For the first time in school history, the Grambling State University football the will travel to Columbus, Ohio to take on Ohio State on Sept. 6, 2025. It will also be the first time that GSU faces a member of the Big Ten Conference.
The game features two of the most historic football brands in college football history. Grambling State boasts 27 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championships, 16 Black College National Titles and has produced four Pro Football Hall of Famers in Willie Brown, Buck Buchanan, Willie Davis and Charlie Joiner. The Tigers also cultivated Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams, James “Shack” Harris and the first player to be drafted to the NFL, Paul “Tank” Younger.
“This is another example of us being able to showcase our brand to a national audience,” said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Travyean D. Scott. “We are thrilled that our players and fans will get to experience a matchup between two of the most storied football programs in the country. When you think of college football, Grambling State and Ohio State are two of the names that many think of immediately. This contest will allow our both fan bases to experience the cultural and athletic excellence of both institutions.”
GSU is also known for legendary head football coach Eddie Robinson, who built the Grambling State University football program from the ground up, winning 408 games during his tenure.
Ohio State has won eight national titles, 42 conference crowns, seven Heisman trophy winners and has produced 10 Pro Football Hall of Famers.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
A Ruston man has been arrested following the shooting of another man early Saturday morning, the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday.
Dentavius Jerod Wright, 34, was arrested for attempted murder and other crimes within hours of the shooting of Cedric William, 48, of Ruston.
LPSO Lt. Matt Henderson said deputies received a call that a man later identified as Williams had been dropped off at the Northern Louisiana Medical Center emergency room at about 3 a.m. Saturday. He had been seriously injured by an unspecified number of gunshot wounds.
Early investigation determined the shooting occurred on Pecan Street near Second Street just southeast of Ruston.
Patrol deputies went to the scene and secured it until detectives from the LPSO Criminal Investigative Division responded and processed the scene, collected evidence, and interviewed witnesses.
Once a suspect was identified, a search warrant was obtained for a Pecan Street residence. During the execution of that warrant, Wright was taken into custody. He was interviewed by detectives who also determined he was wanted on drug charges by the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team.
By midmorning Saturday, LPSO had booked Wright, charging him with:
–attempted second degree murder.
–possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
–3 counts of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to distribute
–3 counts of violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act
–illegal use of a weapon
Wright is being held at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center with bail set at $1,030,000.
Henderson said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
On April 16, another man with multiple gunshot wounds was found at the same intersection. Several arrests have been made in that case.
The Sheriff’s Office requested anyone with information regarding this incident please contact detectives at 318-251-5111 or CrimeStoppers of Lincoln Parish. CrimeStopper information can be given in several ways: call 318-255-1111, or text a tip to “TIP515 plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) or submit a tip online at http://www.rustonlincolncrimestoppers.com.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Grambling State University Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr. left his convertible and took to the streets to pass out GSU pom-pons while serving as a grand marshal for Saturday’s Juneteenth Parade in Grambling. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
Remembering and learning from the past while forging toward a better future for all was the permeating theme for the weekend as Juneteenth observances continued for Lincoln Parish with events in Grambling and Ruston.
Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth (short for “June 19th”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed.
Grambling’s week and a half festivities with the city’s second annual Juneteenth Gala held in the foyer of GSU’s Frederick C. Hobdy Assembly Center while Saturday, the biggest day of Grambling’s Juneteenth celebration, started with a Heritage Health Walk followed by the annual Juneteenth Parade and other events on Main Street that included a Young Entrepreneur Fair, vendors selling foods and wares, the annual Kidzone and Car Show as well as the return of a stage for musical and other performances, something that returned for the first time since the COVID pandemic.
“I think it turned out to be a great day and our Juneteenth events have all been great and done well this year,” said Grambling Mayor Alvin Bradley. “We still have more in store before it’s over, but I’m happy with the way things have gone so far.
“We’ve had good turnouts at things like the financial seminar, cooking contest and the discussion about Main Street along with all of the other events, and we just hope it all keeps going strong until we wrap things up with closing ceremonies and a fish fry on Saturday.”
Grambling Juneteenth and Committee Chair Cathy Holmes Giles said she is pleased with the way Grambling’s observance has grown since getting past the COVID pandemic.
