze medal in the 100m hurdles with a time of 13.06.

The second title of the day belonged to freshman Osaretin Usenbor in the women’s 400m. Usenbor ran 53.92 seconds to beat out Chidinma Margaret Agu of Jacksonville State by five-hundredths a second.

Heath Jr. picked up his second medal, this time a silver in the 100m, finishing at 10.07 seconds. Laden Tucker claimed silver in the 400m hurdles, finishing at 51.72 seconds, while Quoi Ellis took home bronze in the 200m, finishing at 20.69 seconds.

The third gold medal belongs to another freshman, A’reil Williams, in the high jump. Already making a case for one of the best jumpers in LA Tech history, Williams became the second high jumper to win a conference title. The Lake Charles native cleared 1.76m (5’9.25″) on her first attempt to leave no doubt. It was her third height of 1.76m this season, tied for third on the LA Tech performance list.

Jiana Stewartburgess claimed a bronze with a height of 1.73m (5’8″).

The final gold gave the Bulldogs a sweep in the men’s relays, with Tucker, Tim Rummelhagen, Cullen Hronek, and Valentino Rudolph running a 3:10.30 to win gold in the 4×400.

Jamara Patterson, Usenbor, Saran Kouyate, and Jenaia Williams closed out the meet with a silver medal with a time of 3:37.99.

The Bulldogs will wait for the final marks to see who qualifies for the NCAA East Regional held at the Kentucky Outdoor Track & Field Facility in Lexington, Ky., on May 22-25.

LA Tech Athlete Field Events Results
Discus | Men
Evan Smith (8th) | 50.30m (165’0”)

Discus | Women
Elizabeth Sebera (10th) | 43.33m (142’2”)

Triple Jump | Women
Tia Reder (6th) | 12.20m (40’0.5”) PR
Leah Ellis (9th) | 11.59m (38’0.25”) PR

High Jump | Women
A’reil Williams (1st) | 1.76m (5’9.25”)
Jiana Stewartburgess (3rd) | 1.73m (5’8”) PR

LA Tech Athlete Running Events
4×100 | Men
J. Forde, R. Heath Jr., Q. Ellis, K. Oghomi (1st) | 40.42

4×100 | Women
T. Forbes, S. Dorsett, S. Kouyate, P. Ofoku (2nd) | 45.52

110mH | Men
Urijah Williams (6th) | 14.46 (+3.5)

100mH | Women
Tonie-Ann Forbes (3rd) | 13.06 (+4.3)
Nike Praetzel (5th) | 13.58 (+4.3)
Kionnah Weaver (6th) | 13.63 (+4.3)

400m | Men
Cullen Hronek (6th) | 48.89 PR

400m | Women
Osaretin Usenbor (1st) | 53.92 PR
Jamara Patterson (6th) | 55.63

100m | Men
Rodney Heath Jr. (2nd) | 10.07 (+5.1)
Quoi Ellis (5th) | 10.12 (+5.1)
Karo Oghomi (6th) | 10.21 (+5.1)

100m | Women
Shatalya Dorsett (6th) | 11.60 (+0.7)
Tonie-Ann Forbes (7th) | 11.62 (+0.7)

400mH | Men
Laeden Tucker (2nd) | 51.72
Tim Rummelhagen (4th) | 53.92

400mH | Women
Nike Praetzel (6th) | 1:03.69

200m | Men
Quoi Ellis (3rd) | 20.69 (+3.1)
Valentino Rudolph (7th) | 21.29 (+3.1)

200m | Women
Saran Kouyate (6th) | 24.06 (+1.5)
Shatalya Dorsett (7th) | 24.18 (+1.5)

4×400 | Men
L. Tucker, T. Rummelhagen, C. Hronek, V. Rudolph (1st) | 3:10.30

4×400 | Women
J. Patterson, O. Usenbor, S. Kouyate, J. Williams (2nd) | 3:37.99

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech’s Niilo Maki-Petaja opened the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional on Monday by shooting a 71 (-1) in round one, putting the Bulldog in a tie for ninth at the University Club.

On an overcast day with shifting winds and challenging pin locations, Maki-Petaja was only 14 players among a field of 75 to finish in the red after 18 holes. He fired a 34 on the front that included two birdies and an eagle, followed by a 37 on the back.

“I thought I had a lot of good moments,” said Maki-Petaja. “It was all in all a good time on the course today. I hit a lot of really good wedges that helped with my scoring. You can always do things better, but I was very happy with how coach and I made our game plan for today and stuck to it.”

The freshman got off to a hot start, hitting a 9-iron to within our four feet on the Par 4 No. 2 where he would make birdie. He followed that up with another birdie on the longest hole on the course, the 632-yard Par 5 No. 3. His wedge approach hit the flag stick and bounced back, which only required a tap-in putt to quickly get to two under through three holes.

Maki-Petaja gave one back on the Par 4 No. 4 after missing the fairway right, but he came up with a brilliant up-and-down on the Par 5 No. 5 to save par.

“I was really proud of the way Niilo played today,” said head coach Matt Terry. “One under is always solid, especially on a golf course like this where you are going to make some bogeys. He had three up-and-downs on the par threes which was really good. It kind of offset some of the birdie opportunities that he missed. It all balances out at the end of the day. Tomorrow, we will go out and try to execute the same way.”

