It took all of two minutes for the Ruston City Council to complete Thursday’s special-called meeting held in the courtroom at City Hall.
That’s all the time it took for the Board of Alderman to introduce an ordinance to adopt the budget of revenue and expenditures for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2024, and ending Sept. 30, 2025, for the city of Ruston and also introduce an ordinance levying and imposing taxes on all property subject to taxation in the city of Ruston.
There were no matters discussed. Those two ordinances will be discussed and voted on during the City Council’s next meeting on Sept. 9. That meeting will be held on the second Monday of Sept. 9 because of the Sept. 2 Labor Day holiday.
Because it’s yet to be discussed it’s unclear what the Ruston City Council will decide to do with that second ordinance that will set millage rates that affect property taxes charged to home and business owners.
In recent weeks around 9,000 Lincoln Parish residential and commercial property owners received reassessment notices from the parish assessor’s office indicating they will see a 15% or more increase in assessed value received notices.
That presents the potential of increased property tax charges at the end of the year.
But earlier this month, in the midst of economically turbulent times, the Lincoln Parish School Board rolled back most of its millages to counter increases in revenue caused by increased assessed values.
The Lincoln Parish Police Jury made a similar move a week later, voting to collect less property tax revenue for library operations in order to balance out what the jurors felt was needed increased revenue for general alimony, road construction and road maintenance millages.
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A Ruston woman was arrested Sunday after police investigating a report of a woman screaming discovered she was wanted on several warrants.
Aujaney M. Simmons, 24, was located when Ruston Police responded to a call of a woman screaming on Dunn Street about 11 a.m. Sunday. Simmons told officers she ran out of gas and was waiting for someone to pick her up.
A records check showed Simmons was wanted on two warrants from Ruston City Court for failure to appear on charges of disturbing the peace and theft. Another warrant from Third Judicial District Court with bail set at $150,000 was also located. The nature of the charge was not available at publication time.
Simmons was arrested and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where she was booked on the three warrants. The total bail was said at $158,000.
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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Legendary local artist and Lincoln Parish Journal photographer Reggie McLeroy’s latest print is now available for purchase.
Titled “A Season of Greatness,” the print features the championship trophy along with an exact rendering of the championship ring presented to the team following the 2023 Non-Select, Division I title after beating Zachary 31-17.
Recently, the original was auctioned at the Friday Night Lights Community Tailgate party for $5,000 with the proceeds going to benefit Ruston High School’s football team.
A Ruston graduate from the class of 1980, McLeroy’s love for the Bearcats is second to none.
“I’m honored that I can use my talent to give back,” McLeroy said. “It’s a way to give back to Ruston High — the school I graduated from. I look at people who received their PhD, I look at other students in college who have received their masters, I look at students in high school who receive their diplomas or who did not finish school and they can get their GED. And when I think about what I have, I have my “GGT”, which is my “God-given-talent,” because without God, I have nothing.
“God has a way of slowing people down. As soon as the championship game was over, and my brain went to work to see what I could do with my art to honor the state title. I start picturing things in my mind of what I want it to look like. The next day, Hunter Smith called and asked me what I was thinking about as far as drawing the picture. I knew what I wanted to do, but I wasn’t entirely sure what I could use. Once I got the okay to include the items I wanted to use, I immediately got to work.”
The print is a majority of black and white, with the only color being the sharp red “R” on the state championship ring. McLeroy started the print fairly quickly after the championship win in December and wanted to include the ring in the drawing but kept everything under wraps until the players got their championship hardware.
“Coach Baugh asked me to wait until after the kids got their championship rings before I could show anyone,” McLeroy said. “During that time, I looked back and realized something was missing. What I noticed missing was honoring our district championship. And nowhere in the picture was the year “2023.” It gave me the opportunity to redo it and add those things that were missing. I truly thank God for slowing me down in order to make those changes.
“After working in the school system for 20-plus years as the discipline coordinator and not having as much time to draw like I normally do, I think it was by God that I was put back into the classroom to teach art, which also gives me time to draw again. When I look at that, I think there are some other things that God has given me, which are my purposes: one, to work with kids with their art talents, and two, to help kids develop their basketball skills. Being an assistant coach allows me to give my basketball knowledge to those players. It also allows me the opportunity to give my students sound advice about life.”
McLeroy also wanted to give thanks and appreciation to Lincoln Parish School Board Superintendent Ricky Durrett for his help in working with the LHSAA to allow the replica of the trophy to be included in the artwork.
