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.
Saturday, August 31
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
7 p.m.: LA Tech Football
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Shirley Crump
March 23, 1938 – August 26, 2024
Service: Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, Friday, August 30, 2024, 10:00 am
Martha J. Montgomery
Thursday 10/28/1954 –Tuesday 08/27/2024
Graveside: Saturday 09/07/2024 11:00am, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
Cynthia Aillet Kavanaugh Murry
August 28, 1931 – August 24, 2024
Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Friday, August 30, 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Service: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Saturday, August 31, 2024, 10:00 am
Cemetery: Forest Lawn Cemetery ~ Ruston, Saturday, August 31, 2024
Mass: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Saturday, August 31, 2024, 10:00 am
Leon F. Blankenship, Jr.
Monday 11/28/1955 — Friday 08/09/2024
Funeral Service: Friday 08/30/2024 10:00am at King’s Funeral Home
Interment: Friday 08/30/2024 Following Service, Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 2413 Highway 425, Rayville
Theresa McMurray Mason
Thursday 05/03/1951 — Wednesday 08/21/2024
Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/31/2024 11:00am, Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ, 1405 South Farmerville Street, Ruston
Interment: Saturday 08/31/2024 Following Service, Woods Chapel Baptist Church, 326 Par Rd 454, Ruston
Thomas W Archie
Thursday 08/06/1942 — Wednesday 08/21/2024
Visitation: Friday 08/30/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Saturday 08/31/2024 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Interment: Saturday 08/31/2024 Following Service, Hopewell Cemetery, Dubach
Dwight Thurman
Friday 08/24/1956 — Tuesday 08/20/2024
Visitation: Friday 08/30/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/31/2024 1:00pm, New Prosperity Baptist Church, 1378 Prosperity Church Road Clay
Interment: Saturday 08/31/2024 Following Service, New Prosperity Cemetery, Clay
Carl D. Anding
Saturday 10/18/1952 — Thursday 08/22/2024
Visitation: Thursday 08/29/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Friday 08/30/2024 11:00am, Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 210 Mount Harmony Church Rd, Ruston
Interment: Friday 08/30/2024, Mt. Harmony Church Cemetery, Ruston
Granda Davis
Thursday 06/29/1967 — Friday 08/23/2024
Visitation : Friday 08/30/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Celebration of Life : Saturday 08/31/2024 11:00am , Mount Zion Baptist Church , 2586 Highway 150 , Grambling
Interment : Saturday 08/31/2024 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
(This is one of our profiles on this year’s recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2024 Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. We would like to thank Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com for the headshots).
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Name: Danyelle McDaniel O’Neal
Age: 38
Employer: Lincoln Parish School Board- Choudrant Elementary
Title: School Mental Health Counselor
Hometown: Pine Prairie, LA
Years Living in Ruston: 15 years
Civic Volunteer Organizations: Junior Auxiliary of Ruston- Projects Chair Board Member, CES Strive Club Sponsor, CES Cheerleading Sponsor, CES Fellowship of Christian Athletes Sponsor, Upward Basketball Cheer Coach, Ruston Dixie Softball Coach, Student Council Sponsor- Simsboro School, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Children’s Ministry Teacher at Temple Baptist Church
Professional Highlights: Teacher of the Year 2012-13 Simsboro School, Founder of Masterpiece event for girls in 3-8 grade
Lauren Casey, Choudrant Elementary teacher, on Danyelle O’Neal:
Danyelle O’Neal truly believes that is takes a village, and some flair, to be successful, and that is what she does for her community. If the village is not there, she builds it. Through a fashion show, music, and art, she created a special event for young ladies by bringing in strong women in the Ruston community to empower them to be successful. If she is not building, then she is pouring herself into every part of her community by supporting the kids, parents, friends, mothers, and her church. I get a front row view of how she greets her students (sometimes while wearing a Christmas tree suit) at car rider line, sponsors the cheer team, teaches SEL lessons, and leads Sunday School classes. She even gives up her lunch breaks to host a lunch bunch group with our older students where she dives into meaningful conversations over chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. She rallied her community to help her pray over our students and school, she even encouraged parents to bling out their cars in posters and streamers to motivate our students for state testing. Danyelle even boogied down at the Silent Disco that she hosted for good behavior. Her magical rolling counseling cart does not just reach the students within the school, but she takes her lessons outside the classroom. By creating Instagram reels and TickTocks she can easily reach the parents of those students who just need a tip or trick to life with kids, or a good laugh while she and her own kids try crazy Sonic drinks. This Tech loving, bucket filling, prayer warrior is a beacon in our Ruston community. It is her mission for everyone to understand their gift and how it can play a role in our great city.