Arguably his best shot of the day was on the following hole where he stuck a 5-iron to within two feet on the Par 5 No. 6 where he would make eagle to get to three under. He finished the front nine with par-bogey-par to shoot 34 (-2).

A couple of near-missed birdie putts on No. 10 and No. 11 was followed by a tough double bogey on the Par 4 No. 12, which put him back at Even for the day. Another up-and-down par save at the Par 3 No. 13 then led to birdie on the Par 4 No. 14, which played as the toughest hole on the course in round one (just seven total birdies made).

Maki-Petaja would go par-par before attacking yet another Par 5, this one No. 17. After coming up just short of the green in trying to make it on in two, he would make the five-foot putt to get back to two under. He would finish the round at one with a bogey on the finishing hole when he came up short-sided.

Maki-Petaja will be in the last pairing on Tuesday for round two. The Bulldog will tee off at 10:34 a.m. CT at the University Club.

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Marie Blaushild Hood passed on to her forever home on the afternoon of Friday, May 10, 2024, at her home in Dubach, Louisiana, surrounded by her two sons.  She was 94 years old.  Her love for her Savior and love for her family and friends defined her life.  

Marie was born on January 14, 1930, in Ruston, Louisiana, to Sam and Louise Blaushild.  She spent all of her childhood in Ruston and was a student at Ruston High School.  She graduated with the class of 1947.  After high school she attended Louisiana Tech University where she met “Tinker” Hood.  They were married on January 27, 1951, and began building a life together.  Tinker enlisted with the United States Army during their first year of marriage and served for two years.  Both sons, Ivin and John, were born in Ruston, where the family lived in an apartment at Marie’s parents’ house.  In 1960 Tinker and Marie built a house together on family land in Dubach, Louisiana.  It was in this home where she would live for the rest of her life.

Marie was a faithful wife, mother, homemaker, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her sister, Dorothy, remembers she was always drawn to children and children were always drawn to her.  She especially remembers Marie’s attentiveness and love for their baby brother, Junior.  In their early years of marriage, she enjoyed watching Tinker play baseball, and they enjoyed playing ROOK with friends. Ivin and John fondly remember how hospitable their Mama was.  She would cook 3 big meals almost every day and would invite anyone who stopped by the house around the lunch hour to join them at the table, insisting that they stay and eat.  She always had plenty.  Most of all, they remember her devotion and faithfulness to the Lord and how much she loved being in church each Sunday as well as on Wednesday nights.  Marie joyfully served her family throughout her life.  She loved coordinating and cooking meals for gatherings both in her home and at her church. She also loved watching amateur (front yard and cow pasture) and professional baseball. She was a Braves fan for many years until she changed her allegiance to the Astros. She was also a loving and generous Mam-maw to 7 grandchildren who spent many weekends during their childhood at Mam-maw and Pap-paw’s house.  She made some of the best southern cooking in all of Goose Creek, would fry even the smallest fish they caught, and loved playing cards and board games with her grandchildren, as well as watching nighttime shows together.  She was so proud of her 17 great-grandchildren and consistently asked about their latest activities and accomplishments.  Until the past few years she hosted every holiday in their home, filled with laughter and the best aromas coming from the kitchen.  She was also a good friend. She and her friends enjoyed weekday walks and weekly lunches at Blue Light Cafe as well as gathering for ice cream at Dairy Queen following Tinker’s church-league softball.

She and Tinker and their boys were faithful members of Saint Rest Baptist Church, where she was an active member of the Woman’s Missionary Union, planning both the program and prayer calendar for many years.  She also served as church treasurer for over 50 years, Sunday School secretary, and served the church in various other roles.

Although she will be greatly missed, Marie leaves a legacy of generosity in love, affection, and selflessness that will be valued for all who remember her.  Proverbs 31:25-31 describes her well:  “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Marie is survived by her sons Ivin Hood and wife Liz, John Hood and wife Liz; her grandchildren Will Hood, Jenny Hood Cohn and husband Brian, Kimberly Hood Audi and husband Daniel, Garson Hood Woodard and husband Matt, Seth Hood and wife Vanna, Deanna White, Lance White and wife Chelse; her great-grandchildren Abby and Sydney Hood; Meredith, Brannon and Caroline Cohn; Josiah, Andrew, Abigail and Samuel Audi; Trigger, Campbell and Larkin Woodard; Reid, Jake and Lane Hood; Kennedy and Camille White; sister Dorothy Blaushild Mecom and brother Sam Blaushild, Jr. and many nieces and nephews.

Marie is preceded in death by her devoted husband Milton Lavelle “Tinker” Hood, her father Sam Blaushild, her mother Louise Galloway Blaushild, her sister Betty Blaushild Smith and husband Lee, her sister Evelyn Blaushild Cuny and husband Sonny, her brother-in-law William “Bill” Mecom, and her daughter-in-law Trigger Stevens Hood.