“It means a lot to do this drawing, because I think about doing my first one in ’88 when we won the state championship,” McLeroy said. “It means a lot to be able to do it again for ’23. I want to thank the people of Ruston and in the surrounding areas for supporting me and my artwork through the years.”
The prints will be $80 with a run of 200 being printed.
To order your print, please email reggiemcleroy@gmail.com. If there is a specific number that you would like to order that is available, you can request it in the email.
Time and place for payment and pickup with be announced soon.
Following the weeks of fall camp, where your primary opponent wears the same uniform as you do, it’s finally to see somebody else.
So tonight, the the Ruston High Bearcats will travel over to Shreveport for the annual C.E. Byrd summer scrimmage matchup, which will be played on Byrd’s campus.
“I think I feel a little bit of excitement,” Ruston High School Head Football Coach Jerrod Baugh said. “I think we’re just ready to stop playing against each other. It’s that time. I mean, you go all summer and basically all spring going against the same guys or are the same group of guys, and that gets old. It wears on them. I think they’ll get excited as the day moves along today too, and hopefully be ready to get out there and perform.”
The format will be identical to last year: the freshmen will play at 6 p.m. and varsity scheduled to start after. There will be two rounds of a controlled scrimmage before the teams will play two 12-minute halves.
Entering his tenth year at the head of the Bearcat football program, Ruston and Byrd have squared off for every season that Baugh has been the head coach for Ruston High, with the teams alternating who will serve as the host site.
For Baugh, measuring success tonight will not necessarily be what shows up on the scoreboard.
” I think if we can just get out and make adjustments, that’s how we’ll be successful,” Baugh said. “So Byrd is going to do some different things than what we’ve been preparing against, which is our stuff. And so, I really want to see can kids take coaching on the sideline, and then take that into the game and make some adjustments and be able to do in-game adjustments. That’s one of the biggest things of the game — you just don’t really have a way to practice that because you do so much preparation. You watch video, see what somebody does against this person, that person and all of that. So we kind of surprise them with that — bringing them into the game unprepared with what the other team does. And they go out and they’ve got to look and see what’s going on. And then, once we get off the field, they’ll take coaching, make adjustments to be able to run back out there and do that. So it’s a really good way for us to to practice that.”
The scrimmage will be held at Byrd High School and located at 3201 Line Ave. in Shreveport. Admission is $5.
The Bearcats will play in the BayouJamb Saturday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. against historic rival Neville High before kicking off the 2024 regular season at home on Friday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. against Acadiana.
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Cedar Creek will host Lakeside tonight at 6 p.m. (photo by Darrell James)
by Malcolm Butler
Last year, Cedar Creek traveled to Lakeside for a preseason scrimmage.
This year the Warriors will return the favor.
The Cougars will host their Webster Parish foes tonight at 6 p.m. at Cougar Field at Origin Bank Stadium in the final scrimmage prior to next Friday’s Bayou Jamb match-up against OCS.
Head coach William Parkerson said following last week’s intrasquad scrimmage that he has certain things he hopes to accomplish in tonight’s first action against players not wearing Cougars across their jerseys.
“Defensively are we going to get 11 hats to the ball,” said Parkerson. “First thing we do every day is the pursuit drill. So is that going to carry over. And then offensively can we control the line of scrimmage and get that inside run game going.”
Cedar Creek opens its regular season Sept. 6 at Delhi Charter.
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Lincoln Prep’s Verlanski Glosson heads up field on this 32-yard reception during Thursday night’s scrimmage against Booker T. Washington. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
The scoreboard wasn’t on, and points weren’t officially tallied.
Both teams wore white jerseys for that matter.
But it still felt like a winning effort for the Lincoln Preparatory School football team Thursday night as the Panthers hosted Shreveport’s Booker T. Washington in a preseason scrimmage held at Panthers Field.
The Class 1A Panthers knew they were for a challenge as they faced off against the Class 4A Lions.
That’s just what Lincoln Prep coach Glen Hall wanted for his team — a challenge.
And in the end, he liked what he saw from his Panthers.
“I think we faced adversity,” Hall said. “And we hit it in the mouth. We came out flat, nervous, but once we got through those first 10 plays and we were able to understand the game and settled down, we started making plays. And that’s all I try to get them to do.
“You don’t have to make big plays, you just have to make a little play, and all of those little plays will add up to a big play.”
Lincoln Prep opened the game with a three-and-out series with a pair of bad snaps costing the Panthers 20 yards in losses. Their next two series weren’t much better, with D’Tavion Wright’s 6-yard catch and 13-run yard being the two biggest gains on the next six plays.
