This week in Lincoln Parish Schools

The Lincoln Parish Journal is providing our local schools with an opportunity to submit nuggets from what’s going on at their respective schools in order to get more information out on their students, faculty and staff. The information below comes directly from those schools.  Any school wishing to provide content each week can email to flynnhl@warhawks.ulm.edu

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High Schools

Cedar Creek

Last Friday, Cedar Creek Student Council volunteered at the Special Olympics Fall Field Day for Lincoln Parish. This day provides various Olympic-type sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Our students joined other schools in the parish to cheer on the athletes and made new friends along the way.

Louisiana Tech University‘s Kinesiology Department hosted the event.

 

Ruston High School

This week in Bearcat Nation, we are celebrating Homecoming 2024! Tonight, the Ruston High Bearcats will take on the Pineville Rebels, kickoff is at 7:00 in Hoss Garrett Stadium.

November 2nd, the Ruston High Swim Team has their conference meet at the Lambright.

Thursday November 7th, the JV and Varsity Volleyball Team will travel to play Neville. 

Mrs. Hammons has been teaching 32 years, with this being her 7th at RHS. She teaches FACS I and Clothing. She also sponsors the FACS club. Mrs. Hammons, thank you for all you do for RHS and our students.

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Elementary Schools

Choudrant

Lil’ Aggie News

4-H News

Choudrant Elementary 4-H members participated in our annual pumpkin decorating contest.

Congratulations to our 2024-2025 4-H officers! 

President- Eloise Aycock

Vice President- Bowen Gallien

Secretary- Anniston O’Neal

Reporter- Alli Kate Lyles

Photographer- Levi Hancock

Treasurer- Chanley Garrett

Parliamentarian- Lola Walker

Upcoming Events

November 4th – Fall Carnival 5:00-7:00 PM

November 5th – No School – Election Day

Choudrant Elementary XC

Choudrant Elementary XC Team Results from the State Games Meet at West Ouachita on Saturday, October 26th, are as follows:

K-2 Girls were 1st place overall, which means they are STILL undefeated so far this season!

Top 15 Finishers were:

Abigail Garner – 9th

Parker Rollinson – 12th

Harper Serpas – 15th

Attitude and Effort Awards:

Kendall Bradley, Stella Hill, Ashlyn Garner, and Sophia Cervantes

K-2 Boys were 2nd place, losing by only 2 points!

Top 15 Finishers:

5th – Nicholas Warrick

9th – Grayson Haddox

14th – Tucker Smith

Attitude and Effort Awards:

Noah White, Dawson Roberson, and  Shelby Smith

3-4 Girls were Runner-Up!

Top 15 Finishers:

2nd – Lakynn Roberson (earned a spot at the National Congress of State Games of America as a Top 3 Runner)

11th – Emma Smith

15th – Kynlee Pyle

 Attitude and Effort Awards:

Allison Younse and Ally Kate Lyles

3-4 Boys were 4th Place!

Top 15 Finishers:

3rd – Briggs Holloway (earned a spot at the National Congress of State Games of America as a Top 3 Runner)

15th – Jacob Jones

 Attitude and Effort Awards:

Abel Simpson, Hayden Haddox, and Winston Jones for coming to cheer on his team despite being injured!

5th Girls were 10th place out of 31 teams represented!

 Attitude and Effort Awards:

June Cavin and Julie Brown

5th Boys were 9th place out of 34 teams represented!

 Attitude and Effort Awards:

Brody Jemerson and Tristan Case

Our LAST official meet of the season is the Jr. High and Elementary State Championship Race at the Gospel this Saturday, November 2nd! 

 

Glenview

Glen View Elementary hosted a Literacy Night on Thursday, October 24th. The event’s goal was to inform parents about our new phonics program, UFLI. Our administrative staff provided background information about the new curriculum, explained research, and described the lesson format. Students and teachers presented testimonies to the parents. Teachers modeled two lessons using help from the students in attendance and explained how parents could support their students at home. All attendees left with multiple children’s books; a few even left with magnetic boards and letters. Overall, it was a successful event. Parents even contacted the school because they noticed the Glen View staff’s excitement about the new curriculum.

Glen View’s Cross-Country team participated in the Louisiana State Games on Saturday, October 26th. The girls’ team placed third overall, and the boys’ team placed first overall. Several runners placed in the top ten.