Her family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to her devoted friends Mederick Canterbury, Frances Harrison, Ann Ford, Ann Trammel, and Randy and Lisa Ray.  A special thank you to Dr. Ben Grigsby and the staff at Willis Knighton Family Medicine and to her in-home caregivers who took such attentive care of her from Tender Touch Svc., LLC: Vivian Cockerham, Evelyn Andrews, Phyllis Jackson, Sherry Cabrera, and Debra Green; as well as care-givers Susie Cox and Patricia Ellis.  

A celebration of Marie’s 94 years of life will be held at Saint Rest Baptist Church in Dubach, Louisiana, on Wednesday, May 15, at 1:30 pm, with Dr. Randy Ray officiating and Lisa Ray leading worship.  Visitation will precede the service from 12:00-1:30.  Following the service, her interment will be held at the St. Rest Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons Will Hood, Seth Hood, and Lance White; as well as her grandsons-in-law Brian Cohn, Daniel Audi, and Matt Woodard; and her nephews Rusty Woodard and Brian Woodard.

Mom,

We are proud to be your sons….

We are proud to come from a loving family and a good home…

We are proud of all the values and traditions you have taught us throughout the years…

And we are proud of you… the kind, loving mom who always gave us your best.

Love,

Ivin and John

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Harold Joseph Berry Sr., 93, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Ruston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family.  Visitation will be at 10:00 AM, and funeral services at 11:00 AM, on Friday, May 17, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Ruston officiated by Rev.Clayton Owen. Interment will be at Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.

Harold Joseph Berry Sr. was born March 7, 1931, in New Orleans to John Berry Jr. and Viola Purcell.  He proudly served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.   He worked for AT&T for many years until retirement. He was a founding member of Airline Baptist Church, Metairie, LA., a member of Williams Blvd. Baptist Church in Kenner, LA. After Hurricane Katrina, he and his wife moved to Ruston, LA and became active members of First Baptist Church. He loved the Lord and his family so much. He enjoyed many hobbies which he shared with his children and grandchildren.

Mr. Berry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Viola Berry.  Also preceding him in death are his brothers, Alphonse Berry and Ferdinand Berry.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Joan Berry; 4 children, Harold J. Berry Jr, and wife Jody, Carol Berry Kirby and husband Dean, Brenda Berry O’Nuanain and husband Brian, John Alan Berry and wife Beth; 9 grandchildren, Harold Joseph Berry III and wife Alison, Darrell Bouchie, Nathan Berry and wife Giselle, Matthew Kirby and wife Whitney, Benjamin Kirby and wife Stacy,  Catherine Rathbone and husband Richard, Jeffery Magee, Jonathan Magee and wife Tiffany, Virginia Berry; 10 great-grandchildren,  Harold Joseph Berry IV, Abby Berry, McKenna Kirby, Claire Kirby, Davis Kirby, Hannah Kirby, Caroline Rathbone, Landon Estey,  Kiara Estey, Finn Magee; and numerous nieces and nephews that were loved so dearly by their Uncle Harry.

Pallbearers will be Harold Joseph Berry III, Harold Joseph Berry IV, Darrell Bouchie, Nathan Berry, Matthew Kirby, Benjamin Kirby, Jeffrey Magee and Jonathan Magee. Honorary Pallbearers will be Norman Rivera, Dean Kirby, and Brian O’Nuanain.

The family would like to thank: Clayton Owen, for his kindness and faithful service to our father; Norman Rivera for his kindness and servant’s heart; the kind and caring nurses and staff of Ruston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Dr. Greg Tubre and nurses Sarah and Hannah of Green Clinic; Dr. Sedo Tamakloe of NLMC; the caring staff of Premier Hospice; members and friends of First Baptist Church for their years of loving fellowship.

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Dolores F. Dozier 
November 15, 1932 – May 7, 2024 
No services planned at this time

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By Kyle Roberts

The courthouse lobby entrance was shoulder-to-shoulder Friday morning with elected officials from both the Lincoln Parish Police Jury and Lincoln Parish School Board, all celebrating both the athletic and academic success of Ruston High School with a ceremonial unveiling of a limited edition framed state championship poster of the Bearcats after winning the team’s first title in over three decades.

Both Ruston High head football coach Jerrod Baugh and principal Dan Gressett were in attendance, as well, along with LPSB superintendent Ricky Durrett.

The ceremony came at the behest of Third Judicial Judge Bruce Hampton, who purchased the poster from the Lincoln Parish Journal following the Bearcats 31-17 victory over Zachary in the Super Dome. Hampton then spoke with police juror Greg “Big Coach” Williams about holding a formal event to showcase the framed poster, proudly displayed for everyone to see when they walk into the courthohuse.

Williams, now holder of the LPPJ District 1 seat, was on staff the last time Ruston won a state championship in 1990.

“It is an answered prayer for me for Ruston to win another one,” Williams said. “God allowed me to see another championship.”

Williams also spoke about how excited he is about the future of Lincoln Parish and said the state championship is a big piece of that.

“In five to six years from now, you’re not going to recognize Lincoln Parish,” Williams said. “This is the start for me — the championship.”

Hampton said he knew the poster would be best placed somewhere that would see a lot of foot traffic and get visitors.

“This is a great location in the courthouse for everyone to see,” Hampton said. “I can’t say enough about what the coaches have done, and I’m so appreciative to everybody who has worked for that program. I want more people to see the accomplishments for our schools, because that brings the community together.”

