Football tickets will need to be purchased by Sunday, Oct. 27. If you are interested in attending the game, please Venmo $10 to @carolwilliams for your tickets. With the game possibly being sold out, tickets should be purchased quickly.
Classmates are encouraged to share these links with others that do not have social media.
If both teams stay true to form, it looks to be District 1-1A showdown that will have the feel of a crosstown catfight as the Lincoln Preparatory School Panthers play host to the Cedar Creek Cougars.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. today at Panthers Field.
Lincoln Prep stands at 4-3 overall and 2-2 in district play while Cedar Creek heads into the contest at 1-6 and 1-2.
Both teams are coming off 1-1A home losses as Cedar Creek fell 52-8 last week to Haynesville while Lincoln Prep lost to Glenbrook 24-20.
Going into the game, this contest looks to be a battle in the trenches with both teams favoring their run games.
Cedar Creek senior running back James Myers is the homerun threat for the Cougars, something that isn’t lost on Panthers coach Glen Hall.
“He’s their main guy and is a tough, hard-nosed runner,” Hall said. “But they have a good group of talented rushers.
“They like to run the inside game, with a lot of dive plays along with some counters and the wing toss either out wide or inside. But it will start with our defensive line stopping the inside game and especially the dive. We faced that last week against Glenbrook and did a good job of stopping in the second half. This week we need to stop it from start to finish and not get ourselves into a first-half hole like we did last week.”
Lincoln Prep will counter with a three-headed rushing monster of its own, led by senior running back D’Tavion Wright, who has 767 yards and nine touchdowns rushing, 11 total touchdowns, and four 100-plus yard games on the ground.
“Coach Hall has done a really good job with them. They are a lot faster than they were last year,” said Cougars coach William Parkerson. “(Cenario) Wilson, Wright and (Tyler) Wimberly all run around really well.
“They have some good size on both sides of the line of scrimmage. So, they have some big, physical kids up front and some kids that can really run around. They are executing what they want to do. All of those things lead to success.”
Senior Verlanski Glosson is another tough rusher for the Panthers and splits time at the Wildcat quarterback position with Wright, while quarterback Jordan Brown and senior Jaylin Huntley add the zoom to Lincoln Prep’s ground game.
The Panthers also have an emerging big-time weapon in new student Sam Williams, who is the son of Grambling State coach Samuel Williams and only recently transferred to Lincoln Prep. The younger Williams was a defensive monster in the first game he played for the Panthers last week while also playing some at fullback, adding a rushing touchdown for his team.
“Offensively, they spread you out,” Parkerson said. “They run one and two back spread stuff. Defensively, it all starts from a 4-2-5 and then they move around into some other stuff … but the 4-2-5 is where everything starts for them.”
Lincoln Prep, which first opened in 2016, has never defeated Cedar Creek. The last time a Grambling-based high school defeated the Cougars came in 2014 when Grambling Lab won 8-7.
Despite being district foes located only a few miles from each other, Hall said there isn’t really a rivalry between the two schools.
“Both teams compete hard against each other, but there are no bad feelings or anything like that,” Hall said. “In fact, it’s a friendly competition. Cedar Creek was the only school around here that let us use their field for all those years that we didn’t have one and were having to play most of our home schedule at the schools we were playing.
“Only cedar creek and Jonesboro-Hodge let us play home fields at their places. That’s something we remember and will always appreciate. My staff and cedar creek’s staff get along well and look out for each other.”
The contest can be heard on 99.3 FM with Ray Creasy and Ben Haddox providing a call of the game.
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Bigger question. Are you ready to win $200 in cash … with the potential to make it $400 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).
The Lincoln Parish Journal is proud to host the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy.
If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!
Readers are eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $200 cash prize (maybe $400). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of the predetermined 15 college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
Only one entry per participant will be accepted each week.
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with this week’s games.
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $200 each week!
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Have you ever wondered why some organizations succeed and some struggle? Why do some athletic teams find success and others don’t? Why do some nonprofits find success and others struggle to have impact?
It’s a perplexing question. Organizations have similar equipment, have access to the same hiring pool of people, operate in the same market, and yet some find success and others don’t. Similarly, athletic teams in the same conference with similar funding levels, have access to the same recruits, practice the same number of days, play similar schedules, and yet some find success and others don’t.
I have identified five keys to consider:
· Leadership: Jim Collins, in his book Good to Great, refers to this type of leadership as a level 5 leader. I am referring to authentic leadership, not just having someone in the position of CEO, manager, director, or head coach. This leader is confident in ability but humble in approach. This leader excels in communication yet listens to others. If you were to meet this individual, you would not automatically think of them as being in charge; however, after spending five minutes with them you would want to follow them.
· Purpose: The organization has a clear purpose that unites the team members. The organization realizes that a team culture is preferable over a group of talented individuals and that team is formed when people unite over purpose/goal. Organizations that clearly communicate not just what they do, but why they do it, connect with people.
· Key Drivers: Organizations that narrow the focus and clearly identify 2-3 key drivers to success will more often experience long-term favorable results. Furthermore, when organizations take the next step and organize their entire structure around those key drivers will drive down unnecessary cost, eliminate divisiveness, and create a relentless focus on what drives success.