Q&A with Danyelle O’Neal:
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
When I moved to Ruston in 2009 after marrying a Ruston native, I had no idea how special this community would prove to be. The residents of Lincoln Parish are so supportive and willing to serve to make new things successful. I am amazed how our town is so quick to rally behind a cause and support others in any way possible. Most recently, I coordinated my first ever Masterpiece event with Temple Baptist Church. I had so many individuals offer to help and serve in ways to improve the lives of our younger generation of girls. It amazed me how these individuals stepped up sharing their professional and personal expertise and advice to pour into the youth of our community.
How do you see your role/place in making our parish such a wonderful place to call home?
I’m a fifth-generation educator so helping younger generations is in my blood. I’m a helper at heart. Any way that I can help, encourage, or support someone is the role I want to play. Working as a School Mental Health Counselor allows me to provide social emotional learning lessons to over 500 students each month. I love being able to provide students with an emotional vocabulary and the foundation to manage their feelings and healthy ways to cope. I have a heart for children and adolescents as well as their parents. I’m a working mom of two, and I want to support other moms in my community just like I do with my students at school. I share many of the tips and strategies I’ve learned in my years as a counselor via social media as RealFeelsMom in hopes of helping others. I truly want to be a voice of providing proactive strategies to help our youth live happy and successful lives.
Who has played a role in your professional development and why?
I have been blessed with so many wonderful supervisors that played a significant role in my professional development. First, I would say my mom because she really encouraged me to pursue a helping profession and was very supportive of me working in a school setting. Another strong and lasting influence on me was Mrs. Susan Clark, one of my first supervisors out of college. Mrs. Clark was an amazing mentor who encouraged me to see ways to help others beyond just the 8-5 job. She showed me how to pour into others even if they weren’t my designated client. Mrs. Clark showed me how to use my Christian faith in every aspect of my life and truly impacted me in ways that I know are still in play today.
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By Wesley Harris
The new owner of the old Gem Theater in Dubach has applied for historic renovation tax credits for aid in restoring the building and opening a new entertainment venue.
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The Old Post Office renovation is well underway. The new owners have wasted no time in tackling a major renovation of the building, including repairing the roof, restoring the exterior to its original 1910 appearance, and installing a new business inside. While no official announcement has been made, the odds are that business will be a Delta Biscuit Company restaurant.
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Speaking of new businesses, Dillas Quesadillas on Cooktown Road is now open. New employees have been training and contractors were adding finishing touches to the building this weekend. Seven Brew Drive Thru Coffee just down the street won’t be far behind.
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A historical marker for the Old Post Office has been shipped from the factory courtesy of a grant received by the Lincoln Parish Museum. More details once a dedication ceremony is scheduled. The post office’s location in the downtown district provided a community focal point where patrons saw friends and business associates to exchange greetings and gossip.
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A reminder about the new notification system called lincalerts.org to keep the community informed of emergencies, weather updates, and local events. The warning sirens and the “Code Red” emergency alert system are no longer used. If you haven’t signed up yet, make sure you do so to stay in the know. Click the link to sign up for alerts: http://www.lincalerts.org Stay safe by staying informed!
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The 2024 peach season is over. Too bad we can’t harvest the juicy fruit year round.
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Rumor is that Louisiana Tech is anticipating its largest freshman class ever. The current record was set last fall. Let’s hope students will come in early to attend Tech’s first football game scheduled for August 31, several days before the fall quarter begins.
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Seen on social media: “I love traveling on the new Monroe Street!”
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Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications
On the heels of a history making event with the opening of the first Digital Library building at an HBCU campus, Grambling State University is set to honor its new President, Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr., with its first-ever Investiture Ceremony. Set for Friday, September 6 at 9:00 a.m., the free, public event will take place in the arena of the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
A tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, an investiture is an academic ceremony in which a new leader is “vested” with the official powers of office.
Usually occurring during a president’s first year in office, the ceremony provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate a new era in a university’s history. An investiture ceremony itself features several rituals normally associated with events such as commencement and includes a full academic procession led by the chief marshal and color guard, followed by the board of trustees, faculty, and distinguished delegates from other academic institutions and learned societies. The full academic regalia worn by these groups adds to the majesty of the ceremony.
The youngest current serving HBCU President in the country, Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr. is committed to honoring the university’s history while advancing its future through strategic initiatives. A third-generation alumnus, Dr. Lemelle brings extensive leadership experience and financial expertise, having served as Executive Vice-President and CFO at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and managing large-scale financial operations for companies like PricewaterhouseCoopers, IBM, and General Electric.
At MICA, Dr. Lemelle was known for his strategic financial management and visionary leadership, enhancing the institution’s operations. His tenure at Grambling State as Executive Vice-President and COO saw remarkable achievements, including securing the university’s largest corporate gift and improving its fiscal health score by 200%.
