Rebecca Quebedeaux of the Louisiana Tech cross country team was honored by Conference USA as one of 11 recipients for the prestigious Jim Castañeda Postgraduate Scholarship, the league announced on Thursday.
Every season, C-USA grants a $4,000 scholarship to distinguished graduates selected by the league’s Faculty Athletics Representatives and approved by the Conference USA Board of Directors.
Quebedeaux just wrapped up her junior season in which she set personal bests in the 5K and 6K with times of 20:29.6 (Warhawk Invitational) and 24:14.9 (Watson Collegiate Cross Country Classic) respectively. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native completed her degree in three years with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing while boasting a 3.95 GPA.
Quebedeaux was recently accepted into the Master of Business Administration at LA Tech and serves as a member of the Executive Board for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The recent graduate is a three-time CUSA Commissioner’s Academic Medalist honoree and a two-time CUSA Cross Country Female Athlete of the Week.
One recipient from each of the conference’s 11 schools is honored with the scholarship each year.
2024 marks the 16th year the award has been named after Dr. Jim Castañeda, who served Rice for 46 years as an educator, coach, and Faculty Athletics Representative before he passed in 2008.
Louisiana Tech’s Ethan Bates has been named an NCBWA Stopper of the Year Finalist, the NCBWA announced on Wednesday.
Eight conferences are represented with finalists, as Conference USA and the Southeastern Conference lead the way with two each. Other conferences included are the Atlantic Coast Conference, the American Athletic Conference, the Big 12 Conference, the Big West Conference, the Pac-12 Conference, and the West Coast Conference.
Bates led the nation in saves with 17 and broke the Louisiana Tech single-season saves record. The Hot Springs, Arkansas native finished the season with a 3.43 ERA in his 36 appearances on the mound.
Bates registered 52 strikeouts on the bump while giving up 20 walks for the Diamond Dogs. Batters hit just .180, which was the second lowest on the team behind only Sam Bordersen.
Bates finished second all-time in saves at Louisiana Tech with a career total of 27, trailing only Caleb Dudley’s 29 saves. Bates also had back-to-back seasons with double digit saves after recording 10 saves in 2023 and 17 saves in 2024.
The Stopper of the Year recipient will be announced via a news conference on Friday, June 14, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
NCBWA Stopper of the Year Finalists
(stats as of June 5, 2024)
Player Yr Team (Conference) APP IP ERA W/L SVs Ben Abeldt So. TCU (Big 12) 26 44.1 1.83 3-0 8 Evan Aschenbeck Sr. Texas A&M (SEC) 26 60.1 1.64 6-1 7 Ethan Bates Sr. Louisiana Tech (CUSA) 36 44.2 3.43 2-1 17 Charlie Beilenson Gr. Duke (ACC) 34 62.2 2.01 7-3 12 Mason Burns Sr. Western Kentucky (CUSA) 28 36.0 4.00 3-3 15 Griffin Herring So. LSU (SEC) 21 50.1 1.79 6-1 6 Bridger Holmes Jr. Oregon State (Pac-12) 25 32.0 1.97 3-4 13 Wyatt Lunsford-Shenkman Jr. East Carolina (AAC) 24 46.1 1.55 3-2 5 Izaak Martinez r-Sr. UC San Diego (Big West) 25 63.1 1.85 4-3 9 Conner Thurman r-Sr. San Diego (WCC) 29 38.2 1.40 4-0 5
Bobby Ray Huey Friday 04/15/1960 — Sunday 06/02/2024 Visitation: Friday 06/07/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pmat King’s Funeral Home Funeral Service: Saturday 06/08/2024 2:00pm, St. Peter Baptist Church, 899 St. Peter Road, Ruston Interment: Saturday 06/08/2024 Following Service, Mt Mariah Cemetery, Chatham
Pauline W. Lee Monday 11/06/1933 — Wednesday 05/29/2024 Visitation: Friday 06/07/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 06/08/2024 10:00am, Fellowship Baptist Church, Hwy 507, Simsboro Interment: Saturday 06/08/2024 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
Jarod Lee Mardis Saturday 07/13/1991 — Wednesday 05/29/2024 Visitation: Friday 06/07/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 06/08/2024 12:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 06/08/2024 Following Service, George Washington Carver Memorial Park, Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston
Anthony Caesar Thursday 02/20/1969 — Saturday 06/01/2024 Visitation: Friday 06/14/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 06/15/2024 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 06/15/2024 Following Service, New Prosperity Cemetery, Clay
Mattie P. McConnell Thursday 11/28/1935 — Sunday 06/02/2024 Visitation: Wednesday 06/12/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Thursday 06/13/2024 10:00am, St. Rest Baptist Church, 831 Saint Rest Road,Quitman
The first edition of the highly-popular travel center in the state of Louisiana is still on schedule to be operational by the last quarter of 2025 or the first quarter of 2026 according to Ruston mayor Ronny Walker.
