Hurricane Francine is expected to make landfall in south Louisiana late tonight with heavy rains, major coastal flooding, and strong damaging winds as the major concerns.
Lincoln Parish could see winds this afternoon up to 45 to 50 miles per hour with the possible risk of heavy rainfall.
Lincoln Parish OHSEP monitoring situation with local, regional and state agencies and will provide additional updates as received.
9 am GOHSEP/NWS conference call
High confidence this storm will have significant to life-threatening impacts to Louisiana especially in the areas of greatest impacts.
TS Francine expected to obtain Cat 1 Hurricane strength later today and is now expected to make landfall as a Cat 2 late Wednesday evening/night with a more easterly shift.
Threats of heavy rain, major coastal flooding, strong damaging winds and (tornadoes on the east side of track) are the major concerns.
Governor Landry has issued a pre-storm declaration, Lincoln Parish has no plans to issue a declaration at this time.
10:30 am NWS Shreveport special briefing.
TS Francine expected to bring a risk of heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding mainly to Northeast and North Central LA Wednesday through Thursday.
Lincoln Parish is on the edge of the graphic for potential wind gusts of 45-50 mph from Wednesday afternoon through early Thursday morning.
If the storm tracks farther east, these threats should lessen.
No current plans to open any hurricane evacuation shelters in Lincoln Parish.
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Louisiana Tech plays NC State Saturday at noon Eastern at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, not a marquee game — unless you’re a Bulldog or a Wolfpacker, and then it feels a bit pivotal.
Even though it’s barely mid-September.
If a preview of this game carried a song title, maybe it would be Brooks & Dunn’s “Workin’ On My Next Broken Heart.”
Wait: why Brooks & Dunn? It’s a stretch, but … hang with us a second.
Tech alum Kix Brooks, half of the most-record-selling/most awarded country music duo act of all time, was in Aillet Stadium for his team’s 25-17 season-opening win over Nicholls State, a game in which the Bulldogs sloshed to a win despite five turnovers and back-to-back fumbles during a second-quarter rainstorm that left the turf slicker than Kenny Chesney’s head.
“It that was a country song,” Brooks, a visitor to the radio broadcast booth said at the time, “it’d be too sad to write.”
(An aside: we call Brooks & Dunn “Kix & Brooks” in this bureau. If Ronnie Dunn doesn’t have a team — and Kix says he doesn’t — he’s welcome in the Tech Camp, as the Bulldogs could use the company and the help. Also, as part of their “Reboot” Tour, Kix & Brooks will play the PNC Arena in Raleigh and the Spectrum Center in Charlotte in March. Never too early to plan, unless you just want to stay over after the game for seven months …)
Back to ball: despite the turnovers and backed by country-flavored rooting from Kix, the ’Dogs pulled through, thanks to a stifling defense against the defending Southland Conference champs. Since, the team has enjoyed a rare second-week-of-the-season open date to figure things out and heal a hurt quarterback, Jack Turner, who semi-limped off the field in the first quarter and didn’t return. (Brings to mind another Kix & Brooks tune: “How Long Gone Are You Gonna Be?”)
But back to that “broken heart” deal: for different reasons, times have been tough lately in Ruston and Raleigh.
The Bulldogs are coming off three straight 3-9 seasons — “too sad to write” — victims of a perfect storm generated through the new NIL and transfer rules and the law of averages following seven straight bowl seasons.
So there’s that.
Now in its 12th season under coach Dave Doren, NC State, 1-1, has been to nine bowl games but are 2-15 against Top 10 teams in that span, including a lopsided 51-10 dismantling at the greedy hands of Tennessee in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte in primetime Saturday evening.
Bad look for the Wolfpack and the 20-plus players from Charlotte on its roster.
The Wolfpack is a 21.5-point favorite over the Bulldogs. Local journalists (we’re keeping up with the Carolina scribes) foretell of an “easy” week for the Wolfpack. We’ll see: State was a 33.5-point favorite in its opener against Western Carolina and won by only 17, then a 9.5-underdog against Tennessee and lost by 41.
In that game, thanks to an 85-yard Pick 6, Tennessee scored more points off NC State’s red zone possessions than the Wolfpack did.
Intriguing to look in the rearview and the most recent time these two played. October 2, 2021. Down 14 midway through the fourth quarter to a team that had beaten Top 10-ranked Clemson the week before and had one of the best defenses statistically in the country, Tech was intercepted in the end zone from 22 yards out on the game’s final play and lost, 34-27, at Carter-Finley.
