Marilyn Susan Ambrose, age 71, of Little Rock passed away on April 30, 2024. She was born November 7, 1952 in Urania, Louisiana to Woodrow and Billie Ruth Nicklas Lyles.
She was preceded in death by her parents Woodrow and Billie Ruth Lyles and her sister, Amelia Shahan. Marilyn is survived by her son, Greg (Erica), her grandchildren Connor and Caitlin, her niece Cynthia Shahan and brother-in-law Jimmie Shahan along with many beloved cousins and dear friends.
Marilyn had a gift of making those around her laugh and always had a quick comeback. She loved to talk about the latest movies, music, television shows or just catch up on life and visit with her family and friends. Marilyn was fiercely independent and determined to live life on her terms. The relationships she had with her family and friends nourished her soul and brought her so much joy.
Marilyn grew up in Ruston, Louisiana and graduated from Louisiana Tech prior to moving to Little Rock. Marilyn spent her career in healthcare and retired as the Director of Medical Records from Arkansas Childrens Hospital in 2017. She also spent many fond years at Arkansas Heart Hospital and Doctors Hospital. Marilyn loved mentoring her staff and was well respected by her teams.
Pamela Bunn August 7, 1956 – May 4, 2024 Visitation: Temple Baptist Church Chapel, Friday, May 10, 2024, 10:00 am – 11:00 am Service: Temple Baptist Church Chapel, Friday, May 10, 2024, 11:00 am
Peggy “Bonnie” Mae Lewis July 16, 1941 – May 5, 2024 Visitation: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home Graveside Service: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 11:00 AM, Mineral Springs Cemetery, Highway 822, Dubach
Lee Ann McMillon December 26, 1943 – May 3, 2024 Visitation: Friday, May 10, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Gardens of Memories, Metairie Cemetery Committal: Friday, May 10, 2024, 12:00 PM, Gardens of Memories, Metairie
Melba Faye Crawford Sunday 04/15/1962 — Saturday 04/27/2024 Family Gathering: Friday 05/10/2024 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Friday 05/10/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 05/11/2024 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Many members of the Ruston High School community gathered in the auditorium Friday to watch the military signing day of nine Bearcat seniors. Joined by family, friends and staff, these young men and women proudly committed themselves to serving our nation upon graduation.
The graduates included students entering the United States Army, Louisiana Army National Guard, and the United States Marine Corps.
United States Army
PVT Harrison Deason
Louisiana Army National Guard
PFC Amaryia Adams
PVT Brendan Risher
PVT Malasia Marbray
PVT Jonathan Scheer
PVT Laportia Poe
PVT Reagan Williams
PVT Rylan De Coux
United States Marine Corps
Seyvn Myree
This year marks the first time since 2016 that Ruston High School has had this many National Guard commitments in one year. Staff Sergeant White of the Louisiana National Guard addressed the families of the committing soldiers, displaying appreciation for their support.
“These students have devoted themselves to a higher cause,” White said. “Parents, you all have selfless and outstanding children sitting up here today, who would not be here without your support and love.”
The Bearcat family stood behind the seniors taking the opportunity to serve their country. Principal Dan Gressett expressed the pride of the Ruston High School staff in seeing the seniors take this step.
“What an exciting day for our students that are committing to serve our country,” Gressett said. “We are so proud of them and look forward to the great things ahead in their future.”
Lincoln Parish School District is thrilled to announce that four of its resident teachers have been named to the Louisiana Board of Regents Future Educator Honor Roll. This recognition celebrates their dedication and contributions to the field of education, showcasing their commitment to shaping the future of our students.
The four recipients currently completing their teaching residency in Lincoln Parish School District are:
Lauren Butler- Grambling State University
Lauren Gauthier- Louisiana Tech University
Katrice McMullen- Grambling State University
Laynie Pyle- University of Louisiana Monroe
These future educators will be honored by Louisiana Governor, Jeff Landry, Commissioner of Higher Education, Dr. Kim Hunter-Reed, and State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley, in a special program at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol on Tuesday, May 7.