“I think December of 2025 is a real possibility, but it depends on what type of weather they get during that time,” said Walker on Wednesday.
Walker said all parties involved had their latest zoom call on Wednesday and that there are a few steps remaining before actual work begins.
“We should have plans in hand in September for all the road changes,” said Walker. “We hope to go to bid in October, and we hope we can award a bid for all of that work to start in November.”
The original announcement of the decision to build on Tarbutton Road and Interstate 20 came back in January of 2023. Since that time some of the progress has been slow, but Walker gives credit to new Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and his staff for the recent increase in progress.
“As you have heard me say so many times, government works extremely slow,” said Walker. “I think the fact we had so many different entities involved — the state DOTD, the Federal Highway Administration, the City of Ruston, Buc-ee’s — there were a lot of moving pieces to it.
“I think the most amazing thing to me has been the change in the speed in which things have happened with our new Secretary of Transportation Joe Donahue. He has been a real asset to making this happen, and the governor has been involved. That has moved this whole process a long much much more smoothly.”
All historic indicators suggest that once construction begins on the project, it will take approximately 12 to 15 months to complete the work and for Buc-ee’s to be operational.
“The city and Buc-ee’s have agreed on all the specifics of construction within the development,” said Walker.
Walker said part of the plans for a very short part of the service road between Tarbutton Interchange and Grambling has been the major hold up.
“It can’t start until the Interchange Modification Report (IMRs) is done, and it won’t be done until the end of December,” said Walker. “The rest of it can start in November. It will probably take us nine months, but that is fine. We will be through with it next September. It’s (the other) little piece that won’t two months to build that can’t start until the entire service road to Grambling has been environmentally cleared.”
Walker also said Buc-ee’s still has to finalize the purchase of all land associated with the project, but that should be completed in the very near future.
“Both Beaver Aplin and Stan Beard have been incredible in working with us and understanding the delays and never giving up,” said Walker. “They believe and we believe that it is going to be one of their most incredible stores.”
Walker indicated that Buc-ee’s officials won’t begin discussions on what other businesses will be following the travel center to the location until everything is completed for construction to begin. However, he said he is confident and excited in the potential growth for that area of the parish.
Courtesy of Louisiana Tech University Communications
Louisiana Tech University has announced graduates from its Spring 2024 commencement ceremonies held May 25. They are listed below by state/territory, with Louisiana listed first.
Louisiana
Abbeville
Luke Michael Frederick – Bachelor of Science
Abita Springs
Luke Michael Harper – Bachelor of Science
Albany
Austin Micheal Hampton – Bachelor of Science Computer Science
Alexandria
John Travis Able – Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering
Joseph Jacob Bollinger – Bachelor of Science Biomedical Engineering
Lindsay Grace Bollinger – Master of Arts
Ethan Ryan Byrd – Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering
Madyson Lee Carruth – Master of Arts
Katelyn Elizabeth Coombs – Bachelor of Science
Christian Yahir Cordero-marin – Bachelor of Science
Abby Elizabeth Daigle – Bachelor of Science Industrial Engineering
Bailey Angelle Domzalski – Bachelor of Science
Sadie Rose Gormanous – Bachelor of Arts
Foster Brand Gunter – Master of Architecture
Abigail Grace Marcotte – Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering
Colin Robert Merchant – Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering
Jackson Moore Neal – Bachelor of Science
Kelsey Elizabeth Parker – Bachelor of Arts
Walker Matthew Pearson – Bachelor of Science
Ashlyn Grace Riley – Associate of Science Nursing
Christian Blake Salazar – Bachelor of Science Architectural Studies
Lauren Ashley Stiles – Bachelor of Arts
Simon Michael Tudor – Bachelor of Arts
Elizabeth Davis Vincent – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Carl Mashack Whorton Jr. – Bachelor of Science Construction Engineering Technology
Amite
Kaylyn Denise Murphy – Bachelor of Science Architectural Studies
Arcadia
Robert Alexander Hood – Bachelor of Science
Corbin Lee Johnson – Bachelor of Science Forestry
Alli S. Washburn – Bachelor of Science
Kristen Edwards Weeks – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
It’s hard to believe that James Field at Hoss Garrett Stadium has had field turf for over a decade.
And with the passage of time, the need for replacing the original has finally come.
Installing the turf will be Hellas which is headquartered in Austin, Texas, who was also did the installation of the first turf at the stadium.
Starting last week, the old turf has been removed and the new will be installed over the course of the summer. Ruston High head football coach Jerrod Baugh expects the installation to take somewhere between four and five weeks — however, he noted that the summer rainy weather could play a factor in the timeline.
