By T. Scott Boatright

 

The Ruston City Council “played ball” during its October meeting at City Hall, authorizing the sale of one sports facility and use of another to the Lincoln Parish School while also introducing an ordinance that could open the door for privately-owned indoor pickleball courts to be constructed near the Sports Complex.

Ruston’s Board of aldermen voted unanimously to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) for the city to sell the approximately one-acre McLane Recreation Center located on James Street across from L.J. “Hoss” Garrett Stadium for $225,000.

The CEA will have the LPSB paying a total of $300,000 to the city — $225,000 for the McLane Center and $75,000 for the use of the C-1 softball fields and six tennis courts at the Ruston Sports Complex through Dec. 31, 2025. The school board gave its approval to the CEA last week.

Ruston High School’s softball and tennis teams have used the Sports Complex facilities free of charge.

The McClane Center was once the site of the Ruston Parks and Recreation Department’s office and is currently being used by the school system as the parish’s alternative school, something that will continue moving forward. The Lincoln Parish Truancy Office will now also move into the McClane Center.

Ruston’s Board of Aldermen also introduced a motion a proposed ordinance that if passed when considered and potentially voted on during the City Council’s November meeting would allow the city to enter into a CEA with Long, LLC, to sell or lease slightly more than a half-acre to next to the tennis courts at the Ruston Sports Complex for construction of a six-court pickleball facility. 

That issue will be considered and potentially voted on during November’s City Council meeting.

The City Council also passed a motion approving the first of Hunt, Guillot & Associates for construction, engineering and inspection services related to the Louisiana Tech Multi-Use Path/Trail Project, which is the final part of the Monroe Street Corridor Project. 

When complete, the path will stretch from Monroe Street to Tech Drive.

“The work on the Louisiana Tech trail path is ongoing and has found that they have some contract limitations, so they’ve asked us to take that over with the university reimbursing us for the expenses of that contract,” said Public Works Manager Andrew Halbrook.”

Mayor Ronny Walker said the matter was one of bookkeeping as much as anything else.

“We’re all through with this,” Walker said. “This is a matter of budgeting and following through on time.”

Also was approved as a resolution authorizing the city to enter a Professional Services Agreement with American Testing Lab, LCC, for testing and inspection services related to the East Kentucky-Goodwin Road to La. Hwy. 33 Project.

“We are getting ready to start with the first portion of three-laning East Kentucky Avenue and American Testing Lab will provide all of the engineering required by the (Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development),” Halbrook said. 

The City Council also passed a resolution authorizing the city to enter in a Professional Services Agreement with Riley Company of Louisiana, Inc., for engineering services related to the Carolina Avenue/Homer Street Intersection Improvement Project.

“For a couple of years now we’re recognized the need to address the storm sewer at that intersection of East Carolina and North Homer Street,” said Public Works Director John Freeman. “So, we budgeted it through a capital project with an estimated entire cost including construction for $425,000, but first we need to have a plan to set up specifications for that project and that’s what we need to engage Riley Company to handle.”

The Board of Aldermen also passed a resolution for leasing of two front-loading commercial sanitation trucks, another resolution authorizing the city to apply for funding assistance to the State of Louisiana DOTD’s Division of Aviation for improvements to the Ruston Regional Airport and a third resolution authorizing the city to execute a second amendment to a CEA and lease property for Louisiana Tech University.

Councilman John Denny was absent from Monday’s meeting.

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.

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The trial of a lawsuit brought by a Ruston Police patrol supervisor against the Ruston Police Department and its police chief started this week in federal court.

Jury selection was reportedly completed Monday.

In October 2022, Sergeant Kayla Loyd filed the suit alleging she had been passed over for promotions, harassed, humiliated in front of other officers and the public, made to use inferior equipment, and wasn’t afforded the same training opportunities as male officers because she is female.

Loyd claimed RPD retaliated against after she asked city officials for help.

In 2023, U. S. District Judge Terry Doughty considered the city’s motion for summary judgment and ruled the suit could proceed on Loyd’s accusation RPD denied her transfer to the position of criminal investigator on several occasions because she is female.

Doughty quashed three of the four claims alleged by Loyd, including retaliation, a hostile work environment and disparate treatment from other employees. The retaliation claims were dismissed mostly on technical grounds.

Doughty determined Loyd’s alleged hostile work environment “was not frequent, severe, or humiliating enough to interfere with her work performance as a supervisor.”

The judge wrote in his ruling that Loyd met “her burden in proving a prima facie case of discrimination,” noting that during Chief Steve Rogers’s 15-year tenure he had never assigned a female officer to the criminal investigation unit although several males had been so assigned. In several cases, the male officers had less police experience than Loyd.