“To have a resident teacher be named to the Future Educator Honor Roll is great, but to have four resident teachers be recognized is a tremendous honor,” said Mr. Ricky Durrett, Superintendent of Lincoln Parish School District. “These recognitions are a testament to the quality of higher education that we have in our area. The partnerships we have with Grambling, Louisiana Tech, and ULM are invaluable and allow us to have a hand in shaping future educators.”
The Louisiana Board of Regents Future Educator Honor Roll was established to recognize and honor future educators during Teacher Appreciation Month, highlighting individuals who demonstrate exceptional promise and dedication to the teaching profession. Lincoln Parish School District is extremely proud to have 4 of those educators working in our district this year!
One woman was sent to the hospital and another to jail Wednesday evening after a shooting in southeast Ruston.
Ruston Police reported Tiyan S. Heard, 19, of Taylor Street in Ruston, was booked on a warrant charging her with attempted second degree murder Wednesday night.
Heard allegedly shot another 19-year-old woman multiple times about 6:00 p.m. Wednesday near Lewis Street and Terrill Drive near a public housing complex. When Ruston officers arrived, the victim had already been taken to the emergency room at the Northern Louisiana Medical Center.
Heard had already left the scene as well but responding officers were able to examine Ruston Housing Authority surveillance video and submit it to detectives.
The two women knew each other but police did not give a reason for the confrontation.
Heard was identified based statements by the victim and evidence from the scene, police said.
Heard was located and questioned and by 9:00 p.m. had been arrested on the warrant and booked. Her bail was set at $500,000
Police said the investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected. Persons with information on the case are asked to call Ruston Police at 318-255-4141 or Crimestoppers at 318-255-1111.
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.
Louisiana Tech University faculty member, Dr. Yang Xiao, an assistant professor of chemical engineering at the Institute of Micromanufacturing, was awarded $30,000 for his energy sustainability efforts. His project converting methane to ethanol as transportation fuel marks a crucial milestone in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
The funding for Xiao’s project comes from his proposal to the Louisiana Transportation Research Center through the Transportation Innovation Research Exploration (TIRE) grant.
The project aims to revolutionize Louisiana’s energy landscape by harnessing locally sourced methane from the Haynesville Shale area and converting it into ethanol fuel through innovative photo-thermo catalysis techniques.
“The conversion of methane to ethanol helps the development of alternative fuels for Louisiana’s transportation sector, reduces Louisiana’s dependence on petroleum resources, and facilitates Louisiana’s energy transition,” Xiao said.
With concerns rising over petroleum security and greenhouse gas emissions, this initiative plans to make significant strides in reducing dependency on fossil fuels, lowering fuel costs, creating job opportunities, and improving U.S. energy security.
Xiao has also been awarded several grants by the state of Louisiana for his ongoing research on sustainable energy including the Catalytic Conversion of Methane to Liquid Rocket Propellant Fuels, funded by the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium, and the Design of novel high-entropy catalysts for the production of sustainable fuels, funded by Louisiana Materials Design Alliance (LAMDA).
In addition to addressing energy challenges, the research initiative will also provide support for one PhD student in Xiao’s research group.
“Leveraging local resources enhances energy security and sustainability,” Dr. Sumeet Dua, Executive Vice President of Research, said. “This project holds significant potential for northwest Louisiana, and we are proud to showcase Dr. Xiao’s expertise.”
This achievement not only reflects Dr. Xiao’s expertise and dedication but also highlights the collaborative efforts of Louisiana Tech University and its partners in advancing cutting-edge research initiatives.
Learn more about Xiao and his team’s research here.
Ruston Police took two individuals into custody Sunday afternoon after they and another youth allegedly approached a woman demanding the kids in her house come outside and fight. One of the three males had a gun.
Officers responded to an East California Avenue address where the woman said she told the three who appeared to be juveniles to get off her property. She said the two younger boys ran away but the one with the gun refused to leave. The armed youth had left before officers arrived.