“Them getting the bid was the best-case-scenario for us, because the shock pad (beneath the turf) is still under warranty,” Baugh said. “We’ve got another round of turf for that — if any other company had (gotten the bid), then it would have voided the warranty.”
Capital improvements funds that are set aside by the Lincoln Parish School Board for upkeep projects such as this one will be used to pay for the turf and installation.
And a benefit to the new redesign will be the removal of what is commonly referred to as the “Rutgers R,” which Ruston was asked by Rutgers back in 2019 to stop using. Replacing it will be the Bearcat logo at midfield.
The end zones will also be green now, as the letters in”Ruston” will be scripted out in red with a white outline. Baugh said the red color in the end zones faded faster than he expected over time on the previous turf.
“I think it’s going to be really nice,” Baugh said. “And then, we will have what they call “Eco-Therm”, which is supposed to keep the fold 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the other turf. They’re constantly upgrading things adding new technology.”
The turf is expected to be ready for Ruston’s season-opening matchup at home against Acadiana on Friday, Sept. 6.
Ruston Police arrested six young men early Tuesday morning in connection with two vehicle burglaries.
According to a RPD press release, at about 3 a.m., officers responded to the area of East Mississippi Avenue following a report of a vehicle burglary in progress. A witness saw suspects running away from a vehicle parked at a residence.
Officers circulated the area and found several potential suspects on Cartwright Avenue. Two suspects were found hiding in a vehicle. A search of the vehicle found marijuana and four firearms.
After a brief investigation by officers, several items were located in those individual’s possession from the vehicle burglary from East Mississippi Avenue. Officers recovered several items including medication bottles and debit cards bearing the victim’s name.
During the investigation, officers discovered items linked to a residence on Neal Street. The resident confirmed the items recovered, including bank cards and one of the recovered firearms, were taken from a vehicle.
Arrested were 18-year-olds Davonta Gillins, Semajah Harris, Jacobe Rankin, 17-year-olds Lajayden Harris and Ralterrian Reeder and an unnamed juvenile.
The adults were transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where they were booked for two counts of burglary of a vehicle and theft of a firearm.
According to booking records, Lajayden Harris was also charged with resisting an officer for fleeing officers attempting to detain him. He later allegedly gave a false name to police.
Detention center records show Reeder is also being held on a warrant from another parish for theft of a firearm.
Bail was set at $8,000 for each suspect.
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.
Dr. Navneet Sharma of Green Clinic is passionate about both medical education and bringing (and keeping) physicians to Lincoln Parish.
Enter the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), which recently opened its fourth medical school campus — this one at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
VCOM trains students to become osteopathic physicians, differing slightly from allopathic medicine by providing additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to go along with conventional medical education. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a patient centered approach, focusing on the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit.
And the best part for Sharma? His efforts will see the third and fourth year students begin to do rotations right here in Ruston in Green Clinic.
“This area has had difficulty recruiting physicians, particularly in the more rural areas,” Sharma said. “And one of the purposes in the VCOM mission statement is actually to help fill the gap and recruit physicials to these areas.
“VCOM is important to this area because it helps us keep those physicians here. In fact, some of the medical students have already expressed the desire the stay and be primary care doctors in these areas where they already are.”
Medical education at VCOM is structured into two distinct phases. The first two years, known as the “didactic” phase, focus on foundational medical sciences and clinical medicine coursework, covering subjects like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pathology. Students also gain early clinical exposure through simulation labs and standardized patient interactions. During these years, students spend significant time in the anatomy lab and in weekly Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) labs to enhance their clinical skills and OMT skills.
The second phase consists of clinical rotations during the third and fourth years. Students from the Monroe campus complete core rotations in various medical disciplines at clinical sites across Louisiana, including Ruston. Third-year students undertake rotations in family medicine, rural medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery. The fourth year allows for greater flexibility, with elective rotations tailored to the students’ desired specialties for residency.
Sharma see these students doing their rotations in Ruston as a boon for the local economy as 15-20 full-time medical students would reside in Ruston. Sharma and his students have also published several papers that have been presented at different medical conferences and various medical journals.
But for Sharma, the most important impact is the retention of physicians for an underserved population and area.
“If we can get a medical resident, they tend to stay in the same place because the residency is sort of an employment already for a four-year period,” Sharma said. “Chances are good they will stay here in the area and provide services after residency training.”
Sharma serves as the medical director for the student medical education for Ruston and has worked diligently to categorize it as a core site for the VCOM medical school. A designated core site implies that all third year core rotations are available at a single site and can host students at a full time basis.
Because Green Clinic offers an extensive area of subspecialties, fourth year medical students will also have an opportunity to rotate with hard to obtain rotations in medical specialties such as rheumatology, dermatology, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, urology, cardiology and physical medicine to name a few.
