Louisiana Tech had four players score in double figures, led by Sean Newman Jr. who had a game-high 23 points, as the Bulldogs defeated Middle Tennessee, 85-74, on Thursday night inside the Murphy Center.
It was two different paths leading into the contest. LA Tech (18-9, 7-7 CUSA) was coming off two home losses while MTSU (17-9, 8-5 CUSA) was coming off two road wins. And it was the Bulldogs who prevailed, leading for 38:44 of the 40 minutes to sweep the Blue Raiders this regular season.
“I am proud of our guys,” said head coach Talvin Hester. “We still have room to grow. There are mistakes that you are putting your hands on your head thinking there is no way we made this mistake. But that is part of growth. We just have to continue to grow and get better.”
The game had several runs by both teams. The first one was provided solely by Al Green who opened the game with eight straight points for an early 8-0 lead.
With LA Tech up eight at 14-6, the Blue Raiders used a 9-0 run including back-to-back layups by Camryn Weston to take a one-point advantage 10 minutes into the first half. That would be the only lead that MTSU would have the entire night.
A Daniel Batcho dunk sparked a 12-0 run by the ‘Dogs that also included two three-pointers by Amaree Abram and a buried triple by Sean Elkinton to go up 26-15. After AJ Bates got in on the three-point action with one of his own, an 11-point lead was suddenly erased and the Bulldogs found themselves tied with the Blue Raiders at 33-33.
“Sean Elkinton was great tonight,” said Hester. “I don’t know of a player that came on the court that did not contribute in a good way. There were some guys that played great. Amaree Abram held [Jestin] Porter to two points in the second half. Al Green was a plus 18 on the stat sheet.”
Newman Jr. broke the lone tie in the game with three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt. He followed that up by finding Green on the wing for his third three to give LA Tech a 39-33 edge at halftime.
The Bulldogs hit the Blue Raiders again with a run right out of the second half as well, an 11-1 run to be exact that was capped off by an offensive rebound and putback by Elkinton to go up 50-36 and force a timeout by MTSU at the 15:01 mark of the stanza.
The home team would only slice their deficit down to nine points, which came in the final minute, as Newman Jr. put them away, scoring 10 of LA Tech’s last 12 points. Six of those points by Newman Jr. came from the free throw line where he was a perfect 11-for-11. He also dished out six assists.
“I feel like when you are running a press its like blitzing in football,” said Hester in reference to the Bulldogs breaking the Blue Raiders full-court press. “We ran the press break to get the ball out. When Sean gets that ball going full speed, it is hard to stay in front of him. He took the game in hand and took over late in the game.”
Green finished with 16 points (13 in the first half) while Abram and Batcho tallied 14 and 10 points, respectively, as LA Tech shot 44.8 percent from the field (26-of-58), 37.0 percent from beyond the arc (10-of-27), and 79.3 percent from the charity stripe (23-of-29).
MTSU’s leading scorer Jestin Porter led the way for the Blue Raiders with 16 points (had just two in the second half).
Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee were in a defensive battle inside the Thomas Assembly Center on Thursday night. The Lady Techsters fell 55-46.
“I thought we defended well enough to win tonight,” said head coach Brooke Stoehr. “Our group battled and had our chances. They force you into hard shots and you have to be able to be disciplined enough to get to spots in transition and screen well to hunt easier shots or force them into some rotations. We have to regroup quickly and be ready for Saturday.”
Louisiana Tech (13-12, 6-8 CUSA) fell behind 6-2 early on, with Middle Tennessee (20-6, 12-1) hitting two of their first three shots. The Lady Techsters would cut into the deficit with three straight points heading into the first media timeout down 8-7. The two teams would finish the quarter even with the Blue Raiders holding a 12-11 lead.
MTSU struck first in the second, but Jordan Marshall hit the first three of the game for either team to tie it up at the eight-minute mark. Fellow freshman, Paris Bradley gave Tech the lead before the Blue Raiders would tie it back up. Back-to-back baskets by Sydney Thomas and Robyn Lee gave the Techsters a four-point lead with three minutes to go. LA Tech would take a 24-21 lead into the locker room.
