by Malcolm Butler

Derrycka Hall was driving down Farmerville Highway Thursday morning pretty much minding her own business.

All of a sudden Hall saw the dreaded lights of a Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s patrol vehicle in her rearview mirror.

As LPSO patrol deputy Morris Harrison approached her driver’s side window, it was easy to see the look of despair on Hall’s face.

It wouldn’t last long.

After taking Hall’s license, Deputy Harrison returned to his patrol vehicle to retrieve something and it wasn’t a ticket for speeding or unlawful operation or an expired inspection sticker.

Nope. Instead he returned to Hall with a Thanksgiving turkey in his hands.

It’s part of the Turkeys, Not Tickets holiday gesture courtesy of the LPSO and Forth Insurance.

Starting Tuesday and running through yesterday, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Officers intentionally pulled vehicles over within the parish for minor traffic violations and instead of writing the drivers a ticket, they pulled out a gobbler.

The reaction of those receiving the turkeys? Well, Hall’s was the perfect illustration.

“You are going to make me cry,” said Hall, wiping away her tears. “Thank you so much. This is such a blessing.”

Sincere words from Hall, who said she moved to Lincoln Parish about four years ago from Ferriday.

Hall was so moved by the gesture that she asked Deputy Harrison as well as Chief Deputy Landon Hunt and Sgt. Iris Winston if she could pray for them. And so standing in the parking lot of In-and-Out Donuts, Hall did exactly that.

It was the perfect illustration of the emotions this type of kind gesture can illicit.

“Instead of giving them a ticket, we give them a turkey,” said Sgt. Winston, who said this Thanksgiving holiday endeavor started in Lincoln Parish in 2019. “We had 100 turkeys that we gave away this year. It’s a sight to see. When you pull someone over they think they are getting a ticket, and are in one frame of mind.

“But when you offer them a turkey, you can just see the relief come over them. We have had so many people that are so thankful.”

What started out as a project by Forth Insurance’s Thomas Graham and some teammates in the Ruston Chamber of Commerce Lincoln Leadership program has turned into an annual “Turkeys not tickets” Thanksgiving gesture.  The cost of the turkeys is shared between the LPSO, Forth Insurance and Super One Foods with the LPSO portion coming from the employee fund at no expense to taxpayers.

“We don’t want anyone afraid of us,” said Sgt. Winston. “We want people to know that we are here for them if they need us. We take extra effort in building those relationships with the community.”

“Our community has always been extremely supportive of our office and this project is a great way for our deputies to have a chance to give back,” said Chief Deputy Hunt. ”While seeking to pass a blessing along our fellow citizens, our men and women in uniform receive so much more in return.”

In 2019 Graham was a part of the Lincoln Leadership program and found an opportunity to start something in his community that he had seen in another community.

“I saw this in the paper down in Lake Charles one time when we were down their with my wife and her family,” said Graham. “The state troopers were doing it down there. I always thought Ruston would be the perfect place to do this.”

Derrycka Hall totally agreed.

“You guys have something great going on here,” said Hall, wiping the tears from her eyes.

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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 written content each week can email to flynnhl@warhawks.ulm.edu

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High Schools

Cedar Creek

Sixth graders at Cedar Creek constructed and presented themed STEM roller coasters made from cardstock in Mrs. Mitchell’s math class. Working in teams, students tackled problem-solving challenges to build a roller coaster capable of successfully carrying a marble to the bottom of the track.

Lincoln Preparatory School

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Lincoln Prep hosted an inaugural Staff and Student of the Year Luncheon to celebrate our honorees at Louisiana National Bank!

Honorees included:

5th Grade Student of the Year- Alijah Wright
8th Grade Student of the Year- Chase Stringfellow
12th Grade Student of the Year- Ma’Leeh Freeman

Support Person of the Year- Domonique Frost
New Teacher of the Year- Imani Johnson
Teacher of the Year- David McLaughlin

“This inaugural event celebrates the milestones of our staff in students as models of excellence. This is our third year recognizing staff and students of the year, but we wanted to commemorate this year in a special way.”—Dr. Crystal Washington, Chief Academic Officer

Students of the year are selected based on a rigorous process that includes interviewing and producing a portfolio. Staff of the year are chosen based on their contributions to the school community and specifically their impact on the school culture and academic outcomes. Staff and students will all compete for state recognition.

Ruston High School

As we head into Thanksgiving Break here are a few activities going on at Ruston High!

This weekend both guys and girls’ varsity basketball teams will be playing in tournaments. Varsity Guys will be playing in the Lakeview Tournament while the Varsity Girls will be playing in the Battle on the Hardwood tournament. Wednesday November 27, Varsity Guys will play in the Richwood Tournament.

