City of Ruston Public Works Director John Freeman verified Monday that the Vector Disease Control (VDCI) has recently detected the West Nile Virus in a local mosquito population.
Freeman said the trap with the positive test was located in the 800 block of Laura Lane in Ruston. He said the VDCI will be going door to door Monday, handing out pamphlets and leaving door hangars for the immediate area.
“One of our traps came back positive for the West Nile virus,” said Freeman. “The VDCI will continue to monitor this but will be handing out pamphlets to folks in that immediate area. We want people to be vigilant and know this still exists in our world.
“People just need to protect themselves when outdoor activities are taking place when mosquito are most active, that is at dawn or a couple of hours beyond dusk.”
West Nile virus (WNV) is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, with a median of 2,205 cases reported each year (range: 712–9,862). People typically get infected following the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus.
VDCI is recommending that residents use this information as a reminder to take proactive measures to minimize their risk of contracting West Nile Virus.
1. Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the instructions on the label.
2. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when outdoors, particularly during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
3. Remove standing water from your surroundings, such as in flower pots, birdbaths, discarded tires, or any other containers that can collect water and serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
4. Ensure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
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A Dallas, Texas, man was arrested Aug. 11 by Grambling Police during the investigation of a residential burglary.
Deontae J. Williams, 24, was taken into custody after GPD officers responded to an apartment burglary on Edith Rose Lane about 2 p.m.
The victim said he returned home from football practice and found several pairs of shoes and an Apple MacBook had been taken from his apartment. The victim used a phone app and determined his MacBook was in a nearby apartment.
The apartment manager provided surveillance video that showed a man carrying two book bags leaving the area about the time of the burglary and going into another apartment.
The apartment manager spoke with the tenant of that apartment who said he was in Dallas. The manager unlocked the apartment and a man fitting the description of the suspect in the video was located.
Williams admitted going inside the victim’s apartment and taking the shoes and the computer. The items were recovered in the apartment.
A records check showed Williams was wanted in Texas for robbery. In addition to the stolen property, officers found items typically used in drug trafficking, including a vacuum seal machine, digital scale, and vacuum-sealed bags containing marijuana residue.
A bed still in its original box stolen in a previous burglary was also also located.
Williams was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of stolen things, and the robbery warrant.
Bail on the local charges was set at $30,000.
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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Life, with all its intricate relationships, can sometimes feel like a delicate dance on a tightrope. One misstep, one word said (or unsaid), and we may find ourselves in a precarious situation, struggling to keep our balance.
I’ve found myself on this tightrope more often than I’d like, despite my best efforts to walk with grace.
There was a time in the recent past when I lost a dear friend, not because of a single, glaring offense but because of a series of small misunderstandings that accumulated over the years. Words spoken, or perhaps more painfully, words left unspoken, created a rift that eventually became too wide to bridge.
It wasn’t until much later that I realized just how deeply those moments had affected her. When she finally chose to walk away, it felt like a door slamming shut, leaving me on the outside, confused and hurt – but also concerned about the feelings of my friend.
More recently, I found myself in a similar situation with another person I respect and care for. Despite my sincere efforts to mend whatever might have gone wrong, the silence that followed has left me wondering what I could have done differently, or if there’s anything left to say. And please understand: My intention here is not to point fingers, but to reflect and learn from my own flawed actions.
As the weeks pass, these experiences are causing me to question myself and my whole approach to life. Even though my inner being – my “real self” – is straightforward, I strive to be diplomatic, to speak with kindness and to live out my faith in a way that honors others. Yet even with these intentions, I find myself in troubling situations where my words, or my silence, have caused harm. It’s a double-edged sword, trying to be true to oneself while also being mindful of others’ feelings.
In another sphere of my life, I recently stepped down from a leadership role after numerous years of service. The expressions of kindness and appreciation from those around me were both humbling and healing. Their words reminded me that while I may stumble in some areas, I have also touched lives in positive ways. Perhaps this is the balance I need to find – holding onto the good while learning from the difficult.
