Times sure have changed here on Walton’s Mountain as bass tournaments have become a magnet for anglers looking to cash a check and make some money — illegally. In a few cases, it’s just about fulfilling their ego by being the so-called “best” angler on their designated lake. These are anglers who want you to think that they are the best fisherman on the planet! Let’s look at why cheating has become the preferred technique when it comes to tournament bass fishing. 

If I had to speculate on why this has become a problem nationwide, I would first look at the money involved. Bass tournaments today are offering some big money and prize packages. For example, the Bob Sealy Big Bass Splash Series offers a prize package valued at over $100,000 for the biggest bass caught in their event. THAT’S $100,000 FOR JUST ONE FISH!

---

Numerous trails with both team and individual formats are offering anywhere from $10,000 up to $75,000 for first place. But the cheaters aren’t just showing up at these major tournaments, they’re also backing their boats in the water at your local Thursday night three-hour shootouts, which is really sad! 

If it’s not for money, then what other reason would someone have to cheat? For guys that like to race, it’s the need for speed that’s the addiction, but for bass anglers fishing for a couple of hundred dollars on a three-hour event in the middle of the week, I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the reason for cheating.  

Once you’ve been labeled a cheater in the bass tournament world, your reputation is gone, and everyone knows the kind of person you really are. It’s just not worth losing your pride and dignity. 

Are the anglers who cheat just a sign of the times and the world we are living in? A lot of people today are looking for a shortcut and don’t want to earn their keep. Not many people want to work for what they have! They either want it given to them or they will cheat to get what they think they deserve. 

I’ve even witnessed, first-hand, guys who thought it was OK to cheat in a golf tournament by turning in a score that wasn’t a true reflection of their actual score. This was all for a $200 gift card to the local pro shop! This seems to be especially prevalent with the younger generation, which is very disturbing to me. 

Where have we gone wrong with raising kids that think it’s OK to cheat or stretch the truth, or is it a “social media” thing?  Now we just might be onto something here, as both young and old people love to post their accomplishments on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. I guess they think it gives them instant fame and credibility on their ability to achieve success. 

All I know is this — IT HAS TO STOP! People who fall into the “cheaters” category need to be taken out behind the woodshed and taught a lesson. I’m wondering when the day will come where tournament anglers take a page from the NASCAR guys and hold kangaroo courts in the parking lot. 

The next thing that must happen is when these guys get caught cheating and committing fraud: judges need to come down harder on them with automatic jail time and a lifetime ban from fishing tournaments. All fishing tackle including rods and reels, their bass boat and any other equipment needs to be forfeited. 

I’m personally tired of going to tournaments and asking the question, “did they cheat or was their catch legitimate?” The problem is that no event is immune from someone cheating. Even the Fishers of Men Tournament Trail, a Christian anglers tournament trail, has delt with this issue lately. How sad is it that someone thinks it’s OK to cheat in a Fishers of Men event!

Besides the issues with forward facing sonar, cheating is just another reason honest anglers are walking away from bass tournaments and refusing to pony up entry fees. They’re tired of worrying about that two percent of anglers out there that don’t want to play by the rules. Both issues are having a negative effect on tournament organizations trying to provide a reputable bass fishing trail.

Here’s my concern. One day something bad is going to happen to one of these low-life cheaters when they show up at an event and anglers decide to take matters into their own hands. I just hope they have good medical insurance! 

‘Til next time, keep your boots dry and your hooks wet. And remember, if you must cheat to win, you’re really a loser!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Former Lady Techster All-American Nora Lewis is set to be part of the inaugural class for the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame on June 13th, 2025, at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center.

A 1989 Kodak All-American, Lewis came to Louisiana Tech after an All-American prep career at Peoria Richwood High School. During her senior year of high school, she was named USA Today’s Player of the Year on its All-American team. At Peoria, the versatile forward recorded a 119-5 record, leaving as the state’s all-time leading scorer with 3,314 points.

At LA Tech, Lewis made an immediate impact on a talented roster and was the second-leading scorer her freshman season with 13.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game before an injury cut her season short.

The injury didn’t slow Lewis down, and her sophomore campaign saw her make significant strides. During the 1986-87 season, she was a key component in leading the Lady Techsters back to the national title game for the first time in three seasons. LA Tech would fall to Tennessee in the championship game, leaving Lewis and the Techsters wanting more.

The following season saw the Lady Techsters win the first 19 games before dropping two in a row. Lewis would be key in helping Tech win the final 13 games of the season to win the third national title.

In her senior season, Lewis averaged a double-double with 18.3 points and 10.9 boards a game in leading Tech to another Final Four appearance. Lewis would finish her career with a 121-14 record and three trips to the Final Four.

Lewis finished her Lady Techster career with 1,760 points and 1,071 rebounds, one of only 11 players in program history to eclipse the 1,000-plateau in both categories. She ranks No. 12 on the all-time scoring list and No. 7 in rebounds. Her 15.2 career average ranks seventh all-time.