Varsity Girls soccer will travel to West Monroe, Tuesday at 12pm to take on the Lady Rebels.

Our teacher of the week is Mrs. Chapman! Mrs. Chapman has been teaching for 7 years, and this is her first year at RHS! She is a Special Education inclusion teacher and serves on the Student Well Being Committee!  Thank you for all you do, Mrs. Chapman!

Elementary Schools

Cypress Springs

Cypress Springs announced their first nine weeks Honor Roll and Perfect Attendance-Congratulations to these Wonderful Wildcats!!!

Lincoln Parish Early Childhood Center

Students at LPECC learned about voting rights during our 2024 presidential election. Students, staff, and parents voted on a name for our school mascot. Students filled out their ballots and cast their votes in our very own voting booth! Welcome to the LPECC family, Benjamin! 

 

Courtesy of RightFiber/City of Ruston

RightFiber has agreed in principle to acquire the City of Ruston’s fiber optic broadband network. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. RightFiber will continue serving existing business customers at that time.

“This acquisition represents our commitment to delivering future-proof technology to Ruston’s thriving community and expands our company’s operations into the vibrant northern Louisiana area,” said Ritter Communications CEO Heath Simpson. “We plan to expand our 100% fiber network not only within the business community but to Ruston residential neighborhoods as well, positioning the area as a regional broadband leader and making it a Gigabit City.”

RightFiber brings with it the ‘Right by You’ pledge, the company’s service guarantee to its customers and the communities they call home. The company stands by a model of offering customers the very best in available technology and customer service while serving as a trusted community partner.

“RightFiber’s personal approach and future-minded vision set them apart as a service provider,” said Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker. “As a dedicated municipal partner, RightFiber is invested in the success and growth of our community.”

“The City of Ruston has taken proactive steps in planning for the growing need for top-tier fiber broadband. The decision to engage with RightFiber demonstrates their strategic foresight even further, which is focused on the growth and prosperity of their residents,” said Ritter Communications CRO Kyle Keith. “We’re honored to support the economic growth of this community.”

RightFiber, a brand of Ritter Communications, is headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Ritter Communications is proud to provide homes, schools and businesses in the Mid-South with advanced communications technology. For over 115 years, the company’s formula for success has been the relentless pursuit of delivering best-in-class technology paired with a world-class customer-focused experience.

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By T. Scott Boatright

 

Amending this year’s budget and approving the projected one for 2025 were the primary orders of business Thursday as the Lincoln Parish Library Board of Control held its November meeting in the George Byrnside Conference Room at the LPL.

Library director Jeremy Bolom said the biggest reason for the amendment for the 2024 budget was made because of a $25,000 legacy donation in the names of Barry and Ruth Johnson, who were longtime library patrons.

“That donation went into the general fund, so that line item needed to be adjusted,” Bolom said. “That’s the main change. There’s an insurance adjustment in there, too.”

Lincoln Parish Treasurer Michael Sutton said the change was only around $1,000.

The amended 2024 budget lists $2,330,258 in total revenue to the library, driven in most part by $2,243,158 in ad valorem taxes and expenditures of $1,127,500

As far as the 2025 budget approved by the Library Board of Control, it proposes $2,182,614 in total revenue and in 2,544,278 in projected expenditures.

“The main thing to look at in the 2025 budget is the salaries, which includes a 2.5% raise (for LPL employees),” Bolom told the Library Board of Control members. “If you approve the budget, you approve the raises. It also includes the improvements under building operations and grounds. It includes $5,000 more (for the building and grounds budget) for surplus because y’all have said you want to work on those improvements.”

Bolom said another increase came because the library has the opportunity to purchase a five-year database at a significantly lower cost than a one-year database.

“That will save around $12,000 over the five years, and even probably more than that because the database is going up before the next time,” Bolom said.

In other business, the LPL Board of Control also set library closure dates for the 2025 Christmas holidays.

Bolom presented two proposals for the Board to choose from.

“Because the Christmas holidays bump up against the weekend, I wanted to see if you might consider closing for that holiday weekend because I know it’s going to be dead around here at that time,,” Bolom said. “We’re the only (parish) agency that’s open on the weekend anyway.”

The Board of Control approved that proposal, meaning the library will be closed from Dec. 24 – Dec. 28 for the Christmas holidays in 2025.

“I know that seems like a long time to close but we’re not paying anybody to not be here for those two days. They would still get the same three holidays that they get every year.”