Dr. Lemelle holds a B.S. in Accounting, Magna Cum Laude, from Grambling State University, an M.B.A. from The George Washington University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from SKEMA Business School in Paris. His professional affiliations include Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and the United Way of Central Maryland Board of Directors. Dr. Lemelle’s leadership is deeply rooted in a commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and community engagement.
Learn more at gram.edu/investiture.
EVENT INFORMATION
WHO: Grambling State University
WHAT: Presidential Investiture of Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr.
WHEN: 9:00 a.m., Friday, September 6, 2024
WHERE: 100 Stadium Dr., Grambling, LA
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A Dubach man was arrested Monday after he allegedly stole a cell phone and then destroyed it when the owner attempted to retrieve it.
Christopher Holland, 44, was arrested Monday after an investigation into the whereabouts of a phone the victim said was stolen out of a vehicle at a church.
The victim told Lincoln Parish deputies the iPhone was taken from a vehicle while parked at the church on Aug. 25. The victim was able to ping the phone and determine it was at the church. When she arrived at the church, the phone pinged at a different location. She tried calling the phone several times with no answer.
A man called the victim from the stolen iPhone stating he had found it in the road and to meet him. The victim recognized the man’s voice as Christopher Holland‘s.
The victim went to a convenience store to meet Holland, who allegedly called her and used derogatory names and threatened to break the phone. Deputies had the victim ping the phone again, and it showed to be in the area of Holland’s residence. However, he could not be located that day.
On Aug. 26, deputies found Holland at his residence in Dubach. He said he had tried to return the phone and that he had thrown out of his vehicle on U. S. 167.
The phone was recovered but was heavily damaged. The victim said she wanted to pursue charges. Holland was arrested and during a search, a metal cylinder attached to Holland‘s necklace was found to contain escitalopram oxalate, a prescription-only drug.
Holland was booked for theft, simple criminal damage to property, and possession of a legend drug. 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.
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A Ruston man was arrested last Saturday after he allegedly gave a Lincoln Parish deputy a false name during an investigation.
Donterrion Garrez McMurry, 24, was arrested for resisting an officer by providing false information on August 24.
Deputies had responded to a location on La. Highway 818 regarding a trespassing complaint. The property owner said no one had permission to be on the property. Three men fishing in a pond were questioned. Two gave names that were verified.
McMurry initially gave the name “Don Ferg” which could not be verified through local or state databases. He eventually gave his correct name and was arrested.
Bail was set at $1,000.
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.
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This is an advertorial.
As any local knows well, there are a LOT of bugs and other pests in Northeast Louisiana. Right now, with hot and humid weather, conditions particularly ripe are mosquitoes. And with autumn just around the corner, now is the time to prepare for fall pest control.
Just like us humans, as temperatures decrease, these critters get cold . . . and hungry! Your home could be a perfect source of warmth and food.
But remember, you hold the keys, so don’t allow them to enter. Follow these tips from Louisiana owned, J&J Exterminating to keep your home and property pest-free.
To learn more about J&J’s treatment options, visit www.jjext.com or call 1.800.737.2847. Also, check out J&J’s informative blog posts at https://www.jjext.com/blog.
The Lincoln Parish Journal wants to thank Karl Malone Toyota, Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s College Football Pick’em contest.
We also want to thank Dubach Air and Heat, Ginn’s Autobody, Hart Designs, Dawghouse Sports Grill, Pattons Western Wear, Tanyard Creek, Stows Moving Co., Ruston Athletic Supply, Hot Rod’s BBQ, and Charlie’s Carpet Cleaning for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.
We encourage all of our readers to utilize the services and products provided by our advertisers!
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Are you ready for some football?!?
Bigger question. Are you ready to win $200 in cash … with the potential to make it $400 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).
Starting this week, the Lincoln Parish Journal is proud to host the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy.
If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!
Readers are eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $200 cash prize (maybe $400). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of the predetermined 15 college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with this week’s games.
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $200 each week!
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
A new season of the Inside Bulldog Football coaches radio show debuts tonight at 6 p.m. as head coach Sonny Cumbie will be joined by the Voice of the Bulldogs Malcolm Butler.
The hour-long show has been moved to Thursday nights at 6 p.m. live from the Dawghouse Sports Grill in Ruston. The one exception will be Monday, Oct. 21 at 11:30 a.m. when the show will take place live on the Louisiana Tech University campus (see full schedule below).
Fans are encouraged to grab dinner and enjoy the show in person. You can also listen to Cumbie and Butler talk about the Bulldogs on KNBB 97.7 FM (Ruston), KDBS 94.7 FM/1410 AM (Alexandria), KQID 93.1 HD (Alexandria), and the LA Tech Athletics app.