Tech grabbed their biggest lead of the game at six after a Marshall and-1 on their second possession. A Lee jumper two minutes into the half would be the last for the Techsters over six minutes. During that time, Tech missed all four shots and committed their only two turnovers of the quarter. However, the Lady Techster’s ability to get to the free throw line kept them in the game, as MTSU would only have a one-point lead. Three straight baskets by Middle’s Anastasiia Boldyreva increased the visitor’s lead to seven heading into the final stanza.
Both teams traded baskets to open the fourth before another Marshall and-1 pulled Tech within five halfway through. The final basket of the game, a triple by Middle Tennessee, came at 4:40, putting Tech down 50-48. From there, both teams would finish the game trading free throws.
Marshall led Louisiana Tech with nearly a double-double at 14 points and nine rebounds. Lee was the only other Techster in double figures at 12 with seven rebounds. Isla Airey had five blocks. Tech finished 31.4 percent from the field, 8.3 from behind the arc, and 92.9 percent from the free throw line.
Middle Tennessee finished 38.2 percent overall, 27.3 from long range, and 87.5 percent from the line. Boldyreva had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds while adding five blocks.
Minnie Marie Adams March 29, 1926 – February 13, 2025 Visitation: Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Mt Tabor Baptist Church, 132 Mount Tabor Church Road, Bernice Funeral Service: Saturday, February 22, 2025, 10:00 AM, Mt Tabor Baptist Church, 132 Mount Tabor Church Road, Bernice Cemetery Committal: Saturday, February 22, 2025, Mt. Tabor Cemetery, 132 Mount Tabor Church Rd, Bernice
Experience Ruston hosted a press conference Wednesday to share some exciting updates about the upcoming 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival.
One of the biggest announcements was that the festival recently received the prestigious 2025 Louey Award for Festival of the Year. This award, presented at the Louisiana Travel Association’s Annual Meeting, recognizes outstanding contributions to tourism and community development across the state. The award was accepted by The Louisiana Peach Festival Planning Committee on behalf of the event.
The Louisiana Peach Festival is a beloved Ruston tradition that dates back to 1951. Originally established by local peach farmers to promote their industry, the festival has since grown into one of the longest-running agricultural celebrations in Louisiana. Over the decades, it has attracted thousands of visitors to Lincoln Parish, generating millions of dollars in economic impact and sharing the rich culture of the region.
The festival’s recognition as the 2025 Louey Award winner shows the impact of the event’s community engagement, economic contributions, and commitment to celebrating local traditions. One key factor to growing the festival and attracting more visitors was the shift to free admission in 2024, which has allowed for even more attendance. Amanda Carrier, President & CEO of Experience Ruston, shared how their team has committed to providing an amazing experience for residents and visitors alike.
“This recognition is such an honor and is truly a testament to the power of community partnership,” Carrier said. “Since joining with the City of Ruston and Downtown Ruston to coordinate the festival in 2021, we’ve been able to make the event more accessible and engaging for residents and visitors alike, which has resulted in positive impacts across our community.”
The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival will continue to provide a great experience this year, with an exciting lineup of entertainment, activities, vendors, and of course, peaches.
Amy Stegall, Main Street Director and Downtown Coordinator for the City of Ruston, highlighted some of the exciting things attendees can look forward to at the 2025 Peach Fest.
“Every year, the Louisiana Peach Festival celebrates everything that makes our community special, and this year will be no different,” Stegall said. “With incredible artists, live music all day, delicious food, and fun activities for kids, it’s a family-friendly event for everyone to enjoy. Best of all, the festival is free to the public, making it the perfect opportunity for families and friends to experience our vibrant downtown and be part of this cherished tradition.
“We look forward to revealing our music lineup, poster contest winner, and our curated arts market vendors as we get closer to the festival. And you can count on other peachy events happening too. We may just have a few more surprises as we get closer to the event that are sure to make the 75th annual festival one to remember.”
As the festival gears up for the 75th milestone year, organizers expressed their gratitude to b1BANK, the festival’s lead sponsor. Their support has allowed the event to be open to more people by keeping admission free, ensuring that more residents and visitors can enjoy the beloved celebration.
With new highlights, beloved traditions, and many peachy activities to enjoy, the 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival will be one to remember. More details, including the music lineup and featured events, will be announced shortly. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate all things peachy in Ruston this summer.
