As we get closer to election day, there is one topic that neither party wants to discuss. That topic is the impending issue of the national debt. Neither party wants to discuss it because neither has the fortitude to deal with it. Balancing the budget would at least slow down the growth in debt, but balancing would mean eliminating some spending or increasing tax revenues and neither of those are popular ideas around election time.
At the time of writing this column, the US national debt is around $35.6 trillion. I emphasize at the time because three days later it will have changed. Interest on the debt is approximately $3 billion dollars per day. Those numbers are staggering and hard for most of us to grasp.
Before going further, here’s just a few key words to ground us in this discussion:
National debt is the amount of money that the federal government owes to other parties. Of the $35.6 trillion owed, about $8 trillion is owed to foreign entities. Japan and China are the largest holders of that foreign owed debt. That information should make us all a little uncomfortable.
National deficit is the amount in any given fiscal year where spending exceeds revenue. The accumulation of annual deficits in various years leads to national debt as the federal government must borrow funds to cover expenses. Thus, deficits lead to debt.
This problem started back in the Revolutionary War when our Founding Fathers borrowed approximately $75 million from citizens and the French government to fund the war. Over the years, the amount moved up and down, but in recent decades, has gone to unprecedented levels.
Solving the problem is not complex, but it is hard. There are only two things that can be done. Reducing spending and increasing revenue are the only real actions to take. Reducing spending entails either eliminating government funded programs or services or reducing the amount designated for such. The only significant way to increase revenue is to either increase tax rates or institute new forms of taxation. Those are tough platform items to get elected with these days!
Challenges are not only present at the national level, but states also have their share of financial obstacles to deal with as well. Louisiana is currently at a crossroads with its future. The State Legislature will likely be going into special session soon to begin discussions on key financial matters impacting the State. Legislatures are likely to discuss future sales tax changes, state income tax considerations, and other financial issues impacting both Louisiana residents as well as corporations.
Louisiana is losing people at a rate of approximately 1% per year, ranks last among all states in many economic and job growth rankings, and is facing a serious issue with higher education funding. With the special session on crime (Gov. Landry priority) now over, State leaders must start to address these financial issues.
What are they willing to do to address the rising insurance costs?
How are they going to address sales tax and higher education funding?
What will they do with state income tax rates to attract more industry?
Can they balance income tax reduction with growth to stimulate other tax revenue sources?
There are plenty of financial challenges at both the federal and state levels. Some elected officials have no clue about financial or economic responsibility. Others know what needs to be done, but I wonder how many are willing to do it. How many are willing to lead and do the right things even if it’s not popular? Is the goal re-election or serving to make a difference?
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Lincoln Prep senior quarterback Jordan Brown and the Panthers will play host to Ringgold in a game set to kick off at 7 p.m. today. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
The Lincoln Preparatory School football team will put a five-game win streak over Ringgold on the line as the Panthers celebrate Homecoming by playing host to the Indians in a contest kicking off at 7 p.m. at Panthers Field.
Since becoming Lincoln Preparatory School in 2016 after a court-mandated consent decree (desegregation order) dating back to the 1970s, the Panthers have defeated Ringgold five times, outscoring the Indians 234-54 (an average score of 46.8 – 10.8) in the process.
But the Indians have actually lost to a Grambling-based high school in eight consecutive games.
The last time Ringgold defeated a Lincoln Parish high school on the gridiron was when the Indians defeated Grambling Laboratory High School 31-14 in 2010.
Lincoln Prep stands at 3-2 overall and 1-1 in District 1-1A. Ringgold, also a member of District 1-1A, brings a record of 2-3 into the contest but in the midst of district-realignment in the offseason elected to not compete for a league title in 2024 and 2025 and will also sit out the LHSAA playoffs for both seasons should the Indians qualify.
That decision was made because the schedule was created before the current coach, Desmond Lenard, arrived. Ringgold Principal, Marchello Gates said that decision was a result of what he termed a numbers issue.
Lincoln Prep coach Glen Hall said he feels good about his team’s chances as long as the Panthers don’t allow Homecoming distractions to beat themselves.
“I’m always concerned in these situations,” Hall said. “I told the team today that I’m more scared of this game than I was last week against Haynesville (the defending state runner-up). You know, I came up under (legendary Grambling State) Coach Eddie Robinson and I have his kind of mentality.
“Prairie View wasn’t a very good team in those days but we always practiced harder for them than we did for Jackson State, which had a great team in those days.”
Hall said he does feel his Panthers have “practiced hard” this week.
“We look pretty focused,” Hall said. “They want to win every game, but especially this one because it’s Homecoming. But I’ve told them they have to have the will to win to make that happen.”
Hall said Ringgold goes more to the air than it runs the ball. Indians quarterback Keonce Moore, a sophomore, has thrown for 930 yards this season while Antravion Kinsey, also a sophomore, averages 82.3 receiving yards per game and is ranked 20th with 330 yards on catches.
The Indians lost 54-6 at Block last week. Moore went 13-for-23 passing for 88 yards in that contest while Kinsey led the Indians with five receptions for 60 yards.
“They throw much more than they run,” Hall said. “It’s hard to get what they’re doing. They’ll do something out of a formation and then do something totally different out of the same formation.
“It looks discombobulated. I don’t know if it’s on purpose, but that makes it hard if not impossible to figure out what they’re going to do. So we have just focused in practice this week on what we do best and haven’t worried about game-planning for what we might see from (Ringgold).”
Lincoln Prep has fared well against the pass this season, with Verlanski Glosson tied for second in the state in interceptions with four while Cenario Wilson has added three.
When the Indians do run, they are led by junior running back Caden Allums, who leads Ringgold with 165 rushing yards and two touchdowns on only 23 carries.
Allums is averaging 7.2 yards per carry but only 33.0 rushing yards per game.
“We have a good pass rush and a good pass defense with a few guys who are playmakers because they’re ballhawks who intercept passes,” Hall said. “So I like to see a team try to pass on us.”
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By Kyle Roberts, Aaron Dietrich and Bret McCormick
As Ruston High has wrapped up its difficult non-conference schedule, the Bearcats currently sit atop both the Louisiana Sports Writers Association 5A rankings and the Geaux Preps unofficial power rankings for Non-Select, Division I.
But if you happen to think the hardest part of the season is over with, I respectfully will submit to you that you couldn’t be more wrong.
Coming in as the back-to-back 2-5A champion, the Bearcats will now begin five weeks against familiar district opponents who have combined for a total of 19 wins and only five losses midway through the year — and two schools that, like Ruston High, have undefeated records.