Members from the Lincoln Parish Police Jury and Lincoln Parish School board joined Hampton and spoke to how they see the connection between students’ athletic participation and athletic success.

“There’s nothing that brings a community together any stronger than athletics,” police jury president Glenn Scriber said. “When you’re winning, it draws a community together. But to follow up on that, there’s not a coach I’ve ever been around that will tell you that academics comes first (like Baugh). You can’t have athletics without academics — you have to have both. Like “Big Coach” said about being excited about the future of Lincoln Parish, the school system plays such an impeccable and important part of that.”

LPSB president Gregg Phillips echoed Scribers sentiments.

“As a father of four boys who have gone through Ruston High School, I agree academics and athletics are very highly connected,” Phillips said. “And I know (Baugh’s) commitment to academics is stronger than his pursuit of athletics, and that’s greatly appreciated.”

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by Malcolm Butler

I was four years old when Dave Nitz started his broadcasting career at Louisiana Tech.

I can recall many a day and night listening to those vocal cords painting a real life picture of my favorite sports teams as I lived and died with every Bulldog win and loss through the eyes and the voice of Dave.

Then as a young, wet-behind-the-ears broadcaster in 1999, I turned to Dave for pointers as I began my journey behind the mic, calling more than 20 years of Lady Techster basketball games before taking over for football and men’s basketball when Dave decided to call only baseball starting in 2021.

And now the legendary Hall of Fame voice will be signing off the air for one last time following a 50-year Tech career when the final out is recorded on the 2024 Bulldog baseball season.

They say there is no crying in baseball. Well, we may have to make an exception for Tech fans everywhere when that time comes in the way-too-soon future.

Let’s just all hope that happens somewhere deep in the month of June in Omaha, Nebraska at the College World Series. That would be a fitting end to his storybook career.

However, yesterday Dave was honored for his five decades of service behind the mic following Tech’s 7-1 series sweeping win over WKU.

Surrounded by family and bookended by University President Dr. Jim Henderson and Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey, Dave received both a framed #50 jersey and a standing ovation from the Bulldog faithful at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.

And rightly so. He has earned every recognition and award the man has received and probably some he hasn’t.

After all, there will never be another Dave Nitz at my alma mater.

The proud Milton, West Virginia, native stood at home plate yesterday and waved to the crowd as the public address announcer read a script that could never truly do the man justice.

He is Louisiana Tech Athletics to so many of us.

“Dave is one of those old time announcers,” said former Tech track and field star and current Bulldog supporter John Allen. “Old people like me really have an appreciation for him. He makes you see the game. He is an old style guy like what we grew up listening to. College ball. Pro ball. Everything. He has that ability to make you see what is happening.”

Ironically, Dave’s first Tech broadcast was an NCAA regional game in Arlington, Texas way back in 1974. Who knew it was the start of a 50-year career in Ruston.

He said even he didn’t.

“I would have said you are crazy,” said Dave when asked if he thought he would have been at Tech for five decades. “I told my wife when we first moved to Ruston in 1974 to give us about three years and we will be back in West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina … somewhere like that. Here we are 50 years later at one place.

“Tech has meant a great deal to me. When you have been at a place for 50 years — I did football and men’s basketball for 46 years and now finishing up 50 years of baseball. The fans have been great to me. They have been very receptive to me.”

It’s very possible his last broadcast could coincidentally be a postseason Bulldog baseball game if Lane Burroughs and the Boys can play their way into an NCAA Regional for the third time in the last four years.

Burroughs talked about Dave’s impact on Bulldog baseball.

“I am honored and humbled to be a small part — eight years — of his legacy,” said Burroughs. “I grew up in Mississippi, and we had Jack Cristil at Mississippi State. That was the voice of my youth. I know there are tons of Louisiana Tech fans that he is the voice of their youth. You hear that voice and you go back to being a young person. He has meant a lot. He knows the game, and he is important to all of us.”

Dave’s career at Tech includes close to 5,000 broadcasts of games, not to mention countless coaches shows — both radio and television. He was inducted into the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. Both of the home radio booths at Joe Aillet Stadium and J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park are named in his honor.

They have been a home away from home for Freeway Dave.

We all have our favorite Dave Nitz moments. From the call of the 29-28 win over Alabama in 1999 which landed in the book titled “Heart Stoppers and Hail Mary’s” to the countless memorable calls of iconic Bulldogs wins in basketball and baseball, Dave has been the man behind the mic for Tech fans. He even called more than 250 Lady Techster basketball games early in his career.

Although he was honored yesterday, his career isn’t quite complete. He will be behind the mic when the Bulldogs will host the 2024 Conference USA baseball championships May 22-26 at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park and then for any and all postseason games as well.

So although the sun begins to set on his broadcasting career, Tech fans young and old still have a few more opportunities to soak up the audible tones of Dave’s tonsils.

“It has been quite a ride,” said Dave. “It’s been a fun ride. I’ve seen a lot of ups and I have seen some downs, but today culminates everything I think.”

Here is hoping the Diamond Dogs can provide one final chapter for Dave and for all of us. And a few more opportunities for the man, the myth and the legend to belt out, “Ya gotta love it!”

