Despite recording their second consecutive loss, Ruston High (6-2; 1-2 2-5A) remains in the Top 10 in 5A, according to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

See the complete rankings below.

Class 5A

School 1^st rec pts prev

1. Karr (9)                               7-0   141   1

2. Neville (3)                          8-0   132   2

3. Acadiana                             7-1   111   4

4. Alexandria                          8-0   110   6

5. Catholic-Baton Rouge        6-1     96   5

6. Ruston                                 6-2     79   3

7. Zachary                               6-1     77  7

8. Archbishop Rummel           7-1     59    8

9. Airline                                 8-0     41   T10

10. Mandeville                        8-0     32  T10

Others receiving votes: Central 17, Jesuit 14, Hahnville 8, John Curtis 5, St. Paul’s 4, West Monroe 4, Byrd 2, Covington 1, Parkway 1.
 

Class 4A

School 1^st rec pts prev

1. Teurlings Catholic (12)       8-0   144    1

2. North DeSoto                     6-2    123   T2

3. Lutcher                               7-0    121   T2

4. St. Thomas More                5-3    104   4

5. E.D. White                          6-2     94    5

6. Archbishop Shaw                6-2     91    6

7. Opelousas                           4-3     77     8

8. Franklin Parish                    7-1     50    9

9. Cecilia                                 5-3     40    7

10. Franklinton                        7-1     31    10

Others receiving votes: Westgate 25, Plaquemine 13, Iowa 8, Vanderbilt Catholic 5, West Ouachita 4, Minden 3, Istrouma 1, Lakeshore 1, Leesville 1, Northwood-Shreveport 1.

 

Class 3A

School 1^st rec pts prev

1. University (12)                    7-1   144  1

2. Bunkie                                 8-0   131  2

3. Jennings                              7-1   114   3

4. St. James                             5-2   107  4

5. Northwest                           6-2     89  5

6. John F. Kennedy                 4-4     79  6

7. Amite                                 6-2      62  7

8. Jewel Sumner                      7-1     57  8

9. Sterlington                           5-3     49  9

10. Madison Prep                    5-3     43   10

Others receiving votes: De La Salle 23, Erath 12, Bastrop 5, Iota 5, Kaplan 5, Lake Charles Prep 4, Carroll 3, Haynes Academy 3, Jena 1.

 

Class 2A

School 1^st rec pts prev

1. Newman (7)                        6-0   132  1

2. Calvary Baptist (1)             6-2   129  2

3. Dunham (3)                         8-0   126   3

4. Oak Grove (1)                     6-1    108  4

5. Ouachita Christian              8-0     96    5

6. Catholic-New Iberia           7-1     86    6

7. Episcopal-Baton Rouge      7-1     63    7

8. Union Parish                       4-4     49    NR

9. Notre Dame                         4-4     46    8

10. Lafayette Chrisitan            3-5     42   10

Others receiving votes: Mangham 19, Pope John Paul 13, DeQuincy 6, Lafayette Renaissance 4, Northlake Christian 4, Ferriday 3, Kinder 1, Lakeside 1, South Plaquemines 1.

 

Class 1A

School 1^st rec pts prev

1. Vermilion Catholic (12)       8-0  144    1

2. Haynesville                          8-0  128     2

3. Ascension Catholic              6-1  114     3

4. Riverside                              5-2  108    4

5. Catholic-Pointe Coupee       8-0    92     5

6. Covenant Christian              8-0    89    6

7. Southern Lab                       4-3   79     7

8. St. Martin’s                          5-2    44     9

9. Kentwood                            5-3    40     8

10. Ascension Episcopal         6-1    38   NR

Others receiving votes: St. Edmund 19, Logansport 9, Jeanerette 8, St. Frederick 7, Central Catholic 4, Westminster-Opelousas 4, General Trass 3, Hamilton Christian 3, Delhi Charter 1, Glenbrook Academy 1, Elton 1.

 

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A Bastrop man was arrested in Ruston last week after he was stopped for a traffic violation and was found to be possessing a firearm in violation of a protective order.

Jamarko Bethea, 22, was stopped on La. Highway 33 at about 11:30 p.m. on October 19 after a Lincoln Parish deputy saw the vehicle he was driving was not displaying a license plate. During a search of the vehicle, a Glock 27 pistol was found underneath the passenger seat. Bethea was under an active protective order prohibiting him from receiving or possessing a firearm.

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Bethea was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for violation of a protective order, failure to display a license plate, and the Ruston City Court warrant. His bail was set at $2,250.

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.

Cedar Creek School announces this year’s Homecoming Court.

Queen: Zoey Venters

Senior Maid: Taylor Basham

Senior Maid: Anna Grace Johnson

Senior Maid: Rosemary Sewell

Senior Maid: Mallory Smith

These outstanding ladies were nominated by their peers and will represent Cedar Creek School at this year’s Homecoming festivities on Friday. The crowning of the queen will take place before the Homecoming game. We hope you will join us Friday night in celebrating this wonderful achievement and cheering on our Cougars.

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 Sheriff’s Department arrested a Ruston man on the Grambling State University campus Sunday last Sunday after he was stopped for traffic violations and drugs were found in his car and in the backseat of a patrol car he had been sitting in during the investigation.

Joshua O. Owens, 31, was arrested October 20 on traffic violations and drug and weapon charges.

After the stop, a search was conducted of Owens‘s vehicle. During that time, Owens was seated in the backseat of a patrol car. He was transferred to another patrol car for transport to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

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The deputy operating the first vehicle later found a bag containing marijuana and several forms of alprazolam, a Schedule IV controlled substance. The back seat had been checked at the beginning of the deputy’s shift to ensure there were no weapons or contraband present. Owens was the only person who had been in the backseat.

A deputy returned to the detention center and added new charges based on the discovery.

