by Hanna Singh

Big things are happening at MedCamps of Louisiana this year.

With the 2025 schedule now available, parents can register their children for a variety of summer camps designed for youth with special needs.

MedCamps of Louisiana is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a meaningful camp experience for children with medical or developmental disabilities. The organization offers a series of one-week camps each spring and summer at Camp Alabama, where children participate in activities such as fishing, swimming, canoeing, horseback riding and more, all in a safe and supportive environment.

Their mission statement states that, “we believe that all people, regardless of medical or special needs, deserve to experience life to the fullest. Camping is an American tradition that epitomizes normalcy and provides participants with a sense of well-being, belonging, accomplishment, and self-worth.”

For the 2025 season, MedCamps will offer 25 different sessions designed to meet the needs of children with various medical conditions and disabilities. The dedicated staff and volunteers work to create an environment where children can learn and grow without fear of stigmas surrounding their disabilities. MedCamps Executive Director, Caleb Seney, explained how the organization provides a meaningful experience to these youth.

“At MedCamps, we have the priveledge and honor to serve children with special needs, not by changing who they are, but by creating a space where their unique strengths shine and their spirits soar,” Seney said. “This summer, as we serve more children and families, it is my hope that in every challenge, we find an opportunity to grow together, with hearts full of patience, love and understanding.

“I hope that in every interaction, conversation and activity, that we are the very hands and feet of Jesus Christ to a vulnerable and vastly underserved group of children. I hope as always that MedCamps is a place where our campers find a sense of belonging, that the stigma of their disability is relieved and that the environment is one in which they feel supported, encouraged and challenged to reach their fullest potential.”

MedCamps’ impact goes beyond summer fun. For many of these children, attending camp is an opportunity to experience independence and adventure in a setting designed for children like them. The camp’s activities provide recreation and also help campers build confidence and develop new skills without fear.

Camp Director Kacie Whipple, shared what she is anticipating for the 2025 season.

“This year, I am looking forward to serving as many people living with chronic illnesses and other disabilities as possible,” said Whipple. “Here at MedCamps, we give our campers a sense of normalcy and independence. We believe that all people deserve camp, and our campers are no exception. This summer, I am excited to continue to be an advocate for our campers and give them the best week of their life, at the best camp ever.”

In addition to prepping for summer fun, MedCamps is also celebrating a new addition to the camp. On Feb 26th, the Louisiana Tech School of Design broke ground on a new pedalboat launch for Camp Alabama. This new feature will open the door to even more exciting experiences for attendees.

As MedCamps of Louisiana prepares for another season of life-changing experiences, the staff and volunteers remain committed to their mission of providing learning, adventure and fun to the children who need it most.

A Ruston man was arrested after a domestic violence incident where he fired a gunshot into the victim’s apartment floor.

Joseph Dewayne Fletcher, 30, was arrested Feb. 22 at an apartment complex on Illinois Avenue.

A Lincoln Parish deputy sheriff working as a courtesy officer for the complex reported hearing yelling coming from one of the apartments around 7:30 that morning. Ruston Police found an argument occurred between Fletcher and the victim.

According to a RPD report, Fletcher told the deputy he would have killed the victim had it not been for the kids.

The victim told police she was asleep when Fletcher came in screaming at her. She said he went through her phone and discovered she had been texting another man romantically.

According to the victim, Fletcher struck her in the face repeatedly and then shot into the living room floor. The victim said Fletcher never pointed the gun directly at her.

Fletcher left the scene while the deputy was checking on the victim, even though he was told not to leave.

Police recovered a shell casing and saw a small bullet hole in the wooden floor. Warrants were obtained for Fletcher’s arrest, and he was taken into custody several hours after the incident.

Fletcher was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for aggravated assault with a firearm and domestic abuse aggravated assault. Bail was set at $50,000.

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.

by Krystal Guillory

The Louisiana Center for the Blind (LCB) is thrilled to announce the success of our “I Would Rather Be Reading” themed Braille Challenge sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana and hosted at the the LCB.

This is an outreach weekend that not only celebrates braille but also educated families on nonvisual skills by providing opportunities for everyone to participate in fun activities.

Jessica Turner, a parent of one of the residents and Vice President of the Louisiana Organization of Parents of Blind Children (LOPOBC), said how appreciative she was for Roland Allen, Cane Instructor at LCB. Allen teaches techniques on how to travel confidently through indoor and outdoor settings using the long, white cane.

“As a parent of a blind child, having the opportunity to work with Roland on cane techniques and basic travel instruction has been invaluable to me,” said Turner. “He has the ability to instill calm and simultaneously encourage bravery to facilitate a true understanding of traveling with a cane. I leave sessions with Roland with tips, tricks, and a better understanding of how to help my son and what life is like as an independent blind person.” 

While the parents learned cane and braille skills, thirteen talented students ages 5-18 from throughout the state participated in rigorous, 25-minute timed tests covering Spelling, Reading Comprehension, Proofreading, Charts and Graphs, and Speed and Accuracy.

“Braille has shown me that uniqueness is always a key to success and learning braille inspired me to be more open to learning new things,” said Amarion Rushing, a senior at Ruston High School who chose to participate in the contest even though braille is not her primary reading media.