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By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — Two historic programs with recent state championship credentials do not normally meet up in the No. 3 vs. No. 14-seeded matchup in Round Two of the playoffs..

But such is the reality for Ruston High (8-2, 3-2 District 2-5A) and Zachary High (7-3, 3-2 District 4-5A), who will clash tonight at Hoss Garrett Stadium for the third straight postseason — with the Bearcats winning the previous two.

There’s no question that top of mind for the Broncos will be Ruston previous two wins: first in the semifinals in 2022 to punch a ticket to the Super Dome, and then in the title game last year, when the Bearcats won their first championship in over 30 years 31-17.

“Our kids are aware of the challenge,” Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “They realize the gravity of what’s going on. The way it’s been for us before is that we’ve had to beat those guys to win a state championship and to go to a state championship. So, you feel like at some point you’re going to meet them. I’ve told the guys that we’d have to beat them at some point in the playoffs — it just happens now to be in the second round.”

According to Baugh, Ruston benefitted tremendously from the bye week, taking time to get some players back to as full health as possible this late in the year. The Bearcats spent the previous week working on situational drills with more specialized practices, while Zachary used an explosive second half to beat No. 19 Sam Houston 54-35, after going into the halftime locker room in a 28-28 tie.

“To me, it’s the same type of Zachary team,” Baugh said. “They’ve graduated some good players, but they always seem to have guys they can plug in immediately and take the roles of the guys that graduated. Their quarterback does an excellent job of running their offense. Their tailbacks are good, and they’ve found some receivers they like to give the ball to. They’re really well coached and they’re going to be ready to play. So we’ve got to get ourselves ready to play and execute.”

Zachary’s three losses in the regular season were to Acadiana in Week 2, Central in Week 9 and Catholic in Week 10. The Bearcats also played Acadiana in their season opener, winning 35-27 in front of the home crowd.

The victor of tonight’s matchup will advance to the quarterfinals to take on either No. 6 Southside or No. 22 Walker.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Q94.1 FM and streamed on BearcatNationNetwork.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.

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Two men who said they were victims of a shooting near Ruston Tuesday afternoon were arrested on drug and gun charges by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to a report of gunshots in the area of Pecan Street and Donna Lane about 4 p.m. Nov. 19. They found a disabled vehicle riddled with bullet holes near the intersection of La. Highway 146 and South Chatham Spur just outside the city of Ruston.

The two occupants of the vehicle were still at the scene and stated the gunfire had been directed at them. During the course of the investigation, deputies recovered a Glock 19 9mm pistol and approximately 84 grams of suspected marijuana.

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During interviews, Karmekizik Z. Barber, 19, admitted possessing the pistol while aware the other occupant, Tremarious D. Lewis, 17, was in possession of the marijuana he was attempting to sell.

Lewis admitted he was attempting to sell the marijuana. He was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Barber was charged with illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of a controlled substance. His bail was set at $25,000.

Both men are from Jonesboro.

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. 

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 state trooper arrested a Butler, Alabama, man after a pursuit across Lincoln Parish Tuesday afternoon.

Lasharn A. Ruffin, 27, was arrested about 1 p.m. Nov. 19 after fleeing a traffic stop near the Bienville Parish line across the length of Lincoln Parish on I-20 and into Ouachita Parish where he crashed.

At about 12:30 p.m., a trooper with the Louisiana State Police observed a Nissan Altima eastbound on I-20 commit several traffic violations. After the trooper activated his emergency lights, the Nissan continued a short distance before traveling onto the shoulder, slowing to approximately 20 miles per hour, before reentering the travel lanes and quickly accelerating.

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A pursuit ensued with the Nissan reaching speeds of 125 miles per hour in a 70 mph zone, traveling off the roadway numerous times, and failing to stop a stop signs as Ruffin exited onto exit ramps. The trooper saw the driver throw items out of the vehicle during the chase.

The Nissan continued into Ouachita Parish and traveled off the roadway and became stuck in the mud near milepost 120.

Ruffin said he ran from the trooper because his driver’s license was suspended and he had traffic warrants in another state. Ruffin said the items he threw out of the car were a vaping device and tobacco products.

During a search of the vehicle, the odor of marijuana was detected, but no contraband was found. Ruffin was booked at the Ouachita Correctional Center and transferred back to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where he was booked for aggravated flight from an officer, driving under suspension, improper lane usage, following too closely, no turn signals, and littering. His bail was set at $150,000.

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. 

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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

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

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

CLICK HERE TO PLAY

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CLICK HERE TO PLAY

Are you ready for some football?!?

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

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

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

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

Only one entry per participant will be accepted each week.