Owens’s charges include possession of marijuana, possession of alprazolam, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of the drug free zone law, illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of a controlled substance, obstruction of justice, and several traffic charges. His bail was set at $55,150.

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.

Discover the Cedar Creek Difference at Our Preview Day

For more than 50 years, Cedar Creek School has been dedicated to nurturing the minds, hearts, and spirits of students in a Christian environment that prioritizes both academic excellence and character development. Join us on Tuesday, November 5th at 8:15 am for our Preview Day and see why families choose Cedar Creek, where we strive to live by our motto: Super Omnia—The Best of All.

Cedar Creek isn’t just a school; it is a community where students are encouraged to become their best selves. We invite you to explore our campus, meet our dedicated faculty, and learn more about the diverse opportunities available to students of all ages.

Why Choose Cedar Creek School?

A Foundation in Faith:
At Cedar Creek, we believe that a strong moral foundation is essential to a well-rounded education. Our Christian environment provides a supportive and faith-based backdrop where students are encouraged to grow spiritually as they prepare for life beyond the classroom.

Academic Excellence:
Our students consistently achieve remarkable results. The class of 2024 boasts a 100% college acceptance rate, with the top half of the class earning a 28 or above on the ACT. Collectively, they earned over $6 million in college scholarships. Additionally, Cedar Creek offers 13 Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities, allowing students to earn college credits before they graduate. Cedar Creek is also nationally recognized as a Gold Member of the AP Honor Roll based on creating a college-going culture that gives students opportunities to earn college credit and maximize their college outcomes.

Holistic Learning Opportunities:
From the earliest grades through high school, Cedar Creek provides a comprehensive and cohesive curriculum that supports a love of learning. Young students have daily access to PE, recess, and character development programs. We also offer music, art, drama, computer, library, and foreign language classes, including both French and Spanish, ensuring that our students are well-rounded and culturally aware.

Small Class Sizes:
We prioritize individualized attention with small class sizes from the Early Learning Center through our high school courses. This close-knit learning environment allows our dedicated faculty to tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each child.

A Thriving Community of Leaders and Scholars:
Cedar Creek is proud to foster a community of service-oriented leaders. Our graduating class of 2024 completed over 7,000 hours of community service and included two National Merit Scholars. Students have access to a wealth of extracurricular activities, with 100% of 2024 graduating seniors involved in at least one activity. Cedar Creek is a member of the LHSAA, offering 16 high school sports teams and spirit groups, along with 29 clubs and organizations on campus. Sports and activities start early at Cedar Creek, beginning with our PeeWee sports program for our elementary students. We believe that students should be encouraged to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and give back to their community.

Lifelong Preparation:
With our focus on building a foundation for the future, Cedar Creek prepares students not just for college, but for a lifetime of success. Our commitment to excellence has earned us national recognition, and our graduates continue to make a positive impact long after they leave our halls.

Register Today for the First Round of Consideration!

Attending Preview Day gives your family an opportunity to be part of the first round of consideration for Cedar Creek School admission. Don’t miss this chance to see why Cedar Creek is consistently recognized as one of the premier schools in Louisiana. Whether you’re looking for a faith-based education, strong academics, or a community where your child will be supported and challenged, Cedar Creek offers The Best of All.

To reserve your spot, visit https://cedar-la.client.renweb.com/oa/inquiry.cfm?memberid=3154. We look forward to welcoming you on November 5th to experience all that Cedar Creek has to offer.

This is a paid advertorial

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On Saturday, October 26, 2024, at approximately 12:25 a.m., the Rayville Police Department (RPD) requested Louisiana State Police/CID/Detectives Monroe Field Office (LSP MFO) to investigate a homicide that occurred inside the city limits of Rayville.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a shooting occurred near the intersection of Madeline Street and Scott Street, which resulted in the death of one subject.

LSP MFO will serve as the lead investigating agency, with RPD assisting. The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. The Louisiana State Police online reporting system is available to the public through a convenient, anonymous, and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. The form can be accessed by visiting lsp.org and clicking the Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or call the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

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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Keeton Tennison remembers what it was like to be a young athlete looking for direction.

It’s what led the current owner of Ten-10 Training and the newest owner of D-Bat Ruston to his current calling.

“I was one of those kids,” said Keeton.” I was a basketball guy by trade, but I wasn’t the guy who God blessed with unbelievable athletic ability and talent. I had to work for every inch of athleticism, so I relate so much to those kids who are struggling, the ones who are flat footed or don’t have the fast twitch fiber ratio.

“I see those kids every day, and I was them at one time in my life. I was fortunate back then that I met someone with the keys to unlock my athleticism. Now I feel it’s my responsibility to come back and give those same kids the same opportunity.”

Keeton and his wife Lexie moved from north Arkansas to Ruston in early 2023, knowing that the community was the perfect place to dive into sports performance training.

“The people that make up this community are the magnet that pulled us back here,” said Keeton, a former college basketball player. “I knew this was a sports town. I knew this was a place looking for more opportunities for the kid that wasn’t blessed with God-given natural ability. There is a pool of young people looking for the answer and in need of the solution.”

Keeton opened Ten-10 Training in 2023, a training facility geared towards football, basketball and volleyball athletes. Less than two months ago, he bought D-Bat Ruston in order to round out his sports performance training opportunities.

“I still hear people say, ‘I didn’t even know this was in Ruston,’” said Keeton.’ “Ten-10 Training was primarily football, basketball and volleyball. Now we have the resources and space to be able to give our baseball and softball athletes the proper tools they need to take it to the next level.”

It’s the perfect mix.

“There was a gap in what Ten-10 Training could offer,” said Keeton. “Here at Ten-10 Training, when you walk in the first thing you see is a basketball court. When you walk into D-Bat it’s a totally different environment and vibe. Some of the sports science technology, you couldn’t just take it here and put it in D-Bat.