As I continue to reflect on these experiences, one thought rises above the rest: the importance of grace. We all make mistakes, we all say things that don’t come out quite right, and we all have moments when we fail to live up to our own standards. What we need during those times, more than anything, is grace, both to give and to receive.
To those who may be struggling with similar feelings – on either end of the spectrum – I encourage you to give others the benefit of the doubt. Understand that sometimes people are doing the best they can with the tools they have at that particular phase of their life.
And if you’ve reached out to someone and received no response, know that your effort to mend the relationship was not in vain. It’s a reflection of your heart and your desire to make things right.
In the end, we can only do our best and trust that grace will fill in the gaps where our own efforts fall short.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
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Two men were arrested on the Grambling State University campus Aug. 14 after they allegedly argued and fought over their personal relationship.
Startavious Tyrese Williams, 25, of Shreveport, and Christian Ja’Marri Richmond, 21, of Lafayette, were arrested by GSU PD.
Campus police said an argument between Richmond and Williams about their relationship turned into a fight. Williams reportedly admitted texting private intimate images with Richmond’s face clearly shown to others without Richmond’s permission.
Both men were booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center with Williams charged with battery of a dating partner and nonconsensual disclosure of a private image and Richmond with battery of a dating partner.
Their bail amounts 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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MEMPHIS – Choudrant resident Sam Burns jumped into contention Friday with a second-round 63 and battled through unusually erratic drives a day later in Round 3 to record a fifth-place tie and collect a $760,000 paycheck Sunday at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
The event at TPC Southwind was the first in three steps to the FedEx Cup Championship. Burns, who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club, finished with a 13-under score of 267 (67-63-70-67), four shots back of winner Hideki Matsuyama, the bronze medalist in golf at the Paris Olympics.
Burns entered the week at 29th in the FedEx Cup standings, and rose to 18th Sunday. The top 50 advance to the BMW Championship next weekend at Castle Pines (Colorado) and the top 30 after next Sunday go the final event at East Lake Country Club in Atlanta.
Burns, a native of Shreveport and product of Calvary Baptist Academy, upped his season winnings total to $4.7 million. The 28-year-old former LSU All-American, a pro since 2019, jumped over $26 million in career earnings to $26.4 million with his seventh top 10 finish of the 2024 season in 19 starts.
He had a volatile Saturday round, marked by a badly hit drive on the ninth tee that prompted him to slam his driver into the ground, breaking off the head. He played the back nine without a driver. Burns carded seven birdies, three on the back side, and had only four pars in Round 3.
Burns, who leads the PGA Tour this season with 15 eagles due in no small part to his typical control on long drives, eagled the par-5 16th on Sunday , but bogeyed No. 18 for the second straight day to miss tying his good friend Scottie Scheffler for fourth place at 14-under. The pals and their wives and infant sons shared a rented home on the 18th tee at the tournament.
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Louisiana Tech Athletics announced Monday that season tickets are now on sale for Bulldog and Lady Techster Basketball for the upcoming 2024-25 seasons.
Season ticket prices start at $215 for Bulldog Basketball and $120 for Lady Techster Basketball as well as $275 for the combo package.
Fans can purchase season tickets by visiting LATechSports.com/Tickets or by calling the LA Tech Ticket Office at (318) 257-3631.
Third-year head coach Talvin Hester will lead the Bulldogs who are coming off a 22-win season and a second-place finish in Conference USA. The team returns six players, including First Team All-CUSA selection Daniel Batcho as well as All-CUSA Honorable Mention honoree Sean Newman Jr., to go along with eight newcomers.
The Lady Techsters, guided by ninth-year head coach Brooke Stoehr, will lead a revamped roster that welcomes nine newcomers into the fold with key returners like Robyn Lee and CUSA All-Freshman selection Jianna Morris.
The CUSA league schedules have already been announced, slates that include nine home games for both the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters. The non-conference schedules will be released at a later date.