This year’s winners were: 

• Apprentice Division: Charity Boney (1st), Ruston; Emerson Thom (2nd), Lafayette; Amelia Guilbeau (3rd), Lafayette; Sophia Schuttler (Honorable Mention), Ruston
• Apprentice 1 Division: Chasity Martin (1st), Monroe;  Amarion Rushing (2nd), Grambling
• Freshman Division: Sadie Guedry (1st), Harvey; Caroline Benoit of Carencro & Gracelynn Chaplain of Metairie tied for 2nd place
• Junior Varsity Division: Narjis Karimipour (1st), New Orleans; Kayleigh Horst (2nd), Downsville; Passion Augustus (3rd), Ruston
• 1st Place Varsity Division & Overall Regional Winner: Jordan Young, West Monroe 

Students came to compete in the testing, but they could also perform in the talent show and participate in the BEE-tastic activities, including a Worker Bee Scavenger Hunt, making honeycomb trail mix, learning about honeybees’ life cycles, and creating a bee hummer craft. 

Additionally, David Freeman and Donna Fergusson from Lincoln Parish Beekeepers provided an engaging and hands-on presentation for everyone. Students learned so much and loved being able to explore the hive boxes, a frame with foundation, a drawn comb, propolis, discarded beeswax, beekeeper suits, and a model of cells in a hive.

The honey samples were also BEElicious! And each student loved taking home a plant courtesy of Sammy’s Plant World in West Monroe. Community partnerships are so important to us at the Center.

“Having real beekeepers there to explain and let me explore everything was a dream come true,” said Jordan Young, a junior at West Monroe High School. “I love bees and am interested in maybe having bees of my own one day.”

Even though our event is called “The North Louisiana Regional Braille Challenge”, LCB invites all families of blind children from across the state each year. We often have southern families participate.

“Braille Challenge is the perfect opportunity for Amelia to be around blind peers and mentors as well as participate in a friendly braille competition,” said Amber Guilbeau, Amelia’s mom and LOPOBC board member. “Traveling from Lafayette to Ruston is worth the time our family gets to connect with the blind community and catch up with our NFB family. It is a weekend that gets us excited for the upcoming Bell Academy.”

Pam Allen, LCB director and a lifelong Braille reader, expressed how grateful she was to the incredible LCB team and other volunteers who helped make the event a success.

“We look forward to hosting this event each year which celebrates the importance of Braille for readers of all ages! Literacy is key to success in school and beyond,” said Allen. “It is also wonderful for families to come together to share with each other and learn from blind role models. We are proud to have such a dedicated team of educators and star students in Lincoln Parish to celebrate.”

By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — Being standouts in both of their respective sports, Ruston High seniors Harper Cauley and Jordan Hayes signed to play at the collegiate level on Tuesday with Harper headed to Northwestern State in Natchitoches, La., for volleyball and Hayes going to Blinn College in Brenham, Texas.

The senior athletes signed alongside their families in a morning ceremony in front of a packed gym of students and friends.

Harper’s mother Mandy was her head coach for the past two seasons at Ruston High and played college volleyball for Louisiana Tech. She said she was proud of Harper for carving her own path and making her own story at Northwestern State.

”It’s an incredibly special moment,” Mandy said. “Special as both mom and coach. I’m just really proud of her. It’s a happy day, and it’s just the culminating moment of all her hard work and sacrifices. She has really believed in herself. I’m really proud of her for sticking it out and believing in herself and believing that she could accomplish her goal, which was to play at a D-1 university.”

Cauley chose Northwestern State because of the team atmosphere and plans to study criminal justice or business with a minor in psychology.

“When I went to visit, it was a very home feeling — it was like I was in Ruston again,” Harper said. “It was a small town. And the girls on the team were sweet and welcoming. They didn’t have to be told to come over and talk to me and make me feel welcome. It was very nice, and it just feels like the right place.”

Ruston High head football coach Jerrod Baugh celebrated Hayes and all the student athletes from Ruston High that are going on to play at the collegiate level.

”It’s always special for our athletes to use their athletic ability to give themselves that opportunity,” Baugh said. “We’re very proud of them, and Jordan, in particular, on the football side. I’ve known him a long time and coached him since the sixth grade. We’ve developed a really close relationship. It’s just like one of my own going on and having an opportunity to play college ball.”

For Hayes, Blinn College was the right choice because he believes he will be able to contribute right away on offense. Hayes plans to study business.

”Blinn is the perfect fit for me,” Hayes said. “When I went down, they told me I’d be starting my first year, so it motivated me to go down there and take care of my business.”

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

A man who produced a rifle when asked to move his vehicle from a mobile home park lot so maintenance could be performed was arrested near Ruston Sunday.

The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Jermaine Latae Anderson, 32, on Feb. 23 at the Peachland Mobile Home Park on U.S. 80 between Ruston and Grambling.

The victim who reported the confrontation told deputies Anderson made threats toward him while armed with an AR-style rifle, saying he was going to call 911.

The victim said a similar confrontation occurred February 22 when Anderson brandished the gun after the water was turned off to repair leaks.

A deputy’s report quoted Anderson admitting to possessing the rifle but claimed he never brandished but only turned the water back on.

Several witnesses told deputies Anderson held the rifle up in the air.