In searching the area, two individuals matching the woman’s descriptions were located on Mills Avenue. Both refused to identify themselves and were taken into custody. At the police station, one identified himself as a 13-year-old. Devin Lewis, 17, of Ruston, admitted to being at the East California residence earlier with the juvenile.
Lewis was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for trespassing, resisting an officer, and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.
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.
Eighth grade sure may feel a long way from the “real world,” but for Ruston Junior High School principal Keshia Douglas, it’s never too early to show students their possible job options following high school graduation.
“It’s been on my mind as far as exposing eighth graders to different avenues before they get to high school,” Douglas said. “Students that we feel like if we don’t catch them now, they could go off track. It’s a passion that we are showing these students that whether you go to college, you go to the military or the workforce, that we started here. We don’t wait until they get to the high school.”
Packed into Ruston Junior High’s gym were Bearkit students as well as students from Simsboro School (Choudrant was unable to come despite an invite). Nearly a dozen businesses around Ruston and Lincoln Parish were in attendance.
“Career fairs are great,” Johnson Physical Therapy owner Jereme Johnson said. “I wish we’d had more growing up. You’re about to hit that pivotal point in life where you’re asking the question of what you want to do? For a lot of kids, they only know what they know, which is eighth grade. Most people are exposed to physical therapy by either getting treated or having a family member trait. I know for me, that was the case.
“I feel like it’s good fort kids nowadays to have a broad base on what is all available out there. I think exposure is is key. Getting getting early access or early knowledge is key for these kids. And I feel like these are great little events to do that.”
For eighth grade counselor Shelby Creel, her first career fair on staff was a rousing success.
“We’ve really been trying to put a bigger focus on their future goals to get them motivated to work towards something,” Creel said. “And so this was a good way for them to explore their different options. I’m just really excited that we were able to do this. We haven’t had a career day in several years, so it’s good to be able to get it going again.”
Ruston High will be sending a pair of swimmers onward to the collegiate level after both Adam Campbell and Cade Campbell (no relation) signed with their respective college selections Monday in Ruston High’s auditorium.
Adam chose the University of Missouri – St. Louis, while Cade will stay closer to home and swim for Centenary College in Shreveport.
“Anytime we have a kid that’s able to go on and do anything, athletically or band or anything, we’re excited for those kids,” Ruston High principal Dan Gressett said. “These are two really good students. We know they’re going to be successful in whatever they choose.”
Adam said the decision was a good one considering the school will take Louisiana students and give them the opportunity to pay the in-state tuition rate and will allow him to study his passion: international business.
“(UMSL) checked all the boxes personally,” Adam said. “When I checked into their school initially, I thought the tuition was too high until I found out that Louisiana students get the opportunity for in-state tuition. That made it a lot more attractive. Then I found out that, it had an academic interest that I want to pursue. It had a pretty fast swim team and competes in the fastest conference in Division II. I figured it was the best choice.”
Cade afterward said he was excited to stay close to Ruston and fell in love with Centenary’s campus.
“When I visited the campus, I fell in love with it,” Cade said. “I love the small campus and the team was just so welcoming. I’m honored to be able to represent Ruston High and bring a light (to the swim program).”
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Grambling will hold its spring commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. Friday, May 10 at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
Senator Cleo Fields will serve as keynote speaker for the event.
All guests attending graduation should be seated 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony in designated seating.
As families, friends, alumni and supporters arrive at Grambling State University for Spring 2024 commencement exercises on May 10, preparation should be made to adhere to the clear bag policy.
Parking will be limited on campus and the area immediately in front of the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center will be closed to allow for pedestrians to walk.
Permitted items include clear totes 12” x 6”x 12” in size with a logo no larger than 4.5”x3.4”; clear storage bag (resealable gallon size); small clutch or wallet no larger than 6.5”x4.5” with or without a handle or strap (can be carried separately or within an approved plastic bag); backless cushions less than 16” in size; and items required for medical, family, or childcare needs.
