Brett Bell scores in the lane but it wasn’t enough as Creek fell to Ringgold Tuesday night. (Photo by Darrell James)
by Malcolm Butler
Ringgold held its own block party Tuesday night.
Unfortunately, for the Cedar Creek Cougars, it came at their expense.
The Redskins (7-15, 2-0), a team that advanced to last year’s Top 28 in NonSelect Division IV, were too much defensively for the Cougars (11-5, 1-1) as they defeated Creek 55-28 at The Brickhouse.
It was a game that saw the normally high-powered Cougars struggle all night to score, much of that due to the athleticism of their opponent whose length, quickness and jumping ability proved to be fatal.
Time after time throughout the game, the Cougars appeared to have a point blank shot or short jumper but ultimately a Redskin would reject it.
“We couldn’t get anything going offensively,” said Waldron. “I don’t know how many blocks they had, but it was a lot. Every time we got a good look, it was a block. That really hurt us. I have never had block shots be that important to a game, but it really was tonight.
“I thought we got some pretty good looks, but every time, it seemed like they blocked our shot. That was the most athletic team we have played all year.”
Cannon Robbins gave the Cougars an early 2-0 lead one minute into the contest, but Ringgold answered with a 10-0 run over the next four minutes to take an eight-point lead. Brett Bell and Jake Terry recorded back-to-back buckets over a 30 second stretch to close the gap to 10-6, and another Terry bucket to end the quarter made it 12-8.
Ringgold then opened the second quarter on another 10-0 run as Creek didn’t record its first points until Landon Hall hit a layup with 3:15 to play before the half to make the score 22-10. Creek, which played without three-year starter Jack Bell (illness), trailed 24-12 at the half after scoring just four points in the second stanza.
“Not having Jack really hurt us,” said Waldron. “We could have really used him tonight.”
Ringgold pushed its lead out to 20 early in the third quarter and the Cougars would get no closer than 19 points the rest of the way. The Redskins held the Cougars to a season-low in points, surpassing the previous low of 40 in a loss to Quitman.
“Ringgold played a really tough schedule and they came in here, and they were just better than we were,” said Waldron.
The game was unique in that neither team hit a three-pointer all night. Terry led Creek with 12 points while Bell and Robbins each scored six points.
The Cougars will travel to face Plain Dealing Friday.
“We have to bounce back Friday and play the next one,” said Waldron.
______________________________
Cedar Creek Scoring: FG(3)-FT=Total Points
Cannon Robbins 3-0=6; Brett Bell 3-0=6; Rhett Bridges 1-0=2; Landon Hall 1-0=2; Jake Terry 4-4=12. Totals: 12-4=28.
Trumarion Smith quarterbacked a high-powered Simsboro offense Tuesday night as the Tigers roared past Quitman 85-69 in a District 1-B showdown. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
SIMSBORO — Like a racecar exploding out of the pole position, the Simsboro High School Tigers roared off to a strong start and never looked back Tuesday night as they rocketed their way to a 85-69 win over Quitman in District 1-B action inside the SHS Gym.
After the Wolverines struck first with a 3-pointer 27 seconds into the contest, Simsboro (14-8, 4-0) countered with a 12-0 run on layup from Jakeleb Modest and Ahmad Smith followed by an old-fashioned three-point play on a jumper by Trumarion “Man-Man” Smith, who added a free throw after drawing a foul before Ahmad Smith added a long 3-pointer and Justin Prudhomme took it to the basket for a layup that put the Tigers on top 12-3 at the 5:44 mark of the opening stanza.
Quitman (19-4, 2-1) cut Simsboro’s lead to 12-8 with 4:31 left in the first quarter before the Tigers went on a 14-0 run to build a 26-8 advantage heading into the second quarter.
Simsboro coach Adam Wodach said the relentless pace his Tigers played with from start to finish had nothing to do with coaching.
“All that credit goes to our team and the fact they’ve bought into what we’re trying to build here with a mindset of 32 minutes,” Wodach said.
The Tigers didn’t slow down in the second quarter as they stretched their lead to 28 points at 49-21 at intermission.
Quitman maintained pace in the third quarter with Simsboro only adding one point to their lead at 69-39 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Wolverines started hitting more shots as the game wound down, but Simsboro had long raced away the win that ended up being by a 25-point margin.
Modest led the Tigers with 24 points with 12 of those coming on four 3-pointers while Ahmad Smith added 16 and Jalen Outley chipped in with 15 for SHS.
It takes a strong driver to handle a racecar, and it was the senior “Man-Man,” who has returned to Simsboro this year after playing for Lincoln Prep in 2023-24, that did the quarterbacking for the Tigers by pouring in 18 points of his own while creating shots for this teammates and dishing off numerous assists on the night.
Wodach gave his senior a high-five handshake when he pulled Man-Man to bench with a little more than three minutes remaining before having to send him back on the court a little later to run Simsboro’s offense again while he did a little coaching with a reserve player that had replaced Man-Man.
“I just told him I was proud of him,” Wodach said of what he told Man-Man during that high five. “It’s hard to be gone for so long and realize you just miss it. I think he’s done a tremendous job of working his way back. He’s a great player and provides some great leadership quarterbacking things out there. Our whole team has great players. We’re full of them and you saw that tonight.
“A true point guard is so valuable, but at the same time you’ve got to have everybody running his stuff. I’m just proud of him for being an assist guy and making his teammates better. And credit his teammates for knocking down shots the way they did tonight.”
Man-Man said he has only one goal after returning to Simsboro.
“I feel a state championship on the way,” Man-Man said. “It feels great being back and getting everybody rolling like we were tonight.”
Wodach said he realized how much his team is growing and maturing when he walked into the locker room after the game.
“I walked in, and they weren’t happy,” Wodach said. “That was because they felt like they didn’t finish the game and let Quitman cut down the lead some late in the game. I think that’s a tribute to them. How did we get to his point? I think that’s because our expectations have become significantly higher.