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Linda Frazier, the youngest of seven children, was born in Ruston, Louisiana on May 28, 1945 to Robert Dewey Howard and Dovie Viola Howard. She died in Ruston on August 18, 2024 after a long illness. She was predeceased by her parents and all her siblings: Hazel, Bob, Julia Beth, Thomas, Billy, and Wayne, as well as by her husband, Warren Frazier, Jr.
She is survived by her beloved daughters: Leah Frazier and Lori Henry; her son-in-law, Phil Henry, whom she considered a son; grandchildren: Cody Henry, Lynzi Henry, and Logan Henry; sisters-in-laws: Johnnie Hogan, Lou Howard, and Penny Howard; brother-in-law Mike Frazier; and numerous nieces and nephews, two of whom, Renae Dickerson and Judith Howard, were especially attentive and dear to her.
Linda graduated from Ruston High School in 1963 and from Louisiana Business College in 1964. She was employed at the Department of Motor Vehicles until she had her children, and later worked for many years at Frazier Construction Company.
Upon retirement, she was able to devote more of her time to travel. Linda wanted to see all of the United States, but she never wanted to leave the country. She traveled to 48 states, but a trip to the 49th, an Alaskan cruise, had to be canceled because of Covid. In addition to her love of travel, her hobbies included reading and playing cards of any kind. She hosted many all-day hand-and-foot games at her home, always with abundant refreshments.
The family would like to thank Dr. Benson Grigsby for providing nineteen years of conscientious care. They are appreciative of the nursing care provided by Nikki Blondin, of Premier Hospice, and feel especially grateful for the gentle attention provided by Linda’s caregiver Karen Cockerham. Karen was truly a Godsend.
Linda was a life-long member of Mineral Springs Baptist Church, which, along with her family, was the center of her life. Visitation will be at her church from 5:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 with a funeral service at 2:00 PM on Wednesday at Mineral Springs Baptist Church. Pall bearers are: Will Billberry, Philip Billberry, Jimmie Martin, Joe Brown, Tim Henry, and Barry Gilliland. Honorary pall bearers are Tony Billberry and Lonnie Henry. Memorials may be made to Mineral Springs Baptist Church, 118 Pea Ridge Road, Dubach, LA. 71235 or to a charity of your choice.
Dr. Richard Ingram Ballard was born on February 19, 1957 to Ingram Ramsey Ballard and Catherine Canterberry of Farmerville, La. He passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024 with his loving wife by his side.
Dr. Ballard was a graduate of Farmerville High School and attended Northeast Louisiana University for his undergraduate degree on a track and field scholarship. He graduated from Louisiana State University School of Medicine and did his residency with the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Scottish Rite. Dr. Ballard has been serving the North Louisiana communities for their orthopedic needs since 1987. He has also served as team doctor for Grambling State University and several local high schools during this time.
Dr. Ballard enjoyed cooking, watching sports whether in person or on the television and spending time with friends and family. His kindness has touched the lives of many. He was dedicated, hardworking, a great provider and loved his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son Ramsey Ballard. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Marcia Ballard, two sons, Andy Ballard and Len Snipe (Morgan); three grandsons, Gage Snipe, Thomas Snipe and Jack Snipe; his brother Steve Ballard (Julie) and sister Anne Ballard; four nieces, Catherine Featherston, Jennifer Helan, Allyson Abernathy and Leslie Bloom; one nephew Craig Jacobs, and one great- niece Libby Bloom. He leaves behind many special friends that made such an impact on his life including Ed Calvert, Railey Garret and Connor Bennett.
In following with Dr. Ballard’s wishes there will not be any funeral services. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made directly to:
Union Parish High School Football, 1126 LA-33, Farmerville, LA 71241
Grambling State University Foundation – Dr Richard Ballard Football Endowment, PO Box 587, Grambling, LA 71245
St. Francis NICU, 309 Jackson St., Monroe, LA 71201
Arrangements are under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel of Ruston, LA. To leave an online memorial message please visit http://www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.