· Ownership: Now, I am not referring to the stockholders or owners of the organization. I am referring to transforming the workforce from a renter mentality to an ownership culture. In my book, People are the Plan, I talk not only about the value of creating an ownership culture, but also mapping out a plan to make that happen.
· Connect to the Market: Organizations that truly value understanding the key aspects of their market and connecting to the market will be better positioned to generate sustainable success. A solid understanding includes a thorough understanding of all the opportunities in the market, a segmented approach to these opportunities in meaningful groupings to evaluate, an understanding of competitors in the market with their strengths and weaknesses, and an honest assessment of where our organization is equipped to succeed.
So why do some- in the same market – with access to the same resources – with the same product/service – succeed and some struggle? I would suggest looking at those five items above. The most intriguing factor is that those five items don’t require massive capital investment, don’t require innovative technological advancement, nor require expensive third-party consultants.
In fact, any organization can work toward those five keys and start that work today!
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Trinity Methodist of Ruston is excited to introduce a new ministry called Club Nine 3, designed to serve children and families with special needs. This program is a welcoming space where students can learn about God, grow in their faith, connect with peers, and have fun! At the same time, we aim to support and empower their families as they navigate the challenges of raising children with unique needs.
Club Nine 3 is a multifaceted ministry offering a variety of activities to meet the spiritual, social, and creative needs of our students. These activities include:
Sunday School: Every Sunday from 10:00–11:00 a.m., students can participate in an inclusive Sunday school class designed to ensure that every child experiences meaningful learning and community.
Art Classes: Our free art classes are held most Wednesdays from 5:00–6:00 p.m. These classes are a creative outlet where students can express themselves while learning new artistic skills. Past projects have included name art, painted wooden creatures, color dot paintings, watercolor creations, and caterpillar magnets. We love to see the creativity and joy these classes bring to our students!
Family Events and Mission Activities: Each quarter, we host special family events and mission activities. For example, our first family event in October was a Volleyball and Sandcastle Cookout, which was a fun and relaxed way for families to connect. On October 27th, we will have a game booth at Trinity’s Trunk or Treat event. In December, we will host a Christmas Cookie Decorating event where students and their families will create and deliver cookies to share the love of Christ with others.
For more information on upcoming events or to register a student, please visit the Ministries tab on our website at trinityruston.org. While registration is not required, it helps us prepare for each student’s needs, including any special accommodations, abilities, or allergies.
A Warm Welcome at Worship
Trinity Methodist also offers an inclusive environment during our contemporary worship service, held Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We provide two spaces to ensure all families feel comfortable during worship:
The Cry Room: A quiet, adaptable space where parents can adjust the volume and light levels to create a more sensory-friendly environment for their children.
The Loft: A living-room style area where parents can worship while staying close to their children. The Loft offers comfortable seating, books, headphones, tactile toys, and a live-stream of the worship service, allowing families to move freely and engage as they feel most comfortable.
The Birth of Club Nine 3
Club Nine 3 was born out of Trinity’s desire to provide a more inclusive and supportive environment for families of children with special needs. It began when we opened our doors to welcome students with unique needs to participate in our Vacation Bible School (VBS) program this past summer. As Teila Lee—Trinity’s Youth Director, mom of a special needs youth and founder of Club Nine 3—reflects:
“In the beginning, we didn’t know who would be interested in attending, what needs the individuals would have, or if we could meet them. But through God’s faithfulness and the love of our volunteers, welcoming special needs kids into our VBS program was overwhelmingly successful. The work of God was evident as our volunteers worked directly with the students and as the students interacted with one another in the week’s activities.”
One VBS participant was Braley, a 17 year old with a chromosomal abnormality that makes her specially gifted. “She is full of smiles, laughs, and keeps our family on our toes,” reflects Braley’ s mom, Chelsea. “We had the privilege of attending VBS at Trinity, and Braley had the very best time. Singing and dancing is her absolute favorite.
“Her father and I were so blessed and thankful for this opportunity for her as there are a limited number of programs available for Braley and others that have special gifts. VBS provided a safe and fun atmosphere as well as a chance to be with her friends from school and meet new friends. We advocate and support programs that give these children a chance to participate in extracurricular activities where their lights can shine.”
A Place for All
The name Club Nine 3 is inspired by John 9:3, where Jesus answers his disciples’ question about a man born blind. He says, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” This verse reminds us that everyone has a purpose and a role in God’s plan, and that each person, no matter their abilities, can display God’s love and grace.
Club Nine 3 is open to any student with special needs. We believe that God’s love is for everyone, and our goal is to make sure that every student in our church feels that love.
For students who haven’t yet started 6th grade, they can choose between joining their age-appropriate Sunday school class with an aide (a Buddy) or participating in the Youth Club Nine 3 Sunday School room if that environment is a better fit. Parents and students are welcome to decide which setting works best for them.
Our dedicated Club Nine 3 classroom is designed for hands-on, one-on-one instruction, where lessons include Bible stories, music, motion, and interactive activities. This individualized approach ensures that every child is supported and engaged in a way that suits their learning style.
We’re excited to see how Club Nine 3 will continue to grow and meet the needs of families in our community. We invite you to join us and be part of this special ministry!