“D-Bat has the setup to be able to host some of the high-end analytic machines that baseball and softball players need. It was integrating the facility and what it could offer and the passion for sports performance and athletic development and bringing it under one facility.”

According to Keeton, D-Bat Ruston provides the following resources and opportunities for young baseball and softball athletes.

• HitTrax – an AI system that is gold standard of hitting development, similar to a golf simulator, for both baseball and softball players.

“As soon as ball is hit, it provides analytics such as ball flight, launch angle, exit velocity, rotational acceleration,” said Keeton. “All the metrics needed to measure where hitter is at, and the pathway needed to become a great hitter.”

• Performance Pitching (baseball and softball) – blend resistance training along with skills needed to be a successful pitcher on the mound or in the circle
• Power Hitting (baseball and softball) – blend of correct biomechanical positions and resistance power development that lower body and core needs to be successful

Keeton also said that D-Bat Ruston will provide the opportunity for different types of leagues for different age groups.

“With HitTrax you can play leagues against teams from all over as long as they have the same system,” said Tennison. “It’s amazing. We can be here in Ruston, and we can play a team say from Canada. We get a three to four-person roster. We hit and the fielders never make a mistake. There are never errors. It’s 100 percent that you must hit the ball in a gap or over the fence to get points. It is reps.

“While you are doing that, the team in Canada is watching what you are doing. When we get our three outs, it’s their turn to hit. They step into the machine and use three or four-person rosters there. And we see what they are doing. When they get their three outs, it’s our turn again. You do this for seven innings. It’s highly competitive, incredibly engaging and a lot of fun.”

Keeton also said that starting after the first of the year, D-Bat Ruston will over indoor t-ball leagues for 4- to 7-year-olds in both baseball and softball.

“We roll the nets back and create an open space in here for them to play,” said Tennison.

D-Bat Ruston

Website: http://www.Dbatruston.com

Phone: 318-788-3228

Address: 1604 Industrial Drive

Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. M-F & 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. S-S

Ten-10 Training

Website: Ten10Training.com

Address: 1808 East Kentucky Avenue

Hours: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday & Saturday and Sunday by appointment

This is a paid advertorial

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Here is how the top 10 in each of the five classifications fared this week during their contests.

Class 5A

1. Karr (7-0) beat Warren Easton 62-16

2. Neville (8-0) beat Ouachita 41-14

3. Ruston (6-2) lost to Alexandria 40-36

4. Acadiana (7-1) beat Southside 43-10

5. Catholic-BR (6-1) beat Scotlandville 48-12

6. Alexandria (8-0) beat Ruston 40-36

7. Zachary (6-1) beat Woodlawn-BR 45-21

8. Archbishop Rummel (7-1) beat Holy Cross 13-7

9. John Curtis (4-3) lost to Jesuit 17-10

10. Airline (8-0) beat Natchitoches Central 76-52

(tie) Mandeville (8-0) beat Ponchatoula 34-7

Others receiving votes: Central beat Liberty 35-20; Dutchtown lost to Walker 44-24; Hahnville beat East St. John 47-18, Jesuit beat John Curtis 17-10; St. Paul’s beat Northshore 49-0; Brother Martin played St. Augustine Saturday; West Monroe beat Pineville 41-13; Covington beat Hammond 49-13; Parkway beat Captain Shreve 52-33, St. Augustine played Brother Martin Saturday; Southside lost to Acadiana 43-10; Terrebonne beat H.L. Bourgeois 20-7.
 

Class 4A

1. Teurlings Catholic (7-0) beat East Ascension 28-14

2. North DeSoto (5-2) beat Woodlawn-Shreve 55-6

(tie) Lutcher (7-0) beat Ellender 56-0

4. St. Thomas More (5-3) beat 61-0 Rayne

5. E.D. White (6-2) beat South Terrebonne 45-0

6. Archbishop Shaw (6-2) beat Kenner Discovery 79-0

7. Cecilia (5-3) lost to Opelousas 28-27

8. Opelousas (4-3) beat Cecilia 28-27

9. Franklin Parish (6-1) beat Grant 53-0

10. Franklinton (7-1) beat Pearl River 49-40

Others receiving votes: Westgate beat North Vermilion 56-7; Plaquemine beat Tara 53-0; Iowa beat Eunice 48-21; Lakeshore lost to Loranger 28-21; Vandebilt Catholic beat Assumption 41-6; Belle Chasse lost to St. Charles 14-13; Istrouma beat West Feliciana 26-9; Leesville beat Washington-Marion 67-16; Northwood-Shreveport beat Southwood 42-0; West Feliciana lost to Istrouma 26-9; West Ouachita beat Wossman 34-13.

Class 3A

1. University (7-1) beat Parkview Baptist 42-7

2. Bunkie (8-0) beat Jena 41-0

3. Jennings (7-1) beat Notre Dame, 17-16

4. St. James (5-2) beat Donaldsonville 35-6

5. Northwest (6-2) beat Mamou 39-6

6. John F. Kennedy (3-4) played Livingston Collegiate Saturday

7. Amite (6-2) beat Albany 47-0

8. Jewel Sumner (7-1) beat Pine 13-6

9. Sterlington (5-3) beat Bastrop 37-22

10. Madison Prep (5-3) beat Collegiate 76-0

Others receiving votes: Jena lost to Bunkie 41-0; Bastrop lost to Sterlington 37-22; De La Salle beat Booker T. Washington-NO 47-6, Erath did not play; Iota beat Ville Platte 42-6; Kaplan  beat Abbeville 44-0, Carroll did not play; Haynes Academy beat Young Audiences 46-41, Pine lost to Jewel Sumner 13-6; Westlake lost to Lake Charkes College Prep 42-12.