The original VCOM campus was established at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., followed by campuses in Auburn, Ala., and Spartanburg, S.C.
Toni Martinez will join Katie Hall’s coaching staff at Cedar Creek this year.
by Malcolm Butler
Katie Hall and Toni Martinez are friends from way back when.
Now they are coaching comrades at Cedar Creek.
Hall announced that Martinez — a veteran of the high school sideline — will be serving as the Lady Cougars junior high basketball head coach and the varsity assistant coach starting this season.
Martinez and Hall were teammates at Byrd High School in the 1990s and have been coaching friends ever since their playing days.
“Toni and I have collaborated for years,” said Hall, the second year Creek head coach. “Her knowledge of the game even as a freshman in high school stood out. Our daughters are on the same path so we have always kept in touch. She has played collegiately. She has coached collegiately. She has coached in high school.
“She has more high school experience than I do. I am willing to bring on people (to my staff) that will help make me better. She has different strengths and we will mesh well together.”
Martinez has 23 years of coaching experience that ranges from elementary school to high school to AAU to college. Most recently, she served as the assistant boys coach at Benton High School working alongside her husband, Todd.
“My respect for Katie Hall is immeasurable,” said Martinez. “I admire her as a Coach, a mom, a friend, but most importantly as a person. Her passion for developing kids in basketball and in life is special. I am excited to get to learn from her and be apart of the growth of basketball in the Cedar Creek community.”
Martinez’s longest tenure was at Byrd High School, where she served as the head coach from 2008 through 2018 compiling a record of 205-81 and leading the Yellow Jackets to 10 straight state playoff appearances. She was named the District 1-5A Coach of the Year in 2011 and the FCA Coach of the Year in 2015.
“She will bring a different perspective and a different intensity level,” said Hall. “I love that too.”
Martinez, who played two years of Division I basketball at UL-Lafayette from 1997 through 1999, also served as the head girls coach at Captain Shreve High School (2002-2003) and was an assistant coach at LSU-Shreveport (2003-2008).
She said she is happy to be back on the girls side of the game.
“I love the relationships on the girls side,” said Martinez. “I love developing those relationships and seeing their growth. I just love developing kids in general. I just love the game. I am anxious to be able to learn from Katie. I am excited about the opportunity.”
Martinez’s daughter, Taylor, will be a junior for the Lady Cougars after playing her first two years at Benton High School.
“Taylor has aspirations of playing college basketball,” said Martinez. “Katie obviously knows how to get players there and what they need to get to that level. I think she will pour into her and help develop her into the player she needs to be to go to the next level.”
The Lady Cougars are coming off a season that saw them earn a spot in the Select School Division IV playoffs and advance to the second round.
I have watched my share of baseball over the last few weeks. I was at the Conference USA tournament for almost every game. Although unable to get a ticket to watch the Dogs in Fayetteville, I sprung for ESPN Plus and have been watching regional games nonstop for days. I have even gone out to the Sports Complex over the weekend to watch youth baseball.
Watching all this baseball has reminded me of how this game is so representative of life. The lessons learned on the diamond and in the dugout can help us all navigate the challenges of life. Here are just a few of those lessons:
Failure is part of life. Baseball is a game of failure. No one gets on base every time. No one makes every play perfectly. In life, the only way we can truly reach our potential is to try new things and not be fearful of failing. Just like in baseball, if we want to experience life to the fullest, we are going to have to “step up to the plate” and give it our best effort. While it won’t always work out, it will be worth it! The lesson here is: Don’t let a fear of failure keep you from experiencing life and reaching your potential.
It’s a team sport. While much of baseball appears to be pitcher versus batter in an individual confrontation, it is truly a team game. No one can play the game alone. Many times, it takes multiple teammates to score a run or make an out. Teammates must work together for the team to succeed. We need others in life too. We weren’t created to live alone. We need to connect with others. We need to love and be loved by others. We need to help and be helped at times. The lesson here is: Invest in building relationships with others and be a great teammate.
Live in the present. Baseball players that have the most success are those that focus on making the next play and don’t let the last play impact them. They don’t let a negative play impact their ability to make the next play. Many of us are allowing a negative event, relationship, or result from the past to impact our future. We say we have moved on or moved forward, but that old “thing” from the past surfaces from time to time hindering us in some manner. The lesson here is: Deal with the past, confront it, and do whatever you need to get closure and move forward. Your future is too valuable to waste on the past!
Be consistently flexible. The best baseball players always play hard but are also flexible in their approach to the game. While they may always be aggressive when batting, they may adjust their stance depending on the pitcher. In life, we need to hold true to convictions, beliefs, and purpose, but we may need to adjust our strategy at times as variables in life change. The life lesson here is: Don’t let others define you. Stay true to your beliefs but be willing to adjust your approach to be effective!