Max Causey and Terry Bradshaw prior to the kickoff of Super Bowl VIX in New Orleans. (Courtesy Photo)
The Lincoln Parish Journal had an opportunity to catch up with Ruston’s own Max Causey and find out his thoughts on the experience of refereeing his very first Super Bowl after just his third year in the league. NFL officials are not allowed to conduct media interviews in season so this is the first interview post-Super Bowl that Max has given.
LPJ: Congratulations on the honor of being selected to officiate in your first Super Bowl, Max. How did the Super Bowl differ for you from any normal NFL game?
Max: “There were a lot more activities and build-up prior to the game than a normal NFL game. We got into town three days before the game, where normally we come in the day before. We had different functions: dinners, a coin toss walk-through where we practiced the entire coin toss. The Super Bowl is kind of its own animal, which is really cool and fun and a ton of planning and hopefully good execution goes into it.
“From an experience standpoint, it was amazing. We got to meet a lot of cool people. New Orleans was awesome. The law enforcement presence there was so comforting. We just had a lot of fun in the city. It felt like the perfect city to host the Super Bowl because everything is walkable, the food was great, and the people were so friendly. It was a ton of fun.”
LPJ: How about the game itself? It can’t just be another game, right? How did you approach it?
Max: “I sought out advice from people who had worked (a Super Bowl) before. Most of them told me, ‘Hey, there is going to be a buildup. You will feel nerves. But once the game starts, it will feel like a regular football game.’ And I think it did. Once the game kicked off, it felt like a normal game because I’m going through my initial responsibilities and my keys. I’m counting players. I’m just doing all the things that I do during a game. So, I really didn’t get caught up in the hoopla of everything.
“Before the game, our timeline was very different. NFL games are very structured, and that starts three hours before the game. We know exactly what we are doing all along the way. I love that. I am a very structured person. So, to get into that routine and stay in that routine, I thrive in that. The timeline was extremely different in terms of when we met with the coaches. When we came off the field. How much time we sat in our locker room. So that made it different. But I do feel like once the game kicked off, it was a regular game.”
LPJ: As one of the first NFL referees to call a Super Bowl with just three years of experience, did you feel extra pressure?
Max: “I would like to say no, but if I am being honest, I would say yes. I like to read news about teams and be informed about what they are doing. So, I pay attention to what is being written out there. I couldn’t help but see a couple of things written (about my lack of experience compared to most Super Bowl referees). That added to the pressure. Just the responsibility that I felt in the sense of wanting to represent our staff well in the game, and wanting the game to be about the players and not us … There was that added element to it.”
LPJ: There was an article written where a couple of prominent media members that previously worked in the NFL office questioned the league changing the rule where a Super Bowl referee must be at least a five-year veteran. This allowed both you and Mike Morton to be on this year’s crew. When you read that, what did you do or think?
Max: “I internalized it. Haters have always fueled me. I was using it as fuel to prove a point or prove that I belonged. Not to overdramatize it. My wife always reminds me that I’m not a player. I am just an official and I am just there to manage the game. I definitely have that mindset. But I have always used haters throughout my sports career as fuel. So, there was an element of that and there was an element of added pressure. But once the game kicked off, I wasn’t thinking about that.
“It was maybe used in that moment once I read it in the few hours leading up to the game but once the game kicked off it was just a normal game.”
LPJ: You got a chance to interact and take a photo with another former Louisiana Tech alum in Terry Bradshaw who was part of the broadcast crew. I assume you already know Terry, but what was that like?
Max: “I got to touch base with Terry on Friday at the coin toss walk through. They were there doing their preparation and practice for their broadcast down on the field. So, I was able to connect with them and he asked if we could take a photo on Sunday. The timing just worked as I saw him as I was heading off the field. I waved to him, and we were able to take a photo. It was one of the highlights of the week for sure.
“I had to introduce myself. He didn’t recognize me. But once I introduced myself and told him the (Louisiana Tech) connection, he certainly knew who I was.”
LPJ: Now that you have called one Super Bowl, how motivated are you to do another one? You were able to accomplish a lifelong goal, but as a competitor, how much do you want to do another one?
Max: “I agree with that. I am hyperaware that I could go for the rest of my career and not get another Super Bowl assignment, and there would be zero bitterness if that was the case. I understand it’s a competitive business that we are in and there are a lot of great officials out there in the NFL. That being said, yes, having that experience was a lot of fun and to get to do it on the biggest stage at the pinnacle of our sport … I think I would be a fool to say that I don’t want to do it again.”
