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by Malcolm Butler

Ruston is the place to be.

At least in 2024 and in the near future.

While many cities are struggling in today’s times, Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker is a firm believer that his city is prospering.

And when people look around town, the proof is in new developments.

“Right now, we have 17 companies that are currently building in our city,” said Walker. “Everything from what’s happening at (the old) Ruston Country Club to Chase (Bank) to Origin (Bank) to Texas Roadhouse to Excalibur to (Delta Biscuit Company) to lots of apartments.”

And the best part of this news? Most of the development dollars are from outside of Lincoln Parish.

“Of those 17 companies, 15 of them are developers from out of town or out of state,” said Walker. “Total development is $137 million. For a town our size to have that much outside development is unreal. People see Ruston as the place to be. If you want to invest money in a good solid place in North Louisiana, it’s Ruston.”

Much of the buzz around Lincoln Parish over the past 18 months has been about the announcement that Ruston will be home to the first Buc-ee’s ever built in the state of Louisiana. With it has come plenty of envious eyes from around other parts of the state.

And along with the Buc-ee’s franchise will come even more out-of-state development dollars as the nationally-renowned travel center is a magnet for other business.

So what is the reason for Ruston’s success? What makes our home in north Louisiana so attractive?

“We have spent $194 million on infrastructure over the last eight years,” said Walker. “If you don’t have good infrastructure, you won’t get companies to come to your city.”

Walker said that over the past eight years, those millions of dollars have been used for things such as water, sewer lines, electrical capacity and transmission, roads, sidewalks and bike trails. And he feels that has elevated the city when it comes to the opportunity for growth.

“Companies look for places that people want to live,” said Walker. “And Ruston is a great place to live.”

Brandon Norris, VP at Louisiana National Bank and current treasurer for the Ruston CVB, cites a team effort throughout the city as to a big reason for its current state.

“Cooperation and coordination between the City of Ruston and the Lincoln Parish Police Jury has led to increased economic development in our area, especially when partnered with Louisiana Tech, Grambling State University, and local business leaders,” said Norris.

“By aligning their efforts, they have really joined forces to achieve common goals: economic growth and an improved standard of living within our community. This shared focus has allowed for additional business expansion, a highly-educated workforce, and local employment opportunities.”

Lincoln Parish Police Jury president Glenn Scriber agrees. Despite some tumultuous, divided times on the police jury in 2022 and 2023, the new regime that took over in 2024 has made it a point to work as a team to help move the parish forward.

“I can’t overstate how important it is to have a healthy, professional, working relationship within particular the city of Ruston, but of course all municipalities,” said Scriber who was elected as president of the LPPJ in January. “When we mesh our talents together it creates positive relationship for not only the jury and the city, but also the citizens and that can only move our great parish forward.”

Another benefit to Ruston’s success is the fact Lincoln Parish is home to a pair of Division I universities, something that is a huge benefit to the quality of life and an attraction to new residents and new businesses.

“Let’s face it. Having two universities here helps us tremendously,” said Walker, who cited the fact Tech boasts back-to-back record size freshman classes. “We don’t have an overabundance of industry, but we have enough to help us along with the education system we have.”

Drake Mills, Chairman, President and CEO of Origin Bancorp, Inc., believes the people of Ruston and Lincoln Parish and their outlook and mindset have led to the growth and improved quality of life.

“Ruston-Lincoln Parish has always been a desirable place to build and conduct business, raise a family, and be part of an incredible community,” said Mills. “This has been magnified because of strong leadership and an entrepreneurial spirit that is so prevalent.

“What’s so impactful is that people in our community are willing to act on that entrepreneurial spirit, creating new business and economic opportunities. The partnership between the city, Louisiana Tech, Grambling, and the business community is stronger than ever and it has generated a high-level of excitement about the future of Ruston and Lincoln Parish.”

Despite the business growth within Ruston, Walker did say that he doesn’t believe the population within the city limits will increase much due to lack of available residential space.

“You won’t see the population of Ruston grow much because we don’t have any room left in town for subdivisions,” said Walker. “We grew a little bit this last year, but the parish as a whole will grow much faster than within the city limits.”

Walker pointed to a recent study that showed that only 15 of the 64 parishes within the state of Louisiana showed population growth over the past year, including only Lincoln, Bossier and DeSoto Parishes in the northern part of the boot.

“We just have a really, really good mesh of quality of life stuff that people want their city that they live in to have,” said Walker. “That’s a vibrant downtown. We have lots of bike trails and sidewalks now. We have an incredibly good farmers market. Recycling is a big deal. The sports complex is a big thing. Two universities where people can continue their education if they choose. And inexpensive utilities.

“These are all things that we found when we researched to see what people were looking for in a place to live. We are very fortunate in Ruston. We attract great families and great people and great new businesses.”

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By Hanna Singh

As the school year quickly approaches, the Michael Brooks Family Clinic is helping students get ready to hit the books. 

This Friday the clinic will host a Back-to-School Supply Giveaway. Staff will distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to students from kindergarten through 12th grade to help them prepare for the upcoming year.

Over the past month, the Michael Brooks Family Clinic raised funds and collected supplies from community donations for the giveaway. The supplies will be distributed to students who attend the event, with any remaining items donated to their Lincoln Parish Adopt-a-School. Clinic Manager Amber Brazzel highlighted the importance of providing school supplies to local students.