Prohibited items include balloons, air horns, or gifts (should be left in the vehicle); backpacks, fanny packs, purses larger than 6.5” x 4.5”; cameras with lenses longer than 6”; video cameras; pets; umbrellas; weapons; alcoholic beverages; strollers; food and beverages; beach balls; toilet tissue; artificial noisemakers; and seat cushions larger than 16” or with a zipper, pocket, or compartment.
Following the announcement last week of LaShanda Cooper being hired to lead the Lady Bearcat program, Ruston High School added another state champion basketball coach in Arcadia’s Marcus Jackson who will now lead the Bearcats after Ryan Bond’s move to assistant principal for the school.
“We are very excited to have Marcus join us,” Ruston High School principal Dan Gressett said. “He’s a proven winner and comes highly recommended. We have some good things going and honestly feel like we can pursue some coaches that we may not have been able to in the past. We feel like coach Jackson will be a huge addition to Ruston High School, and we can’t wait to get him here on campus.”
Jackson’s most recent state championship came was the 2020-21 LHSAA 1A State Championship when Arcadia defeated White Castle 51-38. The Hornets also won the 2015-16 state championship under Jackson, defeating Southern Lab.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to coach at the 5A level,” Jackson said. “I want to thank the principal and the administration for having faith in me to do the job.”
Last season according to Geauxpreps.com, Arcadia finished with a 14-12 record but swept District 1-1A going 6-0.
Jackson’s coaching career spans two decades, with 12 Top 28 appearances total coaching Arcadia’s boys and Athen’s boys and girls teams. Prior to his time at Arcadia, Jackson also led Athens High, his alma mater, to the 2010-11 state championship.
Jackson will finish out his contract with Arcadia through the remainder of the school year before coming to Ruston to meet his new squad formally.
“I hopefully will be able to get the chance to see them soon,” Jackson said. “I’ll be able to look at film, and it will be good to have Coach Bond around in my back pocket. I’m looking forward to seeing the team, what they can work with and see what I need to add on as coach.
“Today was bittersweet for me. Arcadia has been family to me. I’ve seen a lot of kids come and go and made a lot of relationships here in the 13 years. I’ve been emotional all day and all weekend about this decision, but I think it’s best for me going forward.”
As a player, Jackson was the 1999 LHSAA Class C Player of the Year and the state championship most valuable player for Athens High.
Jackson’s coaching awards include:
2015 Class A Boys State “Coach of the Year”
2015 All-Area Shreveport Times “Coach of the Year”
2010 All-Area Shreveport Times “Coach of the Year”
Ladd Thompson earned first team all-district along with four Cougar teammates.
by Malcolm Butler
A total of 14 Lincoln Parish players earned spots on the All-District 2-1A baseball team as voted on by the league coaches.
Cedar Creek saw 10 total players earn accolades, including five on the first team and five on the second team, while Lincoln Prep saw four players earn honorable mention honors.
Head coach Chad Yates and Co. earned the school’s first playoff appearance since 2019 and won a first round contest before falling to the No. 1 seed Opelousas Catholic.
The Cougars were represented on the first team by freshman Kade Luker (pitcher), senior Max Brister (pitcher), senior Ladd Thompson (infield), senior Trent Franklin (infield) and senior Blake Wade (utility).
First team was comprised of eight players from St. Frederick, seven from Ouachita Christian and five from Cedar Creek.
Freshman Brett Bell (Catcher), junior JB Robinson (pitcher), sophomore Connor Yates (infield), senior Noah Durrett (outfield) and senior Jackson Mock (utility) all represented the Cougars on the second team.
Lincoln Prep was represented on the honorable mention all-district list by Chaunce Davison, D’Tavion Wright, Jacob Stringfellow, and Phillip Jackson.
St. Frederick’s Garrett Taylor was named the MVP while OCS’s Karson Trichel was named the Pitcher of the Year. St. Frederick skipper Jim Rushworth was named Coach of the Year.
Louisiana Tech redshirt-junior pitcher Brook Melnychuk has been named the Blenders Eyeware Conference USA Pitcher of the Week, the league announced on Monday.