LPJ: Obviously, your dad, John Causey, isn’t around to see you get to do this. But he would be proud, wouldn’t he?
Max: “For sure. He was my biggest fan. My grandmother was probably my second biggest fan, so I definitely had thoughts of them that day. And certainly, they would be proud.”
LPJ: Does your 12-year-old son Barnes think you are a big deal now? What do your kids think?
Max: “My son (Barnes) was way more excited about getting to be in close proximity to some superstars and some famous people than being around me. He got to enjoy that experience. I think he appreciates maybe the access that I am able to give him, but at the end of the day, I’m still just dad.”
LPJ: Is it challenging to call a game of this magnitude with a bunch of men who you haven’t worked with all year?
Max: “I think it has the potential to be challenging, but we had a referee in Ron Torbert who is an incredible leader. He made sure we were all on the same page. We all had the same mindset and philosophy going into that game and we talked about a lot of things during the weeks leading up to the game. I was communicating with my line judge all during those weeks on how we would manage certain things and the positions we needed to be in. So, when we came to New Orleans, and we had already discussed some of those things and then we discussed it together in person as a group … I think it was pretty seamless.”
LPJ: When you got the assignment, did your peers reach out to you?
Max: “Yes, and I was very humbled by it. It’s a tight community that we have. I was getting calls and texts from NFL officials, college officials, guys I worked in high school with. I was able to get tickets for my high school referee and umpire from my very first high school crew, John Curtis Jr. and Frank Griffin. They came down and we were able to have lunch before the game. That was neat. A lot of people reached out before the news hit. I had about an hour after I was initially informed before it came out publicly. So, I was ablet to internally process it and share it with my family and friends before the news came out. It was a crazy few hours that day after getting that call.”
LPJ: Anything else you want to say about your experience?
Max: “I kind of relate getting this assignment to the gospel of Christ … I was chosen by God to be a part of His Kingdom forever, not because of good works that I have done but solely because of His grace. In the football officiating sense, yes, I had a great season but as I’ve said I was not the only one at my position deserving of this honor and I was chosen by someone in authority for reasons I may never know. To get this selection was truly an honor and very humbling to understand there were others who were equally as deserving. The phrase I keep using to describe my experience is incredibly grateful.”
Simsboro High School’s FBLA team has made an incredible impact with their 2024-2025 Partnership with Business project. Collaborating with the brand WRLDINVSN to raise funds, the team was able to present a $3,000 check to the Boys & Girls Club of North Louisiana at the end of their fundraiser.
Teaming up with the business allowed the FBLA team to raise money to make a difference in their community. They chose WRLDINVSN because it is a brand that many of the students and members of the community wear and support. The brand is focused on the mission of encouraging oneself and others to fulfill their dreams and goals regardless of their home or financial situations.
A project group within the FBLA club came up with the idea to raise money while encouraging club members to use their individuality and interests to achieve their visions. Through the sale of BOROVSN t-shirts, 1-1-1 bracelets, and the VSN Day event held at Simsboro High School, the FBLA group was able to raise $3,000 to donate to the Boys and Girls Club, specifically the Ruston and Arcadia clubs. Project lead, Omarion Rushing, explained how they came up with the vision for the project.
“We came up with the slogan ‘1 Life – 1 WRLD – 1 VSN’ to show others that we all have one life to live, all live in this one world, and have one vision – the vision of success,” Rushing said.
The focus on supporting the Boys and Girls Club was especially important to several of the FBLA members who have been impacted by after-school programs like the Boys and Girls Club. Project lead LaJayden Drake, shared why the cause was meaningful to him specifically.
“Working with WRLDINVSN has really shown me the ins and outs of owning and managing a business,” Drake said. “Talking to the owners about finance has also shown me how to save for my future as an individual and as a future business leader. Being able to give back the proceeds of our project to the Boys and Girls Club has been very meaningful to me as a former member of their organization.”
Not only did the project allow the students to make an impact within their community, but also the initiative provided students with valuable lessons in business skills and community engagement. Students gained hands-on experience working with a brand, raising funds, entrepreneurship, and the importance of social responsibility.
The Simsboro FBLA extended their gratitude to WRLDINVSN and to the local community for their support throughout this project. As well as their appreciation for their advisers Miss Mercer, Mrs. Woods, Mrs. Everett, Mrs. Durrett and their principal, Ms. Holcomb for the dedication they put into their FBLA chapter and their projects. The students hope to take what was learned from this valuable experience and do more projects to serve their community in future years.