 

Class 2A

1. Newman (6-0) beat Sarah Reed 41-6  

2. Calvary Baptist (6-2) beat Huntington 21-14

3. Dunham (8-0) beat East Feliciana 49-6

4. Oak Grove (6-1) beat Ferriday 48-6

5. Ouachita Christian (8-0) beat Mangham 50-16

6. Catholic-New Iberia (7-1) beat Loreauville 42-7

7. Episcopal-BR (7-1) beat Northeast 44-16

8. Notre Dame (4-4) lost to Jennings 17-16

9. Mangham (5-3) lost to Ouachita Christian 50-16

10. Lafayette Chrisitan (3-5) beat Welsh 43-7

Others receiving votes: Union Parish beat D’Arbonne Woods 42-20; Ferriday lost to Oak Grove 48-6; Pope John Paul beat Independence 45-20; Welsh lost to Lafayette Christian 43-7; Lafayette Renaissance beat Lake Arthur 26-21; DeQuincy beat East Beauregard 44-0; D’Arbonne Woods lost to Union Parish 42-20; Northlake Christian beat St. Thomas Aquinas 46-2.

 

Class 1A

1. Vermilion Catholic (8-0) beat Opelousas Catholic 50-21

2. Haynesville (8-0) beat Arcadia 43-8

3. Ascension Catholic (6-1) beat North Iberville 50-14

4. Riverside (5-2) beat Central Catholic 18-15

5. Catholic-Pointe Coupee (8-0) beat St. Edmund 26-22

6. Covenant Christian (8-0) beat Jeanerette 29-12

7. Southern Lab (4-3) beat Kentwood 13-8

8. Kentwood (5-3) lost to Southern Lab 13-8

9. St. Martin’s (5-2) beat West St. John 37-22

10. St. Edmund (7-1) lost to Catholic-PC 26-22

Others receiving votes: Jeanerette lost to Covenant Christian 29-12; Ascension Episcopal beat Highland Baptist 45-0; Logansport beat Montgomery 40-8; St. Frederick beat Tensas 56-8; Central Catholic-Morgan City lost to Riverside 18-15; Delta Charter beat General Trass 84-82;, General Trass lost to Delta Charter 84-82; Glenbrook Academy did not play; Hamilton Christian beat Oberlin 49-12, North Iberville lost to Ascension Catholic 50-14; Westminster-Opelousas beat Berchmans Academy 50-0.

 

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On Sunday, October 27, 2024, shortly after 4:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 562 near Drane Loop. The crash claimed the life of 50-year-old Kevin Crain of Winnsboro.

The initial investigation revealed that a 1999 Infinity QX4, driven by Crain, was traveling east on Louisiana Highway 562. For reasons still under investigation, the Infinity traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree.

Crain, who was unrestrained, was pronounced dead at the scene. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while in a motor vehicle. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Follow all traffic laws and ensure that every occupant is properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.

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Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com. 

Monday, Oct. 28
10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating 7 Brew (1110 Cooktown Rd.)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-8 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work)

Tuesday, Oct. 29
6 p.m.: Book reading by Dr. Ben Bergholtz (No. 9 Books and Records, 301 N. Trenton, #2)
7:30 p.m.: LA Tech Dept of Theater presents “Dracula: The Failings of Men” (Arthur W. Stone Theatre)

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Wednesday, Oct. 30
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
5:30-7 p.m.: The Bridge Community church Trunk or Treat
7:30 p.m.: LA Tech Dept of Theater presents “Dracula: The Failings of Men” (Arthur W. Stone Theatre)

Thursday, Oct. 31
Halloween
Artoberfest (Sundown Tavern)
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
3-5 p.m.: Dubach Trunk or Treat (Main Street)
5-7 p.m.: Trunk or Treat at Cook Baptist Church
7:30 p.m.: LA Tech Dept of Theater presents “Dracula: The Failings of Men” (Arthur W. Stone Theatre)

Friday, Nov. 1
6 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball
7 p.m.: Cedar Creek football
7:30 p.m.: LA Tech Dept of Theater presents “Dracula: The Failings of Men” (Arthur W. Stone Theatre)

Saturday, Nov. 2
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Ruston High Homecoming campus tours
2 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball
7:30 p.m.: LA Tech Dept of Theater presents “Dracula: The Failings of Men” (Arthur W. Stone Theatre)

Sunday, Nov. 3
Daylight Saving Time ends
2:30 p.m.: LA Tech Dept of Theater presents “Dracula: The Failings of Men” (Arthur W. Stone Theatre)

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.

By T. Scott Boatright

 

HOUSTON — In a football conference where parity seems to dominate, one play can mean the difference between a win and a loss.

Grambling State was reminded of exactly that Saturday night in a crucial Southwestern Athletic Conference contest at Shell Energy Stadium.

 A long scoring strike in the waning seconds of the first half provided the winning margin of victory as offensive woes continued for the G-Men in a 24-17 loss to Texas Southern.

The G-Men fell to 4-4 overall and 1-2 in the SWAC West, putting GSU two games behind division leaders Southern and Alcorn State, which both stand at 3-1. Alcorn State defeated GSU GSU 17-12 on Oct. 12 in Grambling.

Texas Southern moved to 3-4 and 2-2.

Making matters even more frustrating for the G-Men, Grambling’s three SWAC West Division losses have come by a combined seven points.

Against Texas Southern, it didn’t help that GSU starting quarterback Myles Crawley was knocked out of the game with an early injury. After backup Ashton Frye struggled in his time calling offensive signals, Grambling coach Mickey Joseph turned to his third quarterback of the game, Deljay Bailey, who directed the GSU offense in the final three quarters of the contest.

Both defenses looked strong early. TSU took a 7-0 lead 38 seconds into the second stanza on a six-yard run by Jace Wilson while Grambling’s Reed Harradine hit a 32-yard field goal to cut Texas Southern’s advantage to 7-3 with 4:32 remaining before intermission.

