by Hanna Singh

The Northern Louisiana Medical Center has invested in a new state-of-the-art surgical system. The Da Vinci XI Surgical System will impact the efficiency of the operating room, benefiting the structure of the hospital itself.

Designed to improve the capabilities and efficiency of surgical operations, the Da Vinci XI Surgical System is the most widely used multi-port robotic surgery system in the world. The new addition to the medical center will provide staff with a system of features including Firefly fluorescent imaging, integrated table motion, advanced instrumentation, and overall an improved operating room.

The surgical system will not only provide a more efficient operation, but it could potentially allow for better recoveries as well. Dr. Derek McCluskey of Northern Louisiana Medical Center explained the benefits that the surgical robot will provide to his team.

“The da Vinci platform gives us better visualization and more precision than traditional laparoscopic surgery,” McCluskey said. “I have seen less postoperative pain and earlier return to normal activities in my robotic surgery patients.”

The Da Vinci technology is capable of efficiently performing surgery by visualizing anatomy in highly magnified 3DHD, providing depth perception and perfectly clear vision. The system’s wristed instruments bend and rotate beyond the ability of a human hand, while the tremor filtration and intuitive motion technologies allow surgeons to operate with careful and natural motions.

The new machine will open a door to new possibilities for better surgeries and recoveries for patients of the Northern Louisiana Medical Center. The significant investment will be worthwhile to the hospital, as well as the patients and surrounding community. With more efficient surgeries that provide faster and easier recoveries, patients can foresee a quicker return to normalcy post-operation.

McCluskey shared his thoughts on how the machine will impact both patients and others.

“I’m excited that NLMC has made another significant investment in our hospital and community’” McCluskey said. “Faster recovery from surgery is better for our patients as well as their local employers.”

Woman violates protective order during disturbance

Lincoln Parish deputies arrested an Arcadia woman last Saturday after she reportedly caused a disturbance and violated a protective order.

When deputies arrived at Pine Ridge Apartments on U.S. 80 on January 25, they saw De’anguenita Marshay Bellard, 29, banging on doors. She appeared extremely intoxicated, according to a deputy’s report.

Deputies determined Bellard had violated a protective order by approaching too close to the protected person. Bellard resisted efforts to handcuff her and take her into custody. After repeated commands to stop resisting, Ballard was handcuffed and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where she was booked for violation of a protective order, resisting an officer, and disturbing the peace by appearing intoxicated in public.

Bellard’s bail was set at $1,500.

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.

Courtesy of Louisiana State Police

Louisiana State Troopers are gearing up for an exciting and highly anticipated Super Bowl week in February 2025. With large crowds expected, safety in and around the French Quarter is paramount.   Law enforcement officials are announcing that additional safety guidelines have been implemented for this event.

From February 5, 2025, through February 10, 2025, there will be a French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone (FQESZ) from Canal Street to St. Ann Street between Royal Street and Dauphine Street. (Please view the attached FQESZ map for a visual of the area.) 

The following guidelines are in place for the FQESZ:

• Backpack coolers and ice chests are prohibited within the FQESZ.
• Anything larger than 4.5” x 6.5” (the size of a clutch handbag) are discouraged and subject to search by law enforcement prior to entering the FQESZ.
• Vehicles will be prohibited from entering the FQESZ except for emergency purposes.  Beginning February 5, 2025, any vehicles parked in the FQESZ will be towed.
• Visitors staying at hotels on Bourbon Street should access their hotel using the Royal Street or Dauphine Street entrances.  Visitors will be allowed access with luggage at the nearest barrier/cross street if the hotel does not have access to those streets.  Those visitors must provide proof of hotel reservation and identification.
• Anyone refusing a search will be denied entry to the FQESZ.

Beginning February 5, 2025, only those vehicles dropping off visitors to hotels, residents of the area, and emergency vehicles will be allowed into the area from Canal Street to St. Ann Street between Decatur Street and North Rampart Street. Residents and hotel visitors must provide proof of hotel reservation/residency prior to entry.

Residents and visitors should be aware of these key reminders:

• The Caesars Superdome is a “No Drone Zone” for the Super Bowl.
• Concealed weapons are prohibited in bars, casinos, government buildings and venues such as the Superdome.
• If carrying a concealed handgun, you must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and you should never handle the firearm in a way that could cause harm to others.
• When interacting with law enforcement officers, it is your responsibility to notify them if you are armed.

Troopers will be assigned to the French Quarter, Central Business District, and key roadways and event locations, including the Caesars Superdome, providing high-visibility vehicle and foot patrols throughout the week.

Please remember to utilize the “See Something, Send Something” app to report real-time activity to the appropriate investigators. The app is found listed as See Send by My Mobile Witness, Inc. and is a nationwide suspicious activity reporting tool for citizens. Both text and/or pictures may be submitted directly to public safety personnel.

“Super Bowl LIX is the perfect opportunity to showcase New Orleans as the world class city it is. In order to do this, we must prioritize the safety of every single visitor and resident in the city. Today’s action demonstrates the commitment of federal, state, and local officials to make sure the Super Bowl flows seamlessly and safely. These security measures were put in place to balance the security of everyone with the freedoms we all enjoy in this country,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

Residents and visitors can also follow Louisiana State Police on our social media pages.

Louisiana State Police wants everyone to remain safe, make good decisions, and have a fun and exciting Super Bowl week! To report possibly impaired and/or aggressive drivers, please dial *LSP (*577) from your cell phone.

This is an advertorial

Following our inaugural success of broadcasting Ruston High School Football, the Big Q 94.1 and The New Roux 102.3 are proud to announce our upcoming coverage of Ruston High School Basketball, Baseball, and Softball.

