Lincoln Parish Schools employees, including substitute teachers, will be seeing a monthly pay increase for the 2024-25 academic year.
That comes after a motion passed by the Lincoln Parish School Board during a special-called meeting held Thursday at the Lincoln Parish Schools Central Office.
In a 5-4 vote with one abstention, the LPSB voted to boost monthly paychecks by reducing amounts of 13th and 14th bonus checks distributed each November and May.
That vote will boost certified employees’ monthly checks by around $500 per month with uncertified support staff receiving an additional $250 each month.
That recommendation came from Huntsville, Alabama-based LEAN Frog Consulting, a firm that the LPSB hired to review its pay system and in a move to try and ensure that pay for parish employees is competitive with other schools in the region.
The funds for supplemental paychecks come from parish sales taxes. The monthly pay increases will cut what are known as 13th and 14th paychecks approximately in half while not affecting overall annual pay.
Pay for substitute teachers will increase from $85 to $100 per day for those holding an undergraduate degree and from $75 per day for those who haven’t completed an undergrad degree to $90 for each day worked.
As far as reducing supplement checks to add additional monthly pay to help employees battle ongoing economic inflation, Lincoln Parish Schools Superintendent Ricky Durrett told the LPSB that a polling of teachers in the system indicated a near 50/50 split between employees that wanted the increased monthly pay with reduced supplemental checks and those who wanted to stand pat and keep the supplemental checks as they were.
Durrett told the board that the school system can work with local financial institutions to work out a way for those in favor of the bigger November and May supplemental checks to still make that happen under the newly adopted system.
“We can have vacation accounts or Christmas accounts, we can set it up to go into saving accounts for you to make that happen,” Durrett said.
Those voting in favor of accepting LEAN Frog Chief of Staff/Lead Consultant Chasitie White’s recommendation of spreading out the supplemental pay into the monthly checks were LPSB members Donna Doss, Gregg Phillips. Otha Anders, George Mack and Danny Hancock while voting to keep the twice-yearly supplemental paychecks were David Ferguson, Clark Canterbury, Lynda Henderson and Danielle Williams with Hunter Smith deciding to abstain his vote.
The LPSB also voted to approve updated job descriptions and pay rates to meet requirements with a new state law, Act 311 of the 2024 legislative session.
That act requires the school system to pay teachers and administrators at least $30 an hour for any duties not included in their job description, hence the updating of those descriptions.
The changes made Thursday do not cover the full extent of what LEAN Frog researched and recommended for Lincoln Parish schools.
Those recommendations will be presented next week in another LPJ article.
Thursday’s special meeting was called because the state Legislature requires compliance with Act 311 by Sunday.
The City of Ruston is pleased to be selected as one of 28 recipients of a 2023-24 Keep Louisiana Beautiful Trash Receptacle Grant made possible with funding from the State of Louisiana and Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The City of Ruston will install 10 trash receptacles along the North Monroe Street Corridor.
Through this grant alone, Keep Louisiana Beautiful awarded 213 receptacles to 28 organizations in 18 parishes for a total value of $154,403.
As part of the requirements of this grant, the City of Ruston will perform a post installation litter scan and compare the data collected to preliminary scan results. Data will be shared with the public once available.
“Litter is hurting our quality of life in Ruston,” says Amy Stegall, Main Street Director, at the City of Ruston “With these new receptacles installed, we will be able to reduce litter and keep our community clean and beautiful.”
“Recent data collected by Keep Louisiana Beautiful shows a reduction of litter by 78 percent in areas where trash receptacles are properly installed and maintained,” says Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director. “One of our organization’s key initiatives is to help build infrastructure that supports clean, beautiful communities. Funding trash receptacles is one way we do that. Congratulations to the City of Ruston for being selected as a 2023-24 Trash Receptacle Grant recipient.”
One of the most beautiful features of Lincoln Parish is the diversity, brought here by our two incredible universities. It’s a rare treat to see so much talent and cultural richness in such a small footprint and it’s particularly heartwarming when our friends from all over the world decide to become our neighbors indefinitely.
Markus Wobisch first made Ruston his home 17 years ago. Born and raised in Düsseldorf, Germany,
Wobisch received his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Physics at Aachen University. His work as a particle physicist later brought him to the U.S., first to Fermilab and then to Louisiana Tech University, where he now teaches physics and performs research at the Large Hadron Collider.