But then came the dagger as TSU quarterback Jordan Davis hit Donald McKinney midstrike for a 49-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds left in the second quarter that propelled the home-standing Tigers to a 14-3 lead over the G-Men at the half.

Grambling used a chunk play of its own to tighten things back up early in the third quarter as running back Ke’Travion “Bull” Hargrove powered his way to paydirt from 31 yards out to cut the Texas Southern lead to 14-10 at the 4:34 into the second half.

TSU extended its lead to 17-10 with 4:41 left in the third quarter on a 46-yard by Gustavo Romero.

The G-Men weren’t done yet, as Bailey added a game-tying score on a four-yard quarterback keeper to knot things up at 17-17 with 9:37 remaining.

But Texas Southern countered with a 10-play, 75-yard drive culminating with a two-yard plunge to paydirt by Quintrell Quinn with 4:24 left on the clock to give TSU a 24-17 lead.

Grambling failed to gain a first down on ensuing possession, allowing Texas Southern to milk out the clock and escape the win.

The G-Men were held to 256 yards of total offense while TSU chalked up 369. 

Grambling gained 110 yards through the air, with Bailey leading the way with 70 yards on seven-of-12 passing.

Crawley connected on both of his early pass attempts for 12 yards while Frye completed his lone throw for four yards.

Hargrove led the G-Men on the ground with 73 yards on 13 carries while Tre Bradford added 49 rushing yards on 12 attempts.

GSU had a pair of receivers with two receptions each — Jalen Johnson for 29 yards and Nicholas Howard for 19.

The G-Men continued to struggle with penalties, losing 107 yards on seven flagged plays.

Grambling will remain on the road next weekend as the G-Men play at Bethune-Cookman (1-7, 1-3 in the SWAC East) in a game kicking off at 2 p.m. Saturday in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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 LA Tech Athletic Communications

Four Bulldogs went a perfect 3-0 in singles as the Louisiana Tech Tennis team closed out the fall season on a high note Saturday at the UCA Invitational, played at the Conway Tennis Center.

LA Tech dominated in singles, going a combined 15-4 with Zoie Epps, Nina Skoric, Mio Kozaki, and Alice Brook all winning their matches. Brook and Kozaki also teamed up for the first time this fall and won both of their doubles matches to go undefeated for the entire tournament.

“Our goal for the weekend was to finish the fall feeling confident about our tennis and compete on our terms,” said head coach Amy Sargeant. “We showed a lot of grit and resilience in tough moments and learned to embrace the competition. I am proud of where we are at and more so excited about where we are going.”

Epps capped off an incredible fall, winning in straight sets in all three singles matches. The sophomore, who went a combined 12-2 over the four tournaments, defeated Arina Sorokina of Oral Roberts (6-0, 6-1), Nanoka Kazamu of host Central Arkansas (6-3, 6-1), and Clemence Thouard of Memphis (6-4, 7-6).

Skoric was queen of the close sets. She outlasted Ting-An Chen (UCA) in her first match 2-6, 6-2, 10-5 followed by a 7-6, 6-2 victory over Cassie Cervantes (ORU). The sophomore transfer had another come-from-behind win on Saturday in her final match, winning 2-6, 7-5, 11-9 against Carlota Farres (Memphis).

Kozaki pulled out a couple of third set super breakers of her own, winning 10-8 in both versus Maja Bajorek of SEMO and Abby Wise of Oral Roberts. That was sandwiched by a clean sheet as the junior transfer overpowered Nanami Fukushima of Central Arkansas with a 6-0, 6-0 win.

Then there was freshman Brook who had her best tourney of the fall. Coming in winless, she did not drop a set during the two-day event, defeating Seohyun Park (UCA) 7-6, 7-6, Annelise Deer (ORU) 6-0, 6-4, and Caroline Lasley (Hendrix) 6-1, 6-0.

Brook and Kozaki also teamed up to take a pair of doubles wins, out-dueling Southeast Missouri and Central Arkansas by scores of 6-2 and 6-3, respectively.

Senior Ana Rodrigues swept her singles matches on Friday, downing Juliette Demunck of SEMO (6-4, 6-4) and Miriam Grossman of Memphis (6-0, 6-1). Freshman Maria Tsironi, coming off a Round of 16 appearance at the ITA Southern Regionals, ended the tournament with a 1-6, 6-4, 11-9 comeback win against Lera Valeeva (SEMO).

RESULTS
First Round Doubles
Zoie Epps/Ana Rodrigues (LA Tech) lost to Alice Amendola/Clemence Thouard (Memphis), 6-1
Maria Tsironi/Nina Skoric (LA Tech) lost to Nanoka Kazama/Harune Shigemasu (UCA) 6-2
Mio Kozaki/Alice Brook (LA Tech) defeated Mia Mayerova/Maja Bajorek (SEMO) 6-2
June Vigneron (LA Tech)/Rebecca Frant (Memphis) defeated Juliette Demunck (SEMO)/Annelise Deer (ORU) 6-4

Second Round Doubles
Zoie Epps/Ana Rodrigues (LA Tech) lost to Konomi Miyakawa/Vichitraporn Vimuktananda (UCA) 6-4
Marie Tsironi/Nina Skoric (LA Tech) lost to Ava Goodell/Arina Sorokina (ORU) 6-4
Mio Kozaki/Alice Brook (LA Tech) defeated Ting-An Chen/Nanami Fukushima (UCA) 6-3

First Round Singles
Maria Tsironi (LA Tech) lost to Vichitraporn Vimuktananda (UCA) 6-2, 6-4
Zoie Epps (LA Tech) defeated Arina Sorokina (ORU) 6-0, 6-1
Ana Rodrigues (LA Tech) defeated Juliette Demunck (SEMO) 6-4, 6-4
Nina Skoric (LA Tech) defeated Ting-An Chen (UCA) 2-6, 6-2, 10-5
Mio Kozaki (LA Tech) defeated Maja Bajorek (SEMO) 6-2, 4-6, 10-8
June Vigneron (LA Tech) lost to Mia Mayerova (SEMO) 6-7, 6-0, 10-7
Alice Brook (LA Tech) defeated Seohyun Park (UCA) 7-6, 7-6