Melnychuk posted a 2-0 record and a 0.50 ERA while earning two seven-inning complete-game victories last week. She struck out seven batters and allowed just one run and 10 hits in her 14 innings pitched.
The redshirt-junior threw her first career seven-inning complete-game shutout in a 4-0 triumph over a 38-win McNeese team on Tuesday (April 30). Melnychuk was nearly unhittable during the victory as she struck out four batters while allowing just three hits and no walks.
The Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada product was just as impressive in the Bulldogs’ 5-1 win over FIU on Saturday (May 4). She earned her third career seven-inning complete-game victory and second of the week by allowing just one run on seven hits and a walk while striking out four FIU batters. As a result, she became the first LA Tech pitcher to throw consecutive seven-inning complete games since Audrey Pickett in 2022.
Melnychuk’s selection marks the fifth CUSA weekly honor the Bulldogs have received this season. She previously was named CUSA Pitcher of the Week on Feb. 19. Claire Raley (Player of the Week, March 25), Mattison Buster (Freshman of the Week, March 11), and Allie Floyd (Pitcher of the Week, Feb. 26) are the other Bulldogs to earn weekly league honors this season.
Graveside services for Peggy “Bonnie” Mae Barmore Lewis, age 82 of Shreveport, LA will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Mineral Springs Cemetery in Dubach, LA with Rev. Trey Albritton officiating. Services are under the direction of Owens Memorial Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.
Bonnie was born July 16, 1941 in Lincoln Parish, LA to the union of William Clifton Barmore and Eathel Eloise Martin Barmore. She returned to the Lord on May 5, 2024 in Shreveport, LA surrounded by her loving family.
Bonnie was a hair dresser in a beauty shop. She was the most generous person you could ever meet, gracious in her beauty as well as her life. Bonnie enjoyed fishing, cooking, playing bridge, playing the slots, and tennis. Bonnie married the love of her life, Randal Lewis. They were married for 66 years. Bonnie and Randal had two children: a girl and a boy. She was a strict and loving Mom. Bonnie was a good woman who will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Thanks be to God. She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Daphne Lewis; brother, Don Barmore; and sister, Floye Fordham.
Bonnie is survived by husband of 66 years, Randal Lewis of Shreveport, LA; daughter, Paige Thomson and husband Edward P Smith of Boynton Beach, FL; son, Mark Lewis of Deberry, TX; grandchildren: Heather Lewis of Arlington, TX, Hunter Thomson of Boynton Beach, FL, Garrett Lewis of Deberry, TX, Jade Lewis of Deberry, TX, and Austin Lewis of Deberry, TX; great-grandchildren: Sara Lewis, Teagan Ramsey, and Riley Jones; and brother, Bud Barmore.
Serving as pallbearers will be Garrett Lewis, Austin Lewis, Hunter Thomson, Mark Lewis, Ricky Barmore, and Scott Fordham.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:30 AM, Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.
Melba Faye Crawford Sunday 04/15/1962 — Saturday 04/27/2024 Family Gathering: Friday 05/10/2024 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Friday 05/10/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 05/11/2024 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Following the announcement last week of LaShanda Cooper being hired to lead the Lady Bearcat program, Ruston High School added another state champion basketball coach in Arcadia’s Marcus Jackson who will now lead the Bearcats after Ryan Bond’s move to assistant principal for the school.
“We are very excited to have Marcus join us,” Ruston High School principal Dan Gressett said. “He’s a proven winner and comes highly recommended. We have some good things going and honestly feel like we can pursue some coaches that we may not have been able to in the past. We feel like coach Jackson will be a huge addition to Ruston High School, and we can’t wait to get him here on campus.”
Jackson’s most recent state championship came was the 2020-21 LHSAA 1A State Championship when Arcadia defeated White Castle 51-38. The Hornets also won the 2015-16 state championship under Jackson, defeating Southern Lab.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to coach at the 5A level,” Jackson said. “I want to thank the principal and the administration for having faith in me to do the job.”
Last season according to Geauxpreps.com, Arcadia finished with a 14-12 record but swept District 1-1A going 6-0.