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

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

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

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

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

One of our staff stopped in my office the other day.

She said, “I’m here for chocolate.” Years ago, I started stocking my office with candy. I discovered that adults would stop by for chocolates and would often feel comfortable enough to tell me what is really on their minds. It happened that day.

The staff person said, “I am angry that this morning my electric toothbrush did not work. I had to brush my teeth the old-fashioned way.” I could relate to that. An electric toothbrush is a luxury that I also share. She waxed poetic about the virtues of an electric toothbrush compared to the old-fashioned kind. Another bite of chocolate and a deep breath later, she said, “You know we forget our blessings. We should remember all the blessings we have in our life.”

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An important Old Testament word is “remember.” The Hebrews were challenged to remember how God delivered them from Egypt. They were to remember the Commandments and the Law. They were to remember to treat the orphans, widows, and strangers with compassion. They were to remember to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Remember is no memory test but a line of thought that causes one to live differently. When we remember to be thankful for what we have and the source of those blessings we are less likely to be upset when our blessings break.

Your electric toothbrush broke. That is an inconvenience. You have the blessings of an extra toothbrush, right? What about a quick review?

The Egyptians and Babylonians invented the earliest known form of a toothbrush, referred to as a “chew stick.” This rudimentary tool consisted of a twig fashioned with a frayed end, which was used to scrub the teeth clean. The chew stick was an effective tool, albeit crude when compared to the more sophisticated designs that would appear in later centuries.

Meanwhile, in the East, the Chinese were developing their version of the toothbrush. Around 1498 AD, they created a tool that bore a closer resemblance to the modern toothbrush we are familiar with today. This toothbrush featured bristles sourced from the necks of pigs, known for their toughness and durability.

Compared to a chew stick or pigs necks an old-fashioned toothbrush is a real blessing. Have you remembered your blessings? Do you live with gratitude as a theme for your day? Do you thank the source of all your blessings?

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

by Malcolm Butler

Cedar Creek overcame early foul trouble, used a big third quarter and pulled away for a 66-35 win over Calvin Thursday night at the Brickhouse.

Jake Terry scored 19 points, Jack Bell added 14 points and Cannon Robbins 13 points to pace the Cougars who improved to 2-0 on the year.

The first quarter saw Robbins, Brett Bell and Cameron Temple pick up two fouls each as the Cougars utilized an aggressive full-court run and jump defense. And although head coach Lance Waldron had to go to his bench early and often, the Cougars were able to end the quarter strong with back-to-back three-pointers by Jack Bell in the closing minute to take a 14-10 advantage.

Despite the early foul trouble, head coach Lance Waldron said he didn’t want to take away the aggressiveness of his players.

“We practice defending sometimes with our hands behind our backs,” said Waldron. “I have to watch my substitution rotation when we get into foul trouble early. When a guy picks up two fouls in the first period, he has to come out. I felt good about the situation tonight. There may be some other games where I don’t feel too comfortable with it, but sometimes you have to sacrifice. We have to be aggressive.

“We have a group of guys we can be aggressive with this year. You don’t have that athleticism every year. We feel like we do, and we like our chances being aggressive especially in tonight’s match-up.”

The Cougars pushed their advantage out to 19-10 on a Terry floater in the lane and then a free throw with 6:52 to play in the second quarter. Creek’s lead then ballooned to double figures as Cameron Temple drained a corner three-pointer with 20 seconds to play and then Jack Bell beat the buzzer on a 15-footer to give the Cougars a 30-15 halftime advantage.

“I thought the first half our scoring wasn’t the way we wanted it,” said Waldron. “I thought we improved that in the second half. I was really happy with our defense. I thought we rebounded well, especially offensively. We won the rebounding battle and the turnover battle tonight. Any time we do those two things we know its going to be a good night.”

The third quarter was all Creek. Robbins and Terry combined to score 18 points as the Cougars outscored Calvin 25-9 to take a commanding 55-24 advantage heading into the final quarter.

After scoring just four points in the opener against Saline, Terry bounced back to find his rhythm in the win over the Cougars.

“Jake wanted to come back better,” said Waldron. “He was really disappointed in his last performance, just like any competitor. He really did a good job tonight. He still made some mistakes but his effort was really good. That’s what I’m looking for. Your shot isn’t going to fall every night, but you can always play with effort. He was motivated after the Saline game.”

Both teams used their bench liberally in the final quarter as the Cougars lead was never threatened.