“It grew last year, and we had even more this year and it’s all gone great,” Giles said. “We just want to see it keep getting bigger and better. It was hot out there today for the parade, but we still had a pretty good crowd on hand. Hopefully that trend will continue leading up to Wednesday’s final events.”
Grambling’s Juneteenth observances will continue with a citywide Exercise Event slated for 7 p.m. today at Grambling City Park.
There will be a Mimosas and Marigolds event at the Grambling City Garden Tuesday starting at 6 p.m.
Then on Juneteenth itself (Wednesday) a fishing tournament will be held all day at Grambling City Park followed by a Fish Fry at 5:30 p.m.
Anglers older than 17 will be required to have a Louisiana Fishing License for that event.
As Ruston began its Juneteenth observances on Friday night. Regina Rogers won a three-person talent contest to earn $1,000 and an appearance opening for the Mississippi Mass Choir during a Gospel concert held Saturday evening at Railroad Park.
“This was a fabulous concert,” said Santoria Black, Coordinator for Ruston’s Juneteenth observances. “There were so many people who remembered these songs and didn’t sit down the whole time.
“I thought the Juneteenth Choir was incredible, Cornelius Jackson was powerful delivering
‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ and then to get an incredible performance from Regina Rogers was great.”
Amy Stegall, Main Street Director and Community Coordinator for the City of Ruston, said that she feels the growth of Ruston’s Juneteenth observance is important while adding that she feels future growth is still needed.
“It was a good turnout,” Stegall said. “The Mississippi Mass Choir was incredible. So, it’s been good to see the growth.
“But I would still like to see the (demographics involving race) get even better, because that’s important. I’d like to see even more diversity because this is an event for all of Ruston regardless of race. It’s about coming together and being one for the future of Ruston and the growth of the city and everyone who lives here. So hopefully this will keep growing and be even better next year, because again, that’s important.”
Employees at Century Next Bank trained Friday to develop skills to assist customers who deal with dementia.
By Hanna Singh
Century Next Bank of Ruston underwent a session of bank-wide training focusing on efforts to educate employees on business techniques for customers with Dementia.
Spearheading the initiative as Vice President of Training and Development Nate Trisler who implemented a company-wide goal for employees to be trained on these skills to be considered “Dementia friendly”.
With growing numbers of the population being diagnosed with Dementia, Century Next is committed to being a Dementia-Friendly institution, which includes learning preferred methods for communication and better ways of handling business with customers who are cognitively declining.
Inspired by attending an Elder Financial Abuse Seminar presented in Tyler Texas, Trisler developed a greater concern for fraud targeting elderly clients of the financial institution. He designed a training program for Century Next including educating employees through presentations, discussions and a simulation allowing them to experience what it is like to perform tasks with Dementia.
“So far the feedback we’ve gotten back has been overwhelmingly positive,” Trisler said. “I want to make sure that all of our staff members are educated properly, so this is something we are looking at morphing into some form of ongoing training for anyone who comes aboard our bank.”
Dementia affects over 50 million people worldwide, primarily developing in individuals later in life. This syndrome impairs cognitive functioning, severely interfering with daily life. People with dementia often struggle with complex financial tasks, such as balancing a bank account and avoiding financial scams.
Louisiana engagement and marketing officer, Jessica Slaughter explained why the company felt the need to address the concern and implement the training program on a wide scale.
“Everyone is affected by this,” Slaughter said. “We are doing this company wide because we feel that this is a way we can better serve our customers and our community. We want to better interact with people and know how to address these situations.”
It is important for companies to properly train and educate employees on how to better assist individuals with cognitive impairments. Initiatives like this from Century Next Bank, along with efforts from other organizations, are crucial in increasing dementia awareness in our community.
About 3% of adults ages 70 to 74 had dementia in 2019, compared with 22% of adults ages 85 to 89 and 33% of adults ages 90 and older.
Sam Burns prepares to sink a closing birdie putt on the 18th hole Sunday at the U.S. Open Golf Championship at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina.
PINEHURST, N.C. — Choudrant resident Sam Burns posted the tournament field’s best final round score, a three-under-par 67, Sunday at the U.S. Open on the storied Pinehurst No. 2 course and charged to his first top 10 finish in one of golf’s major championships.