Jackson’s coaching career spans two decades, with 12 Top 28 appearances total coaching Arcadia’s boys and Athen’s boys and girls teams. Prior to his time at Arcadia, Jackson also led Athens High, his alma mater, to the 2010-11 state championship.
Jackson will finish out his contract with Arcadia through the remainder of the school year before coming to Ruston to meet his new squad formally.
“I hopefully will be able to get the chance to see them soon,” Jackson said. “I’ll be able to look at film, and it will be good to have Coach Bond around in my back pocket. I’m looking forward to seeing the team, what they can work with and see what I need to add on as coach.
“Today was bittersweet for me. Arcadia has been family to me. I’ve seen a lot of kids come and go and made a lot of relationships here in the 13 years. I’ve been emotional all day and all weekend about this decision, but I think it’s best for me going forward.”
As a player, Jackson was the 1999 LHSAA Class C Player of the Year and the state championship most valuable player for Athens High.
Jackson’s coaching awards include:
2015 Class A Boys State “Coach of the Year”
2015 All-Area Shreveport Times “Coach of the Year”
2010 All-Area Shreveport Times “Coach of the Year”
Pictured is Quyntyn Johnson talking during Thursday’s Grambling City Council Meeting. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
The countdown is on — Lincoln Parish’s newest truck stop will open on May 29.
Quyntyn Johnson, Senior Vice President of Operations for LV Petroleum, appeared during Grambling’s Monthly City Council meeting and announced that the TravelCenters of America (TA) location being constructed just off the westbound side of the Grambling Interstate 20 exit is set to open on that date.
TA’s offerings include diesel fuel, gasoline, food items and related accessories, truck repair and maintenance services, quick service restaurants, travel and convenience stores, diesel exhaust fluid and several customer amenities such as quick service restaurants and other food products.
There are 13 TA truck stops across the U.S., including one in Minden.
“You’ll see a lot of great prices for things like soft drinks and food,” Johnson said. “We will have two showers in there and you can wash your clothes there if need be.
“We will have a Subway (sandwich restaurant) and Caribou Coffee, too.
Johnson said a staff of seven will always serve the Travel Centers 24 hours a day with food services starting at 6 a.m. and running through 10 p.m.
“Our facility will never close,” Johnson said. “We will be open 24/7 265 days a year. “
Johnson said the truck stop will total 60-80 employees with hiring set to start next week, adding that starting wages will be $14 per hour with benefits for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage with a 401k program also planned.
Grambling’s TA location will have room for 50-75 big trucks and RVs to park overnight, and Johnson said that they hope to add to that number as the company acquires more land.
“We’ll also have 200-300 parking spots, so the more land we can gain the better,” Johnson said. “We want to be ready for the football and basketball games we have coming to Grambling.
“The RV spots near the front of the store will number 10 to 20 and will cost $18 a day for those. All the other parking is free.
Johnson said there will be 65- or 75-inch television screens located around the center that will include opportunities for locally- as well as nationally based advertising.
“There will be a small fee for local advertising, but those monitors will be on all of the time, so everybody that comes into the store will see those advertisements,” Johnson said. “
Johnson concluded by saying TA is not only coming to Grambling but intends to be a key part of the city.
“I know you have Junteenth coming up and we plan to do some things for that,” Johnson said. “I’ve already talked with (Grambling Police Chief Tommy Clark) because one of the things we’ve done is getting bulletproof vests for law enforcement in our marketplaces. We want them to come by our centers and know they’re taken care of.”
In other business during Thursday’s meeting, Grambling’s City Council also granted approval for Lawrence Rogers to build a $4 million plaza on R.W.E. Drive south of I-20 that will include a barbershop, a beauty shop, a barbecue dining establishment, a drive-through/pick-up daiquiri shop, office space and something labeled on floor plans as “Golf Experience.”
“Now that’s something I’m going to have to find out more about,” Mayor Alvin Bradley said. “I need to know what that ‘Golf Experience’ is going to be.”