Last year, other female former officers told the news media of discrimination and workplace retaliation they allegedly endured while working at the Ruston Police Department.

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by Malcolm Butler

United States Senator Bill Cassidy (R) stood before local officials and businessmen and businesswomen Monday afternoon, singing the praises of the relationship between the City of Ruston and Louisiana Tech University.

Cassidy’s remarks were part of the ribbon cutting ceremony held for the Monroe Street Corridor Project, a $26 million infrastructure that Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker called “transformational.” In the works for more than seven years, the ground-breaking for the project was in August of 2021 and on Monday official gathered to celebrate its completion.

“This project is important for a lot of reasons,” said Cassidy, who was highly instrumental in helping obtain the $17.5 million grant that funded the majority of the project. “Let me compliment the city and the city leaders for having the vision for the project. It shows that when you have vision and you work hard to bring it together, this type of project can be completed. It’s important for Ruston, and it’s important for our state.”

Cassidy, who has held his US Senator seat since 2015, said that the project is an illustration that the rest of the state of Louisiana should follow in many regards.

“I brag on this project wherever I go,” said Cassidy.  “I tell people (Ruston) went after this RAISE grant … and now they have this project with a long-term strategic vision. They had the vision. They committed to it. And they made it happen.

“You are a success story in your own right. You are an example to everyone else in the state. If iron sharpens iron, you are swinging iron right now. And I am hoping that the iron you are swinging makes the rest of us even better.”

The Monroe Street Corridor Project is composed of seven interconnected multiple infrastructure projects that increased the efficiency and safety between Louisiana Tech, its Enterprise Campus and downtown Ruston and I-20.

Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson knows the overall importance of this project and future one’s like it in the continued growth of enrollment and advancement of the University.

“We just enrolled the largest freshman class in the 130 year history of this University,” said Henderson. “That’s a tribute to the hard work of a lot of people that are part of the Tech Family, but also a lot of people that are part of the Ruston Family. You can barely separate the two.”

Henderson boasted about the University’s relationship with the City of Ruston and vice versa.

“I think it’s ideal that (Monroe Street) runs two ways,” said Henderson. “It brings Louisiana Tech into downtown Ruston and yet it brings downtown Ruston right onto your campus and your University. That symbiotic relationship between (the city and the University). It’s so mutually beneficial. There is not a better place in America to go to school then Ruston, Louisiana and Louisiana Tech University.”

Walker echoed Henderson’s sentiments while also pointing out the impact of the project on the Center for the Blind and its residents.

“The biggest thing about this project is that it was a partnership,” said Walker. “The city of Ruston was the lead author of the grant, but then we had the partnership with Louisiana Tech and also the Center for the Blind. It’s a huge plus for them as they traverse the streets of our community. This is just another great opportunity for all of us to come together and partner on a great project.”

Pamela Allen, Executive Director for the Center for the Blind, said the Monroe Street Corridor Project truly is a difference maker to the 20 to 25 students that the center averages during a given time.

“Improvements to Ruston that are good for pedestrians are obviously good for blind pedestrians,” said Allen. “It benefits us as blind people because we don’t drive so we walk more than the average person. It’s a win win. Any improvement to streets is going to benefit us as part of this community.

“It benefits our students and our staff and any blind person who has decided to make Ruston their home. The Monroe Street Corridor is the connection with downtown and with Louisiana Tech. We have several students who are enrolled at Louisiana Tech. We are just really excited about the benefits that it adds to the city as a whole, and we are definitely taking advantage of them.”

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by Hanna Singh

Ruston High School has announced the recipients of its 2024 Alumni Awards, with Walter Moss, band director and technology coordinator, being named Current Educator of the Year.

Moss began his educational career in the early 1990s, after enrolling as a music major at Louisiana Tech University. His first teaching experience came in 1993 when he was hired as a part-time percussion instructor at Ruston High, a role he held for five years. In the fall of 1998, Moss was appointed assistant band director and quickly promoted to head band director, a position he has held since. After 32 years of teaching, he is still enjoying every moment.

As a veteran educator, Moss is deeply committed to supporting students both in and out of the classroom. He believes that being a teacher goes beyond the academics, and that it means helping shape students into the adults they are becoming. For Moss, education is about a student’s personal growth as much as it is them learning the subject.

“My responsibility is to take a kid wherever they are, and we work to be better,” Moss said. “The joy and wonder of seeing a kid who says “there’s no way ill never be able to do that” grow from wherever they are is what I love. Watching a kid who didn’t think he had those skills bring them out is very rewarding. My job is to teach young adults how to work as a group, understand a chain of command, and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them that most importantly and if they learn some music along the way, that’s great.”