2024 INSIDE BULLDOG FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 29
Thursday, Sept. 12
Thursday, Sept. 19
Thursday, Sept. 26
Thursday, Oct. 3
Thursday, Oct. 17
Monday, Oct. 21
Thursday, Oct. 24
Thursday, Nov. 7
Thursday, Nov. 14
Thursday, Nov. 21
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There is obviously a great deal of excitement around Ruston High and the community with the start of the football season. With so much success the last few years and so much optimism entering this season, it’s easy for many to have very high expectations for the team. I recall a very similar situation entering my senior season in high school. We had won two state baseball championships in a row and had much of our team returning. Expectations were sky high!
There is a problem with those high expectations. Expectations are wants, wishes, desires, or thoughts on an outcome based on prior results. We don’t have full control over expectations. Variables come into play that impact the expectation. Unexpected challenges or obstacles can occur. Expectations can lead to stress, anxiety, and added pressure. Expectations can also lead to disappointment, discouragement, and even depression in some cases.
I have written about it, spoken on the subject, and counseled many on the topic many times. I strongly encourage all of us to raise our standards, not our expectations. Expectations are outcome based. Standards are input based. Expectations are not controllable, but standards are controllable. Standards are the norms that we operate within. Standards are the reflection of our identity. Standards represent the culture of a team or business.
While I would strongly encourage those within and close to the RHS football team/program to continue to elevate their standards, I would also encourage them not to put unnecessary expectations on themselves. I recall winning that third state championship and just being relieved we didn’t fail (let everyone down). That’s not a healthy approach. We don’t need to go through life trying not to fail.
The same message applies to all of us in every stage of life. While the standards for RHS football may include a strong commitment to offseason training, on-time attendance at all sessions, high energy level at all practices, exemplary leadership on the campus, maximum effort on every play, and a unified commitment to one another and team, you need standards in your life too.
So many of us get wrapped up in expectations. We expect certain things by defined stages of life. We compare ourselves to others or to some objective that we set for ourselves and evaluate success or failure based on that outcome or achievement. We fail to see that life is lived within pursuit not accomplishment. Healthy goals are input focused not outcome based. Whether we are talking about a business or personal focus, it’s key that we focus on controllable actions not wishful outcomes.
Invest some time considering the identity you want, the lifestyle you seek, and establish standards around what you value. You will find more joy in the process and more fulfillment from life. Outcomes will generally take care of themselves as you invest daily in becoming the person you want to become.
Who you are becoming is more important than what you are achieving. Raise those standards not those expectations!
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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
Only two PGA Tour players, two-time 2024 major championship winner Xander Schauffele and Choudrant resident Sam Burns, have posted top 5 finishes in both FedEx Cup playoff events heading into the first round of the Tour Championship today in Atlanta.
Obviously, that puts them among the prime golfers to watch, along with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, as 30 qualifiers tee off in the Tour’s final 2024 event at East Lake Country Club.
Burns, a Shreveport native who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club, enters the 72-hole finale ninth in the 2024 FedEx Cup standings. He tied for second last weekend at the FedEx BMW Championship in Castle Rock, Col., on the heels of a fifth-place tie in the opening week of the playoffs two weeks ago at Memphis in the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Qualifying for the Tour Championship for the fourth straight year, the product of Calvary Baptist Academy and LSU will start at 4-under par when he tees off today at 12:16 CST with Patrick Cantlay. Schauffele begins at 8 under and Scheffler starts at 10 below, with the top 10 finishers in the FedEx Cup standings given strokes to reflect their season-long elite performances.
Writing for SI.com, Golf Intelligence president Jim Straka listed the 28-year-old Burns as the third-ranked contender. Mark Schlabach, golf writer for ESPN.com, ranks Burns fifth.
The two-time LSU All-American drove the ball very well last week, and has been red hot with his putter, always the best part of his game. Burns ranks second among the 30 finalists in strokes gained, putting 1.89 over his eight rounds during the two playoff events.
The stakes are juicy. The winner this weekend collects $25 million. Burns’ career PGA Tour earnings are $27.9 million. Purse money in the Tour Championship is “unofficial” and doesn’t stack on to the PGA’s count, but banks very well.
The runner-up takes home $12.5 million, third place earns $7.5 million, and the top 12 finishers take home at least $1 million. A $550,000 check goes to the 30th-place finisher.
Golf Channel and NBC are sharing coverage of the Tour Championship, beginning at noon today on Golf Channel.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
It sounds like Vincenzo Peruggia could have gotten the idea from a Hollywood movie, but it’s actually the other way around. Hollywood scriptwriters got their ideas from Vincenzo. Pietro Vincenzo Antonio Peruggia was born on October 8, 1881, in Dumenza, Italy, about 50 miles north of Milan. Vincenzo was an amateur painter, art lover, and a proud Italian. Just as an animal lover’s dream job would be to work in a zoo, in 1908 Vincenzo got a job in a museum in Paris framing and reframing artwork. He was a glazier, a glass fitter. His skill as an amateur painter gave him a certain finesse in his work.