Pictured are Dub and Schumpert Jones last summer celebrating their 77th anniversary. (Courtesy photo)
By T. Scott Boatright
As the 2024 NFL Draft was held last weekend, Dub Jones and his son Bert, both Ruston High School graduates and former pro football standouts, knew the now three-day event was happening.
They also knew it was nothing like they went through when they were both the No. 2 overall NFL draft selections — Dub being picked by the Chicago Cardinals in 1946 and Bert being drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1973.
But while Bert immediately joined the NFL, Dub’s journey was a little different.
After graduating from Ruston High, Dub Jones, who is 99 headed toward his 100th birthday on Dec. 29, attended LSU on a scholarship for a year before being transferred to Tulane University in New Orleans as part of a World War II-era U.S. Navy training program.
He played football at Tulane for two seasons before being drafted by the NFL’s Chicago Cardinals as well as the Miami Seahawks, a team from the All-American Football Conference (AAFC), an upstart league in its first year challenging the NFL.
Another of Dub’s sons, former Louisiana Tech defensive back and former state Sen. Bill Jones, said his father opted for the AAFC.
“So, he played for the Seahawks, then he got traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers (another AAFC football team),” Bill Jones said. “Paul Brown was coach of the Browns and had seen Daddy play college ball. And after Daddy played a year for the Dodgers Brown traded the No. 1 overall pick to bring Daddy to the Browns.
“And Daddy ended up playing eight years for the Browns.”
That first year Dub was playing for Cleveland, the Browns won all of their games and the AAFC championship. The team repeated as champions in 1949, but the AAFC dissolved at the end of the year and the Browns joined the NFL.
Dub, a tall, rangy player, went to the Browns as a defensive back but moved to halfback before Paul Brown created a new position to feature Dub – flanker.
And that flanker who was both a running and receiving threat, remained a key part of Browns teams that won NFL championships in 1950, 1954 and 1955.
He was twice named to the Pro Bowl, the NFL’s all-star game, including in 1951, when he set an NFL single game touchdown record with six, a mark he now shares with the New Orleans’ Alvin Kamara along with a pair of late former standouts — Ernie Nevers and Gayle Sayers.
Dub Jones finished his NFL career with 2,210 rushing on 540 carries along with 171 receptions for 2,874 yards, totaling a combined 41 touchdowns in the process.
“There’s one record dad is a part of that I don’t know can ever be broken — it’s hard to imagine it happening,” Bert Jones said. “And that’s that the Browns played in 10 championship games in a row, which was the Super Bowl back then,”
After retiring from his playing career Dub returned to Lincoln Parish, working at a sawmill before returning to the Browns in 1963 as a coach.
And the NFL draft was still a much different event than it is today.
“When he was offensive coordinator for the Browns in the 1960s, he was working here at the lumber mill in Simsboro,” Bill Jones said. “And during the draft he would just stay by the phone at the lumber yard. It was a low-key deal. The other Browns coaches at the draft would call him and let him know who had been taken and who was still available and asked him his thoughts on who they should take. It was a lot different then.”
After leaving the coaching profession Dub returned to sawmill work in Lincoln, but also did some football consulting work, including with someone who became a longtime friend — legendary Grambling football coach Eddie Robinson.
“He brought the Cleveland Browns playbook to show Coach Rob, and that’s how Grambling went from a straight Wing-T (offense) to a Pro-Set,” Bert Jones said. “So, every year Dad would go work some with Grambling, and what’s really crazy is that when I was playing pro ball, I would go out and work out at Grambling also.
“The coaches couldn’t come out on the field, but before I would work out I would talk to Coach Rob and he’d tell me he’d like to do this or put in that offensively, and I would be out there working seven on seven with his players showing them the things I knew. There was a strong football bond that turned into friendships between the Joneses and the Robinsons.”
Dub and wife Shumpert still live in their own home and are looking forward to celebrating their 78th anniversary this summer reminiscing about their long marriage.
Just as Dub and Bert did last week, keeping up with the NFL Draft and remembering their football lives.