What has kept Moss at Ruston High School for more than three decades are the relationships he’s built with students and the community. As band director, he has attended more than 400 football games, preparing the school band for each one, along with countless basketball games, parades, and other events. Ruston High Principal Dan Gressett credits Moss with making a lasting impact on the school over the years.

“Walter’s been at Ruston High School for many years. He has positively impacted hundreds and hundreds of students who have come through his band program,” Gressett said. “He has done so much for Ruston outside of band also. He is our technology coordinator now, and we keep him busy with that. He has had such a positive impact on the school as a whole. Even though he hasn’t always been in Ruston, he has been a bearcat for many years and brought so much to our community.”

Over the years, Moss has created countless memories, making it difficult for him to choose a favorite. However, his shelf holds a collection of mementos left by students, each one a reminder of the impact he’s made. The admiration from both students and faculty makes it clear that Moss has brought something special to Ruston High. In response to being named Current Educator of the Year, Moss expressed his gratitude to the Bearcat Alumni for the recognition.

“I appreciate this award, and it is an honor for me. I try to stay humble about things, so I am honored and also humbled by it,” Moss said. “I am thankful that they saw it fit that I deserved this recognition. I’m also thankful for the past 32 years of students, and for my students in the future. I am grateful for everything that they have taught me over the years because I am just as liable to the education process as the students. It’s kind of partnership the way I see it.”

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Tickets for the RHS Alumni Association Homecoming Awards Luncheon which will be held Friday, November 1 at 12 p.m. at the Davison Athletics Complex can be purchased at http://www.BearcatAlum.org.

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.

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A Ruston man was arrested last week after he allegedly attacked a friend with a knife and a pitchfork.

David Lynn Morris, 45, was arrested Oct. 3 after an altercation on Dubach Road the previous evening.

Responding deputies found the wounded victim in front of the residence. Both his eyes were swollen and discolored with a deep laceration below the right eye.

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The victim said his friend David Morris jumped him while they were sitting around a fire drinking. The victim explained Morris became belligerent and the victim asked Morris to leave. He turned to walk away when Morris grabbed him from behind and tossed him to the ground. While on the ground, Morris punched him in the face multiple times.

The victim said Morris had a knife to his throat at one point, threatening to cut him. Morris then got off of him and picked up a pitchfork. Morris asked him if he wanted it in the back or in the neck.

Morris had left before deputies arrived.

The next day, deputies located Morris at an Ezell Road residence. When arrested, Morris said an altercation took place, but it was mutual. He was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for two counts of aggravated assault and second degree battery. His bail was set at $25,000.

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. 

Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

The Gregg Phillips State Farm Agency is proud to recognize Annalise Paul from Cedar Creek School as their Good Neighbor of the Month winner for October.

Annalise, the daughter of Aaron and Jennifer, was nominated by Cedar Creek administration and teachers because of her passion for bettering her community and the world around her.

“Serving in my church (Temple Baptist in Ruston) and in my community has made a significant impact on the person I am today.” Annalise said. “Serving has helped me to put others and their needs before my own. I have gained so many memorable experiences and gratitude about my own life through serving and helping others.”

Over the years, Annalise has:

• Completed many service projects through American Heritage Girls until she reached middle school
• Served her community with her school on retreats
• Donated to Rolling Hills Ministries and Four Paws throughout high school
• Helped with VBS, helped with Winshape Camps, served on mission trips to Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, and California, and helped with the nursery and children’s ministry through Temple Baptist Church.

“Through these different forms of serving, I have learned one thing: how to truly love others,” she said. “I have learned to love others more like Jesus does … Serving has helped and impacted people in so many ways, whether it is a child who got to come to camp because people were volunteering, the parents I helped when I watched their children, the various ways that I have served on mission trips, or the other ways that I have served in my community…

“There is a lot of physical and mental labor that goes into serving, whether that is keeping up with children, waking up early, setting up and tearing down camp, doing yard work, serving at a food bank, passing out water and food, and various other ways. Serving others really shows you how to put others above yourself. I love serving. It is always going to be a part of my life.”

Gregg Phillips State Farm recognizes a student each month in Lincoln Parish who has dedicated their time and talents to bettering our community and for being the example of what a Good Neighbor is all about.

Congratulations Annalise on this award and thank you for being such a remarkable young woman in our community.

This is an advertorial

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On Monday, October 7, 2024, shortly after 9:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. Hwy 80 at its intersection with LA Hwy 133. The crash claimed the life of 42-year-old Lonnie McIlvoy of Gilbert.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2016 Peterbilt (towing a grain trailer), driven by 57-year-old Curtis Brown, was traveling east on U.S. Hwy 80. At the same time, a 2002 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, driven by McIlvoy, was traveling west on U.S. Hwy 80. For reasons still under investigation, the Peterbilt turned left in an attempt to enter LA Hwy 133. This action caused the Peterbilt to enter the Harley’s path, ultimately leading to a collision between the two vehicles.