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Cedar Creek Scoring: FG(3FG)-FT-Points

Cameron Temple 1(1)-2-5; Cannon Robbins 4(1)-4-13; Brett Bell 1-0-2; Zack Waldron 0-1-1; Luke Waldron 2-0-4; Landon Hall 4-0-8; Jack Bell 5(3)-1-14; Jake Terry 8(1)-2-19

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by Malcolm Butler

They call it the Brickhouse.

And on Thursday night, the home gym for the Cedar Creek Cougars saw plenty of them in the first three quarters.

However, head coach Katie Hall’s team heated up in the fourth quarter and defeated Calvin 57-43 to improve to 2-0 on the young season.

The win didn’t come easy.

“I think we all felt the frustrations in the first half because we were missing so many layups,” said Hall. “I think there were some jitters playing at home for the first time this year. We just missed a lot of shots, and we got frustrated.”

The Lady Cougars led 13-12 after the first quarter, but then neither team could find the bottom of the net in the second quarter. Creek outscored Calvin 3-2 in the second quarter to lead 16-14 at the half.

“Things were compounded by not getting calls going our way,” said Hall. “We simply let it get to us and it caused a lot of frustration. It was a struggle to score. None of our three-pointers were falling. We were missing layups. We got a lot of easy looks that we simply missed.”

The third quarter saw both teams start to find some more offense as Calvin took a 31-30 advantage into the fourth quarter.

That’s when Taylor Martinez and Alivia Lee combined to score 21 of the Lady Cougars 25 points.

After Calvin took a 38-32 lead, Martinez drained a three-pointer and one possession later, Lee followed suit to tie the game at 38-38 with 4:35 to play. Calvin retook the lead at 4038 but free throws by Caroline James, Sophie Mariano, and Lee and a layup by James ignited a 6-0 run as Creek led 44-40 with 3:20 to play.

Martinez then scored nine of the last 11 points of the night for the Lady Cougars, helping Creek pull away late for the win.

“I was proud of us for being resilient,” said Hall. “Taylor played big time for us tonight. She stepped up as a leader. She got to the hole when we needed her to and she made free throws when we needed her to. I was proud of how she responded after picking up the technical foul. It was a physical game and she got frustrated. She will learn to keep her cool better. But she responded.”

Martinez ended the night with 22 points and Lee added 14 points.

“Alivia was great on the boards,” said Hall. “Before the game I challenged them. I told them we needed to be better rebounding and blocking out. I still think we can be better blocking out, but I do know Alivia had eight offensive rebounds. She hit some big free throws down the stretch after missing some early in the game.”

The Lady Cougars will compete in the Sterlington Tournament Monday and Tuesday.

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Cedar Creek Scoring: FG (3FG)-FT-Points

Kennedy Hall 1-1-3; Mary Grace Hawkins 2(1)-2-7; Caroline James 2-1-5; Alivia Lee 5(1)-3-14; Sophie Mariano 0-1-1; Taylor Martinez 5(2)-10-22; Mallory Smith 1-1-3; Zoey Venters 0-2-2

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Construction on Chandler Road east of Ruston will begin the morning of Friday, November 22 and continue until the road overlay and striping is complete. Portions of the road will be closed at times. Please use caution in construction areas.

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For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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. 22
7 p.m.: Friday Night Jazz at the Dixie (Dixie Theatre)
7 p.m.: Ruston High playoff game 

Saturday, Nov. 23
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
3 p.m.: LA Tech women’s basketball 

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For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications

On Wednesday, the NCAA released its Graduation Success Rates (GSR) for member institutions. Grambling State student-athletes continued to show prowess in the classroom, posting a GSR of 80 percent, the second consecutive year of achieving a rate of 80 percent or higher.

“At Grambling State, we celebrate champions both in the classroom and on the field. The dedication and hard work our students demonstrate in their studies reflect the true spirit of excellence that defines our institution” said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Trayvean Scott. “We are incredibly proud of their commitment to success and look forward to seeing them continue to thrive.”

The GSU women’s athletic programs combined for a GSR of 86 percent while the men’s programs attained a GSR of 76 percent.

Grambling State women’s cross country and track led the GSU women with a 95 percent GSR. The Grambling State men’s basketball program had a GSR of 86 percent.

The GSR measures graduation rates at Division I institutions. GSR is believed to be a more accurate measure of academic performance in athletics departments as it holds schools responsible for student-athletes transferring into the institutions and allows them to subtract student-athletes who leave their institutions prior to graduation but are otherwise academically eligible to compete.

Figures released Wednesday reflect graduation numbers among student-athletes who entered college in 2017.