“After I went into the locker room, I was trying to get them excited, and they were still locked in on letting Quitman cut into the lead. It’s rewarding to see that, but they also have to remember to enjoy it, too. Quitman is No. 3 in the state, and we almost 30-balled them.” Simsboro moved to 14-8 overall and 4-0 in District 1-B with the win while Quitman fell to 19-4 and 2-1.
Next up for the Tigers will be another district contest at Weston (7-18, 0-3) on Friday.
This Mohogany Mosley jumper was one of only five shots from the floor Simsboro’s Lady Tigers made during Tuesday night’s loss to Quitman. (photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
SIMSBORO — If defense wins championships, the Quitman High School girls basketball team bears watching heading toward postseason play.
The Lady Wolverines traveled to Lincoln Parish Tuesday night and used a suffocating defense to smother Simsboro High’s girls 44-11 in a District 1-B match-up at the SHS Gym.
Quitman pulled out to a 15-4 lead by the end of the opening stanza and held the Lady Tigers to only two points in the second quarter on Ja’maya Crump’s second basket of the night.
Crump led Simsboro on the night with four points.
The Lady Wolverines’ Cali Deal, meanwhile, scored 13 of her game-best 15 points in the first half to power the Lady Wolverines to a 34-6 advantage at intermission.
“Quitman is No. 4 in the state for a reason,” said Simsboro coach Matt Herring. “They came out and showed that from the start. They have a senior (Deal) that’s really good and tough to handle, and tonight we didn’t. They’re a well-coached team that played really well tonight.”
“We shot the ball about as poorly as we could. We played bad, they played great.”
A running clock had already started before Simsboro scored its first point of the second with a little more than five minutes remaining to make the score 42-7 in favor of Quitman.
The Lady Wolverines pushed their lead to 42-9 by the end of the third quarter.
A Mohagany Mosley jumper with 5:06 remaining closed out the scoring for Simsboro, which fell to 11-10 and 2-1 in District 1-B with the loss.
Quitman moved to 14-9 and 2-1 in district play.
Herring said his Lady Tigers have a choice of how they respond to such a frustrating loss.
“I told them they can look at it one of two ways,” Herring said of his postgame talk with his team. “We can put our heads in the sand and not learn from it, or we can get back to work and learn from it. And this was the kind of loss we can learn a lot from.
“They were more physical than us tonight. We’ve got to learn to play more physical. We’ve got to learn how to handle pressure better, and get out of that pressure. We just did a poor job tonight of breaking their trap and attacking.”
But Herring believes his team will rebound from the tough loss.
“We’ve got a lot to learn and we’re going to get there,” Herring said. “We just have to keep working at it.”
I opened my rarely used WhatsApp to text Ana Rodrigues, seeing if she had any spare time to swing by my office so I could interview her for a story.
Her reply, “My schedule is tight.”
She wasn’t being dodgy, trying to avoid talking about herself. Instead, she managed to squeeze in a half-hour conversation right after tennis practice plus a visit to the training room and right before scarfing down some food so she can rest up for a doubleheader the next day.
Ana, a native of Montes Claros, Brazil, is a student-athlete at Louisiana Tech University. The athlete part is her being a senior on the Bulldog Tennis squad. The student part is her being a senior majoring in mechanical engineering.
“I enjoyed tennis more than other sports when I was young,” recalled Ana. “I was six when I first picked up a racket. My first tournament I think I was nine. It was a round robin and I lost every single match. I went to the same tournament the next year and won it.
“And I loved math. The math classes were always easier for me. So, when it came to choosing a school, I chose Tech because I wanted to do engineering and they had a very good engineering program.”
Four years running in Ruston, Ana and her bright orange Head Radical racket have been a steady force on the courts.
Has played at every single spot in the lineup, both singles and doubles
Has totaled 106 wins (and counting)
Member of the 50/50 club (50 career singles and doubles victories)
Won 15 dual doubles matches in 2022, tied for the second most ever by a LA Tech freshman
Earned CUSA Athlete of the Week honors in 2024 after going undefeated in singles at Hurricane Invite
Has 37 career dual doubles wins, one shy of cracking the top 10 at LA Tech
Part of first doubles duo in program history to main Round of 16 main draw at ITA Regionals
Her academic accolades stack up too.
Three-time CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll recipient. CUSA Academic Medalist in 2022. Two-time ITA Scholar-Athlete.
Admittedly, her final year has been the most challenging of all.
“I am currently taking Mechanical Vibrations, the only elective that could fit by tennis schedule. I also have Basic Measurements and Dynamics of Machine Elements.
“It is hard. These past two weeks, I have been waking up at six every day. I do some schoolwork, then go to class. Then I go to practice at one. We have conditioning then two hours of practice. Then sometimes I go to the training room [for treatment]. Then I get home and do more schoolwork, study for an exam or presentation.”
Oh, and there’s also her required senior design project due.
“I had heard that senior year was going to be the toughest mainly because of the senior project. You spend so much time on it. Me and three other people are working with a company called Cleco who produces power. Our project is figuring out how to design a solution to their water flow to keep the machines running at the right temperature.”
When it comes to tennis, she has the responsibility of being a leader (no other teammate has been a Bulldog longer than 14 months). She’s also playing at the top spot in the lineup in both singles and doubles this spring dual season.
“I talk to my classmates, and they’ll talk about how they don’t even play sports and can barely pass the classes. Sometimes I wonder how I’m doing it, “said Ana jokingly yet serious at the same time.
What works for Ana is a day-by-day approach. Try to do work every day so that it doesn’t pile up, which will hopefully limit the stress. Staying on track and on time is mostly done in her head with the occasional reminder on her phone or iPad notes.
Remembering to eat and rest can be a challenge though.