“I think, overall, everybody’s played some quality opponents,” Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “We always know our district’s going to be tough — everybody talks about the “Old 2-5A” back years ago, and of course, it was really good then. But I think (this year) is as close to that if you look at how good this year’s teams are.
“There’s not a place to relax — if you’re able to win a big ball game, you’re going to have to regroup really fast in order to get ready for the next week. But to me, that’s a simulation of what it’s like in the playoffs, and hopefully our non-district schedule has gotten us accustomed to that.”
So as we preview the five district opponents Ruston will be seeing in the coming weeks, we’d like to say a big thank you to our friends KNOE8 Sports Director Aaron Dietrich for scouting the Monroe area teams and Journal Services Sports Reporter Bret McCormick for scouting the Cen-La teams.
(Signature wins in bold)
Friday, Oct. 11 – Ruston at Ouachita (3-1)
6-Sep – at Captain Shreve L 27-29
13-Sep – at Wossmam W 25-0
20-Sep – vs. Sterlington W 43-8
27-Sep – OPEN DATE
4-Oct – vs. Franklin Parish W 51-47
Dietrich: “With a thrilling 51-47 win over Franklin Parish, the Lions have already surpassed their win total of last year. The Lions’ defense featuring Dylon Beryman and AJ Washington is the real deal.
“Wydell Clark is one of the most underrated players in Noth Louisiana, but that could be changing following his three touchdown performance against Franklin Parish.”
Friday, Oct. 18 – Neville (5-0) at Ruston
6-Sep – at Evangel Christian W 42-24
13-Sep – at Calvary Baptist W 42-38
20-Sep – vs. Holmes Country Central High School, MS W 34-33
27-Sep – vs. St. Thomas More W 30-7
4-Oct – at Sterlington W 17-10
Dietrich: “Neville has stormed out to a five and oh start with a difficult non-district schedule. Three of the five games were decided by a touchdown or less.
“The St Thomas More 30-7 win was their most complete game. Jaylon Nichols is quickly establishing himself as one of the premier running backs in the state.”
Friday, Oct. 25 – Ruston at Alexandria Senior High (5-0)
6-Sep – at West Feliciana W 44-7
13-Sep – at Union Parish W 41-12
20-Sep – vs. Destrehan W 45-27
27-Sep – at Opelousas W 43-40
4-Oct – vs Many W 69-7
McCormick: “The ASH Trojans have climbed as high as No. 6 in the LSWA poll behind the strength of their 5-0 start. The Trojans began with lopsided wins over West Feliciana and Union before dispatching typical state powerhouse Destrehan, rallying to defeat Opelousas on the road and demolishing Many at Homecoming last week.
“The Trojans have scored at least 40 points in every game this season and are averaging 48.4 points per game. Defensively, ASH gives up just 18.6 points per contest and is led by junior middle linebacker Xzavier White, who has 64 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss on the season.
“A young defense that features just three seniors will need to grow up in a hurry in District 2-5A if the Trojans want to win a district championship.”
Friday, Nov. 1 – Pineville (3-2) at Ruston
6-Sep – vs. New Iberia L 25-34
13-Sep – vs. Avoyelles W 35-20
20-Sep – at Tioga W 39-36
27-Sep – at Leesville L 13-41
4-Oct – vs. Red River W 32-20
McCormick: “The Pineville Rebels have relied on a much stronger offense this season to enter District 2-5A play with a winning record for the first time in six seasons as they are off to their best start since 2018.
“The Rebels have relied on the power rushing attack of junior Ayden Tate, who set a school record with 407 rushing yards against Tioga earlier this season. Tate has rushed for 751 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season.
“Pineville has gotten steady play from its sophomore quarterback, Carter Smith, who has thrown for over 500 yards and seven touchdowns. Smith has connected with senior Landon Grimes 11 times for almost 300 yards and four touchdowns.
“Seniors Jacob Miranda (54 tackles) and Lamarcus Thiers lead the Rebels’ defense, which hopes to continue keeping the Rebels in games after the start of district play.”
Friday, Nov. 8 – Ruston at West Monroe (3-2)
6-Sep – vs: (S1) Huntington (4-1) W 40-7
13-Sep – at: (D3) Pulaski Academy, AR (5-0) L 47-67
20-Sep – at: (NS2) North DeSoto (3-2) W 63-14
27-Sep – at: (S1) Catholic – B.R. (3-1) L 14-31
4-Oct – vs: (S1) Scotlandville (2-3) W 50-0
Dietrich: “West Monroe has to be the wildcard in District 2-5A, which is crazy to even say. The 3-2 Rebels have yet to win back to back games this season.
“In the Rebels three victories the defense has only give up a total of 21 points. The 63-15 road victory over North Desoto has to be considered the Rebels most impressive performance.
“We will learn a lot about West Monroe on Friday as they travel to unbeaten ASH.”
Follow Bret McCormick on X at @b_hoss_mac. He also contributes to @LAvsAllYall and owns One T Photography.
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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!
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In 1962, 24-year-old junk dealer Luigi Lo Rosso was clearing out the cellar of a villa on the southern Italian island of Capri. As with anyone who is tasked with this sort of cleaning, Luigi had three basic categories of items; things to keep, things to throw away, and, most difficult of all, things he was unsure of. Luigi usually took only a few seconds to decide where to place each item. Then, Luigi found a rolled-up canvas. He quickly unrolled the painting and glanced at a distorted image of a woman. Luigi noticed a signature in the top left corner but did not recognize the artist’s name. As quickly as he had unrolled it, he rolled it back up. He placed it in the keep pile and kept sifting through the items in the cellar. Once finished with the task, Luigi returned to his home in Pompeii with the items he had deemed good enough to keep. He sold some of the items, usually “for next to nothing,” but not the distorted paining. He bought a cheap frame to hold the painting and mounted it to the wall. Luigi’s wife was less than impressed.
Two years later, Luigi and his wife had a son they named Andrea. As the boy grew up, he was always aware of the painting because his parents argued about it regularly. There were times when the family considered getting rid of the hideous painting. They considered throwing the painting away. “My mother didn’t want to keep it,” Andrea explained. “She kept saying it was horrible.” For some reason, the painting remained there on the wall of the Lo Rosso home. One day, Andrea’s aunt gave Andrea an encyclopedia of art history. Andrea immediately thought about the horrible painting on their wall. He flipped through the book and found a similar painting of a distorted lady. It appeared that the painting shown in the encyclopedia was of the same lady in the painting that had hung on their wall for decades. The paintings were not identical but had noticeable differences. The title of the painting in the book was “The Buste de Femme.” Andrea learned that the painting was a distorted image of the artist’s mistress, a French photographer and painter named Dora Maar. Andrea looked at the top left corner and realized that the signatures were almost identical. Andrea kept telling his father that the paintings were similar, and the signatures were similar, but Luigi remained unconvinced.