Lewis’s No. 40 jersey hangs in the rafters of the Thomas Assembly Center and was inducted into the Louisiana Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.

---

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 the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

The Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (RLCC) has appointed Elizabeth Turnley as its president and CEO, effective immediately. Bevin Sutton Hicks, currently marketing and events manager, has been named executive vice president, a new position.

Turnley, formerly the chamber’s chairwoman and interim president and CEO, brings extensive experience to the role. A Louisiana Tech University alumna and longtime Ruston-Lincoln resident, she has a proven track record of fostering community and professional connections. Her demonstrated leadership and deep understanding of the local business landscape will be invaluable to the chamber’s future.

“The Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Turnley as our new president and CEO,” said Thomas Graham, chairman of the board. “During her time as interim president, Elizabeth clearly demonstrated the leadership qualities and vision necessary to guide the chamber into the future. Her extensive experience in both the business and non-profit sectors, coupled with her deep commitment to our community, will be invaluable to our members.”

Hicks, a Ruston native and Louisiana Tech University alumna, brings a wealth of marketing, publishing, and business development experience to her new position. She previously owned and published Lola magazine for nearly a decade and has served as the chamber’s marketing and events manager for the past two years. Hicks is committed to continuing her work in community development and engagement.

“We are also pleased to highlight the continued contributions of our incredibly talented staff,” Graham said. “Bevin Hicks has been an exceptional asset to the chamber, and we are fortunate to have her expertise. With Elizabeth and Bevin at the helm, the chamber is well-positioned for continued growth and success.”

“I am thrilled to see Elizabeth Turnley step into the role of president and CEO of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce,” said Lindsay Tomlinson chair-elect. “Her leadership as interim president has proven that she is the perfect fit for this position. Having worked alongside Elizabeth in the past, I know she will continue to drive the chamber forward for years to come. Additionally, Bevin Hicks has played a vital role in the chamber’s success over the past two years, particularly in events and marketing. Her promotion to executive vice president will allow her to take on new initiatives while providing valuable support to Elizabeth. I look forward to seeing the chamber thrive under their leadership.”

Finally, the chamber would like to express sincere gratitude to the dedicated search committee members – Adarian Williams, Amanda Carrier, Amy Stegall, George Lee, Lindsay Tomlinson and Oliver Neal – whose commitment and hard work ensured a successful search process.

To learn more about the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, visit rustonlincoln.org.

---

Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

Peek into the creative minds of Louisiana Tech’s up-and-coming artists at “Novel Perspectives,” a collaborative art exhibition hosted by Tech’s School of Design’s Bachelor of Fine Arts seniors.

The exhibition is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 27 at the Lincoln Parish Museum.

“Novel Perspective” reflects a commitment to exploring themes of identity, environment, and the human experience through unconventional lenses.

After four years of artistic development, these seniors are proud to share their personal stories and unique perspectives through various mediums, including sculpture, painting, drawing, and comics. The exhibition features the work of the senior portfolio class including Taylor Bailes, Hayden Becton, Elijah Boston, Cullen Breaux, Baylee Brown, Alexis Davis, Abigail Monarch, Jolee Rogers, and Annie Schouest.

“Novel Perspectives” explores how artists interpret the world and highlights the differences in experience and perception that shape their work. This event invites the community to step into the artists’ minds and discover new viewpoints.

Louisiana Tech is a central part of the Ruston community, and this exhibition is another opportunity for Ruston to support its talented students. It’s also a chance to experience the rich history of Lincoln Parish, with museum exhibits on display alongside the students’ work.

 

---

A restaurant employee in Ruston was arrested last week after she allegedly took $100 from a cash box and replaced it with a counterfeit $100 bill.

Ashlei Nicole Barnes, 29, of Ruston was caught on surveillance video taking a $100 bill from a money drop box and replacing it with a counterfeit bill at the Cooktown Road Waffle House Feb. 14.

---

According to an officer’s report, the manager said she thought another employee had taken the fake bill from a customer by mistake before verifying Barnes made the switch.

Barnes allegedly told another employee she knew she was going to get arrested and was not coming to work. Police attempted to locate Barnes at her residence without success. Barnes later went to the Ruston Police Department and confessed to switching the fake bill for a real one.

Police said the manager wished to pursue a felony monetary instrument abuse charge rather than misdemeanor theft since Barnes did not return the money.

Barnes was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center with bail set at $2,500.

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 report

The Triad Wrestling Club made an impressive debut at its first tournament of the season in Louisiana Folk Style Wrestling, demonstrating resilience, determination, and noticeable improvement across the board.

Coach Jeremy Hebert expressed pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing their growth and competitive spirit.

“I’m definitely proud of the improvement and fight we showed today,” Hebert said. “This is what wrestling and life are all about. You get knocked down, and you keep fighting your way back up.”