John B. “Jack” Kelly was a sports fanatic. During World War I, Jack served in the army and became a champion boxer. Following the war, Jack rejoined his father’s highly successful bricklaying firm called “Kelly for Brickwork.” The postwar boom quickly made Jack a millionaire. Jack’s wealth freed him up to spend long hours perfecting his skill at sculling, rowing a long, thin needle-shaped boat with two oars. Jack’s dedication paid off. In a short time, he won six national championships and was the single scull champion of the United States. Jack’s talents were such that he competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics at Antwerp, Belgium. On that warm August day, Jack’s first event was the single scull, one person per boat. Jack’s competitor, J. Beresford, jumped ahead at the start of the race and held the lead for the first 750 meters. Newspapers said that Jack got a “last spurt” of energy and closed the gap when they were just 150 meters from the finish line. Jack took the lead and crossed the finish line a full boat length before Beresford. Jack won the gold medal in the single scull. Back on dry land, Jack and Beresford were too tired to even shake hands. Jack had little time to celebrate. 30 minutes later, he competed in the double scull with his cousin as his teammate and they won gold. Four years later, Jack and his cousin competed in the double scull in the 1924 Paris Olympics and won gold again. Jack was the first rower in history to win three gold medals.
In 1923, Jack met a girl named Margaret Majer at a swimming competition. Margaret drew Jack’s attention for multiple reasons. Margaret, also a fierce competitor, won first place in the women’s competition. Margaret was also a cover-girl model with a degree in physical education. She later became the first woman to teach physical education at the University of Pennsylvania and at Women’s Medical College. In January 1924, six months before the Paris Olympics, Jack and Margaret married.
Together, Jack and Margaret had four children; Margaret, whom they called Peggy, John Kelly Jr., whom they called Kell, Patricia, and Elizabeth Anne, whom they called Lizanne. Jack and Margaret expected all of their children to be as competitive in sports as they were. Peggy, Kell, and Lizanne lived up to their expectations. Kell competed in the 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1960 Olympics. He won gold medals at the 1955 and 1959 Pan American Games and the 1949 European Championships. Peggy and Lizanne competed as well at the college level. Then, there was Patricia.
Patricia was absolutely uninterested in competitive sports. She enjoyed swimming but not competition swimming. She liked to swim just for fun, which Patricia’s parents were unable to comprehend. Patricia was only somewhat interested in academia. Her math grades were so low that she was rejected from her first choice of colleges. She eventually enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Soon after graduation, she began working as an actress, an occupation her father thought was “a slim cut above streetwalker.” She appeared in thirty films including “Dial M for Murder,” “Rear Window,” and “High Society,” before she decided to retire at the height of her career. Patricia, the outcast of the family, the girl who was not expected to amount to anything, became the most famous member of the family. Patricia was the middle name of movie star and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly.
Sources:
1. Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), August 30, 1920, p.17.
2. Donald Spoto, High Society: the Life of Grace Kelly (New York: Crown Publishers, 2009) 34.
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June S. Ponder, 88, of Ruston, LA, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. June’s love of her family and her kindness towards others was truly remarkable. Her unwavering spirit of giving will continue to live in us all.
June was preceded in death by her husband Homer G. Ponder, parents Luther and Alice South, brother Gerald South, and sisters Joan S. Frye and Kay S. Ward.
She is survived by her four sons, Paul and wife, Emily, of Plano, TX; John and wife, Terrie, of Carrollton, GA; Nathan and wife Vilma of Ruston, LA; and Samuel and Emalee of Ruston, LA; eight grandsons, Daniel, Nicholas, Preston, William, Dylan, and Hayden Ponder, Zachary Wright, and Jaccob Mobbs; one granddaughter, Claire Ponder, and one foster granddaughter Ja’Nyah Smith; and two great granddaughters, Lillian June and Ivy Noelle.
She is also survived by brother, Don South, and sisters Judy Denham and Faye Ellis.
June was born in the Tanner Williams community near Mobile, AL on June 13, 1936. She graduated from Semmes High School in Mobile and attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where she met and married Homer Ponder in 1958. She put her schooling on pause to raise four boys, and then resumed her formal education at Louisiana Tech University where she earned an undergraduate degree in Library Science and a master’s degree in History. After completing her degrees, June worked in the Lincoln Parish School system for several years and later at the Louisiana Tech University library for fifteen years. June was an avid reader and thoroughly enjoyed her time as one of the church librarians at First Baptist Church in Ruston, Louisiana for close to five decades.
A Graveside Service will be held at Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens in Ruston, LA, on Saturday, October 26th at 10:00 a.m. under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Global Hunger Relief through First Baptist Church of Ruston, to Christian Community Action of Ruston, or to a charity of your choice.
The Ponder family is especially grateful to Dr. Furqan Akhtar and the staff of the Christus Highland Medical Cancer Center in Shreveport, LA; Bridgett Kleman with Passages Hospice in West Monroe, LA; and Preston Ponder and Vilma Ponder for their dedicated and compassionate care.
Funeral services for Bonnye Ruth Voss are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston, LA with Rev. Leroy Skipper officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bonnye Voss. She was a resident of Farmerville, LA. Bonnye was born in Ruston, LA on June 23, 1948 and lived here for many years where she worked until her retirement at Louisiana Tech University. She passed away in Farmerville, LA on October 22, 2024 at the age of 76.