We will maintain our standard of excellence in bringing you the proud traditions of Ruston High School athletics. On the call for basketball will be Nick Brown with former Head Coach Ryan Bond as color analyst.

February 13th begins our broadcast of RHS Baseball, featuring Nick Brown and Toby Nations on the call.

Join us on Roux 102 this Friday night at 7, for the inaugural Ruston High School Basketball broadcast.

The game pits district rivals, the Ouachita Lions, visiting the State Finals runner up Mighty Bearcats. This Friday night at 7 only on Roux 102. Listen live, download the App, or livestream from our website. GO Bearcats!

Firmly Founded,
Brandon Forester

Driver with open container arrested on warrant

A 20-year-old man was arrested last week by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office after he was stopped for a traffic violation and was found not only in underage possession of alcohol, but wanted on a previous case of underage possession.

Jataria T. Braggs, of Monroe, was stopped on January 25 for making several turns but failing to use a turn signal. When the vehicle was stopped, a deputy detect a strong odor of alcoholic beverage inside. A records check showed Braggs was wanted for failing to appear in court for execution of sentence for underage possession of alcohol.

A cup containing tequila and cranberry juice was found inside the vehicle along with a partially consumed bottle of tequila.

Braggs was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for no turn signals, open container, underage possession of alcohol, and the bench warrant for failure to appear in court.

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

Cedar Creek head coach Katie Hall had scheduled a non-district game against The Dunham School hoping it would provide her Lady Cougars a challenge.

It didn’t.

Hall watched her team smother the Tigers (11-8) en route to a 58-20 victory Wednesday night at The Brickhouse.

Creek’s man-to-man full-court press and halfcourt zone kept Dunham in check for 32 minutes as the Lady Cougars recorded yet another lopsided win. Since the turn of the calendar into 2025, Creek (21-3) has played seven games with only one of them decided by less than 38 points.

“This week I’m trying to get them to focus on us, whether it be a game or in practice,” said Hall. “I don’t want them to get caught up in the score and relax. Every day we get in the gym it’s to get better. I don’t want us to get complacent. (The lack of close games) is definitely a concern.”

On paper all signs point to the showdown with Arcadia on February 11^th determining the District 1-1A title although Hall knows her team must continue to play with the same enjoyment and intensity regardless of who the opponent is.

Wednesday night that opponent was Dunham, who entered as the No. 6 rated team in Select School Division III. However, the Tigers had no answers.

Sophomore Alivia Lee had 15 points and junior Avery Ryan added 12 points in a game that saw a running clock for the entirety of the fourth quarter.

However, it was the Lady Cougars defense that stole the show, holding Dunham – a Baton Rouge-based school – to its lowest scoring output of the season (previous low was 31 vs. St. Joseph’s Academy).

Creek led 12-2 after the first quarter, holding Dunham without a point for the first seven and a half minutes of the game.  The Lady Cougars extended the lead to 27-6 at the half.

“That was our No. 1 point of emphasis tonight,” said Hall, referring to her team’s defensive gameplan of preventing the Tigers guards from penetrating. “They are really good at getting into the paint and dumping down (to a teammate). I can only think of one or two times where they were able to do that. It was really our point of emphasis going into this game.”

On the offensive end of the floor, junior guard Taylor Martinez controlled the tempo for the Lady Cougars while her backcourt teammates Caroline James, Mary Grace Hawkins, and Mallory Smith also kept the pressure on the Dunham defenders.

Martinez ended the night with nine points and seven assists.

“Taylor is running the team,” said Hall. “When she isn’t in the game, you can tell a difference. We played around at practice one day and switched up roles and it allowed some others to realize how hard it is to be a point guard. They all stepped back and said, ‘Wow, that’s hard.’ Or, “Wow, it’s hard to bang around inside.’

“They are learning to appreciate each other’s roles, and they are shining as a group. I am proud of Mallory Smith for the things she is doing this year. Her defense is getting better, and she is blocking out and rebounding. I can brag on all of them because they are all getting better in their own little ways.”

Hall emptied her bench as no starters saw the floor in the fourth quarter.

The Lady Cougars will travel to Plain Dealing Friday for another District 1-1A contest.

__________________________________

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

Alivia Lee 7(1)-0=15; Mary Grace Hawkins 3(1)-0=7; Caroline James 0-2=2; Mallory Smith 2(1)-0=5; Taylor Martinez 4(1)-0=9; Zoey Venters 1-0=2; Kennedy Hall 2-0=4; Avery Ryan 6-0=12; Arlyn Boyet 1-0=2. Totals: 26(4)-2=58

Score By Quarters

Dunham (11-8): 2-4-7-7=20

Cedar Creek (21-3): 12-15-21-10=58

By Doug Strickel

I was recently reading the story of Matthew in the New Testament.  Now, whether you are a Bible reader or not, this story is one that many of us can relate to in some manner.  

Matthew was a tax collector for the Roman Empire.  He was Jewish but employed by the Romans to collect taxes on their behalf.  In such a position, Matthew was despised by most Jews.  The tax system at that time was extremely burdensome to say the least.  It was not uncommon for tax collectors to levy additional burdens on people to enrich their personal collection as well. 

While the life of a tax collector limited potential friend groups to fellow tax collectors, they were financially well off.  Matthew likely possessed strong organizational, financial, and administrative skills, but was probably very isolated in many ways.  He presumably had Roman guards that escorted him to and from his place of work and remained present with him during his workday. 

Matthew was financially secure and comfortable, but socially and emotionally isolated from anyone beyond his immediate family and fellow tax collectors.  He was on the outside looking in on many life events that did not welcome him.  His relationship with the Romans and the Jewish community was purely transactional. 