At about 7:00 on the morning of August 21, 1911, Vincenzo arrived at work as usual. Over his clothes he wore his white smock, the same as all other employees at the museum wore. On the surface, there was nothing to signify that this day would be any different than any other, but Vincenzo had a plan. While working at the museum, Vincenzo became obsessed with the idea of stealing one of the Italian paintings and returning it to Italy. He realized that no one would suspect him because he had worked at the museum for over four years. On that Monday morning, Vincenzo waited until the room was unoccupied, then put his plan into motion. He took the painting off the wall and carried it to a nearby stairway where he removed it from its frame. He hid the discarded frame among some student artworks which were sitting on the landing of the staircase. Vincenzo was unable to roll the painting up because the artist had painted it on a piece of wood. Vincenzo wrapped his white smock around the painting, tucked it under his arm, and walked out the same door that he had entered earlier that morning. When other employees noticed the empty spot on the wall where the painting had been hung, they notified the police. They ushered the visitors out with the ruse that a water pipe had burst.
Police searched the building and found the painting’s discarded frame. They questioned all of the museum’s permanent employees as well as temporary employees such as bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, and glaziers. Police visited Vincenzo at his apartment and questioned him. When questioning the museum’s employees revealed no leads, investigators figured they had missed something and repeated the process. Once again, investigators visited Vincenzo’s apartment and questioned him, but they found no reason to suspect Vincenzo. Vincenzo gave them permission to search his apartment, which disarmed suspicion. Had investigators glanced inside a large trunk which sat just inches from them in the apartment, they would have found nothing incriminating. However, if they had noticed that the trunk had a false bottom, they would have solved the crime.
As per his plan to not raise suspicion, Vincenzo continued working at the museum for two more years. In 1913, Vincenzo left his job at the museum. He tried to sell the stolen painting to various dealers in London and Paris, and even offered it to a representative of American financier J.P. Morgan, none of which notified the authorities. On November 28, 1913, Vincenzo wrote a letter to art dealer Alfred Geri, owner of the Galleria d’Arte Moderna in Florence and offered to sell him the stolen painting. Alfred agreed to meet once Vincenzo was in Florence. Vincenzo took the trunk with its hidden cargo to Florence. On December 11, 1913, Alfred watched as Vincenzo removed the painting from the false bottom of the trunk. After inspecting the painting, Alfred and Vincenzo purportedly came to some agreement on price and Alfred left the room. Alfred immediately notified the police of the stolen painting and its hiding place. Acting on Alfred’s tip, police arrested Vincenzo and slid the painting out from its hiding place. The face in the painting seemed to almost smile as if happy to have been rescued.
During questioning, Vincenzo claimed he had no accomplices and explained that accomplices were not necessary. “I did not take the painting from a desire to gain from it,” he told authorities, “but wished to accomplish a good and holy work by returning to my country one of the many treasures stolen from it.” Vincenzo said he thought he should receive adequate compensation for returning the painting to Italy. He neglected to mention that he had tried to sell the painting to people in three other countries before offering it to a dealer in Italy.
Thus ended what some people have described as the greatest art theft of the 20th century. The painting that Vincenzo stole was certainly prominent in the art world, but the painting’s theft and eventual return took the painting to another level. For two years, people all around the world saw pictures of the painting and followed the investigation in newspapers. Before it was returned to France, the painting was exhibited in art galleries throughout Italy to jubilant crowds. When it was returned to France, the celebrations were even larger. Crowds viewed the painting in a sort of modern concert atmosphere with pushing and shoving and everyone vying for a better view. Little has changed in the past century. Throngs of people still visit that same museum, the Louvre, to see that same painting. Because of Vincenzo Peruggia’s theft, we can instantly produce a mental image of what is arguably the most famous painting in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
Sources:
1. The Baltimore Sun, August 23, 1911, p.13.
2. The Kansas City Star, August 22, 19011, p.4.
3. The Tampa Tribune, December 14, 1913, p.81.
4. St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 15, 1913, p.6.
5. St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 26, 1913, p.15.
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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are set to take on another SWAC foe in Jackson State tonight at Robert Mack Caruthers Field at 7 p.m.
The Bulldogs are coming off a 3-3 tie against Grambling on Sunday night.
LA Tech (0-1-3) is looking for the first win of the season following a 3-3 tie with Grambling on Sunday night at Robert Mack Caruthers Field. Tech trailed 2-1 at halftime but fought back to tie the game at 3-3, following second-half goals from Maeva Costenaro and Kalli Matlock.
Matlock scored two goals following a pair of penalty kicks from handball violations from Grambling. The Shreveport native had her first multi-goal game since Nicholls of the 2023 season. Freshman Costenaro scored her first collegiate goal from way outside the box.
The Tigers (0-1-1) are coming off a 2-1 loss from McNeese State in Lake Charles on Sunday. Jackson State’s only goal came in the 34th minute after Kyla Gomez scored following an assist from Kalia Uehara.