“Students need the proper tools to participate in class, complete their assignments and learn. Not having the necessary supplies could leave them feeling unprepared, decreasing their self-esteem and self-confidence,” Brazzel said. “We want our students to be prepared and excel in school. Early education provides a foundation for the future. A strong foundation will help students develop the skills they need to become well-functioning adults. Our giveaway is just a small way we can help them be prepared to achieve these goals.”

This is the first year the clinic has organized the backpack and supplies giveaway. In previous years, the clinic hosted a cookout and food giveaway during the week of Thanksgiving for their patients and the local community. With funds from the owner and support from local businesses, the clinic distributes 100 to 200 bags of food and hot lunches annually for the event.

Given the inflated cost of living currently, the clinic decided to add a second fundraiser this year to help parents of school-aged children by providing backpacks and supplies. They plan to make the school supply giveaway an annual event, alongside the food giveaway.

Medical Assistant Makenzie Henderson shared why the clinic devotes time and efforts to giving back to the community.

“I believe that this school supply drive is very beneficial for those in need. We have a big place in our hearts for our patients and our community,” Henderson said. “We strive to give back to our people the most that our resources allow us to. The more blessings we sprinkle, the better this community will be.”

The Michael Brooks Family Clinic extends its gratitude to local businesses and community members who have donated to support Lincoln Parish students. Until Friday, donations can be dropped off at the front office at 612 South Farmerville St., Ruston, LA 7270, between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Donations can be monetary or include school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, loose-leaf paper, pens, highlighters, crayons, glue, scissors, and folders. The clinic also has an Amazon wish list of products that donors can purchase, which is shared on their Facebook page.

“Our clinic strives to make positive connections with our patients and the Ruston community,” Brazzel said. “Any way that we can help with quality healthcare, patient education and community service projects strengthen our ties with our community and helps to make Ruston even better than it already is.”

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To Lincoln Parish Homeowners:

This week, you received a mailed notice informing you of your home’s updated assessment. As you may know, 2024 is a residential reassessment year, as state law requires. My staff and I have been completing the fact-finding necessary to provide a fair market value for your home.

Transparency and responsiveness are very important to me, and I want to provide every resident with the knowledge he or she needs.

Our decisions are based on consistent and accurate data – from sales records to facts about the condition of properties appraised. We take our responsibility very seriously and know these decisions impact your overall tax burden. Anyone involved in buying or selling residential properties since the last reassessment in 2020 knows homes have appreciated in value.

Don’t hesitate to contact the assessor’s office with any concerns by visiting lpassessor.com or calling our office at 307 N. Homer St. Ruston.  318-251-5140

 

Sincerely,

Billy McBride

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A Ruston man was arrested early Sunday morning after police responded to a report of a man screaming in front of the caller’s residence.

As officers were responding to the scene just after midnight, the caller said the man had run into the carport of a residence on Valley Drive and was trying to fight another man.

Addison Cade McConathy, 20, was found to be sweating profusely and emitting a strong order odor of alcoholic beverage. He refused to give his name or identification. The man eventually gave his name as Addison McConathy, but refused to provide a date of birth. When asked how to spell his name, McConathy refused and told the officer he was rich and he was going to have him fired and would sue the Ruston Police Department. McConathy was taken into custody and placed in a patrol car.

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During an interview, the caller said McConathy entered his property without permission and appeared to fight with the unknown man. A neighbor on Ridge Drive said McConathy came onto his property without permission and kicked his truck, damaging the front passenger side quarter panel.

McConathy was taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and booked for disturbing the peace by being intoxicated in public, two counts of criminal trespass, resisting an officer by failure to provide identification, and simple criminal damage to property. His bail amount was not available at publication time.

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. 

Gregg Phillips State Farm will celebrate 25 years of serving the Ruston/Lincoln Parish community this week with an open house celebration on Thursday, August 1.

The State Farm office is located at 212 W. Florida, and all are welcome to drop by.

When Gregg opened his office on August 1, 1999, he was just starting his family and was early in his career with State Farm. His career had started a few years earlier in 1994, when Gregg was hired as a fire claims specialist with State Farm in Baton Rouge. After several years down south, Gregg moved to what was the regional office in Monroe.

It was in Monroe that Gregg entered the agency training program and was eventually chosen as an agent.

“Agency had always been something I wanted to do because I love working with people,” Gregg said. “Being involved in the community has always been important to me, and being an agent would allow me to do that. And the idea of doing it in a college town was also a dream of mine.”

 When Gregg’s father-in-law, Gerald Long, announced his retirement as a State Farm agent here in Ruston, the company offered Gregg the opportunity to step in and take his place.

 He said even though there were three other established agents-Jean Hollis (who has since retired), Skip Russell and Robert Temple, already here in Ruston, they welcomed him in and encouraged him toward success.

 “The other agents have always been so good to me and my family” Gregg said. “It’s one other thing that has made serving in Ruston so special to me.”