McIlvoy, who was wearing a non-DOT-approved helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene. Brown was properly restrained and uninjured. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers would like to urge all motorists to prioritize safety on the roads. Avoid driving while distracted or impaired at all costs, as these choices pose severe threats to yourself and others sharing the road. Stay focused, alert, and responsible whenever you get behind the wheel. Your commitment to safety is a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being of everyone in our community.

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.

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By Kyle Roberts

Ruston High picked up a sweep at home Monday night over Captain Shreve by final scores of 25-11, 25-18 and 25-18.

The Lady Bearcats (14-10) fell slightly behind early in each set but fought back each time to take comfortable leads down the stretch. The Lady Gators made the match a little interesting in the second set, but Ruston pulled away late for the set win.

“I thought we played very consistently tonight,” Ruston High head coach Mandy Cauley said. “Playing tough competition (over the weekend) forced us to do that. “(Captain Shreve) started serving tougher in the second set, but we were very consistent on serve/receive tonight, and I’m proud of how we played.”

Senior outside hitter Harper Cauley led the Bearcats with 13 kills, while sophomore Ava Crowe added five kills and a block.

Sophomore middle blocker Jane Ramey also had a solid night with three kids and three blocks.

Sophomore Baylor Cauley finished with 20 assists and four aces in the match.

Ruston will host the Episcopal School of Acadiana in a make-up match from earlier in the season Thursday, Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. in the Ruston High School main gym.

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.

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The Lincoln Parish Journal wants to thank Karl Malone Toyota, Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s College Football Pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Dubach Air and Heat, Ginn’s Autobody, Hart Designs, Dawghouse Sports Grill, Pattons Western Wear, Tanyard Creek, Stows Moving Co., Ruston Athletic Supply, Hot Rod’s BBQ, and Charlie’s Carpet Cleaning for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

We encourage all of our readers to utilize the services and products provided by our advertisers!

CLICK HERE TO PLAY

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CLICK HERE TO PLAY

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $200 in cash … with the potential to make it $400 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).

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.

Class 5A

1. Ruston (12) 5-0 144 1
2. Karr 4-0 132 2
3. Acadiana 4-1 120 3
4. Catholic-Baton Rouge 3-1 97 4
5. Neville 5-0 95 5
6. Alexandria 5-0 78 6
7. Zachary 3-1 75 8
8. Archbishop Rummel 4-1 41 7
9. John Curtis 2-2 27 10
10. Central 5-0 25 NR
    (tie) Airline 5-0 25 NR

Others receiving votes: St. Augustine 15, Mandeville 14, Brother Martin 13, Terrebonne 9, West Monroe 5, Hahnville 5, Parkway 4, Dutchtown 3, Covington 2.

Class 4A

1. Teurlings Catholic (12) 5-0 144 1
2. North DeSoto 3-2 121 2
3. E.D. White 4-1 118 3
4. Lutcher 4-0 103 5
5. St. Thomas More 2-3 96 6
6. Archbishop Shaw 3-2 72 9
7. Cecilia 3-2 60 7
8. Opelousas 1-4 56 4
9. Franklin Parish 4-1 44 7
10. Lakeshore 5-0 41 NR

Others receiving votes: Westgate 20, Leesville 19, West Ouachita 18, Plaquemine 7, Franklinton 3, Vandebilt Catholic 2, McDonogh (35) 1, Minden 1.

Class 3A

1. University (12) 4-1 144 1
2. St. James 3-1 131 2
3. Bunkie 5-0 119 4
4. Jennings 4-1 96 7
5. Northwest 3-2 69 9
6. John F. Kennedy 1-4 67 3
7. Amite 3-2 54 NR
8. Jewel Sumner 4-1 51 8
9. Bastrop 4-1 41 5
10. Sterlington 2-3 38 10

Others receiving votes: Madison Prep 33, Jena 29, Erath 15, De La Salle 13, Pine 5, Iota 4, Lake Charles College Prep 4, Kaplan 1, Westlake 1.

Class 2A

1. Newman (8) 3-0 134 1
2. Calvary Baptist (1) 3-2 128 2
3. Oak Grove (1) 4-1 118 3
4. Dunham (2) 5-0 117 4
5. Ouachita Christian 5-0 94 5
6. Catholic-New Iberia 4-1 84 6
7. Mangham 4-1 52 10
   (tie) Lafayette Christian 1-4 52 7
8. Episcopal-Baton Rouge 4-1 50 8
9. Ferriday 5-0 47 NR

Others receiving votes: Pope John Paul 24, Union Parish 12, Notre Dame 20, Kinder 2, DeQuincy 1.