Second Round Singles
Maria Tsironi (LA Tech) lost to Alice Amendola (Memphis) 6-1, 6-4
Zoie Epps (LA Tech) defeated Nanoka Kazama (UCA) 6-3, 6-1
Ana Rodrigues (LA Tech) defeated Miriam Grossmann (Memphis) 6-0, 6-1
Nina Skoric (LA Tech) defeated Cassie Cervantes (ORU) 7-6, 6-2
Mio Kozaki (LA Tech) defeated Nanami Fukushima (UCA) 6-0, 6-0
Alice Brook (LA Tech) defeated Annelise Deer (ORU) 6-0, 6-4

Third Round Singles
Maria Tsironi (LA Tech) defeated Lera Valeeva (SEMO) 1-6, 6-4, 11-9
Zoie Epps (LA Tech) defeated Clemence Thouard (Memphis) 6-4, 7-6
Ana Rodrigues (LA Tech) lost to Rebecca Frant (Memphis) 6-2, 6-3
Nina Skoric (LA Tech) defeated Carlota Farres (Memphis) 2-6, 7-5, 11-9
Mio Kozaki (LA Tech) defeated Abby Wise (ORU) 4-6, 6-1, 10-8
Alice Brook (LA Tech) defeated Caroline Lasley (Hendrix) 6-1, 6-0

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Funeral services for Mr. Billy Gene Grafton, age 92 of Farmerville, LA, were held Sunday, October 27, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Farmerville, LA with Dr. Alan Miller, Bro. Tony Walton, and Bro. Kurt Auger officiating. Interment followed at Shiloh Cemetery in Bernice, LA under the direction of Farrar Funeral Home.

Billy was a veteran of the United States Army and served in the Koren War. He retired from Western Offshore Drilling as a Rig Engineer. Billy was an avid fan of La. Tech and Union Parish Fighting Farmers and he was a member of First Baptist Church of Farmerville.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents: John Walter and Alsie Thaxton Grafton; daughter: Shelley Ann Grafton; infant son: Mark Lavon Grafton; five sisters; and three brothers.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years: Jo Ann Grafton; daughters: Kimberly Tanner (Travis) and Patti Auger (Steve); grandchildren: Stephen Auger, Jr. (Nicole), Kane Auger (Haley), Josh Auger (Monique), John Daniel Auger, and Kaitlin Farrington (Dylan); 17 great grandchildren; and special friends: Cheryl Huey and Tammy Johnston.

Serving as pallbearers were William “Bill” Cathey, Teddy Johnston, Travis Grafton, Keith Huey, Taylor Huey, and Ben Walton. Honorary pallbearers were his grandsons and great grandsons.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Caring Hands Hospice.

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A Graveside service for Ann Mabry Whittington of Bossier City, Louisiana, formerly of Ruston, Louisiana, will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston, LA.  Officiating the service will be Pastor Austin of Christus Hospice and Coushatta Baptist Church with music provided by Stephen Brashear of New Orleans and Ann’s daughter, Laura Lyles Reagan.

Ann Mabry Whittington was born December 12, 1939, in Ruston, LA and passed peacefully on October 23, 2024, in her home at 84 years of age. She is predeceased by her parents, Fate and Charlotte Mabry of Ruston, Louisiana. Ann is survived by her husband, Richard Whittington; brother, Donald (Eva Deil) Mabry; her children, Laura Lyles Reagan, Donald Jerry (Martina) Lyles, Shawn Whittington Deimond and Shelley (Rick) Whittington Mathis; 11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and beloved nieces.

Ann graduated from Louisiana College in Pineville with honors, achieving a double major in mathematics and history with a minor in physics, preceding the women’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) movement.  Being on the right side of history and social justice was important to her.

She taught mathematics and civics at Ruston High School in the early 1960s. Her students still recognized her.  After her children were older, she became the office manager of the Teachers Credit Union in Edinburg, Texas in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

But the role she cherished most was homemaker. Family was everything to her. Her meals called our family together, often finishing with chocolate cake. She became the keeper of our family’s history and traditions, making Christmas’ extra special. She relished being a grandmother and loved being “in the know” about her grandchildren’s activities. 

Despite opening up the world to her children through travel, she also cultivated imaginative adventures, including Star Trek, since she was an avid first-generation Trekker and memorabilia collector. She also loved football and equally supported the Cowboys and Saints. She delighted in analyzing the wins and losses every weekend, preferring taking the risk over playing it safe.

The family is tremendously grateful to the staff of Christus Hospice for their heart-centered service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the nonprofit of your choice in her honor. The family supports March of Dimes since we have experienced the trauma of premature births, the American Heart Association and local scholarship funds since “Miss Ann” was an educator.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.

 

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Funeral services for Clyde Ragan Edmiston, age 85 of Ruston, LA, will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston with Rev. Paul Watts officiating.  Burial will follow in Simsboro City Cemetery in Simsboro, LA under direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.  Visitation will be 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Owens Memorial Chapel prior to the services beginning.

Ragan was born on January 11, 1939, to Lillian and Charlie Edmiston, one of fifteen children. He passed away on October 24, 2024, in Shreveport, LA. Ragan was preceded in death by his parents; nine brothers and four sisters.

Ragan is survived by his children: Keith Edmiston and wife Suzie of Leander, TX; Brent Edmiston and wife Valerie of Pearland, TX; Jay Edmiston and wife Michelle of Longwood, FL; and Brian Edmiston of Homer, LA; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.

Ragan Edmiston dedicated his working life to NASA. He stood up when then President Kennedy challenged the nation to “put a man on the moon and return him safely to the earth”, serving from 1962 for 37 years. Ragan always loved his work with NASA.