Gregg jumped into the community as a father of three young sons, ages 5, 3 and 1. He served in his church First Baptist as a Deacon and a Sunday school teacher. He also coached Dixie Baseball, served as president of the Ruston/Lincoln Chamber of Commerce as well as the Ruston Rotary Club, all while building his agency. And if all that was not enough, in 2003, he and his wife welcomed their fourth and final son into their household.

Those four sons are all grown up now. They are scattered from Springfield, Mo. (Josh and family), Little Rock, Ar. (Sam and family), Baton Rouge (Jacob and wife), while the youngest, Caleb, is a senior at Louisiana Tech studying mechanical engineering. Gregg and his wife of 34 years, Andrea, have four grandchildren and are expecting a fifth grandchild in October.

“I am just so incredibly blessed and grateful for the opportunity to live and serve here in Ruston and especially to raise our family here. I cannot think of anywhere else I would rather have been,” said Gregg.

Gregg currently serves as the president of the Lincoln Parish School Board, a position that he said provides him an opportunity to give back to the community that has given him so much.

“I want to create opportunities for our young people to be able to live in a place as wonderful as the one I have experienced,” said Gregg.

And serving on the school board allows him to have some impact on just that.

Gregg would like to personally invite the community to stop by the office on Thursday and just allow him to say thanks for being Good Neighbors for 25 years, and he hopes for many more years to come.

This is an advertorial

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By Kyle Roberts

With just over a month to go before the first official match of the season, the Ruston High Lady Bearcats hosted a team camp back in Ruston’s gyms this week with the varsity team winning two of three matches and the junior varsity team sweeping all three.

Ruston High Head Coach Mandy Cauley talked about seeing the progression of her team in their matches and the competition they saw during this offseason.

“We did a lot of things well,” Cauley said of her team’s performance overall. “We served tough, and being tougher at the service line is something that I’ve asked the girls to focus on. We did miss some serves at critical times, so we want to keep working on that. Serve receive and passing was really good overall, and we executed our offense using a variety of hitters. I thought there was one set where we had a passing breakdown that got us, and we followed with a lot of errors.

“We have a young offense, and we got to see what they can do under pressure.”

Participating in the camp were Ruston’s varsity and junior varsity along with Benton High, Neville High, Calvary Baptist, El Dorado High School and The Force, a volleyball team comprised of homeschooled students from the Shreveport area.

Ruston High faces the task of replacing an elite offensive unit after the graduation of five seniors who led the program to its first appearance in the state championship tournament in 2023. Seniors Shelby Freeman, Allie Richardson, Hannah Rollins, Jade Smith and Cala Wilson have all graduated, leaving the team looking to reload heading into the new season.

Cauley, however, is bullish on the team she has coming back, identifying two players who are currently stepping into needed veteran roles.

“I’m getting continued leadership from Harper (Cauley) — she’s the fighter and a great leader on our team,” Cauley said of her outside hitter and oldest daughter. “I’ve also seen tremendous growth from senior Riley Atwood — she’s a multi-sport athete in softball and soccer. She’s very bought in this year and works very hard. She’s missed very little this summer and is always ready to work.”

The varsity team bested both El Dorado and Benton while falling to Calvary. The JV squad swept through El Dorado, Neville and The Force.

No official scoring nor statistics were kept during the matches.

Ruston High opens the regular season Tuesday, Sept. 3, at home against Haughton in a return to the main gymnasium on campus after a season at the Ruston Sports Complex due to construction.

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The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Gibsland man early Saturday morning after a stolen firearm was found in the man’s vehicle.

Xavier Hardmon, 21, was arrested about 1:40 a.m. Saturday after a deputy checked out a vehicle with its hazard lights on abandoned on the South Service Road exit ramp.

The deputy found the vehicle unoccupied and observed a 9mm pistol on the driver’s seat. A records check showed the firearm was stolen.

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A man and woman arrived shortly thereafter stating they had run out of gas. Hardmon said he was the driver of the vehicle but both he and his companion first said they were unaware there was a firearm in the vehicle. Hardmon finally admitted the pistol was his.

It was determined Hardmon is a convicted felon. He was arrested and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where he was booked for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and illegal possession of a stolen firearm. His bail amount was not available at publication time.

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. 

Gimme an “E!” for “excitement!”

Go team!

It’s ‘that’ time of year, and the password is “excited!”

We can talk volleyball or soccer, and “certainly there is reason for excitement!” as most any coach would say, about the upcoming prospects on the court and on the pitch.

But the Kingpin of Autumn is football, so …

Pigskin Excitement!

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Of all your excitements, the best and most contagious kind has got to be Pigskin Excitement! Optimism is rampant, hyperbole is free and easy.

And so — here we are. With August and the first days of (legal) practice knocking at the door, the only way to get in is to say you’re “excited,” or one of its cousins.

You can be “Eager!” or “Fired up!” or “Stoked!” or “Juiced!” or even, if you are light-headed due to excitement, “in a tizzy!”

It does not matter if you’re a Rhodes Scholar pulling guard or a quarterback with a rocket arm and chicken lo mein for brains, if you are not “EXCITED!” then buddy you’d better GET excited or get your butt OUT of this locker room and OFF this field!

These are exciting times!

But … what about the teams that SAY they’re excited but are NOT excited? What about the teams that are just flat-out depressed? Don’t they deserve some love too? 

We’ve been around and can testify: there’s not always a lot of exciting joy in Mudville.