As the years turned into decades, Andrea remained curious about the painting. In 1999, the painting Andrea saw in the book, “the Buste de Femme,” was stolen from a luxury yacht belonging to Saudi billionaire Sheikh Abdul Mohsen Abdulmalik Al-Sheikh. Andrea thought about the painting that still hung on his family’s wall. Twenty years passed. Then, in March 2019, after a four-year search, Arthur Brand, known as the “Indiana Jones of the art world,” found and returned the stolen painting. Again, Andrea thought of the painting that his father had found all those years ago.
Andrea took the reins and sought the advice of the experts at the Arcadia Foundation, a company which specializes in attributions, restorations, and valuations of art works. Cinzia Altieri, a handwriting expert working at the Arcadia Foundation, confirmed the signature on the painting. After an intense investigation, Luca Marcante, president of the Arcadia Foundation, concluded that the painting that Luigi found amongst the junk in that cellar in 1962, which hung on Luigi’s wall in a cheap frame for more than six decades, is an original, authentic painting by Pablo Picasso. Its value has yet to be determined.
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Beverly Dianne Beason October 5, 1963 – October 5, 2024 Visitation: Owens Memorial Chapel, Friday, October 11, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Funeral Service, Owens Memorial Chapel, Friday, October 11, 2024, 2:00 PM
Shelia Renee Johnson Mack Thursday 01/25/1968 — Wednesday 10/02/2024 Family Gathering: Friday 10/11/2024 2:00pm to 3:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Friday 10/11/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Funeral Service: Saturday 10/12/2024 10:30am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 10/12/2024 Following Service, Greater Pleasant Grove, Dubach
RUSTON, La. — It’s impossible to walk in downtown Ruston and miss the Waltz Pharmacy at the intersection of North Trenton St. and West Mississippi Ave.
Nestled in the corner by the red light, the bright white sign has welcomed countless patients for nearly 53 years into Waltz’s care for needed medications, apothecaries, knick-knacks and of course, cold Coca Cola’s.
And now, Phil Waltz will finally go into retirement today after years and years of service to the city and community he loves dearly.
A 1965 graduate from Ruston High School, Waltz spent two years at Louisiana Tech and finished pharmaceutical school at Northeast Louisiana State College (now UL-Monroe) in 1970 — then had to wait until he was 21 years old to take the state board test. Waltz then served as a pharmacist first at Lincoln General Hospital Pharmacy and Baton Rouge General Hospital Pharmacy before opening the well-known institution that was Waltz & Brazell Pharmacy for years.
“My first goal coming out of school was to take care of folks, no matter where I was,” Waltz said. “I wanted to take care of the folks that wanted to come here and do that in the best way that I could.”
And take care of folks, he did, from the moment his pharmacy first opened on May 1, 1972, all the way through today’s closing time. Waltz added that his favorite part was enjoying the friendships with his customers along the way.
Retired Lincoln/Union Parish Judge and Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Joe Bleich was one of those friends. Carrying a box of a dozen donuts for an anticipated visit, Bleich had come Tuesday morning to visit Waltz before finding out that Wednesday would be the last day of business for the pharmacy.
“Institutions (like Waltz’s Pharmacy) perform so much public service, and we hate to see them close or fade away,” Bleich said. “What he has done, he and his family and his staff, will be forever remembered. Although Phil had a profession, he never looked at it as work. He truly loved serving and assisting everyone who crossed his threshold. To that extent, he was indeed the icon of being a public servant.”
Prior to housing Waltz Pharmacy, 200 North Trenton St. served as the home for Crosby’s Pharmacy and then Beard’s Pharmacy, from whom Waltz purchased the business in 1972. And in the late 80’s, Waltz partnered with Albert Brazzel for nearly a decade and operated as Waltz & Brazzel Pharmacy, Inc., which is still reflected on the sign hanging above the building.
“Waltz Pharmacy has been a fixture in Downtown Ruston for generations,” City of Ruston Main Street Director and Community Coordinator Amy Stegall said. “I still remember dropping by for a bottle of Coke before heading to my job at Grigsby’s Jewelers during college.
“It’s rare to find a place that truly feels like stepping back in time, but Waltz was one of those special spots. We are deeply grateful for the many years they’ve been part of the heart of Downtown Ruston, and we wish them all the best in their well-earned retirement.”
April Brazzel Winstead, Albert’s daughter, said she practically grew up in the pharmacy with her father and the Waltz family. In fact, Winstead had helped with billing from the time she was in high school up until last year.
“My dad actually had a pharmacy across the street from Waltz’s Pharmacy for years,” Winstead said. “When some of the big chains started coming to Ruston, they decided to combine and decrease overhead costs, because the chains were starting to really get those ‘Mom & Pop’ stores.”
Winstead added that she has a lot of memories from decades in the pharmacy and wishes Waltz the best in retirement.
“I raised my babies in that pharmacy — they would go to work with me,” Winstead said. “He’s always treated me like family, and I think of them as family. I know it’s bittersweet for him, but I really hope that he enjoys some time. He and his wife Donna have helped so many people in so many ways that the public will never know — whether it was monetarily or getting up in the middle of the night and going to the pharmacy to fill a prescription. I can’t even name it all.
“I wish them all the best, and I just can’t say enough about what he’s done.”
After the pharmacy closes today, Waltz said that he’ll still be cleaning out the store through the end of the calendar year. Since Waltz will still have the lease on the building for another year, he said he is not sure what will come after he has finished cleaning the store out.
“(Cleaning) is going to take me about four months, at least,” Waltz said. “Once I lock that door, I’ll have some paperwork I’ll need to shred, and there is some I’ll have to keep for 10 years. I’ll be 87 years old when I get through all of this paperwork. I’ll take the shelving down and move everything out, but I’ve got a year to get it empty. But I’m hoping to do it in four or five months.”
Customers with current prescriptions at Waltz’s Pharmacy will now have their scripts sent to Walgreens on 108 West California Ave. in Ruston. Once in Walgreens’ system, customers can call to have their scripts transferred to any pharmacy of their choosing.
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Pictured is CVB President and CEO Amanda Carrier (standing at podium) addressing the LPPJ during Thursday night’s meeting. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
Budgeting was a primary order of business Tuesday night as the Lincoln Parish Police Jury held its October meeting at the Lincoln Parish Courthouse.
One of those orders of business saw the LPPJ approve both the Ruston-Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau’s 2024 Amended and 2025 Proposed Budgets.
The amended 2024 budget decreased from a projected $1,371,860 to $1,309,481 while the projected budget for 2025 is $1,326,902.