Jesus came by one day and called Matthew to leave his comfortable, financially secure position and follow him.  He had evidently been intrigued by Jesus’s teaching and speaking prior to that calling and immediately resigned his position (no two-week notice) and left with Jesus. 

To fully grasp this decision, let’s consider the following.  Matthew likely got this position through a family connection or inherited the family profession.  It was likely all he had ever known.  He was financially secure and protected by the Romans.  He lived a comfortable life in many respects. 

He was, however, also likely troubled, empty, insecure, and searching. 

I wonder how many of us are like Matthew in some respect.  We are in a comfortable job but are convinced that we were meant for more.  We aren’t fulfilled, aren’t using our gifts, or we long for something else but are afraid of the risk of change.

Maybe we are in a bad relationship but aren’t willing to leave for fear of being alone.  Maybe we are accepted by a friend group that brings out the worst, and we know we deserve better but fear rejection by others.

So many accept a predictable bad over a possible good because of the uncertainty of change.  That possible good could also be worse.  So, we choose the comfort of unhappiness, emptiness, or despair, over trying something new. 

If you are reading this article and that’s you, I encourage you to consider the following:

• Value yourself.  While there are seasons of life where we encounter obstacles and just need to press on, we don’t need to dwell in unfulfillment just because it removes uncertainty.  You are worthy of better.

• Value the right voices.  You don’t need to listen to everyone and sure don’t need to listen to yourself at times.   Seek out wise counsel from people who are interested in your best and not their benefit. 

• Value fulfillment over financial security and comfort.  Those who seek security and comfort from what the world offers will be chasing it for a lifetime.  If you choose fulfillment, peace, and solid relationships, you will likely find yourself secure in your life.

• Value long-term peace over short-term security.  Sure, you may go through a period of uncertainty to find your “better” place, but it will be worth it in the long-term!

Matthew chose to walk away and chose an uncertain path.   That uncertain path is still impacting people’s lives today.  He made a wise choice!

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.

LA Tech Tri Delta is proud to announce the Cookoff Competition on January 31 as part of the First Annual Philanthropy Week.

Founded as a society that would be kind alike to all, Tri Deltas are passionate about serving others. Nowhere is this more evident than in their commitment to philanthropy.

Tri Deltas remain dedicated to their commitment to changing the way the world treats and defeats childhood cancer through their work and national partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the local partnership with MedCamps of Louisiana.

This year, the Louisiana Tech Tri Delta chapter is pleased to host a cookoff between six IFC organizations and four Panhellenic organizations from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Ruston Farmers Market. Tickets will be $5 to try all the food and vote for your favorites!

The women of Tri Delta encourage the Ruston community to come together to help support St. Jude and MedCamps of Louisiana while enjoying some delicious food.

Anyone who can’t attend but who still wants to support can make donation to MedCamps here, and to St. Jude  here.

________________________________________________

About MedCamps of Louisiana

Founded by Dr. Michael F. Zambie in 1987, MedCamps of Louisiana began as a one-week camp for 13 children with severe asthma and allergies on the campus of Northeast Louisiana University. Since that time, they have grown steadily in numbers and have expanded programming to host 450 children over a 12-week period in 2019 and serve more than 16 chronic illnesses.

MedCamps of Louisiana’s mission is to improve the health and wellness of people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities through unique recreational and educational camping experiences.

They believe that all people, regardless of medical or special needs, deserve to experience life to the fullest and that camping is an American tradition which epitomizes normalcy and provides participants with a sense of well-being, belonging, accomplishment and self-worth. In light of these beliefs our mission is to provide at no charge a medically supervised residential camping experience that supports growth in the physical, social and emotional aspects of the life of a young person with special needs by developing normalcy, confidence and independence within each participant.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since the hospital opened in 1962. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

By Brad Dison

In 1873, Julius Wettstein, a German cheese maker, opened a cheese factory in Monroe, New York.  He named it Monroe Cheese Company.  The company was so successful that Wettstein sold the company five years later for $16,000.  Adjusted for inflation, that would be just over half a million dollars in today’s money.  The cheese company was bought and sold twice, each time making a profit, until Adolphe Tode and a partner bought it in 1884 for $25,000.  In 1888, they hired 21-year-old Swiss immigrant Emil Frey to work in the factory. 

In 1889, Adolphe challenged his cheese makers to produce a popular cheese called Bismarck.  Bismarck cheese imported from Europe spoiled before it reached American grocers.  After two years of failed attempts on his own time, Emil developed a new spreadable cheese that was so popular that the company discontinued their efforts to create Bismarck cheese.  They named Emil’s creation Liederkranz after a famous New York Singing Society.  Liederkranze cheese became popular across America, but Adolphe had made enough bad business decisions that he lost everything.    

In 1891, New York wholesale grocer Jacob Weisl bought the Monroe Cheese Company from the Goshen Savings Bank.  Under Jacob’s leadership, the Monroe Cheese Company grew and expanded.  They opened a second factory in Covington, Pennsylvania where they focused mainly on producing Swiss cheese.  Sales of Swiss cheese were spectacular, but there were some issues with producing and distributing wheels of hard Swiss cheese.  It often came out misshapen or was broken during the manufacturing or distribution processes.  Jacob deemed the misshapen or broken cheese unsalable, but what could they do with all the “waste cheese?”

In 1916, Jacob challenged his employees to find a way to turn the “waste cheese” into a profitable product.  Luckily, Emil Frey was still working for Monroe Cheese Company.  In his spare time in his home kitchen, Emil mixed and measured various ingredients.  After two years of trial and error, he came up with a concoction which used only three ingredients; the waste cheese, whey, which was the leftover liquid from milk curds, and an emulsifier used to blend and stabilize the product.  Emil patented the process, named his new cheese, and shared his discovery with his boss.  The new cheese could easily hold its shape, required no refrigeration, had a long shelf life, and turned into a silky sauce when melted. 