There is what you will read in the newspapers and hear on film clips — “After an inspired offseason, we’re excited about getting on the field and sending these seniors out as champions!” — and there is what you will hear when the depressed coach walks back to the training room and pours his soul out, sweaty hat in hand, to the equipment manager. 

“We’re not worth donating to the homeless store. It depresses me to think that State U. is going to come in here in about eight weeks, right about the time we’re 2-5, and beat us like a rented mule.

“And ol’ Frankie Junior, he could be the best tight end in the league but I swear, if he was any dumber, we’d have to water that boy twice a day.

“We tried to put in a new system in the off-season and, Moses and Enoch themselves as my witness, it’s not going to be any better than the OLD system because we have the SAME players! We don’t need a new system; we need new players. Preferably ones with IQ’s higher than their shoe sizes. 

“On top of that, our mascot is getting neutered Tuesday. Did you know that? Doesn’t even have a vote. We’ve got more problems than a little bit. 

“And jock itch has infected the whole team. I’m telling you I’m so unlucky, I could reach in a barrel of silver dollars and pull out a penny.

“Only thing that can save us now is the NC Double A fining us and putting us on permanent suspension so we don’t have to play, but we’re too poor to have broken any rules. We couldn’t buy the toot off a whistle if they were selling for a nickel a pop. Boy if heartaches were commercials, I’d be all over everybody’s television sets…

“Meanwhile I’m having to tell the press and fans we’re ‘excited!’ Yesterday I even threw out a ‘SUPER-excited!’ Think they bought it?

“You know what excites me? That the season won’t last forever. 

“But it’s sure gonna seem that way.”

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech fans will have the opportunity to spend time with the 2024 Bulldog football, soccer, and volleyball teams on Friday, Aug. 9 at Joe Aillet Stadium as part of Fall Fan Fest.

The free event is from 6:30-8 p.m. and will be immediately followed by movie night with the showing of “Remember the Titans” on the new video board.

Along with getting autographs and pictures from players and coaches from all three programs, youngsters can enjoy a variety of entertainment on the field including football, soccer, and volleyball stations, bounce house, and tailgating games.

Fans can also enjoy a tour of the Davison Athletics Complex, walking through the weight room, locker room, coaches offices, and film rooms while also having other interactive stations such as combine drills and photobooths.

While enjoying the music, games, and player engagement, fans can also get their LA Tech swag through the Barnes and Nobles bookstore and indulge in a variety of food/refreshment options including Johnny’s Pizza, Kona Ice, Tom’s Coffee, and Aramark concessions.

Season tickets will be on sale at the event as well as the opportunity to purchase Champ’s Kids Club memberships, which includes admission to every home regular season sporting event for the 2024-25 athletic season for kids in eighth grade or younger.

The Bulldog soccer team kicks off the new athletic season on Aug. 15 at Nicholls. Their first home game takes place on Aug. 22 versus South Alabama at Robert Mack Caruthers Field.

The Bulldog volleyball team opens action next, taking part in the Cal State Fullerton Invitational on Aug. 30-31. Their first home match follows on Sept. 3 versus Alcorn State inside the Thomas Assembly Center.

The Bulldog football team opens the 2024 season on Aug. 31 against Nicholls at Joe Aillet Stadium.

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Tomorrow, August 1, will mark a change of ownership but not a change of convenient downtown service of Pharmacy Services when Steve Shelton, a pharmacist here for 47 years who has operated out of his 100 W. Main Street location for nearly a quarter century, turns the keys over to not-for-profit TrinityCommunity Health Center of Louisiana.

“The board at Trinity wasn’t looking at getting into the retail pharmacy business,” said CEO Deano Thornton.  “Steve approached us as he looked to step back from the full responsibilities of the business at Pharmacy Services.  We didn’t want to see the doors closed on another business with 20 employees on Main Street.”

Shelton has certainly witnessed that trend in hometown pharmacies.  When he took over his father Leo Shelton’s pharmacy opposite the post office in January 1978, pharmacies abounded:  Flurry’s Pharmacy, New Winnfield Drugs, Winn Pharmacy, Courthouse Pharmacy, Emerson’s Pharmacy, Shirley’s Pharmacy, Medicine Shoppe, Scott’s Pharmacy.

Shelton told the Journal that he worked in his dad’s pharmacy beginning in 1971 as he attended Louisiana Tech and was attracted to the profession.  After receiving his pre-pharmacy degree at Tech, he went on to study and received his degree at NLU in Monroe.  “I guess the word I’d use is ‘service’ to describe my work through these years,” he said.  “I’m proud of serving the people, being available, talking and visiting individually with them.”

Thornton expressed the same desire by Trinity in maintaining their service level to customers.  “I go back to my days as a student, maybe eighth grade, when Leo Shelton, a longtime coach and educator at Atlanta, opened his first pharmacy near the Baptist Church.  They have a rich tradition of taking care of people here in Winnfield, a tradition we plan to maintain.”

The CEO explained that Pharmacy Services as a division of Trinity CHC will keep on as many of the present staff as possible as well as additional pharmacists and staff to fill scripts in a timely fashion.  Upgraded pharmacy equipment and software is upcoming.  They’ve signed contracts with two local pharmacists, April Boyett who will be pharmacist in charge and Yasmeen Davis.  Familiar faces such as pharmacist Sharon Barnett, pharmacy technician Tiffany Hemphill and yes, even Steve Shelton will continue at Pharmacy Service.