Tech left the stadium that day 2-3. Besides that heartbreaker in Raleigh, the Bulldogs had last a 20-point fourth-quarter lead in Starkville in a 35-34 season-opening loss to Mississippi State and had lost at home to SMU, 39-37, on a final-play Hail Mary two weeks before going to NC State.
The loss to the Wolfpack started a five-game slide that hasn’t ended. Saturday, a different team returns to the same scene of the crime.
Saturday, it’s a chance for the ’Dogs, like Kix & Brooks, to reboot.
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce they have revamped their hiring process. They have lowered the required age to 18 for their Corrections Division, with no experience required.
These positions are entry level jobs that will provide a gateway for other opportunities within their agency- including Patrol, School Resource Officer, Civil, and Probation. Once the hiring process is completed, new deputies will begin training.
While working in the Corrections Division, all deputies receive the same training opportunities as other deputies. This can include attending the regional police academy and becoming Louisiana POST certified, allowing them to receive state supplemental pay.
All Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies receive full benefits immediately. This includes medical, dental, vision and retirement. These are paid by the employer and come at no cost to the employee.
Now is an excellent time to begin your career with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.
These positions offer an excellent opportunity to begin a long and rewarding career in law enforcement. If you are interested, applications can be obtained, in person, at the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. They can also be accessed on our website at www.lincolnparishsheriff.com.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Every year there are certain seasons that people look forward to: week one of the NFL, opening day of baseball season and for me it’s the arrival of both the spring and fall seasons. But for most outdoorsmen, it’s hunting season! This is like Christmas morning for anyone who enjoys chasing a squirrel, dropping ducks from the sky or finally shooting that trophy buck of a lifetime.
Today let’s look at what hunting season means to so many outdoorsmen. Let’s start with dove season which is basically a tailgate party with guys carrying shotguns. Dove season, like football season, kicks off the new year for all hunters. They gather in small groups and enjoy some time in the field hopefully where there are plenty of birds passing through. Dove hunts are simply a social hunt and a great way to introduce kids to hunting.
Next comes teal season (mid-September) which brings out a totally different kind of hunter. These guys are serious about shooting what just might be the hardest duck to hit on the fly. Teal are the F-16’s of the duck hunting world and can do a fly-by quicker than some hunters can get a gun up. Teal are also a great tasting bird and make great table fare.
But the first of October is the official start of deer season as bow hunters take to the woods in search of some good venison backstrap. Bow hunters are very committed and put in a lot of time practicing in their back yards or on a bow range. Deer hunting in general, is probably more popular than any other wild game that’s pursued.
Bow hunting requires a lot of skill in order to be effective and take a deer with good arrow placement. The popularity of bow hunting is due to the fact it’s a throwback to how our ancestors used to hunt. Bow hunters might be the most dedicated group of hunters there are due to the amount of effort and skill required.
Now let’s fast forward to mid-October. Opening day of rifle season triggers a landslide of deer hunters taking to the great outdoors in search of that monster buck they’ve been watching on their trail cameras for the past two months. No other wild game opening day is more popular than the opening day of gun season as deer camps are overflowing with both excitement and the anticipation. It’s like a child waiting on Christmas morning; they literally cannot sleep!
Today, there are so many traditions that revolve around different types of hunting seasons. Deer camps have been a part of family traditions for decades and most would give up their home before giving up their deer camp.
Many outdoorsmen plan their entire year around their favorite hunting season. It determines when they will take their vacation or request extra time off from their daily jobs. They are literally consumed with everything that revolves around hunting.
They plan Thanksgiving and other holidays around hunting season. It’s like people planning their lives around their favorite football team; nothing else is more important! If you’re one of the fortunate that have a great hunting camp; count your blessings and never let it go. Because once it’s gone, you will have a hard time replacing it.
Till next time, good luck, good hunting and to all outdoorsmen, have a great hunting season!
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Niilo Maki-Petaja tied for 14th as an individual as Louisiana Tech wrapped up the Argent Financial Classic on Tuesday at Squire Creek Country Club.
The course was playing difficult yet again as only two teams finished under par the event with Troy edging Houston for the team title. Meanwhile, only 11 of the 99 participants finished in the red for round three.