As part of Black History Month, Louisiana Tech University’s College of Applied and Natural Science is highlighting the achievements of Jazmyn Ford, an alumna who received an Outstanding African American Achievement Award during the Shreveport-Bossier-DeSoto African American Awards Banquet.
Ford, a 2020 graduate, has paved a path of excellence from her time at Tech to her current role as a veterinarian at Towne South Animal Hospital in Shreveport.
Ford looks back fondly on the sense of community she found on campus. “I loved being able to go to campus, and there was always someone there,” Ford said of the welcoming atmosphere in the School of Agriculture Sciences and Forestry. “The professors were always there and supported us through everything — good or bad.”
A hallmark of the student experience on south campus, where many ag and forestry classes are held, is Dr. Mark Murphey and Gordon Reger cooking for students and the broader ag community.
“We were such a close-knit family,” Ford said. “Louisiana Tech and south campus really helped make that transition from high school to college easier.”
While at Louisiana Tech, Ford took on leadership roles that helped shape her journey. She founded Women in Agriculture, an initiative designed to empower and encourage women pursuing careers in the field. She also served as an agricultural sciences ambassador, bridging the gap between students and faculty.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, Ford continued her journey in veterinary medicine, attending Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Dr. Murphey helped me a lot at Tech, and he was a big part of my decision to attend Tuskegee,” she said.
As a student, Ford also worked at Tech Farm. She was assigned to the swine unit, gaining valuable hands-on experience that serves her well in her veterinary career.
Ford’s success is a testament to the strong foundation built at the University. “Tech was a great undergrad to go through,” Ford said. “That transition from high school to college is a huge jump, but Louisiana Tech and the School of Agriculture Sciences and Forestry made it much easier.” Now, as a practicing veterinarian, Ford is not only a trailblazer in her field, but also an inspiration to other young African Americans pursuing careers in veterinary medicine and agriculture.
Ford was one of 10 recipients of the prestigious Outstanding African American Achievement Award at the 37th Annual Shreveport-Bossier-DeSoto African American Awards Banquet, recognized for her commitment to excellence and her contributions to the community. In attendance to celebrate his former student’s achievement was Murphey.
“Jazmyn is a leader and an inspiration,” he said. “She notices a problem, and she solves it. She is an excellent example of what hard work and persistence will accomplish.”
Today, Ford continues to serve her community at Towne South Animal Hospital in Shreveport, where she works to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners. Her journey from Louisiana Tech to Tuskegee and beyond is a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, community, and perseverance.
A Ruston man was arrested last week after he allegedly stole a vehicle and then crashed into two utility poles in downtown Ruston causing severe damage and crashing again on Interstate 20.
Bradley Chase Dickson, 37, was arrested for theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of aggravated criminal damage to property, DWI, and reckless operation of a vehicle Friday.
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified of a reckless driver westbound on Interstate 20 about 1:30 p.m. on February 14. Before deputies reached the scene, Dickson had reportedly crashed on the shoulder of the eastbound side of the Interstate. A deputy observed Dickson had slurred speech, glassy eyes, and needed help to stand. He admitted to drinking a lot of alcohol.
Meanwhile, Ruston Police responded to the Lincoln Parish Courthouse regarding the vehicle theft. The victim said he did not know Dickson and did not give him permission to take the vehicle.
Dickson allegedly struck two utility poles on the corner of Monroe Street and West Georgia Avenue after stealing the vehicle, causing severe damage.
Dickson was unable to perform field sobriety tests or submit to breath sample. A search warrant was obtained and Dickson‘s blood was drawn as evidence in the Northern Louisiana Medical Center.
Bail was set at $31,500.
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.
Ruston Police arrested a local man last week after he allegedly attempted to break into a downtown business.
Joshua Akuma, 23, of Ruston, was arrested February 15 after a business owner reported a man trying to break into the back door of his Trenton Street business store.
Responding officers found Akuma on the back porch of a business in the 200 block of North Trenton Street about 8:30 p.m.. Akuma said he was unaware he was on private property and denied attempting to make entry into the building.
The business owner provided surveillance video that showed Akuma attempting to open the door to the business. When confronted with this information, Akuma said he attempted to open the door, but did not have a definite reason why he did this.