“We’re happy that Steve wants to continue working as a pharmacist but only with the reduced hours that he wants to work,” said Thornton.  “He’ll be able to do the work he enjoys without the pressures of the day to day business.  After all these years, he’s earned that.  In his tradition, we’ll have expanded hours and home deliveries as folks need.”

Shelton said that since the COVID years when peoples’ attitudes altered, he’s been eyeing the possibility of stepping back.  “I’ve been talking and visiting with Trinity for some time and am happy with the arrangement.  I’d like to thank God for giving me this ability to serve people, thank my family for their patience and support and thank the people of Winnfield and Winn Parish for their confidence and respect.”

On August 1, the ownership may change but Trinity aims to preserve the warm, customer-friendly atmosphere that folks have come to expect.

Paid Content

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Being from the great state of Texas, it was instilled in me from day one how important it was to follow the laws of the land, especially when it came to hunting and fishing. The last thing you wanted was a Texas Game Warden knocking on your door because you violated a wild game law. Today I’m going to reveal an incident that took place over 30 years ago that will illustrate that not all states have the same respect for the law as others…. even the guys enforcing the laws!

Growing up in my neck of the woods, there was one particular game warden that had a nasty reputation like that of Buford Pusser from the movie Walking Tall. To protect the innocent, we’ll call him Billy Ray. As like Buford, he walked tall and carried a big stick. He was the game warden who took great pride enforcing the laws of East Texas great outdoors. 

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Billy Ray had the reputation for getting a little rough with those who decided to try and skirt the rules. There were many stories about him that were legendary with how he caught those who did not follow the laws of hunting or fishing. You might think you were going to get away with breaking a law, but Billy Ray would eventually track you down. 

Upon my arrival to Louisiana back in 1979 as a tall skinny teenager looking to continue my athletic career/education at Northwestern State, I found out quickly that Louisiana laws were pretty loose when it came to hunting and fishing. During this time, Louisiana had what was known as an open range law which meant you did not need permission to hunt on another person’s property as long as it was not posted. 

Being from Texas, this was shocking to me that I could walk onto another man’s property and hunt. Because where I’m from, this would never even cross your mind to set foot on another man’s property without permission, unless you wanted to answer to Billy Ray later on.  

But on one particular dove hunt I was invited on, I realized that some Louisiana game wardens were above the law. Now a good friend of mine owned a big track of land that had a great amount of dove waiting on someone to take a few shots. My buddy called the night before the hunt with the invite. I asked him if the field was baited because he had the reputation for also skirting the laws on dove hunting. He assured me that all was legal and that I had nothing to worry about. 

So, the next day as I and another buddy drove up on the field and began to spread out, I once again asked about baiting. The property owner said, “Well there might be some scattered seed out in the middle, but he felt we were good to go.” Now that I was nervous and anxious, my buddy decided to let us know that if we see a green truck with a red light on top come over the levy, run into the woods and hide. 

Well sure as shoot’n, thirty minutes into the hunt the green truck with the red light rolled over the levy and onto the property. Heart racing, my  friend and I hit the woods on a dead sprint hoping to evade the game warden. Then the game warden emerged from the truck and shouted out for our buddy who invited us on this outlaw hunt. He wanted to know who else was hunting with him that day. My buddy promptly cranked the bus and ran over us by replying that me and my friend had run into the woods. 

The game warden called for us to come out and announced that it was okay to hunt. He also pulled out his shotgun and began to hunt with us….over a baited field!!!  Only in Louisiana! 

Now we all know that there will always be good cops and bad cops, but today I feel things are different in Louisiana. Personally knowing several Louisiana game wardens, I don’t think this would happen today…..or at least I hope not! 

Till next time, good luck, good hunting and the next time you’re invited on a dove hunt, do what you’re supposed to do….inspect the field yourself. 

Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications

Grambling State quarterback Myles Crawley has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Stats Perform Walter Payton Award.

Crawley, who was picked as the preseason SWAC Offensive Player of the Year, had a remarkable 2023 season at GSU. The Redshirt-Senior from Lithonia, Ga. threw from 2,303 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing 60.1% of his passes (197-of-328). He was the first Grambling State quarterback to throw for at least 2,000 yards in a season since Devante Kincaid in 2017 and the first GSU QB to throw at least 16 touchdowns since Geremy Hickbottom in 2018.

The award, in its 38th season and affectionately known as the Heisman of the FCS, is named for legendary running back Walter Payton, who starred at Jackson State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance.

The Walter Payton Award was first presented in 1987. More players can join the watch list before a national media panel selects the winner after the regular season from a group of finalists.

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech has signed a four-game series with Southern Miss, both athletic departments announced on Tuesday.

LA Tech and USM are already slated to meet on Sept. 20, 2025 in Ruston at Joe Aillet Stadium and again on Sept. 19, 2026 at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

The four additional games will take place on Sept. 15, 2029 (Ruston), Sept. 20, 2031 (Hattiesburg), Sept. 18, 2032 (Ruston), and Sept. 17, 2023 (Hattiesburg).