Anderson was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for aggravated assault with a firearm. His bail was set at $20,000.

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.

By Doug Strickel

I was recently contacted by a client that wanted me to spend a day with their management team just discussing accountability.  They are seeking to make advancements in their business and now recognize that accountability within their organization as an opportunity to improve.

When you hear the term accountability, what do you think?  We hear it in all aspects of life.  In the workplace, we hear, “We must hold everyone accountable for the results”.  As we follow our favorite sports team, we hear discussions about holding the players accountable for their play on the field.  Parents talk about accountability with children for their actions.  We expect those breaking the law to be held accountable for their crimes. 

Accountability even impacts relationships as we hold people accountable for their words and actions.  Teachers hold students accountable for attendance, assignments, and classroom behavior.  The IRS will soon hold each of us accountable for paying our taxes on time.

Accountability is all around us, but what is it really?  If you look up the definition, accountability is defined as taking responsibility for one’s actions and facing the resulting consequences of those actions.  We all get the definition; the underlying issue is what do we do about it. 

There are two key thoughts here that work in tandem. 

First, for accountability to be effectively implemented, there must be a clear understanding of the standards to be pursued, adhered to, or maintained.  Notice, I said standards not expectations.  Expectations are nothing more than wishes, wants, or dreams of someone that often are placed on others without agreement or understanding.  Standards are the norms that we operate within that we all can agree on within our framework.

Once these standards are understood, we can take an approach of rigid conformance of negative consequences any time someone steps outside of those agreed upon standards.  I have seen organizations, families, and teams operate with this sole approach.  It requires consistent, rigid policing by those in authority to call people “out” for their lack of conformance to the standard.

Let me share a second thought that builds on that foundation but changes the entire culture of accountability.  It’s one that calls people “up” not “out”.  You see, the problem with just a rigid approach of policing compliance is that once you solely commit to that approach, you can never stop.  It’s like pulling weeds in a flower bed, you will be doing it forever.

However, if you can inspire one (or a group) to pursue something better, then you can start to change the culture.  I was reading recently in the New Testament where Jesus routinely met with tax collectors and other individuals with very questionable character.  While Jesus never condoned their actions or lifestyle, he focused on calling them up to something better.  While others in their society judged them and called them “out”, Jesus called them “up” to a better life.

The key to accountability is not to settle for a more rigid “police state” of calling people out more often, but rather to build a culture of accountability where we call each other “up” to a better place.  Sure, there is still the need for responsibility and consequences, but the focus is not solely punishment but rather an inspiring change that leads to a different future! 

As I take that client engagement, they are going to expect a motivational talk on being a strong leader and consistently “writing people up” to hold them accountable.  They may be surprised when they hear me talk about building a culture of accountability where we call people “up” not “out”!  

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 Brad Dison

During World War II, Leslie Townes was a civilian working with the United States military.  Leslie was so skilled at his job that he led a group of sometimes as many as 30 other male and female civilians who also worked with the military.  Leslie and his team went wherever they were needed, usually on short notice, and performed their jobs to perfection.      

On April 30, 1945, when Soviet soldiers surrounded Hitler’s command bunker in Berlin and Hitler realized that Germany would lose the Battle of Berlin, he and several others in his bunker committed suicide.  On May 2, the Berlin garrison surrendered to the Soviet army and the war in Europe was over.  Leslie and his team had been working in Germany at the time the Soviets overran Berlin.  Because of Leslie’s work, the Russians provided him with a pass and transportation to get into Berlin to see Hitler’s bunker.  Remember, Russia was our ally during World War II.  Leslie could not pass up the opportunity.  Several Air Force men who had just returned from flying President Harry Truman to the Potsdam Conference accompanied Leslie to the bunker.  Leslie said, “They drove me in a big car past all the rubble that used to be Berlin… There were all these Russian sentries guarding a big concrete dome sticking up out of the ground, covered by grass and mud, surrounded by huge bomb craters.”  Leslie was shocked by what he saw inside.  He said, “The place was a shambles, furniture scattered all around,” then added, “as if the last tenant had just gotten a divorce and his ex-wife had tried to take the rugs with her.” 

Leslie and his Air Force escorts began collecting some of the smaller items from the bunker.  The Russian guards made no attempt to stop them.  The Russians had already rummaged through and collected what they considered valuable.  Some of the items Leslie collected from Hitler’s bunker included stationary with Adolph Hitler’s initials and the handle from Hitler’s toilet.  While the Air Force men collected other items, one of them noticed Leslie staring at a large swastika flag which covered one whole wall.  As Leslie contemplated what that flag represented as he stood just feet from where the dictator met his demise by his own hand, one of the airmen said, “would you like to have that?”  Leslie was a little doubtful.  He did not want to leave the swastika flag flying as Hitler had left it, but he was unsure how they would get it out of the bunker.  Finally, the airmen rolled it up from the floor to the ceiling and removed it from its fasteners.  They folded it as well as they could.  The guard, who had paid little attention to them until now, was watching their every move.  The airmen gave the guard a couple packs of American cigarettes.  In return, the guard gave them an iron cross that he had found in the bunker.  Leslie referred to this as the first post-war Russian-American trade pact.  As the guard lit a cigarette, Leslie and the airmen left Hitler’s bunker with Leslie’s large swastika flag.  Leslie’s plan was to display the items in a museum.   