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
City of Ruston Public Works Director John Freeman verified Monday that the Vector Disease Control (VDCI) has recently detected the West Nile Virus in a local mosquito population.
Freeman said the trap with the positive test was located in the 800 block of Laura Lane in Ruston. He said the VDCI will be going door to door Monday, handing out pamphlets and leaving door hangars for the immediate area.
“One of our traps came back positive for the West Nile virus,” said Freeman. “The VDCI will continue to monitor this but will be handing out pamphlets to folks in that immediate area. We want people to be vigilant and know this still exists in our world.
“People just need to protect themselves when outdoor activities are taking place when mosquito are most active, that is at dawn or a couple of hours beyond dusk.”
West Nile virus (WNV) is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, with a median of 2,205 cases reported each year (range: 712–9,862). People typically get infected following the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus.
VDCI is recommending that residents use this information as a reminder to take proactive measures to minimize their risk of contracting West Nile Virus.
1. Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the instructions on the label.
2. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when outdoors, particularly during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
3. Remove standing water from your surroundings, such as in flower pots, birdbaths, discarded tires, or any other containers that can collect water and serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
4. Ensure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
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Sometimes the squeaky wheel rightfully ends up getting the grease.
Even when the road was long to make it happen.
But that is what occurred during Tuesday’s Lincoln Parish Police Jury meeting at the Lincoln Parish Courthouse.
After multiple LPPJ meetings with the congregation of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church led by church member Dennis Woods pleading for help after the road to the church and adjacent houses on a street between Longstraw Road and Highway 146 that was cut off due to expansion of the city of Ruston’s Regional Airport expansion project finally received a glimmer of hope of being resolved.
That is because of a little help from state Rep. Chris Turner, who was present at Tuesday’s meeting, there is hope for a positive resolution for all.
During last week’s meeting the LPPJ voted in favor of doing just that — submitting a capital outlay application to hopefully receive funding for a cut-through road offering better access to the church and nearby homes.
Without Turner’s help, it might not have happened.
“Rep. Turner suggested a capital outlay application might be a good way to address this,” Lincoln Parish Administrator Courtney Hall said.
Now it is all about patience and timing.
If the project is included in an upcoming capital outlay bill, funding could happen sooner than later.
Or it could take years.
Hope is what drives Woods and his congregation.
“We only want what’s right and what’s fair,” Woods said. “We need our road back. And we are not going stop trying to make that happen.”
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Sometimes people are more special because of who they are than what they are, even when they are great in both aspects.
Dr. Richard Ballard was one of those greats.
Ballard passed away over the weekend at the age of 67, leaving a trail of heartbreak across Grambling State University and Lincoln Parish as a whole.
After graduating from LSU School of Medicine in 1982, Ballard completed his internship and residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Ballard specialized in sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, and traumatology and began his practice as an orthopedic surgeon at Green Clinic in 1987, following his residency.
It did not take long for Ballard to become a Lincoln Parish favorite.
“It is truly disheartening to hear about such a loss,” read a Facebook message from Jeffrey Nilda Dumas. “He was a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to assisting those in need, particularly the uninsured and those unable to afford medical care. He was also a friend. Rest in peace Doctor Ballard.”
Ballard served as a team doctor for Grambling State University for years and became a much beloved part of “Gram Fam.”
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Ballard family during this time,” Grambling State President Dr. Martin Lemelle said in a Facebook post. “Thank you, Dr. Ballard, for your unwavering dedication to Grambling State University.”
Ballard was the team doctor for both of Super Bowl MVP and Grambling State legend Doug Williams’ stints as head coach of the G-Men.
“I love Dr Ballard, he was and will forever be a G-Man,” Williams said. “I wish I had a chance to tell him how much we appreciated him.
“But at the same time, I knew in my heart he was aware during my time working with him and after I was gone. I loved seeing him and Marcia at Bayou Classics. He will be sorely missed.”