“We were good for 11 holes but did not play good coming in,” said Tech head coach Matt Terry. “The effort was there, we just have to execute better. We have to take into account that we have only been practicing for 11 days. We have two weeks until we get back after it at UAB for our next event.”
It was a similar story for LA Tech as it was on Monday. A wave of birdies came around the midway point that put the team just one shot back of third. However, a rough stretch hit that resulted in both Bulldog teams shooting 299 (+11) for the day. Team A ended up tying for 10th while Team B finished 16th.
Maki-Petaja was the top finisher for the ‘Dogs, shooting 71-73-73=217 (+1) for the tournament. After recording six top-20 finishes as a freshman, the sophomore has added another in the season-opening event for 2024-25.
Gray Kingrea also registered a 73 (+1) in round three, finishing 29th as an individual (72-75-73=220). The low round of the day for LA Tech came from Oskari Schuvalow who rebounded from back-to-back 77s to shoot Even par 72 for Team B.
Jake Plumb (74), Morton Bailey (75), and Grant Smith (77) had the other three registered scores for Team A while Riley Hnatyshyn (76) and Isaac Adams (78) had the other two recorded scores for Team B.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Kenneth Gordon Young, age 83, passed from this life on August 28, 2024 in Monroe, Louisiana following a brief illness. Born February 26, 1941 in Newton, Texas to parents Harris and Lois Young, he attended Newton High School, graduating in 1959. Following graduation, he served several years in the USAF.
Ken joined IBM Corporation in 1966, serving in both the Field Engineering and Marketing Divisions before retiring in 1990. He owned, co-owned or partnered in several businesses, including an IBM Business Partner venture, a hotel, a Sears and a Radio Shack store, and numerous rental properties in the north Louisiana area. He was a NASCAR enthusiast, an avid deer hunter and a devoted LSU Tiger fan.
Ken is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Young, of Ruston; children: Cari Sauer (husband John) of Huntsville, AL and Richard Young (wife Barbara) of Ruston; grandchildren: Tommy Carter (wife Katrina) of Ruston, Melissa Holmes of Ruston, Layla Sauer of Ruston, Amie Throneberry (husband Mason) of Nashville, TN, Joey Shaver of Huntsville, AL, and one great grandchild, Tyler Holmes of Ruston.
In addition to his family, numerous friends and companions who mourn his passing include Mary Barnett of Monroe, LA, Blaine Raddon of Salt Lake City, UT, Gabe Hogan of Ruston, and a host of former IBM co-workers and business associates.
Mr. Young is preceded in death by his parents, his younger brother Harold Glyn, Sr., and his daughter, Kathy Fullerton.
A visitation service will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Kilpatrick’s Funeral Home, 209 N. Bonner, in Ruston, LA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital in Shreveport, LA.
Allison Neal Turner July 19, 1951 – September 6, 2024 Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Thursday, September 12, 2024, 11:00 am Cemetery: Williamson Cemetery, Thursday, September 12, 2024
DeQuincy Holyfield Monday 08/28/1972 — Thursday 09/05/2024 Visitation: Friday 09/13/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Funeral Service: Saturday 09/14/2024 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 09/14/2024 Following Service, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Lisbon
(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 Marisol O’Neal
Age 39
Employer Origin Bank
Title Senior Vice President, Treasury Management
Hometown Monroe, LA
Years Living in Ruston 15 years
Civic Volunteer Organizations
Current
Boys and Girls Club of North Louisiana
Building Committee Co-Chair
Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana
Vice President
Phi Mu Fraternity
Membership Advisor – Louisiana Tech University
Area Membership Advisor – Regionally
Phi Mu Foundation
Membership Assistance Committee Member
Real Change in Ruston
Committee Member
Louisiana Tech Alumni Association
Board Member
Past
Ruston Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
Chairman – 2020
Leadership Lincoln Graduate
Professional Highlights
Phi Mu Fraternity
Outstanding Alumna Achievement for Contribution to Community (2018-2020) – National Award
Phi Mu Foundation
Social Media Advocate for Biennium (2020-2022) – National Award
Ruston Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
2017 Top 5 Young Business Leaders to Watch
Northeast Louisiana Professionals
2016 “Top 20 under 40” Recipient
DeltaStyle Magazine
2014 “Sweet Sixteen” Top Influential Women of the Delta
Origin Bank
2019 Emerging Leaders Inaugural Class
Laurie Colvin, Senior Vice President and Treasury Management Director, Origin Bank on Marisol O’Neal:
“I have worked alongside Marisol O’Neal at Origin Bank for the last 15 years. From the moment she moved to Ruston as a young woman, her passion for our community, and her desire to give back and contribute with her time and talents, has been evident. Marisol is a visionary and has tremendous organization skills, willing to take on tasks big or small to make our community better in any way that she can. From delivering a sack lunch with a smile, organizing a music festival, or mentoring young women and encouraging the next generation along their life journey, Marisol finds satisfaction in being a part of something much bigger than herself.