The tournament was a significant milestone for several wrestlers. Robert Stevens and Fisher Cannon, two Ruston High School juniors, finally had the opportunity to gain valuable match experience facing off against high schoolers that competed in LHSAA State Championships last weekend.

Middle Schoolers Brant Youngblood and Brett Brown wrestled their way to the top, facing off in an exciting battle for first and second place in the 14U Rookie Division. Their hard work and dedication were evident as they dominated their bracket.

Patrick Gillum, 5th grader at A.E. Phillips, made an impressive run to the championship round in the 12U rookie division, coming within seconds of pinning his opponent before time expired.

Meanwhile, Owen Hebert of Ruston Junior High Sschool bounced back from an early loss to the defending state champion and wrestled his way onto the podium, securing third place in the 14U division.

Austin Jackson and AJ Nations both picked up crucial wins in their brackets, showing great promise for the season ahead.

Levi Stephenson and Mychael White, also of RJHS, took on more experienced competitors, gaining essential mat time and showcasing their willingness to take on tough challenges in their respective brackets. 

Coach Hebert commended the wrestlers and their families for their dedication and support. “Love all these guys and their families. The best is yet to come.”

With such a strong start to the season, the Triad Wrestling Club is poised for continued growth and success. The team’s perseverance and commitment to improvement will undoubtedly fuel their journey in the competitions ahead. 

Triad Wrestling Club will compete against on Saturday, March 8, at the Brusly Panther Open. The club will compete again at the Ark La Tex Classic on Saturday, March 15, and LA State Championships on Saturday, March 22, in Baton Rouge at the Canes River Center.

Staff report

The Louisiana High School Athletics Association released the official 2025 prep playoff pairings today, with all Lincoln Parish high schools earning postseason spots, and two earning first round byes.

Both Lincoln Prep (23-7) and Simsboro School (20-8) earned first-round byes after earning the No. 2 and No. 4 seeds, respectively, in their brackets.

Lincoln Prep ended the regular season on a six-game winning streak after winning 13 of its last 14 games. The Panthers will face off with the winner of No. 15 Covenant Christian and No. 18 St. Martin’s Espicopal in the Division IV, Select bracket

Simsboro School picked up a critical win last week over West Ouachita, giving them enough power points to leap frog Hicks to take the No. 4 seed in the Class C bracket, ensuring a first round-bye and hosting home games all the way to the state tournament.

“At this point now it’s a new season and really, everything you’ve done to this point doesn’t really matter,” Simsboro coach Adam Wodach said. “We’re proud to be a Top 4 seed after having the opportunity to cut down the (district championship) nets in our gym, but you’ve got to get there first and take advantage of the opportunities you’ve been given.”

With a bye to begin the postseason, Wodach said this week will be all about preparation.

“It’s a combination of scouting and working on yourselves internally,” Wodach said. “I have film on every team we could face all the way to the state championship game. At this point (with the bye) we have about a week to prepare and we’re going to be ready for whoever we play, whether it be Choudrant or Episcopal of Acadiana.

“It’s too quick of a turnaround to try to do two days of scouting on both Episcopal (of Acadiana) or Choudrant, so we’re going to start looking at preparing for both of those and whoever else we might face down the line. Something I learned in college preparing for tournaments at that level is that you have to look forward and consider everyone you could face down the line.”

Ruston High (16-5) has earned the No. 6 seed and will host No. 27 Destrehan (16-16), with the winner advancing to take on either No. 11 South Lafourche or No. 22 Hahnville. The Bearcats would host the second round game, as well, should they advance.

“This is big for our program,” Ruston High acting-head coach Corey Deans said. “We started off the season ranked 41 in our division after the first few games. And then we got the rest of our team back, and we have finished well into the top ten. It’s good to be able to host playoff homes games. – we’ve been playing really, really strong at home. I think we’ve finished the season heading in the right direction. Hopefully, that will carry into the playoffs.”

The Bearcats will host Destrehan Friday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. in the Main Gym. Tickets will be $10 and must be purchased through the GoFAN app.

Cedar Creek (13-9) will head into the playoffs as the No. 12 seed and will host No. 21 Westminster Christian – Lafayette, with the winner advancing to take on No. 5 Vermilion Catholic.

“We are excited to host Westminster Christian of Lafayette in the opening round,” Cougar head coach Lance Waldron said. “We have been working hard all year for this opportunity.”

Creek will play Friday at 6 pm.

Finally, Choudrant lands at the No. 13 seed in the Class C bracket, just one spot shy of getting a first-round bye. Choudrant captured their district title this year.

The Aggies will be hosting No. 20 Episcopal of Acadiana, with the winner advancing to play Simsboro.

The contest is set for Friday at 5:30 pm at CHS Gym.

---

By Kyle Roberts

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Winnie the Pooh/A.A. Milne

Back in 2011, I had worked as an in-home family therapist for a non-profit in Monroe after getting my master’s degree in counseling and guidance.

The work was beyond fulfilling. I would work with families from four to six months at a time, being invited into their homes to see their interactions and dynamics in real time. I have been forever changed thanks to my time doing the work.