Since the age of 15, Wobisch and his brother have shared a passion for photography. They explored 35mm film photography with SLR and Lomo cameras, as well as darkroom techniques for black and white photography. Wobisch says that his experience and love for monochromatic images are the reason he continues to pursue black and white photography in the digital age. He says that black and white photography allows him to extract basic shapes, accompanied by their shadows and reflections, without the distraction of color.
At age 58, Wobisch says that his favorite tools for creating his art are vintage German Manual-Focus lenses. The old lenses he uses, some from the late 1940s, are representative of a vastly different era. “The history behind these artifacts is very inspirational to me,” says Wobisch.
Wobisch also finds inspiration in extremes. Extreme details, perspectives and light all play an important role in Wobisch’ creation. “I explore and celebrate seemingly trivial aspects of everyday life by spotting not-so-obvious details in unusual points of view,” explains Wobisch. He also likes to focus on simple shapes and symmetries alongside the extremes mentioned above.
When asked why he is passionate about art, Wobisch’s response was this, “I’ll let you know when I find out…all I can say is that I feel a driving force that, wherever I go, keeps me looking at the world, noticing details and separating them from their surroundings; rearranging them and composing images in my mind.”
Wobisch says that he is continuously impressed by Vivian Maier and Steve McCurry and how they capture people and aspects of human life. He also mentions that another driving force for his work is the music of the Velvet Underground, which, to him, is black and white photography for the ears.
Wobisch claims that he doesn’t intend to convey any specific messages in his work. He feels that what makes art to inherently valuable is its ability to inspire vastly different people in vastly different ways. He says that if his work is able to inspire someone to engage in their own artistic pursuits he will be greatly pleased.
For anyone considering their own creative journey, Wobisch says, “Don’t only think in terms of pieces, think in terms of projects.” He says that his own process is to create manageable time slots to work in and get started. From there, he says it’s simple. Just keep going. Wobisch also says that it is important to create some distance between yourself and your work. He believes distance is important to properly evaluate one’s own works and to continue progress.
Wobisch adds, “I feel lucky to live in Ruston and I am very thankful for NCLAC and my friends in the arts community.”
Wobisch was the 2024 North Central Louisiana Artist of the Year. You can find him and his works on Facebook at markuswobischphotography, Instagram at markuswobisch, as well as his website at markuswobisch.com.
A Ruston man was arrested late Saturday night after police investigated a report of a man brandishing a handgun in the area of South Farmerville Street and Texas Avenue.
Maurice Smith, 33, was arrested for illegal carrying of a weapon and several warrants after an officer saw he matched the description of the suspect.
Smith was asked what was in the bag he was carrying, and he said it was his wife’s gun. The officer retrieved the bag and located a fully loaded pistol. Smith was asked if he was a convicted felon or possessed a concealed carry permit. A records check showed that neither was the case.
Smith was arrested and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. Several hours later, additional charges in the form of three bench warrants were added.
Smith had apparently failed to appear in court on charges of disturbing the peace, simple assault, and criminal trespass.
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.
After a tremendous inaugural group was named in 2023, the Lincoln Parish Journal is now seeking nominations for this year’s “Rising Lincoln Leaders.”
Our parish is full of young, rising professionals and leaders, and we want to recognize the next group of leaders through this summer series.
Nominee criteria includes:
39 years of age or younger
works in Lincoln Parish
resides in Lincoln Parish
Deadline to submit nominations is by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 5th. All nominations should be emailed to LPJNewsLA@gmail.com with the subject line of Rising Lincoln Leaders.
Please include the following information within the nomination:
Nominee’s name
Age
Employer
Contact info, including phone
750 words or less about why the individual is being nominated for this award; including accomplishments, awards, etc.
Contact name and info (including phone) of the person submitting the nomination
The Lincoln Parish Journal will run a series profiling each of the “Rising Lincoln Leaders” during the summer.
Ruston High head baseball coach Bryan Beck is hitting the ground running to prepare for the 2025 season.
The recently hired Beck has been hard at work putting together a robust staff that includes a few former Bearcats with one recently on staff at the collegiate level.
“I feel really good about the staff,” Beck said. “They’re very young and very energetic. I’m going to let those guys be themselves — I know what they can bring to the table for how they will serve the kids. It’s what we want to accomplish here.”
New to the dug out (sort of) will be pitching coach Doc Wilkerson, a 2014 Ruston graduate and most recently on staff with the UL-Monroe Warhawks as director of operations.
Eric Outley will make his return to the program where he was a two-sport athlete for the Bearcats in football and baseball. Outley will primarily work with the junior high and underclassmen, where he will join Nick Mourad who has been on staff with Beck for the last few seasons.