The Tigers and Bulldogs haven’t faced off since 2015 when the Bulldogs beat the Tigers 2-0 in Jackson, Miss. LA Tech has won the last two matchups by a combined score of 9-0. The Bulldogs have outscored the Tigers 14-2 in the six total meetings.
Memorial services for Shirley Edmondson Crump, 86, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2024, at Temple Baptist Church. Shirley’s wish is for her family and friends to celebrate her life over coffee and donuts following the service. A private family interment will be held Friday afternoon at Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at Temple on Thursday, August 29, at 5-7 p.m.
Shirley passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024. She was born on March 23, 1938, in Gilbert, Louisiana, but lived in Lake Providence, Louisiana, until she left home to attend college.
Attending Louisiana Tech University, she majored in Elementary Education. While at Tech Shirley was very involved in the Baptist Student Union where she met the love of her life, Kenny Crump. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960 and began her teaching career in Tallulah, Louisiana. She and Kenny married in 1961 and moved to Denver, Colorado, where their first child, Faith, was born. They lived in Bozeman, Montana, and Buffalo, New York, in the next few years when Tanya and Casey were born. Afterward, they settled permanently in Ruston, Louisiana, where Shirley devoted her time to parenting her three children. She later completed her Master of Arts degree in elementary education at Louisiana Tech in 1980.
Shirley had a lifelong love for teaching. After her children began high school and college, she taught at Hillcrest Elementary for 10 years as well as teaching Sunday School in the Temple college department for many years. She also had a heart for internationals. She began teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) as a volunteer through Friendship International in 1989, impacting hundreds of students from 36 different countries. Shirley continued teaching ESL for 35 years, and she and Kenny also spent 12 summers teaching English in China.
In addition to teaching, Shirley enjoyed working in her yard, reading books, crocheting, playing bridge, having coffee with her friends, and traveling. She and Kenny visited all 50 states and traveled the world touring over 25 countries.
Shirley loved serving others and volunteered at Christian Community Action, the local hospital, Rolling Hills, and Life Choices, as well as many other ministries. She had a true gift for hospitality and loved nothing more than to have family and friends in her home, hosting numerous bridal and baby showers, Christmas parties, high school Bible studies, and hundreds of college students and internationals. Her strong faith and love for the Lord led her to serve at Temple Baptist Church where she was involved in several Women’s Missionary groups (her favorite was Missionary Round Table), taught in the college department for 25 years and the international class for 20 plus years, sang in the sanctuary choir, and served on many committees.
An avid Louisiana Tech supporter, Shirley was a charter member of Lagniappe Ladies and a lifetime member of the Louisiana Tech Alumni Association. She delighted in helping students attend college and left a lasting legacy through an Edmondson/Crump College of Education scholarship. In recognition of her contributions to the field of education, she was the university’s 2017 College of Education Distinguished Alumna. Shirley loved trees, and a plaque on the university campus recognizes her role in planting trees on the Tech grounds. Those who knew Shirley know how much she enjoyed any type of sports, but especially cheering on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and New Orleans Saints.
Shirley lived a full and rewarding life, but her greatest joy was her family, including Kenny during their 63 years of marriage, her three children and spouses, six grandchildren and spouses, four great-grandchildren, and her siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. She is remembered by her family and friends for her positive spirit and love for people. She was a true blessing to her family through her loyal devotion, unwavering encouragement, and unconditional love.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents Opal and Frank Edmondson; her siblings, Ned Edmondson and wife Merle; Jerry Edmondson and wife Patsy; and son-in-law Greg Alexander. She is survived by her husband Kenny Crump; daughters Faith Crump Alexander of Ruston, Louisiana, and Tanya Crump Bernard and husband Bruce of Katy, Texas; her son Casey Crump and wife Weiva Sieh of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren: Dustin Alexander and Daniel Alexander and wife Jenny of Ruston, Louisiana; Emory Bernard of Wilmington, Delaware; Micah Becker and husband Matous of Akron, Ohio; Jacob Bernard and wife Shelby of Noblesville, Indiana; and Kenneth Crump of Rice University in Houston, Texas; and four great-grandchildren: Garner and Grayson Alexander, and Ella and Dax Alexander.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Boys & Girls Club of North Louisiana or the local Friendship International.
Shirley Crump
March 23, 1938 – August 26, 2024
Visitation: Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, Thursday, August 29, 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Service: Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, Friday, August 30, 2024, 10:00 am
Martha J. Montgomery
Thursday 10/28/1954 –Tuesday 08/27/2024
Graveside: Saturday 09/07/2024 11:00am, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
Cynthia Aillet Kavanaugh Murry
August 28, 1931 – August 24, 2024
Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Friday, August 30, 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Service: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Saturday, August 31, 2024, 10:00 am
Cemetery: Forest Lawn Cemetery ~ Ruston, Saturday, August 31, 2024
Mass: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Saturday, August 31, 2024, 10:00 am
Leon F. Blankenship, Jr.