Life is not fair. The hardest hit balls in baseball sometimes get caught. The best pitches get hit. Sometimes just the opposite happens. It’s not a fair game! Life is not fair either. It never has been and never will be fair. The quicker you accept that fact and embrace it, the better equipped you will be to navigate life. The life lesson here is: Don’t get consumed with results. Focus on the process of doing right things right. In the end, you will be much more fulfilled and content. Raise your standards not your expectations.
Just a few thoughts from the Doug Out….I thought that would be a great name for a podcast someday
Courtesy of Lincoln Parish Homeland Security Office
Lincoln Parish residents can now sign up for the new parish-wide emergency notification system “Linc Alerts” that will send important messages through text, calls or e-mail to those that opt into the system.
Residents may sign-in to register via several methods including: Visit LincAlerts.org, go to LincolnParish.org and under YOUR GOVERNMENT, Homeland Security click on LincAlerts or use the QR Code in the lead photo of this story.
When a resident registers, they will be creating their individual profile including the following options:
A resident may create just their individual profile or they may add other members of their households (unless those individuals want to create their own profiles)
The individual selects what methods they prefer to receive the notifications, text messaging, phone/voicemail and emails.
Then the individual selects what type of messages they prefer to receive including emergency messaging from the state, National Weather Service, etc.
There are multiple options that include Lincoln Parish, City of Ruston and some of the smaller municipalities.
There is also the option to select Daily Operational messages such as road closures, utility issues, events, etc.
It is recommended that a resident may want to periodically log in and update their profile. This may include adding new options or deleting certain types of notifications.
If an individual is not a resident of Lincoln Parish but works in Lincoln Parish and may wish to receive notifications, they may simply list their work address when registering.
A Grambling man was arrested Friday night after he allegedly assaulted his mother at a Ruston restaurant.
Edward C. Hughes, II, 34, was arrested after the victim said he pushed her down and then refused to let her get in her vehicle to leave.
The victim said she was in a downtown Ruston restaurant when Hughes came in and screamed for her to leave. She said as she attempted to leave, Hughes pushed her down.
When she reached her car, Hughes refused to let her get inside.
The victim said she would be seeking medical treatment. Officers saw scratches on her arm.
While Ruston officers were investigating, Hughes was cursing loudly in a public place and refused to stop after repeated warnings.
Officers learned Hughes was wanted for failure to appear in Third District Court.
Hughes was booked for domestic abuse battery, disturbing the peace by language, disturbing the peace by intoxication in public, and the LPSO warrant.
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.
The 2024 Miss Louisiana Competition will be held Thursday, June 13 through Saturday, June 15 at the Monroe Civic Center’s WL “Jack” Howard Theatre.
Thursday and Friday Preliminaries will begin at 7 p.m. and the Saturday night finals will be held at 8 p.m.
“Miss Louisiana 2023 Makenzie Scroggs has done a wonderful job representing the state and our organization. She has touched the lives of literally thousands across our great state.” said Dewana Little, Executive Director.
This year’s show will feature Miss Louisiana 2023 Makenzie Scroggs, the Miss Louisiana Band and Dancers, Miss Louisiana 2013 Jaden Leach Hubbard, Miss Louisiana 2001 Kati Guyton Lewter, and local male vocalist Blake Oden.
Amanda Joseph May, Miss Louisiana 2007 will be joined by Miss Louisiana 2008, Blair Abene McCurdy to emcee the show. Joining them will be Miss Louisiana 2010 Kelsi Crain White, Miss Louisiana 2021 Julia Claire Williams and Miss Louisiana 2022 Gracie Reichman.
Also featured will be the contestants and Fleur de Lis, a chapter of the Miss America’s Little Sisters Program.
The Miss Louisiana Organization has a volunteer-based Board of Directors that works to share the accomplishments of the contestants and provide scholarships to further their education. The Miss Louisiana Organization will award over $64,000 in cash scholarships this year, with over $850,000 in in-kind scholarships being made available.
The Miss Louisiana Organization is part of the Miss America Organization.
With hurricane season underway, Volunteer Louisiana and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser are encouraging residents to get prepared and get connected.
After a storm, it can take up to 72 hours or more for emergency assistance to arrive. Louisiana residents should update their emergency supply kit, form a family evacuation and communications plan, sign up for alerts from their local emergency management office, and monitor local news for hurricane watches and warnings in their area. For more information, visit GetAGamePlan.org.