Class 1A

1. Vermilion Catholic (11) 5-0 143 2
2. Haynesville 5-0 126 3
3. Southern Lab (1) 3-1 124 1
4. Ascension Catholic 2-1 51 8
5. Riverside 2-2 74 4
6. St. Martin’s 4-1 62 5
7. Catholic-Pointe Coupee 4-0 60 10
8. Covenant Christian 5-0 54 NR
9. Kentwood 3-2 51 6
10. Opelousas Catholic 4-1 41 7

Others receiving votes: Ascension Episcopal 33, St. Edmund 30, Jeanerette 19, Logansport 12, St. Frederick 10, Hamilton Christian 1, North Iberville 1.

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Scores reported:

Monday, Sep. 30			Tuesday, Oct. 1
I. A. Lewis	20		Jonesboro-Hodge	20
Riser	6		Cedar Creek Middle	38
Thursday, Oct. 3			Thursday, Oct. 3
RJHS 7	22		RJHS 8	12
West Ridge	30		West Ridge	0

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Parish Swim Results – 2024 HS Meet #4

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.

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.

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BATON ROUGE, La. – Weekends in October at Louisiana State Parks will be filled with fun, family-friendly activities to get little ghosts and goblins in the Halloween spirit.

“Get into the spook spirit of the Halloween season with Louisiana State Parks this month. From Rougarou and Bigfoot hunts to mask making and the popular trick-or-treating and costume contests, it’s a great time to bring the family out to a state park for something fun to do every weekend in October,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

There will also be an earth-oven demo on October 12 at Poverty Point World Heritage Site, a haunted museum at Rebel State Historic Site on October 18, 19, 25 and 26 featuring music, hayrides, and a children’s rope maze.

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Be sure to make your way back to a Louisiana State Park the last weekend of the month, October 26-27. On Saturday, October 26, kids can trick-or-treat through the campgrounds at 17 different state parks. The month wraps up with a mini carnival Halloween celebration at Lake Claiborne State Park complete with games, face painting, costume contest and trick-or-treating.

For a full list of Louisiana State Parks October events, visit the Louisiana State Parks programs and events webpage.

Plan your next trip at LaStateParks.com and follow Louisiana State Parks on Facebook.

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.

Baton Rouge – Louisiana State Police announced the graduation of its 104th Cadet Class, consisting of 55 cadets who have completed their journey to becoming Louisiana State Troopers. The graduation ceremony was hosted by the Louisiana State Police Training Academy and held at Istrouma Baptist Church.

The 55 cadets from across the state began their 24-week training at the Louisiana State Police Training Academy on April 21, 2024. During this period, they received comprehensive instruction in areas such as crash investigation, emergency vehicle operations, impaired driving detection, fair and impartial policing, legal updates, advanced firearms training, leadership skills, and a rigorous physical training regimen. Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Troopers, these cadets earned their Louisiana State Police badge.

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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.

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech returns to the Thomas Assembly Center for a four-match homestand, starting with Sam Houston tonight at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

The Bulldogs and the Bearkats will also play Wednesday at 6 p.m.

“After picking up some bright spots to build on even in the losses this past weekend, I’m thankful this is a quick turnaround to be able to get back on the court and have another chance to bounce back this week against Sam Houston State,” said Tech head coach Amber McCray. “Our passing will be a critical piece to our puzzle in our ability to be balanced offensively, which is where we are at our best.

“We will also need to be disciplined in all aspects of the game to stay low error and be able to convert more situational plays when we have the advantage. Finding consistency day to day and player to player has been one of our early struggles, but it’s exciting to know how much room we have to reach our ceiling and that we have another opportunity to do that starting tomorrow at home.”

Louisiana Tech (6-11, 0-4) will look to get back into the win column after falling to New Mexico State 3-0 and 3-1 over the weekend. The Bulldogs hit .212 with 72 kills and 86 digs on the weekend.

Meghan Scharpenberg surpassed 1,500 assists in her career on Saturday. The redshirt senior finished with her second double-double of the season with 20 assists and 13 digs in the four-set match.

Charlize Williams continues to be one of the best middle blockers in the league. Williams ranks fifth with 58 total blocks and 1.05 blocks per set. The senior also contributes 1.44 kills per set on the offensive side of the net.

The Bulldogs are one of the top teams in Conference USA with 14.78 digs per set. Their third-best total in the league is thanks partly to Riley Steubing and Izabely Benjamin. Steubing ranks sixth in the conference with a 3.96 per set average. Benjamin contributes 2.74 per set.