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James “Jim” Lied 
September 24, 1950 – November 19, 2024 
Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Farmerville, Saturday, November 23, 2024, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm 
Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Farmerville, Saturday, November 23, 2024, 2:00 pm 

Judy Dianne Lindsay 
March 30, 1950 – November 19, 2024 
Graveside service: Friday, November 22, 2024, 10:00 AM, Kilpatricks Serenity Gardens Cemetery, 8729 Cypress St., West Monroe 

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Ruston, LA – November 19, 2024 – Rock Bordelon, owner of Allegiance Health Management and Northern Louisiana Medical Center, is pleased to announce the acquisition of The Green Clinic, a well-established, multi-specialty, multi-location ambulatory healthcare provider. This strategic partnership marks a significant step in advancing integrated healthcare services for the Ruston community and surrounding areas.

Effective November 19, 2024, The Green Clinic joined Northern Louisiana Medical Center under the leadership of Allegiance Health Management. This integration of two trusted organizations is expected to expand access to high-quality healthcare, improve patient services and enhance operational efficiency across the region.

“This is an exciting day for Green Clinic and the community we serve,” said Lori Keen, CEO of The Green Clinic. “While our commitment to patient-centered care remains unchanged, joining the Allegiance family and working alongside Northern Louisiana Medical Center positions us to deliver more comprehensive care. This partnership strengthens our ability to enhance access to the services that our patients rely on.”

Rock Bordelon expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Green Clinic to the Allegiance family. This acquisition not only bolsters healthcare services available in Ruston, but it also positions us to drive innovations and bring essential medical specialties and resources to the region. At Allegiance, we are committed to improving the health of rural communities across Louisiana, and this partnership further strengthens our ability to make a meaningful impact.”

Kathy Hall, CEO of Northern Louisiana Medical Center, echoed the sentiment, adding, “We are proud to welcome The Green Clinic into our family. As a community-focused hospital, we are passionate about serving the Ruston area, and this acquisition expands our ability to ensure that every member of our community has access to high-quality healthcare services right here at home.”

The Green Clinic, Northern Louisiana Medical Center, and Allegiance Health Management remain dedicated to enhancing healthcare delivery throughout the region. This acquisition will ensure that patients in Ruston and the surrounding communities continue to receive compassionate, high-quality care, with expanded services and improved access to essential healthcare resources.

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A Ruston man was arrested for drug possession after the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated a suspicious vehicle at a trash dumpster site.

Michael Ray Patrick, Jr., 37, was found parked at a dumpster site on Pleasant Grove Road shortly after midnight on November 13. During the course of the investigation, Patrick begged a deputy to let him go. When he was directed out of his vehicle, he refused multiple times until a Taser was displayed to gain compliance.

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A drug detection K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. A search located suspected methamphetamine and a glass smoking pipe.

Patrick was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, failure to register vehicle, and failure to register as a sex offender. His bail was set at $66,000.

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. 

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 Choudrant man was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly trespassed at a Ruston convenience store after he had been barred from the property.

Benton Bullard, 50, was charged with criminal trespass and possession of drug paraphernalia after a store clerk reported he was in the store after being banned previously from the property.

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Officers found Bullard attempting to leave as a passenger in a vehicle. He said he had been waiting for a ride that never showed up. During a search, an officer found a suspected “crack” smoking pipe in Bullard’s pants pocket.

Bullard was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and released on his own recognizance.

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. 

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

by Malcolm Butler

One of the best second round match-ups in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) playoffs across all Divisions may be at James Field at Hoss Garrett Stadium Friday night.

It’s a rematch of last year’s Non-Select School Division I state title game, a hard-fought contest won by Ruston over Zachary 31-17 at the Caesar’s Superdome.

Now the two perennial state football powerhouses will meet with kickoff set for 7 p.m.

The No. 3 seeded Bearcats (8-2) and the No. 14 seeded Broncos (7-3) both lost key components from last year’s teams with Zachary’s biggest loss being its biggest player in 6-foot-7-inch wide receiver Trey’dez Green who is suiting up for the LSU Tigers these days.

The Broncos three losses this year have come against teams that are a combined 26-3 and all top four seeds in their respective Divisions in Acadiana (L, 43-28), Central-Baton Rouge (L, 14-3) and Catholic (L, 73-55).  The Broncos have scored at least 24 points in every game except the loss to Central which came in a driving rain storm.

So how does this year’s Zachary team compare to last years?

“This is a very different Zachary team from last year,” said Robin Fambrough, who covers high school sports for the Baton Rouge Advocate. “This is a very different Zachary team. They only return like two or three starters on defense. They have a descent number of starters back on the offensive line. New quarterback although he split time in the regular season last year. It’s just a much different team.”