Bonnye Voss was a devoted Christian, a loving wife, and a caring mother and grandmother. She enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved animals of all kinds. Bonnye will always be remembered for her feisty personality and beautiful red hair. She is preceded in death by her grandparents: Art and Martha Smith; parents: Leland and Joy Barrett; a daughter, Dana Voss; and one son, Richard Voss.
Bonnye is survived by her husband, Will Voss; two children: Tracy Voss and his wife, Jamie, and Misty Crump and her husband, Steven; grandchildren: Michael Crump, Gavin Crump, Kristen Crump, Heather Edwards, and Jacob Eley; great-grandchildren: Khari Ginyard, Ryli Edwards, Harli Edwards, Jaxson Edwards, and Makayla Edwards; and two brothers: Ray Barrett and his wife, Alisa, and Kenneth Barrett, and his wife Paulette. Bonnye is also survived by many other family members and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Serving as pallbearers will be Gavin Crump, John Slaton, Jacob Eley, Jerry Ginyard II, Tommy Legg, and Steven Skipper.
Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 PM, Friday, October 25, 2024 at Owens Memorial Chapel.
Ben Rogers, our precious brother, passed away at age 75 at a medical facility in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Ben was an extremely talented musician and teacher. Born in Ruston and raised in Dubach, Ben graduated from Dubach High School in 1967. He was a guitar player for several Beatle-influenced 60’s bands growing up with other high-school age players and close friends like Roland and John Lane Sheehan, Vance Lewis, Harvey Davis, Harold Golf, and Ron D’Aguiar.
He attended Louisiana Tech before transferring to Southern Methodist University in Dallas. There he was awarded several scholarships, taught private guitar and voice lessons, earned his undergraduate degree in music, and a master’s degree in classical guitar. His masters guitar recital at SMU was accompanied by a full orchestra.
Ben is survived by his big sister Jean Bringol of Austin, Texas and her two daughters Laura Barge and Amy Kingman. Ben’s younger brother Randy Rogers has two sons, Brian and Brady. Randy and wife Linda reside in Minden, Louisiana.
He is preceded in death by his mother Laura Nell Colvin Rogers, his father, James Thomas Rogers, Sr., and brother James Thomas “Jimmy” Rogers, Jr. and his two young baby sisters – Joanne and Laura Ann.
We will never forget the impact Ben had on our lives nor him.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a graveside memorial service at Hamilton Cemetery in Dubach Monday October 28 at 10:00 a.m.
Bonnye Ruth Voss June 23, 1948 – October 22, 2024 Visitation: Friday, October 25, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Service: Saturday, October 26, 2024, 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home Cemetery Committal: Saturday, October 26, 2024, Greenwood Cemetery, 515 Everett St, Ruston
Jackson Hammonds “Jack” Mitcham September 16, 2003 – October 19, 2024 Visitation: Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, Thursday, October 24, 2024, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Service: Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, Friday, October 25, 2024, 10:00 am Cemetery: Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens, Friday, October 25, 2024
Rob Shadoin, a deserving recipient of the Ruston High School Alumni Award, has spent the last five decades serving his community and the local school system in various ways.
After graduating from Ruston High School, Shadoin attended Louisiana Tech University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He later pursued his law degree at Louisiana State University. Following his studies, Shadoin returned to his hometown of Ruston, where he practiced law for 40 years.
In his first position practicing law, Rob Shadoin worked for Wright, James, Hogg, and Bleich. After a few years, he and Joe Bleich formed a partnership, Shadoin and Bleich Law. When Bleich was elected judge, Shadoin continued his practice solo. About eight years later, Shadoin established Smith and Shadoin Law Firm with his partner Wayne Smith. When Smith was also elected judge, Shadoin once again returned to solo practice. Throughout his legal career, Shadoin built many impactful, lasting connections.
His former legal assistant, Nancy Collie, described her experience working with Shadoin, and how they developed a genuine friendship over the years.
“I think the best word to describe Rob Shadoin is genuine. He is, first of all, a genuine friend. He has a heart for people, and he is a friend who sticks closer than a brother,” Collie said. “Rob has a huge heart, he loves the Lord, and he is committed to Christ and Christian values. He is genuinely devoted to his precious wife, Carol, to his children and his grandchild. He is always there for his family and friends. If you are on his birthday call list, you can count on hearing from him on your special day.”
Shadoin also served a term as the Ruston City Attorney, as well as serving 3 terms on the Lincoln Parish School Board. After finishing his time at the school board, the opportunity arose for Shadoin to run for District 12 State Representative. He was elected, giving him the opportunity to serve and represent Lincoln and Union Parish.
“Public service has always been a part of me. I just feel better when I’m giving back to a community that has given me so much,” Shadoin said. “I was humbled and honored to have been elected as a State Representative to represent the good people of those two parishes.”
In 2018, Rob Shadoin was offered a position with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, which required a move to Baton Rouge. After much contemplation and prayer with his wife, he accepted the role and began a new chapter in Baton Rouge.
Shortly after his arrival, the department’s head asked Shadoin to serve as deputy secretary. Following his superior’s retirement, Shadoin was appointed head of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. When a new governor took office, a new department head was appointed, marking the end of Shadoin’s career at the department.
Although unsure of his next steps for a time, Rob Shadoin soon became grateful for the opportunity to pause without a major commitment. In the first week of his unemployment, his wife was hospitalized, where doctors discovered a malignant tumor. She was able to have the tumor removed quickly but required support during her chemotherapy treatment.