Following the war, Leslie’s work with the U.S. military continued until his retirement in 1991.  He had worked with the military for 50 years.  In 1997, Congress passed a bill that made him an honorary veteran of the Armed Forces.  Leslie was the first American to be so honored by Congress.  During the presentation at the Capitol Rotunda, Senator Strom Thurmond presented a resolution which referred to Leslie as, “a great man, a great American, a great entertainer.”  The man who took Hitler’s flag from his bunker, who led his troupe of performers around the world entertaining the soldiers for 50 years, was Leslie Townes “Bob” Hope.             

Sources:   

1.      Bob Hope with Melville Shavelson, Don’t Shoot, It’s Only Me (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, 1990), 48.

2.      The Times and Democrat (Orangeburg, South Carolina), October 30, 1997, p.3.

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 Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech host Sam Houston for the home finale tonight at 6:30 p.m. CT in the Thomas Assembly Center on ESPN+.

The contest can be heard on 97.7 FM with Kyle Roberts providing a call of the action.

Louisiana Tech (13-13, 6-9) is coming off a 78-73 loss to WKU on Saturday. Paris Bradley scored 26 of her game-high 29 points in the second half. Jordan Marshall had her eighth double-double of the season with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Isla Airey added 13 points, and Jianna Morris had 10.

Bradley picked up her sixth Conference USA Freshman of the Week honor after her performance against the Lady Toppers. The 5-9 guard’s fourth 20-point performance of the season ranks eighth all-time among Lady Techster freshmen.

On the season, Bradley has nearly doubled her scoring output over the last 19 games, going from 7.2 to 13.4. Her 349 points are the most by a freshman since JaQuan Jackson had 354 during the 2013-14 season and ranks 12th all-time.

Sam Houston (12-13, 5-10) is coming off losses to WKU and Middle Tennessee, where the Bearkats were limited to under 50 points in both contests.

The Bearkats are similar to the Lady Techsters and get to the free-throw line at a high rate and crash the offensive glass hard. SHSU ranks behind Tech with 22.4 attempts and 14.24 made per game. They also rank above Tech with 15.4 offensive boards a contest.

Sam Houston also puts pressure on the ball and comes away with 11.9 steals a contest, the 14th best in the country. Fanta Kone, Aysia Ward-Strong, and Deborah Ogayemi all have over 50 steals with over a 2.3 average. Kone ranks 15th in the country at 2.92, Ward-Strong at 37th at 2.48, and Ogayemi at 57th at 2.39.

Ogayemi is the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, with 12.0 points and 7.3 boards a game. Nyla Inmon is the only other Bearkat averaging in double figures at 10.3. Kone (7.3), Whitney Dunn (7.2), and Ward-Strong (7.0) give Sam Houston a balanced attack.

Sam Houston defeated Tech 70-65 in the first meeting of the year.

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

After helping Louisiana Tech register decisive victories over two in-state rivals, Ana Rodrigues was named Conference USA Women’s Tennis Athlete of the Week in an announcement made by the league office on Wednesday.

The senior Bulldog provided the clinching win from the No. 1 position in both triumphs over ULM (6-1) and Northwestern State (4-0) at the LA Tech Tennis Complex.

Versus Mariam Hatem of the Warhawks, Rodrigues cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 victory. Four days later, the Brazil native bested Honoka Umeda of the Lady Demons in another straight sets win, 6-4, 6-2 as LA Tech improved to 9-2 on the spring season and extended their winning streak to eight matches.

This marks the second CUSA weekly honor of the 2025 season for Rodrigues and the third of her collegiate career.

Rodrigues and the Bulldogs head to Houston, Texas this weekend for a pair of matches against UNLV and 59th-ranked Rice at the George R. Brown Tennis Center.

Born Barbara June McElduff in Eros, Louisiana on June 2, 1934.  Barbara passed away peacefully in her home in Choudrant, Louisiana, on February 25, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents James Alton McElduff and Myrtle Kelley, Her husband, Thomas Jack Norris, Sr., her son, Thomas Jack Norris, Jr., her daughter, Angela Marie Norris, her grandson, Gregory Michael Hinton, her sisters, Jo Ann McElduff Wheelis and Margie McElduff.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Deborah Norris Disk (Thomas Disk-deceased) Karl A. Norris (Irene), Randall Mark Norris (Melanie); her Brother Billy McElduff (Pam), Lina Mae Eshberger (Bob), Patricia Clingfost (Forrest), Gloria Leachman Joubert (Larry);  5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews – loved by all.

It is impossible to recount Barbara’s accomplishments, dedications and contributions to family, friends, church and education during her lifetime.  Barbara was an honored and respected teacher.  She taught for 32 years at Ruston Elementary School and truth be known, she probably taught half the adult population in Lincoln Parish at some point in her life and if she didn’t teach them, she may have taught their children because she continued to substitute teach after retirement until she was 80.   She had a calling and passion to teach.  She remembered all the little children entrusted to her care and often told stories of the rewards and challenges of teaching.  She took her responsibility to shape lives very seriously.