“Watching Marisol grow in her career has been a joy for me; however, her greatest success is being a wife and mother of two precious children. Lincoln Parish is blessed that Marisol found a home here after graduating from Louisiana Tech University. I am fortunate to call her my teammate and friend.”
Q&A with Marisol O’Neal
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
While I have only ever lived in two parishes — I can honestly tell you the unique factor of Lincoln Parish lies directly within its people. How has one parish been so lucky to have its premiere leaders be such efficient, thorough, and thoughtful collaborators? Looking inwardly at Ruston specifically — Mayor Ronny Walker has been such a tremendous asset into making our community as special as it is. He has one of the best open-door policies from a leadership perspective, and his passion to “be better, do better” really makes our city + parish truly unique. As a result of his leadership (and many others) — it is easy for our community to unite together to bring forth change and progress to our area.
How do you see your role/place in making our parish such a wonderful place to call home?
The best way to make a community great is to be a good steward to your neighbors — both personally and professionally.
As an individual, I do my best to perform small actions with great pride. One of the best (and easiest) ways to be a good steward is to simply be present. Showing up to local events is a very easy way to make a difference, and our patronage of these events inevitably keeps our parish moving forward.
Speaking professionally — it is also important to reinvest in the community in which we live, and I am beyond thankful that my employer (Origin Bank) allows me many opportunities to volunteer to serve and represent Lincoln Parish. If you ever have an opportunity to volunteer locally, I highly recommend it; you will feel wonderful at the end of the day — and you will continue to make Lincoln Parish great!
Who has played a role in your professional development and why?
Truth be told — I have too many individuals to list here, but the obvious answer would be my boss, Laurie Colvin. I started working Origin Bank in 2008 at the age of 23. To put it bluntly — I was very young. Knowing what I know now — I was unrealistically ambitious, which sounds odd to say. To elaborate, I was on this drastic, self-created timeline to chase titles, goals, money, and everything you could imagine. Over the years – Laurie provided feedback and counsel that not only helped me professionally, but also personally. She has definitely been responsible for shaping me as an individual, and I will be forever in her debt for all that she has done for me.
Let me also give a shout-out to Cathi Cox-Boniol and Corre Stegall — who are two dynamic women who stepped into my life through other organizations of which I am affiliated. If they read this article, they will likely be surprised to see me list their names listed here — as I have never personally told them the positive influences they have had on me. They are two amazing leaders who have leadership qualities of which I tremendously admire and respect. Lincoln Parish is wildly lucky to call them our own.
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City of Ruston Public Works Director John Freeman is pictured to the City Council during Monday night’s meeting. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
Future finances were matters of business Monday night as Ruston’s City Council adopted a budget for the 2025 fiscal year and also adopted property tax millage rates for 2024 during its September meeting held in the courtroom at City Hall.
City Chief Financial Officer Julie Keen explained the proposed millage rates before they were unanimously adopted by the City Council.
“Currently our millage and related revenue are general alimony at 5.19 mils, which is about $1.3 million in revenue; RPAR at w.89 mils, which is about $700,000 in revenue,” Keen said. “We are asking this year that the city adopt the 2024 adjusted maximum millage after the reassessment, which would assign our rates for the general alimony are 4.63 mils, again generating about $1.3 (million) in revenue; and RPAR at 2.58, which would keep our revenue at $700,000. We do expect some modest growth with some new properties coming onto the roll.”
So basically, the Council dropped millage rates but expects to generate the same amount of property tax revenue.
The 2025 budget unanimously adopted by the Council has the city spending approximately $77 million and taking in around $112 million.
Keen said operating expenses are up compared to 2024 while revenue is down by about $3 million.
The budget also shows just over $60 million in capital expenditures for 2025, much of which is funded by state and federal grants.