Monday 11/28/1955 — Friday 08/09/2024
Funeral Service: Friday 08/30/2024 10:00am at King’s Funeral Home
Interment: Friday 08/30/2024 Following Service, Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 2413 Highway 425, Rayville
Theresa McMurray Mason
Thursday 05/03/1951 — Wednesday 08/21/2024
Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/31/2024 11:00am, Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ, 1405 South Farmerville Street, Ruston
Interment: Saturday 08/31/2024 Following Service, Woods Chapel Baptist Church, 326 Par Rd 454, Ruston
(This is one of our profiles on this year’s recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2024 Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. We would like to thank Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com for the headshots).
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Name: Jereme Johnson
Age: 39
Employer: Self Employed (Johnson Physical Therapy)
Title: CEO
Hometown: Jena, Louisiana
Years Living in Ruston: 12
Civic Volunteer Organizations: Volunteering events for our church Temple Baptist of Ruston and volunteer coaching in many organizations such as RPAR, FNA and NL soldiers.
Professional Highlights: The development and opening of Johnson Physical Therapy in 2017 in Ruston Louisiana/2019 in West Monroe Louisiana/2024 in North Monroe. Through the support of our therapy staff, we have been able to apply treatment systems applicable to a variety of different diagnosis, but also we have been able to provide a consistency of treatment between staff members that I believe is unmatched in our field.
Rob Owens on Jereme Johnson:
“Jereme is the epitome of a Lincoln Leader. His work-ethic, determination and character can clearly be seen in all aspects of his life by all who encounter him. He is an avid innovator and visionary who constantly strives to improve not only his business, but our community as a whole. Jereme’s purpose is to innovate his industry by creating an environment unlike any other for his patients of North Louisiana.”
Q&A with Jereme Johnson
What makes Lincoln Parish so special?
I think that the pride of the Lincoln parish community is what makes it so special. You can tell that the citizens/leaders of Lincoln parish work hard to improve the existing organizations and resources, as well as push forward to create new opportunities to better the next generation. It is a combination of pride and forethought, that makes this place special and what will continue to keep it that way.
How do you see your role/place in making our parish such a wonderful place to call home?
My role/place as a member of this community is to walk the path of those leaders before me. That is a path that leads to service. I believe that we are all meant to serve others. I know that there will only continue to be more and more opportunities to serve my community as I professionally grow. I think I have been a great benefactor to a community that has been well kept for. It’s only right that I try to do the same and assume the role of servant to this great community.
Who has played a role in your professional development and why?
I would say that my professional development has been an eclectic experience for which I have taken the ideas, disciplines, methods and approaches of many professionals, friends, family and peers. I would say that my parents Gaile and Aron Johnson have probably made the largest impact on me as an individual. They both raised me to understand the importance of honoring your commitments, sacrificing immediate reward for long term accomplishment and the importance of serving others for their benefit. I think ultimately those are the pillars that lead to success in any organization, group, team and company.
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By Hanna Singh
Dr. David Murphy of Johnston and Murphy Dental Care was recently honored for his significant contributions to the youth in the community. The Lincoln Rotary Club awarded Murphy the Youth Advocate of the Year Award in recognition of his “Give Kids a Smile Day” program.
Each year, The Youth Advocacy Award is given to a dedicated Rotarian who had made the most substantial impact on the community youth through programs, mentorships or events. Through Murphy’s annual “Give Kids A Smile Day”, Johnston and Murphy Dental provides children in the area with free dental care and dental education annually. Ruston Rotary Club President, Victoria Sullivan, praised Murphy for his commitment to serving the children of the Ruston community.
“This Rotarian is a dedicated member of his community. Always volunteering and giving his knowledge, time and resources to anyone who asks him for it,” Sullivan said. “We are so thankful that he brought an idea to our club several years ago to serve underserved children in our area regarding dentistry.”
Co-owner of Johnston and Murphy Dental Care, Dr. Lamar Johnston described his experience in working with Dr. Murphy and with “Give Kids a Smile Day”.
“Dr. Murphy has worked with me for 4 years. He has always had a vision and desire to reach out and help others using dentistry as a platform,” Johnston said. “Give Kids a Smile Day was his idea to reach out and help our community. An average of 45 kids per year are not only receiving care but are also being taught how to prevent dental decay and gum disease. Dr. Murphy’s passion to help others is a true reflection of who he is.”
Through his years in dentistry, Murphy has not only provided dental care to hundreds of children in Ruston area but has also played a pivotal role in mentoring and guiding many predental students as they embark on their careers. Through shadowing opportunities and internships, Murphy has educated and prepared future dentists with encouragement and patience. Harlie Robinson, a Johnston and Murphy Dental Care employee and predental student, expressed her gratitude to Murphy for his mentorship over the years.