She was a member of Kappa Kappa Iota.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree in 1965, a Master of Arts in Education Degree in 1968, and a Specialist in Education Degree in 1973; all from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute in Ruston, Louisiana.   She was named teacher of the year multiple times throughout her career and was a recognized professor at Louisiana Tech University for summer semester education course instruction.

Barbara was a longtime member of Choudrant Baptist Church.  During her lifetime she dedicated her time and talents to her church and mission work, from helping with shoe box missions in the 4-corner area of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah on Apache and Navaho Reservations to teaching Vacation Bible School on Cherokee and Choctaw Reservations in Oklahoma.  Barbara travelled to Jamaica and Ukraine to support Vacation Bible School through her teaching skills, and she graciously housed, hosted, and supported missionaries from the Philippines.  

In her local church, Barbara served and ministered through benevolent meals, Senior Saints Dinners and was well known for her skills in crafting floral arrangements for the sanctuary and special activities.

Her hobbies and interests included tending her yard, feeding her birds, and crafting; she was a very creative and artistic woman.

Funeral services will be held at Choudrant First Baptist Church, 117 Oak Street, Choudrant, LA on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM with Interment at Sibley Cemetery, in Sibley, Louisiana.  Visitation will be held at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, Louisiana, at 209 North Bonner Street from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  The funeral will be officiated by Bro. Karl Norris, Phillp Neaville, Bro. Gill Arthur and special music by granddaughter Maddie Norris.

Pallbearers are Billy McElduff, Phillip Neaville, Dr Justin Norris, MD, Shane Jeffers, and Mike Griffin, and Dr Joel Norris, MD.   Honorary Pallbearers are Forrest Clingfost, Randy Reynolds and David McBride.

In lieu of flowers, planned memorials may be made to The First Baptist Church of Choudrant, or to the Myrtle McElduff Nursing Scholarship at La Tech University.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Nathan Hancock and the entire staff at Allegiance Hospice Care of Louisiana.

Jewel James Bowden 
Wednesday 08/19/1942 — Saturday 02/22/2025  
Family Gathering: Friday 02/28/2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Visitation: Friday 02/28/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Celebration of Life: Saturday 03/01/2025 1:00pm, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 446 Bowden Road, Ruston (Clay) 
Interment: Saturday 03/01/2025 Following Service, Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Bowden Road, Ruston (Clay) 

Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

Louisiana Tech University alumna Barbara Reich Freiberg, for 30 years an educator who turned from serving in the classroom to serving in the state legislature, continues to serve, this time as keynote speaker for Tech’s 2025 Winter Commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 1 in Thomas Assembly Center on the Ruston campus.

Also during the ceremony, Sonja Hogg — the original Lady Techster, coach of back-to-back national champions in 1981 and 1982, and a member of the University’s Athletics Hall of Fame — will receive the Tower Medallion, awarded to Tech alumni who have distinguished themselves by exceptional achievement, community service, and humanitarian activities.

As a recipient of the Tower Medallion, Hogg, now retired in Waco, Texas, will be inducted by the Louisiana Tech Alumni Association into Tech’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

It was shortly after the passage of Title IX that Hogg founded the Lady Techsters with the support of then-Tech President F. Jay Taylor. Her vision led to the first dynasty in women’s college basketball and introduced the potential of women’s sports to a nation. Generations of women who have excelled in life because of the opportunities afforded by access to sports can look to the Lady Techsters and “Coach Hogg” as the foundation.

Hogg started the Lady Techsters basketball program in 1974 and spearheaded its climb to the pinnacle of Women’s collegiate basketball during an 11-year career. During her tenure, the Techsters never had a losing season, won a pair of national titles, went to the Final Four six straight times, set a national record with 54 consecutive victories, and compiled a composite record of 306-53, easily the finest in the nation during that time.

A native of Baton Rouge, Freiberg taught for 30 years in her hometown’s high school classrooms, then served 10 years as education administrator for the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). She continued serving in Baton Rouge-area educational positions until being elected to the State Legislature in 2019, when she quickly became involved in all aspects of the legislative process.

As a member of the Transportation, Highways, and Public Works Committee, the Education Committee, and the Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs Committee, she has worked to pass legislation that will improve the state’s infrastructure, economy, and opportunities. As a member of the Early Childhood Care and Education Commission, the STEM Innovation Caucus, the Capital Region Legislative Delegation, and the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus, among other service groups, she has worked with experts from around Louisiana and the country in her effort to find solutions to some of the state’s greatest concerns.

Freiberg and her husband of 51 years, Mickey, are the parents of two grown children and the proud grandparents of three. She is a member of the University Methodist Church and is involved in numerous civic activities.

Courtesy of Lincoln Parish School Board Office

Lincoln Parish and Ruston Junior High School are proud to announce that Avery Dixon, an 8th-grade student at Ruston Junior High, has been named a finalist for the Louisiana Middle School Student of the Year competition.

Avery will represent Lincoln Parish and Region 5 as she competes against finalists from eight other districts for the prestigious state title.

The Louisiana Student of the Year program recognizes outstanding students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, citizenship, and community involvement. Avery’s selection as a finalist is a testament to her dedication to academic achievement, strong character, and commitment to making a difference in her school and community.