The programs have met 53 times on the gridiron, the third most matchups of any Bulldog opponent behind only in-state foes UL-Lafayette and Northwestern State.

The first ever meeting between the Bulldogs and Golden Eagles came in 1935 while the last meeting was in 2021, which was also the last matchup as league opponents in Conference USA.

TICKETS
Season tickets are still on sale for the 2024 LA Tech Football season, which kicks off on Aug. 31 at home versus Nicholls.  Fans can purchase tickets online at LATechSports.com/Tickets or by calling the LA Tech Ticket Office at (318) 257-3631.

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Alda Raye Dozier was born April 27, 1938, and passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024, at Alpine Nursing Home in Ruston, LA. A private burial will be held at Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens in Ruston, LA

Alda was a retired bookkeeper in the banking and savings and loan as well as insurance.    She enjoyed cooking, gardening and China painting as well as many other hobbies.

She is preceded in death by her parents, T.C. and Eunice Rice Dozier; brother-in-law, Wayne Vallery; and niece, Dana Vallery Belton.

Left to cherish her memories are her sisters Nelda Sue Dozier and Treba Dozier Vallery, both of Ruston; her nephew Jay Vallery and wife Shauna, and sons Lane and Bryce of Arcadia, La,; niece Lesa Vallery and daughters Chloe and  Avery Nelson of Greenbrier, AR.; niece Gina Pozoroski and husband Nathan and sons Gavin, Gannon, and Aiden Campell of Enola, AR.; nephew Nick Belton of Arcadia, LA; as well as numerous family members and friends.

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Denise “Dede” Diane Wall 
March 5, 1970 – July 26, 2024 
Visitation: Thursday, August 01, 2024, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Living Water Full Gospel Church, 131 Oak St, Dubach 
Celebration of Life: Thursday, August 01, 2024, 3:00 PM, Living Water Full Gospel Church, 131 Oak St, Dubach 

Marijon Hinton Echols 
May 27, 1945 – July 28, 2024 
Service: Alabama Presbyterian Church, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 10:00 am 
Cemetery: Sibley Cemetery Choudrant, Wednesday, July 31, 2024 

Randall Fuller 
May 8, 1938 – July 28, 2024 
Visitation: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 1, 2024 at New Hope Baptist Church, Choudrant 
Services: 10 a.m., Thursday, August 1, 2024 at New Hope Baptist Church, Choudrant 

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by Malcolm Butler

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker confirmed for the Lincoln Parish Journal that the popular drive-thru coffee franchise 7 Brew is building a location off the I-20 Tech exit adjacent to Starbucks.

For decades, Burt’s Chevron was located on that site but had stood vacant for a number of years.

The building was leveled recently and now the foundation for 7 Brew is about to be poured. Walker was not able to provide a timeline and repeated attempts to reach representatives of the franchise group have been unsuccessful.

However, Walker confirmed the franchise which began in Rogers, Arkansas, will make Ruston home.

“It’s a very, very popular coffee shop,” said Walker. “I believe it is going to be a double lane instead of a single lane, although I’m not 100 percent sure of that. It’s just one more new business that is coming to our city.”

7 Brew’s menu includes the “7 Original” coffees as well as classics such as latte’s, mocha’s and cold brews as well as teas, lemonades and smoothies. It also includes varieties such as 7 Fizz (sparkling water infused with flavors) and 7 Energy (energy drinks infused with flavors).

According to 7brew.com, the franchise “was born from a desire to change drive-thru coffee into a fun, mind-blowing experience for everyone. We dreamed of serving premium coffee in record time and making new friends while we’re at it. The dream came alive with our first “stand” in Rogers, AR and our 7 original coffees.

“Today, we’re cranking out all kinds of custom-hand crafted drinks in different locations throughout the country. 7 Brew is so much more than just a coffee stand. It’s the concept of cultivating kindness and joy with every drink – through our service, speed, quality, energy and atmosphere. It’s contagious and it’s changing the drive-thru coffee industry.”

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By Wesley Harris

A new Louisiana law allowing carry of concealed firearms without a permit includes numerous provisions gun owners must consider, according to a long-time Ruston law enforcement official.

Ruston City Marshal Curtis Hawkins said anyone contemplating carrying a concealed weapon needs to research the new law and still consider obtaining a concealed carry permit because of the training component of the process.

While Louisiana has allowed open carry of a firearm for decades, in approving the new law the state joins 28 others in dropping the requirement for a government-issued permit to carry a concealed firearm. Permits will still be issued to those who desire one.

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A longtime firearms instructor, Hawkins encourages obtaining the permit.

“When you take the concealed carry class, you get the benefit of a certified instructor walking you through many critical topics step by step—basic safety, loading & unloading, fundamentals of shooting, types of ammunition, different shooting positions, child access prevention, state laws on when you can use force, and actual live range shooting.”

Hawkins says responsible carry of a firearm includes knowing the law. “When you drive a car, you better be familiar with the traffic laws or you could be issued a ticket, be involved in an accident, or incur civil liability and criminal charges. Misuse of a firearm can cause you to face criminal charges and civil liability.”.