Sam Houston (7-8, 2-2) comes to Ruston after being swept by UTEP after beating Middle Tennessee during the first weekend of conference play.

The Bearkats have a balanced offensive attack, with four players averaging over 2.00 kills per set. Alyssa Fielder leads the way at 2.44, followed by McKenzie Morvant with 2.4. Avery Fowler ranks fourth in the conference with 481 assists and 8.91 per set.

Defensively, Hannah Baker is first in CUSA with 4.74 digs per set and third with 256 total digs on the season. Fowler is second on the team with 156. Morvant has been a staple for the Bearkats in the middle for five seasons, with 425 blocks. She currently ranks third with 1.19 per set and fourth with 64 this year.

Sam Houston has a 10-6 advantage in the series, but the Bulldogs are 5-3 in the last eight meetings. However, Tech is only 1-4 in the Thomas Assembly Center, with the last meeting in Ruston coming in 2017.

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.

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Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications

Grambling State Athletics is proud to announce a new partnership with Influxer, an innovative platform that will empower student-athletes to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness (NIL).

Through this collaboration, student-athletes will have the opportunity to create personalized, co-branded merchandise for fans to purchase.

Influxer, an officially licensed vendor, will produce apparel customized with student-athletes, names and numbers. Beyond merchandise creation, the platform will provide valuable resources on marketing, entrepreneurship, and personal branding, helping athletes navigate the expanding NIL landscape.

“The NIL landscape is constantly evolving and working with Vice President For Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Trayvean Scott and Associate AD for External Relations, Taylor Stewart has been an amazing opportunity to see the vision that they have for Grambling State in providing great options through Influxer for their student-athletes. They see this as not simply a transactional opportunity, but as an opportunity to develop long term skills for life,” said Influxer Vice-President Keith Miller

Every Grambling student-athlete will have the opportunity to create a personalized web page where fans can browse and purchase exclusive gear. This initiative provides a direct connection between Tiger fans and the athletes they support, enhancing engagement and school spirit.

For more information and to purchase co-branded apparel, visit the Grambling State Athletics Influxer page at https://influxermerch.com/colleges/grambling-state-university/sports

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.

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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  

Reginald Jenon Singleton  
Friday 12/07/1962 — Thursday 10/03/2024   
Visitation: Thursday 10/10/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home  
Funeral Service: Friday 10/11/2024 11:00am, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 521 Mt. Olive Church Road, Grambling  
Interment: Friday 10/11/2024, Macedonia #1 Cemetery, 239 Glen Road, Hilly  

Jimmy Lee Wall  
October 19, 1936 – October 2, 2024 

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Class 5A

1. Ruston (12) 5-0 144 1
2. Karr 4-0 132 2
3. Acadiana 4-1 120 3
4. Catholic-Baton Rouge 3-1 97 4
5. Neville 5-0 95 5
6. Alexandria 5-0 78 6
7. Zachary 3-1 75 8
8. Archbishop Rummel 4-1 41 7
9. John Curtis 2-2 27 10
10. Central 5-0 25 NR
    (tie) Airline 5-0 25 NR

Others receiving votes: St. Augustine 15, Mandeville 14, Brother Martin 13, Terrebonne 9, West Monroe 5, Hahnville 5, Parkway 4, Dutchtown 3, Covington 2.

Class 4A

1. Teurlings Catholic (12) 5-0 144 1
2. North DeSoto 3-2 121 2
3. E.D. White 4-1 118 3
4. Lutcher 4-0 103 5
5. St. Thomas More 2-3 96 6
6. Archbishop Shaw 3-2 72 9
7. Cecilia 3-2 60 7
8. Opelousas 1-4 56 4
9. Franklin Parish 4-1 44 7
10. Lakeshore 5-0 41 NR

Others receiving votes: Westgate 20, Leesville 19, West Ouachita 18, Plaquemine 7, Franklinton 3, Vandebilt Catholic 2, McDonogh (35) 1, Minden 1.

Class 3A

1. University (12) 4-1 144 1
2. St. James 3-1 131 2
3. Bunkie 5-0 119 4
4. Jennings 4-1 96 7
5. Northwest 3-2 69 9
6. John F. Kennedy 1-4 67 3
7. Amite 3-2 54 NR
8. Jewel Sumner 4-1 51 8
9. Bastrop 4-1 41 5
10. Sterlington 2-3 38 10

Others receiving votes: Madison Prep 33, Jena 29, Erath 15, De La Salle 13, Pine 5, Iota 4, Lake Charles College Prep 4, Kaplan 1, Westlake 1.