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A Ruston man was arrested for attempted burglary of a vehicle just after midnight last Friday morning.

Keyzarious Jones, 19, was arrested several blocks away from the scene of an attempted burglary of a vehicle on Carey Avenue.

The victim calling police said two men, one wearing a gray hoodie and one wearing a yellow hoodie, attempted to enter his vehicle. When he locked the doors on the vehicle remotely, the men fled.

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Officers checking the area located two men, one in a gray hoodie and one in a gold hoodie, at the intersection of Line Avenue and Arlington Street, about three blocks from Carey Avenue about 10 minutes after the call. When officers attempted to talk to the men, the one in the yellow hoodie fled on foot.

The other man, Jones, said he was just walking home from the store and did not know the other man’s full name.

Jones was found to have an extensive history of burglary offenses. He was taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and booked for attempted simple burglary of a vehicle.

Bail was set at $5,000. Later in the day, Jones was also booked for probation violation.

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 Police arrested a local man following the investigation of a stabbing that occurred Tuesday.

A man reported to the Grambling Police station Wednesday that at about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday morning as he was sitting in his vehicle with another person, Jakeem I. Monroe, 22, of Grambling ran up and stabbed him in the chest.

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GPD officers located Monroe and questioned him at the police station. Monroe said he went for a walk at about 3:00 a.m. and saw the victim’s vehicle as he walked back to his residence. Monroe said he “blacked out” when he went to the vehicle and stabbed the victim with a pocket knife he had in his possession.

Monroe was booked at the Lincoln Parish Center for aggravated second degree battery.

Bail was set at $100,000.

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.

Courtesy of GSU Communications

First has been a key word for graduating senior JaSahn Brown in his journey through life. He feels his years as a Grambling State University (GSU) student have been a first-class experience.

Brown, who grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he attended Northside High School, is the first male on his father’s side of the family to graduate from high school, let alone college.

He said becoming a member of the World Famed Marching Tiger Band was the main force in bringing him to Grambling.

“The band along with financial opportunities being a part of the band made my decision an easy one,” Brown said. “But the band is my whole life. It’s what I love and it’s who I am.

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A music major with a concentration in Liberal Arts and a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, a national honorary band fraternity, Brown said he intends to keep music as a big part of his life and plans return to his hometown to teach music.

”I’m going back home to Lafayette and hopefully get a job teaching music at a middle school,” Brown said. “That’s how I got my start in music, and because music is my passion that just seems like the right thing for me — giving back to what led me to Grambling and earning my degree.”

Brown admitted being part of the was a challenge at times.

“Academically, it was a learning experience where I literally had to learn my way,” Brown said. “Time management is the most important thing, because if you’re not careful, you can run out of time. That happened early on when I got to Grambling because I ran out of time and failed one of my first courses.

“But that taught me the importance of time management, and how I needed to learn to balance being in the band and my social life with the education side of things. I had to realize that was what I came to Grambing for — that education — and everything else follows. But I learned how to handle all of it and learned a lesson about managing my time and setting priorities. But being a part of the band made all of the hard work worthwhile.”

Dr. Nikole Roebuck, Department of Music head and Director of Bands, appreciates the commitment Brown has shown to the band.

“Jasahn Brown exemplified the commitment, passion and spirit that makes the World Famed Tiger Marching Band truly world-renowned. Through his leadership and dedication to excellence, he helped lift the band to new heights and inspire countless students to pour their heart and soul into the music.”

Fittingly, Brown’s favorite moments as a GSU student have all been about firsts in his life.

“The first time I flew on a plane was with the band,” Brown said. “The first time I went to New York, which I really enjoyed, the first time I went to Las Vegas, which I also really enjoyed, were both with the band.

“I’ve gone to a lot of big football stadiums for the first time with the band. Those will always be my favorite moments at Grambling because the band gave me the opportunity to experience so many firsts.”

Brown said a strong work ethic will be the most important thing he’ll take with him from Grambling as he moves on with his life.

“A lot of people I hang around are also in the band and they continue to push me,” Brown said. “They push me in many different ways, all trying to make me a better and stronger person.

“So it’s the work ethic they push me to have is the biggest thing I’ll take with me as I move on with the rest of my life.”

by Malcolm Butler

Don’t look now but Lane Burroughs and the Diamond Dogs are once again in position for a possible postseason run.

Following an impressive weekend sweep over a WKU team that came into Ruston in first place in Conference USA but that left in third place and probably a little traumatized by the beating it took at the hands (and bats) of the Bulldogs, Louisiana Tech has positioned itself where it controls its destiny heading into the final regular season weekend of the season.

Sitting in a two-way tie for first place with Dallas Baptist (and owning the tie-breaker over the Patriots by virtue of its season series win in Dallas earlier this year), Burroughs and the Boys will head to Lynchburg, Virginia this week for a three-game series against CUSA newcomer Liberty starting Thursday.

Three wins and the Bulldogs are the Conference USA champions and the No. 1 seed in the upcoming tournament which will be held at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park May 22 through 26.