In times of emergency, Louisiana relies on volunteers to assist with response and recovery. However, it is vital that volunteers not self-deploy. The best practice is to affiliate yourself with a disaster response organization now, before an event, so you can become part of the coordinated response effort when needed. Louisianans can find up-to-date information about disaster-specific volunteer opportunities by following the Volunteer Louisiana Facebook page or visiting VolunteerLouisiana.gov.
“One of the most important assets we have in Louisiana is our people and their willingness to pitch in and help their neighbors in a time of crisis. It truly says a lot about the Louisiana spirit,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Through Volunteer Louisiana, we want to help people get prepared and get connected.”
Volunteer Louisiana, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOSHEP), also supports Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training throughout the state to educate volunteers in disaster readiness to prepare for hazards that may affect their areas. Basic CERT trains individuals in disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations so volunteers can assist first responders and/or care for themselves and others during a disaster-related event.
Since 2019, Volunteer Louisiana has helped train and develop CERT teams across the state. These teams are often the first to respond after disasters, working with local emergency management officials to address urgent needs. Volunteer Louisiana also works with non-profit organizations to post updated volunteer opportunities in impacted communities. To get involved, visit the Volunteer Louisiana CERT webpage for a listing of any upcoming trainings and contact information for CERT teams around the state.
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Volunteer Louisiana, located in the Office of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, manages 17 AmeriCorps State programs, promotes volunteerism, and coordinates spontaneous, unaffiliated volunteers in times of disaster. It is supported by grants from the federal agency, AmeriCorps. To learn more about the AmeriCorps State programs or for more information on Volunteer Louisiana, visit VolunteerLouisiana.gov.
Elizabeth Vidos, also known as Lady Chops, is a talented percussionist, arts advocate, and a current local of Ruston. A native of Morgan City, La., Elizabeth grew up in the heart of Cajun Country emersed in the vibrant culture that is so iconically “South Louisiana.” It’s here where she attended parades and was quickly fascinated by the local bands and musicians she witnessed along the parade routes of her youth.
After convincing her parents that joining her school band was a good idea, and that playing the drums was an even better one, she began her transformation into the talented and vibrant artist she is today. Elizabeth secured a music scholarship to the University of Louisiana at Monroe (then NLU) and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1998. She then ventured across country to New York City where she went on to dedicate the next 10 years to performing in the hit Off-Broadway show “STOMP” on tour and in New York City.
After returning to Louisiana and landing in Ruston, she soon found herself working with the Methodist Children’s Home working with at risk youth as a Recreational Therapist. It’s during her 9 plus years with MCH that she developed her extensive facilitator/speaker training with Quantum Learning Network, a skill set that now contributes to her dynamic presentation style with both small and large groups alike.
Elizabeth’s passion for arts education and literacy inspired her to develop her own one woman show titled “Drum Roll Please.” She quickly gained popularity among local Libraries for their Summer Reading Programs. Her performances have been described as energetic, interactive, educational and fun for all ages as she incorporates a variety of tools including the box drum, drum set, Cajun rubboard and a wide array of other percussion instruments.
Lady Chops currently performs her one woman show at festivals, libraries and schools throughout Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas year-round. She has been known to perform up to 150 shows in a calendar year including her Summer Reading Performances, the Louisiana Peach Festival, and both a Celtic and Christmas themed show. She has performed with other artists such as Amanda Roberts (2017 National Hammered Dulcimer Champion), the TMM Project, and many more. Most recently she took the stage in the 2023 New Orleans Jazz Festival.
Elizabeth’s goal is to inspire others, especially youth, to love the arts, do great things and embrace their own “chops.” She wants to share Louisiana music and culture with everyone she meets. It’s her contribution to keeping our unique arts and culture alive not only here in our own home state, but to also share it with others as well.
“I bring music to kids because I think it is a very important part of our culture in Louisiana and I believe we are at risk of losing that to distractions such as technology and other popular media,” says Vidos.
If you want to catch the next Lady Chops performance, swing by the Jackson Parish Library Chatham Branch on June 13 at 2 pm or the Jonesboro Branch on June 14 at 10 am and 2 pm, the Lincoln Parish Library on June 26 at 10 am, or the Bienville Parish Library Gibsland Branch on June 26 at 2 pm.
To learn more about Elizabeth “Lady Chops” Vidos or to contact her check out her Facebook page or visit her Culturalyst page at http://www.culturalyst.com/ladychops.
Grambling State University student-athletes continued to excel in the classroom this season, with four programs producing perfect single-year NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores.
Men’s basketball, men’s cross country, women’s bowling and women’s tennis posted scores of 1,000. In total, six teams improved upon their scores from last season (baseball, men’s basketball, men’s cross country, women’s bowling, women’s soccer, and women’s tennis).