“I try best to leave my Saturday evenings free,” said Ana. “If I only focus on school, tennis, school, tennis, I might go crazy. When I’m stressed, I like to eat good food. Right now, I want sushi, but I am not going to eat that the day before a match. Probably some Italian food today, some carbs.”
If she were back home in Brazil, it would be a steakhouse where the skewers of meat are brought to your table until you say mercy. Or it would be a local cuisine called feijoada, which is a black bean stew with a variety of pork and sometimes some sausage.
The tennis/mechanical engineering life still has about 3-4 months to go.
“I’ll graduate in May,” said Ana who plans to get her master’s in industrial engineering. “I have Machine Element Design, Dynamic Systems, and then I have Project Management and an elective. Hopefully I can find an easy one.
“As far as tennis, I just want to enjoy my time on the court my last year. Try not to have too much pressure. I want to enjoy and leave college tennis with a great experience.”
When it comes to bass tournament anglers and sponsors, the winds are changing, and the opportunities are diminishing. Today we’ll take a look at what many young anglers are facing with regards to landing sponsors while trying to compete on one of the professional bass tournament trails. If you’re looking to fish for a living, pay close attention to what I’m about to tell you.
First, let’s address why sponsors are necessary; without them the decision to fish professionally can be next to impossible unless you have parents or grandparents willing to foot the bill. To fish at the highest level requires lots of money up front even before you ever wet a hook. Without great sponsors, it’s almost impossible to make the dream of becoming a professional bass fisherman a reality.
In today’s professional bass fishing world, there are only so many sponsors available as anglers are constantly competing for what few there are. Not all sponsors are created equal, as some are willing to pay the angler a salary, while others just give product such as a bass boat, fishing tackle, or possibly a truck in exchange for the angler’s promotion of these items.
But before an angler needs to worry about sponsors, he or she needs to learn how to find fish. The one mistake I see with many young anglers on the rise is that they are too worried about how to obtain sponsors rather than learning how to find and catch fish.
Kids today are star struck by the fancy sublimation shirts that really do turn heads. But it goes without saying that unless you can catch fish, you won’t have to worry about landing sponsors. Tournament success is still important!
Another thing young anglers don’t understand in today’s professional bass fishing world, it’s not just about catching bass, it’s also about an angler’s ability to promote a product. Most sponsors could care less if you can catch bass. They’re more concerned with your ability to communicate and sell product for them.
They want an angler who will represent their brand in a professional manner by attending boat shows, fishing seminars and doing a great job with social media promotions. My first advice to any angler looking to fish professionally is to take speech and learn how to sell yourself and communicate with people.
Here’s the truth…once you sign with sponsors, you’re now obligated to them and must respond to their beckoning call. They’re not paying you to fish, but rather to represent their brand and promote product.
Here’s where the love/hate relationship comes into play. Every angler will tell you that when it comes to sponsors, it is a double edge sword. With success comes more responsibility and commitment to the sponsors you’re connected with.
This means more time off the water and less time practicing, which can interfere with your ability to compete at the highest level due to the fact that your sponsors are pulling you away from what you really want to do the most….go bass fishing!
But sponsors are a necessity for a full-time professional angler, and they hold all the cards in an angler’s ability to make a living. Every angler will tell you there’s no way an angler can make a living just off tournament winnings. Anglers must draw a salary and get help with expensive tournament entry fees in order to make a living for their families.
So, the next time you see a professional bass fisherman wearing one of those great looking sublimation shirts with all the different company logos, understand that each logo comes with a high level of commitment and dedication, not just to the companies he represents, but his family as well.
Till next time, good luck, good fishing and always believe that the fish are going bite tomorrow. The power of positive thinking is the most important ingredient an angler can have in order to achieve success.
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.
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
RUSTON, La. — Ruston High School defensive coordinator Kyle Williams informed the Bearcat football team Tuesday morning that he will be leaving the school as a coach to pursue other opportunities.
”The name Kyle Williams speaks for itself in the Ruston community,” Ruston High Prinicipal Dan Gressett said. “What a great employee for us and for Ruston High School. Not only a football coach, but he did a lot of the things that people might not realize. For whatever reason, he thought it was time for him to explore some other opportunities.
“We’re gonna definitely miss him. Like I said, he’s been he’s been great for great for us here at Ruston High School, and we do wish him the best. We are absolutely going to miss him. And, you know, we’ll we’ll try to find somebody to to fill that spot and let (head coach Jerrod Baugh) handle that and see who we can get. But we definitely will miss Kyle Williams.“
The Lincoln Parish Journal learned of Williams’ resignation shortly after the football team was told.
”It’s always tough to lose a good coach, particularly with that experience,” Baugh said. “Kyle brought so much to the table for us and for these kids, and we certainly appreciate that. I tell the kids that Ruston Football is bigger than any one coach or any one player. It’s bigger than me and we’ll find a way to find the next best defensive coach that we can find. We won’t ask that person to replace the person that Kyle is because we’ve all developed our friendships, but whoever is next will be the best coach that we can find, and we’re going to start doing that today.”
According to Baugh, Williams as of right now is not planning to leave the Ruston area.
Just over two years after the initial announcement that Buc-ee’s would be coming to Ruston, the property for the travel center was officially purchased on Friday.
Located just north of I-20 and west of Tarbutton, the roughly 80- to 85-acre tract of land was purchase by Buc-ee’s Ruston, LLC from two separate entities: Graham Properties, LLC and members of the Robbins family (Donald L. Robbins, Sr., Ramona Robbins Miller, Olimbia Rodakis Robbins, Nicole Robbins Harris, and Audrey Grace Miller).
The paperwork from the Lincoln Parish Clerk of Court Office did not include the purchase price, outside of this line in both agreements: “This sale is made and accepted for and in consideration of the sum of One Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($100.00) cash in hand paid, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are acknowledged by Seller.”