Girls:

Harlow McCormick – 2nd Place

Holland Raab –  4th Place

Lea Sellers – 10th Place

Boys:

Lamario Moore – 6th Place

 

I.A. Lewis

IAL 4H club had a pumpkin decorating contest!

I A Lewis 4H Pumpkin contest winners

Spookiest – Ryder Hilton

Cutest –

1st place – Kelsey Rogers

2nd place – Lucy Earl-Allen

3rd place – Hadley Wells

Movie/Book Character – Ryder Hilton

IAL’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes club enjoyed guest speaker Maggie Huenfeld who spoke to 40 student members and provided each member with a Bible. 

Coming Up:

Thursday, October 31st:  Faculty/Staff Costume Contest

Friday, November 1st:  First Nine Weeks Ultimate Ram Jam for all IAL students meeting the behavior goal for the first nine weeks.  Get ready for Silent Disco!

Rams Celebrity Breakfast for all students making all A’s for the nine weeks and students nominated by their teacher for most improvement in the nine weeks!

 

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By Terry Queen Autrey

I waited 66 years to see the aurora borealis.  I had heard so often of the rippling magical lights in the night sky, the brilliant streaks and waves of color. 

What I didn’t know then was that the most vivid colors do not appear to the naked eye.  They only show up through the lens of your camera.  You have to watch the night sky carefully for movement.  Your eye may not see the astonishing hues of National Geographic specials, but it can detect the undulating sky.  That’s when you grab your camera or phone and aim it at the dancing movements.  Your pictures will capture the vibrant violet, red, and fuchsia, the bright lime and chartreuse, and the vision you are seeking will be undeniable.

Somehow, this experience has made me think of DART’s (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team) first thirty years of service.

I can see how this analogy might be a little mystifying, but bear with me.

It’s wonder in reverse.

You see, before DART existed, a grassroots groups of concerned citizens knew that domestic violence was happening right here.  Unfortunately, it often could not be seen through the eyes of most people.  By now, we all know why.  It’s a hidden thing, only coming out when the family is alone or the victim is isolated.  We have to be looking through the camera lens of information and awareness.  We have to know the signs.

For thirty years, DART has been working to increase the vision and the recognition of our community when it comes to dating and domestic violence.  One of the red flags of an unhealthy or potentially abusive relationship is isolating the victim from others, including their friends and family members. Why?  Because control over the victim is maintained or increased when there is no one who is watching, no one who suspects, no one who witnesses disrespectful or abusive behavior.

In our first three decades, DART has made tremendous progress in this area.  We speak to at least a thousand people every year about the causes and signs of domestic abuse.  This includes high school and college classes, clubs, and athletic teams, as well as Greek organizations, faculty, and staff.  We give presentations to businesses, civic groups, and churches.  We are interviewed by radio and television stations, and newspaper reporters.

For the past thirteen years, there has also been an awareness campaign called Men Standing Strong.  In that time, over 750 men have signed a statement that they are opposed to domestic violence and have made a donation to DART when they are asked by another man to join him.  Over a hundred of these men have joined this campaign many times.  Not only have we developed a large team of men who are supporters and allies, but we have seen the impact of men talking to other men about this issue, and about DART.  The results of this stream of awareness have been inspiring. 

The most recent example of this impact was evident on Thursday, Oct. 24th, at the Lincoln Parish Candlelight Vigil.  Fifty men took the stage that night, and each of them read aloud the name of one person whose life was violently taken by a current or former intimate partner.  These men added so much to an annual event we have held since 2001.  Their voices were clear and somber.  Some of them were choked with emotion.  It was a powerful ceremony of remembrance.  

And then there is the annual DART Radiothon. The biggest fundraiser of the year for our organization.  Begun in 2002, this event now holds twelve straight hours of public awareness, aired live on Q94.1 FM Real Country.  All day long, DART staff and board members, volunteers, and community partners talk about their experiences with domestic violence and with DART.  Each year, at least three survivors also share their own stories of living with an abusive partner, or losing a loved one to domestic violence.

To return to my opening remarks, I think that the awareness DART has presented to groups and individuals who now share that information widely has done a lot to change the lens through which our community views domestic violence.  We may not see the vivid colors of abuse, which ironically match the colors of the aurora borealis – the violet, red, and fuchsia of fresh wounds and bruising, and the vivid shades of green and saffron when those bruises begin to fade – but now we can look for and recognize the signs of that abuse. 