CVB President and CEO Amanda Carrier said personnel expenses were bumped down for the 2024 budget.
“We hired a Director of Destination Sales a little later in the year, so we saved a little there,” Carrier said. “But that goes into a full year 2025 as well as adding another person for community help.”
The LPPJ also considered and accepted proposed 2025 budgets for parish agencies that were introduced during its September meeting.
Those budget amounts approved during Thursday’s meeting that will come from the LPPJ’s general funds are as follows:
Bayou Lake D’Arbonne Commission, $1,800, no change
Sparta Groundwater Commission, $2,500, no change
Council on Aging, $5,000, no change
Lincoln Total Community Action, $10,000, an increase of $2,000
Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, $25,000, no change
Parish IT Department, $20,000, no change
Lincoln Parish GIS, $25,000, no change
Lincoln Parish Registrar of Voters, $51,000, no change
Lincoln Parish Coroner, $67,804.68, no change
Third Judicial District Court, $140,739, no charge
Lincoln Parish District Attorney’s Office, $300,000, no change
Budget amounts approved during Thursday’s meeting that will come from other LPPJ funds are as follows:
North Delta Human Services Authority, $5,000, no change
Keep Lincoln Parish Beautiful, $7,500, no change
Lincoln Parish Health Unit, $18,500, no change
In other business, the LPPJ also authorized advertising for bids for one year’s worth of gas/diesel, gravel and culvert materials as well as six months work of maintenance hot mix.
“We’re doing it that way because the cost of hot mix is so volatile,” said Parish Administrator Courtney Hall. “This isn’t the hot mix used to overlay roadways, it’s for maintenance work.”
Also approved was the abandonment of Cantrell Road in Choudrant at the request of Dennis Cantrell, who asked the parish to give up the road so that he and a neighbor, the only ones that use the road, can maintain it without the use of pesticides which in the past have leached into a pond on Cantrell’s property and caused fish kills, as well as a portion of Liggin’ Bluff Road.
Jurors also approved preliminary plats for the proposed Red Haven Ridge, Unit 2 located south of Dubach and the proposed Pylant Road Subdivision.
Also approved was the authorization of a consulting services contract with Hunt. Guillot and Associates for long range parish transportation planning as well as authorization of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Lincoln Health Foundation and the City of Ruston for a Lincoln Parish Healthcare study.
The LPPJ also appointed members for the Lincoln Parish Industrial Board, which the Jury wants to revive after decades of dormancy.
Appointees approved Tuesday night for the revived board were:
Lucius McGehee of Argent for financing knowledge
Quanisha Armstrong, Assc. VP for Finance at Grambling State University
Melanie Koskie, Marketing
Jay Guillot of HGA for engineering
Sid Moller, a retired lawyer for legal needs
Mike Kilgore for construction knowledge
Dud Holland for real estate knowledge
The LPPJ also voted to reappoint Bill Davis to the Lincoln Parish Communications District for a four-year term and approved applying for off system Bridge Program annual certification from the state of Louisiana.
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Lincoln Parish has announced the 2024 Teachers of the Year, with Ruston Junior High teacher Sarah Waits being named the Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Waits began teaching 14 years ago, with 9 of those years being in Lincoln Parish. Her journey into education began when she landed an interview with a Teacher Education Program director during college. Although she knew little about the profession at the time, she believes teaching is the career she was always meant to pursue.
“I really had no idea what I was getting into,” Waits said. “However, as I started to experience classroom observations and student teaching, I realized that this was the career that God had called me to serve in. I loved being able to form relationships with students, and I loved seeing those ‘light bulb moments’ where their comprehension and understanding changed from a lack of understanding to finally getting it.”
Waits believes that being an educator goes beyond the academics. She dedicates her efforts to not only teaching English, but also to building relationships with students as a mentor. She explains that when students know she genuinely cares about them, they become more open to learning and engaging academically. Her teaching style focuses on getting to know her students on a personal level and ensuring they feel supported and welcomed in her classroom environment.
Over the years, Waits has worn many hats in addition to her role as an ELA teacher. She currently serves as the ELA coach and as one of the district’s middle school lead ELA teachers. She also co-sponsors the National Junior Honor Society at Ruston Junior High. Both students and faculty recognize the dedication and impact Waits brings to her work. Ruston Junior High School Principal Keshia Douglas has highlighted the impact that Waits has made on the school over the years.
“I was a part of the hiring committee that brought Sarah to Ruston Jr. High School. Once she and her husband decided to relocate, we were just very impressed with the knowledge she was bringing and we felt that she would be the perfect fit,” Douglas said. “Something that stands out about Sarah is that she takes student’s learning very personally. She makes sure we keep the middle school students on track as they transition into high school. Her dedication to not only academics but also community services is very important to us”
Waits credits her positive experience as a teacher to the support she receives from the Lincoln Parish School Board. She noted that faculty, staff, and educators within the school system work diligently to support one another while also guiding students on their educational journeys. Regarding her recognition as Middle School Teacher of the Year, Waits expressed her gratitude and surprise in receiving the award.
“I was honestly shocked and still am just a little bit, to be named middle school teacher of the year for both my school and the district. Even after getting over the initial shock of being chosen for my school, I never thought that I would be chosen to represent the district as a whole,” Waits said. “I am beyond honored and thankful to be chosen for this role, and I am so excited to be able to represent Lincoln Parish at the state level.”
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A Ruston man was arrested for possessing stolen property after a theft victim saw the man with his bicycle on South Farmerville Street Sunday.
David Albritton, 58, was arrested for possession of stolen property Oct. 6 after the victim reported his bicycle has been stolen and he saw a man with it.
After the victim’s report, officers spotted the man matching the victim’s description on Farmerville Street at Mississippi Avenue. Albritton told officers he had placed the bicycle at the car wash on Farmerville Street. A records check showed Albritton was wanted for failure to appear in Ruston City Court on a charge of remaining on premises after being forbidden stemming from an arrest earlier this year.
Albritton was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for illegal possession of stolen property and the failure to appear warrant.
Bail was set at $4,000.
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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5.11 by Karl Malone will continue to receive supplies until 1 p.m. today that will assist first responders in Tennessee and North Carolina who are aiding with cleanup from Hurricane Helene.
by Malcolm Butler
Today is the final day that 5.11 by Karl Malone will be taking donations to aid first responders in Tennessee and North Carolina that are assisting with continued cleanup from Hurricane Helene.
The Cocke County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Department contacted 5.11 by Karl Malone last week requesting assistance with secondhand pants, uniform tops and boots as well as other supplies.