”But once we got past that fatigue factor, after the second 10 plays while they (Lincoln Prep’s linemen) were also playing 10 plays on defense, it got better. I’ve just got to do a better job of getting them into shape.”
When the Lions’ offense got its first three series, the Panthers gave up 34 yards before interceptions by Verlanski Glosson and freshman JaQuan Qualls gave Lincoln Prep some much needed confidence.
“(Booker T. Washington) is a big school, but I’ve always said we’re a big team, too,” Hall said. “We work out in the weight room, too. We’ve been working them all summer, but they’re just now learning to believe. They didn’t believe in themselves the first series.
“(The Lions) had guys 350-360 pounds, but we’ve got guys 300, 350 pounds. So when they found out that they’re just as big and just as strong, they fought back. They started picking up blitzes and talking more on the lines. I’m proud of them.”
Lincoln Prep’s biggest play was a 57-yard scoring strike from quarterback Jordan Brown to Wright, who used his deceptive speed to turn what looked to be a short reception into a touchdown.
That sparked big plays from Trey Spann, who recorded a 17-yard catch and an interception, running back Jaylin Hunter, who turned in a couple of big rushes, Cenario Wilson, who hauled in a 27-yard catch and Glosson, who added a 32-reception on a pass from backup quarterback Michael Lewis.
“Everybody bought in, and once everybody bought in — that’s what a team is about,” Hall said. “You’ve got to be proud of them, but we’ve just got to keep working. We’ve got to work harder than we did yesterday.”
Next up for the Panthers will be facing Delta Charter at the Delhi Jamboree on Aug. 30.
“I want to see fewer mistakes,” Hall said about what he wants to see in that jamboree game. “I want to see us tackle better, I want to see us not miss the blitzes and let the other team get to our quarterbacks. I want to see our quarterback become more of a leader. He still struggles to be a leader.
“And when we tell him to throw the ball, he hesitates. We could have scored the ball a couple more times if he had released the ball. You’ve got to release the ball on point. It’s simple things. We’ve just got to keep drilling that into his head, take the game out of his hands and coach everybody else through it and let him be a manager and not the playmaker.”
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The Bearcat Nation is all about tradition and this year is no different. Ruston High School’s Alumni Association has recently experienced a revival. One of its primary goals was to bring back the tradition of recognizing distinguished alumni each year during homecoming week.
The last alumni awards luncheon to be held was during 2017. This year, six awards will be presented to alumni on Friday, November 1st, when the luncheon is held at the Davison Athletic Complex on Louisiana Tech’s campus.
Nominations for alumni awards are being taken now and will be taken until Friday, September 20. The awards given will be:
Award recipients will be recognized at the luncheon and recognized on social media and in local news outlets.
If you have questions or want more information about the awards or the luncheon, please contact Heather Reeder at awards.bearcatalum@gmail.com or 318-548-8166.
An event is unfolding around us. Even readers of this article have a perspective on it.
For Educators this is an annual occurrence. They have prepared for this episode for weeks. They busy themselves with lesson plans, room decorations, seating charts, and wondering which student will thrive and which student will struggle because of this event. They are confident, even in the face of the unknown, of their skills and experience.
For parents the annual event is like a whirlwind. Parents have been praying for this event since the sounding of the last school bell in May. They have met the challenges of the summer taxi service. They have endured parties, sleep overs, and travel ball tournaments. They have refereed spats with siblings, negotiated time share for the video games, and prayed a healthy amount of prayers dealing with the length of the summer. They are actually happy this event is finally here.
I am a casual observer of this occurrence. I know it is happening because the front of Walmart is filled with school supplies. I note for you the school supplies have now been replaced with Halloween candy. I have observed an increase in traffic. I personally must decide which route to take to work. I must negotiate a left turn onto Cooktown Road from the Interstate. My time of arrival at the exit determines my direction of travel. I have enjoyed some philosophical thought and discussion about taking the left-hand turn chance or driving past the exit and backtracking.
The students are the ones most affected by this event. They slept with impunity all summer. They have relaxed and excelled at play and goofing off. They were kids all summer and now that summer is gone. Some will celebrate the start of their senior year. Some experience all the trials and tribulations of being a freshman. Still others are starting school for the first time.
One event, the start of school, and there are many perspectives about the same event depending on your frame of reference. The teachers are ready, the parents delighted, the children face it with mixed emotions. Even us casual observers see the event differently depending on traffic and the time of day.