At the time, Google had launched the perfect app for someone in my line of work: Google Voice, giving me a new phone number that was strictly for work purposes that worked on my own cell phone.

I used the app for nearly three years, keeping work and personal calls separate before taking a new job within the agency and shutting down the app.

Fast forward a decade, and when I started full-time as co-publisher of the LPJ, I decided to download Google Voice again. It turns out, my Google account is forever linked into the cloud-o-sphere that is online data. Meaning when I reactivated my phone, it picked up as if it were 2011 all over again despite being dormant that entire time.

And there was an incredible shock when I saw the red notification label on my voicemails: dozens of old voicemails had been saved to my account. These are voicemails I had not heard in well over a decade, including a few that were from loved ones that have since passed away in the time that I had deleted the app.

My aunt Roxanne – gone in 2022 – just telling me she loved me and wanted to know if I could come fix Papaw’s TV.

My former pastor Dr. Rick Byargeon – gone in 2013 – literally just saying “Hey, it’s Rick. Call me back.”

My father-in-law Wayne – gone in 2016 – “Hey man, I love you, don’t rush to call back.”

My mother – gone in 2023 – “I don’t remember why I called. Love you.”

Nostalgia that’s frozen in time, but also a click away on an app.

I teach digital marketing at Louisiana Tech on an adjunct basis. And a huge part of the curriculum is getting the students to understand just how much technology has evolved and changed the world in the process. I talk about the ills of social media, the loss of true connection when you had to call someone’s house to ask their parents if they were home, and the time when I would ride my bike into the neighborhood woods while avoiding dinosaurs along the way (okay, that last part is a bit of a stretch).

The world in 2025 is vastly different from 1995, and admittedly, it can feel a lot worse because of the way technology has changed us. It feels like things move way too fast. Once we’ve learned how to manage our time on the Internet, social media comes and steals our attention. And once we’ve figured out how to properly manage that, A.I. will come to make servants of us all into a dystopian future.

But when I pull up the Google Voice app and listen to the voicemails, I have precious treasures — the literally voices of loved ones that I can share with my children and, hopefully, theirs too.

It’s a reminder, too, that everything isn’t all bad if you know where to look, or listen in my case here. Time’s arrow marches forever forward, but I’m glad that Google Voice gives me the brief chance to take an offramp and reconnect with some that have gone on.

---

Courtesy of GSU Communications

---

By Wesley Harris

A group working to improve Dubach has announced renovations to the town’s historic baseball stadium are nearing completion.

Randy Rogers, founder and chairman of Dubach Legends, a non-profit he started in 2023, said the facility has been cleaned up and made playable again and the installation of new lights is imminent.

Rogers said, “If I may use a sports metaphor, the newly restored Dubach ballpark is now proudly standing on third base. New dugouts are in place and painted, the outfield wall is adorned with sponsor banners, the concession stand has a fresh coat of paint and new water heater and sink, and the bathrooms are sparkling clean.”

---

“The next big step is to install field and grandstand lighting,” added Rogers. “Our stadium, when built in the 1950s, was one of the few lighted stadiums in the South.”

After taking bids, Dubach Legends chose Albritton Services of Ruston to install the new lighting.

“Our Albritton rep, Shane Bell, has experience lighting a ballpark in Downsville,” Rogers said. “His expertise will prove invaluable. Plus, Albritton’s has a bucket truck that can reach the top of the poles to remove the old halide lights.”

Rogers said the old lights will be replaced with 23 LED stadium lights so the group can host softball tournaments and other events at night.

The Dubach native said he hopes to convince some local high school baseball teams to compete on the restored field like they did in the ’50s and ’60s.

Rogers said, “The Ballpark Committee recently added two new members to our team—Dustin Morrow and Nick Abercrombie. Both are well connected to the area softball community and will organize our upcoming March 29 softball tournament.”

Morrow will serve as events coordinator for the organization.

Rogers said, “Dustin played soccer at Ruston High and is going to help us utilize our field for soccer tournaments. In the future, we want our field to be a venue for family play days, reunions, concerts, skeet and archery shoots, classic car shows, chili cookoffs, and other activities.”

“There’s really no limit to the events we can host on a field of this size,” Rogers said. “I’ll be honest, the night I top that hill in Dubach overlooking the historic ballpark and see it lit up again, I may cry like a baby. It’s been a long time coming and the list is too long to thank here, but we wouldn’t be this close if it wasn’t for all the donations, sweat, bruises, and blisters it took to get to where we are.”

“And where are we now? Why, we’re on third base, of course, waiting for the coach to give us the steal sign! Wish us luck!”

Rogers of Dubach Legends can be reached at planorandy@yahoo.com or 318-268-0312.

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 being evicted from a Ruston apartment was reportedly found in possession of drugs by Ruston Police.

Ralph Southall, 42, was charged with possession of alprazolam and violation of the drug-free zone Feb. 18 during an eviction from his apartment at University Crossing on West California Avenue.