Chief Bill Pace from the West Sterlington Fire Protection District of Union Parish is loading up multiple trucks and trailers with supplies and will be departing later this evening. The goal is to send as many new and secondhand pants, tops and boots to these responders as so many of theirs are water-logged.
In addition to uniforms and boots, blankets, socks, buckets, trash bags, heaters, toilet tissue, tooth paste, baby formula and boot dryers are needed.
Stephanie Callender, manager of 5.11 by Karl Malone, said that the response from north Louisiana businesses and individuals has been impressive as she has collected supplies and monetary donations that have allowed her to purchase new pants and boots.
Callender said that she will continue to receive both monetary donations and supplies until 1 p.m. today.
Individuals can drop these off at 5.11 by Karl Malone located at 1913 East Kentucky Avenue in Ruston. Anyone with questions can call Callender at 5.11 by Karl Malone at 318-680-3858.
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.
Brandon Williams was this week’s winner of the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy.
He walked away with $200!
Would you like 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!
Week 1: Alethea Gipson
Week 2: NaTyra Bolds
Week 3: Barbara Bradshaw
Week 4: Jason Corley
Week 5: Sheila Nugent
Week 6: Brandon Williams
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
As the November 5 election day approaches, there are many races both state-wide and locally that Lincoln Parish voters need to be informed about heading into the poll.
“One of the most valuable voter information tools available to Louisiana citizens is the GEAUX VOTE MOBILE APP,” Lincoln Parish registrar of voters Sharon Parnell said. “We strongly encourage citizens to use this app to be prepared for voting. Most importantly, the app allows users to view their specific sample ballot before casting their vote. The app also helps users stay informed by checking registration status, party affiliation, polling place locations and directions, and they may enroll to receive notifications of upcoming elections and early voting dates and times. The GEAUX VOTE MOBILE APP is easily found in iPhone and Android app stores and at http://www.GeauxVote.com.
“We also encourage Lincoln Parish citizens to follow us on Facebook and to search ‘Lincoln Parish Registrar of Voters’ to access election information on our parish webpage.
The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail or at the OMV Office is October 7.
Early voting is October 18-29 (excluding Sunday, October 20 and Sunday, October 27) from 8:30 a.m.-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.-8 p.m.
The Louisiana Secretary of State’s website (www.sos.la.gov) also provides sample ballots approximately three weeks prior to each election here. When searching precinct ballots, voters will need to know their ward and precinct. Voters can call the registrar’s office at 318-251-5110 for this information.
Professional football is the most popular sport in America and maybe in his hemisphere, so that probably puts me in the minority in thinking it borders on completely boring compared to the college game and compared to the way the pro game was played when I was a kid.
Weather. Outside. Ripped and dirty jerseys. People could tackle and were allowed to. Tape. Mud. Hockey-player teeth. Grass.
That sort of thing.
Long (but true) story.
So when I kind of/sort of want to watch, I recall a simpler time and watch it with the Mannings on “Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli” on ESPN2 while the “main” broadcast (as if!) airs on either ESPN or ABC.
As a lot of fans in Louisiana did, I spent Monday night watching defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City host New Orleans. Kept it tuned to ESPN2. Football is fun when the Manning brothers and their guests are in the house and on the couch. Somehow, with Peyton in a downtown Denver garage/den/TV studio, Eli somewhere in his house within the gravitational pull of New York or New Jersey, and with their guest from wherever they might be, it all works out.
All-Star Lineup Monday: Peyton’s old nemesis Bill Belichick in the first half, third quarter with actor and KC super fan Paul Rudd, and the best for last: the ManningCast debut of the father of the Super Bowl quarterbacks and TV hosts sons, Archie Manning, for the fourth quarter.
Best way to watch a game.
Kansas City remained perfect at 5-0 and covered the 5.5 spread easily, beating the Saints, now 2-3, 26-13. Not a compelling game, but with the Mannings and their guests, beautiful.
Teams practice of course, but the purest beauty comes when players improvise, which they must do more than you might think. Same with the ManningCast, an offspring of Peyton’s Omaha Productions company: some of the show is planned —film clips and questions, a bonafide “bit” now and then, like Eli throwing football into a picture of his big brother’s head taped to a net — but the best parts are improvised, when the guys or the guests are flushed from the pocket.
That happens on the ManningCast about as often as the ball is snapped.
The Chiefs led 16-7 at half, the Saints hanging in there when it looked early as if the game might get away from them. A start-and-stop second half. Who cares? The babble and brotherhood carried the day.
At various times, the trio of The Brothers Manning and Belichick talked about a safety blitz that helped the Chiefs beat the Chargers in September—although the safety wasn’t even supposed to blitz. But it worked. And about how that’s often the case in the NFL, and about how those “busts” often turn into planned plays.
After that game, Peyton told Eli he’d guessed that the blitz was a bust. Eli said it wasn’t, called Chiefs stud defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuola and asked him, Spag said it WAS a bust, “and you owe me $20,” Peyton reminded Eli as he drew the blitz on the telestrator. All while the game continued.
Belichick, who coached New England to six Super Bowl wins, told a story (the stories are the thing!) about when he was an assistant with the New York Giants and how Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor came off the field after a sack when he wasn’t supposed to blitz but did, and his coach Bill Parcells said “We don’t have that blitz in our playbook” and Taylor smiled and said “Maybe we oughta put it in.”
They talked about Andy Reid’s call sheet, the big laminated card that looks like a Waffle House menu he carries on the sidelines. They talked about how the card is divided, showed an enlarged picture of it on Peyton’s giant TV telestrator, explained how it’s divided into plays to get certain players the ball or defenses to run on certain downs or distances. Or how Reid might order the No. 2, extra bacon.
They talked about the Saints good-looking new black helmets, about Belichick’s “On to Cincinnati” quote after suffering a shellacking in 2014 (the Patriots went on to win the Super Bowl that season), about how stiff-hipped defensive backs get put at safety and the hip-swivelers play corner.
Just stuff. But lots of stuff. Good stuff.
Rudd was People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2021, and Eli asked him if he’d know beforehand if he’d been chosen or “will I just find out when everybody else does,” and of course there was a mock cover of People with a picture of Eli as the newest “Sexiest Man” looking half asleep in his jersey, and then the Saints nose guard intercepted a dropped pass in the end zone and ran it back to midfield, the ultimate indignity, to spoil a Chiefs score, and the quarter ended and Paul went from being The Sexiest Man in America to The Most Distressed Man in America.
“Thanks for joining us Paul,” Peyton said going to commercial. “I’m sure you’ll look back on this as one of the great decisions of your life to be on this show and create some negative plays for your Chiefs.”