“Use of force laws can be very complicated,” Hawkins says. Having an instructor go through these laws and provide you scenarios where they could be applied is just a small but vital part of the class.”

Hawkins, a retired Ruston Police lieutenant, said a person cannot carry a concealed weapon under the following conditions:

• Under the age of 18

• Under the influence of alcohol over a .05% blood alcohol content

• Under the influence of any controlled dangerous substance

• As a named defendant in a restraining order

• Convicted felon

Hawkins said any property owner or designee can prohibit access to persons with a concealed gun with or without a concealed carry permit. In addition, the list of places where concealed weapons are prohibited is lengthy, even with the carry permit, including courthouses and churches:

• Any place where firearms are banned by state or federal law.

• A law enforcement office, station, or building.

• A detention facility, prison, or jail.

• A courthouse or courtroom; judges are exempted in their own courtrooms.

• Any polling place.

• A municipal building or other public building, only if the building or is utilized as the meeting place of the governing authority of a political subdivision.

• The state capitol building.

• Any part of an airport facility where the carrying of firearms is prohibited under

federal law; exempted are firearms encased for shipment as lawful baggage.

• Any church, synagogue, mosque, or other similar place of worship, unless authorized by the person who has authority over the administration of the place of worship.

• At a parade or demonstration for which a permit is issued by a governmental entity.

• Any portion of the permitted area of an establishment selling alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises.

• Any school, school campus, or school bus.

Any person carrying a concealed handgun must inform any law enforcement officer who approaches of the weapon. The person must submit to a pat down and allow the law enforcement officer to temporarily disarm him. Never reach for the firearm, Hawkins warned, but only notify the officer and follow instructions.

Penalties for failure to comply with this statute can lead to arrest, seizure of the firearm and criminal charges. A conviction can lead to loss of the right to carry a firearm.

By Wesley Harris

 

In 1914 Lenora Fuller was a teacher at Culbertson school in northeastern Lincoln Parish.  Teaching was one of the few occupations open to young women, especially a 20-year-old one growing up in the small sawmill town of Dubach.

On the morning of January 5, the first Monday of the new year, Fuller noted one of her best students, Belle McAdams, was not present. The pretty 12-year-old Belle walked over a mile to school each day. If she was ill, there was no way her family could send word to Fuller. Few farms had telephones, and the rural system was unreliable at best.

That night, when Belle failed to return home, her family was not too concerned. Sometimes Belle stayed with the family of one of her friends who lived close to the school rather than walk home. Again, there was no way to send a message home to relay such a plan.

The next day, Belle failed to appear at school or at home. Alarmed by her absence, the family and men in the community searched the countryside around Culbertson and Cedarton. A neighbor found her brutalized body hidden in some bushes just off the trail between her home and the school.

We know nothing of Miss Fuller’s reaction to the loss of one of her students. We can only surmise that she was devastated, possibly regretting not sending word to her family that Belle did not come to school, obviously assuming she was at home sick. But could that act, the heinous murder of one of her best students, and the failure to identify the killer, eventually convince Lenora Fuller to change professions?

When Fuller began teaching school, she did not possess a college degree. Obviously, an asset, the college education was not a requisite for teaching in a small rural school.

After a few more years of teaching, Fuller enrolled in LSU to obtain a bachelors degree and then became one of the first women to seek a degree from the LSU Law School. Fuller was the only female student at the law school, an institution with only one female instructor.

In 1931, Lenora Fuller graduated with her law degree and returned home. Fiercely independent, she opened her own practice in Dubach. New lawyers often joined an older barrister to share expenses and learn the ropes. Not Fuller.

She later moved her office to the fifth floor of the T. L. James building in Ruston in 1932. Fuller likely knew businessman and philanthropist Thomas Lewis James since he bought the Dubach mill and moved in the biggest house in Dubach when Fuller was a teenager.

We don’t know much about Fuller‘s law practice. As a woman, other attorneys likely referred cases involving children or family matters to her. It was the type of case the few women in the profession were expected to handle.

Although she ran ads in the newspaper, regulations at the time did not allow much more than a lawyer’s name and contact information in advertising. According to news reports, Fuller handled criminal defense cases and was appointed to represent defendants in district court.

Fuller lived with her parents in Dubach until they passed away. She never married.

We can only guess what prompted Lenora Fuller to leave the field of education and enter what was at that time an exclusively male world. She appears to have been the first female attorney in Lincoln Parish, and likely the only one outside of Shreveport in North Louisiana.

Did the death of one of her students, the ensuing futile investigation, and the lack of justice for Belle and her family drive her to become an attorney? There was no chance she could enter the realm of law enforcement in North Louisiana, or anywhere for that matter; practicing law would be as close as she could get to the justice system.

Many great attorneys have lived in Ruston and Lincoln Parish. Names like Holstead, Dawkins, Barksdale, Barham, and others are still well known in local legal circles. But the legacy of Lenora Fuller, who should be a shining example to young women seeking their place in non-traditional roles, has all but been forgotten.

Please contact me at campruston@gmail.com if you have additional information on Lenora Fuller—Wesley Harris

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By T. Scott Boatright

 

His smile seemed larger than life itself.

But his heart was even bigger.

Grambling State University and the city of Grambling were rocked Monday with the news of the passing of Michael Jiles at the age of 54.