“We’re starting this thing early from seventh grade,” Beck said. “We’re following (Ruston High head football coach Jerrod) Baugh’s vision for development for our entire junior high and high school program.”
Finally, former Bearcat Jacob Martin will be student-teaching at Ruston High and will be on staff, where he will be able to coach his little brother Peyton.
Opting not to return will be Chris Willis, who served as interim coach last season, who will be planning to travel and watch his younger son Dawson play college baseball.
“I offered “Big Coach” a spot in any capacity that he would have wanted,” Beck said in conclusion. “He’s really good for our program and our kids.”
At approximately 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA 34 near Chatham Lake Road. The crash claimed the life of 61-year-old David Perry.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2023 Buick Enclave, driven by Perry, was traveling southbound on LA 34. At the same time, a 2016 Ford F-150 was traveling northbound on LA 34. For reasons still under investigation, the Buick crossed the centerline and collided with the Ford.
Perry, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Three occupants inside the Ford were properly restrained and did not sustain any injuries. A standard toxicology sample was obtained from Perry and submitted for analysis, as a part of the ongoing investigation.
While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being severely injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries during crashes.
In 2024, Troop F has investigated 22 fatal crashes, resulting in 23 deaths.
We are working hard to bring awareness to the proper use of our community dumpsters. Please remember that our dumpsters are designated for household items only. Anything larger, such as furniture, appliances, or construction debris, must be taken to the landfill.
If you have large limbs or debris in front of your house that need to be picked up, please call us to let us know.
Help us keep our community clean and efficient by following these guidelines. For more information and detailed instructions, please visit our website at www.lincolnparish.org or call the landfill at 318-251-5159.
You can’t drive forward while looking in a rear-view mirror.
You can try and some do.
Ministers spend a great deal of time in a car driving to various places. I enjoy my automotive world. With technology, I can hear the phone ring despite playing my radio loud enough to change my heart rhythm. I play the radio so loud because I don’t hear well after all these years of playing the radio very loud in my car. The vehicle allows the phone call to interrupt my musical moment. I never miss a phone call while driving. When I am alone, the air-conditioning is on the “freeze out” setting. I want to make sure that my glasses fog up heavily when I exit the vehicle. If I can’t see at all, the air conditioning was cold enough. I also look for sermon illustrations while I am driving. Jesus is certainly watching, but I am too! When I raise the phone while driving, I’m not texting. I am photographing.
This morning driving to work, I had the radio loud and the air conditioning on “freeze out,” while I observed the world. In front of me was a black mustang convertible. There was a girl in the car. I could tell because she had her rearview mirror cocked in the “installing make up while driving” position. We sat at the light, and I watched as she applied some ointment, powder, or treatment to her face while the light was red. Because of the angle of the Mustang rear window, I could not tell if she continued applying make-up while driving. She was going “my way” and I did note she was an excellent driver and I’ll bet a super multi-tasker.
I have witnessed full facial make-overs while the person was driving the car. I have seen men put on a tie, send a text message, and read the newspaper at the same time while driving on the Interstate. But I am fascinated by the women who can put on that eye makeup stuff while driving. I have seen mascara going on while the nice lady was driving the car and making a cell phone call. I am amazed. They are doing all of this while looking backwards. The road they are traveling on is out the front window!
But really, you can’t drive forward looking in a rear-view mirror. Jesus said, “If you put your hand to the plow and look back you are not worthy of the kingdom.” Jesus was saying you need to keep your spiritual focus and your life looking forward. If you look back to regrets, mistakes, slights, hurts, sins, or even successes you will miss the beauty of this day. Today is out there, it is not back there!
Trinity Community Health Care will celebrate 15 years of “Primary Health Care Service Regardless One’s Ability to Pay,” opening in Winnfield July 1, 2009, and expanding through the years to provide services in Grant, Bienville, Lincoln, Rapides and Avoyelles parishes.
Launched as Winn Community Health Center with 5 employees and one small office behind the old Sonic on the 5-lane, the health center has grown to include the 6 parishes with over 300 employees. The name “Trinity” was adopted as the center expanded over time with multi-parish clinics. In 2023, Trinity treated 144,000 patients, including those on Medicaid, Medicare, private pay and uninsured. Since 2009, Trinity has served 850,000 patients. Trinity has a $20 million annual payroll and over $55 million in assets.