And then the fourth quarter and dear ol’ dad, glory hallelujah, Archie, who assured the boys that their mom had said it was OK for him to be on, that she’d “signed off on it.”
They asked him about the highlights of his time with the Saints and Archie said that while those weren’t many, it was interesting that “during my 11 seasons I got to play for the Saints, I had a good relationship with all seven of my head coaches during that time.”
Ahem …
But of course he loved “the journey” and “the friendships” and the “long career,” sincerely, even though the team didn’t win.
Archie was Archie, which is all he can ever be. They showed clips of Peyton “dancing” in his school play, video that hinted at his future “lack of mobility,” his dad and brother noticed. Videos of Archie and a 12-step drop back in the day, Archie scrambling, Archie passing underhanded and sidearm, Archie stories of facing the Chiefs in old Tulane Stadium and facing the Chiefs in brand new Arrowhead.
The game in Tulane Stadium was Archie’s rookie year, in preseason, and he’s scrambling all over the place and the Chiefs’ feared linebacker, Willie Lanier, told him near the end of the first half on that hot night in New Orleans, “If you run one more time,” he said, after calmly putting his hands on Manning’s chest, “I’m gonna break your neck.”
“You kind of remember those type things,” Archie said.
The game in new Arrowhead was also in preseason. “I don’t remember much about preseason games — we played six back then — but I do remember in that game I had three tackles in the first half.
“Kind of tells you,” he said, “what kind of night that was.”
Archie said he and Joe Theisman were two of the final single-bar facemask guys “until (Minnesota Hall of Fame defensive end) Alan Page planted my nose right over here by my ear; after that, I decided I needed to get a little more protection there.”
Archie had to end a couple of verbal fights by telling each of his two youngest sons to go to their rooms, which Eli said they couldn’t do, being in the middle of a TV show and all. And dad being in a different time zone.
And Peyton asked his dad if they thought something was wrong with Eli when he was born, since he weighted “only” 10 pounds and both Peyton and oldest brother Cooper each weighed 12.
“I think we kept him in the hospital a few extra days,” Archie said, playing along, then added, “The word was around the hospital that the doctor said they weighed him after he was circumcised.”
Big smiles, some head shaking and laughs, and then Eli: “Dad, that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said about me.”
The Saints, the team these three grew up with, didn’t make much noise in the quarter, so it left plenty of time for Archie to talk about some of the best players of his era.
Defensive linemen: Bob Lilly and Merlin Olsen.
Edge rushers: Deacon Jones and Jack Youngblood.
Most intimidating: Dick Butkus. “I didn’t play against Lawrence Taylor,” he added.
And the greatest player of his era, the best all-around? “Walter Payton. Just throw everything in there. Just a great football player.”
Payton, from Mississippi like Manning, called Archie the day after Peyton’s birth to thank him for naming his second son after him. “I tried to tell him I spelled it different, that we’d named him after his uncle,” Archie said. “But he was convinced. After a while, I just let him keep believing it.”
If you ever saw Walter Payton play, you could see why they called him Sweetness.
Like watching a game with the Mannings.
Sweetness.
What a breath of football fresh air …
The ManningCast isn’t every Monday night during the season, but it is — they are —on during each of the next four Mondays.
And you can always visit the entertaining cornucopia that is OmahaProductions.com; you must see the 10-minute ManningCast: The Musical, which you’ll probably want to watch only once — but you’ve got to see it that one time.
But especially, consider the ManningCast on Mondays. It’s entertainment. It’s a football lesson if you want it to be, but it’s also a relaxing way to watch a sometimes violent but beautiful sport, an athletic broadcast for the prince and the pauper, for the athlete and the fan, for the AFC or the NFC, for the circumcised or the uncircumcised.
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 City of Ruston announces, weather permitting, that S. Farmerville St. between E. Line Ave. and Martin Luther King Dr. will be closed to through traffic Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 6am to 4pm.
This closure is necessary to allow for manholes and water valves adjustments.
The City of Ruston regrets any inconvenience this necessary work may cause residents and motorists. We appreciate your patience, and any questions can be received by the Public Works Department at (318) 242-7703.
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.
RUSTON, La. — Curtis Goodwin understands the yearly challenge he faces as the head coach of the I.A. Lewis Rams.
Being a school with only sixth grade students, he’ll always start with an entirely new roster of kids — a vast majority of which had never played any form of organized football before they walk onto campus.
“I get to start with ground zero,” Goodwin said. “We literally start with the line of scrimmage — it was the first thing I taught the kids. We initial it “L.O.S.” The defense goes on this side of the ball and the offense is on this side of the ball. And you can’t move until the ball moves.”
(Luke Allen – Photo by Tonya McCulloch)
Hired in July of 2023, Goodwin just wrapped up his second season on the sidelines leading I.A. Lewis as the brick and mortar foundation for an historic state championship program in the Ruston High School Bearcats. And it’s these fundamentals — the basic building blocks of the game — that is the main focus, year in and year out, for the sixth grade students.
Of course, it’s a job Goodwin loves, along with his assistants Xavier Brewster, Dutch Russell, Chris Pleasant and Ryan Wills. He absolutely lights up when he gets to talk about his role within the bigger picture of the success of the Bearcats. And it starts with uniting kids that have come from different elementary schools in town: Cypress Springs, Ruston Elementary, and A. E. Phillips — schools he had the chance to go to and pitch football for the first time this spring to incoming sixth graders.
“You could see divisions early on with the kids,” Goodwin said. “We broke that up pretty quickly, as much as we could. I had them all sit together, and we talked about a team concept from day one. They’re going to be a unit, and I instilled in them that they’re not just a unit this year. They’ve got seven years — six more after this one, and you’re going to be brothers. That’s really important for them to understand.”
(Mason Brown – Photo by Tonya McCulloch)
Ruston High School head coach Jerrod Baugh understands how important Goodwin’s role is to his program’s success. In fact, he’s known Goodwin since his playing days at Ouachita — Baugh was an assistant for the Lions at the time — and brought Goodwin over to Ruston’s program back in 2015.
“I always say this, and people probably don’t believe me, but the coaches at I.A. Lewis and Ruston Junior High are way more important than I am to the success of this football team,” Baugh said. “Their idea about how they feel about sports is formed when you start coaching them. Sure, some play little league, but that’s outside of the school realm. Kids and parents develop their idea about your program and how you’ll develop their kids. And if it’s a bad experience early, then that’s how they feel about the whole thing, and they may not continue to play.
“More importantly, we want the kids to have a good experience and try to develop them mentally and physically to be able to handle things we’re doing (at Ruston High). Curtis and (RJHS head coach Hilton Hay) know that. They know what my expectations for the kids are, and they know what standard they need to be held to.”