The Monroe Cheese Company quickly put the “waste cheese” into production.  Like Emil’s Liederkranze cheese, his new creation became popular in homes, hotels, and restaurants. It was so popular that on Valentine’s Day 1923, Jacob created and incorporated a new independent company to produce this one product.  In 1927, Kraft Foods bought the “waste cheese” company. 

Researchers at Kraft quickly began tinkering with Emil’s formula and process.  Remember that Emil patented the process for making his “waste cheese.”  Rather than three ingredients, the new formula had a paragraph’s worth of chemical ingredients.  Kraft advertised the “waste cheese” as a health food and diet aid, though it was neither.  With clever marketing campaigns, Kraft’s version of Emil’s “waste cheese” remains one of the most popular cheese products in the world.  Kraft’s version still tastes and melts pretty much the same as the Emil’s “waste cheese,” and still uses the name Emil gave it because of its velvety smoothness when melted.  You know Emil’s “waste cheese” as Velveeta.  What you may not know is that Kraft’s version of Velveeta cheese does not contain any cheese.

Sources:

1.     David Levine, “Where Does Velveeta (and Liederkranz) Cheese Come From? Monroe, NY, Of Course!” Hudson Valley Magazine, March 18, 2013, https://hvmag.com/food/where-does-velveeta-and-liederkranz-cheese-come-from-monroe-ny-of-course/.

2.     David Levine, “Who Emil Frey whipped up a smooth dairy sensation,” Smithsonian, January-February 2025, p.35.

3.     “The History of Cheese Making in Monroe,” Monroe Historical Society, https://www.monroehistoryny.org/cheese-in-monroe.

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.

Jabari Levingston added four points, seven rebounds, seven assists and a block for the Panthers while EJ Owens chipped in with four points, three rebounds and three steals.

“We came out with a victory on the road against an undefeated Haynesville team, and it’s always tough to play there. It’s not necessarily that they’re basketball players. But they’re athletes. That team is so long with at least three guys that are 6-5 or taller.”

There are eight teams in 1-1A,  meaning the Panthers only play each 1-1A team once in a game counting as a district contest.

“It’s always good to jump out to a good start in district play so you’re not fighting from behind,” Hudson said. “Right now it’s especially about power points. We have some real good teams in our district, but the district is so tough and plays tough schedules, so it’s one where teams might not have as many wins, and with power points, you don’t get as many points against those teams that don’t have as many wins than in a district that has teams that have won more non-district games.

“So to go on the road and beat Jonesboro (the Panthers defeated Jonesboro-Hodge in their 1-1A opener), and to go on the road and beat Haynesville, which was undefeated before our game, that’s big.”

Things won’t get any easier on Friday when the Panthers (17-6 overall and 2-0 in 1-1A) play host to Ringgold, the only other undefeated team in the district at 2-0.

The Redskins stand at 7-15 overall.

“Ringgold is well-coached,” Hudson said. “And it’s the same thing as Haynesville — they have scrappy athletes.

“One thing about us is that everybody tends to give us their best shot. And I don’t expect anything less than that Friday night against Ringgold.”

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech volleyball head coach Scott Mattera announced the addition of Abby Pollart to the Bulldog staff on Tuesday.

Pollart arrives in Ruston after spending the last three seasons as the head coach of the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D.

“Abby is someone I have known for a long time,” Mattera said. “She is conscientious, hard-working, knowledgeable and has a huge heart for her players. She is someone whom players just gravitate towards as more than just a volleyball expert. They are already connecting with her, hanging out around the office, and leaning on her for advice on and off the court!”

Pollart’s tenure at UMary included notable academic achievements, with 33 Northern Sun All-Academic team performers, five Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction selections, and 12 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honorees.

Before UMary, Pollart spent two seasons as head coach of the Central Community College (CCC) Raiders in Columbus, Neb. While at the helm at CCC, seven Raiders earned All-Region honors on the court with the team producing a 3.55 grade point average in the classroom. In her first season with the Raiders, CCC finished 19-19 overall in 2019 and won a match at the regional tournament as three scholar-athletes claimed All-Region accolades.

The Raiders earned Academic Team of the Year honors after posting a 3.55 cumulative GPA, and eight players received NJCAA All-Academic recognition.

CCC reached the 2020-21 Region IX championship game and narrowly missed a trip to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) district playoff. Four Raiders earned All-Region honors and the team posted a 3.54 GPA in a season delayed and disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pollart joined the Marauders as an assistant coach for a season in 2018-19, during which she served as recruiting coordinator, oversaw academics, and assisted in fundraising, among other tasks.

As an assistant coach for Concordia University in Seward, Neb., for the 2017 season, Pollart served as an interim head coach and an assistant coach with NCAA Division II South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in 2016-17.

Originally from Powell, Wyo., where her mother was a longtime collegiate coach, Pollart grew up around the game. After competing for and graduating from Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo., and St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee, Okla., Pollart spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at NCAA Division II University of Arkansas at Monticello. Prior to her graduate assistantship, she also volunteered as a coach at Cameron University (Oklahoma).

“Coming from a family of coaches and having been a head coach for several years, she’s just one of those people who gets it,” said Mattera. She understands the life, has been through the highs and the lows and is in it for the right reasons.”