Several anonymous sources have stated over the past year that the purchase price was thought to be between $85,000 and $90,000 per acre. However, the Lincoln Parish Journal was unable to substantiate this price.
Regardless, this is one of the final steps to the beginning of construction of Buc-ee’s in Ruston.
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said Monday night that the timeline for the beginning of construction on the roads and infrastructure along Tarbutton is roughly two months away.
“Bids are due Wednesday of this week,” said Walker. “We extended it one week due to the weather in the state last week. We will open those bids and then talk with our engineers and consultants and our people and decide which is the most reputable and responsible bidder. Basically, it’s the low bid that qualifies.”
Walker said the Ruston City Council would award the bid Feb. 3 during its monthly meeting.
“The (contractor) then has 30 to 60 days to begin work,” said Walker referencing the roads and infrastructure work. “They can start quicker than that if they choose to do so.”
So when will Buc-ee’s begin work on the actual travel center?
“They have told us that they will start about the same time,” said Walker, who stressed that the two projects (road work/infrastructure and Buc-ee’s) were not tied together when it comes to start time.
Walker said that once the work begins, the timeline from start to finish will be roughly 12 to 15 months.
“I would think it will be operational by the end of the second quarter or start of the third quarter in 2026,” said Walker.
Walker warned that residents of Lincoln Parish would be dealing with more than just the construction and road work at Tarbutton in regards to Buc-ee’s. Work on the Cooktown Bridge (Tech Drive Bridge) will be around the same time.
“The state is letting the bids on the Tech Drive Bridge around May,” said Walker. “So there will be road work underway at both Tarbutton and the Tech Drive Bridge around the same time.”
The nationally-renowned travel center currently has 50 locations scattered around the south with 70 percent of those located in Texas. The first Buc-ee’s was built in Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1982. The first Buc-ee’s built outside the state of Texas was completed in 2019 in the state of Alabama.
Louisiana will become just the 12th state to house Buc-ee’s, joining Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Buc-ee’s has also recently broken ground in Mississippi and Virginia.
Buc-ee’s is currently building two stores in the state of Louisiana as Lafayette will also be home to one of the travel centers.
Former City of Ruston Public Works Utilities Manager Andrew Halbrook departed the position to go to work for Edward Jones.
by Malcolm Butler
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said that he isn’t planning on filling the position of public works utilities manager that was vacated when Andrew Halbrook recently left to join his father Andy Halbrook as a financial advisor at Edward Jones.
“Working for the city has been more than just a job—it’s been a privilege,” said Halbrook. “I’ve loved every moment of serving this amazing community, collaborating with talented colleagues and community members, and growing both personally and professionally.
“I can honestly say I have left the City of Ruston better than I found it, and I am grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and friendships that this role has given me. I will always have a heart for serving the public, and hope my career allows me to come back to and work for the public in the future.”
Walker said that although Halbrook was invaluable during his time with the city, at the current time, he plans to just divide and conquer when it comes to the positions responsibilities.
“Andrew did a great job for us,” said Walker. “I hired him nine years ago. I knew he wanted to come back. I knew he had some skills, and it worked out wonderfully. We wish him only the best. We will miss him, but as I have learned in this job, none of us are irreplaceable. Everybody steps up.
“We have dispersed those responsibilities out. We are not adding anybody at this time. Fortunately, we are constantly trying to plan for succession in every department within the city. So we were able to move some things around.”
During his time working with the City of Ruston, the 34-year-old Halbrook was part of a team that accomplished a lot when helping move Ruston forward. He helped start and expand the Rock Island Greenway and he was instrumental in the $17.2 Million BUILD Grant for the Monroe Street Corridor.
Halbrook also assisted in completing the largest phase of Downtown Revitalization, doubling the number of revitalized blocks throughout Downtown Ruston; and being on a team that has brought in over $80-plus million in grants and appropriations over the past six years.
“So at this point in time we are not planning to replace him,” said Walker. “Now that could change. We have re-organized and promoted some people. It’s not that (his position) is not needed, but we are always looking to be a little more leaner.
“This was note a position that I would want to go lean on but because we have the right people, (that’s what we are doing).”
Walker said that Randy Colvin and John Freeman would be two of the current City of Ruston employees who would assume some of Halbrook’s responsibilities.
“John Freeman has always been over water and sewer but he will pick up anything we missed and assign it to someone else,” said Walker. “And Randy Colvin has been with us for 20-something years and will help on the electrical and utility side.”
Walker also said the city already had a part-time grant writer that would assume more of that role moving forward. He also said that the city is putting the onus of project management back onto contractors.
“Andrew had taken over the role of project manager somewhat … we are now requiring the contractors who are doing those projects to handle the stuff that in all honesty, they should have been handling,” said Walker. “We had just added another layer with Andrew.”
Testimony from Carrie Sellers, Breast Cancer Survivor
Just over a year ago, I signed up for a free breast cancer screening offered through the Louisiana Cancer Foundation at my church in West Monroe … the same type of screening being offered in Ruston on February 6th.
I had a mammogram while on my lunch break which took only 30 minutes. A week later I received a call from the Louisiana Cancer Foundation stating that something was seen on my imaging, and I needed to follow up with a biopsy. I was very thankful for LCF’s urgency in helping me get an appointment and for comforting my shock at this very unexpected news, as I had no family history of breast cancer.
The biopsy confirmed that I had Lobular Carcinoma in situ. The Cancer Foundation League’s Patient Assistance fund also helped by providing me with a gas card to help cover travel expenses to some very important medical appointments.
Due to the Breast Cancer Screening that I received, the cancer cells were caught very early which prevented me from needing additional treatment at this time. I highly recommend that any woman who qualifies for this free screening take the time to do so. Early detection is best!
🎗️Free Breast Cancer Screening Event in Ruston!
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, a mobile health unit will be stationed outside the WalmartGarden Center at 1201 N. Service Rd., offering free breast screenings.