After graduating from LSU School of Medicine in 1982, Ballard completed his internship and residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
In addition to his general orthopedic training, Ballard also received specialized training in sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, and traumatology. He began his practice as an orthopedic surgeon at Green Clinic in 1987, following his residency.
Former Grambling State and Kansas City Chief standout Leonard Griffin became friends long after Griffin’s playing days as a G-Men.
That does not mean Ballard did not come through for Griffin as he did for so many others,
“One Thanksgiving my wife and I were visiting my brother in Bastrop on our way to New Orleans for the Bayou Classic,” Griffin said. “As my wife was descending the steps, she turned her ankle and snapped it two. I rushed her to the local hospital, and they said they couldn’t do anything until after the Thanksgiving holidays ending on Monday.
“I then brought her over to Monroe and was told the same thing. Out of desperation, I called Ricky McCall, and asked for Doc’s phone number. I called him at home, and he met us at SuperOne in Ruston. He told me to take her over to Green Clinic for pre-op. The next morning Friday he put pins in her ankle with a smile. To this day, she has cherished his kindness. He will be forever in our hearts.”
Another fixture on the GSU sideline, former basketball coach and Athletics Director David “Rusty” Ponton also fondly remembers Ballard.
“Dr. Richard Ballard is and has been for over three decades one of the most professional, dedicated, loyal and committed members of our Grambling State University athletic family,” Ponton said. “His love for GSU and unwavering support will be remembered and appreciated by all whose lives were touched by the man we know and love as Dr. B!”
College Baseball Hall of Fame coach Wilbert Ellis is proud of his decades of friendship with Ballard.
“He was a good man — he cared,” Ellis said. “He cared about everyone. He took care of people regardless of whether they could afford it or not. He wasn’t about money. He was about caring and love.
“Dr. Ballard was special. This is a big loss for everyone.”
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A sea of Ruston Red packed the downtown Civic Center last week at the first Friday Night Lights Community Tailgate put on by the Bearcat Football Club to raise money for their beloved Ruston High School football squad and get fans ready for the upcoming season.
“On behalf of the Bearcat Football Club, we just can’t say thank you enough to everyone who made our Friday Night Lights event possible,” Bearcat Football Club President Wes Clark said. “To all the sponsors, event planners, auction item donors, and community we owe you a huge thank you. Ruston High School’s football program is self sufficient.
“With approximately 160 young men in the program (9-12th grade) it takes a lot of resources to run the first class operation that Coach Jerrod Baugh has envisioned since he arrived on campus eight years ago. It is only with the support from so many that this is possible, and we think everyone has seen the results on the field. We are looking forward to making this event even bigger and better next year.”
The night featured a silent auction, live auction and a Raise the Paddle event. Packages offered included trips, airfare, and Bearcat apparel. Nearly $60,000 was raised through the auctions and ticket sales for the returning state champs.
Baugh addressed the crowd during the event to share his appreciation.
“I tell our kids all the time that there are people behind the scenes that do a bunch of things for our football program and team,” Baugh said. “This community is a very special community. I’ve coached at several different places and this place is special. It’s not about one person, not about one coach, not about one football player. It’s about Ruston High School’s football team.”
Ruston High Principal Dan Gressett echoed Baugh’s thanks.
“I thought the event went really well,” Gressett said. “We had a good turnout, good food, and just a lot of people excited about Bearcat football. Thanks to Hunter Smith and Wes Clark with the Bearcat Football Club for doing a lot of work to get it set up. Also, thanks to Gibsland Bank and Trust team members Cullen Bishop and Alicia Martin for being Title Sponsors. There were a lot of people that contributed to the success of last night. It was really good to see everyone together and fired up about helping our football program.”
Ruston High will open up the regular season Friday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. against Acadiana at home in Hoss Garrett Stadium.