When you are deep in the middle of an event in your life, remember there are numerous lenses through which you can view the event. Those lenses are called your mindset. The one event was going back to school. I only described four perspectives. Can you imagine how complex perspectives could become? In many cases the educator is both a parent and a student. The student might also be a parent. You see how quickly a simple thing becomes complex.
The next time an event is happening, it might mean taking a deep breath and being in that moment. In a moment of curiosity you might ask, what does Jesus want me to learn now? In His kingdom we are all students.
Doug de Graffenried is Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church.
Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Friday, August 23 10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting for Path-Maker (2111 N. Trenton St.)
Saturday, August 24 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
Louisiana Tech Tennis head coach Amy Sargeant announced Thursday the fall schedule for the Bulldogs, a slate that includes four tournaments.
LA Tech will get the fall start in Denton, Texas at the Waranch Tennis Complex as they take part in the Diving Eagle Invitational hosted by North Texas on Sept. 20-22.
Two weekends later, the Bulldogs will host the inaugural Red River Invitational in Bossier City at the Bossier Tennis Center on Oct. 5-6. LA Tech will host McNeese, Stephen F. Austin, and Xavier (LA) in the two-day event.
Next up will be a trip to Auburn, Alabama where the Bulldogs will participate in the ITA Southern Regionals on Oct. 10-14, hosted by Auburn. The fall slate concludes on Oct. 25-26 in Conway, Arkansas at the UCA Invitational.
Louisiana Tech Golf head coach Matt Terry announced Wednesday the 2024-25 schedule, a slate that features 11 regular season events plus the Conference USA Championship.
For the sixth straight year, LA Tech will open the season on its home course, Squire Creek Country Club in nearby Choudrant. The Argent Financial Classic will take place on Sept. 8-10, an event that will feature 17 teams from across the south. This will mark the 25th time the Bulldogs will host a regular season event at the championship golf course.
The Bulldogs will play four more events during the fall portion of their schedule – the GMAC Invitational on Sept. 22-24 (hosted by UAB in Oneonta, Ala.), the Trinity Forest Invitational on Oct. 6-8 (hosted by SMU in Dallas, Texas), the Steelwood Collegiate on Oct. 26-27 (hosted by South Alabama in Loxley, Ala.), and the Ka’anapali Classic on Nov. 2-4 (hosted by Hawai’i in Lahaina, Hawai’i).
The spring portion of LA Tech’s schedule begins on Feb. 3-4 at the Sea Best Invitational in Atlantic Beach, Florida, an event hosted by Jacksonville. The following week on Feb. 10-11, the Bulldogs will travel to Mobile, Alabama to participate in the Hal Williams Collegiate hosted by South Alabama.
On March 10-11, LA Tech travels south to Lafayette to take part in the Louisiana Classics hosted by ULL. The following week on March 16-18, they will play in the Linger Longer Invitational in Greensboro, Georgia hosted by Kennesaw State.
The ‘Dogs will wrap up the regular season with events on March 31-April 1 at the Maridoe Intercollegiate (hosted by North Texas in Carrollton, Texas) and April 12-13 at the Aggie Invitational (hosted by Texas A&M in College Station, Texas).
The Conference USA Championship is back in Texarkana, Ark. on April 21-24 at the Texarkana Country Club. The Bulldogs look to make it three straight trips of advancing to match play. NCAA Regionals will take place on May 12-14.
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
Maybelle Shadoin November 1, 1932 – August 20, 2024 Visitation: Saturday, August 24, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, First Baptist Church Ruston, 200 S Trenton St, Ruston Funeral Service: Saturday, August 24, 2024, 2:00 PM, First Baptist Church Ruston, 200 S Trenton St, Ruston Cemetery Committal: Saturday, August 24, 2024, Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens, 1270 HWY 544, Ruston
Peggy May September 6, 1927 – August 19, 2024 Visitation: Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Monday, August 26, 2024, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Funeral Service: Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Monday, August 26, 2024, 10:00 AM Cemetery Committal: Simsboro City Cemetery, Monday, August 26, 2024
Robert Morgan Brown, Jr. (Starchy ) Wednesday 12/30/1987 — Monday 08/12/2024 Visitation: Saturday 08/24/2024 9:00am to 11:00am, Little Zion Baptist Church, 307 S. Bayou Des Glaise, Cottonport Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/24/2024 11:00am, Little Zion Baptist Church, 307 S. Bayou Des Glaise, Cottonport Interment: Private
Willie Earl Patrick Sunday 08/14/1960 — Wednesday 08/07/2024 Family Gathering: Friday 08/23/2024 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Friday 08/23/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Life Celebration: Saturday 08/24/2024 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 08/24/2024 Following Service, China Grove Cemetery, 699 Mondy Road, 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).