The mammogram screening is open to women aged 40 and older who have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months. This initiative is a crucial step towards early detection and prevention, empowering women to make informed decisions about their health.
This community-focused event is made possible through the sponsorship of the Louisiana Cancer Foundation, a dedicated organization committed to advancing cancer research, education, and support for patients in Northeast Louisiana. Additional funding is provided by the Cancer Foundation League, emphasizing the collaborative effort to bring accessible healthcare services to our community. For more information, visit lacancerfoundation.org.
The Art of Communication: My Mission to Keep it Alive
The gentle rustle of paper, the deliberate stroke of a pen, the thoughtful pause between sentences – these are the sounds of a tradition that’s rapidly fading from our modern world. According to a CBS News poll, most Americans haven’t written a personal letter in over five years, and 15% have never written one at all. In a time when communication has been reduced to emoji and abbreviated text messages, the art of letter writing stands as a testament to more meaningful human connection.
The power of letter writing extends beyond simple communication. Letters provide an outlet for things left unsaid, making emotions tangible in a way that digital messages cannot. They convey intention and deliberate action, creating a private space for authentic expression that’s increasingly rare in our social media-dominated world. Moreover, letters create lasting memories – physical tokens of care and consideration that can be treasured for years to come.
For me, these benefits of letter writing aren’t just nostalgic observations – they’re the foundation of my legal practice. While most of us can’t remember the last time we sat down to pen or type a heartfelt letter, I’ve made it my mission to keep the cherished tradition alive, one client at a time.
A telephone call is great, but a letter is better,” I often say, reflecting on my practice of sending detailed letters to every client who walks through my door. I spend hours on the phone like many other attorneys do – but I like following up on conversations and giving directives via written communication.
I’ve seen firsthand how our rush to digital communication is affecting both personal relationships and legal outcomes. “If you have to document every time you have a good cup of coffee or go Facebook official, then you need a new hobby,” I’ve observed, pointing to the ways social media has transformed – and often damaged – how we connect with others.
A Louisiana Legacy
Born in Colorado but drawn to the rich culture and warmth of Louisiana, my journey to building my firm and practice set is a testament to the power of personal determination. As a first-generation attorney who put himself through law school at Louisiana State University (LSU), I understand the value of hard work and clear communication.
I was fortunate to be exposed to the profession before going to law school,” I recall. My early experiences working as a law clerk during my undergraduate years at Ole Miss shaped my understanding of what being an attorney truly meant – building relationships and trust with clients.
After graduating from LSU Law School, where I studied under professors whose names graced the textbooks they taught from, I could have chosen any path. Instead, I decided to build my practice in North Louisiana, seeing opportunities where others saw limitation.
When Letters Meant Something
Remember the anticipation of receiving a hand-written or typed letter? The weight of the envelope, the personal touch of someone’s handwriting, or thoughts, the time that went into each carefully chosen word? These weren’t just communications – they were artifacts of caring, tangible proof that someone took the time to sit down and think about you.
I’ve sent letters since I was a child old enough to write and appreciate the letters and notes that have been sent to me. One letter in particular, from my granddad, is framed in my office. Other letters are kept, and I’ll periodically read a few in appreciation of that attorney or client or friend that took the time to send that to me.
Building Real Connections
My commitment to excellence extends beyond my dedication to clear communication. I recently earned my Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Complex Litigation from Baylor Law School, making me part of an elite group – fewer than 20% of attorneys nationwide hold an LL.M. degree.
In contrast to my first law degree, my second was about as different as day from night. One of Baylor Law’s tenets is that of clear communication through careful thought and preparation.
I enjoy a large variety of activities and intermingles them with my practice. One day I may be at a sporting clays competition, and on another, I may be catching redfish in south Louisiana. Another day may have me working out with my boxing coach or hiking in a national park.
“I’m not afraid to put myself in situations where I am not the best so I can learn,” I said. “With all of my activities, I find connections and the ability to talk to anyone about what they are interested in.”
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
From my established office in Monroe’s midtown area, I’ve built a practice that honors Louisiana’s rich traditions while embracing modern innovation.
“I want to get better each and every day I practice,” I said. “One of my mentor’s favorite sayings is to be the best lawyer you can today. I’ve been fortunate to work with many lawyers who have taught me various skill sets, and I find that the best ones continue to learn and keep up with innovation and the latest in technology.”
Now, as I expand to serve clients in Ruston – just a 35-minute drive down Interstate 20 – I’m bringing this blend of old-world values and contemporary legal expertise to an even broader community.
“North Louisiana deserves the same quality of legal representation you’d find in bigger cities,” I reflect, “but with the personal touch that makes our region special.”
In my mind, Ruston is a special place because they truly know the definition of community. My roots in Ruston reach back to 1931 when my grandmother graduated with her bachelors from Tech and then my twin brother continued that legacy by graduating with both undergraduate and MBA degrees in 2000/2008.
“I went to LSU in a time where the students were encouraged to compete against each other, and a third or more students were failing out each year,” I said. “I appreciate the attorneys that I’ve dealt with in Ruston and find that they have the opposite view of competition. I appreciate Kyle Green and Rebekah Wade for their inclusion and encouragement and for providing my firm an office space to work from.”
The Written Promise
“Every letter I write is a promise to my clients,” I reflect. “It says their case deserves more than a quick email or hasty phone call – it deserves careful thought and deliberate attention. When you take the time to put words on paper, you’re showing that the message – and the person receiving it – truly matters.”
“That’s the philosophy I’m bringing to our new Ruston office. While other firms chase efficiency through automation and quick fixes, I’m building a practice that still believes in the lasting power of the written word and genuine personal connection.”
To discover what genuine personal attention and clear communication can mean for your legal matters, visit my new Ruston office at 111 Kilgore Road, or call (318) 323-2213 to schedule your consultation. Learn more at Knight Law.