Just as we can see movement in the sky that indicates disturbances in the atmosphere, we can also see someone flinch when they hear screaming or other loud noises.  We can watch for nervous behavior when their spouse or partner is mentioned, or listen for the stories they offer about how they have been injured.  When we know what to look for, we can recognize what might be going on, and then decide how we can help.  One thing that can be done at any time is to call the 24-hour domestic violence crisis line – 1-888-411-1333 – and ask questions.  

In the meantime, DART thanks all of the people who have stepped up to help us in our work to keep families safe, offer them advocacy and support, and help them to find hope for healing and a better life. We also thank all who have shared information about domestic violence or our services with others.  For more information or to arrange for a speaker, feel free to call our office at 513-9373.

 

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A Shreveport man was one of several suspects arrested with a firearm on the Grambling State University campus during Homecoming weekend of October 18-19.

Troshun Moseley, 26, was arrested at about 2:00 a.m. on October 19 after he allegedly removed a firearm from his waistband and placed it in his car when approached by a campus police officer.

GSU officials, aware of violent incidents during Homecoming week in the past, took extra precautions including Louisiana State Police troopers supplementing campus police officers over the weekend. Moseley was one of several men arrested with guns.

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A GSU officer on patrol saw Moseley and another man standing between two housing units and approached them since it was after the campus midnight curfew. When asked to identify themselves, Mosley walked toward his vehicle and the officer noticed he was holding the front of his waistband as he walked.

Mosley opened the driver’s door and removed an object from his waistband and placed it in the bottom storage compartment of the driver’s door. Other officers then saw a handgun in plain view sticking out of the storage compartment. A Burgu BRG9 9mm pistol was recovered from the door. The vehicle smelled like marijuana and a partially-smoked marijuana “blunt” was seen in plain view on the console of the front seat.

Mostly admitted he had a firearm in the vehicle but denied having it on him.

Mosley was arrested for possession of the gun in a firearm-free school zone and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

Bail was set at $25,000.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

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

By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — Toughness. Competitiveness. Structure. 

These are but a few of the ingredients it takes to win a state title in any sport. And for new Ruston High basketball coach LaShanda Cooper, these are the essential building blocks for laying a championship foundation for a program.

That, along with learning how to handle adversity the right way, which the Lady Bearcats will have to do against a difficult slate of teams, both in and out of District 2-5A, including defending state champion Wossman High School.

“When you see our schedule this year, you’ll look at it and think that I’m crazy,” Cooper said, laughing. “Most new coaches coming in would probably think to put easy games on here. But I don’t want to give my kids a false sense of hope. I’m not afraid to get punched in the mouth, because with every loss, there’s a lesson. I know what I want this team to eventually become. So in order to become that team, we have to play those teams that have already arrived.”

Having already won two state titles at Northwood Lena in Central Louisiana, Cooper was named the newest head coach for the Lady Bearcats this past May, following Meredith Graf, who saw multiple postseason appearances in her tenure. Last season, Graf was named District 2-5A Coach of the Year after running the table in district play and leading the Lady Bearcats to the quarterfinals of the playoffs.

Given the success that Graf and others had laid before, Cooper believes that Ruston has the ingredients to one day hang its own banners and finally bringing a state title to Ruston in girls’ basketball.

“There’s been some talented players coming through this school over the years,” Cooper said. “I walked in the gym and looked up at the banners and thought “You’ve got to be kidding, right?” That has given me motivation to build this program.”

As far as assistant coaches go, Cooper’s brings her husband Darius Cooper, Shayla O’Neal and Petula Hill from last year’s staff, where they all plan to lean into a defensive-heavy team identity.

“Offenses come and go, but defense– it takes heart to play defense,” Cooper said. “Of course, everyone wants to run fast and do everything they can with the ball in their hand. But my biggest thing is what you do when it’s not in your hand. I want to build a defensive culture here.

“Offensively, we’re going to push the ball up the floor. I don’t like guards that walk the ball, and I don’t like a slow game. I want to take the thinking out, so I love transition and quickness. And then, we’ll hop back into a defensive pressing set constantly.”

Key returners for Cooper will be seniors Kiersynce McNeal, Ella Kate Jones, Jasmine Summerford and Samiya Lewis, though Cooper noted that McNeal and Jones are both currently recovering from injuries. And one of the biggest challenges Cooper faces is replacing the scoring from now-graduated guard Jaliyah McWain, who averaged 13 points and six rebounds a game last season for the Lady Bearcats.