_________________________________________________
Name: Sarah McKinnie
Age: 38
Employer: Origin Bank
Title: Public Relations Specialist II
Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana
Years Living in Ruston: 20 years
I have lived in Ruston for 20 years. I moved here in 2004 to attend Louisiana Tech University. I pledged Phi Mu my first year at Tech and dove into leadership development positions, community involvement opportunities and our sorority philanthropy. During my time at Tech, I served as a mentor and counselor to youth in LA GEAR UP. LA GEAR UP is a program for youth across Louisiana to be able to attend a Science/Math/Engineering camp geared towards increasing the number of low-income students entering and succeeding in post-secondary education. Through this program, I was able to meet some amazing individuals in this community that I still have the pleasure of working with today!
My major required an internship before graduating. I contemplated all of the options Ruston had to offer, and finally decided the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce was the correct fit. It was fast paced and fun! I was able to work on some major events, but the Peach Festival was my absolute favorite. I was able to meet and work with a lot of the community. I believe it was through this internship that I discovered I was not only passionate about community involvement, but I was also passionate about Ruston. I met my husband 2 months before graduating from Tech in the fall of 2009. Once I graduated, I moved back home to Shreveport while I searched for a job. My now husband was working in Monroe, and I missed the “small town community” feel of my college town. I knew I wanted to come back to Ruston. I reached out to the Chamber to see if they knew of any opportunities, and I got a phone call from the membership director informing me her position was about to be available, and she referred me to fill it! I wanted it! It was a dream job for me to work in the community, plan events, and be alongside great community leaders. I eagerly scheduled an interview for the position and started that following week!
In 2011, I joined Origin Bank as a Public Relations Specialist for Lincoln Parish. Working for Origin Bank has been the most rewarding opportunity. The people I get to work with daily both internally and externally, are all so incredible!
Civic Volunteer Organizations: I currently serve on the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Through our Origin Bank Project Enrich Program- I am able to connect our employees to local non-profits and schools that need volunteers. Project Enrich gives employees up to 20 hours of paid time each year during work hours to volunteer within the community.
Professional Highlights: Graduate of Ruston-Lincoln Chamber Leadership Lincoln Program, United Way Campaign Coordinator since 2012 for Origin Bank Lincoln/Union Parish campaign, Served on Montessori School of Ruston Board of Directors, Coordinates Adopt-A-School program for Origin Bank, Received award from Ruston-Lincoln Chamber as one of the Top 5 Young Business Leaders to Watch, currently serves on the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Awarded the Community Commitment Award by my peers at Origin Bank
Lincoln Parish Market Leader for Origin Bank Jeff Parker on Sarah McKinnie:
“Sarah McKinnie’s enthusiasm and cheerful disposition are completely genuine and have allowed her to impact others in a positive way. Her infectious personality and commitment to service make her such an integral part of our community.”
Q&A with Sarah McKinnie
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
Lincoln Parish is special because of it’s people. I love that we get to raise our children here and call this community our home!
How do you see your role/place in making our parish such a wonderful place to call home?
I believe my role on the Chamber Board, working with individuals that are goal driven, is how I can play a even a small part in making our parish an excellent place to call home.
Who has played a role in your professional development and why?
I have been blessed to have numerous mentors in my professional development so it would be hard to narrow it down to just one.
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Courtesy of Lincoln Parish Schools and Staff Reports
Lincoln Parish Schools announced their upcoming College and Career Fair, set to take place on September 10 at The Louisiana Tech Student Center.
This event will provide high school students with a unique opportunity to explore various career paths and higher education options, and we are inviting local businesses to join us as exhibitors.
“Attending the College and Career Fair is rewarding for both businesses and students,” said Lincoln Parish School Board Superintendent Ricky Durrett. “It creates a unique opportunity for students to explore future career paths and for businesses to connect with the next generation of talent in Lincoln Parish. These connections help build a well-prepared workforce for our community.”
The event encourages businesses from all sectors to participate and showcase their industries, career opportunities, and educational pathways. Their involvement will play a crucial role in helping students understand the diverse possibilities available to them and in shaping their future career choices.
By participating, businesses will have the chance to engage directly with students, share information about your business, and inspire the next generation of professionals. We look forward to the support and collaboration in making this event successful!
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Grambling State University is set to open the door to a new age and era on Thursday with the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the institution’s Digital Library and Learning Commons.