Ruston Police arrested a man wanted by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office for attempted murder last week.
Donnell Williams, 34, of Ruston was arrested January 24 on a traffic stop on a warrant charging him with attempted second-degree murder along with other charges.
Williams was stopped about 1:00 a.m. on January 24 after he allegedly ran a red light at the intersection of Vienna Street and Alabama Avenue. When a RPD supervisor made contact with him, Williams identified himself as James Conner.
When that name could not be confirmed, RPD was able to search various records and discover the driver was Donnell Williams who did not have a driver’s license and was wanted on a Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office case for attempted second-degree murder.
Williams was arrested on the attempted murder warrant as well as no driver’s license, expired license plate, careless operation of a vehicle, and resisting an officer by providing a false identity.
Bail for Williams was set at $502,000. Information on the attempted murder case was not received by publication time.
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.
Grambling Police arrested a local man last Tuesday after he allegedly choked a woman during an altercation.
Police responded to a Ruston Avenue residence in Grambling about 12:30 p.m. on January 21 to find the front door standing open and the reported victim sitting on the couch with the suspect, Ashton Malone, 20, standing nearby.
The woman said she was attempting to leave when Malone walked outside behind her, punched her in the head, choked her, and then dragged her back across the street and spit on her as she attempted to use a neighbor’s cell phone.
The victim said Malone broke the screen on her laptop and explained they had been living together for approximately two years.
Malone was searched and a cigar filled with suspected marijuana was found in his pocket. He was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for domestic abuse battery with strangulation, simple criminal damage to property, and possession of marijuana.
Bail for the damage to property charge was set at $1,500 but bail for the domestic abuse charge was $30,000.
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.
RUSTON, La. — Bearcats coaches, players and fans all gathered Monday night at the Ruston Civic Center for the annual banquet to honor the 2024 season and celebrate the continued success of the football program.
“This is enjoyable for the kids, primarily the seniors,” Ruston High School Head Football Coach Jerrod Baugh said. “It’s the opportunity for those guys to get together as a group and really reminisce on this football season along with their football careers.
“Hopefully, it’s an opportunity for them to think about all the things that they got from our football program through the years and their spot in the Ruston High School football program legacy.”
Following a meal and a highlight video by the Bearcat Nation Network, Baugh honored the seniors, spirit groups and the rest of the players and support staff within the program.
Individual awards were then given (listed below), as were the list of all-district, all-area, all-state teams, scholastic awards and letter winners. At the conclusion, senior defensive lineman (and four-year letter winner) Payton Bell led the seniors in gifting Baugh a framed picture as a thank you. The senior football players led the crowd in the Alma Mater.
For senior linebacker Zheric Hill, the banquet is something he has looked forward to each year — and while this is his final one as a Bearcat, he’ll be right down the road playing college football for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and still keeping tabs on the football team he dearly loves.
”It’s bittersweet, because these are four years I’ll never forget,” Hill said. “We look forward to this as a team. It’s where you and your brother get to cheer on each other — I can’t believe this is my last one. I hope one day my kids will get to be here and have it all come back around. But I’ll be right down the road (at Louisiana Tech) and I’ll be watching.”
Baugh added how thankful he was for the community response coming out to support the team at the banquet and how the fans have backed the team during the three runs to the state championship game.
”For the past few years in particular, it’s been really good to see fans come out,” Baugh said. “We’ve had a very good turnout. From game to Bearcat Madness and the auctions that we’ve had — turnout has been good. There’s still a lot of excitement with our football program. Hopefully, it will be the same down the road.
”I can’t promise we’ll be in the state championship every year, but I hope that everyone has seen that their support for this football program goes a long way. Our kids are used to seeing this community show up and support them.”
Award winners Michael Parker Coaches Award: Garrett Taylor, DL Fred Dean Booster Club Scholarship: Morgan Wells, DL Greg “Big Coach” Williams Scholarship: Payton Bell, DL Bearcat Football Club Scholarship: Fabian Stringfellow, DB Jack Lindsey Memorial Scholarship: Zander Hayes, LB Chick Childress Defensive MVP: Zheric Hill, LB Hoss Garrett Offensive MVP: Josh Brantley, QB Special Teams MVP: Aidan Anding, DB/Returner Permanent Offensive Captain: Josh Brantley, QB Permanent Defensive Captain: Zheric Hill, LB Permanent Special Teams Captain: Jack Elliott, K
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.
Cedar Creek saw 10 competitors earn a spot on the podium this weekend while competing at a powerlifting meet hosted by D’Arbonne Woods.
“It was a solid day for our kids,” said Creek head coach Jacob Angevine.
The Cougars, Lady Cougars and all the participating teams had to overcome a little adversity during the event, as the electricity went out according to Angevine.
“Josh Barham, a 2004 Cedar Creek alum and powerlifting standout, and D’Arbonne Woods put on a heck of a meet despite the power going out for about an hour or so,” said Angevine. “That’s the first time I’ve ever seen that happen.
“However, it’s a great lesson to our kids to be able to adapt. The kids in the first flight got a chance to re-warm up. In 2019, we had a kid that to had adjust due to the fire alarm being pulled at the state meet. She ended up winning state that year. Maybe it’s a good omen for us.”
Chandler Bullock was the lone Cedar Creek lifter who won his respective weight class as he finished first in the super heavy weight division with a three-lift total of 1,265 pounds. It was Bullock’s first medal in the sport.
On the girls side, Marley Jinks also garnered her first ever medal in the sport, finishing second in the 123-pound class with a total of 610 pounds.
“That was fun getting to watch them get on the podium,” said Angevine.
The next event will be a dual meet with D’Arbonne Woods on February 6th.
Louisiana Tech head football coach Sonny Cumbie announced two new additions to the team’s coaching staff on Friday afternoon, as Carlton Buckels and Josh Creech will join the staff for the upcoming 2025 season.