(Chris Shelton – Photo by Tonya McCulloch)
Oftentimes, these standards that Goodwin teaches are not football specific: it’s life lessons and mantras — taking care of little things, being responsible for yourself, and getting classwork done on time.
“We want things they can focus on in football but then apply in life, as well,” Goodwin said. “It’s really elevated their maturity leave, and I’m really excited about that. They start being conscious that they’re not just a little kid anymore. That growth is huge, and I’m really happy with that.”
Throughout the summer and fall, Goodwin and Baugh are intentional about finding ways for the Ramcats to feel like they’re part of Bearcat family.
(Roe Smith, Levi Newsom – Photo by Tonya McCulloch)
“We like for them to come to (Hoss Garrett Stadium) as much as possible,” Baugh said. “We want to have at least one ballgame a year in our stadium. And we have a junior high recognition night where we bring over sixth, seventh and eighth grade players. We feed them after school and put them in the Cat Box to watch the game. They get to watch our guys warm up, and this year, we introduced them over the loudspeaker and called each one by name. I thought that was really special.”
On Monday, Aug. 19, I. A. Lewis began its seven-game campaign. Again, these are players that may never have put their hand in that grass or tackled anyone else before the summer started. At times, the Rams would have to play older kids in seventh grade. It was rocky at times given the tough schedule. But players flourished throughout the year. Kids like Cooper Stoehr learned to read the field as a linebacker, Cayman Cauley found his confidence in the run game, Kingston Hibbert made drastic improvements and A.J. Nations became the captain of the offense, just to name a few.
(Levi McCulloch – Photo by Tonya McCulloch)
“All these kids have grit,” Goodwin said of his entire squad. “I teach about John Wayne, and I explain what grit is — that became kind of a mantra and a phrase they’ll yell “Have grit!” or “That boy’s got grit!” to each other. To see them learn to be tougher and jump up off the ground. They took that on. It’s another growth aspect that I love seeing — their toughness.”
And the Rams’ maturation came to a point with a 20-6 win over Riser on Monday, Sept. 23, capped off by Cauley’s long touchdown run as time expired. It truly was a fitting end to a season of growth and grit, and a great send off for the kids as they prepare to move on to Ruston Junior High.
(Cayman Cauley – Photo by Tonya McCulloch)
“They’re now preparing for next year,” Goodwin concluded. “I told them as soon as that clocked stopped (at Riser), you’re now a seventh grader. You’re now moving on. And I ask them to think about where they started and how much they weren’t good at in the beginning. And then I ask them to think about how much growth they’ve had and how much more they’re going to have. It’s really great to see how much they see it.”
(Cooper Stoehr, Levi McCulloch, DJ Cooper and Brycen Dimmer – Photo by Tonya McCulloch)
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Well, the day has arrived when one of the professional bass fishing organizations has made a major decision that will impact a lot of professional anglers both young and old. This decision was to ban forward-facing sonar. Finally, someone has grown a set and decided to level the playing field….or have they, and will it?
Let’s first look at who has decided to step up and save the sport of bass fishing as so many legendary pros think needs to be done. The NPFL (National Professional Fishing League) recently announced that forward-facing sonar will NOT be allowed for official practice or tournaments in 2025.
It will not be allowed for scouting (practice) or at any other time. It must be removed from your boat, along with the black box and the transducer. As one joyful pro angler said, “Time to go back to old school fishing!” No longer will anglers be able to look at bass on a screen like a version of Xbox and catch fish.
Is this good for the sport or is this decision holding the sport back? Well, the answer you get will depend upon what angler you ask. Majority of the old school guys will defend this decision and say “yes” it is good for the sport. Most compare this decision to the banning of the A-Rig (or umbrella rig) which many of the pros thought was an unethical way to catch bass by using more than one bait or hook. Old school anglers feel the same about forward-facing sonar in that it’s an unfair advantage for the anglers versus the fish.
I tend to agree with the old school anglers now that I’ve been a user of forward-facing sonar for the last two years and understand how it works. With this device, no fish is safe anywhere on any body of water. It allows anglers to select and zero in on the bigger bass in a school or swimming solo. This is not good for any fishery and could have lasting consequences as anglers do what I would call selective fishing by targeting larger bass.
Let’s face the facts with this electronic device. It has made champions out of anglers who have never won a tournament in their life. It’s become an equalizer or advantage for the younger or less experienced anglers that are fishing on the professional level. It has allowed them to not only compete but win with little to no experience compared to the guys that have paid their dues and taken years to acquire the knowledge they possess.
Nothing has leveled the playing field quicker for the younger generation of anglers more than forward-facing sonar. Anglers competing on the NPFL will have to rely on finding fish with more traditional ways by locating fish either by catching them or using side scan or down-imaging. No longer will they be able to just ride around on a body of water with three or more transducers and locate bass in real time.
While all organizations will not ban this new technology, there will be others that will follow. It’s still hard to understand how the three major electronic companies (Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance) will move forward.
These companies will not sit on their hands and stop developing new technology. So, what’s next? Will the next advancement be banned as well? If so, how will these companies continue to survive without innovation and advancements in technology?
Here’s my perspective…. we can’t just continue to ban every new piece of technology that comes out! Tournament organizations need to adapt by altering the rules presently in place; rules that work for both boaters and co-anglers. At some point, they will have to figure out how to make forward-facing sonar and any future innovations work for the benefit of everyone.
But understand this, just because it’s banned on the professional level, does not mean it will be banned for the everyday angler or anglers fishing on the lower levels of competition.
I do agree that anglers on the professional level should be held to a higher standard; that’s why they’re called professionals. It’s the same reason Major League Baseball does not allow aluminum bats. Hitters would have too much of an advantage over pitchers and it would completely change the game.
But with regards to forward-facing sonar, only time will tell if it is doomed or if it will return. I personally think at some point, it will once again be allowed. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and take the time to enjoy some great fall fishing as lakes are less crowded now that hunting season is upon us.
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.
Trinity dentist Dr. Joe Rustom displays the interactive digital technology available to the practice at the Winnfield clinic. With him is dental assistant Eva Rodriguez.
This is a Journal Services advertorial.
Dental care may not be the first thing that comes to mind when families think about healthcare (that being a trip to the doctor’s office) but dental care is one of the range of professional services offered to its clients by Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana.
This professional service with highly sophisticated technical capabilities is available at Trinity’s clinics in Winnfield, Marksville, Colfax, Ruston and Ringgold. Let’s step into their original dental office in Winnfield where the sign “Winn Community Dental Center” hangs on a building across the street from where Trinity’s three-story office complex is now rising impressively.