It’s a historic moment for GSU, which saw the opening of the old A.C. Lewis Memorial Library in 1962, with an addition built in 1986.
The new library is a central academic information hub that aims to facilitate access to resources and connect users to community information.
The building also celebrates the history and legacy of GSU through custom wall covering that highlights graduates who have made notable achievements.
But what makes the new Digital Library and Learning Commons so important is the fact that its created specifically for the new age of information that exists today and will only continue growing and evolving.
GSU’s new Digital Library and Learning Commons is designed to do just that.
The old A.C. Lewis held 198,193 volumes of reading/research material. The new Digital Library and Learning Commons will provide access to more than 1,613,929 items, including books, periodicals, research journals, films, filmstrips, microform resources, electronic resources, and media materials and equipment.
The state-of-the-art, 50,000 square foot facility is designed to support all aspects of learning. With over 500 computer stations, 17,000 square feet of study space, and multipurpose spaces for events, meetings, and seminars, the Digital Library and Learning Commons is the ultimate intersection of academics, curiosity, and community.
It is designed to provide equitable and ample bibliographic access to resources in all formats and extends access to library resources and services beyond the physical library building through the library’s digital/online collection system and access to all academic library resources statewide through membership with LOUIS, a consortium made up of 47 college and university libraries in the state of Louisiana.
EVENT INFORMATION
WHO: Grambling State University
WHAT: Digital Library and Learning Commons Grand Opening
WHEN: 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024
WHERE: 532 RWE Jones Dr., Grambling, LA
PARKING: Enter off of RWE Jones Drive
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Ruston Police arrested a man last week after he allegedly held a woman against her will in an apparent domestic altercation.
George Guidry, 46, of Ruston, was arrested after the victim reported he forced his way into her Sanders Street residence and refused to let her leave.
When an officer responded, he found Guidry and the victim standing next to a vehicle in the driveway. Guidry immediately said everything was fine. However, the victim, who was out of sight of Guidry, shook her head no. When the officer asked if a verbal altercation had occurred, Guidry said no, but the woman nodded her head yes.
When another officer arrived, the two were separated. The female said Guidry forced his way into her residence by using a screwdriver to pry open a bedroom window. She said the last time Guidry was at her residence, he battered her, and she was afraid for her safety. She attempted to leave the residence, but Guidry had parked his vehicle behind her and refused to move it.
Guidry was arrested but resisted handcuffing, and it took both officers to place him into custody. He was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for home invasion, false imprisonment, and resisting an officer.
Bell was set at $65,000.
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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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.
Check your home for cracks and other openings where pests might come in. “It’s important for homeowners to inspect and/or replace weather stripping around doors and windows, as well as any screened vents that may lead to soffits and attic areas,” says Robert Soileau, Lake Charles branch manager at J&J Exterminating. “This eliminates the majority of pests from entering inside.”
Maintain your lawn. Keep the yard mowed, weeds pulled, and tree limbs trimmed to keep rodents from invading your home and property. “There may be a lot of clutter and debris in your yard, which is the ideal rodent habitat. Remove debris as soon as possible,” Soileau says.
Eliminate standing water to help control mosquitoes. Uninvited outdoor guests always have a way of showing up. If you’re planning outdoor parties or receptions this fall, mosquito control solutions may be your new best friend. Soileau also reminds us that we have had more rain recently, as opposed to last year’s drought. Drain low-lying areas and places where water puddles. Empty containers that can collect water. If warmer temperatures linger through fall, mosquitoes will flourish.
Consider new treated attic insulation. For residents who need new attic insulation, consider a type that is energy-efficient AND repels bugs. Soileau says Thermal Acoustical Pest Control (TAP) insulation – a loose-fill insulation made of cellulose and recycled newspaper – is affordable, soundproof, energy-efficient and fire retardant. “It also provides better protection against cold and heat – and insects.” TAP is infused with boric acid that will kill all insects, including formosan termites. It is the only pest control product with an Energy Star Rating. “If your attic insulation is old or damaged, it will need to be replaced to rid your home of any health risks,” Soileau adds. “In today’s economy, properly insulating your attic can reduce your heating and cooling bills by up to 30 percent. Upgrading your insulation also adds value to your home.”
Call a pest control professional for all your pest questions. Sometimes you simply need to call the pros to help combat pest issues, both inside and out. J&J offers FREE inspections, along with suggestions and services to help eliminate pests in your home and yard.
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.