Ruston’s Board of Alderman also unanimously passed a resolution approving applications of Echo Development Ruston, LLC, for participation in the Louisiana Tax Abatement Program.
“The Restoration Tax Abatement Program provides an abatement of ad valorem property taxes on renovations and improvements on commercial structures and unoccupied residences and qualified locations,” Keen said. “The program is administered by Louisiana Economic Development and is a 10-year program consisting of five two-year periods that renew after the first five.
“Four applications for abatement were submitted by Echo Development of Ruston, LLC, which is the property that is encompassing the Economic Power and Water District on East Mississippi (Street)/ The improvements are expected to cost approximately $8.2 million. Of course, the abatement will only apply to the value of those improvements. We have as required notified the other taxing authorities of receipt of the applications and we have made those available to them as well.”
As far as the Cooktown Road overpass, the City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the city to enter into a contract with the Riley Company of Louisiana to do engineering services related to eventually moving utilities so that a new bridge can be built.
“(The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development does) have a project designed and as part of that project they reached out to the existing utilities in the area to develop a relocation plan for those utilities that may be in conflict with that project,” said Public Works Director John Freeman. “We believe some of the costs should be borne by the department. We just need a plan developed to show them that has to be relocated and what compensable interest might look like, and for them to be able to evaluate that they need to see our contract with our engineering group. That is this step and we’ll get those plans to the (DOTD).”
Mayor Ronny Walker said the project was entirely funded during the state legislative session held earlier this year.
“The money is there,” Walker said. “It is on the bid sheet for 2026, but DOTD in Monroe, our district office, is working really hard to move that to 2025 and we’re all working really hard also. We hope to get that bumped up to 2025.”
Ruston’s Board of Aldermen also passed a trio of resolutions authorizing the city accepting low bids from the Mabry Company related to three Cross Drain Replacement Projects.
The first one was for the Edgewood Street Cross Drain Replacement and Interchange Improvements Project at a cost of $37,250; the East Mississippi Cross Drain Replacement Project at a cost of $58,100 and the Stain Street Cross Drain Replacement Project at a cost of $38,200.
Also passed by the City Council were resolutions to revise and adopt a Citizen Participation Plan related to the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Program; to accept and support grant offers and approve grant agreements for improvements at the Ruston Regional Airport; to authorize the city to enter into contract related to hourly and storm rates for vegetation maintenance; and to authorize the city of enter into contract related to vegetation mileage rates.
With Lincoln Parish expected to be at least somewhat affected by Hurricane Francine or its remnants later this week, Councilman Bruce Siegmund asked Public Works Utilities Manager Andrew Halbrook if those rates would be used in the event of needed storm cleanup.
“We’ll still be under our current contract for any weather between now and Oct. 1,” Halbrook said.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
The Ruston Farmers Market, a beloved fixture in our town for the past 16 years, invites the community to a special evening on October 3rd from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Held in the market’s charming warehouse, the event promises a warm and inviting atmosphere enhanced by twinkling string lights.
Guests will enjoy a catered dinner by the Desi Bourgeois, complemented by an open bar and the lively sounds of Mixed Notes. In the true spirit of Ruston’s vibrant community, join us for an evening featuring a silent auction to benefit the Ruston Farmers Market. By participating, you help fuel the market’s ongoing success and support local vendors, farmers, artisans, and musicians. Enjoy a memorable night while bidding on unique items, and contribute to a cause that uplifts our local marketplace and its dedicated participants.
Valet parking will be available, allowing you to relax and focus on enjoying the company of friends and fellow community members.
Last year’s dinner was a standout success, providing a perfect Thursday night date for many and showcasing the genuine, heartfelt connections that make Ruston unique. We invite you to join us for what promises to be another unforgettable night.
Tickets for this event can be purchased on our website at rustonfarmersmarket.org. We look forward to sharing this evening with you and celebrating the spirit of Ruston.
About Ruston Farmers Market: The Ruston Farmers Market has been a cornerstone of the community for 16 years, offering exclusively Louisiana-grown and produced products. Since its inception by dedicated volunteers in May 2008, the market has grown into a premier destination in Ruston. Operated by North Louisiana Farm Fresh Inc. (NLFF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2014, the market moved to its current covered location in 2015 and has been operating year-round since 2020, with annual sales reaching nearly $400,000. This year, we opened The Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen and now offer cooking classes each week.