Tech made a statement this weekend with wins against the Hilltoppers by scores of 9-7, 12-2 and 7-1. They are playing really good baseball at a really good time. And these Dogs can win in a multitude of ways.

In Friday night’s dramatic win, the Bulldogs trailed 6-2 and 7-3 before using a four-run bottom of the ninth, highlighted by Ethan Bates walk-off three-run bomb down the right field line. It sent the Love Shack faithful into a frenzy and really set the tone for the entire weekend.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs fell behind early 2-0 before hitting five home runs in the third and fourth innings to score 12 unanswered runs in the seven-inning, run-rule shortened victory. It was home run derby during that two inning stretch.

And then yesterday, with the bats quiet for the vast majority of the game, the Bulldogs pitching staff kept WKU in check, allowing just one run. It allowed the Bulldogs to stay within striking distance — although with the way these guys swing the bats, a six-run deficit is within striking distance — until Bates solo shot to lead off the seventh tied it.

Tech then singled WKU to death in the bottom of the eighth to plate six runs and pull away for the series sweeping victory.

The Bulldogs now enter the final weekend playing for a league title, knowing worst case scenario they can be no worse than the No. 3 seed. Although I promise that’s not in their minds right now. Winning the regular season championship is.

This team reminds me a lot of the 2021 and 2022 teams.

Although maybe not quite as deep on the mound — remember Tech had four arms selected in the MLB Draft off those teams — they can still pitch it. The key is getting quality starts because the back-end of the bullpen is strong.

If Reed Smith, and Luke Nichols, and Grant Hubka, and Tanner Swistak can provide strong starts on the mound, I like these Bulldogs chances … not only this week but come both the CUSA Tournament and hopefully an NCAA Regional (fingers crossed).

Sam Brodersen and Ryan Harland and Jacob Havern and Ethan Bates combine for a strong nucleus out of the bullpen. And to when a CUSA Tournament and advance in an NCAA regional, having a plethora of arms who can get the job done is imperative.

More good news for Burroughs and the gang is Tech’s pitching staff doesn’t have to be perfect. Why not? The Dogs can swing it.

You don’t win 38 games without being able to plate runs. And Tech has shown the capacity to do just that.

Tech is hitting over .300 as a team with 78 home runs. Four everyday starters are hitting over .300 with three more above .290. From top to bottom of this lineup, Tech is dangerous for opposing arms.

Cole McConnell, Dalton Davis, Bates and Jorge Corona have all hit double digit home runs. The Bulldogs have more than once shown the ability to be explosive at the plate.

Twenty-two times this year Tech has scored eight or more runs with 14 games of 10-plus. The Bulldogs have power from both sides of the plate. And they can play small ball when necessary. It’s a potent, versatile lineup that is built for the postseason.

And if that isn’t enough, the Bulldogs can flash some leather. Tech ranks No. 1 in CUSA and top 10 in the country in fielding percentage. They say great teams are great defensively up the middle.

Well, check that off for Tech.

Corona behind the plate is one of the top defensive catchers in the country. Kasten Furr and Michael Ballard are arguably the best one-two punch defensively at shortstop and second base in CUSA. And then McConnell in centerfield runs like a deer and has all the defensive tools of a great outfielder.

After a down year last season, Burroughs and the Bulldogs appear to be back.

And with the Conference USA Tournament set to be played at the Love Shack for the second time in the last four years, the stage is set for Tech.

It could be another fun ride for Bulldog fans with these boys of summer. 

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Near the start of his weekly general audience in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square, Pope John Paul II is shot and seriously wounded while passing through the square in an open car.

The assailant, 23-year-old escaped Turkish murderer Mehmet Ali Agca, fired four shots, one of which hit the pontiff in the abdomen, narrowly missing vital organs, and another that hit the pope’s left hand. A third bullet struck 60-year-old American Ann Odre in the chest, seriously wounding her, and the fourth hit 21-year-old Jamaican Rose Hill in the arm. Agca’s weapon was knocked out of his hand by bystanders, and he was detained until his arrest by police. The pope was rushed by ambulance to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he underwent more than five hours of surgery and was listed in critical but stable condition.

John Paul II, once the spiritual leader of almost 600 million Roman Catholics around the world, was invested in 1978 as the first Polish pope and the first non-Italian pope in 456 years. Fluent in seven modern languages and Latin, he was known as an avid traveler who had little fear of going out in public. Four days after being shot, he offered forgiveness to his would-be assassin from his hospital bed. The pontiff spent three weeks in the hospital before being released fully recovered from his wounds.

The motives of Mehmet Ali Agca in attempting to kill the head of the Roman Catholic Church were enigmatic, and remain so today. In the 1970s, Agca joined a right-wing Turkish terrorist group known as the Gray Wolves. The group is held responsible for the assassination of hundreds of public officials, labor organizers, journalists and left-wing activists as part of their mission to cleanse Turkey of leftist influence. The Gray Wolves had close ties with far-right politicians, intelligence officers, and police commanders. In February 1979, Abdi Ipekci, a liberal newspaper editor, was murdered near his home in Istanbul. Mehmet Ali Agca was arrested and charged with the crime. While awaiting his trial, Agca escaped from a military prison in November 1979.