All 15 teams exceeded the multi-year threshold of 930, with women’s tennis also scoring a perfect 1,000. Seven programs improved their multi-year scores (football, men’s track, women’s basketball, women’s cross country, softball, women’s track and women’s volleyball). Multi-year scores were tabulated from 2019-20 to 2022-23.
Multi-Year Scores (2019-20 – 2022-23, 930 and above)
Louisiana Tech’s Ryan Harland, Blake Hooks, Dalton Davis, and Luke Nichols all earned 2024 CSC Academic All-District Team honors, the College Sports Communicators announced on Tuesday.
To be nominated, a student-athlete must have competed in 90 percent or started in at least 66 percent of the institution’s contests, or – for pitchers – pitched at least 25 innings or made 17 appearances, must be at least a sophomore in academic and athletic standing and must carry at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
Dalton Davis earned his first CSC Academic All-District Team honor after playing 54 games and meeting the academic requirements. The Frisco, Texas native batted .324 at the plate while hitting 15 home runs and producing 53 RBI this season. Senior Davis was named to the First Team All-Conference CUSA while being named to the CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll and CUSA All-Tournament team this year as well.
Blake Hooks earned his first CSC Academic All-District Team honor after being named to the CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll this year. Junior transfer, Hooks, in his first season with Tech, made 25 appearances this season for Tech and had 30 punch outs with 17 walks in relief.
Ryan Harland earned his second CSC Academic All-District honor after earning the honor in 2023. Harland made 20 appearances in the 2024 season for Louisiana Tech, striking out 22 batters and walking 13 this season.
Luke Nichols also earned his first CSC Academic All-District honor after being named to the CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. The Bell City, MO. native was named to First Team All-Conference CUSA this season, as well. Nichols, in his first season, had a 4.46 ERA and was second on the team with 82 punch outs and 29 walks this season. The junior transfer finished the season with a 4-4 after starting in 16 games for the Bulldogs.
Bobby Ray Huey Friday 04/15/1960 — Sunday 06/02/2024 Visitation: Friday 06/07/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pmat King’s Funeral Home Funeral Service: Saturday 06/08/2024 2:00pm, St. Peter Baptist Church, 899 St. Peter Road, Ruston Interment: Saturday 06/08/2024 Following Service, Mt Mariah Cemetery, Chatham
Mary Glynn Winham May 5, 1928 – June 3, 2024 Visitation: New Prospect Baptist Church, Thursday, June 6, 2024, 10:00 am – 11:00 am Service: New Prospect Baptist Church, Thursday, June 6, 2024, 11:00 am Cemetery: Longstraw Cemetery, Thursday, June 6, 2024
Pauline W. Lee Monday 11/06/1933 — Wednesday 05/29/2024 Visitation: Friday 06/07/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 06/08/2024 10:00am, Fellowship Baptist Church, Hwy 507, Simsboro Interment: Saturday 06/08/2024 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
Jarod Lee Mardis Saturday 07/13/1991 — Wednesday 05/29/2024 Visitation: Friday 06/07/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 06/08/2024 12:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 06/08/2024 Following Service, George Washington Carver Memorial Park, Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston
Anthony Caesar Thursday 02/20/1969 — Saturday 06/01/2024 Visitation: Friday 06/14/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 06/15/2024 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 06/15/2024 Following Service, New Prosperity Cemetery, Clay
The Lincoln Parish School Board met for its monthly session Tuesday night where two new principals were announced prior to discussions regarding the funds following the passage of the bond measures for the Ruston and Choudrant school districts and the ongoing relationship between the City of Ruston and Ruston High softball and tennis.
Both Jordan Blachier and Becky Sutherland were first announced as the new principals for Glen View Elementary and Hillcrest Elementary, respectively, prior to the finance committee’s reports.
“I am very excited to be serving at Hillcrest,” Sutherland said. “I’m excited to serve the students, the family members, the community members. And I’m looking forward to great things this year at Hillcrest. And I appreciate this.”
Blachier was also appreciative of the opportunity to be the principal at Glen View, citing the fact he was a student there starting in Kindergarten.
“I’m very familiar with the school; they’ve got a lot of great things going,” Blachier said. “I’m excited to work with the staff, the students, and the families, as well.”
During the following finance committee report, the subject of the relationship with the City of Ruston was raised regarding an offer for softball and tennis to both be housed at the Ruston Sports Complex for $55,000 for the upcoming year. Even as part of the Ruston School District bond passage includes the construction of a softball facility for Ruston High School with the plan to move back to the Bittersweet Ave. location, construction will go beyond the 2025 season, meaning Ruston High softball will still need a place to play in 2025 and possibly further depending on construction timelines.
Though no formal action was taken regarding accepting the offer, Lincoln Parish School Board president Ricky Durrett opened up the floor to board members on the direction to take with the city.