Burns, 27, who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club, finished in a three-way tie for ninth place and collected a $502,391 payday. His previous best U.S. Open finish was 27th in 2022, and his previous best major championship performance was 20th at the 2022 PGA Championship. He had missed cuts in the first two 2024 majors, The Masters and the PGA, but otherwise has had a strong 2024 season.
He climbed over the $25 million mark in career earnings and moved up to $3.6 million in purses won this season after his sixth top 10 finish of 2024, and 34th in his PGA Tour career since 2019 – including five wins.
Burns shot an opening 73, but rallied with a 67 Friday to make the cut. He carded another 73 Saturday but posted a bogey-free card Sunday, capping it with a 6-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole.
His first two birdies came on the par-5 fifth hole, and the short par-4 13th.
The Shreveport native, who graduated from Calvary Baptist Academy and became a breakout college star at LSU, was the best in the field this week in sand saves (8-of-9) and shared the tournament lead with a strokes gained average of 4.78. He tied for second in putting (1.69 average per green).
A two-time All-American at LSU and the 2017 Jack Nicklaus Collegiate Division I Player of the Year, Burns is expected to play in the upcoming Travelers Championship, the last PGA Tour Signature Event of the season, this week in Hartford, Conn.
His wife Caroline, also a Shreveport native, and their one-month-old son Bear are on a three-week swing with the local pro, who certainly will treasure his first Father’s Day.
The crown may be on her head, but the work has just begun.
Louisiana Tech student Olivia Grace George has been named the newest Miss Louisiana at the state pageant this weekend at the Monroe Civic Center.
For Miss Louisiana, her talent was dancing and her service initiative is Education is Key, which she said she is excited to promote this upcoming year.
“This job is the opportunity to lead, serve and share my community service initiative, Education is Key, throughout our great state of Louisiana,” George said. “I plan to empower our students to become strong leaders in and outside of the classroom. I want to help students grow their love for learning.”
George is co-captain of Louisiana Tech’s Regal Blues, is a member of Sigma Kappa sorority and is an education major in Tech’s College of Education and Human Sciences.
George held this year’s title of Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival. Additionally, the Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival’s Teen, Ruston resident Melissa Le, also now holds the title of Miss Louisiana’s Teen.
George also received the Women in Education scholarship from the Miss Louisiana pageant and received the preliminary fitness award on Thursday night.
First runner up was Miss Natchitoches Parish Felicia McGill; second runner up was Miss LA Port City Lily Gayle, third runner up was Miss Ouachita Parish Leah Thompson; and fourth runner up was Miss University of Louisiana at Monroe Gabrelle McLeod.
George will represent the state at the Miss America Pageant in January.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of North LA is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children ages 18 and under without charge.
Acceptance and participating requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.
Dozens of incoming juniors and seniors from Ruston High, Choudrant High and Simsboro School gathered during the first week of June for the ACT boot camp in efforts to prepare the students for the American College Testing exam, commonly known as the ACT.
Courtney Martin serves as the math facilitator for Lincoln Parish Schools and oversaw the program hosted at Ruston High, which offered help for both students who would be taking the exam for the first time and for those who are looking to improve their scores.
“We try to break them into groups based on scores,” Martin said. “That way, we can really do some targeted practice with them because a student who has never taken the ACT before does not need the same kind of instructions as the student who is sitting there with a 28 and just wants to get a higher score.”
Based on conversations with Pre-AP English I teacher Jamie Gressett — who helped work the event with fellow educators Kelsey Whitlock, Mary Fowler and Stacy Campbell — the boot camp works well for students that attend.
“In the past, we’ve had students come tell us that the little tips and tricks helped,” Gressett said. “We try to help them learn how to make the best guess and eliminate wrong answers if you’re not sure. Students come and specifically tell us which tips have helped.”
Whitlock gets the same feedback as Gressett.
“As an eleventh grade ELA teacher, I have many students who take the boot camp the summer before their junior year,” Whitlock said. “Throughout the school year, these students express how the bootcamp really helped them have a better understanding of the test and that they feel more prepared throughout the year to take the ACT.
“My students who are going to be seniors often get their best score after the bootcamp and are so happy to have finally earned the score they have been aiming toward. For these students, it’s such a great opportunity to get an extensive review and an opportunity to practice right before the test.”
Martin says the heart behind the bootcamp is reducing testing anxiety on the ACT and commended the students who gave up time in the summer to come out.