Beyond his time at NASA, Ragan’s volunteer efforts became a major component of his life, with emphasis on the Christian Builders Association and Ruston’s Teen Challenge organization. Helping others was a center-point of his life.

Ragan was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and always enjoyed his time with Pastor Paul Watts, deacons, and fellow church members.

To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com

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Joe Edward Fox was born in Sunflower Mississippi on January 23, 1933.  On October 25, 2024, at his home in Dubach Louisiana, Joe peacefully traded his earthly body to live eternally with God at the age of 91. 

The water of the earth played a large role in Joe’s life.  As a longtime resident of Union Parish he lived on and was baptized in the waters of Lake D’arbonne.  Joe served in the Air Force as well as the Merchant Marines.  The majority of his career was spent keeping the boats running as Chief Engineer on towboats moving grain up and down the river waters of the Great Mississippi. 

Joe retired from Continental Grain Company in 1995.  After their home on the lake flooded in 2016, Joe and his wife Janice left Union Parish and made their home in Dubach of Lincoln Parish.  There he lived out the remainder of his years spending time with nature, his dogs and cats, and chickens – reminiscing about stories of working on the boats. Due to his failing health, about five years ago, Joe and Janice moved their church membership from Evergreen Baptist Church to Fellowship Baptist Church of Dubach. There, Joe was able to worship in his vehicle while sipping on his coffee due to sermon broadcasting. 

Joe Edward Fox is preceded in death by his parents Jim Tom Fox and Erlean Ellis Fox. 

He is survived by his wife of 26 years Janice Williams Fox, his step son Albert Lee Brazzel Junior  of Natchitoches (wife Kimmi Smith Brazzel), his step daughter April Brazzel Winstead of Ruston (husband Scott Winstead),and his grandchildren, Kristina Lee Brazzel, Morgan Dianne Winstead, Garrett Hood, and Chloe Mae Winstead. 

Joe Fox graciously donated his body to the LSU Medical School for purposes of medical education and research.  The family requests that memorials be made to the charity of your choice or to Fellowship Baptist Church in Dubach, Louisiana.  

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Ann M. Whittington 
December 12, 1939 – October 23, 2024 
Service: Greenwood Cemetery, Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 10:00 am 

James “Jim” H. Norris 
March 3, 1946 – October 25, 2024 
Visitation: Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, 1515 S Service Rd W, Ruston 
Funeral Service: Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 2:00 PM, Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, 1515 S Service Rd W, Ruston 
Cemetery Committal: Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 3:30 PM, Pleasant Hill Cemetery, 601 LA-34, West Monroe 

Benjamin Kimble “Ben” Rogers  
June 5, 1949 – October 21, 2024  
Service: Hamilton Cemetery, Monday, October 28, 2024, 10:00 am  
Cemetery: Graveside service at Hamilton, Monday, October 28, 2024, 10:00 am 

Ragan Edmiston 
January 11, 1939 – October 24, 2024 
Visitation: Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 1:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 
Funeral Service: Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 
Cemetery Committal: Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 3:30 PM, Simsboro City Cemetery, Braswell Ln, Simsboro 

Carolyn Brazzel 
December 10, 1939 – October 23, 2024 
Visitation: Monday, October 28, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM, Calvary Baptist Church, 5200 Hwy 167 N, Vienna (Visitation will be held in the rear fellowship hall.) 
Funeral Service: Monday, October 28, 2024, 2:00 PM, Calvary Baptist Church, 5200 Hwy 167 N, Vienna 
Cemetery Committal, Monday, October 28, 2024, Corinth Cemetery, 4327 Hwy 545, Dubach 

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By Kyle Roberts

ALEXANDRIA, La. — There was no doubt it would be a high-scoring contest Friday in Alexandria.

Unfortunately for the Ruston Bearcats (6-2, 1-2 District 2-5A), the Alexandria Senior High Trojans (8-0, 3-0 District 2-5A) had just enough firepower to secure the lead in the fourth quarter and get the victory 40-36, giving Ruston its second consecutive loss of the season.

”I thought our kids played as hard this game as they have all season, and that’s what I told them afterwards,” Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “If we make a play here or there, we have an opportunity to get the ball and score. We just didn’t make the plays necessary throughout the ballgame. And ASH did.

”It’s not that we didn’t make some good play; you’ve just got to make a bunch of them whenever you’re playing a good football team like that.”

Ruston High gave up the go-ahead touchdown on a 21-yard touchdown reception to senior tight end Tanner Townsend, who made a great grab simultaneously with Bearcat cornerback Fabian Stringfellow with 3:22 left to go. The Bearcats converted multiple first downs on their final drive before coming up short on a fourth-down run in Trojan territory.

All this came after ASH went up two scores in the third quarter 27-14. Ruston High stormed back with two consecutive touchdown drives — first with a touchdown catch by senior tight end Cullen Clark with 2:46 to go in the third quarter.

The Bearcats defense forced the only turnover of the night when senior defensive Payton Bell tackle busted up a trick play by hitting Trojan senior wide receiver Jimmie Duncan on a wide-receiver pass, leading to an interception by senior defensive back Aidan Anding.

The Bearcats got back into the end zone at the start of the fourth quarter when senior linebacker Zheric Hill rushed it in from two-yards out.

The teams traded touchdowns again when senior Darrius Washington scored for ASH with 9:40 left to play.

Ruston drove the ball back down the field and capped the drive off with a 17-yard touchdown run with 7:03 to play by senior Jordan Hayes, who finished with three touchdowns on the night. A two-point conversion catch by sophomore Ahmad Hudson put Ruston up 36-33.

But once ASH got that final touchdown of the night, Ruston High was not able to find the end zone again.

”You get stretched out two scores against a good football team like that, and you spend so much energy getting yourself back into the game that you kind of run out of gas,” Baugh said.