Akuma was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for attempted unauthorized entry of a business. His bail was set at $5,000.
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.
While the weather this past Friday night did not lead one to think it was baseball season, the feeling at the ballpark was sure there. Opening day has always been something special if you follow a team. For me, it’s LA Tech baseball. Years ago, it was just major league baseball (MLB) in general.
I can remember as a kid watching the news the night before MLB Opening Day. The next morning, I couldn’t wait to get a look at the newspaper and read the box scores. I not only wanted to see who won the games, but I had to see which players changed teams in the offseason so I could adjust my baseball cards. I sorted cards by teams and by the batting order and pitching rotation within the respective teams.
It was something to look forward to at the start of a new baseball season.
There is just something about starting a new season, a new year, a new job, or anything we can just look forward to in any way. Looking forward to something just brings hope. Hope is a powerful feeling that has immense impact, but so many of us struggle with finding it, losing it, and basing it on wrong things or the wrong people.
A healthy approach to a life filled with hope is focusing on a positive mindset. Rather than depending on something new or something to look forward to for hope, the key is to start each day with a positive mindset that allows each day to bring fulfillment, meaning, joy, and satisfaction.
I was reading in the book of Philippians (chapter3) recently and noted that Paul wrote, “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God…”.
Now whether you are a Bible reader or not, there is a great deal of wisdom in that statement.
Many of us are living defeated by our past. We live with guilt, past failures, or regrets to the point that we have a negative mindset with no hope. We are just grinding through each day with nothing really to look forward to. The past is a dark cloud hovering over us.
Paul said to forget what lies behind. If anyone had a past of guilt and regret, it was Paul. Notice how he dealt with his past. He didn’t explain it away or make excuses. Rather, he changed his mindset. Rather than think about the past and focus there, he changed his mindset to “strain forward to what lies ahead”. He didn’t try harder to make up for his past but rather changed his mindset to chase after something different.
I deal with a lot of regrets from my past too, and here’s a few quick thoughts on how I reset my mindset daily to have a positive focused day full of hope:
I pray early in the morning to focus on my purpose for the day. That purpose is to have a positive impact on someone or some group that day.
I get moving early. For me it’s a hard workout. It’s key for me to get moving and breathing early in the day to release all those negative emotions.
I express thankful statements. Thankfulness leads to a positive mindset.
I get a win early in the day. I accomplish something early to set the tone.
Mindset matters. So often we put our hope in things or people that disappoint. However, a positive mindset creates hope every day. That hope is not rooted in an acquisition, an accomplishment, or an experience. Rather, that hope is just rooted in the opportunity of the day.
A positive mindset will provide that opening day experience every day!
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.
Senior Mallory Smith is the lone upperclassman on the Lady Cougars 2025 roster. (photo by Darrell James)
by Malcolm Butler
To say that the 2025 Cedar Creek softball team is young may be an understatement.
The Lady Cougars roster includes just one senior in Mallory Smith. And a grand total of zero juniors.
Even more glaring is the fact that 10 of the 15 players on the varsity roster are still in middle school.
However, head coach Julie Riser is embracing that fact and is excited to see her squad open up the season tonight at 5 p.m. when they face Caddo Magnet in a game that will be played on the home field of Louisiana Tech. The JV team is scheduled to play following the varsity game.
“We are young,” said Riser. “The young ones have played a lot so they do have some experience, but they are still young. We are just trying to focus on what we can do well and to be the best that we can be. They work hard. It is what it is. We work hard and try to do what we can do.
“They are fun to coach. They are soaking everything up.”
The Lady Cougars pitching staff this year consists of four arms in Smith, sophomore Anna Claire Fitzgerald, and eighth graders Ava Lantrip and Kendall Ramsey. Riser said that she will utilize a pitcher by committee approach this year.
“Kendall ended up being our No. 1 towards the end of last year,” said Riser. “She is the one who threw in our playoff game against Opelousas Catholic. She was performing the best at the end of the season.
“We have four that will throw. A lot of it is them logging innings and getting experience and trying to keep batters off balance. We are not a dominating pitching staff. We aren’t going to blow it by anybody. We want to locate (our pitches) and keep the other team off balance and play defense behind them.
“The good part about it is when they aren’t pitching they can play other positions. They are interchangeable so that will help.”