“We want confident test takers,” Martin said. “And it’s a sweet gig for the teachers, because these are students who want to better themselves — nobody is making these kids come to the boot camp in the summer. “
The service was free for the students that signed up and covered English, Math, Science and Reading. The ACT boot camp is offered every summer and is also taught throughout the year in advisory periods.
“It’s good for people to know that all three of our high schools (Ruston, Choudrant and Simsboro) are working very hard within the classroom day-to-day,” Martin said. “That’s a big initiative of ours — we are pushing ACT prep and testing strategies. So we don’t have this just one time a year only. We’re really working every single day with ACT prep questions so that kids are familiar with those things.”
A woman who allegedly shoplifted from a campus bookstore and then fled was arrested. Monday afternoon by campus police.
Quashanna D. Sanders-Hernandez, 35, of Ruston, was charged with theft by shoplifting after employees at the Grambling State University campus bookstore saw her fill a bag with merchandise and leave the store without paying.
A Barnes & Noble Bookstore employee said Sanders came into the store, went to a corner and filled a bag with several items. She then ran out of the store, setting off an alarm. The store manager pursued Sanders and directed her to return the items to the store. An argument ensued in the store and campus police were called.
GSU Police found Sanders near the cafeteria. The woman told officers that the items had already been paid for and she was picking them up.
The items taken included caps, clothing, books, a tote bag, blanket, and other items valued at a total of over $560.
A records check revealed Sanders was wanted by the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for illegal possession of stolen things.
After her arrest, Sanders told police she had been barred previously from the bookstore.
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.
Meriwether Wealth & Planning is pleased to announce the addition of John Michael Cristler to its team.
Before joining Meriwether, John Michael worked for a local accounting and consulting firm, with a specific focus on the financial services industry. A native of Stonewall, he is a graduate of North Desoto High School and earned his bachelor of science degree in finance from Louisiana Tech University in 2022.
John Michael is training to be a financial advisor with Meriwether and will begin by supporting existing advisors and clients with special projects. John Michael resides in Ruston and will work primarily out of Meriwether’s Ruston office. Outside of work, John Michael enjoys fitness, the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. He attends The Bridge Community Church in Ruston.
“We are thrilled John Michael has joined our team. He comes highly recommended and has already demonstrated he will add significant value to our clients through his thoughtfulness and insight,” said Jeremy Pendergrass, Meriwether president and financial advisor. “I have no doubt John Michael will grow to be an invaluable asset to our team and an exceptional advisor.”
Meriwether Wealth & Planning is a registered investment adviser with locations in Minden and Ruston, Louisiana. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 377-1803 or visit www.meriwether.com.
The Louisiana Tech College of Engineering and Science welcomed Rosilynn Gillum as its new director of development. Gillum most recently served in the same capacity for Tech’s College of Education and Human Sciences and College of Liberal Arts.
“I am excited to join the College of Engineering and Science. This work allows me to connect the innovative work happening at Louisiana Tech with alumni and friends,” Gillum said. “I look forward to building on my previous experience at the University to highlight the college’s successes and innovation.”
Gillum began her work with the Louisiana Tech Foundation in November 2021 as the director of development for the College of Education and Human Sciences. She later assumed responsibility for managing philanthropic relationships for the College of Liberal Arts, the same college she received her Louisiana Tech degree from in 2009.
“Rosilynn is a natural connector and does a tremendous job telling the University’s story,” Devin Ferguson, assistant vice president for philanthropy and engagement in the Division of University Advancement, said. “I am certain that she is poised for continued success in the COES. This is an area of our campus that has played an important role for the University and will continue to do so in the years ahead.”
College of Engineering and Science Dean Dr. Collin Wick looks forward to the energy Gillum will bring to the COES through her innovative and creative approach to developing new relationships on and off campus.
“Rosilynn blew me away with her creative energy, and I am thankful that we were able to attract such an outstanding individual to join our college,” Wick said. “I could not be more excited and look forward to the great things she will do as our new development director. “
The College of Engineering and Science is home to nearly 3,000 students. It comprises 13 undergraduate, six graduate, and five doctoral programs.
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.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video might be worth 10,000.
Case in point – click on the video above to get a look at the food, fun and frolic that everyone involved will enjoy at lunchtime this Friday, June 21, in Alexandria, in the only out-of-town activity during the three-day 2024 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration based in Natchitoches.