Zachary advanced to tomorrow night’s second round match-up with Ruston by virtue of a 54-35 win over No. 19 seeded Sam Houston last Friday night. The Broncos led 28-7 in the second quarter before 21 straight points by Sam Houston tied the game at 28-28 at halftime.

However, it was all Zachary in the second half as the Broncos pulled away to win easily.

The Bearcats will face one of the top running backs they will have seen this season in Da’vekio Ruffin, an undersized senior who is shifty and elusive. Ruffin has totaled more than 600 yards and 12 TDs on the ground over the past two games, a loss to Catholic and the win over Sam Houston.

“The big story the last two weeks — and of course they have played X Box football — is their running back Da’vekio Ruffin,” said Fambrough. “He has rushed for over 300 yards and scored six touchdowns in each of those two games. He is a little guy at like 5-foot-6. He is fast, but he finds angles and sees things and makes plays happen. He has gotten better as the year has gone on.”

Ruffin has totaled 1,523 yards and 25 TDs on the ground and is averaging over 10 yards per carry on the season.

Caleb Gonzalez is the signal caller for the Broncos. He has completed 128-of-208 passes for 1,756 yards and 16 TDs with four interceptions on the season.

“He moved from Texas in ninth grade,” said Fambrough. “He grew up on McAllen, Texas. He is 5-10 and 180 pounds. As the coach David Brewerton told me, he is just a good football player. His biggest improvement from last year is he got physically stronger. When you look at film, you are like he couldn’t have made that throw last year.”

Unlike last year’s Zachary team with Green, this year’s version doesn’t have an alpha receiver. However, the Broncos have a host of solid options, including Trey Chaney (21-425-4), Khristion Brooks (24-304-3), Jaiden Cockerham (29-348-3), and Tra’lan Sept (25-274-5).

“They have four or five guys who are utilized,” said Fambrough. “No one that just stands out.”

Defensively, Zachary has been up and down. The Broncos have surrendered 33 points or more four times this season, including 73 in the loss to Catholic. However, Zachary has held five opponents to 15 points or less.

“They only have a couple of starters back from last year so its a totally revamped defense,” said Fambrough. “This is the second year under their current DC. This is a blue collar group. I think there are maybe two kids who have scholarship offers.”

This marks the third straight year that Ruston and Zachary have met in the state playoffs with the Bearcats winning both times. However, Friday night’s match-up isn’t a typical second round affair for a top four seed.

“I think Zachary is much better than a 13 seed,” said Fambrough.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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I was 10 years old when my parents divorced.  They told me the day after Christmas about the divorce and within a few months, a lot changed.  My mother, brother, and I moved to Minden to be closer to family.  My dad’s role in my life was very limited.  While we weren’t rich by any means prior to the divorce, money was tight after the divorce.

My mother worked five days a week as a receptionist and worked Saturdays at a “family” owned clothing store.  Sundays were focused on attending church, washing clothes, cleaning the apartment, and shopping for groceries.  She was busy to say the least.  She was focused, depressed, and many other things. 

Even as a pre-teen and early teen, I understood our financial situation.  I knew we qualified for free lunch at school, but she refused.  We qualified for various forms of aid, but she refused.  She always found a way to provide meals for us.  It was tight, there was no extra, but she managed.

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I remember coming in from practice as a teenager and being hungry between meals.  There was just enough lunch meat to get all three of us through the week, but there was plenty of bread.  I remember her eating mayonnaise sandwiches at times to save bologna for us, so I thought I would give it a try.  Not great, but it took care of the hunger.

Budgeting was essential.  I needed to be somewhat self-sufficient for anything beyond those basic needs that mom provided.  I needed to work and save money for a car, insurance, gas, etc.  There were summer jobs and leaf raking opportunities during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.  I had to monitor my spending but also generate as much revenue as possible. 

I share that story because those principles are timeless and relate to individuals, businesses, and organizations of all types.  Budgetary spending control and revenue generation go hand in hand.  It’s not one or the other, but rather both.  Spending control provides the disciplined approach to focus on priorities and eliminate wasteful actions.  Revenue generation will dictate the spending levels that one can pursue, the impact one can have, and the scale that one can seek. 

The key for individuals, business organizations, governments, and educational systems is to balance spending with revenue generation.  It’s such a simple concept that so many struggle with at all levels.  While it’s so simple to understand, it’s not easy to accept.  It’s not appealing, it’s not always enjoyable, nor is it always comfortable.  However, it’s the responsible approach for stability, peace of mind, and lasting fulfillment. 

The problem is that we don’t teach it, model it, or seem to value it. 