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On Sunday, August 18, 2024, shortly after 7:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. Hwy 167 near Harper Bottom Road. The crash claimed the life of 48-year-old Deshundra Johnson.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Johnson was driving south on U.S. Hwy 167 in a white Nissan Altima. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan ran off the right side of the road. Johnson attempted to regain control of the Nissan by steering to the left but overcorrected. As a result, the vehicle crossed the south and northbound lanes of U.S. Hwy 167 and struck a tree on the right northbound shoulder.
Johnson, who was not properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while in a motor vehicle. Never drive impaired, fatigued or distracted, follow all traffic laws, and always ensure every occupant is properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.
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Both Stows Moving Co. and Ruston Athletic Supply recently joined our fall Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy. If you would like to be a Pick’em Partner, email LPJNewsLA@gmail.com for more details. Only a limited number of slots remain.
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 in late August, the Lincoln Parish Journal will hold 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!
Anyone is 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 15 selected 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 Week 1 games (August 31).
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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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.
Ruston Police arrested a man Tuesday when officers learned he was wanted on numerous warrants while they investigated a disturbance.
Donnell D. Rabb, 31, of Ruston, was arrested about 4 p.m. August 13 after it was learned he was wanted on seven warrants for failure to appear in Ruston City Court.
Officers responded to a report of a disturbance at a South Vienna Street residence. The caller her said she wanted Rabb to leave her property but he had refused.
Rabb was located on Pecan Street where he immediately became defiant and refused commands to stop. He was taken into custody and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where he was booked on the failure to appear warrants on charges of second offense possession of marijuana, simple obstruction of a roadway, resisting an officer, two counts of entering or remaining on premises after being forbidden, and two counts of disturbing the piece.
Bail was set at $35,000.
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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A Lincoln Parish deputy sheriff stopped a Cadillac Escalade in Ruston about 3 a.m. on August 9 because the vehicle did not have a visible license plate.
A records check of the driver, Robert Bernard Crew, 59, of Ruston, showed he was wanted for failure to appear in Ruston City Court on a hit and run charge.
A passenger, Shadarria S. Hammock, 38, of Ruston, was found to be wanted on three warrants from Third Judicial District Court.
Hammock was arrested and placed in a patrol car. When asked if she wanted to take her purse with her, Hammock insisted on leaving it in the vehicle. When Crew was arrested, he gave consent to search the vehicle and two glass smoking pipes containing methamphetamine and a bag of methamphetamine were found in Hammock’s purse.
Hammock was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and warrants for failure to appear in District Court for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and improper supervision of a minor by a parent. Crew was booked on the hit and run warrant.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Do you have an event that you want to publicize in Lincoln Parish? How about a new business opening? How about a sale?
Well the Lincoln Parish Journal has recently tailored an affordable advertising package that is perfect for you!
Our Events Package allows you to flood our readers with pertinent information and reminders about your subject matter. It’s a one-week package that includes (1) week of clickable email ride along (1) advertorial run twice during that week and (2) designated Facebook posts on the Lincoln Parish Journal Facebook page.
The advertorial is a story complete with all the details and information about your upcoming event, sale or opening. All three inventory items can contain direct links to your website or Facebook page.
It’s the perfect way to get the word out about your event or business during a five-day publishing period.
The Lincoln Parish Park Fest, Holiday’s in Cedartown, Lincoln Parish Light Up the Pines, Dixie Center for the Arts, the Crewe of Pomona, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Senior Expo, Custom Curbing, Blue Sky Yoga, and Ruston Parks and Recreation have already seen success utilizing the events package.
Interested individuals can contact us at LPJNewsLA@gmail.com for rates and more information. Don’t wait to schedule your Events Package as there are a limited number of email ride alongs available on a weekly basis.
The Lincoln Parish Journal received more than 4.1 million views in 2023, and it is on pace to pass that this calendar year. The LPJ currently has a Facebook following of over 10,200 and an email subscriber list of over 5,200.
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Freshman Payton Harris is one of a number of rookies that could see significant action this year for Cedar Creek. (photo by Darrell James)
by Malcolm Butler
As varsity football goes, they are just “babies.”