The LSHOF’s big party starts Thursday evening with the Welcome Reception, free to all from 5-7 at the LSHOF Museum on the Front Street traffic circle in downtown Natchitoches.
Then the scene shifts to Alexandria and Four Seasons Bowling Center for the Celebrity Rock N Roll Bowling Bash presented by BOM. Everyone is encouraged to come ready for tons of fun, along with plenty of food and an open bar.
To enter or get more information visit LaSportsHall.com and click on the Induction Week button, or call 318-238-4255. Advance registration is necessary.
The bowling party will begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch catered by Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux for everyone in the house – bowlers and spectators. That’s right – you don’t have to bowl to enjoy the party. Admission is $50 for adults and $25 for youth to mingle, eat, and watch the action.
Bowlers can enter as individuals ($100) or as a team ($400). Teams can be four people paired with a celebrity, or five friends playing without a celebrity.
The headliners on the lanes Friday will be the Class of 2024 LSHOF inductees, including pending Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and LSU hero Seimone Augustus, MMA legend Daniel Cormier, 19-year pro football veteran and McNeese great Kerry Joseph, and like Augustus, another Olympic gold medalist, LSU wrestler Kevin Jackson.
Among the other celebrities will be previously inducted Hall of Famers and Louisiana sports stars, including many who may ultimately be inducted in future years.
The five-person teams warm up extensively (have fun!) and ultimately play a 10-frame game, with the top team winning prizes. The top five individual bowlers and top five celebrities will have playoffs. The bowling party will wrap up about 2 o’clock, in plenty of time for everyone to make it back to Natchitoches for that evening’s free Rockin’ River Fest starting at 6 on the downtown riverbank stage, and the VIP Taste of Tailgating inside Mama’s Oyster House and the Blues Room beginning at 7.
One of the most festive events of the Induction Celebration, the Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM is fit for avid bowlers — or those who just like to have fun.
Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Monday, June 17 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 4 p.m.: Family storytime at Lincoln Parish Library 5:30 p.m.: Planning and Zoning meeting (Ruston City Hall) 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 7 p.m.: Citywide exercise (Grambling City Park)
Tuesday, June 18 10 a.m.: Storytime at Lincoln Parish Library 10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating A&H Games (109 N. Service Rd.) 2 p.m.: Crafternoon at Lincoln Parish Library 4 p.m.: Teen Take and Make crafts (Vienna Conference Room, Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Fiber art meet up (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Wednesday, June 19 Juneteenth Dog Days of Summer (Downtown Ruston) 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
Thursday, June 20 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 2 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating the Lincoln Parish Journal (2111 N. Trenton St.) 2 p.m.: Tween STEAM (Lincoln Parish Library) 4 p.m.: Teen glow in the dark art (Vienna Conference Room, Lincoln Parish Library) 5:30 p.m.: VFW monthly meeting (Historic Fire station; all combat veterans welcome) 7 p.m.: RCT Presents “Annie” (Dixie Theatre)
Friday, June 21 7 p.m.: RCT Presents “Annie” (Dixie Theatre)
Saturday, June 22 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 3 p.m.: Puzzle swap (Jack Beard Community Room, Lincoln Parish Library) 7 p.m.: RCT Presents “Annie” (Dixie Theatre)
Sunday, June 23 2 p.m.: RCT Presents “Annie” (Dixie Theatre)
Louisiana Tech Tennis head coach Amy Sargeant announced Tuesday the addition of Mio Kozaki, a transfer from Hampton University.
Kozaki, a native of Aichi, Japan, played the last two seasons with the Pirates playing primarily at the No. 1 position in singles and doubles. She joins a recruiting class that includes freshman signees Maria Tsironi and Alice Brook.
“I am extremely excited about Mio joining the Bulldog Family,” said Sargeant. “She brings two years of college experience, a growth mindset, and a wicked lefty forehand. She is humble, hard working, and will put the team before herself.”
Kozaki had a stellar sophomore season at Hampton, earning Third Team All-CAA honors after leading the program to a 14-win season. She went 10-10 in dual singles, playing all but one match at the top spot, with marquee victories over East Carolina, George Mason, and Marquette. She also registered nine dual doubles wins, playing every match on court one.