Services include primary care medicine, pediatrics, mental health and behavioral services, dental health, podiatry, pharmacy and at some centers, gastro-intestinal services. They also offer diagnostic testing in eye care and diabetics. Trinity has 40 school-based clinics in Winn and Rapides parishes, with some 12,000 students enrolled.
During the spring groundbreaking of the 3-story, 52,000 square foot headquarters in Winnfield of their multi-parish health center, CEO Deano Thornton explained that in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he was mayor at the time and became acutely aware of the lack of local health care services available to Medicare patients.
An answer seemed to lie in the Federally Qualified Health Center program which local individuals began to pursue. In July 2009, Winn Community Health received that FQHC designation. Thornton would resign as mayor to pursue this larger dream. In the face of early observers suggesting that they “might be moving too quickly,” the CEO noted, “We now have 7 stand-alone clinics plus our 40 school-based clinics.”
He told the Journal, “At Trinity, we want to bring more specialty services to our communities. There are several expansion projects in the works that should be announced in the next few months.”
The new Winnfield facility is now under construction and is expected to take 18 months to complete. The first floor will house the pharmacy, pediatrics, primary care, behavioral health and radiology. The second floor will house oral health services, vision health services, and physical therapy. The third floor will house administration, billing, finance, IT and medical records for the entire Trinity network, along with a large meeting room and a commercial kitchen.
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.
Friday, June 28 10 a.m.: PAWS of NELA storytime (Lincoln Parish Library Community Room) 2 p.m.: Ribbon cutting for Choudrant Primary Care (3845 Elm Street, Suite 3 in Choudrant)
Saturday, June 29 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 2 p.m.: Russ-Town Band Patriotic Concert (Ruston High School Auditorium)
Louisiana Tech’s Isaiah Crawford has taken the next step towards his professional basketball career as the former Bulldog has agreed to a two-way deal with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.
Crawford came back for a fifth year at LA Tech and made the absolute most of it, earning Conference USA Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
The Fort Worth, Texas native was one of the best two-way players in the country this past season, being named a finalist for both the Lou Henson Award (presented to the top player in mid-major basketball) and the Lefty Driesell Award (presented to the top defensive player in DI basketball). He was also First Team All-CUSA, NABC First Team All-District, and a member of the CUSA All-Defensive Team in 2023-24.
Crawford averaged a team-high 16.3 points per game for the Bulldogs while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from three-point range. He registered double-digit points in 27 of his 32 games including nine games of 20+ points, highlighted by a career-high 30 points at Jacksonville State.
The forward registered five double-doubles while averaging a career-best 6.2 rebounds per contest. He also ranked in the top three in CUSA and top 50 in the country in both steals per game (2.13) and blocks per game (1.77).
He totaled 68 steals on the year, which ranks fourth in program history, while also amassing 55 blocks. As a result, he became just the second player in school history and the third player in CUSA history to have 60+ steals and 50+ blocks in a single season.
Crawford finished his career as the only Bulldog with at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 100 steals, and 100 blocks. He ranks 18th in program history in career points (1,504), seventh in career blocks (102), and fourth in career steals (187).
Louisiana Tech’s Niilo Maki-Petaja was voted by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association as the 2024 Men’s Golf Freshman of the Year, announced by the LSWA on Wednesday.
Maki-Petaja, who was also one of five players to be named First Team All-Louisiana, put together one of the best freshman seasons by a Bulldog in program history.
The Helsinki, Finland native registered a team-best 72.25 stroke average over 36 rounds, fourth best in program history. He totaled 20 rounds at or under par for the season, third most in school history.
The CUSA Freshman of the Year and First Team All-CUSA selection recorded six top-20 finishes, four of which were in the top five, and was the top Bulldog finisher in eight events.
Maki-Petaja tied for fourth at the Sea Best Invitational tied for fourth at the Louisiana Classics and finished third at the CUSA Championship. His first collegiate individual title came at the Aggie Invitational when he shot 70-74-73=217 (+1).
The freshman, which finished the season ranked No. 215 in the country, received an at-large bid as an individual to compete at the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional where he tied for 27th.
Maki-Petaja becomes the first Bulldog in program history to be named Louisiana Freshman of the Year and the fourth Bulldog to be selected First Team All-Louisiana since 2013.