However, a number of Cedar Creek freshmen are going to be asked to grow up quickly this year as the Cougars will rely on them in varsity action.
Following Friday night’s Meet the Cougars event at Cougar Field at Origin Bank Stadium, those “babies” and their more experienced teammates participated in a controlled intrasquad scrimmage.
If was Creek’s first real “live” action of the fall and head coach William Parkerson said he had three goals for the night.
“I wanted to see how physical we would play,” said Parkerson. “It’s the first time we have gone live. To see if we would play through mistakes and ultimately get out of here injury free. I think all three of those were accomplished as far as I know.”
Names like Payton Harris, Micah Taylor and Cason Floyd flashed moments that show why head coach William Parkerson has confidence in their ability to help the Cougars this year and over the next four years.
Harris may have been the flashiest on Friday night, making some big hits on defense and breaking off some runs that allowed him to show his speed.
“Payton has shown so flashes,” said Parkerson. “That was more impressive then I expected. As long as he keeps learning the offense and keeps working hard he will have a chance to help us on Friday night’s this year.
“He is a bit of a gamer. He has shown flashes, but he has made some plays on offense and defense tonight that were good to see. He is going to be able to help us out.”
Floyd also had his ups and downs as the freshman signal caller continues to make strides in preparation for the Cougars season opener Sept. 6 against Delhi Charter.
“Fair to partly cloudy,” said Parkerson of Floyd’s performance. “I thought he had some first time jitters with the first time seeing live action. Hopefully we can clean that up. We told them we wanted to get this on tape and treat it like a game and correct the mistakes and hopefully we will be a little better next week.”
Although the Cougars will dress around 35 out on varsity Friday night’s this year, the depth still isn’t where Parkerson hopes to eventually get it. Many Cougars will play both ways this year, especially early in the season as the depth is developed.
Thus, Friday night saw the first team offense against the best version of a defense that Parkerson could put on the field and vice versa. The Cougars will get a better look this Friday when they host Lakeside in a scrimmage in Ruston.
“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.”
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As I mentioned in my previous column, we had a bit of a loss this month in the death of our outdoor cat, Apollo. She was a great cat, a tremendous pet to our whole family, but age takes its toll on us all.
Kyle thinks she did her best to wait until this summer, when she found another cat who wouldn’t take her place, per se, but one that would love us the way she had.
Because Apollo was an outdoor cat, she was fed outside, and due to this, over time, we have fed a variety of stray cats (as well as sometimes opossums, raccoons and deer) venture to our back door. The longest standing one has been Charlie, aka Cow Cat, who was a permanent fixture at our house for two years. He was always too skittish to pet, but he wasn’t shy about meowing for his food with Apollo. Over Christmas break, though, he decided to move to what I call Cat Paradise, my friend Kari’s house, which is about a mile away from mine. She found him on her back porch with some other cats she feeds, renamed him Cow Cat (because he’s colored like a cow), and he has lived there happily ever since.
As Charlie/Cow Cat has been gone, opportunity apparently presented itself to a young black cat that my younger daughter named. He’s absolutely gorgeous with short fur black as midnight and bright yellow eyes. He looks young, not like a kitten, but definitely a young cat. He’s strong and lean and absolutely pouncing on any lizard or bug he sees outside. He has been hanging out at our house all summer, never letting us pet him, but always interested in any food that we’ve put out.
My daughter Penny, who always snuck Apollo in the house at night to sleep with her, was the first to pet this cat.
I really thought it would take longer; I thought we were several months away from gaining his trust, but Penny is apparently the Cat Whisperer. Within a week of feeding him and sitting outside with him, this cat is suddenly purring around her, snuggling beside her, and almost getting to where he will let her hold him. It’s Alice, too – he loves her, too.
Me? Eh. He tolerates me. But that’s okay, because he loves the girls. That’s what matters the most.
He may not stay around, but I hope he does. I think he will. He’s a sweet cat, and I would love to take in a stray and care for him the way he needs. He needs us, and we need him.
Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce Merlin.
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