Buckels will serve as the cornerbacks coach/defensive pass game coordinator, while Creech will coach the linebackers.
Buckels, who brings over 20 years of collegiate coaching experience to Ruston, arrives after a two-year stint as the cornerbacks coach at TCU. The Louisiana native coached NFL Draft picks in each of his first two seasons with the Horned Frogs.
“Coach Buckels brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our staff,” stated Cumbie. “He’s coached NFL draft picks, a Jim Thorpe Award winner, won Big 12 championships, coached in the National Championship, all the while helping develop young men on and off the field. Carlton has ties to this state and will help elevate our football program this fall!”
In 2022, Buckels mentored Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson into becoming the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation’s top defensive back and a sixth-round selection by the Los Angeles Rams. The 2023 campaign saw Josh Newton earn All-Big 12 honors for the second straight year en route to being a fifth-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Buckels arrived in Fort Worth after spending for years at Tulsa (2018-21). He served as the safeties coach during his first three years with the Golden Hurricane, before being promoted to the defensive passing game coordinator and moving to cornerbacks for the 2021 season.
He came to Tulsa following one season as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Belhaven University in Jackson, Miss.
Buckels’ collegiate coaching stops have included Delta State (2001-02), Southeastern Louisiana (2003-04), New Mexico State (2005-07), North Texas (2009-10) and Baylor (2011-16). In the summer of 2010, Buckels worked with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders coaching staff as part of the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship Program.
Buckels received his start in collegiate coaching at his alma mater, LSU, where he served as a graduate assistant under Nick Saban and Gerry Dinardo. He worked with the defense and special teams while earning his master’s degree in 2001.
A native of Louisiana, Buckels played collegiately at LSU and coached high school football in the state.
Creech comes to Ruston after spending the 2024 season as the defensive coordinator at Midway High School in Waco, Texas.
“Josh is a third-generation football coach that has been around the game his entire life,” said Cumbie. “Josh has a great track record in developing linebackers and coaching defense at a high level. Josh’s experience and background will help our linebackers and defense continue to play at a high level.”
Prior to joining the staff at Midway HS, Creech spent six seasons as a defensive analyst at SMU (2018-21) and TCU (2022-23). During his time at SMU, Creech worked with linebackers during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, before moving to the back end to work with safeties in 2020.
In 2019, Creech was part of a defense that ranked No. 1 in the FBS for sacks per game (3.92) and in the top three in tackles for loss (8.5). The Mustangs forced 21 turnovers in 2019, ranking 34th nationally and fourth in the conference. The number included 12 fumble recoveries, which ranked in the top 10 of the FBS.
Creech helped mentor all-conference selection Pat Nelson, who set SMU’s single-season sacks record with 12.0 in 2019. In 2018, Creech helped mentor Richard Moore, who earned AAC honorable mention after registering 92 tackles, 13.5 TFLs and had a team-leading 5.0 sacks.
Creech arrived in Dallas after a four-year stint as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Belhaven University in Jackson, Miss. During his time with the Blazers, Creech saw 10 of his players recognized as All-NCAA selections.
In 2014, Creech’s pass defense ranked 15th in the NAIA, allowing just 166.4 yards per game. Creech’s 3-3-5 defense also ranked 19th in the NAIA in total sacks with 28 on the season. The Blazers defense also kept opponents to just a 33.8 percent conversion rate on third downs, ranking 30th in the NAIA. The Green and Gold also set a school record in total tackles that season, recording 771.
Prior to his time at Belhaven, Creech spent three years as an assistant coach in Texas at McMurry (2011-13). Creech join the War Hawks football staff as an assistant offensive line coach and video coordinator for the 2011 season and spent time working with the long snappers. In 2012, Creech moved to the defensive side of the ball where he served as the linebackers coach while still assisting with long snappers and returners in the special teams game.
Creech began his collegiate coaching career at the University of New Haven where he was the assistant linebackers coach, while also helping with video as a graduate assistant. The Chargers won the Northeast-10 Conference in Creech’s lone season on staff.
Creech received his bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in criminal justice and then went on to earn his master’s degree in National Security from the University of New Haven in 2010.
A Celebration of Life Service for Jane Fuller Ball, 86, will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday, February 2, 2025, in the Burkhalter Chapel at Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, LA. Reverend Doug de Graffenried will officiate the service under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA.
A Visitation for family and friends will be 1:00 P.M. prior to the service.
Jane passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 1, 2025, with her loving husband, James Ball, by her side. She was born September 26, 1938, in Ruston, Louisiana to Robert and Margaret Fuller. Jane enjoyed Ruston life of music, family, clubs and many friends. Jane, a Ruston High Graduate, met her husband James “Jimmy” Ball who was attending Louisiana Tech University. Jim and Jane married at Trinity United Methodist Church August 29,1957. They were blessed with two wonderful children Margaret “Meg” Bullock and Robert Ball. She was a caring wife, mother, and grandmother. Jane is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margaret Fuller.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, James (Jimmy) Ball; children Robert (Alicia) Ball of Ruston, LA, Meg (Doug) Bullock of Owensboro, KY and her grandchildren Brandon Ball, Molly Thornton (fiancé Aaron Leach), Chris (Katie) Bullock and Dylan Bullock. She was also blessed with great grand children Ellison Rae Bullock and Benjamin James Bullock.
Family was important to Jane her entire life. Although an only child, she had beloved cousins who filled family gathering with joy.
Jane was appointed to the Louisiana State Music Commission and Jim and Jane were inducted into the Louisiana State Music Hall of Fame. She accompanied Jimmy for many years performing throughout Louisiana including the World’s Fair of 1984, Louisiana Hayride and many other historic functions.