“It became clear to me why God had not allowed me to procure an immediate job for a seamless transition,” Shadoin said. “And that was to care for my wife while she went through her chemotherapy. The last cat scan that she had, showed no cancer.”
Shadoin is now focused on caring for his wife as she recovers from her treatments. He has expressed deep gratitude to God for her healing progress. For the time being, Shadoin has put any career on hold and plans to face whatever the future brings when the time is right.
Recalling his time at Ruston High School, Shadoin cited the phrase “firmly founded.” He believes that his alumnus gave him the firm foundation to be prepared for his future education and career. Not only did Ruston academically prepare him, but the school also provided him the social ability to assimilate into groups of people that he didn’t previously believe he could fit in. One of his most memorable experiences at the school, he recalled, was serving on the student body council during the integration of Ruston High School.
“My junior and senior years at Ruston were the first two years of integration. Lincoln High School closed, and all its students were integrated into Ruston High. Our principal and theirs put our 6 student council members and theirs in a room. They told the 12 of us that the success of this does not depend on the adults, it depends on you,” Shadoin said. “Out of that experience, I made some lifelong friends that I have stayed in touch with over the years. That also allowed me, as I got out into the world, to be able to better adapt to people with different backgrounds and different experiences. I realized that everyone has a story to tell, if we will only take time to listen.”
After many years of service to his community and building connections with new family, friends, and colleagues, Shadoin knows that relationships are the key to success. When looking back on his professional career and personal life after Ruston High, Shadoin offered some pieces of advice to current students.
“It’s all about relationships in life and service to others,” Shadoin said. “When you get into a new community, I encourage young adults to build those relationships with others. Get to know the people you work with on more than just a business level, because you’re going to need them all. Really when it gets down to it, we are so dependent on each other, so never be reluctant to ask for help. We also have a duty to pass our services on to someone else.”
Regarding his recognition as one of Ruston High School’s Distinguished Alumni, Shadoin expressed both surprise and gratitude. He said he was humbled to be honored by a place he has always held close to his heart. In keeping with the school’s motto, “Firmly Founded,” Shadoin built a successful and impactful life of service to the community that instilled those values in him.
RUSTON, La. — Mid-October has to be bittersweet for Ruston Junior High head coach Hilton Hay after finishing almost two months of football for two grades of football players.
And after posting winning seasons for in both seventh and eighth grade, Hay has two big reasons to be excited: getting to see his 7th-graders progress into his 8th-grade team next season, and sending the 8th-graders off to Ruston High School where they will continue to grow and improve under the tutelage of Bearcat head coach Jerrod Baugh.
“I thought both teams were great this year,” Hay said, who just wrapped up his third season as the head coach for the Bearkits. “We a lot of adversity with some of the kids getting hurt when you expected them to be crucial for the team. I just felt like kids stepped up and did what they needed to do. We had a couple of disappointing games, but overall, I hope they’re all ready for the next phase.”
“Seventh grade is a little different because you really don’t know what you have, because they’ve only played one year of football in sixth grade — and there’s so much in learning just the basics of everything,” Hay said. “We do football all summer long, but without pads, you really just don’t know.
“That group I felt like exceeded what our expectations were. They picked up the offense and defense really well when we needed them to.”
(L-R: Knox Beck, Reed Williams)
Hay added that it was clear the kids had improved from grade six to seven.
“We don’t have peewee tackle football, so their sixth grade year is their first real experience in full pads,” Hay said. “Overall it was a good year for (the 7th-graders).”
8th Grade
OUACHITA
W, 33-0
GOOD HOPE
L, 46-6
NEVILLE
W, 22-14
EVANGEL
W, 36-22
WEST RIDGE
W, 12-0
EAST OUACHITA
W, 38-8
(Jack Smith lines up behind center.)
“Eighth-grade wise, we kind of knew what we had,” Hay said. “It’s a very good group — one of the best that’s come through here. They have a lot of potential, and I think they lived up to it, for the most part. We had one game against Good Hope where we did not play well.”
Hay praised the efforts of quarterback Austin Lee, who came in to replace Jack Smith, the starter under center at the beginning of the year after suffering a season-ending injury.
(L-R: Aiden Dimmer and Austin Lee)
“Austin did not expect to play quarterback, and he did a very good job of stepping in and being the “next man up.” He had a good season to finish out. Jackson Beckwith did a very good job at starting tailback. And defensively, Messiah Myree, Anthonie Tobin, Rhett Patterson and Tristan Nassar all had a very good year.
“We had a couple of guys get hurt and missed the season — Jack Smith and Sammy Collins, who both got hurt before the season even started. Overall, I was pleased and the coaching staff was pleased with how the seasons went with both groups.”
(O’Darius Roberson carries the football behind Aiden Dimmer’s block, with Brycelyn Brown chasing the play.)
Hay added that he’s confident this group of eighth graders will be ready to move into high school and contribute heavily to the future of Bearcat football, especially given the investment of the high school in the success of the junior high program.
“It’s huge for these kids to have high school coaches involved,” Hay concluded. “We played Evangel this year at Hoss Garrett Stadium. Before the game, varsity had finished practice. And we’re in stretch lines getting ready for the game to start, and almost all of the varsity players come and talk to the eighth grade players and tell them good luck. It’s a good relationship with those guys at the junior high, and I feel like it’s a huge deal from top to bottom.