Pollart, who garnered scholar-athlete accolades as a collegiate player, earned her associate’s degree in psychology at Northeastern in 2010 before graduating from St. Gregory’s with a Bachelor of Science in Social Science-Psychology in 2012. She received her Master of Education in Physical Education and Coaching from Arkansas at Monticello in 2015.

Robert Charles Wright 
Tuesday 11/22/1949 — Saturday 01/18/2025  
Memorial Service: Saturday 02/01/2025 12:00pm, New Living Word Ministries, 1900 West Barnett Springs Road, Ruston 
Private Burial 

Shedrick Green, IV 
Wednesday 02/07/2007 — Friday 01/24/2025 
Visitation: Friday 01/31/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home  
Funeral Service: Saturday 02/01/2025 2:00pm, New Hope Baptist Church, 204 W Vaughn Ave., Ruston 
Interment: Saturday 02/01/2025 Following Service, Liberty Hill Cemetery, 619 Liberty Hill Rd., Simsboro 

Barbara Ann Knight McKaskle 
July 20, 1934 – January 20, 2025 
Visitation: Burkhalter Chapel at Trinity Methodist Church, Saturday, February 15, 2025, 1:00 pm 
Service: Burkhalter Chapel at Trinity Methodist Church, Saturday, February 15, 2025, 2:00 pm 
Reception: Burkhalter Chapel at Trinity Methodist Church, Saturday, February 15, 2025

By Judith Roberts

Louisiana Tech students preparing to advise and register for the spring quarter will not need to worry about their grants or loans for the upcoming quarter, despite a presidential memo freezing federal aid on Tuesday. 

Students, faculty and staff were concerned Tuesday morning when the Trump Administration sent out a memo stating that “financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal” would be paused while all federal agencies reviewed all federal financial assistance programs. This pause was temporarily blocked by a federal judge and, as of press time, will not take effect until at least Feb. 3.

However, the U.S. Department of Education reported that the pause does not apply to federal student loans or Pell grants. 

“The funding pause directed by the Jan. 27, 2025, Office of Management and Budget memorandum only applies to discretionary grants at the Department of Education,” said Madi Biedermann, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Education in a statement. “These will be reviewed by department leadership for alignment with Trump administration priorities.” 

Louisiana Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson reiterated that Pell grants and student loans are not affected. 

“We have already gotten word from the Department of Education to this does not affect Pell grants and student loans, because those are dealing with individuals,” Henderson said. “So that should give a lot of people some clarity on the most important concern to them. The direct federal support for students is not being affected.” 

Henderson said there was also concern among higher education entities about what this memo meant for federal grants for research and similar programs. 

“I’ve read the letter, and to me it very clearly establishes a context around these executive orders,” he said. “The research and grants that we pursue and we execute here at Louisiana Tech are mostly around STEM education, around the sciences, around engineering and even the grants we do in education, in the social sciences — most of them would not be caught up in this freeze.”  

Henderson added he felt the quick timeline for these federal reviews would also hopefully cause at most minimal disruption, as the deadline, prior to the federal judge’s blocking order Tuesday evening, was originally slated for Feb. 10. 

“Any disruption would be short term,” Henderson said. “You couple that with a recent statement from the governor and others in the administration that they are seeking clarity themselves on the impacts of this, because it goes far beyond higher education. They are prepared to use state coffers to mitigate disruption. I think that’s a clear sign that there’s a lot of protection here. And even though these are things that people are concerned with, I think the immediate, and certainly the long-term implications, for us don’t give me a great deal of concern.” 

Henderson added that from the state government to the university, administrators are working to ensure a smooth review process.  

“The governor’s office has already indicated they want to help mitigate any disruptions, especially the unintended disruptions,” he said. “Louisiana Tech is committed to helping students both understand what the new orders are and if anything should come from these that negatively impacts students, we will work both with those students in the short run and our congressional delegation in the long run to correct any of that.” 

NOTE: This is a developing story. 

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

Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

The Clinical Residency and Recruitment Center (CRRC) in Louisiana Tech University’s College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) hosted a Mid-Year Recruitment event to allow Louisiana school districts the opportunity to recruit future teachers and student teachers.

The event offered junior education majors preparing for their 2025–26 residencies an opportunity to network with 14 school district partners across Louisiana. Senior clinical residents also participated in a traditional teacher recruitment fair, connecting with potential employers from the Louisiana school districts.

Caroline Broussard, Calhoun Middle School resident, credits her current residency position to the Mid-Year Recruitment.

“I have learned so much throughout this past year in my residency,” Broussard said. “I now know the emotional, physical, and mental toll it takes to be a teacher, and I feel prepared moving forward in my teaching journey.”

Kingston Elementary School resident Savanna Brickner felt that the possibilities were endless when talking to the different districts.

“This program has allowed me to get my foot in the door and have the experience I need,” Brickner said. “My future has progressed in a different way that’s putting me ahead in my career.”

This year’s event welcomed school district partners from Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Jackson, Lincoln, Monroe City, Ouachita, Rapides, Richland, Webster, West Feliciana, and Winn parishes.

“We have been very pleased with the educators that Louisiana Tech University produces,” Dr. Tracey Burrell, recruitment and retention supervisor for Bossier Parish Schools, said. “Our district sees this as a viable pipeline to meet the newest teachers in Louisiana, and we will continue to be a part of this event.”

Alexandria Feaster, principal of Homer High School and a Louisiana Tech graduate, also commented on the impact of CRRC’s Mid-Year Recruitment.

“These young adults are hungry for an opportunity in education, whether that’s as a coach, sponsor, department head, or content leader,” Feaster added.

The Mid-Year Recruitment event continues to kickstart students’ dreams as educators and facilitate meaningful connections between residents and school districts.