Here you’re greeted by Dr. Joe Rustom whose warm smile must put at ease those who might experience angst over being at the dentist’s. Dr. Rustom grew up in Greenwood, MS, met his wife in Houston, graduated from the University of Tennessee and settled into Winnfield in 2014 where his first practice was with Trinity.
“We see all ages,” emphasized the doctor. The office staff includes two hygienists who handle all the tooth cleaning responsibilities. A second dentist, Dr. Marc Lippas, has joined the Winn office on a fulltime basis. His wife, Dr. Katie Lippas, serves as dentist is the Marksville office.
Dr. Rustom explained that Trinity can handle the full range of general dentistry needs at its clinics, including cleaning, fillings, extractions, dentures, bridges, crowns and even some root canals. Not in the picture are braces and implants. “We work with a network of specialists in Ruston, Alexandria, Shreveport and Natchitoches who can take care of those patients who we can’t.”
Unique to the Winnfield office is their ability to create in-house same-day crowns. “Dentistry has changed a lot over the decade since I began,” he explained. In the past, the patient would bite into a mold to create a casting for a crown’s design. Dr. Rustom displayed a hand-held scanner that transfers the full image of a problem area onto an interactive computer where the crown is digitally designed then “we adjust for small details for an ideal fit.” In a workroom, more high-tech equipment uses that image to create an actual crown which is then heat-treated, ready for placement.
Dental care is also available through Winn’s school-based program. With parental approval at the start of the year, students may be bused to the clinic for exams, tooth-cleaning and X-rays. If additional dentistry is needed, a letter is sent home to parents whose responsibility it is to bring the child back in for their appointment.
As a man who likes to hunt and fish (especially offshore), he concludes “we’ve enjoyed our time here.” Wife Leah teaches 5th grade at Winnfield Middle School. They have two children, Abe, 9, and Marilyn, 7.
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are back home to face the FIU Panthers at Robert Mack Caruthers Field tonight as first touch is set for 7 p.m.
The came can be seen on ESPN+.
Tech (2-5-5, 0-2-2) is coming off a 2-1 loss to Sam Houston will look to bounce back against FIU at home. The Bulldogs were outshot 21-6 by the Bearkats while Sam Houston had seven corner attempts to the Bulldogs’s four attempts.
Kyra Taylor led the Bulldogs with two shot attempts while Emma Jones, Tomoyo Kuroyanagi, Taylor Cassidy, and Charlie Cooper also had shot attempts. Jones scored the lone goal for Tech, assisted by Olivia Ewing, following a corner kick attempt.
The Panthers (8-3, 3-0) are on a five-game winning streak that began on September 7, when FIU beat Southeastern Louisiana 6-1. FIU is 3-0 in CUSA play after defeating Middle Tennessee, Liberty, and New Mexico State. The Panthers’s game against UTEP was postponed.
This is the 10th meeting of the two programs. LA Tech capped off a victory in 2023 in Miami with a 2-1 win over the Panthers.
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Jake Plumb and Morton Bailey both shot under par Tuesday as Louisiana Tech wrapped up play at the Trinity Forest Invitational.
LA Tech shot 290 (+2) as a team in the third and final round at the Trinity Forest Golf Club, tying for ninth with a 54-hole score of four under (282-288-290=860).
It was a case of the Bulldogs not being able to overcome a slow start, combining to shoot five over through the first three holes. Plumb had the lone birdie in that stretch to offset his bogey on the opening hole.
The sophomore ultimately found his groove in the middle of his round, sinking birdies on No. 7, No. 9, and No. 10. He would match his 35 on the front with a 35 on the back to card a 70 (-2), tying his season low and registering his sixth round at or under par this season.
Bailey had to get himself out of an even bigger hole, starting par-bogey-double bogey. The freshman did just that though, making six birdies the rest of the way including a stretch of four over six holes on the back nine to shoot 71 (-1). He ended up finishing Even par, tying for 37th for the invitational (71-74-71=216).
The top Bulldog for the tournament though was Niilo Maki-Petaja. After shooting five under and four under in rounds one and two, respectively, the sophomore finished off the event by shooting 72 (E) with 14 pars, two birdies, and two bogeys. His 207 was good enough for his second straight top-10 finish, tying for eighth among the field of 87 golfers.
Maki-Petaja now has six top-10 finishes in his last 11 events dating back to last season, this after shooting at or under par of all three rounds for the second consecutive time.
Freddie Surgey and Oskari Schuvalow each shot 77 (+5) for their final round.
UNLV ended up claiming the team title, followed by Loyola Marymount and host SMU.
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.
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved, Dianne. Beverly Dianne Keeton Beason was born on October 5, 1963 in Camden, AR to Tommy and Patricia Keeton. She passed away on her birthday, October 5, 2024 at the age of 61 in her home surrounded by family.
Dianne was a resident of Ruston, LA and an avid Bearcat fan. She graduated in 1981 from Northside Christian Academy in Fort Smith, AR. After graduation, she worked numerous years for her father until she moved to North Dallas where she worked in the corporate world until the birth of her twins, Brady and Natalie. She was a devoted employee of Hunt Forest Products.
Dianne was a devoted and loving wife to Joe and will forever be remembered as a loving and caring mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was loyal, and dependable in every aspect of her life. She cherished every moment spent with family and friends. Dianne is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents: Rubin Ozell and Mary Isabell Adcock and paternal grandparents: Harvey and Cynthia Keeton.
Dianne is survived by her husband, George Joseph Beason; children: Brady Beason and Natalie Beason; parents, Tommy and Patricia Keeton; brother, David Keeton and wife Terry; uncle, Frank Adcock and wife Brenda and a host of nieces, nephews, loving in-laws as well as other family members and friends.
Dianne fought fiercely and bravely in her battle against cancer. Her faith and trust in God were steadfast and never wavered. Now you can rest… Now you can run and dance… Now you are whole… Godspeed until we meet again.
Services for Dianne are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Friday, October 11, 2024 at Owens Memorial Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Patrick, Bishop Richard Price and Rev. Kemp Holden officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until time of service at the funeral home.
Beverly Dianne Beason October 5, 1963 – October 5, 2024 Visitation: Owens Memorial Chapel, Friday, October 11, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Funeral Service, Owens Memorial Chapel, Friday, October 11, 2024, 2:00 PM
Shelia Renee Johnson Mack Thursday 01/25/1968 — Wednesday 10/02/2024 Family Gathering: Friday 10/11/2024 2:00pm to 3:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Friday 10/11/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Funeral Service: Saturday 10/12/2024 10:30am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 10/12/2024 Following Service, Greater Pleasant Grove, Dubach