“Everybody’s on the same page, and it’s paid off.”
(The Bearkits take to the field)
(Branson Green with the carry.)
(Bearkits’ defense swarming a rusher.)
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A Ruston man was arrested on drug and weapons charges last Thursday by the Lincoln Parish Special Response Team along with investigators from several agencies.
Ja’Kiron McGuire, 18, was arrested during the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Clinton Circle in southeast Ruston about 5:30 a.m. on October 17. The SRT team was accompanied by investigators from the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Union Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators had knowledge McGuire was wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for simple burglary from Grambling State University. He was located lying on a bed in a bedroom in the residence. Underneath McGuire’s pillow, a Glock 9mm pistol with a loaded magazine was located.
Seized in the search were four cell phones, a necklace, a red ledger book, a box of 9mm ammunition, U. S. Postal Service packaging addressed to an alias allegedly used by McGuire, a bag of suspected marijuana, digital scales, a bottle containing doxcycline monohydrate, an AR-15 style rifle flash suppressor, and a red notebook containing information relevant to the case.
McGuire was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a legend drug, illegal carrying of a weapon, and the burglary warrant.
Bail was set at $101,000.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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In light of the recent tragic pedestrian deaths in Lincoln Parish, it should be noted that Uber does indeed exist in Lincoln Parish.
Uber is a transportation company that uses a smartphone app to connect riders with drivers. Individuals can download the Uber app in order to utilize this transportation option.
According to Ruston mayor Ronny Walker, there is a need for more Uber drivers in our parish. Individuals interested in becoming an Uber driver and earning extra money can go to Uber.com for more information.
It’s easy to get started
Sign up online. Tell Uber about yourself and your car, or get a car if you need one. …
Share required documents. Next, submit the personal and vehicle documents.
Get the app and go. Once you’re on the Uber platform, log in to the app and you can start making money.
Shane Grubbs was this week’s winner of the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy.
He walked away with $200!
Would you like to win $200 in cash … with the potential to make it $400 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).
The Lincoln Parish Journal is proud to host the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy.
If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!
Readers are eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $200 cash prize (maybe $400). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of the predetermined 15 college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
Only one entry per participant will be accepted each week.
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with this week’s games.
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $200 each week!
Week 1: Alethea Gipson
Week 2: NaTyra Bolds
Week 3: Barbara Bradshaw
Week 4: Jason Corley
Week 5: Sheila Nugent
Week 6: Brandon Williams
Week 7: Robert Grafton
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Jayden Gray (7) and the Tech defense led the Bulldogs to a 14-10 win over UTEP Tuesday night. (Photo by Josh McDaniel)
by Malcolm Butler
Jakari Foster proved the next-man-up mentality for Louisiana Tech Tuesday night.
The little used third string safety came into the game with zero tackles on the season.
However, after multiple injuries to Tech safeties, Foster was thrown into action early and recorded a game-high 11 tackles, including a win-sealing stop on fourth down with less than two minutes to play, to lead the Bulldogs to a 14-10 win over UTEP at Joe Aillet Stadium.
“I am just very proud of Jakari,” said Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie. “We talk all the time about how three’s becomes two’s and two’s become one’s. Jakari was ready when his number was called. We were down with (Michael Richard) down and Isaiah McIlvane when down (early) with the ankle …
“I am just really proud of the way he stepped up. He was prepared for his moment and he made the most of it.”
After Amani Givens gave Tech its first lead of the night on a 1-yard TD run with just under seven minutes to play in the game, UTEP had two final possessions.
And both times the Bulldog defense stood tall. On a fourth-down and a half of a yard close to midfield, the Bulldogs defense led by David Blay and Mekhi Mason stuffed Jevon Jackson short of the line to gain as Tech took over with 3:43 to play.
Following a punt by Tech, the Miners had one last opportunity. On fourth down and eight, Kenny Odom caught a pass and weaved his way towards the first down. However, Foster came flying in to stop Odom in his tracks, a half yard short of the first down.
The top sealed the win for Tech and a stellar effort once again by the Bulldogs defense.
“I think part of the credit goes to (Jeremiah Johnson), the defensive coordinator,” said Cumbie. “I think he had a great game plan, did things for multiplicity in terms of fronts.”
UTEP managed just 251 total yards of offense and converted just 1-of-14 third downs in the contest. Outside of a 47-yard TD pass in the first quarter that came on a short pass that turned into a long score following a missed tackle, the Miners were unable to do much offensively.
“Really on the defensive side, we just put our head down and grinded,” said cornerback Jacob Fields, who ended the game with nine tackles. “Anybody can say whatever they wanted to on the internet, on social media, whatever it was, but at the end of the day, offense came to practice ready to go to push the defense, defense came to practice ready to push the offense. So, we just needed to keep our head down and just keep working.”
After failing to capitalize on great field possession early in the game, the Bulldogs offense finally mounted a scoring drive midway through the second quarter. It was capped by a 48-yard scoring hookup between Evan Bullock and Solo Lewis that came on a third down and one play. Lewis beat the defender to the inside, caught a strike on the quick slant, and outraced the Miners defenders.