“Jaliyah is one-of-a-kind,” Cooper said. “She was a very special kid. As far as trying to find someone to take that role upon herself, we’ll really be looking for Kiersynce to step up and make some noise for us this year. We’re pushing her to step out of her shell and become a leader. A lot of times kids don’t want to be leaders because they’re worried about not wanting their friend to be mad — all those things. But when you can truly find a leader that can step up and can hold people accountable, that’s a gift. So we’re trying to push her in that direction.”

Cooper was quick to point out that junior guard Journi Douglas will also be contributor one the season gets going — most likely at point guard — and noted Summerford’s approach to the team.

“Journi has gone from not getting a lot of varsity minutes to possibly our point guard,” Cooper said. “That transition is going to make her grow up fast. Jasmine is also bringing a lot of energy to this team.”

Junior forward Courtney Harris is also going to be moving into the rotation shortly after volleyball season wraps up.

“She a good inside presence,” Cooper said. “The transition (from volleyball to basketball) is difficult, but we’re looking for her to step up and maker her presence known in the post-position.”

With a championship history come championship aspirations for a proven talent in Cooper. Even so, she is maintaining a steady focus on how to build a program for the long haul, with her first regular season matchup just days away.

“I truly believe we’re headed in the right direction,” Cooper said. “The girls have really been working hard. And everyone (in Ruston) has welcomed us with open arms. I love the support and the way other programs support each other. I’m loving all the unity, and the transition has been good.”

Ruston’s first varsity game will be on the road against Benton High on Monday, Nov. 18.

 See below for roster and 2024-25 schedule.

 Varsity Roster

• Kiersynce McNeal
• Journi Douglas
• Angelica Green
• Ella Kate Jones
• Bailee Harrison
• Jasmine Summerford
• Samiya Lewis
• Courtney Harris
• Gioia Tatum
• Morghan Braggs
• Genesis Cooper
• Adrianna Robinson

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Cyber Crime Unit arrested a man from Franklin Parish Wednesday in connection with child pornography.

David A. Punchard, 54, of Baskin, was charged with 20 counts of possession of child pornography under the age of 13.

This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with the state Cyber Crime Unit, the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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The investigation was prompted by a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

NCMEC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation, and prevent child victimization. NCMEC works with families, victims, private industry, law enforcement, and the public to assist with preventing child abductions, recovering missing children, and providing services to deter and combat child sexual exploitation.

Lincoln Parish law enforcement authorities have investigated a number of NCMEC tips in the past.

Punchard was booked at the Franklin Parish Detention Center without incident. Bail was set at $200,000.

The Office of the Attorney General said the investigation is ongoing.

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.

On Thursday, October 31, 2024, shortly after 7:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. Highway 165 at its intersection with Louisiana Highway 1268. The crash claimed the life of 69-year-old Jimmy Densmore of Oak Grove.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2008 Ford F-350, driven by Densmore, was traveling west on Louisiana Highway 1268. At the same time, a Freightliner box truck was traveling north on U.S. Highway 165 in the left lane. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford proceeded from the stop sign when it was unsafe to do so and traveled into the path of the Freightliner. As a result, the Freightliner struck the Ford.

Densmore, who was unrestrained, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Freightliner, who was properly restrained, was transported to an area hospital for minor injuries. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, we urge all motorists to prioritize safety on the roads. Avoid driving while distracted or impaired at all costs, as these choices can pose serious threats to yourself and others sharing the road. Stay focused, alert, and responsible whenever you get behind the wheel. Your commitment to roadway safety is a crucial step toward ensuring the well-being of everyone in our community.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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By Kyle Roberts 

RUSTON, La. — It’s the final regular season home game for Ruston High (6-2, 1-2 District 2-5A) as the Pineville Rebels (3-5, 0-3 District 2-5A) come to town to meet a Bearcat team looking to get a win back up on the board after dropping a pair to two of the top teams in Louisiana.

After the second consecutive loss by less than a touchdown last week to the unbeaten ASH Trojans 40-36, Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh knows that the kids need to put the losses behind them and move on to the next game as quickly as possible, regardless of opponent.

“I think they turned the page pretty quickly,” Baugh said. “I think we’ll see when we hit the ballgame tonight. Hopefully, we’ve taken care of things this week.”

The 2024 schedule has been one for the books, no doubt. And after playing multiple games out-of-state, a couple of Saturday games, and then three extremely competitive district games, Baugh chose this week to give the kids a break from pads in practice to “help get their legs back up under them going into the homestretch.”