As a freshman, she saw action on courts one through four in dual singles while also recording a team-best 9-4 record in dual doubles, going 5-3 at No. 1 and 4-1 at No. 2.
Grambling State University men’s basketball head coach Donte’ Jackson has received a contract extension through 2029, announced by Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Trayvean D. Scott on Friday morning.
“Coach Jackson is without a doubt one of the best basketball coaches in the country and we are blessed that he’s the leader of our men’s basketball program,” said Scott. “He has taken our program to heights that haven’t been seen for decades and we are confident that he will continue to be successful and mold our student-athletes into men who represent our institution the right way.”
Jackson has established himself as one of the elite coaches in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and has elevated GSU men’s basketball into the national spotlight.
Grambling State is coming off a successful 2023-24 campaign that saw the Tigers win its first-ever SWAC tournament title and make its NCAA tournament debut, defeating Montana State 88-81 in the First Four before taking on No. 1 seed Purdue.
Since Jackson arrived in Grambling in 2017, he has claimed three SWAC regular season crowns and won three SWAC Coach of the Year awards. He has also been named the Ben Jobe National Coach of the Year twice. During the 2022-23 season, he guided GSU to 24 wins – its most wins in a single season since joining Division I in 1977.
Jackson is also second on Grambling State’s all-time wins list, just behind legendary head coach Fredrick C. Hobdy. Jackson has won 120 games at GSU and is just the second coach to win more than 100 games as head coach of the Grambling State men’s basketball program.
A Ruston man has been arrested following the shooting of another man early Saturday morning, the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday.
Dentavius Jerod Wright, 34, was arrested for attempted murder and other crimes within hours of the shooting of Cedric William, 48, of Ruston.
LPSO Lt. Matt Henderson said deputies received a call that a man later identified as Williams had been dropped off at the Northern Louisiana Medical Center emergency room at about 3 a.m. Saturday. He had been seriously injured by an unspecified number of gunshot wounds.
Early investigation determined the shooting occurred on Pecan Street near Second Street just southeast of Ruston.
Patrol deputies went to the scene and secured it until detectives from the LPSO Criminal Investigative Division responded and processed the scene, collected evidence, and interviewed witnesses.
Once a suspect was identified, a search warrant was obtained for a Pecan Street residence. During the execution of that warrant, Wright was taken into custody. He was interviewed by detectives who also determined he was wanted on drug charges by the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team.
By midmorning Saturday, LPSO had booked Wright, charging him with:
–attempted second degree murder.
–possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
–3 counts of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to distribute
–3 counts of violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act
–illegal use of a weapon
Wright is being held at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center with bail set at $1,030,000.
Henderson said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
On April 16, another man with multiple gunshot wounds was found at the same intersection. Several arrests have been made in that case.
The Sheriff’s Office requested anyone with information regarding this incident please contact detectives at 318-251-5111 or CrimeStoppers of Lincoln Parish. CrimeStopper information can be given in several ways: call 318-255-1111, or text a tip to “TIP515 plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) or submit a tip online at http://www.rustonlincolncrimestoppers.com.
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.
A man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds was dropped off at a Ruston hospital early Saturday morning, according to the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.
LPSO said in a press release that deputies received a call that the man had been dropped off at the Northern Louisiana Medical Center at about 3:00 a.m. Saturday. He had been seriously injured by an unspecified number of gunshot wounds.
Early investigation determined the shooting occurred on Pecan Street near Second Street just southeast of Ruston.
Patrol deputies went to the scene and secured it until detectives from the LPSO Criminal Investigative Division responded and processed the scene, collected evidence, and interviewed witnesses.
LPSO said more information will be released as it becomes available.
On April 16, another man with multiple gunshot wounds was found at the same intersection. Several arrests have been made in that case.
The Sheriff’s Office requested anyone with information regarding this incident please contact the detectives at 318-251-5111 or CrimeStoppers of Lincoln Parish. CrimeStopper information can be given in several ways: call 318-255-1111, or text a tip to “TIP515 plus your message” to CRIMES (274637), or submit a tip online at http://www.rustonlincolncrimestoppers.com
Cooper Fouts and son, Emmit, walk into the park prior to a Bulldog baseball game.
by Malcolm Butler
Emmit Fouts is living a dream.
And the nine-year-old son of Cooper and Bri Fouts doesn’t even know it.