“This event is their reality check,” Dr. Amy Vessel, CRRC director, said. “By networking with surrounding districts, these students are able to have a vision and a plan early enough to secure a job before graduation.”

by Malcolm Butler

Cedar Creek senior Landon Hall is one of nine local scholar-athletes from North Louisiana to be honored by the S.M. McNaughton North Louisiana Chapter of the National Football Foundation.

The field of 18 finalists was extremely impressive as board members of the S.M. McNaughton North Louisiana Chapter of the National Football Foundation met recently to consider how to identify its group of top senior scholar-athletes from around the 318 area code.

“We are very proud of Landon,” said Cedar Creek boys AD Gene Vandenlangenberg. “He plays three sports and he exceeds at a high level in the classroom as well. He does a great job of managing his time, and this couldn’t happen to a better young man.”

After extensive deliberation, Hall and eight others in the class of 2025 standouts have been selected to receive $1,000 college scholarship awards.

Hall has lettered for the Cougars varsity football, basketball and tennis teams during his high school career. Boasting a 3.9 grade point average, some of Hall’s on-the-field accolades include serving as team captain for football while earning all-district honors. He also holds a blue belt in judo and a yellow belt in Jiu Jitsu.

“Landon is a great young man,” said Cedar Creek head football coach William Parkerson. “He is a great leader. He takes people under his wings, and he is always guiding people the right direction.

“I always remember during fall camp. We were having meetings, and the meeting is over. I look up and Landon is sitting with a freshman who plays his same position, and he is drawing and teaching him like a coach. It speaks exactly to who Landon is.”

Hall is an AP Scholar and is the recipient of the Taylor Scholar Award, while being a member of the A-B Honor Roll at Cedar Creek.

He serves as a Cougar Ambassador, French Club Vice President, DECA member, Boys State Delegate, and Fellow of Christian Athletes Leadership Team.

Requirements for the postseason scholarship program included a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, along with 2024 all-district honors on the playing field, and extracurricular activities. Scoring in the evaluation process follows national NFF guidelines and is evenly divided at 40 percent emphasis each for scholarship and football achievement, with leadership and community/campus service scored for the remaining 20 percent.

The winners will be celebrated Thursday evening, Feb. 20, during the McNaughton Chapter’s annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet at East Ridge Country Club in Shreveport.

The seniors honored:

Cole Cory – North DeSoto High School

Carter Doyal – Loyola College Prep School

Jaydan Gladney – Airline High School

Sam Greer – C.E. Byrd High School

Landon Hall – Cedar Creek High School

Christian McGuire – Jonesboro-Hodge High School

Cooper Russell – Ouachita Christian High School

Parker Todd – West Monroe High School

Abram Wardell – Calvary Baptist Academy

One of the nine seniors will be designated as the McNaughton Chapter’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year and will be recognized throughout 2025 at the NFF’s College Football Hall of Fame Museum in Atlanta, and will be eligible for the NFF’s national honors.

Another will be presented by KTBS-TV of Shreveport and Johnny’s Pizza as the Johnny’s Pizza/Griffin’s Game Ball Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Head coaches from across north and central Louisiana were invited to nominate remarkable seniors for the McNaughton Chapter Scholar-Athlete Awards.

The program began over 40 years ago. After the season ended, coaches were asked to provide academic transcripts, an information sheet and recommendation letters for their scholarship nominees, which were limited to one per school.

Tickets, table purchases and sponsorship opportunities for the Feb. 20 festivities are available by contacting Goodin at 318-347-4453 or emailing 318nffchapter@gmail.com .

Tickets for the banquet are $45 each or $360 for a table of eight. Sponsorships are $1,000 with all revenue going to fund the scholarships for the nine deserving winners.

The Farmerville Police Department is seeking assistance in locating a missing Union Parish man. Devin Lewis, 18, of Farmerville has been missing since January 24.

FPD said Lewis’s mother reported Lewis’s disappearance is out of character for her son. His belongings remain at his residence, and he has not answered his phone.

Anyone with information that will help in locating Devin Lewis is asked to contact the Farmerville Police Department at (318) 368-2226.

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Tullos man arrested in Ruston after fights

Ruston Police arrested a 21-year-old man after he allegedly struck and woman at a residence and then instigated several fights at a local eatery and bar last week.

Charles Humphries of Tullos, La., was charged with simple battery and disturbing the peace by fighting at Ponchatoula’s in downtown Ruston on January 24.

Humphries allegedly struck a female victim in the chest with his hand at a Tanyard Creek Drive residence. The victim suffered bruising to her chest.

Humphries then went to Ponchatoula’s where he reportedly initiated fights with several people. RPD officers located numerous witnesses to the altercations and the assault at Tanyard Creek.

After he was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, Humphries was released on $2,000 bail.

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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A friend recently became the proud father of a brand new bouncing baby vasectomy.

Do you have any idea how much it hurts me to write that? Well, you guys do …

Hate to type “vasectomy” right there in the first paragraph where everyone can see it. Tried to bury it somewhere down in here but wanted you to know right off the bat that we were dealing the serious stuff today. So there’s the V-word, right at the beginning, sticking out like a sore, well, thumb.

Anyway, my friend’s you-know-what is one week old today. However, he has aged considerably more than seven days.

A young man Louisiana born and bred and the father of three sons, his personal breeding habits ended last Thursday in Memphis, where he now lives. He called me last Monday to proclaim The Upcoming Event. Misery loves company.

My first question was the obvious one: “Why?”

“Not wanting four kids in my home,” he said. “Three (boys) is about three more than you need. I’m willing to take a little bloodshed for lack of one more baby.”