Jane enjoyed her time as a member of many Ruston Clubs including Junior Guild, Garden Club, PTO and Louisiana Tech Alumni Association. During her time at Tech she pledged to Kappa Delta Sorority, in her later years Jane remained faithful to the sorority with donations, attendance to events and well wishes.
Jane was known for her beautiful smile, love of people and most of all her love for animals. Over the years Jane has rescued many animals, including the time she stopped a school bus on Highway 167 North to rescue a kitten to the cheers of many school children.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Methodist Children’s Home or a Cancer foundation of your choosing.
Dr. Robert Earl Puddy, affectionately known as Bob, passed away on January 20, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on December 24, 1942, in Ruston, Louisiana, he spent his final years in Peachtree City, Georgia, surrounded by family and friends.
Bob was a dedicated family man, happily married to his childhood sweetheart, Lynda Fay Puddy, for 59 wonderful years. Together, they raised two sons, Robert Kevin Puddy and Christopher Brett Puddy, who married Nikki Puddy and Tara Puddy, respectively. He was a proud grandfather of Lauren and Austin Puddy and a loving great-grandfather to Nathan and Carter Puddy.
A devoted member of Flat Creek Baptist Church, Bob was known for his strong faith and commitment to serving his community. He was actively involved in various organizations, including the Lions Club, Rotary Club, and Gideons International. He also made significant contributions to health and education, having served as science coordinator at the University of South Carolina and Dean of Health Sciences at both the University of New Hampshire and Clayton State College and University finishing his career as Associate Vice President of health and science division at Florence technical College.
Bob’s academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech, followed by a Ph.D. in anatomy and physiology from the University of Houston. His proud accomplishments included serving on the board of directors for multiple health organizations and competing in the Senior Olympics, where he garnered 37 All-American awards and set shot put and javelin records across several states as well as a gold in international competition.
An avid traveler with a love for sports, Bob enjoyed exploring the world, (including all 50 states and 28 countries ) and was a passionate advocate for fitness and competition. His kind-hearted nature, unwavering faith, and dedication to family and community made him a role model to many.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lynda, his two sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The legacy of Dr. Robert Earl Puddy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Visitation was held on Sunday, January 26, at 2pm with a service that followed at Mowell Funeral Home in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations to the St Jude Children’s Hospital or Gideons international in honor Dr. Robert Puddy.
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
The examination to test applicants for the impending vacancy of the Ruston police chief position is currently being graded, according to the Office of State Examiner, Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service System.
“The competitive exam for Ruston was given on January 15 and is currently being graded by this office,” Misty C. McAfee, an administrative program director with the Office of the State Examiner said Friday.
Current chief Steve Rogers has announced his retirement effective February 21 after 17 years in the position and 37 years in law enforcement.
Applications to take the test were taken by the state board from November 20 to December 20. A number of current Ruston Police employees and external candidates applied.
“Once this exam is graded,” McAfee said, “the grades are sent directly to the Ruston Civil Service Board for approval and certification of scores. Once the Board certifies the grades, the eligibility list will be updated by the Ruston Civil Service Board.”
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said he will begin interviews after that point with the final decision up to a vote by the Ruston City Council.
Walker said he hopes to have a new chief hired before Rogers’s last day, but an interim chief will be appointed if that is not possible.
Members of the A.E. Phillips student council met with Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker during a recent field trip. (Courtesy Photo)
by Hanna Singh
The student council members of A.E. Phillips Laboratory School took an exciting field trip this week to the office of Mayor Ronny Walker, where they spent the day learning about leadership from the people that lead the city of Ruston.
The student council, all aspiring future leaders themselves, were given the opportunity to sit in on a leadership meeting with Walker and a team of city officials including the police chief, fire chief and other prominent community leaders. For about an hour and a half, they watched the group discuss key city operations and upcoming projects.
The visit was part of an effort by the A.E. Phillips student council to connect with leaders throughout Lincoln Parish, organized by co-sponsors Lori Kelly and Lorin Pipes. Several times a year, the group hears from local community and state leaders, getting to understand the secrets of leadership from those who know best. Principal of A.E. Phillips, Jenny Blalock, highlighted the importance of the students connecting with prominent local leaders.
“We desire for our students to grow into leaders in their community,” Blalock said. “A vision of Mrs. Kelly’s is to connect our students with as many leaders in our community and state as possible in order to learn from them.”
Following the meeting, the students participated in a 30-minute Q&A session with Mayor Walker, where they were given the opportunity to ask any questions they wanted. They were eager to hear from the mayor about exciting new developments happening in Ruston. President of the student council, Nolan Hogan, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
“Visiting the office of mayor walker was an eye-opening experience. We learned about the past, present, and future of our growing city,” Hogan said. “There are many details that occur behind the scenes from leaders in different areas. Mayor walker was very kind and made sure to answer all of our questions thoroughly. He inspired us to follow our dreams.”
Walker took the time to explain to the students the responsibilities that come with being mayor, detailing how a typical day in the life of the city leader goes. At the end of their interview, each student received a pin from Walker to take home as a souvenir. Walker shared about his experience in being interviewed by the student group.
“We had an incredible meeting,” Walker said. “The students had an opportunity to meet with our leadership group. They saw how the city actually functions through the leadership meeting, and then they had about another 30 minutes of Q&A with me where they just got to ask any questions they had. They asked some incredible questions, and I had just had a great time getting to meet with them.”
Through observing the mayor and city leaders, the student council group gained a better understanding of how local government works and how leaders serve their community. The trip served as a valuable lesson in the secrets of how to be a successful leader and inspired the students to pursue their dreams of becoming the next generation of community leaders.
A.E. Phillips Laboratory School Student Council members include 8th graders, Nolan Hogan, Caleb Barber, Emerson Caraway, Ava Good, Cooper Lee, Makaylan Walker, Preston Whitman, and 7th graders, Cate Davison, Jude Falting, Savannah Foster, Ella Morse, John Henry Nugent, and Hannah Walker.