Player of the Year: Connor Gaunt, LSU Freshman of the Year:Nilo Maki-Petaja, Louisiana Tech Coach of the Year: Jeff Lorio, New Orleans
First Team Connor Gaunt, LSU Nilo Maki-Petaja, Louisiana Tech Jay Mendell, LSU Drew Doyle, LSU Andrew Bennett, Centenary College
Second Team Melan Dhaubhadel, ULM Kyle Bennett, New Orleans Grayson Glorioso, Southeastern Malan Potgieter, UL-Lafayette Matt Weber, New Orleans
Louisiana Tech’s Will Patrick was named to the 2023-24 Academic All-District Men’s At-Large Team, announced by College Sports Communicators which recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom.
Patrick graduated this past winter quarter with a degree in Business Management, holding a 3.72 cumulative grade point average.
The Bulldog golfer is a four-time CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll recipient, two-time CUSA Academic Medalist, and was a GCAA All-American Scholar in 2023.
The Oneonta, Alabama native competed in 10 events this past season, tied for second most on the team. He registered a stroke average of 75.0 over 30 rounds while totaling 76 birdies and shooting seven rounds at or under par.
Patrick’s best finish of his senior season came at the Conference USA Championship when he tied for 19th after shooting 72-78-72=222 (+6) to help the Bulldogs finish first in stroke play. He would also claim a point in the semifinal match play against UTEP, winning 6&4.
This marks the third time in the last four years that member of the LA Tech Golf team earned Academic All-District honors.
Funeral Services for Victoria Elizabeth Smith Conner are scheduled for Saturday, July 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM in the chapel of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston, LA. Vicki was born July 24, 1945 and departed this life June 26, 2024.
Vicki was known for her ability to talk to anyone and her infectious laugh. She always had a twinkle in her eye which usually meant she was up to something. She was a gifted artist using glass to create beautiful works of art that several friends and family will cherish. Vicki worked for 20 years in the medical community as a radiologist and ultrasound technologist. She was an avid tennis enthusiast and loved watching and discussing her favorite players.
She is proceeded in death by her parents Wallace Robeson & Ethel (McBride) Smith & son Alan Lyle Conner.
She is survived by her Sister, Leah Susan Smith, Brother, Cade McBride (Mary) Smith, daughter, Vickie Jo Johnson, Granddaughters, Natalie (Ryan) Keogh, Kasey (Charles) Ducote, great- grandchildren, Cade Bates, Claire & Caysen Keogh and Cameron & Audrey Ducote. 4 nieces, 1 nephew, 4 great nieces, 4 great nephews and 2 great-great nieces and 1 great-great nephew.
Funeral services are being handled under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel, Ruston, LA.
Funeral services for Rodney Adrion Fuqua, 86 of Ruston, Louisiana, will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, June 28, 2024 at Temple Baptist Church of Ruston in the Chapel under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Homes. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Ruston. Dr. Reggie Bridges will officiate the services.
Rodney Adrion Fuqua, born December 3rd 1937, has gone home to be with his heavenly father on June 26, 2024. He is the son of Hazel G. and Arnie S. Fuqua of Effie, Louisiana. Rodney attended Lafargue High School before studying at The Louisiana Business College in Alexandra, Louisiana, He then went on to join the Navy, after his years in service he went to work for Bancroft Paper out of Monroe, Louisiana. After a few years, Rodney and his wife, Betty, chose to move with their two children, Lisa and Keith Fuqua, to Ruston, Louisiana, where he and Betty established Fuqua Paper Supply. Rodney was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Fuqua, his father, Arnie Fuqua, his brother, Gerald Fuqua, and his only daughter, Lisa Fuqua. He is survived by his wife, Betty Fuqua, and his son, Keith Fuqua as well as, his three grandchildren, Mary-Taylor Fuqua, Maggie Fuqua and his grandson, Hayes Fuqua. Rodney was a man that instantly would make someone feel welcomed through a simple smile. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Betty, of fifty-eight years. He was a loving Father to his two children and was a supportive grandfather to his three grandchildren. Throughout his life, he intentionally put other people’s needs above his own. Rodney was someone that would give the shirt off his back to anyone. He brightened the world with his infectious smile, slap-stick comedy, and his servant heart. Rodney found joy in cheering on his children in all sports as well as all his grandchildren. He loved attending football games as well as baseball games to support his grandson. Rodney also enjoyed cheering on the LSU Tigers no matter what sport. He found joy in going up to a lake and casting his line out in hopes to catch a fish. Rodney was a simplistic man, he found joy and love in the little things life offered him. Above all, one thing that was always a constant in Rodney’s life was the love he had for the Lord. Unquestionably, he is rejoicing with predeceased family members.