Making it even more challenging is the fact Cedar Creek could start the season without both Ramsey (injury) and Smith (playoff basketball).
“Right now Kendall is out,” said Riser. “She has been dealing with tennis elbow so she has just come back in the last two weeks and started hitting and throwing overhanded. She hasn’t pitched any at all. It will probably be a few weeks once she is released before we can work her into a game.”
Offensively, Smith, Fitzgerald, sophomore Hydi Boyd and Lantrip will be the centerpieces in the lineup for a Lady Cougars team that will have to manufacture runs.
“They all kind of have their strengths,” said Riser. “We will be a put it in play and dig it out type of team this year. Mallory is our lone senior so she will definitely be a key to our success this season.”
The Lady Cougars home opener is March 4 against Jonesboro Hodge. The annual Caroline Menzina Tournament will be March 28 and 29.
The Lincoln Parish Police Jury is conducting a survey to help develop a long-range transportation plan that prioritizes sustainable growth and desired community development.
By clicking on this link, you can help the Police Jury shape its plan to take Lincoln Parish into a prosperous future.
On January 30, 1882, Franklin D. Roosevelt was born into a wealthy family at Hyde Park, New York. In 1887, when Franklin was just five years old, his father took him to meet President Grover Cleveland. During the meeting, Grover looked down at little Franklin and said in a disgruntled voice, “My little man, I am making a strange wish for you. It is that you may never be President of the United States.” Grover Cleveland’s wish did not come true. Franklin Roosevelt served as the 32nd President of the United States. He is the only U.S. president in history to serve more than two terms. Most of us associate Franklin as being wheelchair bound because of polio, but as a young man Franklin competed in sports such as polo, tennis, golf, and sailing. In 1900, Franklin entered Harvard College where he participated in various sports.
On October 14, 1890, David Dwight Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas. Shortly after his birth, Dwight’s mother reversed his first and middle names to avoid him being confused with his father who was also named David. In high school, Dwight excelled in his coursework and in sports. Dwight was such a good student and athlete that he earned an appointment at the United States Military Academy, more commonly known as West Point. As he had done in high school, Dwight excelled in the military and quickly rose through the ranks. In December 1943, President Franklin Roosevelt selected him as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. In 1953, Dwight began his tenure as the 34th President of the United States.
On February 6, 1911, Ronald Reagan was born in an apartment in Tampico, Illinois. At Dixon High School, Reagan was mostly interested in drama and football. In 1928, Reagan worked his way through Eureka College as a lifeguard. Reagan played on the college football team and acted in school plays. After college, he worked as a sports announcer until a screen test enabled him to become a Hollywood actor. He became president of the Screen Actors Guild, and then governor of California. In January 1981, he became the 40th President of the United States. His vice-president was George Herbert Walker Bush.
On July 6, 1946, while attending Yale, George and Barbara Bush had a son whom they named George Walker Bush. George W. participated in sports in high school and attended Phillips Academy before transferring to his father’s alma mater, Yale. George W. played on the college rugby team. In January 2001, he became the 43rd President of the United States.
The aforementioned Presidents of the United States certainly loved sports, especially in college. During their college years, each of them participated in a sport which until 1923 was only available to men. During World War II, women were accepted in the sport only because of the large number of collegiate men who were being drafted into the military. Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush were all college cheerleaders.
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RUSTON — The Louisiana Tech women’s basketball team will put a nine-game home winning streak on the line when the Lady Techsters take on Middle Tennessee on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CT inside the Thomas Assembly Center on ESPN+ with tickets on sale for $5 apiece.
Louisiana Tech fell to Jacksonville State 68-55 on Saturday. However, the Lady Techsters have won nine straight games inside the TAC and nine straight home Conference USA tilts.
Against Jax State, Robyn Lee joined the 1,000-career point club. The grad student has seen her contributions rise over her five seasons. Lee has increased her production by nearly 10 points a game since her time in Ruston began. The 5-9 guard has started 36 straight games in the Techster uniform.
Jianna Morris passed 500 points against the Gamecocks. The sophomore guard has started all 57 games the past two seasons and scored double figures in 25. Morris has added 176 rebounds and 119 assists. The Arkansas native shoots 78.5 from the line for her career, ranking ninth all-time for a Lady Techster.