---

The premises is within the drug-free zone around Louisiana Tech.

Southall was found with a bottle containing 15 alprazolam tablets. He was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center with bail set at $3,500.

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 Malcolm Butler

Katie Hall likes to stay positive when talking about her team. 

Even when the performance doesn’t necessarily deserve it.

So it’s no surprise that the second-year Lady Cougars coach simply shook her head and said, “I am going to agree with you and leave it at that” when asked if she thought her team underperformed, especially in the first half of Tuesday night’s 59-24 playoff win over No. 15 seed St. Frederick at The Brickhouse.

However, Hall still tried to find the positives in a very uncharacteristic performance against a scrappy, yet undermanned, Lady Warriors team. 

“Our girls have been ready,” said Hall. “We spent several days preparing for this (game) and so they were really amped up. I felt like he energy was there. I am not sure if there were nerves. We had some shots that didn’t go in early, but our defensive effort was good.”

Cedar Creek (27-3) won its 15th straight game and advanced to a quarterfinal match-up against No. 7 seed Hamilton Christian, a 73-23 winner over St. Martin’s Episcopal in its second round playoff game. 

“We are going to have to play a lot better than we did tonight,” said Hall in reference to the quarterfinal match-up which is set for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at The Brickhouse. 

The Lady Cougars have won with a disciplined, tough-nosed, aggressive style this season; all the while playing with a passion and enjoyment for the game. 

On Tuesday night, they won despite not playing in that same manner for the vast majority of the game. 

Missed layups. Air ball three-pointers. Missed defensive assignments. Too many turnovers. 

All of these things led to a slim 12-8 advantage at the end of the opening quarter of play. It trickled into the second quarter when Hall finally called a timeout with 3:16 remaining before the half and the Lady Cougars leading just 20-13. 

That’s when the usually mild-mannered Hall had her say with her team gathered around her.

It helped. 

The Lady Cougars began executing better on both ends of the floor and slowly began to build a double digit halftime lead (29-16). 

Part of the equation was slowing down St. Fred guard Ashlyn Owen, who scored 14 of the Lady Warriors 16 points in the first half despite the fact Cedar Creek was face guarding her much of the opening two quarters. 

“We knew (Odom) was their key player, and she scored a lot of points early,” said Hall. “I was like, ‘Hello. Somebody has to rotate off if we get into a rotation defensively in transition. We have to find her, and I felt like we didn’t do a good job of that early.”

The Lady Cougars did that in the second half, limiting St. Fred’s to a total of eight points after halftime, including only three made frees throws by Odom, as they pulled away for the 35-point win. 

“We just had to remember what our game plan was and that’s limit (Odom’s) touches,” said Hall. 

The Warriors also had their own gameplan to try to slow down junior forward Avery Ryan. St. Fred played a zone throughout the game putting two and sometimes three players on Ryan even when she didn’t have the basketball. 

It worked for a while, but the Lady Cougars inside force continued to work and ended the night with 16 points and a season-high 17 rebounds. 

“She worked so hard tonight,” said Hall. “She worked offensively. She worked defensively. She didn’t get the ball, but kept reposting. She worked and she rebounded so well. She is pretty special when she wants the ball. She will go get it. 

“And it opens up our shooters on the perimeter when she does things like that. She was dialed in.”

Ryan wasn’t the only Lady Cougar who had a solid night. Junior point guard Taylor Martinez scored 12 points, including seven in the first half when Creek was struggling to find some offense. 

“She has been putting in so much work outside of practice,” said Hall. “I was very pleased with her tonight. Taking on the point guard role is hard, day in and day out. We ask so much of her and it’s a thankless job. I was glad to see the ball go in for her tonight.”

The Lady Cougars will now turn their attention to Hamilton Christian (15-9), a team that has won 11 of its last 13 contests. 

“Hamilton Christian is a good team,” said Hall. “I would not look at them as a No. 7 seed. They are young, but they are athletic and they are very capable of coming in here and giving us a lot of trouble.”

 

 

---

By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — Lady Bearcat softball fans were treated to plenty of hits and runs in Ruston’s (1-0) win Monday night over Haughton (0-1) by a final score of 16-11 in the 2025 season opener.

In particular, Ruston would get nine runs total in the bottom of the sixth inning, which gave the Lady Bearcats enough of a lead to hold the Lady Bucs off despite a three-run rally in the top of the seventh.

After freshman Aubrey Stoehr led off with a double in the bottom of the first, senior pitcher Rilee Atwood got a double herself to score Stoehr after a line drive to left field. Senior Morgan Foster hit into a fielder’s choice two batters later, which scored Atwood and gave Ruston a 2-0 lead.

“Aubrey, Morgan and Rilee all had great nights at the plate and I thought they did so consistently throughout the game,” Ruston High head coach Lauren Garvie said. “I thought we hit well tonight as a group; we hit a couple of lulls in the game but moments like Gracelyn Underwood hitting a rope down the line to get us going again or Sage Tolar with a consistent gap would pop up. A lot of these girls have put in the work, and not just at practice but the extra work and I’m so proud of the way it’s showing up for them.”