A recommendation was then made by Hunter Smith of District 7 to have members of Ruston’s city council and Mayor Ronny Walker to come to a meeting to see about shoring up a firm agreement moving forward.
“We can sit down in a room together and have a joint meeting,” Smith said. “We need to try to negotiate in person instead of back and forth, back and forth with the city, because Mr. Durrett cannot make a decision on his own (without a school board vote) and neither can Mayor Walker (without a city council vote).”
Multiple school board members along Durrett were all open to that idea.
Mayor Walker was reached for comment late Tuesday night and reiterated his desire to reach a deal with the school board.
“The city has always been open to continuing dialog between the school board and the city council as far as the field and sports complex,” Walker said. “So we’re very open to it. Our concern is, of course, just like the school board, the city council can’t meet separately without it being declared a special meeting, which, if that’s what they would like to do, is fine. But two of our city council members and the mayor could easily meet at whatever time the school board finance committee would like to meet.”
Durrett added after the meeting that it’s his desire to get an agreement done with the city of Ruston for this past year along with the 2024-25 school year, citing his desire to still be a partner in hosting various events and tournaments.
“We still want to work with the city to host tournaments at the softball complex and bring families to Ruston for tennis matches, whether it’s regional or state matches,” Durrett said. “Those things benefit everybody in our city and our parish. We want to continue to work with the city and work out a fair agreement that maybe everybody can live with.”
LPSB municipal advisor Lucius McGehee, Jr., with Argent Advisors, Inc., also spoke about the interest rates on the bonds for Ruston and Choudrant, which was passed back in April for capital improvements at Ruston High School and Choudrant High School and Choudrant Elementary.
The school board voted unanimously to send the bonds to the underwriter for both school districts.
“What we did today was to create to the opportunity to sell the bonds,” McGehee said. “This is the first resolution, and we will work through with the underwriter and arrive at a market price. Then we’ll come back to the board with the final numbers and get the money.”
The plan is for the funds to be made available to both school districts by Aug. 15, 2024.
Left pic, from left to right: Vale Owens, Tilley Taylor, Bella Picou, Audrey Parker, Avery Smith; Right pic, from left to right: Madyson Parkman, Sophia Roberson, Kate Williams, Abbey Edgerton
A new queen has been crowned.
Ruston High upcoming senior Sophia Roberson was crowned as the 73rd Queen Dixie Gem Peach Saturday night during the Peach Festival.
Madyson Parkman was named first runner up, Kate Williams was named second runner up, and Abby Edgerton was named People’s Choice.
Cedar Creek student Bella Picou was named the 72nd Princess Peach during the same event.
Tilly Taylor was named first runner up for Princess Peach, Audrey Parker was named second runner up, and Vale Owens was named People’s Choice. Mila Findley was the ad sales winner, and Avery Smith was ad sales runner up.
The pageant was held at the Dixie Theatre in Ruston.
(From Row L to R): Kathy Gardner, CEO Habitat, Justin Underwood, Vice Chairman for Habitat, Mike Scammahorn, Chairman for Habitat, Cody Lewing-Weyerhaeuser, Cassandra Schubert-Weyerhaeuser, Gloria Elliot-Weyerhaeuser (Back Row): Tracy Beamesderfer-Weyerhaeuser and Heath Gean-Weyerhaeuser
Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana was presented with a check for $15,000 from Weyerhaeuser, Inc. at the Timberland Office in Ruston.
Those present to present the check from Weyerhaeuser’s local offices were Cody Lewing, Cassandra Schubert, Gloria Elliott, Tracy Beamesderfer, and Heath Gean.
Weyerhaeuser is a corporate sponsor for Habitat for Humanity International as well as local affiliate supporters. They have also supported Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana with hours and hours of volunteer workers from the Timberlands office in Ruston and the Dodson and Arcadia plants.
“Weyerhaeuser’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity is a perfect way for us to support the communities where we operate and live,” said Cassandra Schubert of Weyerhaeuser. “Our team is proud to provide resources that help create affordable homes. Personally, participating in the house-framing process and forming connections with the families who benefit from these efforts has been a profoundly rewarding experience.”
“We are very fortunate and extremely grateful to have received this donation from Weyerhaeuser,” said Habitat for Humanity CEO Kathy Gardner. “They have already provided all the lumber for each of the homes we have built within the last few years and now they continue to bless us with even more! This grant will help us finish the homes we have begun in Ruston.
“One-hundred percent of the funds will go into the construction of the homes. Since our area of the state that we serve is in dire need of good, safe and affordable housing, this will support our initiative and our families and neighborhoods here in north Louisiana. Currently we are in the process of building two homes in Ruston and we will begin building a home in Jonesboro and Monroe later this year. We cannot thank Weyerhaeuser enough for all they have done and continue to do for us and our families.”