“I learned so much under Dr. Murphy during my time as a shadow, intern and employee. I am very thankful for his kindness and willingness to teach me everything he could during my time at JMDC,” Robinson said. “I would not be where I am today, in dental school, without his mentorship, support and friendliness over the years. Even though Dr. Murphy is the professional with many more years of experience, he never made me feel like I was anything less than him. He would treat me as an equal and someone who will hopefully soon join his same profession.”
The annual “Give Kids A Smile Day”, hosted by Johnston and Murphy Dental Care, brings in children from around Lincoln Parish to receive free dental care and participate in education stations to learn about dental hygiene. This year, 43 third grade students attended, each receiving dental checkups and cleanings. Murphy shared his appreciation for everyone who was involved in providing these services for children, that led to the award.
“It’s an honor to have been awarded the Youth Advocate of the Year Award for our annual Johnston and Murphy Dental Care ‘Give Kids A Smile Day’,” Murphy said. “Truthfully this award recognizes the contributions of many people, without which we could not possibly host the event. I am proud to live and work in a community that steps in to help any way that they can when a need is identified.”
Murphy thanked Johnston and Murphy employees, volunteers for the Lincoln Rotary Club, the Louisiana Tech Pre-Dental Society and ULM Dental Hygiene School for their contributions to the event. Dr. Murphy will continue to make a difference in the community by hosting the “Give Kids A Smile Day” for many years to come.
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Department arrested a Choudrant man Sunday after he rode an all-terrain vehicle on the roadway and was found to be in possession of drugs and an illegal firearm.
Robert Marron, 44, was charged with numerous drug and firearms offenses about 11:30 a.m. Aug. 25.
A deputy investigating a traffic crash on Norris Road saw Marron using an off-road ATV on the roadway. When Marron apparently saw the patrol car, he left the roadway and later crossed U. S. 80 onto Pleasant Grove Road where he was stopped by the deputy.
The deputy noticed Marron’s pockets were full of bulky objects. When asked about the objects, Marron said he had narcotics on him. He produced a plastic container from his front left pocket that contained suspected methamphetamine.
Marijuana and a firearm without a serial number were located in a backpack. Marron was determined to be a convicted felon from drug charges in 2015 and 2016 and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Marron was taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where he was booked for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in proximity to control substances, and operating an off-road vehicle on a public road.
Bail was set at $37,500.
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.
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Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications
Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business has launched two new certificates designed to equip students with the knowledge needed to help organizations make data-driven decisions to propel success. Starting this Fall, Tech will offer a graduate certificate in business data analytics and an undergraduate certificate in business analytics.
“We strive to tailor our curriculum to the needs of industry partners and an ever-evolving workforce, and these new certificate programs help meet the growing demand in the field of data analytics,” said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business. “Levering technology in business to the fullest is a cornerstone of our College, and the addition of the certificates is another way to bolster that area.”
The 12-hour graduate certificate in business data analytics can be taken fully online or in a hybrid format, offering a standalone credential to build and expand skills in the areas of analytical decision making, big data, and AI. The certificate can also serve as an embedded credential for students completing Tech’s MBA with a concentration in business data analytics.
The undergraduate certificate in business analytics is an 18-hour program that teaches students to apply analytics to business problems with a focus on descriptive analytics, predictive analytics, and visualization. The certificate can be taken in conjunction with an undergraduate degree or as a standalone program.
Both certificates offer analytics-focused courses across the business disciplines, including computer information systems, accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics.
For more information, visit business.latech.edu/certificate-programs/ or apply online at latech.edu/apply.
The Lincoln Parish Journal wants to thank Karl Malone Toyota, Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s College Football Pick’em contest.
We also want to thank Dubach Air and Heat, Ginn’s Autobody, Hart Designs, Dawghouse Sports Grill, Pattons Western Wear, Tanyard Creek, Stows Moving Co., Ruston Athletic Supply, Hot Rod’s BBQ, and Charlie’s Carpet Cleaning for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.
We encourage all of our readers to utilize the services and products provided by our advertisers!
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Are you ready for some football?!?
Bigger question. Are you ready to win $200 in cash … with the potential to make it $400 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).
Starting this week, the Lincoln Parish Journal is proud to host the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy.
If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!
Readers are eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $200 cash prize (maybe $400). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of the predetermined 15 college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with this week’s games.
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $200 each week!
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With the start of high school and college football right around the corner, the Lincoln Parish Journal will begin publishing six days a week.
Starting this Saturday, the LPJ will publish each Saturday through the end of both local high school and college football seasons.
The Lincoln Parish Journal continues to pride itself in providing up-to-date news and feature stories involving our area as well as the region and state.
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