Teddy Allen and I sat in the Dave Nitz Radio Booth this past Saturday morning watching Louisiana Tech’s second full scrimmage of the fall.
With the regular season opener just over two full weeks away, TA and I are doing our best to familiarize ourselves with this year’s Bulldog roster and coaching staff. And in this day and age of the transfer portal and NIL, that’s a little more challenging then what it was a decade ago when continuity on college rosters was a real thing.
First of all, let me say that my co-pilot and our sideline sidekick Jerry Byrd and I are all looking forward to teaming up for another year of Bulldog football action on the LA Tech Sports Network. We live in the south where we all know college football is king and everyone is excited right now because we are all undefeated.
That will change quickly over the course of the next few weeks as some teams begin their quest for postseason while others trudge their way towards mediocrity.
And that is always the preseason question I hear the most this time of the year.
“How are the Bulldogs going to do this year?”
Fight. Fight. Fight. For the ole Red and Blue.
My answer to that question these days is much different than it was two decades ago. Back then I was under the false impression that I actually knew how the team may do heading into a season. I’ve learned, the hard way at times, that it’s almost impossible to know.
Why? Well for one, the aforementioned roster turnover these days due to the transfer portal and NIL. Times are a changin’. Gone are the days where you can find a diamond in the rough and your fan base can enjoy watching them dominate for four years.
Instead, it’s the fruit basket turnover of college athletics. Rosters are now littered with new guys who we haven’t seen in the heat of the gridiron battle yet. Locker room continuity and chemistry … it feels at times like a thing of the past.
Secondly, there are little things on the field that we just don’t know each year regardless of roster make up. Things like will the ball bounce our team’s way at critical times in the fourth quarter of games? Can your key players stay healthy for the entirety of the season?
Fight. Fight. Fight. For the ole Red and Blue.
Our Bulldogs have lost a lot of close contests over the past four years. In my three years behind the mic calling Tech football games for the retired legendary tonsils of Dave Nitz, the Bulldogs are a combined 9-27 (heck, I’m starting to think it’s my fault).
And there have been some agonizing losses amongst those 27, including Hail Mary’s and just plain Oh Hells. There have been some real emotional rollercoasters at times.
And when you are sitting behind the mic as the Voice of … it’s a tough juggling act at times of calling what you see while also remembering that no one wants to win those games more than the coaches and players. No one. Not even the radio guys.
Fight. Fight. Fight. For the ole Red and Blue.
I am cautiously optimistic that 2024 will see more wins for the ole Red and Blue. These days I’m cautiously optimistic about a lot of things in life. Maybe age has dulled my blind optimism.
But I did see some promising things on both sides of the ball last Saturday, big plays from both the offense and the defense. We just need those big plays to outweigh the not-so-big plays this year as our beloved canines try to get bowl eligible for the first time since the Covid-filled 2020 season.
I know the coaches and players are working hard to put a good product on the field. I know the administration is working hard to put a good game-day atmosphere together (Including learning how to best utilize the new video board and sound system that should aid in that endeavor).
There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes in preparing for the start of an athletic season, and I have had a front row seat to that over the past quarter of a century. There are lot of things to be excited about as a Tech fan even in a day and age where the P4 continues to gain separation from the rest of the school’s across the country.
August 31 is just 12 days away. Less than two weeks until our beloved Bulldogs suit up and it’s time to: Fight. Fight. Fight. For the ole Red and Blue.
The Bulldogs will host one of the better FCS program’s in Nicholls State with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
None of us know what the score will be that night. But as I told TA on Saturday as we were watching from the radio booth, I do know everyone is working hard during these Dog Days of Summer to give the ole Red and Blue the best chance to succeed this season.
My hope is that Sonny Cumbie and those good ole canines break through for a touchdown or two a few more times than their opponents this year.
That should equal a few more wins for the ole Red and Blue.
A man stopped by Louisiana Tech Police last week for DWI was also found to be wanted in Arkansas.
Monrego M. Watson, 53, of El Dorado, was stopped by a Louisiana Tech officer about 5 p.m. Aug. 17. The officer observed Watson appeared intoxicated and took him to the Tech police station for further investigation.
A trooper with Louisiana State Police conducted field sobriety tests and Watson performed poorly. He was taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where a test showed Watson‘s blood alcohol concentration to be .159g%.
A small amount of marijuana was found under the driver’s seat of Watson’s vehicle.
A records check showed Watson was wanted on felony warrants in Arkansas. The nature of the charge was not specified in booking records.