UTEP grabbed a 10-7 lead in the third quarter on a 44-yard field goal by Buzz Flabiano, coming on the possession following a missed 36-yard field goal attempt by Buck Buchanan.
The Bulldogs continued to trail until the fourth quarter. Following a UTEP punt that was downed on the Tech three-yard line, the Bulldogs mounted their most impressive drive of the night.
Bullock completed 5-of-6 passes for 93 yards, including completions of 32, 13 and 17 yards to Jimmy Holiday who finished with a Tech career-high of six receptions for 92 yards. The drive was capped by a one-yard run by Givens.
“I think the main thing is not letting the highs get too high and just like flushing it,” said Holiday. “We’re on to next week. Enjoy this for the night, and tomorrow, flush it. Watch the film, study the mistakes, get ready for the next one.”
Bullock completed 22-of-30 passes for 248 yards and one TD.
Tech won despite just seven yards rushing on 30 carries.
“There’s a lot of things on offense that we’d like to have done better,” said Cumbie.
The Bulldogs return to action next Tuesday when they travel to face Sam Houston State in Huntsville.
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.
A 19-year-old man was arrested last Thursday after he allegedly vandalized the vehicle of an ex-girlfriend.
Michael Aris Harmon of Ruston was arrested for simple criminal damage to property after a woman said her 2022 Honda Elantra had been damaged at Ivy Row Apartments on West Barnett Springs Avenue.
Ruston officers saw the windows on the passenger side of the vehicle had been cracked and the word “CHEATER” had been scratched into the paint.
The victim said Harmon was supposed to return some property to her, and she tracked him on a location app showing him near her vehicle. After Harmon left the area, she was told by apartment management that someone had keyed her vehicle.
An officer called Harmon by phone and directed him to return to the apartment complex. When he arrived, he was advised of his rights and when asked if he damaged the victim’s vehicle, he invoked his right to remain silent.
A friend who brought Harmon to the scene said Harmon had told him he damaged the victim’s car for supposedly cheating on him.
Harmon was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. His bail was set at $7,000.
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.
While it’s the thought that counts, maybe it’s not the best idea to buy your preacher a case of beer to show your thanks during Pastor Appreciation Month.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But … there’s a time and place for everything under the sun and, well, maybe just a gift certificate for supper or groceries would be more appropriate.
Or a loaf of home-baked bread, leavened or unleavened.
Truth be told, we should have written this three weeks ago or at least two Sundays ago, but as things turn out, it’s perfect that it’s now.
It’s “perfect” in that October is Pastor Appreciation Month and the second Sunday of the month is (the official) Pastor Appreciation Sunday and now it’s late October and some of us (me?) are three weeks and a Sunday or two behind in getting around to thanking the preacher.
Oops. “Though our sins were many …”
Not many of us really believe this, but pastors are people too. You know … more or less.
I grew up with one. Right there in my house.
There is no angel that shows up once a month and changes the batteries in the preacher or priest or rabbi who shepherds your congregation. At least not in the Southern Baptist preacher I grew up with.
Once my dad got his times mixed up and fell asleep in the easy chair when he was supposed to be officiating a wedding. Had his gall bladder out. Got a few speeding tickets. Got a few more. Said a dirty word, unrehearsed, when he walked up on a snake while looking over a tiny lot of land that was being cleared; the beautiful thing about that experience was he was with the deacons — the church was constructing a little building out back — and it was right before Wednesday night prayer meeting.
Good times.
Daddy shared with the Wednesday night flock what had just happened. He did not, thank God, share word-for-word.
The point is, they are human and have feelings and are never off the clock and can never turn the clock back, even if they walk up on a snake and wish they could.
Bringing sheaves in can be a tough job for laymen and pastors alike, but the difference is that, if you see either at the hardware store, you’re more likely to ask one to help you find the caulk (15 seconds) and the other to help you with your crazy nephew or divorce proceedings, (which could take a hardware store eternity, and to make matters worse, the preacher is likely there on his ‘day off’).
We can start small and believe that little things really do mean a lot. My gift to the preacher this month is just to try not to get on his nerves. Each of us is gifted, remember, in some way. Still a week to go to see if I can pull that off.
You can honor your pastor too. Don’t put anything mean in the suggestion box. Stay in the sanctuary until the hymn of invitation is over. Maybe smile?
It’s the little things.
Pastors also accept gift certificates and, if memory serves, meat they can put in the deep freeze.
We read stories of pastors who have stumbled or ones who are asking their congregations for another jet plane, or both. It’s a hard and often strange life for us all.
But in my experience, most pastors are like most people in that they’d do just about anything for you. Like we are, they are set upon by the same lightning bolts, big and small, the rest of us are trying to dodge, they are serving in just about the hardest job to do well that there is, and they are trying to love the flock as best as they possibly can.
They’re probably doing it much better than we could.
About that beer. Daddy told the guy, “Well, I appreciate it. Very much. But it’s not something I can use. If you know of anybody…”
And the church member said, “Well, I mean, if you’re not gonna drink it, I guess, well…”
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.
Did you know that the City of Ruston offers three convenient ways to pay your utility bill all from the comfort of your home?
Auto Drafts: Return a completed auto draft form to our office and your utility bill will automatically draft from your designated checking/savings account each month. *One time setup. *No transaction limits or fees apply.