“We are proud of Avery and all that she has accomplished,” said Keshia Douglas, Principal at Ruston Junior High School. “Her dedication exemplifies the qualities that make her an outstanding student and representative of Lincoln Parish.”

The final stage of the state competition will include interviews and evaluations of each finalist’s academic achievements, leadership skills, and personal accomplishments. The Louisiana Department of Education will announce the overall winner later this year.

Lincoln Parish Schools, Ruston Junior High, and the entire community congratulate Avery on this outstanding achievement and wish her the best of luck in the state competition.

Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

Louisiana Tech University College of Business students and faculty now have access to Bloomberg Terminals, the same data, software, and tools used by the world’s leading business and financial decision-makers.

The nine Bloomberg Terminals are located in the College of Business Building with four strategically located in common areas, allowing for 24-hour access. The other five are located in Ray’s Financial Trading Room, a state-of-the-art trading environment used by Student Managed Investment Fund analysts.

“We provide students with the resources they need to excel in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape,” said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business. “The Bloomberg Terminals allow students to gain hands-on experience with professional-level tools. By integrating Bloomberg Terminals into our curriculum, we are further bridging the gap between the classroom and industry, preparing students with skills that will set them apart in the job market.”

Bloomberg Terminals allow users to access real-time financial data, analytics, and research that are essential to understanding the complex world of business.

All Louisiana Tech students also have access to the Bloomberg Certificate programs, including Bloomberg Market Concepts, Finance Fundamentals, and Environmental Social Governance, industry-recognized credentials that demonstrate proficiency in using Bloomberg’s powerful tools.

“Earning a Bloomberg Certificate provides a significant competitive edge, helping students prove their expertise and commitment to potential employers,” said Dr. William McCumber, associate dean of graduate programs and research in the College of Business. “I’m thrilled to add Bloomberg Terminal access and the certification opportunities for our students, particularly our analysts in the Student Managed Investment Fund.”

The Bloomberg Terminals are available to support a range of educational activities, including finance research, portfolio management exercises, and data analysis projects. Bloomberg’s analytics are being incorporated into existing curriculum across the business disciplines, and faculty can access a wealth of Bloomberg data to enhance and propel research.

Anyone with Louisiana Tech credentials can create a Bloomberg profile and benefit from this valuable resource. For questions, contact Dr. McCumber at mccumber@latech.edu.

A 33-year-old woman was arrested last week after she flagged down a Lincoln Parish deputy who discovered she was wanted on an outstanding warrant.

Katharena A. Flowers of Junction City was arrested Feb. 19 after she flagged down a Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle on U.S. 167 to report she and her boyfriend had gotten into a verbal argument, and she had left the residence.

A records check showed Flowers was wanted for failure to appear in Ruston City Court in 2023 on a charge of theft of property less than $1,000.

Flowers was arrested and asked if she had any contraband on her. She said no and was taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where suspected cocaine and two tablets without a prescription were found in her purse.

Flowers was booked for possession of cocaine, possession of a legend drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and the warrant. Her bail was set at $5,500.

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.

By Kyle and Judith Roberts

RUSTON, La. — When Chad Hamlin agreed to come talk to the fourth graders at Ruston Elementary, he had no idea at the time how historic his talk would be to the students.

Originally approached by RES Principal Mandy Brown to be the final speaker to celebrate Black History Month at the school, Hamlin had already been a dedicated public servant for quite some time in Ruston.

And in between the time he was asked and the time he gave his talk, Hamlin was named the interim Ruston Police Chief — the first black man to enter into the crucial role in the Ruston community.

“I’m very appreciative to come talk to the kids (to celebrate Black History Month),” Hamlin said of his being named interim police chief. “To be able to show kids of color, someone like me who grew up in this area and hadn’t seen this before — it just means a lot, and it’s hard to put into words. The impact may not be felt right now, but ten years from now, who knows what it could look like. I’m truly honored.”

Hamlin brought a pair of RPD officers with him and spoke about his history leading up to being named interim police chief and also the importance of being respectful and being good students now to prepare for future success.

“I believe this is kind of the foundation of community policing,” Hamlin said. “We want to get involved with kids and change their perspectives. Sometimes, it loosens the parents up a little bit to how they feel about police, and they, too, get a different perspective. I’ve tried to do things (like today) since the start of my career.

For Principal Brown, Hamlin’s talk was the perfect way to celebrate Black History Month and highlight the achievements of black men and women throughout history — and also right here at home in Lincoln Parish.

“It was an honor and a privilege to have Mr. Hamlin speak to our students,” Brown said. “His work ethic, perseverance, and dedication to our city is something that we all can admire and appreciate. He has held many positions in law enforcement: Sergeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, Patrol Commander and now Interim Chief.

“Chief Hamlin is local, and his career echoes what we try to instill in our students: “Respect and kindness will take you a long way.” We are very fortunate to have him speak and serve Ruston in Law Enforcement.”

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

By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — It would have been a homecoming of sorts for Ruston High head baseball coach Bryan Beck Tuesday night to have the chance to go home to play his alma mater.

Mother Nature had other plans, and after a call with Airline’s head coach to discuss a soggy field in Bossier, La., the decision was quickly made to move Tuesday’s contest to Ruston to make sure the game could be played.