Class 2A

1. Newman (8) 3-0 134 1
2. Calvary Baptist (1) 3-2 128 2
3. Oak Grove (1) 4-1 118 3
4. Dunham (2) 5-0 117 4
5. Ouachita Christian 5-0 94 5
6. Catholic-New Iberia 4-1 84 6
7. Mangham 4-1 52 10
   (tie) Lafayette Christian 1-4 52 7
8. Episcopal-Baton Rouge 4-1 50 8
9. Ferriday 5-0 47 NR

Others receiving votes: Pope John Paul 24, Union Parish 12, Notre Dame 20, Kinder 2, DeQuincy 1.

Class 1A

1. Vermilion Catholic (11) 5-0 143 2
2. Haynesville 5-0 126 3
3. Southern Lab (1) 3-1 124 1
4. Ascension Catholic 2-1 51 8
5. Riverside 2-2 74 4
6. St. Martin’s 4-1 62 5
7. Catholic-Pointe Coupee 4-0 60 10
8. Covenant Christian 5-0 54 NR
9. Kentwood 3-2 51 6
10. Opelousas Catholic 4-1 41 7

Others receiving votes: Ascension Episcopal 33, St. Edmund 30, Jeanerette 19, Logansport 12, St. Frederick 10, Hamilton Christian 1, North Iberville 1.

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Courtesy of Louisiana Tech University Communications

The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) generously contributed $275,000 to the Construction Engineering Technology program at Louisiana Tech University. Funding will be used to improve classroom and lab spaces with construction slated to begin next summer.

LSLBC presented the donation to the College of Engineering and Science (COES) Thursday. The event was attended by key figures, including Tech President Jim Henderson, COES Dean Colin Wick, faculty from Louisiana Tech’s Construction Engineering Technology program, members of the Louisiana Associated General Contractors (AGC), the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA), state legislators, and representatives from the LSLBC.

“We are most thankful to the LSLBC for their generous support of our Construction Engineering Technology (CET) program,” Wick said. “The program has achieved record enrollment, and this funding will play a crucial role in developing cutting-edge classroom and lab spaces for our CET students.”

These funds, gathered from voluntary contributions made by contractors across the state, are distributed among construction engineering programs in Louisiana. This donation underscores the commitment of the state’s construction industry to fostering the next generation of industry leaders.

“The Construction Education Trust Fund contribution to Tech’s construction engineering program is another example of the construction industry giving back to prepare the future contractors of Louisiana,” said Ken Naquin, chief executive officer of the Louisiana Associated General Contractors. “The industry is the end user of the young men and women that the Program produces, and we want our Louisiana construction programs to be the best. This financial aid to the nationally certified construction programs is just our way of ensuring that this industry gets the best and brightest to stay home and work in this dynamic industry.”

In addition to enhancing student access to cutting-edge construction engineering tools, previous contributions have enabled students to attend national conferences such as the North American Society for Trenchless Technology’s No-Dig Show, the Utility Construction Technology Conference, the Associated General Contractors of America Conference, and the International Trenchless Technology Conference and Exhibition.

“Thank you to the contractors whose generosity makes this gift possible,” Reggie Jeter, the construction engineering program director said. “This donation will enhance our program by supporting student conference attendance, upgrading lab equipment, and renovating CET spaces in Bogard Hall.”

Louisiana Tech’s Construction Engineering Technology program equips students with a robust foundation in math, science, engineering, construction, and business. Graduates leave prepared for leadership roles across a wide range of industries, including construction management, quality control, building inspection, cost estimation, entrepreneurship, and surveying. With hands-on experience and a comprehensive curriculum, Louisiana Tech graduates are well-positioned for success in their careers.

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.

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A Ruston man was arrested in Grambling Tuesday after he allegedly beat a man with a bottle after the two had consumed methamphetamine.

Deontreze Keshard Dade, 29, was arrested for domestic abuse battery shortly after midnight Tuesday morning by Grambling Police.

GPD received a call requesting officers at a College Avenue apartment but due to the caller’s slurred speech, the dispatcher could not ascertain the nature of the problem.

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When an officer arrived at the apartment, he heard a man saying “Stop,” and numerous bumping noises. The alleged victim was on the floor bleeding from the back of his head.

Police found Dade sitting on a couch eating a plate of food. The victim said Dade jumped on him and struck him in the head with a bottle. He said they had been doing meth and consumed it all and then Dade had “started tripping out.”

Grambling Fire and Ruston EMS to examine the victim who was then transported to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center.

Dade was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. His bail amount was set at $10,000.

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. 

Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

Let’s be honest.

The paint hadn’t even dried on the print in the next day’s newspapers with the headlines of Ruston High’s state championship title last December, yet Bearcats fans (and even some media talking heads) were already asking THE question.

Could Ruston repeat in 2024?