Our federal government owes $36 Trillion in debt. Consumer debt in the US is estimated to be approximately $18 Trillion.

Our state government is currently struggling to enact real change to facilitate growth within the state. 

It is estimated that approximately $16 billion was spent on the 2024 election campaigns, $2 billion on paying college athletes this year, and $200 million on coaching buyouts (paid not to work) in the last twelve months.

Those facts tell a lot.  We don’t balance revenue and spending.  We don’t seem to value fiscal responsibility.  We have questionable financial priorities. 

If a twelve-year-old can manage a budget, make trade off decisions, and think longer-term, why can’t those running our nation, our state, and our organizations and agencies do the same.

Maybe we all need to make a mayonnaise sandwich, rake some leaves, and get a new perspective!

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

By Kyle Roberts

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but Ruston High is playing Zachary in the playoffs.

For the third straight year, the Bearcats and the Broncos will be hitting the gridiron tomorrow night for what could be an atmosphere to remember at James Field at Hoss Garrett Stadium, even if it’s “only the second round.”

In the two previous postseasons, this matchup either punched a ticket for Ruston’s trip to the ‘Dome in 2022 or secured the first title in over three decades for the “Firmly Founded” in 2023. This year, it’s No. 3 versus No. 14.

But let me (and others) assure you — Zachary is no regular 14-seed. They’ve recently won multiple titles. They know how to play in hostile environments. They can score fast (just ask No. 19 Sam Houston from last week). This will be a far cry from a “normal” second round game.

Count on it: the Broncos will be hungry not to lose three playoff games in a row to the same team.

So let’s do a quick primer on how you, the Bearcat fan, can be one of the most crucial pieces to a possible Ruston victory — one that is by no means guaranteed — by following these easy steps.

Step One: Get loud and proud when Zachary has the football. Our home stands have been filled to the brim in the last few seasons. The Cat Box is absolutely stuffed every Friday in the fall. Let the Cow Bells echo through the Piney Hills of North Louisiana when the Broncos are lining up to snap the football. Be noisy, loud, and borderline obnoxious when the opponent is trying to execute.

And on third and fourth down? Let it go to eleven. You thought you were loud on first down? Nope. Take it to the extreme. Be “that guy” that stands up and yells when others are sitting. And if we have enough “that guys,” we’ll force some miscues that could lead to false starts or worse for the opposing offense.

Step Two: Get uncomfortably quiet when Ruston has the football. Look, I love the cowbell more than Christopher Walken Bruce Dickinson loves making gold records. But when our quarterback breaks the huddle for the line, we need to be eerily quiet. Not pin-drop quiet, mind you, but you know — that buzz that won’t interfere with our chief signal-caller getting the message to his troops.

When done right, it’s electric. It creates anticipation, which leads to my favorite….

Step Three: Get ready for the “Crowd Crescendo” on big plays. When that buzz hits the right note and something amazing happens, it turns the crowd into the jolt of energy the players may very well need. You’ll be free to get loud again and celebrate. Listen to this clip from the :38 mark — it’s sheer perfection from a crowd reaction. The players feed off engaged fans, and when facing a tough opponent, it can be one factor of many that can turn the tide. But it only works when everyone is all in together.

With those things in mind, Ruston High fans can create a needed “Hoss”-field advantage tomorrow night. Everyone can have a great time while giving the kids the push they’ll need in a real playoff fight.

And before we go, don’t let me forget the final (and most important)…

Step Four: Show your appreciation to these kids for their hard work. It’s not easy winning a title. And it can’t be easy defending one. Remember who you’re doing this for: these young men, staff, cheerleaders, pep squad, band, admin — it takes a ton of effort and energy just to put a football game together in 2024. They’ve worked for months (years, even) to get to this postseason, and they have a huge opponent early in the bracket they’ll need to get past.

When you cheer, you’re thanking them for all they’ve done to get to this point in the season. This program is worthy of gratitude from all of us. Let’s give them our very best this postseason.

 

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey announced Wednesday a change in leadership of the volleyball program effective immediately, ending Amber McCray’s six-year term as the Bulldogs’ head coach.

“I want to thank Amber for her service and work towards our volleyball program,” Ivey said. “While the results on the court weren’t what anyone wanted or expected, Amber always conducted herself in a professional manner. She cares deeply about the program and her student-athletes, and for that, we are very thankful. We wish her all the best in her future opportunities.”

In McCray’s six seasons as head coach, she has compiled a 50-115 career record. The Bulldogs finished the 2024 season with an 8-23 overall record and 2-16 mark in Conference USA play.

A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

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