After he and his wife decided this was the way to go, they had to find a doctor. They’ve lived in Memphis less than six months, hardly enough time to establish any sort of meaningful relationship with a urologist.

“You can ask people who works on their care or maybe, ‘Hey, who cuts your hair?’” he said. “But you don’t just walk up to somebody and say, ‘By the way, who’s your urologist?’”

So he did the logical thing. He looked in the Yellow Pages.

“Geography is a big thing,” he said. “I found the one closest to my house.

“I called and asked the receptionist to tell me a little about the doctor, you know, not that it matters, but I was just wondering. Keep in mind I was just playing this whole thing by ear, no pun intended.”

He expected her to say something reassuring, like the doctor graduated magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee and was first in his class in Vasectomy 401. Instead, this is exactly what she said:

“Well, he started this practice 19 years ago — and he’s nuts about Corvettes. Probably has 15 Corvettes. Maybe 20.”

“For some reason,” my friend said, “that didn’t exactly put me at ease. I mean, we’re not talking about changing the oil in my car here. Plus she used the word ‘nuts.’ Made me uncomfortable.”

Maybe a bit too cavalier.

She also told him he’d be able to drive himself home.

“She told me it was kind of like when you go to the dentist and your gums are numb,” he said. “Needless to say, I’m starting to lose a little confidence in my urologist selection by now. I mean, she’s comparing my gums to … you know what I’m trying to say.”

Well, he survived. Although FCC rules prohibit me from describing the actual procedure here, I can share some of the during-the-vasectomy conversation. For instance, at one point he thought he was going to faint.

“The nurse looked at me and said that people feel that way all the time, but it’s just from the Novocain and the pulling,” he told me. “I told her — barely— ‘No, ma’am, it’s just the pulling. Novocain’s got nothing to do with it.’ After that, they started running cold drinks in there to me.”

I guess to pass the time, he told the doctor his insurance company had said his $470 rate for The Procedure was a little high. The doctor disputed that, saying it was probably the cheapest rate in town.

“I wanted to ask, ‘Who are you, the Wal-Mart of urologists?’” our luckless friend said. “What does this guy do, put on a disguise and go price other doctors? But I didn’t say anything; shoot, I couldn’t say anything. And I was sort of in a position where I didn’t want to make him too mad.”

In a strange twist of circumstance, our cat had a similar operation last week. This makes him no longer a tomcat — only a consultant.

The cat’s name is Jingle Bell. We may change it to Silent Night.

• Springtime, 1995

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — Baskets were hard to come by for visiting Gibsland-Coleman Tuesday night in the Ruston High Main Gym as the Bearcats (12-6) beat the Bulldogs (13-8) by a final score of 66-48.

And by the middle of the third quarter, the Bearcat starters were pulled and the clock ran for the remainder of the night.

“We for sure were bigger, faster, and stronger tonight,” Ruston High assistant coach Corey Deans said. “I think we’re getting better. We’ve added another defense. Every day, we’re getting a little bit better and adding a little bit more. The guys are just getting more comfortable.”

And Ruston got terrific production from both sophomores Ahmad Hudon and Keshun Malcolm, who finished with 26 points and 14 points, respectively, totaling 40 of Ruston’s 66 points.

“Ahmad has a myth going on– I have some people in Shreveport tell me that they heard that we have a 6-11 kid on our team. And he’s not 6-11, but he sure plays like he is,” Deans said. “He’s striking fear in the state. And when Keshun is making shots, he’s playing a little bit harder. I just have to get him in the mindset of playing hard, regardless of whether or not the shots are going in.”

Following a scoreless first three minutes by both teams, Hudson had a thunderous block to give Ruston the ball back, leading to senior Joran Parker making the first three of the night to put Ruston up 3-0 with 4:45 to play in the first quarter. Ruston extended the lead after another Hudson block and a pair of free throws to lead 5-0 with 4:07 to go in the period.

Malcolm hit his first three of the night with 3:21 to play in the first quarter and added a pair of free throws shortly after to give Ruston a 10-2 lead. Hudson added another bucket shortly after, and following a made free throw by senior Fabian Stringfellow, the Bearcats led 13-2 with 0:24 to go in the first. The Bulldogs tagged in a layup as the buzzer sounded in the first, and Ruston led 13-4 after the first.

Hudson and Malcolm would take over in the second quarter, scoring 12 of Ruston’s first 15 points in the second quarter. Senior Aidan Anding added a three-point basket in the third quarter, as well, putting the Bearcats up 30-13 with 4:27 to go before the half.

Afterward, Hudson would take a foul to the face near the end of the second quarter and had to be checked out on the bench after being poked in the eye on the foul. He would return to score 10 points with multiple thunderous dunks in the third quarter before the starters were pulled.

Once more of the bench players were able to get into the game, Deans added that he was pleased with how senior Zheric Hill played — who came in and knocked down multiple three-pointers to the delight of the students in attendance.

“I’m always impressed with the way he plays, no matter what role we give him,” Deans said. “He was named the Ruston High football team defensive MVP last night, and that’s because he does whatever is asked of him. He was spot on. Anything I give him, he’ll make it happen for me.”

Ruston returns to action Friday, Jan. 31, at home against Ouachita following the Lady Bearcat game.

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By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. —  Ruston High sophomore Gioia Tatum put on a shooting clinic Tuesday night in the main gym — knocking down five total threes on the night and adding two more baskets for game-high 19 points for the Bearcats, leading Ruston (9-11) to a 71-48 win over the Gibsland-Coleman Bulldogs in a non-district matchup.

Tatum’s 19 points was match by senior Kiersynce McNeal, who scored 13 of her points in the second half.