The mission of NLFF is to provide direct producer-to-consumer sales opportunities, support the development of a local food network, and conduct educational outreach of sustainable agriculture, health, and nutrition throughout North Louisiana.
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).
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).
Only one entry per participant will be accepted each week.
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.
Ruston Police arrested two men Saturday with over $7,600 in counterfeit currency after they attempted to use the money at a local pharmacy.
Tony O. McClain, 21, of Ruston, and Harrison Davis, 18, of Kenner, were arrested about noon Saturday.
According to an officer’s report, the two men went to the Walgreens at 1401 N. Trenton Street in Ruston. McClain, who said he was aware of the money was counterfeit, gave a Walgreens cashier $200 to place on Davis’s Cash App account.
Davis told police he did not realize the currency was counterfeit. He said he gave $200 to the cashier that McLean had given him and then transferred it to his Cash App account.
However, McClain said Davis had acquired the counterfeit money. In a search of their vehicle, $7,610 in counterfeit bills was found in plain view in the cab of the vehicle. An officer wrote that anyone in the cab of the vehicle could not avoid seeing all the cash.
Both men were charged with monetary instrument abuse and illegal transmission of monetary funds.
McClain was also booked for driving under suspension and for a warrant held by Ruston Police for 15 counts of bank fraud.
McClain’s bail was set at $61,500. Bail for Davis 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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For September, Gregg Phillips State Farm recognized Aiden Anding of Ruston High School as its Good Neighbor of the Month Award.
Aiden is an active participant in the Bearcat Buddy Program that assists Ruston High’s special education students. Last year, Aiden volunteered to escort his Bearcat Buddy at their graduation ceremony and he did a fantastic job!
With our Good Neighbor of the Month Award, Gregg Phillips State Farm looks for students who have been making a positive impact in their community.
We do not focus on athletics or academics as much as we are looking for the young adults who are simply good people and good citizens. Each middle and high school in Lincoln Parish nominates a student who fits these standards.
Champion Trophies creates a plaque that we are able to present to the student at their school in front of their peers and parents.
Early voting is October 18-29 (excluding Sunday, October 20 and Sunday, October 27) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is November 1 by 4:30 p.m (other than military and overseas voters).
The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is November 4 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).
On election day, the polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Please call the Lincoln Parish Registrar of Voters Office at 318-251-5110 if you have any questions regarding eligibility to vote in this election.
The Lincoln Parish Registrar of Voters’ office is located at 100 W. Texas Ave., Room 10.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Grambling Police arrested a Minden man on September 2 after he allegedly destroyed the contents of an apartment and discharged a firearm when he admittedly lost his temper.
Marsalis Edward Blalock, 24, was spotted by a responding Grambling PD officer about behind an apartment complex on B.T. Woodard Circle at about 2:00 a.m. Blalock fled but was apprehended.
When Blalock was searched, a Taurus 9mm pistol was recovered in his waistband according to police.
Blalock said he and his girlfriend got into an argument. He said he lost his temper during the argument and destroyed the inside of the apartment. According to the officer’s report, Blalock admitted punching the walls and breaking glass. Blalock said he retrieved his pistol from inside the apartment and attempted to see if it was loaded. The report quoted him as saying, “I went outside to see if it was loaded and let off one round in the air.”
A witness who hid the girlfriend in another apartment reported hearing Blalock destroying items.
Blalock was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for illegal discharge of a firearm, criminal damage property, and disturbing the peace.
Bail was set at $91,500.
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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Below is the information from Monday afternoon from the National Weather Service in regards to Tropical Storm Francine.
Confidence increasing that this storm will have significant to life-threatening impacts to portions of Louisiana.
TS Francine expected to bring threats of heavy rain, potentially moderate to major coastal flooding, strong damaging winds and tornadoes beginning Tuesday night into Thursday morning.
TS Francine is forecast to be a hurricane at landfall along the Louisiana coast.
Tropical storm and hurricane watches have been issued for most of southern Louisiana over the next 48 hours.
Rainfall, flooding and wind will depend on the storm track and how fast the storms moves following landfall.
Tornado chances may be possible mainly on Wednesday, mainly east of the storms track.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
As an added bonus this year, fans can submit pictures of players, and a select few will be published each week along with the scores.
To submit pics, please email lpjscoreboard@gmail.com with your pictures by Sunday nights at 8 p.m.
The scoreboard will run every Tuesday and have the previous week’s scores and highlights.