The Trojans started with a very run-high attack, leaning on senior running back JT Lindsey early. The Bearcat defense, however, was able to capitalize on a couple of ASH penalties and held the Trojans to a turnover on downs.

Ruston would respond with a 71-yard touchdown drive, capped off by a 5-yard touchdown run by Hayes with 4:27 to go in the first. The eight-play drive took nearly five minutes off the clock.

ASH responded with a touchdown long drive, set up by a 54-yard pass on third down by sophomore Karsen Sellers to sophomore Alex Fontenot. Lindsey punched in for his first touchdown of the first half with a one-yard run with 2:06 to go in the first.

Following a Ruston punt, the Trojans put in sophomore Max Gassiott at quarterback to keep the ground game going, but the Bearcat defense forced another turnover on downs with 8:39 to go in the second quarter.

”It was good to control the ball on offense,” Baugh said. “The times we didn’t put drives together, we were three-and-out. That’s what we can’t do. We needed to put some first downs together, and we weren’t able to do that at critical times.

”But I think we’ve got something to build on. We’ve got to practice like that now.”

The Bearcats out-rushed the Trojans 298 to 179 with Hayes finishing with 143 yards on the ground.

Senior quarterback Josh Brantley threw 10-of-17 completions for 90 yards and a touchdown.

Ruston returns to action for homecoming night against Pineville on Friday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. at Hoss Garrett Stadium.

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 T. Scott Boatright

 

Grambling State and Texas Southern will square off in a crucial Southwestern Athletic Conference showdown this weekend with much on the line for both.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. today at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.

The G-Men stand at 4-3 overall and 1-2 in the SWAC West while TSU is 2-4 and 1-2.

But both trail SWAC West Division leader Southern (3-0) and second-place team Alcorn State, making each and every game all important for both.

Grambling coach Mickey Joseph says his G-Men are taking things one game at a time, and that he knows this next one at Texas Southern will be a challenge.

“They’re well-coached, they play hard, they run to the football and have some really good players,” Joseph said. “They’re really a dangerous football team when they’re in Houston. They get off blocks well on the defensive line and have a really athletic quarterback.

“What we see is a well-coached football team and a scrappy football team that’s going to get after it.”

One thing the G-Men are focused on is cutting down the number of penalties they’ve been hit with so far this season. Grambling ranks 10th in the SWAC, giving up 87.6 yards per game.

“We’re working on it,” Joseph said. “We continue to stress what we can do and what we can’t do and that we’ve got to recognize how the game’s being officiated. And if it looks like we’re doing some extra stuff we need to stop it. I’ve spoken with the team and it starts with me and my aggressive style. 

“I’m aggressive across the board, so we’re a little too aggressive for some of the officials and I understand that, so I have to get back to the drawing board with them and work on stopping the bone-head penalties, the personal fouls and facemasks and things of that nature — non-moving penalties — that’s what hurts us right now. So I’ve got to do a better job as a head coach to get them to throw their hands up and not retaliate when they get slapped. I’ve got to get them to do what most men can’t do — just walk away when somebody slaps you in the helmet. And I’ll do that. We’ve talked about it this week and have made a pact that we’re going to walk away.”

Joseph played back-up quarterback Ashton Frye some during last week’s 31-21 Homecoming win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff trying to ramp up his team’s offensive performance.

Starter Myles Crawley, the Preseason SWAC Offensive Player of the Year, connected on 15-of-25 passes for 170 yards with one touchdown while Frye completed three-of-five passes for five yards.

Joseph admits he’s still looking for more output at quarterback and during this week’s SWAC online press conference declined to name a starter for the game against TSU.

“I’m still disappointed that they’re not making the reads that they need to read, so we’ll go back and give them equal reps and see who plays on Saturday,” Joseph said. “Who’s going to be more consistent? Who’s going to read it out? Who’s going to put us in the right play? Who’s going to be our quarterback?

“And that’s the problem I’m having right now with both of them right now.”

Crawley has connected on 125-of-213 pass attempts (58.69%) for 1,367 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Frye and Deljay Bailey have seen limited time behind center so far this season with Frye hitting on three-of-six passes while Bailey has completed three-of-six attempts in backup duty against Tuskegee and Texas A&M-Commerce.

Texas Southern ranks sixth in both SWAC offense and defense while GSU ranks eighth offensively and fourth defensively.

Andrew Jones leads Grambling and the SWAC with 11.3 tackles per game.

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 2024 Louisiana High School Athletic Association state football season is in full swing.

For all the scores for all five classifications, CLICK HERE.

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Courtesy of GSU Communications

Grambling State University has appointed Quaneshia Hamms, MBA, CPA, as Interim Vice President for Finance, effective November 1, 2024. Currently serving as Senior Associate Vice President for Finance, she brings over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and operations leadership across multiple industries.

Hamms has held significant leadership roles, including Controller at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where she oversaw accounting and finance operations, and Senior Risk Advisory Consultant at Ernst & Young LLP. 

Her extensive background also includes roles as Senior IT Compliance Analyst at Navient and Risk Management Consultant at Ingalls Information Security. Hamms owns QTArmstrong, CPA, LLC, providing bookkeeping, attestation, and advisory services to small businesses, particularly in the nonprofit sector.

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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On Thursday, October 24, 2024, at approximately 6:40 p.m., Louisiana State Police/CID/Detectives-Monroe Field Office (LSP MFO) were requested by the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office (MPSO) to investigate a homicide that occurred inside the city limits of Tallulah.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a shooting occurred in the 200 block of Thomas Street, which resulted in the death of one subject.

LSP MFO will serve as the lead investigating agency, with MPSO assisting. The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. The Louisiana State Police online reporting system is available to the public through a convenient, anonymous, and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. The form can be accessed by visiting lsp.org and clicking the Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or call the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

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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