Raised in Grambling, Jiles was a standout offensive lineman for Grambling Laboratory High School before going to play for legendary Grambling State football Coach Eddie G. Robinson.

As a G-Man, Jiles was a three-year letterman and member of the 1989 SWAC Championship team and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in mass communication, sometimes serving as a contributing sportswriter for the late Ruston Leader Executive Sports Editor Buddy Davis.

Herman Arvie, a teammate of Giles at GSU before Arvie moved on to play in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens, remembered his fallen friend Monday evening.

“Rev. Dr. Michael L. Jiles will be sorely missed,” Arvie said. “He was the epitome of what it means to be a G-Man. Mike was from Grambling, grew up in Grambling, and was the waterboy for the Tigers when he was a kid. He knew everything about the history of Grambling State University, not just Grambling football. He was loved by everybody, and I loved his entire family.

“During Bayou Classic week, when the football team and band were in Grambling for Thanksgiving, Mike’s family would invite and welcome all of his ‘Big Kahuna’ brothers over for Thanksgiving dinner. It was like being at home, and the food was absolutely delicious. When I learned of his passing from another teammate and brother, Dr. Roderick Henderson. I was speechless. Several of us were together just a few weeks ago for the Grambling Legends Sports HOF induction ceremony on July 13.”

Jiles learned much from Coach Rob, including lessons about not only football but also much about many aspects of life and especially about making an impact in the lives of others and especially young people.

And Jiles made his gridiron mentor proud. A high school football and track coach for 30 years, Jiles was serving as the Athletic Director and Head Boys Track Coach at Woodlawn Leadership Academy in Shreveport as well as the Offensive Line Coach for the Southern University at Shreveport Jags at the time of his death.

“Today, we mourn the untimely loss of our beloved faculty member, the Rev. Dr. Michael Jiles,” read a post made on the Woodlawn High School Knights Facebook page. “During his time at Woodlawn, Coach Jiles served as Head Boys Track Coach, Head Indoor Track Coach, Assistant Football Coach, Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, and Athletic Director. A true Woodlawn Knight, his love for Woodlawn was unmatched. He will forever remain a Knight in our hearts.”

Over his years in coaching Jiles was a two-time State Coach of the Year and guided teams to a state championship, two state runner-up titles and several regional and district Championships.

“I am heartbroken after hearing about the loss of Coach Jiles,” said GSU graduate Katrina Harris, who ran track for Grambling Lab under Jiles’ leadership. “He was a legend who produced legends. I ‘m glad he took a chance on me and let me be on his track team. I remember hating lifting weights because I was so skinny and scrawny. 

“Coach wasn’t gonna let that slide. I had a special weightlifting plan which consisted of me doing all my reps with just the bar lol no weights lol … Coach met you where you were and coached you into greatness … no excuses. We were at the top of our game every track meet. I was able to run 300-meter hurdles for him and win a few medals under his guidance. He will be greatly missed.”

Jiles was also serving as a Louisiana State University Track and Field Official at the time of his death.

“I regret to hear about the passing of former Track Coach for Grambling High Coach Michael Jiles,” said Rixie Thompson in a Facebook post made on Monday. “He was such an inspiration to my son Chase during his track years at GHS. Please keep the Jiles family in your prayers.”

Jiles was the Assistant to the Pastor at the Mary Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church in Shreveport, under the leadership of Dr. Willie Giles, Jr. 

He received his Certificate of Studies in Humanities and Religious Studies from Louisiana Tech University and a Master of Theology Degree from Caddo Theological Seminary and Bible College before earning his Doctoral Degree in Theology in May of 2022.

“He was a good person who was always positive,” said fellow Grambling native Ray Higgins, executive producer for the Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame, Inc. “I never saw him upset or mad. We would always have fun and thought-provoking conversations. He loved God, his family, his students, and Grambling.”

Preceded in death by parents Y.D. Jackson and Dr. Betty Jackson, Jiles is survived by his wife of 26 years Alecia S. Jiles, with whom he shared a son and a grandchild.

“As I process my brother’s death, I realize we all have an end date,” Arvie said. “One thing is certain; he was a God-fearing man and loved spreading the word of God. I will truly miss my brother and will do my very best to keep his legacy alive.”

 

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A man carrying a concealed toy gun “for protection” was arrested when a Ruston police officer learned he was wanted.

Devin Lewis, 18, was arrested last Sunday on warrants from Ruston City Court and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Officer.

A Ruston Police officer responded to a call of a suspicious person on Sikes Street about 11:45 p.m. When the officer exited his patrol car, a ground of several young males fled on foot. The officer patrolled on foot and found Lewis on Charlotte Avenue.

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Lewis was found with a toy gun concealed in the front of his shorts. Lewis reportedly told the office he only had the gun in his possession for protection.

The officer learned Lewis was wanted for failure to appear in court on a resisting an officer by flight charge and also on a warrant held by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lewis was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on the two warrants.

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. 

Dentist by day. Chef by night.

Our good friend Trey Hanna at Ruston Smiles is at it again!

Trey is providing the Lincoln Parish Journal a cooking column/recipe periodically. This time Trey’s menu features garlic buffalo wings. You won’t want to miss it.

Just click on the link below for ingredients and direction.

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