“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27
Pallbearers will be Tony Fuqua, Curt Fuqua, Steve Alexander, Don Beasley, Eddie Paul Woodall, and John Richmond
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Baptist Church.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 A.M. at Temple Baptist Church Chapel in Ruston.
Gentry D. Jackson Wednesday 07/13/1966 — Tuesday 06/25/2024 Family Gathering: Tuesday 07/02/2024 3:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Tuesday 07/02/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Wednesday 07/03/2024, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 301 W. Vaughn Street, Ruston Interment: Wednesday 07/03/2024, Bonner Cemetery, Ruston
Rodney Adrion Fuqua December 3, 1937 – June 26, 2024 Visitation: Friday, June 28, 2024, 10:00 A.M., Temple Baptist Church Chapel Funeral service: Friday, June 28, 2024, 11:00 A.M. at Temple Baptist Church Chapel
Jackson “Jack” Eugene Ball, Sr. November 18, 1932 – June 22, 2024 Celebration of life service: Ruston Church of Christ on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at 3:00 pm
Richard E. Roberson, Jr. December 25, 1935 – June 21, 2024 Visitation: Saturday, June 29, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Fellowship Baptist Church, Hwy 151, Dubach Memorial Service: Saturday, June 29, 2024, 11:00 AM, Fellowship Baptist Church, Hwy 151, Dubach
Parking has long been an issue for Louisiana Tech University students, faculty, and staff.
But the parking problem at Tech is headed toward an improved future after a move made last week by the Louisiana State Bond Commission.
That is because the Louisiana State Bond Commission has approved funding for the Louisiana Community Development in the form of $10,000,000 in revenue bonds to go toward the development, design, renovation, construction and equipping of a new parking facility and related facilities at Louisiana Tech.
Last year the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors began the process by approving plans for an on-campus parking facility expected to add 300 parking spaces to the existing parking lot near the pedestrian bridge on Mississippi Avenue.
The university plans to use proceeds of a loan from the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (the “Louisiana Community Development Authority”) to finance the project, represented through one or more series of revenue bonds.
Parishes, municipalities, special taxing districts, and other state political subdivisions, can apply to the State Bond Commission requesting to incur debt and levy taxes.
The commission’s approval last week was required before Louisiana Tech could apply to borrow money or issue bonds for the project.
Applications are approved based on compliance with Constitutional and statutory requirements and feasibility, including the ability to repay and incurred debt.
Money for these projects is borrowed from banks or other investors and is paid back over time.
Innovative Student Facilities, a Louisiana nonprofit organization, is expected to finance the development, design, renovation, construction, and equipping of the new parking facility for Tech.
A press release distributed on Wednesday by State Treasurer John Fleming, M.D., said this year, Louisiana achieved the highest rate of return on state investments in the past five years.
At the current rate, the state’s investment income is estimated to exceed $420 million.
That press release said that additionally, Louisiana’s General Obligation Bond rating was upgraded from AA- to AA by S&P Global Ratings which lowers the cost of borrowing for the state.
The release also said that in 2024, the State Bond Commission issued $293.82 million General Obligation bonds to fund capital projects as well as $97.105 million in General Obligation Refunding Bonds to refinance outstanding bonds providing the state with $3.12 million in net present value savings.
During last week’s meeting the commission approved $155 for nine projects, including the one at Louisiana Tech. Overall, the State Bond Commission has approved 95 debt applications totaling $3.89 billion and 144 local government elections.
Ruston mayor Ronny Walker (left) and Tech President Jim Henderson talk on the Beyond 1894 podcast.
Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications
Louisiana Tech celebrated the 100th episode of the University’s Beyond 1894 podcast. Episode 100 features Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker as the guest, interviewed by Tech President Jim Henderson. Walker was selected for the episode because of Tech’s notable relationship with the City of Ruston and his dedication to the University.
“Whether we’re celebrating the arrival of the first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana or the expansion of the nation’s premier producer of secure semiconductors and microchips, we know that we can rely on the City of Ruston as a partner,” said Henderson of Walker’s leadership on the podcast.
The Beyond 1894 podcast began in March of 2020, published by the Office of University Communications. Since then, the hosts have welcomed over 120 guests to share their stories, from faculty and staff to students and alumni. Topics range from the personal journeys of the Tech Family to details on achievements and goings-on of the campus community.