And the Bearcats did not disappoint and finished with a 12-9 win, holding the Vikings off after a late game rally, with plenty of Airline Blue and Ruston Red in the stands.

“It ended up being a really good crowd,” Beck said. “They traveled really well, and we had a lot of red in the stands — it was a big win for us. I didn’t feel like we started out well, but we finished and that’s all that matters.”

The Vikings jumped out early to a 5-0 lead after the top of the first inning. Junior Bearcat Lander Smith would hit into a double play in the bottom of the first to score junior Jackson Lee, cutting the Airline lead to 5-1.

After two scoreless innings, Ruston got significant run production in the bottom of the fourth inning with eight total runs. With no outs and bases loaded, sophomore John Parker Moak drove in two runs on a double to left field to score both senior Jake Simmons and Smith. Junior Hudson Wood would single to center on the next at-bat to score freshman Dalen Powell and cut the Viking lead to 5-4.

Ruston got its first lead of the night with a double from Lee, scoring both Wood and sophomore David DeMoss for a 6-5 lead. Simmons added a triple two batters later and knocked in both Lee and sophomore Dillion Williams to put the score at 8-5.

Smith then tripled to right field, scoring Simmons and giving Ruston a 9-5 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, junior Kenden Freeman singled into center field to score Wood for a 10-5 score. Freeman scored on a wild pitch three batters later to give Ruston an 11-5 lead. Smith then took a walk with the bases loaded to score sophomore Michael Brisco, putting Ruston up 12-5. The Vikings rallied in the top to the fourth to score four more and cut the lead to 12-9, but Ruston would hold on for the victory after shutting out the Vikings in the top of the seventh inning.

Wood and Lee both finished with multiple hits on the night, while Smith, Lee, Simmons and Moak all finished with two RBI’s apiece.

Smith, Lee, Wood and Simmons also all finished with a triple in the game, as well.

“Wood had a really good night for us at the plate,” Beck said. “He’s a kid that has a lot of baseball potential that just hasn’t played much at this level yet. We’ve been getting him a lot of reps with junior varsity, and he is a really good hitter. We got good hits with runners in scoring position, and we’ve been waiting on that to happen.

“Lee also had a really good night — when he gets on base, he’s kind of a catalyst for our offense. We played a little bunt game, and he was able to get an infield hit off a bunt. We got hits with bases loaded, and you have to do that against good teams, especially with the schedule we play.”

Sophomore Colt Lary got the start before senior Sam Specht came in to pitch four innings.

“Colt got his first varsity start, and it didn’t go well in the first — but we didn’t help him,” Beck said. “We made a big error with bases loaded. Specht came in for the second inning and pitched well to get us back into the game and shut those guys down.”

Ruston will head down to the Jay Patterson Shootout in Baton Rouge and will play Destrehan Thursday, Feb. 27, at 4 p.m.

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.

This article has been updated with quotes from Simsboro School Softball Coach Payton Bond.

RUSTON, La. — After surrendering four runs in the top of the first inning, the Ruston High Lady Bearcats (1-1) would fall to the Simsboro Lady Tigers (4-0) by a final score of 6-5 despite making a late rally toward the end of the night.

The win for Simsboro keeps the Lady Tigers undefeated to start the year.

“I am extremely proud of our team for how they played,” Simsboro School Softball Coach Payton Bond said. “We’ve worked hard to get to where we are at. I do want to give credit to Coach (Lauren) Garvie and their squad. We jumped out early, but they clawed back and put themselves in situations to stay in the game. We have a young team, so to see them be able to hold their composure and hang on to win on the road in a close game late in the ball game makes me very proud as a coach.”

Ruston High head coach Lauren Garvie attributed part of the loss to the after effects of the previous night’s win over Haughton to open the season.

“I think we came off the high of last night, and we expected to do the same — we struggled to start in the circle a bit and that threw us off,” Garvie said. “Rilee has been such a work horse for us in the circle and I’m proud of her for that. Sure there were a couple of calls that as a coach you get very frustrated with but it’s also on us. We waited too long to let our bats get going. All in all I think we take tonight in stride and grow from it, which I know the girls will.”

The Tigers got on top early after senior Jacoya Lewis hit a fly ball into center field for a single, scoring freshman Callie Harrison to take a 1-0 lead. Eighth-grader Kailee Hamilton then singled on a line drive to right field, scoring both senior Carlei Wheeler and eighth-grader Ciara Caldwell for a 3-0 lead. Eighth-grader Harley Coon added another run off of a fielders’ choice and scored Lewis to take a 4-0 lead after the first.

After a Lady Bearcat pitching change, sophomore Kennady King singled to shortstop to score Wheeler and take a 5-0 lead.

Ruston was finally able to get on the board in the bottom of the second after senior Morgan Foster stole home for the second time in two straight games.

The Lady Tigers would get another run in the top of the fourth to lead 6-1 after King lined out to center field and Wheeler scored after tagging up.

Freshman Aubrey Stoehr opened the bottom of the fifth inning with a single into left field and was able to get to third base after an error by the left fielder. Three batters later and with two runners on base, Foster hit an inside-the-park home run into left field, scoring both Stoehr and freshman Skylar Bowers and cutting the lead to 6-4.