Haughton would take a 3-2 lead after the top of the second, but the Lady Bearcats would answer with two runs of their own, thanks in large part to sophomore outfielder Gracelyn Underwood getting a triple into right field and scoring senior infielder Abby Holton. Stoehr would get an RBI single in the next at-bat to score Underwood to give Ruston a 4-3 lead.

The Lady Bucs would answer with a two-run inning in the top of third inning to retake a lead at 5-4. Ruston would tie the game 5-5 in the bottom of third inning after Foster stole home with one out.

After another two-run inning for Haughton in the top of the fourth, the Lady Bearcats would get a base runner on third after Holton hit Ruston’s second triple of the night. Underwood would score Holton in the next at-bat with a fielder’s choice to third base. Stoehr then recorded her second double of the night on a left field line drive, and score on the next at-bat after Atwood’s second double to tie the game at 7-7.

Neither team would get a run in the fifth inning, and Haughton would get an 8-7 lead in the top of the sixth before Ruston’s explosive inning. Stoehr again reached on a double — this time on a fly ball to center field. Atwood would then hit her first home run of the season to center field, scoring them both. Junior Sage Tolar then hit a triple, which was followed by Foster’s first homer of the year to center, as well, giving Ruston an 11-8 lead.

Stoehr then returned to the plate a few batters later and singled into left field to score senior infielder Jaiden Feeheley. With the bases loaded, Atwood and Tolar would both be hit by pitches on subsequent at-bats to score two more runs. Finally, Foster singled to shortstop to score two more runners, giving Ruston a 16-8 lead.

Haughton would try to rally in the top of the seventh but came up short.

Stoehr led the team in hits with five on the night, including two doubles, while Atwood finished with five RBI. Foster finished right behind with four RBI.

Atwood got the start in the circle and struck out four batters on the night on 6.2 innings pitched. Tolar came in for the final out of the night.

Ruston returns to action tonight to take on Simsboro at 5 p.m. for a home matchup at Ruston’s softball field at the Sports Complex.

 

---

by Malcolm Butler

Joanie Cannon earned a first place finish and three more Cedar Creek lifters earned a spot on the podium during the North Regional Championships this past weekend.

Head coach Jacob Angevine saw 11 Lady Cougars compete during the event with a hopes of advancing to the state championships. The top 10 finishers from each weight class in every division across the state qualify with the official rankings coming later this week. 

“We had seven girls this year that lifted in their first ever regional and three of them are first year lifters,” said Angevine. “We lost seven seniors from last year, five that placed first at State and two that placed second.

“I think as a team we placed 4th or 5th, but as I’ve been preaching to the girls, Regionals is just the first step to putting a ring on their finger. The 2-time defending 5A champs West Monroe and 2A champs D’Arbonne Woods were the top two teams.”

Cannon placed first in the 105-pound weight class with a three-lift total of 540 pounds. She was joined on the podium by teammates Marley Jinks (3rd in 114-class with total of 635 pounds), Catherine Williams (3rd in 148-class with total of 730 pounds) and Avery Bourn (3rd in 220-class with total of 840 pounds). 

“Two of those four are first year lifters and that was great to see them compete like that on the big stage,” said Angevine. “The North region is loaded with talent as three of the five State Champions are located here.

“We’re young as a team this year, and we’ve got big shoes to fill from the last three years, but our girls are locked in and ready to fight.”

Below are the results for the Lady Cougars from the North Regionals.

Jillian Ramsey 97 lb 420 total
Aubrey Singleton 105 lb 435 total
Joanie Cannon 1st place 105 lb 540 total
Marley Jinks 3rd place 114 635 total
Catherine Williams 3rd place 148 730 total
Rosemary Sewell 148 695 total
Gia Fernandez 165 750 total
Kate Harris 181 775 total
Kenna Williams 181 595 total
Bella DiGiovanni 198 640 total
Avery Bourn 3rd place 220 840 total

---

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Paris Bradley picked up her sixth Conference USA Freshman of the Week honors after scoring 36 points with eight rebounds and three assists in Louisiana Tech’s two games last week.

Bradley had a phenomenal performance against WKU on Saturday with 29 points. The 5-9 guard scored 26 of her points in the second half. She finished 10-17 from the field and 5-8 from behind the arc. Bradley added five rebounds and two assists.

Against MTSU, the Carrollton, Texas, native scored six points with three rebounds.

Bradley is the first Lady Techster freshman to score 300 points in a season since JaQuan Jackson during the 2013-2014 season. Her 349 points are 12th all-time at LA Tech for a freshman.