In his cell, he left behind a letter that concerned John Paul II’s planned trip to Turkey. The letter read: “Western imperialists who are afraid of Turkey’s unity of political, military, and economic power with the brotherly Islamic countries are sending the Crusader Commander John Paul under the mask of a religions leader. If this ill-timed and meaningless visit is not called off, I will definitely shoot the pope. This is the only reason that I escaped from prison.” Because of this threat, security was tightened during the pope’s Turkish visit, and there was no assassination attempt. A Turkish court convicted Agca of murder in absentia, and he remained at large.

On May 9, 1981, Agca took a plane from Majorca to Milan and entered Italy under an assumed name. He took a room in a hotel near the Vatican and on May 13 walked into St. Peter’s Square and shot the pope with a 9mm Browning automatic. A handwritten note was found in his pocket that read: “I am killing the pope as a protest against the imperialism of the Soviet Union and the United States and against the genocide that is being carried out in Salvador and Afghanistan.” He pleaded guilty, saying he acted alone, and in July 1981 was sentenced to life in prison.

In 1982, Agca announced that his assassination attempt was actually part of a conspiracy involving the Bulgarian intelligence services, which was known to act on behalf of the KGB. Pope John Paul II was a fervent anti-communist who supported the Solidarity trade union in his native Poland, which seemed to make him an appropriate target for the communists. In 1983, despite these developments, the pope met with Mehmet in prison and offered him forgiveness. Further interrogations of Agca led to the arrest of three Bulgarians and three Turks, who went on trial in 1985.

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Courtesy of Lincoln Preparatory School

On Tuesday, May 14th, when Lincoln Preparatory School [LPS] seniors march across the stage to receive their high school diplomas, twenty-three (23) of the forty-eight (48) graduates will have already received their first college degree.

These students are part of the Lincoln Preparatory School Early College Academy [ECA], and on Friday, May 10th they will receive their Associate of General Studies Degrees from Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA).

Lincoln Prep valedictorian, Kamora Kimble, will be recognized as the top graduate in the SUSLA graduating class. This will mark the second time in three years that a Lincoln Prep Early College Academy student is the top graduate in the SUSLA graduating class.

Joining Kimble graduating with highest honor for a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.75 to 4.0, are salutatorian, Kwuntaevion Shine, and Traciona Hampton. Additionally, seven Lincoln Prep students will graduate with high honor, for a GPA of 3.5 to 3.74, and nine will graduate with honor, for a GPA of 3.0 to 3.49. The 2024 Early College Academy graduates are:

Kamora Kimble – with Highest Honor

Kwuntaevion Shine – with Highest Honor

Traciona Hampton – with Highest Honor

Curtis Hendricks – with High Honor

Anthony Rushing – with High Honor

Jayla Shelton – with High Honor

Kimeron-Kyrese Burlingame – With High Honor

Hannah Wright – with High Honor

Neaven Griffin – with High Honor

Titus Leonard – with High Honor

George Eccles – with Honor

Mariah Lewis – with Honor

Asijah Wright – with Honor

Phillip Jackson – with Honor

Joshua Jackson – with Honor

Emmanuel Seals – with Honor

Heather Willis – with Honor

A`Lyrica Brown – with Honor

Shedreana Green – with Honor

Candayce Buggs

Jamari Braggs

Tycora Gunther

Marvin Johnson

The Lincoln Prep ECA was created in the Fall of 2019 by a memorandum signed by Lincoln Prep Executive Director, Gordan Ford and former SUSLA Chancellor, Dr. Rodney Ellis. The MOU, signed October 28, 2019, formalized the relationship between the two schools, providing additional dual enrollment opportunities for LPS students and paving the way for this unique associate degree.

The Lincoln Preparatory School Early College Academy is different from other early college and dual enrollment programs in many ways:

• First, students may enroll in the program regardless of ACT scores. Even prior to relaxation of ACT rules during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lincoln Prep provided opportunities for interested students to take college developmental courses to qualify for the program, creating a model for greater equity in dual enrollment.
• Also, all courses college are taught on the high school campus. Most SUSLA courses are taught via a unique co-teaching model, where students are assigned a university instructor and a high school teacher for each class. The students attend the high school class and submit assignments via SUSLA’s online platform. The university and high school teachers collaborate to ensure the success of students. Using this co-teaching model, neither the university instructor nor the high school teacher is required to have any additional training or certifications.
• There is no charge to students or their families for participating in the program.

“We deliberately designed the Early College program so that it could be replicated at any high school in the state, allowing students in rural and underserved areas the opportunity to take dual enrollment classes, regardless of their proximity to a college campus,” said Gordan Ford, Executive Director at Lincoln Prep “Additionally, and importantly, Lincoln Prep pays all the costs of the program. Over 90% of our students come from economically disadvantaged homes. We did not want cost to be a barrier for our students, so we pay for everything. Lincoln Prep pays all tuition and fees, all books and other courseware. We also paid their SUSLA graduation fees, paid for their graduation portraits and purchased their graduation regalia.”