Lincoln Parish Sheriff Stephen Williams announced Friday multiple arrests have been made following a series of assaults on a local man on April 16. In addition to the arrests, multiple stolen firearms and drugs were seized during the investigation.
The Sheriff’s Office began investigating a shooting that left one man seriously injured on April 16. Deputies responded to the shooting late that night at the intersection of Second Street and Hickory Street off Water Tank Road southeast of Ruston. Upon arrival, patrol deputies located a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds
Detectives responded and processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. It was discovered DaVeontre Modest had been involved in a fight earlier in the evening on nearby Donna Lane where a group of at least 15 people allegedly beat him. During this altercation, Modest lost consciousness as the group continued to batter him.
After regaining consciousness, Modest left the scene. While traveling on Second Street near the intersection of Hickory Street, Modest was confronted by two armed individuals. Approximately 25 shots were fired and Modest was struck several times. Modest was airlifted to a Shreveport hospital due to the extent of his injuries.
As the investigation progressed, multiple arrest warrants and search warrants were obtained for the suspects involved. On April 23, search warrants were executed at various locations in Lincoln Parish. Narcotics and multiple stolen weapons were recovered, and several arrests effected.
In one raid, Anthony Bass, 21, was charged with numerous violations after marijuana and pills were found after a search of his home on Hickory Street near the scene of the shooting.
According to a deputy’s report, the amount of marijuana and the presence of plastic baggies and digital scales in Bass’s home indicated the drug was being packaged for sale.
Bass was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of marijuana with intent to distribution, possession of a legend drug, violation of the Controlled Substances Act (drug-free zone), possession of drug paraphernalia and a warrant held by the LA Department of Corrections—Probation & Parole.
Dennis Waits, 23, and Tavarion Bass, 19, both of Ruston, were arrested on warrants for second degree battery on Modest.
On April 24, a juvenile male was taken into custody and charged with attempted second degree murder. He is currently being held at the Jackson Parish Detention Center.
On May 1, 2024, Kelvin L. Woods Jr., 20, of Ruston, was arrested and questioned by detectives. Woods was booked for attempted second degree murder. He is in custody at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center with bail set at $500,000.
“This investigation was very difficult and drawn out,” Sheriff Williams told the Lincoln Parish Journal. “I’m very proud of the hard work and dedication that our detectives dedicated to this case.”
Williams also acknowledged his staff had valuable assistance from a number of area law enforcement agencies. “We would like to recognize and thank all those who participated in this investigation,” the sheriff revealed. “Participating agencies included the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, Metro Narcotics, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana Attorney General Office, Louisiana Probation and Parole, and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.”
The sheriff also commended citizen involvement in the investigation. “I would also like to thank the community for stepping up and giving information. This case really proves that if work together we can make our community safer and stronger,” Williams said.
This case remains under investigation and more arrests are anticipated, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Detectives are requesting anyone with information regarding this incident please contact the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-251-5111 or CrimeStoppers of Lincoln Parish.
Information to CrimeStoppers can be given in several ways. Call 318-255-1111, text a tip to “TIP515 plus your message” to CRIMES (274637), or submit a tip online at http://www.rustonlincolncrimestoppers.com.
Police at Grambling State University arrested a man and a woman from Shreveport Sunday afternoon after they allegedly engaged in a domestic altercation in a campus dormitory.
Students heard a loud confrontation in a dorm room and contacted their residential assistant who called police.
Adrien D. Myles, 19, admitted to a verbal altercation with Dior C. Saxton, 19, and beating on her dorm room door aggressively and loudly trying to retrieve his cell phone. Myles admitted to pushing Saxton’s microwave and other items onto the floor, causing damage.
Myles said the altercation escalated into a physical confrontation when Saxton began striking him on the upper torso.
Saxton admitted taking Myles’s cell phone without his consent and refused to return it. She denied striking Myles during the encounter, explaining she only grabbed his upper extremities.
Both Myles and Saxton were taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and booked for disturbing the peace, simple criminal damage to property, and battery of a dating partner.
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.