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The Downsville Community Charter School opened its new Agricultural Science Building this week. School officials celebrated the long-awaited upgrade, replacing the previous structure, a World War II-era barracks that had served as the school’s agriculture classroom for decades.
The modern facility is a significant improvement for students, offering advanced learning opportunities in agriculture as well as career-focused certifications in welding, manufacturing, electrical work, and small engine repair.
The building was dedicated to Charles Calcote, a longtime agriculture teacher at Downsville. His daughters, Donna Calcote and Cheryl Calcote Robinson, were present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed to their father.
School officials said the ag program at Downsville has expanded with the school’s population over the years. Nearly 500 students are currently enrolled in the charter school.
The charter school is located in Downsville in Ouachita Parish just yards from the Lincoln Parish line.
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The Bulldog and Lady Techster programs announced Wednesday the Tip-Off Dinner, an event to kickoff the 2024-25 basketball seasons that will be held on Oct. 24 from 6-8 p.m. inside the Thomas Assembly Center on Karl Malone Court.
Individual tickets for the 2025 Tip-Off Dinner are $35 each for presale buyers with the walk-up ticket price being $45 (if inventory remains). Tables seating a party of eight start at $350 with the option of reducing your party size to allow student-athletes or coaches to join you.
There will also be one table available to sit with Bulldog head coach Talvin Hester and one table to join Lady Techster head coach Brooke Stoehr. These tables are $750 each.
The evening will include a formal program, dinner with a cash bar, silent auction, raffles, and more. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the silent auction and reception ending at 7 p.m. Dinner, along with the formal program, will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Hester and Stoehr will introduce their players and staff along with providing insight into the upcoming 2024-25 season.
The fundraising event will serve as an opportunity to meet the 2024-25 basketball teams and catch up on all things Louisiana Tech Athletics. To purchase tables or tickets for the 2025 Tip-Off Dinner, go to LATechSports.com/TipOffDinner.
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Jake Plumb was the lone Bulldog end the red after round two, leading the way for Louisiana Tech with a 71 (-1) as the squad completed round two of the Argent Financial Classic on Monday at Squire Creek Country Club.
It was another picturesque day for the season-opening event with LA Tech’s A Team finishing tied for seventh after shooting 292 (+4) while the B Team is in 16th after shooting 296 (+8).
“It was up and down for us today,” said head coach Matt Terry. “I was really pumped when we got it under par for the tournament. Those last few holes were playing difficult and we did not play them very well. I was happy to see Jake [Plumb] rebound from yesterday and shoot one under today. Having a birdie-eagle finish by Freddie [Surgey] and Niilo [Maki-Petaja] really helped us.”
The Bulldogs shot up the team leaderboard after Plumb reeled off four straight birdies to start the front nine, putting the Bulldogs at one under as a squad and in third. However, a rough stretch followed that saw LA Tech drop 11 strokes.
Just like in round one, the team was able to dig out of their hole a little bit on the closing par 5 No. 9 as Freddie Surgey made birdie followed by Niilo Maki-Petaja who drained an eagle. The duo would both shoot 73 (+1) for the round, putting each at Even for the tournament and in a tie for 12th on the player leaderboard.
The fourth score used by the Bulldogs’ A Team was that of Morton Bailey who matched his first round with another 75 (+3).
The B Team was three shots better today, anchored by Isaac Adams and Riley Hnatyshyn who each shot 73 (+1). Adams was another Bulldog who had success on the front, sinking birdies on No. 2 and No. 6 to go along with seven pars to shoot 34.
Meanwhile, Hnatyshyn rebounded from a non-birdie round on day one to make five on day two, including a stretch of four birdies over the course of six holes. Gray Kingrea and Joel Thomas Stephens had the other two posted scores for the B Team, each shooting 75 (+3).
“Our gameplans have been good,” said Terry. “We just need to execute better for the entire round. I am anxious to see how both teams go out and play tomorrow.”
Houston and Troy are tied for first at seven under going into round three.
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Allison Neal Turner July 19, 1951 – September 6, 2024 Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Thursday, September 12, 2024, 11:00 am Cemetery: Williamson Cemetery, Thursday, September 12, 2024
DeQuincy Holyfield Monday 08/28/1972 — Thursday 09/05/2024 Visitation: Friday 09/13/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Funeral Service: Saturday 09/14/2024 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 09/14/2024 Following Service, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Lisbon