The podcast also served as the farewell interview for President Emeritus Les Guice, who retired in December of 2023 and spent nearly a full hour detailing his rich history with the University and optimism for the future. Just three episodes later, Dr. Jim Henderson joined the podcast to discuss his reasons for pursuing the Tech presidency and the University’s potential for growth.
Now, both of those presidents join a short list of guest hosts that includes ANS Associate Dean Dr. Jamie Newman, Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Davy Norris, and recently graduated communication student Madeline Kalmbach, to name a few. The podcast has hosted students like Jayden Johnson, Joseph Johnson, and Da’Voznik Armstrong—some of Tech’s prestigious Reginald F. Lewis scholars; Walker Pearson, Connor Smith, and Elizabeth McKinney—the last three SGA presidents; and Chanley Patterson and Jordan Smith—two of the most recent Miss Louisiana Tech pageant winners. Distinguished alumni like Tim Brandon of TBA Studio and Marlon Watts and Nicholas Clark of WRLDINVSN have shared how Tech helped set them up for success. Faculty like Brad Deal (the architecture design build program) and Mark Murphey (the science of barbecue) have discussed a wide spectrum of ideas, events, and accomplishments unique to Tech.
Across all 100 episodes, some very common themes emerge: loyalty, family, passion, and pride. More than a few guests use the phrase “felt like home” to describe their first time setting foot on campus. Guests who have made it to Ruston after several career pit stops in different corners of the world express that Louisiana Tech has been an ideal place for them to elevate their careers and raise their families. Students from all backgrounds say they pursue their education with motivation, confident in the value of earning a Louisiana Tech degree.
Even after over 120 guests and 100 episodes, the vastness of the Tech Family means the already-impressive guest list of the Beyond 1894 podcast is just getting started.
Listen to the 100th episode in full here, and view a list of all episodes of Beyond 1894 here. Watch the interview between Henderson and Walker on YouTube.
A former Grambling State University basketball player with a history of domestic violence offenses was arrested by Ruston Police last Thursday after a complaint he injured his current girlfriend.
Ruston Police responded to a Rusty Lane apartment about 6:20 a.m. Thursday morning where they learned the suspect, Chanse Emil Robinson, 22, had left the scene.
A woman told officers she and Robinson had been in a relationship for three years. She alleged Robinson grabbed her face during an argument, causing scratches and cuts.
Police saw the woman had a fresh laceration near her right eye and a spilt upper lip.
A witness told officers she found the visibly upset victim holding her face and crying. When she asked what happened, Robinson did not reply but picked up his bags and left the apartment.
RPD, accompanied by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, went to Robinson’s Barker Drive residence where he was arrested. Robinson told police he was leaving the woman’s apartment when she grabbed him his arm and he jerked away. He speculated that a bag he was carrying could have caused the woman’s injuries.
Robinson has faced multiple charges since 2020 following arrests for domestic violence against dating partners.
Robinson was booked for battery of a dating partner and probation violation on previous charges of resisting an officer, battery of a dating partner, and four counts of aggravated assault.
Bail from the Thursday incident was set at $2,500; no bail will be set on the probation violation charges until he appears before a judge.
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.
Move over Masters. It’s time for the 23rd annual Robert Trent Jones Shootout.
Yes. Our group’s tradition is probably a little different than Augusta, but it’s a tradition none-the-less. This week marks the 23rd straight year that my buddies and I head to Alabama to “compete” in what we have named the RTJ Shootout.
I am going to provide a bit of a play-by-play of today’s opening round in tomorrow’s LPJ and then will wrap it all up on Monday with the final results of this year’s event.
For those who have never heard of the Robert Trent Jones courses in Alabama, they are really great tracks, varying in levels of difficulty.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a collection of championship caliber golf courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., distributed across the state of Alabama, as part of investments by the Retirement Systems of Alabama. The Trail started with 378 holes at eight sites throughout the state, but has grown to 468 holes at eleven sites.
Our adventure to RTJ started as three guys playing a couple of days at Magnolia Grove in Mobile back in July of 1999 has turned into an annual trek to The Yellowhammer State for a hodgepodge of normally 16 hackers. The first three years we played for fun before turning into more of a competition with money and traveling trophy up for grabs in 2002. This year’s field includes 14 of us duffers, ranging in age from mid-30s to mid-60s.
We will play four rounds of golf in four days, including two rounds at the Crossings in Mobile and one round each at Azalea and Dogwood courses in Fairhope. We handicap our field based on scores from the past three years, using the top four rounds from those three years as a “guide.” The Charter Membership Committee comprised of Scott Walker, Mitch Spillers and myself massage those numbers to create what we feel is a fair playing field for everyone (but the defending champion … more to come on that).