Jerrod Baugh’s program graduated some big-time players off of last year’s team, especially on the defensive side of the football; difference makers like Jadon Mayfield, Ahmad Breaux, Nate Johnson, Geordan Guidry, and Jacoryian Crowe.

It was a defense that carried the Bearcats over the first half of last year before Josh Brantley and the Ruston offense began to find its rhythm. There was no way that unit could be as dominating, right?

Then there were question marks along the Ruston offensive line with some key losses to graduation. We all knew the skill position players were returning, names like Brantley, Jordan Hayes, Dylone Brooks, Ahmad Hudson and Joran Parker.

But could the O-line be as efficient as needed in order to allow those play-makers the necessary time and space needed to do their thing?

And then there was the schedule; the typical gauntlet of tough team after tough team that Baugh has become known for playing during his time in the 318.

So now five games into 2024 the question remains … can this Ruston team repeat?

The answer is unequivocally and emphatically, yes.

Due to my schedule, I’ve only been able to watch the Bearcats in person twice this year. It’s all I’ve needed to see.

Select School Division I state runner-up Acadiana in the opener and No. 1 ranked (Class 4A) Stephenville (Texas) this past Saturday were my two live eye tests with Ruston. And the Bearcats passed both with flying colors. No glasses or contacts needed.

The 2024 version of the Bearcats may … just may … be better than last year’s state championship version. Only the next few months will tell.

Offensively, Ruston is significantly better than last year’s team. Same skill position players, but all of them a year older and playing with a swag that only a state championship ring will bring.

Brantley had his proverbial coming out party in the state title win over Zachary last December. Last year, Brantley was a running quarterback that could throw a little. This year, he is a quarterback that can run when necessary. He just looks so much more complete as illustrated by throwing for a career-high 251 yards and three TDs.

Hudson and Parker are as tough a one-two punch down the field as any team in the state possesses (if there is a better duo I would like to see it). They both are home run threats as the Yellow Jackets of Stephenville found out Saturday when they combined for four catches for 179 yards and three scores.

And Brooks and Hayes continue to be thunder and lightning with more lightning than thunder really. Brooks has broken off long TD runs each of the past two games and Hayes, well, he broke a couple of ankles with his 20-yard scoring run on Saturday.

All of these skill guys are having outstanding years because of the big guys up front doing their job in the trenches. Jakaylen Blackmon, Cam Venzant, Brock Singley, Jake Tyler, Sam Nations, Ced Rhone, and Brooks Brown have done a workman-like job protecting Brantley and providing Hayes and Brooks (and Brantley) some space in which to operate.

Ruston is averaging 41 points per game and has posted impressive wins over Acadiana (4-1), Stephenville (5-1) and Longview (3-2) during its non-conference schedule. The Bearcats can beat you on the ground, and they can beat you through the air.

Defensively, Ruston may not be quite as dominate up front as last year, but these Bearcats under Kyle Williams have shown they can get the job done against some top-notch offenses.

Led by Aidan Anding and Zheric Hill and Payton Bell, all three levels of defense are playing at a very high level. Stephenville entered Saturday’s game averaging 46 points per game, scoring at least 38 points in every contest.

However, Ruston held the Yellow Jackets to just 17 with one of the two touchdowns set up by a special teams mistake that gave Stephenville a short field. The Bearcats took all the sting out of the Yellow Jackets offense.

Longview averaged over 31 points per game in its other five contests, but the Lobos were held to just 10 points on their home field in the 21-10 loss to Ruston a few weekends ago.

And don’t forget about the Bearcats special teams, which are dangerous and efficient as well. Anding returned a kickoff 86 yards for a score on Saturday and has struck paydirt on punt returns during his career. Jack Elliott is perfect on all kicks this year, whether extra points or a field goals.

Yes, these Bearcats have the ingredients needed to repeat as the Non-Select School state champions.

However, they have a long, long way to go.

The District 2-5A schedule starts this Friday when Ruston travels to Ouachita (4-1), a team that just handed previously undefeated and Top 10 (4A) Franklin Parish its first loss of season by a score of 51-47 on Friday.

Neville (5-0) and Alexandria (5-0) are both undefeated and ranked No. 5 and No. 6 respectfully in the Class 5A polls this past week. And then there is West Monroe. The Rebels (3-2) are still the Rebels and will give the Bearcats everything they want and more in the regular season finale on Nov 8 at Rebel Stadium. Even Pineville (3-2) has a winning record heading into district play.

Ruston’s 19-game winning streak — the longest active streak in the state of Louisiana — will be put to the test over the course of the District 2-5A race. In fact I would argue that even as challenging as the non-district slate was, the next five weeks will be even tougher.

But if the Bearcats bring their A-game every night over the next two months, Ruston may be writing their own headline come December in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

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