While at the Detention Center, Watson began to suffer a medical episode and was transported by City of Ruston EMS to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center for treatment. After his release, he was returned to the detention center and booked for first offense DWI, possession of marijuana, obstructed license plate, open container, driving under suspension, and the warrants.
Bail was set at $5,000 on the local charges.
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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The term “team” is probably one of the most misused terms in the business world. Many leaders of organizations will refer to their team. They use this term as a more engaging word than referring to employees, workers, or laborers. However, they use the term flippantly. Simply working for the same organization, sharing the same business card, or wearing the same company logo on a shirt does not make a team.
A team is a group of people united by purpose.
A great example of team building is what Jerrod Baugh has done at Ruston High School. He has united not only a coaching staff and a group of players, but what appears to be a large portion of the student body and community. He has truly built a program impacting various grade levels and support groups in the school system.
The offseason programs reaching down through the junior high levels are an indication of the focus, depth, and unity of the program. The community involvement and financial support are an indication of the span, reach, and inclusiveness of the program. The student involvement in support groups, attendance at games, and participation in events are an indication of the unity within the school and scope of the entire “team”!
For-profit and not-for-profit organizations can all benefit from an authentic team concept much like Ruston High benefits from this focus. People want to connect with a purpose not just a task to complete. People want to connect with others, not just go to work. People want to connect with what it means to win in their work, not just get a paycheck.
The keys to building a team in any organization are the same as building a team at Ruston High School. While the details may play out differently depending on the organization, the basics are the same.
Connect people to a purpose bigger than their specific role. What is the organization trying to accomplish, and more importantly, why does the organization exist?
Connect people to success! Define the win for your team. What is success for your team? Identify it, and communicate it daily or as often as possible.
Connect people to the organization. Open things up and communicate. Inform, include, and engage.
Connect people to their value. Seek input, encourage investment, and reward initiative.
Connect people to the organization’s identity. Clarify the organization’s identity so people can engage.
An authentic team is a competitive advantage for any organization, institution, or athletic team. Team members working together, bringing out the best in one another, offsetting strengths and weaknesses, encouraging one another, and challenging one another as they pursue purpose together is a competitive advantage for any group!
Thank you, Coach Baugh, for providing an example for others to follow!
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I suppose we have all hoped to find a real message in a bottle, a note from some far away land just waiting to be discovered.
On January 21, 2018, Tonya and Kym Illman, were walking along the beach’s sand dunes at Wedge Island on the west coast of Australia about 100 miles north of Perth. Their original plan had been to drive along the beach and take in the sites, but they drove a little too close to the water and the car bogged down in the sand. While waiting for help to arrive, Tonya and Kym walked along the beach. As they walked, Tonya saw something glimmer in the sand. She walked to the source of the glimmer and found a gin bottle which was three inches wide and almost nine inches tall with Daniel Visser and Zonen Schiedam stamped on it. Tonya saw that something was inside the bottle and removed the stopper. The paper inside contained a printed message which appeared to be a form letter in German with spaces that had been filled in. Neither Tonya nor Kym could read German, so they took the bottle to the Western Australia Museum to see if it was historically significant or a hoax.
Experts at the museum deciphered the German message and learned that the message had been set adrift at the orders of the captain of a German ship called “Paula.” The message in a bottle was a part of an experiment on ocean drift patterns implemented by German scientist George von Neumayer. In the experiment, ship captains filled in the details on one side of the pre-printed slips before setting the bottle adrift, and the person who found the bottle was asked to fill out the back portion and return it to the German Naval Observatory in Hamburg or the nearest German Consulate. Thousands of bottles containing pre-printed message slips had been set adrift in the experiment which lasted nearly seven decades, but only 661 had ever been returned. Tonya’s find brought the number up to 662.
According to the coordinates printed on the message (32.49 South, 105.25 East), Tonya and Kym found the bottle less than 600 miles from where the bottle was set adrift in the Indian Ocean. The distance in miles that the message traveled is not particularly impressive. Messages in bottles have traveled much further before being found. What is impressive is the distance in time that the bottle traveled. In the year that the bottle was set adrift, Robert Louis Stevenson published his novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Karl Benz patented the first successful gasoline-driven automobile, Dr. John Pemberton invented Coca-Cola, President Grover Cleveland married Frances Folsom in the White House, (he is the only president to marry in the executive mansion), President Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, and German inventor Friedrich Soennecken invented the office tool we know as the hole puncher. The date on the message in the bottle was June 12, 1886, which meant the bottle was found after 131 years and 223 days. According to the Guinness World Records, it is the oldest message in a bottle ever found.