Lincoln Prep consistently ranks among the highest schools in the state for dual enrollment course participation. According to the Louisiana Board of Regents Dual Enrollment Task Force 2023 Annual Report, 97% of Lincoln Prep seniors completed at least one dual enrollment college course in the 2022-23 school year, which tied for the second highest rate in the state. “Lincoln Prep is all about providing opportunities for our students,” said Ford. “Lincoln Prep consistently has a higher percentage of our graduates earning post-secondary credentials and enrolling in college than other schools in our region, despite having lower average ACT scores than many of those schools.”

The Southern University at Shreveport 2024 Spring Commencement Ceremony will be held Friday, May 10, 2024, at Shreveport Convention Center. The program will begin at 6:00 p.m. Credentials will be awarded to seventy-three (73) high school dual enrollment students from Arcadia High School, Booker T. Washington High School, Captain Shreve High School, Green Oaks Performing Arts Academy, Huntington High School, Jehovah-Jireh Christian Academy, Lincoln Preparatory School and Minden High School.

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This month marks the 17th anniversary of the Lincoln Health Foundation, a beacon of health and wellness for the residents of Lincoln Parish. Established from the proceeds of Lincoln General Hospital’s sale to Community Health Systems in March 2007, the Foundation has dedicated itself to enhancing healthcare access and outcomes within the community.

With an initial funding of approximately $22 million, it has been at the forefront of driving health-related initiatives, programs, and services aimed at improving the quality of life for all parish residents.

Over the years, the Lincoln Health Foundation has strategically invested in a broad range of health and wellness projects, thereby putting a significant amount of money back into the community. Its contributions have supported essential services and programs across various sectors, including education, mental health, family counseling, youth development, and public health initiatives, among others.

One standout initiative is the “We Inspire Smart Eating (WISE)” nutritional curriculum, conceived and developed in 2016 by Louisiana Tech’s Dr. Julie Rutledge. Funded by the Foundation, WISE has been implemented in Lincoln Parish elementary schools and has garnered national recognition. Thanks to its success, it received additional funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for implementation across the United States. The impact of the funds provided by the Lincoln Health Foundation for the WISE program in Lincoln Parish has thus extended nationally, demonstrating the far-reaching effects of thoughtful local investment in health education.

A snapshot of their diverse investments includes substantial support for “The Health Hut,” Lincoln Parish Schools, and “Life Choices,” highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to addressing immediate health needs while also investing in the future well-being of the parish through education and preventive programs. Other notable beneficiaries include the LA Methodist Family Counseling, Boys & Girls Club of North Louisiana, and Louisiana Tech Health Initiatives, underscoring a holistic approach to health that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Furthermore, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in funding significant infrastructure and community projects like the City of Ruston’s Rock Island Greenway and Legacy Park at Lincoln Parish Park. These projects not only enhance the physical landscape but also promote healthy lifestyles among residents.

As it celebrates its 17th anniversary, the Lincoln Health Foundation’s impact is palpable across Lincoln Parish. Its investments have not only addressed immediate health care needs but have also laid the foundation for a healthier future. With over $22 million allocated across various sectors, the Foundation has been a critical player in transforming the health landscape of the parish, proving that thoughtful and targeted philanthropy can create lasting change in communities.

The Foundation’s sustained efforts over nearly two decades underscore its unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of Lincoln Parish’s residents. As the Lincoln Health Foundation looks to the future, it remains dedicated to nurturing a healthy, vibrant, and thriving community for generations to come.

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Dubach School will graduate 19 fifth graders during a ceremony on May 21st at 1 p.m.

Principal of Dubach School is Tiffany Curry.

The list of the 19 graduates is in the attached document below.

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Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com. 

Monday, May 13
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6 p.m.: Creative meetups (112 W. Alabama Ave.)

Tuesday, May 14
10 a.m.: Storytime at Lincoln Parish Library
7 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Police Jury meeting

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Wednesday, May 15
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome

Thursday, May 16
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4 p.m.: Panel discussion, resource fair and film screening of “You Have No Idea” (Lincoln Parish Library
5:30 p.m.: VFW monthly meeting (Historic Fire station; all combat veterans welcome)

Saturday, May 18
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market

The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center (The Bridge) is providing a Caregiver Grief Support Group for those who have lost a family member to Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

The first meeting is Friday, May 17 at 11am at The Bridge located at 851 Olive St., Shreveport. The group will meet monthly, every third Friday, beginning at 11am and will be led by Anthony Williams, Licensed Professional Counselor. Williams also serves as a member of The Bridge Board of Directors.

The Bridge realized the importance of this specific support group after talking to local caregivers who have lost their loved ones to Alzheimer’s or dementia. The consensus was that people grieving family members who have died after a long-term decline, due to Alzheimer’s and dementia, have different needs. This support group will discuss the grief process for that specific type of loss and focus on developing coping and other skills.

“This type of grief support group is different than other grief support groups because it is dementia oriented,” said Paulette Freeman, executive director of The Bridge. “The journey for dementia caregivers can be extremely long and is often referred to as The Long Goodbye,” stated Freeman.

The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center is 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide resources, education, and support services for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias, including their family members and caregivers; and to promote community awareness. Their vision is “Creating a community where no one affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia makes the journey alone.”

For more information about the grief support group, caregiver support groups, or other Alzheimer’s and dementia questions, contact The Bridge at 381-656-4800.

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