Foster scored again in the bottom of the seventh inning after an error by the shortstop after stealing second base for a 6-5 score. Simsboro would keep Ruston from scoring again afterward to get the win.

Stoehr led the team in hits with two, while Foster finished with three RBI. Atwood, Bowers and junior Sage Tolar combined for 11 strikeouts in the circle.

Wheeler pitched all seven innings for Simsboro and struck out 14 batters and also led the Lady Tigers with two hits. King and Hamilton would both get two RBI’s apiece.

The Lady Bearcats return to action Thursday, Feb. 27, to take on another in-parish opponent in Choudrant. Simsboro will take on Union Parish at home Thursday, as well.

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

An investigation into numerous thefts and the execution of a search warrant that yielded stolen property, drugs and guns has led to numerous charges against a Downsville man.

Joseph Arlen Cupit, 41, was arrested early the morning of Feb. 19 at a La. Highway 151 residence on warrants accusing him of six counts of felony theft, 19 counts of misdemeanor theft and forgery.

After Cupit was arrested, a search warrant was executed on the residence. A deputy’s report indicated a large amount of stolen property was recovered. Also discovered were 17 vials of illegal steroids, an unlabeled bottle of Adderall tablets, syringe needles and two firearms.

According to the report, Cupit admitted possession of the steroids, a Schedule III controlled substance and the firearms. Cupit is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms.

Cupit was booked for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (Adderall) and Schedule III (steroids), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of firearms in the presence of controlled substances, and the theft and forgery warrants. He is also being held for the Louisiana Department of Corrections—Probation & Parole for probation violation.

Cupit’s bail was set at $209,000.

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.

Courtesy of the Louisiana State Police

Shortly after 3:30 a.m. this morning, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Plank Rd. and Harding Blvd. in Baton Rouge.

The crash occurred as 53-year-old Belinda Murphy, an off-duty Louisiana State Police Captain, operated a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe southbound on Plank Road. At the same time, a fully marked Baton Rouge Police Department Dodge Charger and a Toyota Prius were making a left turn from Harding Blvd. to proceed southbound on Plank Rd.

For reasons still under investigation, Murphy disregarded a red light at the intersection, resulting in her Tahoe striking the Charger, which then collided with the Prius. Murphy was transported to a local hospital along with the other drivers for treatment of minor-moderate injuries. Upon contact with investigating Troopers, Murphy displayed signs of impairment and voluntarily submitted a toxicology sample, the results of which are pending.

As a result of the investigation, she was placed into custody and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of LRS 14:98 – Operating a vehicle while impaired (1^st offense), LRS 14:39.1 – Vehicular negligent injuring (2 counts), and LRS 32:232 – Traffic-control signals.

Murphy has been employed with the Louisiana State Police since 2001 and is currently assigned to the Louisiana State Police Special Investigations Division. Murphy has been placed on administrative leave with all law enforcement property recovered pending the conclusion of the criminal and administrative investigations.

We all have lots of lists.

My favorite is top secret: it’s The List of People I’m Gonna Have to Kill One of These Days. The bad news is that it’s not a very nice list. The good news is that you’re not on it. Yet.

But the one I think of most is The List of Love Letters I Want to Write One of These Days.

Some would be to people. But like your list, my list would have places on it, and places within places.

Thought of this the other night at the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s 105th Annual Awards Banquet. I’d missed the previous 104 so figured, you know, why not?

Didn’t know what I was missing.

I know, I know. Chamber of Commerce Banquets are boring. Long speeches about taxes and civic improvements and per diem and e pluribus unum, and tacky jokes about the die-hard crew in accounts receivable.

While this can at times be as unavoidable as cottage cheese on pear halves at the church picnic, we think it wise to remember that — as Broadway’s Gershwin brothers insisted — it ain’t necessarily so.

Yours truly has been fortunate to visit, at least once, the Chamber banquets in many places where my love letters are due. These include Caddo and Bossier, Webster and Claiborne, Bienville and Jackson and DeSoto.

Some were held in high school gyms, some in church rec halls, some in civic centers. I remember, specifically, pieces of each. And every one, in ways sentimental and homespun and sincere, was meaningful.

Even if one or two went longer than it maybe should have, each counted. Each meant the world to somebody, to some civic soldier running below the radar, bringing home the goods, day after day after day.

Being a bit of a different animal, Lincoln Parish and the Chamber folk there basically threw a wild party that was over by 8. Who knew “wild” and “done by 8” could co-exist?

Doors opened at 5, dinner was a buffet at 6, the program started at 7 and was over by 7:50. That means that although it was a long day, hundreds of friends and families who do business with each other got to hang around and eat and talk, enjoy a short program highlighted by a few professionally done videos, honor and applaud wildly for the most recent of a bevy of over-achievers among us, count their blessings, and skedaddle home.

I’m told the wildest of the bunch hung around until 8:20 or so. And on a Thursday night!

Support your local Chamber? We sure hope so. What I know about business is nothing more than trying to mind my own. Chambering? No clue. Commerce? Please. BUT …

I see loyal friends and families taking chances, investing in their communities, investing in each other, embracing the challenges of the day and, in doing so, pouring their hearts into the hope of tomorrow.

They’re making our local world go around.

How can you help but write love letters for that?

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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.