“We’ve really been pushing the confidence factor for Tatum,” Ruston High head coach LaShanda Cooper said. “She’s really been stepping up. At first when we started coaching her, she didn’t know if we wanted her taking shots or not. And we told her “You’re a shooter.” It’s what she’s really good at. So her confidence has shot up, and it’s allowing her to gain her defensive confidence, as well.

“And McNeal really stepped up and made some good shots and good decisions. We always tell her to go get a bucket and make the play. She’s still in the process of trying to find herself, but she’s really stepping up with that senior leadership, especially by being vocal.”

Ruston used a combination of good shot selection along with a fast-paced offense to pull away in the second half.

“We knew (Gibsland-Coleman) wanted to play more of a slow game,” Cooper said. “We really put emphasis on pushing the ball. Every time the ball comes out of the net, push the ball, push the ball, push the ball. We knew they had some senior leadership that would give us problems, and we missed a lot of defensive assignments early. But we were able to make those adjustments. We knew that with our speed, we would eventually cause them to play up and push their pace. We always feel like we’re the most conditioned team, so we relied on that.

“We kept the momentum, pushed the ball, and we could do that because we’re always pushing them in practice. I really feel like we stepped up as a collective effort and knocked down some good shots, especially in very important moments.”

Lady Bearcat senior guard Jasmine Summerford opened the game with a quick layup to put Ruston up 2-0 with 7:10 to go in the first quarter. Following four-straight points by Gibsland-Coleman, sophomore Gioia Tatum hit her first three-pointer of the night at the 5:02 mark in the first, followed by a fast break layup by Summerford less than a minute later to give Ruston a 7-4 lead.

Ruston pulled ahead to 12-6 with 1:45 to go in the first quarter with a layup by Ruston High senior Kiersynce McNeal off a backdoor pass by sophomore Angelica Green. The Lady Bearcats would take a 12-8 lead into the second quarter.

McNeal knocked down her first three of the night at the start of the next period to give Ruston a 15-8 lead. The Bulldogs answered with a 7-0 run to tie the game 15-15 with 5:19 to go before the half. After a made free throw by Summerford on the following Ruston possession, Tatum hit a corner three to give the Lady Bearcats a 19-15 lead with 4:14 to play in the half. Tatum followed with another basket after to put Ruston up 21-15 and then another three to go up 24-17.

Following another quick 4-0 run by Gibsland-Coleman, Summerford made a quick layup in transition as the clock expired to end the half, putting Ruston up 26-21.

The Bulldogs were able to get as close to a one-point deficit in the third quarter, cutting the score to 29-28 with 5:58 to go in the third quarter. From that point forward, Ruston out-scored Gibsland-Coleman 41-20 for the remainder of the night, getting a third double-digit performance on the night after senior Jasmine Summerford’s 13 points.

“Jasmine always gives us a boost of energy and makes everybody else want to play fast and play hard,” Cooper said.

In a scary moment near the end of the night, Gibsland-Coleman forward Baileigh Hauley got tangled up with a couple of Lady Bearcats under her basket and fell hard to the floor and twisting her knee. Hauley was clearly in pain on the ground and was helped off by multiple coaches and support staff minutes later. She returned from the locker room on crutches and with a bag of ice on her left knee.

Ruston returns to action Friday, Jan. 31, at 5:30 p.m. for a district matchup with Ouachita in the Ruston High Main Gym.

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By Malcolm Butler

Zoey Venters scored 15 points, Avery Ryan added 14 and Caroline James netted 12 to lead Cedar Creek to its 20^th win of the season, downing Ringgold 69-16 at The Brickhouse Tuesday night.

Creek (20-3, 2-0) was never threatened by the Redskins as the Lady Cougars jumped out to an 17-2 lead after the first quarter and a 39-9 advantage at the half.

“I loved to see our energy from everybody tonight,” said head coach Katie Hall. “I asked them to play to our standard and to play the way we want to play night in and night out. I felt like we did that the entire time. We were fun to watch.”

Venters, one of only two seniors for the Lady Cougars, scored a season-high by connecting on seven field goals and one free throw while pulling down double digits in rebounds.

“Zoey is instant everything,” said Hall. “She is instant rebounding; instant energy; instant defense. She loves that short corner (jumper). I love that she loves it, and I love that she hit them tonight.

“I am very proud of her. Every day at practice she gives it her all. She goes hard all the time. She never gives up. She never gets frustrated. She is a big part of our success with her leadership and energy.”

James led the Lady Cougars in the first half, scoring 10 of her 12 points in the opening 16 minutes of action, including a pair of three-pointers. Ryan added eight points in the first half while Lee netted seven.

Taylor Martinez hit a layup with 6:25 to play in the third quarter to up the Creek lead to 45-10 and start the running clock.

Hall was able to empty her bench over the final 12 minutes of action, something she said was beneficial with the Lady Cougars hosting Dunham tonight and then traveling to Plain Dealing on Friday.

“We were mindful of that with us playing three games this week,” said Hall. “After the Airline Tournament when we had to play four games in 48 hours, I knew we were capable. We are able to point back to that and remind them that we have done some hard things this year. We will just dig it. I feel confident we will be ready to play (tonight).”

__________________________________

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

Alivia Lee 4(1)-0=9; Mary Grace Hawkins 2-0=2; Caroline James 3(2)-4=12; Mallory Smith 2-0=4; Taylor Martinez 2-3=7; Zoey Venters 7-1=15; Sophie Mariano 2-0=4; Avery Ryan 6-2=14; A Boyett 1-0=2. Totals 29(3)-8=69.

Score by Quarters

Ringgold (3-14, 0-2): 2-7-1-6=16

Cedar Creek (20-3, 2-0): 17-22-14-16=69