“I’ve been leaning towards that — I’m trying to get my mind wrapped around what I feel like this football team needs,” Baugh said. “The guys that are seniors — they’ve had some long seasons and some long weeks with Saturday games. So we changed practice up this week and didn’t have any padded-practices. I think it’s been good.”

Still No. 2 in the power rankings, Ruston High will be playing Pineville in its 2024 Homecoming Game, which comes with a week of festivities leading to game time. And with two games left on the schedule in the regular season, the Bearcats are very likely in control to earn a first-round by if they win out.

“The more tradition you have at a school, the bigger (Homecoming) is, which is a good thing,” Baugh said. “People in Ruston take pride in coming back when it’s their turn for Homecoming. I welcome all of that. But one thing I always tell our kids is that for people to come back, they want to see the kind of football they traditionally remember. It gives them an extended sense of pride if they come back and see high quality football, so we need to be a good representation of what I feel Ruston has represented for a very long time.”

After starting 3-2 on the year, Pineville has yet to win a District 2-5A game and has dropped three games in a row.

“(Head coach Bryant) Bell is still in the process of trying to build something there,” Baugh said. “In my opinion, it’s tough to get things going there because of open-enrollment (in Rapides Parish). I don’t know if I would be able to operate in a situation like that as much as I’m involved in our junior high over here. You just don’t know what you’re going to get, and it’s impossible to do any front-end work with your kids. So you get them as freshmen and don’t know which ones you’re getting, so you’re behind the eight-ball to start with.

“He’s working really hard to get things going. They had some success early — but then they ran through the toughest district in the state.”

For Baugh, a big part of tonight is making sure the Bearcats stay focused on the game at hand and not look forward to West Monroe next week or the playoffs afterward.

“If you’re not using a ballgame or a practice to get better, it’s a missed opportunity,” Baugh said. “To me, it’s up to our starting group to push out there, play really well, and see if they can give some other guys an opportunity to get into the ballgame. That’s a way to give back, because some of the starters now had their first experience getting into the game when those teams took care of business.

“At the end of the day, we need to win a ballgame — bottom line. And that’s the way we should treat it.”

Ruston and Pineville kick off at 7 p.m. tonight. The game will be streamed on BearcatNationNetwork.com and will be broadcast on Q94.1 FM.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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by Malcolm Butler

With only two games remaining and the Cedar Creek Cougars on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs, the final few Friday nights come down to playing for pride.

Cedar Creek (1-7, 1-3 District 1-1A) sits at No. 31 in the Select School Division IV power ratings with only the top 24 teams making it to the playoffs. Creek is a full 2.5 points behind No. 24 Delhi Charter and most likely mathematically out of the race.

However, according to head coach William Parkerson, the Cougars still have plenty to play for heading into tonight’s 7 p.m. homecoming contest against Arcadia.

“We talked about this Monday,” said Parkerson. “We want to send these seniors out the right way. Hopefully, we can get two wins. And as far as the underclassmen, it’s about finishing the year with some success that will springboard them into a great off-season. Hopefully, that sets us up to have a great year next year.”

With this week being homecoming around the school, the football game can easily take a back seat to all of the events and special days. So Parkerson has reminded his guys to stay focused on Arcadia (3-5, 2-3 District 1-1A), a team that is still fighting for a playoff berth in the Non-Select Division IV side.

“We just harp on keeping the main thing the main thing so when you see each other in 20 years, the thing you will remember is what you did on the football field on Friday,” said Parkerson.

The Hornets currently sit at No. 21 in the power ratings with the top 28 teams advancing to the playoffs on the Non-Select School Division IV side. Arcadia’s three wins have come against Southwood (0-7), Ringgold (3-5) and Plain Dealing (0-8).

In their three wins, they have averaged 39 points per game, while only tallying 8 points a contest in the five losses against Haynesville, Lakeside, Glenbrook, Carroll and Jonesboro-Hodge.

“They mix some I-formation stuff with some spread,” said Parkerson. “It seems that they like to throw it more than they run it. They have a big offensive line and some good athletes at quarterback and some of the other skill positions. It will be a challenge to keep them corralled.”

Defensively, the Hornets have recorded a pair of shutouts but have also given up 32 or more points in three outings. They lost 43-8 to Haynesville in their latest contest.

“They are a 4-2-5 team,” said Parkerson. “Big and athletic. Hopefully, we can establish the option game and get everything else going off of that.”