---

Dennis Leon Wilson 
March 17, 1951 – February 21, 2025 
Celebration of Life: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 10:00 AM, River Park Church, Shreveport 
Burial: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 2:00 PM, Forest Lawn Cemetery, 2500 West California Avenue, Ruston 

---

by Hanna Singh

Lincoln Parish recently celebrated National Safety Resource Officer Day on February 15^th, by thanking the 14 officers at Lincoln Parish schools for all the good work they do.

Outside of just protecting the schools, these officers dedicate their time to building relationships with students and staff, providing a positive effect on the schools they serve. Their presence at Lincoln Parish Schools has allowed students the opportunity to interact with law enforcement in a positive environment and make connections with those who serve and protect their communities.

Lincoln Parish Chief Deputy Landon Hunt expressed his appreciation for the dedicated work of the School Resource Officers (SROs) and highlighted how their presence in schools benefits students.

“We are so grateful for the hard work they put in every day at the schools,” Hunt said. “They take pride in their work and serving the schools, and that really shows. When those kids come to school and meet the deputy who is there, it gives the child an opportunity to build a relationship with an officer and see that we are here to help.”

Each school is assigned one or two SROs to provide safety and protection for the staff and students throughout the day. However, many of the officers have expressed that their job goes beyond just safety. For the two SROs at Ruston High School, building relationships with students and staff members has made them feel at home in their positions.

Ruston High School resource officer Tommy Gallagher shared how this aspect of the job is beneficial to him and the students.

“I feel that building relationships with kids is one of the most important things an SRO can do. Having a working relationship with the kids has allowed them to come to me with their problems,” Gallagher said. “A lot of the time, we can work through the problem so that it doesn’t become a serious issue later on.”

The relationships formed between officers and students often go beyond school years, with students keeping in touch with their SROs after graduation. Ruston High School safety resource officer Donte Powell explained how these connections have lasted over the years for him.

 “I’ve enjoyed the relationships I’ve built over the years and the impact that I’ve had on kids that will last a lifetime,” Powell said. “It’s fun watching the kids grow over the years and become adults now and do great things. They keep me updated often.”

The dedicated work of SROs in Lincoln Parish has provided students with personal experiences with how law enforcement officers serve their communities in positive ways. By watching officers solve problems and provide safety in their schools, students learn that officers are there to help, protect and serve. The SROs build a foundation of trust with students along with their families, and the faculty and staff at each school.

Ruston High School Principal Dan Gressett emphasized the important role SROs play at Ruston High and the other schools.

“We consider them part of our administrative team. I know they are here for safety purposes, but we treat them as one of ours. They are really great at forming relationships with kids,” Gressett said. “You see them out in the halls as much as the teachers and staff, shaking hands and talking with the kids. They have definitely had such a positive effect on the school environment. Teachers all know them by name and aren’t afraid to come to them with any problems or concerns.”

Lincoln Parish is fortunate to have SROs who go beyond their duties, ensuring that schools are protected while also serving as friends and role models for students and staff. Their dedicated work does not go unnoticed by the Lincoln Parish school community.

________________________________

The Lincoln Parish Journal salutes our SRO’s who protect the students, teachers, administrators and support staff of our area schools. Thank you!

Here are the brave men and women who serve as SRO’s in our Lincoln Parish Schools:

Sgt. Tommy Gallagher: Ruston High School / Ruston Jr. High

Sgt. Donte Powell: Ruston High School / Ruston Jr. High

Dy. Brian King: Choudrant High / Choudrant Elementary

Mark Denton: Choudrant High / Choudrant Elementary

Justin Blondin: Ruston High School

Randy Gay: Lincoln Parish Early Childhood Center

Gerald Jenkins: Ruston Elementary School

Jamie Franklin: Hillcrest Elementary School

Gary Brazzel: Cypress Springs Elementary School

Edward Faile: Cedar Creek School

Gavin Mitchell: Simsboro High School

Chip Pickett: Dubach Elementary School

Eldred Hardison: Glenview Elementary

Will Sullivan: I.A. Lewis

Garret Madden: Roving

---

Ruston Police arrested a man on numerous warrants and drug charges after officers responded to a shoplifting report at the Family Dollar store on South Monroe Street.

Larry D. Fields, 57, was one of three men encountered at the store. Fields was found with a glass pipe in his hand commonly used for smoking narcotics. A records check showed Fields was wanted on four warrants for failure to appear on charges in Third District Court.

---

A search of the vehicle the suspects were using discovered a brown bag containing a white crystal-like substance directly under where Fields had been sitting.

Fields was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and the four bench warrants. His bail was set at $3,250.

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

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

 

A kitchen fire broke out on one side of a duplex on Sybil Drive Thursday around lunchtime prompting the Ruston Fire Department to the scene.

According to RFD Director of Emergency Medical Services David Wells, the fire started in the kitchen. 

“A grease pan cooking some food caught on fire, and (RFD) Engine #14 was the first on the scene,” said Wells. “There was no fire extension from the residence of origin. There was no fire spread from the original apartment. 