Not yet.
Cooper Fouts just completed his third year as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
His job is college baseball. His life is college baseball.
It’s one reason that his wife Bri and three children, Harper, Emmit and Nash, spend quite a bit of their lives around JC Love Field at Pat Patterson Park … and plenty of other college baseball stadiums.
“Our whole family loves to see Cooper doing what he loves to do and what he is best at,” said Bri. “He is thriving when he is down there. It makes us happy to see him happy. It’s just been such a positive experience for our whole family.”
“It’s a tribute to Bri,” said Cooper. “There aren’t games where they miss. The kids are here. She is here. That’s all Bri because there are things going on. This is our life. This is who we are. This is a priority for our family. She makes such a sacrifice to make sure he is here and so that is awesome.”
Despite the fact that the goal is to be at every game, sometimes busy schedules and conflicts interfere. It was one such day back in 2022 when Emmit began a journey that has led to being the envy of most little boys his age.
Emmit, who has served as the bat boy for the Bulldogs the past three seasons, got his chance to move up to the “big leagues” and he hasn’t looked back since.
“It kind of happened by accident,” said Bri. “We didn’t really plan it. Baseball season was going on and all three of our kids were also playing ball. I am trying to run them around to their games. My other two had games and Emit didn’t. So Cooper said, ‘Why don’t you just drop him off with me, and I will keep him in the dugout.’”
The Bulldogs won that midweek game and Emmit became a fixture.
“I didn’t want to presume it was okay so I asked Coach Burroughs,” said Cooper. “He said, ‘Absolutely. Jackson used to do it.’ And then we won. So, it was now, ‘Okay, he can come back next game.’”
Burroughs said he believes that fathers and their children should be together in a working environment whenever the opportunities present themselves.
“In today’s age kids don’t see us at our best,” said Burroughs, whose son Jackson spent plenty of time around the ballpark and in dugouts while growing up. “We go to work, and they are doing whatever. We come home, and we are exhausted. We are hungry. And they don’t get our best a lot of times.
“That’s one reason I like kids being around us. I want them to see their dad when they are at their best. Those are memories that Emmit will carry on forever. I want the kids, I want the wives, around as much as possible.”
It’s an opportunity for Cooper and Emmit to get some QT together.
“Every dad that I have been around that has coached their son or had their son around it, nobody has ever had a bad experience doing it,” said Cooper. “Nobody is ever disappointed that it happens. They are all so thankful.
“He loves it. He certainly isn’t aware of how lucky he is. As a dad to see him … I have done a terrible job of appreciating the moment. I say that very honestly. Sitting here talking about it, I appreciate it infinitely more. To see him every day and to spend time with him because I do miss so much. So those times when we can be together is special.”
So for the past three seasons, Emmit has had the opportunity to watch his dad and the Bulldog players in action.
“My favorite part is probably being with the guys and being able to talk to them,” said Emmit. “They are really nice to me. They always play catch with me if I want to. They hang out with me and talk to me.”
Emmit has been brought into the college baseball “fraternity” and embraced by the Bulldog players. It’s been not only heart-warming to his parents, but also a wonderful opportunity to learn about life.
“The players are such good role models for him,” said Bri. “I don’t know if he realizes it now but down the road it will set in how fortunate he was to be around them and to have all these incredible role models.
“These are kids that have been working their whole lives to be able to play college baseball. They are earning their degrees. They are awesome examples for him to be around. A lot of kids would give anything to be in his shoes, so he is pretty lucky.”
Nicknamed Snow Leopard by former Bulldog Taylor Young – “They gave me the spirit animal name the Snow Leopard because of my freckles” – Emmit gets to see his Dad in action even if it’s from afar at times.
“He never really talks to me too much,” said Emmit. “He is mostly focused on the game. He is usually a little nervous before the game. I think it’s really cool to be able to see him work and to be able to be there with him.”
“To walk out and to see him and give him a high five and a hug and just ask him how his day was and this and that, it’s just unbelievable,” said Cooper.
Emmit’s in-game responsibilities of being the bat boy don’t come without some level of risk, but he has learned – sometimes the hard way – of how to do his job.
“My first year I was running out to get one of the bats, I forget who it was, and he was swinging it and it hit me in the face,” said Emmit with a smile on his freckled face.