The contest can be heard on 99.3 FM with Ray Creasy and Ben Haddox providing a call of the action.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

 

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

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

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

CLICK HERE TO PLAY

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Are you ready for some football?!?

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

The Lincoln Parish Journal is proud to host the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy.

If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!

Readers are eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $200 cash prize (maybe $400).  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of the predetermined 15 college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

Only one entry per participant will be accepted each week.

The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with this week’s games.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m.  It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.

All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $200 each week!

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

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. 

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

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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 p.m.: Movie Night (North Village Food Park)
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 6:45 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

I went to a workshop recently. I filled out a survey at the end of the workshop to give feedback. The survey asked about my level of satisfaction with the workshop. Can one say they were really satisfied with a workshop that was six of the most boring hours I have ever spent in my life? How would one express satisfaction with a required workshop? What was my level of satisfaction? The material was helpful the presentation was painful. What was my level of satisfaction?

It dawned on me that perhaps my friend David was insightful. He wrote:

“We all tend to share in a big, bad personal problem. It’s one that doesn’t get much press or pulpit time. Yet this problem is a huge interrupter of our personal spiritual journey. If you have this problem, you won’t be concerned that you have this problem precisely because you have the problem. The problem is personal spiritual self-satisfaction.

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We’re all too satisfied with who we are, where we are, and what we’re doing. We’re satisfied with a little bit of biblical literacy. We’re satisfied with occasional moments of ministry. We’re satisfied with manageable debt that allows us to put a few coins in the plate. We’re satisfied with a bit of a grasp on the theology of Scripture. We’re satisfied with faithful attendance at the weekend services of our churches. We’re satisfied with quick morning devotions. We’re satisfied with a little ministry experience. We’re satisfied that we don’t act out most of our lust and we don’t communicate most of our envy. We’re satisfied that in our disappointment with God, we don’t walk away. We’re satisfied that we can harness a good bit of our fear of man. We’re satisfied to use most of our material resources to make and keep ourselves comfortable. We’re satisfied to be mere consumers of the work of the church ran than committed participants in it. We’re satisfied with hearts that occasionally wander and with thoughts that contradict what the Bible says is good and true. We’re satisfied with the amount of conflict we have in our lives. We’re satisfied.

None of us is yet a grace graduate, but we are satisfied. We give evidence that we still need to grow but we’re satisfied. And because we are satisfied, we are resistant to the grace that is our only hope.

Here is what you and I need to remember: we serve a dissatisfied Redeemer. He knows we still need the transforming work of His powerful grace.”

What is YOUR level of satisfaction?

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech will square off against Southern Illinois, Richmond, and Eastern Kentucky as the pairings were announced Thursday for the 2024 Gulf Coast Showcase, which will be played in Estero, Florida at Hertz Arena.

LA Tech, which won the inaugural Gulf Coast Showcase tournament in 2013, will open the event against Southern Illinois on Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. CT. They will next battle Richmond on Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. CT and then close out the event versus Eastern Kentucky on Nov. 27 at 11 a.m. CT.

The Bulldogs will open the 2024-25 season on Monday, Nov. 4 at home against LSU-Alexandria.

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A Celebration of Life for Connie A. Watts, 76, of Ruston, LA will be 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston, LA.  Officiating the service will be Rev. Connor Evans.  Interment will follow in Pecan Grove Cemetery, in the Hilly community, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston, LA.

A Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, November 1, 2024, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, 209 N. Bonner, Ruston, LA.

Connie was born January 9, 1948, in Bossier City, LA and passed away on October 29, 2024, in Shreveport, Louisiana.  She moved to Ruston, LA in 1968 where she had a long career as a legal executive assistant, exemplifying dedication and determination. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.  Connie was well known for her kind heart and giving nature, helping people and animals alike in any way she could.  She will be missed dearly by her family and close friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents George and Irene Armstrong and brother Barton Armstrong.

Connie is survived by husband, Hearchel Frederick; sons, Geoffrey Watts and Michael (Teri) Watts; grandchildren, Kellan Watts and Micah Watts; and step-sons, Robert (Willette) Frederick, Allen (Julie) Frederick, and Ryan (Gracie) Frederick.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tyler Davidson, Hearchel Floyd, Ryan Hammond, David Lonadier, Randy Martin, and Don McGehee.

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Johnny Ray Jackson 
Wednesday 07/24/1946 — Thursday 10/24/2024  
Funeral Service: Friday 11/08/2024 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home 
Interment: Friday 11/08/2024 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling 

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