“There was heat and fire damage to the kitchen of origin. The rest of the structure had smoke and heat damage, but it didn’t spread to the other apartment nor adjacent apartments next to it.”

Wells said that there was no injury to the residents, but that a pet did succumb to smoke.

“I was told there was a (dog) that lost its life (from the smoke),” said Wells. 

“I think (the residents) panicked a little bit when it started. There was a fire extinguisher on site, but they left the house to make sure to let the other neighbors know the house was on fire.”

 

 

---

A Ruston man was arrested last Tuesday after he was stopped for a traffic violation and was found to be in possession of marijuana and wanted on a warrant for a previous marijuana arrest.

Larry Bernard Palmo, Jr., 49, was stopped about 5 a.m. Feb. 18 for running a red light at La. Highway 33 and E. Kentucky Avenue.

While speaking to Palmo, Lincoln Parish deputies detected the order of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the vehicle.

---

A records check showed Palmo was wanted on a bench warrant for failure to appear in Third District Court on a previous possession of marijuana charge.

In a search of Palmo‘s truck, deputies found two foil wrappers containing suspected marijuana and a marijuana grinder. Deputies booked Palmo for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, running a red light, and the bench warrant for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

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.

Discover the Cedar Creek Difference: Apply Today

For more than 50 years, Cedar Creek School has been dedicated to nurturing the minds, hearts, and spirits of students in a Christian environment that prioritizes both academic excellence and character development. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are open. Schedule a tour and see why families choose Cedar Creek, where we strive to live by our motto: Super Omnia—The Best of All.

Cedar Creek isn’t just a school; it is a community where students are encouraged to become their best selves. We invite you to explore our campus, meet our dedicated faculty, and learn more about the diverse opportunities available to students of all ages. With our new tuition assistance programs, a superior college preparatory education is more accessible than ever.

Why Choose Cedar Creek School?

A Foundation in Faith:
At Cedar Creek, we believe that a strong moral foundation is essential to a well-rounded education. Our Christian environment provides a supportive and faith-based backdrop where students are encouraged to grow spiritually as they prepare for life beyond the classroom.

Academic Excellence:
Our students consistently achieve remarkable results. Cedar Creek received Gold Level AP School Honor Roll recognition, one of only 7% of all eligible schools across the United States and Canada. The class of 2024 boasts a 100% college acceptance rate, with the top half of the class earning a 28 or above on the ACT. Collectively, they earned over $6 million in college scholarships. Additionally, Cedar Creek offers 13 Advanced Placement courses and many dual enrollment opportunities, allowing students to earn college credits before they graduate. Cedar Creek is nationally recognized as creating a college-going culture that gives students opportunities to earn college credit and maximize their college outcomes.

Holistic Learning Opportunities:
From the earliest grades through high school, Cedar Creek provides a comprehensive and cohesive curriculum that supports a love of learning. Young students have daily access to PE, recess, and character development programs. We also offer music, art, drama, computer, library, and foreign language classes, including both French and Spanish, ensuring that our students are well-rounded and culturally aware.

Small Class Sizes:
We prioritize individualized attention with small class sizes from the Early Learning Center through our high school courses. This close-knit learning environment allows our dedicated faculty to tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each child.

A Thriving Community of Leaders and Scholars:
Cedar Creek is proud to foster a community of service-oriented leaders. Our graduating class of 2024 completed over 7,000 hours of community service and included two National Merit Scholars. Students have access to a wealth of extracurricular activities, with 100% of 2024 graduating seniors involved in at least one activity. Cedar Creek is a member of the LHSAA, offering 16 high school sports teams and spirit groups, along with 29 clubs and organizations on campus. Of our student-athletes in the class of 2024, 87% were named as LHSAA Academic All-State honorees. Sports and activities start early at Cedar Creek, beginning with our PeeWee sports program for our elementary students. We believe that students should be encouraged to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and give back to their community.

Lifelong Preparation:
With our focus on building a foundation for the future, Cedar Creek prepares students not just for college, but for a lifetime of success. Our commitment to excellence has earned us national recognition, and our graduates continue to make a positive impact long after they leave our halls.

New Tuition Assistance Options Are Available:

Cedar Creek School now offers several different tuition assistance options. These include our non-profit partners, ACE and ARETE, campus-based tuition assistance through FACTS, and we are proud to partner with the state of Louisiana through the new LA GATOR program. Through LA GATOR, all Louisiana residents will be eligible for tuition assistance by Phase 3. In Phase 1, any student entering Kindergarten or any student currently attending a public school is eligible to apply, regardless of income. More information on these programs is available on our website: cedarcreekschool.org/tuition-assistance.

Apply today!

Don’t miss this chance to see why Cedar Creek is consistently recognized as one of the premier schools in Louisiana. Several of our grade levels have reached capacity, and others are filling quickly. We encourage you to apply online today. Whether you’re looking for a faith-based education, strong academics, or a community where your child will be supported and challenged, Cedar Creek offers The Best of All.

This is an advertorial

---