Electronic Check: Go to www.ruston.org and select the electronic check payment option. You set your payment date. *Transaction fees apply.
Credit/Debit Card: Go to www.ruston.org and select the credit/debit card payment option. You set your payment date. *Transaction limits and fees apply.
If you have any questions about these payment options, send us a message or call us at (318) 251-8675.
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.
When it comes to bass fishing, there are a lot of great lakes in our region of the country that are loaded with trophy size largemouth bass. Several lakes come to mind; Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, Caddo and Lake Fork to name a few. Louisiana has another lake that would fall into this same category….Caney Lake!
Located in the heart of Northeast Louisiana just north of Winnfield and south of Monroe off Hwy 34, Caney Lake pretty much dominates the landscape and holds many of the top ten record bass ever caught in Louisiana waters.
It’s a 5000-acre lake created by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries in 1986 as a part of its “Trophy Lake” program; and boy it has not disappointed. Caney has seen a lot of changes over the years especially when it comes to grass (Hydrilla). It also has a great supply of coon-tail moss, dollar pads and milfoil, creating plenty of quality cover for bass to hide.
From the beginning, as part of the Louisiana Trophy Lake program, a slot limit was introduced from 15 to 19 inches. This slot allowed for good quality fish to spawn and reproduce. This means that any fish caught inside the slot must be released immediately.
But it was only a few years ago that Caney was anything but a trophy lake as grass carp were introduced and almost destroyed this great fishery. Today, it has rebounded and is loaded with solid areas of grass (Hydrilla) with good structure as well.
The bass have responded with record fish being brought to the scales. In order to win a tournament on this lake, you’ll need anywhere from 22 to 28 pounds with your best five fish. On December 28, 2023, a new state record for the largest 5 fish stringer came in on Caney as Colby Dark and Gage Struben of La. Tech Bass Fishing Team weighed-in an incredible 48.6 pound stringer!
But this lake is much more than a bass fishery, as the crappie and bream population is extremely strong. The problem is with great fishing comes a lot of traffic, as anglers from all over the region compete for the better places on the lake. There’s also a good selection of boat docks to fish if that’s your preferred choice of cover.
The lake is such a beautiful place to go fishing but understand that you may have to sit in line to launch your boat. This is especially true during the peak fishing season of early spring, but there are plenty of ramps to choose from around the lake.
It’s also a great family lake with plenty of room to ski, tube or just go swimming. Jimmy Davis State Park is an excellent place to set up camp for a long weekend and enjoy a great playground and a really nice beach area. The State Park also offers campsites and cabins along with two large family lodges.
All of this is a testament to how good Caney Lake is today, and it doesn’t appear it will be slowing down anytime soon. But if it’s the big bass you’re after, the best time to catch one of these Caney lunkers would be from December through April.
To wrap this up, if you’re looking for a great place to enjoy the great outdoors and maybe catch the biggest bass of your life, take the time to explore Caney Lake. It truly is a hidden gem in Northeast Louisiana and due to the recent national TV exposure and publicity from Major League Fishing (MLF), it’s no longer a secret! To learn more about this awesome fishery, go to caneylakelife.com
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Jackson “Jack” Hammonds Mitcham, was born in Monroe, Louisiana, on September 16, 2003, and celebrated his 21st birthday joyfully with his family and friends.
Jack was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin, passed away in the early hours of Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the age of 21. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Melissa and Rett Hamby; his father, Robert Mitcham; his brother, Jacob Mitcham; his stepsister, Olivia Hamby; maternal grandparents, Ronnie and Cheryl Harrison; his aunts, Lisa Farris, Mary Jacquelyn Butler, Judy Mitcham; his uncles Bill Mitcham, Joe Butler; and his cousins, Peyton and Eli Farris, Jason Butler, Nicole Shepherd, her husband, Jeff, and Marisa and Cole Shepherd.
Jack will be remembered mostly for his quick wit and inimitable and contagious sense of humor. As a student at Swartz Lower Elementary, Claiborne Christian, Cedar Creek, and Sterlington High, he was adored by all his peers. He was an all-district basketball and baseball player at both Cedar Creek and Sterlington and followed in his brother’s footsteps by playing in the LHSAA baseball state tournament in Sulphur, Louisiana.
Jack recently finished his second year at Louisiana Tech University, where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and majored in Business Management. He was active in his community by volunteering for various service organizations and events.
No matter the circumstances, he was always the “life of the party”! His greatest legacy will always be his innate ability to make people smile and laugh uncontrollably. The world and all the people who knew him will always remember him as a “Beacon of Life, Love, and Laughter.” He was gone long before his time, but God and His saints must have needed the laughter!
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 25, 2024, at 10:00 am at Temple Baptist Church of Ruston. Interment will follow in Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens in Ruston under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston.
A Visitation will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Temple Baptist Church of Ruston, LA.
Pallbearers include Jack’s dear friends, Hahn Bridges, Casey Cobb, Carter Hill, Will Harris, Grant Hanna, Cliff Jones, Jared Miller, Henton Roberts, Aaron Peel, Seth Smith, Nick Whittington, Cooper Walsworth, Brady Menzina, Jackson Pilgreen, Jackson Porter, and Seth Van Zile.
If you feel led to honor Jack, please donate to The Renewal Center of Northwest Louisiana at 722 Adams Street, Monroe, Louisiana, 71201.