“Fortunately, he wasn’t swinging real hard,” said Bri. “There have been a couple of close calls where he was running by and they were on deck swinging (the bat), and it made me nervous. They have done a good job of telling him when to go out and making sure he is wearing his helmet. They gave him a lot of directions. Now he knows what he is doing. It was a little scary (at first).”
As fun as it is seeing his dad in action, maybe the biggest benefit to a nine-year-old is the access to college baseball players on a daily basis.
“The way our players treat him …. It really started two years ago when they gave him the nickname the Snow Leopard because everyone had a nickname,” said Cooper. “He has a sticker on the back of his helmet of a snow leopard.
“It started with those older guys like (Taylor Young) and Steele (Netterville) … those guys were so good to him. They are just so good to him. And then it has transferred down to Logan (McLeod) who has been unbelievable to him for three years. This year it’s Mike Ballard who is always giving him a high five. They have all really embraced him.”
“He is kind of like the mascot,” said Burroughs. “He is like a little brother that some of them may not have.”
McLeod said in addition to being a great little guy, Emmit provides some value to the dugout during games.
“He is awesome,” said McLeod. “He brings a lot of energy to the dugout. I am an older brother myself with two younger brothers, so I have always had that older brother in me. It’s nice to have him around. He kind of keeps things light. Whenever things get serious, he just goes out there and plays and likes to have fun like anyone else.”
So what happens when things do get too serious during a game?
“Coop has good awareness,” said Burroughs. “If things start going crazy and I am getting hot tempered, he will send Emmit out of the dugout.”
“The one guideline we have is when we are getting beat and it’s getting ugly, he is like, ‘Hey Dad. I’m going to go up and see Mama,’” said Cooper.
The past three years have brought plenty of cool experiences for Emmit, from regular season titles, tournament titles and two NCAA Regional appearances.
It may be hard to pick a favorite moment … or maybe it’s not.
“It was probably when we won the conference championships (in Hattiesburg in 2022),” said Emmit referring to Steele Netterville’s walk-off single in the title game. “It was really cool to get a big win and to be able to be a part of it.”
Although the 2024 season has come to an end and summertime activities have taken the place on Emmit’s busy schedule, the Snow Leopard said he plans to be right back in the dugout come 2025.
More games. More lifetime experiences. More time to spend with the players. And more time with Dad.
“The things that we have been able to be a part of here at LA Tech are things he will never forget,” said Cooper. “It’s just been awesome. We are thankful.”
Cooper and Bri Fouts with their children: Emmit (far left), Nash (middle) and Harper.Emmit taking care of his in-game responsibilities. Hanging out with the CUSA trophy after the Bulldogs won the 2022 title in Hattiesburg.Emmit with some of his “big brothers”, aka Bulldog baseball players.
After over a decade of involvement in the Lincoln Parish School system, Jordan Blachier has been named the new Principal at Glen View Elementary School. Blachier brings a dedication for student success and a passion for community involvement to his new position.
Starting his educational career with student teaching at Glen View, Blachier spent many years with the Lincoln Parish School System. He taught at Simsboro Elementary for nine years before accepting a coordinating teacher position at Glen View for a year. Most recently, Blachier served as the Elementary Director for Simsboro for the last two years.
As the principal of Glen View Elementary, Blachier aims to build on the previous principal’s vision by fostering greater community involvement and encouraging families to take an active role in their children’s education.
“I look forward to involving the community and families in their education,” Blachier said. “Glen View is a B school, which is great. But I believe with hard work and if we prioritize things in the right way, we can be an A school.”
Some of Blachier’s major priorities include enhancing literacy by working closely with teachers to implement effective plans for student success. Blachier expressed his gratitude for Lincoln Parish, calling it a great place to live and receive an education. He attributed his success as an administrator to several supportive mentors throughout his career, particularly Angela Hoffman, the former elementary director at Simsboro Elementary School.
“She taught me everything I know about being an administrator, and I want to thank her for that,” Blachier said.
Lincoln Parish School Board Superintendent Ricky Durrett expressed his approval of Blachier’s acceptance of the position, highlighting the community’s strong support for the new principal.
“I look forward to Jordan being the principal at Glen View. I think he’ll do a great job,” Durrett said. “I thinkt he faculty will also be glad to have him there. When we announced him accepting the job, they were really pleased and proud to have him come there.”