We play for money but even more we play for Clinchy, a traveling trophy of a bronze golfer on a wooden base. We nicknamed him Clinchy years ago because he is in full swing and his gluteus maximus is clinched in his back swing. Over the years, Clinchy lost his club … must have thrown it in the lake after a bad shot.
The champion’s named is engraved on a small plaque on the base Clinchy each year along with the year, the winning scores, and the site of that year’s event. We have room for 32 plaques on the base, and this year we will add the 23rd John Hancock to the list.
This is more than just four rounds of golf with some buddies. It’s that on steroids to be honest.
There is an entry fee each year, and we pay the top three places each day and the top five places at the end of four rounds of golf. The winner of Thursday’s round is the Master’s Champion. The winner of Friday the US Open Champion. The winner of Saturday’s round is The Open Champion. And Sunday’s victor is the British Open Champion.
We hold a Calcutta (authored by Bob Burns) the night before the tournament starts which increases the pot (this is chump change to be honest; the IRS won’t be coming after us). If you aren’t familiar with a Calcutta, Google it. We started this three years ago, and it’s really been a fun addition to our trip.
One of the newer aspects of our competition is the Falcon Flight (authored by Brandon Norris). Following 36 holes of golf, the top 10 move on to the championship flight while the bottom four or five or six (depending on the year) compete against each other over the final 36 holes in the Falcon Flight. This allows the golfers who may not be in the running for a top 5 finish to still have something to compete for over the final two days.
Sunday also includes POD play (authored by yours truly). This was another side competition added in 2011 where PODS of four competitors based on handicaps play against each other over the final 18 holes. The best four handicap golfers are in POD1, followed by the next four in POD2, then the next four and so on. This is just another motivator for every competitor going into the final day, regardless of where you may sit in the overall standings.
In addition to the individual competition, we have a number of side team competitions. The Rolly Cup — named in honor of the late Reverend Rolly Walker — is our main team competition. The Rolly Cup began back in 2011, and most year’s it includes two teams of either 7 or 8 golfers (depending on how many are on the trip that year).
Mitch Spillers and myself have served as the team captains each year (Scott Walker has been the third team captain on year’s where we had 15 participants and went with three 5-person teams). Each of the first three rounds pits members of each team against each other (predetermined). We use stroke play to determine the winners of each match and after three days, whichever team won the majority of the 21 match-ups is the Rolly Cup Champions.
This year we are incorporating what we are calling the LIV Golf Competition (authored by Brandon Norris), pitting seven two-man teams determined by random drawing. Once again stroke play is involved, and following the first two days (36 holes) the top four teams will advance to Saturday’s round pitting Team 1 vs. Team 4 and Team 2 vs. Team 3. The winners of those two matches will then face off Sunday for the inaugural LIV Golf Championship match.
So how do we keep up with all of this? There is a lot of post-round math utilized and Microsoft Excel is my best friend. I am the keeper of the scores and results with help from my 318 roommates Brandon Norris, Ben Haddox and Andy Yepson.
I can tell you who won what event each year. How?
We have a 100-plus page full color media guide that is spiral bound and updated each year. My love for numbers and keeping a historical perspective on things led me to start keeping a very straight forward record of the year-by-year results 23 years ago.
Kyle Roberts took it over from me after a few years and created a little more enjoyable version before Scott Walker somehow became the publisher of it, turning it into something that you would have to see to believe. The media guide includes bios on each competitor with all of their historical results, including titles, scoring average, money earnings, POD wins, Rolly Cup records, etc.
The cover of the media guide (see below) each year includes a photo of the previous year’s champion holding Clinchy with a message from said champion on the inside back cover.
If you know of someone who competes in the RTJ, ask them to see their RTJ Shootout media guide. It’s a perfect illustration of how ridiculously fun and quirky we have made this trip over the past two-plus decades.
As the defending champion (my friends will give me a hard time for including that fact in this column), I have very little chance to win this year. We have never had a repeat champion. Why? We basically cut the defending champions handicap by 40 to 50 percent the following year, and no one has ever been able to overcome that challenge.
We tee off this morning at 9 a.m. on the Azalea Course in Fairhope. It’s the start of the individual competition and it’s the start of both the Rolly Cup play and the LIV Challenge. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s LPJ for an update of Day 1 of the 2024 RTJ Shootout.
It may not be the Masters, but it is a tradition unlike any other.