Paris Bradley continues to have a terrific season for LA Tech. Bradley has scored in double figures in six straight games. The 5-9 guard is the first Lady Techster to score 300 points in her freshman campaign since Tamicha Jackson did so in 1996-97.
League leader Middle Tennessee has won seven straight games since falling to WKU on January 18. The Blue Raiders rely on a stingy defense that has given up just 49 points per game over that stretch.
MTSU ranks second in the country in field goal percentage at 32.9, seventh in scoring defense at 53.1 ppg, and fifth in blocks per game at 5.8.
Much of the Blue Raiders’ defense is partly because of 6-7 center Anastasiia Boldyreva. The nations lead in blocks (87) and blocks per game (3.48), Boldyreva also ranks 26thg with 9.9 rebounds a game. Offensively, the senior adds 15.7 points per contest.
Ta’Mia Scott and Jalynn Gregory give MTSU a veteran presence at the guard position. Scott leads the Blue Raiders at 16.8 points per game, second in rebounds at 6.8, and blocks with 1.1 per contest. Gregory is a threat from behind the arc at 37.6 percent and contributes 13.4 points per game.
Louisiana Tech begins a three-game road swing starting tonight versus Middle Tennessee at the Murphy Center. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. CT.
The Bulldogs will be looking to sweep the Blue Raiders this season as they have already defeated MTSU in Ruston. The game can be heard on the LA Tech Sports Network on 107.5 FM with Malcolm Butler providing a call of the action.
LA Tech (17-9, 6-7) and league-leader Jacksonville State went down to the wire for the second time this season, and again the Bulldogs suffered a two-point loss to the Gamecocks, falling 70-68.
While LA Tech made more field goals and more three-pointers than Jax State, it was free throws that proved to be the difference. The Bulldogs went 13-of-18 from the foul line while the Gamecocks made 26 of their 30 free throw attempts (their last 15 points of the game came from the charity stripe). It was only the second time in the last 12 years that an opponent attempted 30+ free throws in a home game for LA Tech.
Middle Tennessee (17-8, 8-4) is currently alone in third in the conference standings with three weeks remaining. The Blue Raiders have won three of their last four, including back-to-back road victories at Kennesaw State and WKU. They managed to edge the Owls, 76-75, while putting up 87 points in a 10-point win (closed the game on a 16-7 run in the final six minutes) over the rival Hilltoppers in Bowling Green this past Saturday.
MTSU is now at home for four of its last six league games. The Blue Raiders are 9-2 at home this season and 4-1 in the Murphy Center in CUSA play.
LA Tech leads the all-time series against Middle Tennessee, 16-8. The two programs first played way back in 1959 and later played twice every season from 1987-90 before becoming league foes in the Sun Belt for one year (2000- 01) prior to the Bulldogs leaving to join the WAC.
The Bulldogs and Blue Raiders became league foes again in CUSA in 2013. Since then, LA Tech owns a 9-6 advantage in the series including a 75-69 earlier this season in Ruston. LA Tech has had moderate success against MTSU in the Murphy Center, winning five of the 10 matchups. The series is 3-3 in Murfreesboro since joining CUSA.
Grambling State’s Cameron Hill named the SWAC Co-Hitter of the Week while Trey Bridges was tabbed as the SWAC Co-Newcomer of the Week by the conference om Wednesday afternoon.
Hill was dominant at the plate during GSU’s trip to Cactus Jack HBCU Classic on opening weekend. The Jackson, Miss. native drove in 12 runs, including an 11 RBI game that included two home runs and two doubles in a 20-10 win over rival Southern on Saturday. He batted .428 during the event.
Bridges, also a native of Jackson, Miss., batted .500 over the weekend with two doubles, a triple and five RBI. He also scored five runs and registered three steals.
Minnie Marie Adams March 29, 1926 – February 13, 2025 Visitation: Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Mt Tabor Baptist Church, 132 Mount Tabor Church Road, Bernice Funeral Service: Saturday, February 22, 2025, 10:00 AM, Mt Tabor Baptist Church, 132 Mount Tabor Church Road, Bernice Cemetery Committal: Saturday, February 22, 2025, Mt. Tabor Cemetery, 132 Mount Tabor Church Rd, Bernice
In light of winter weather temperatures, both Cedar Creek and Lincoln Prep will close their campuses today. See the messages below sent to families.
All other schools and universities in the Lincoln Parish will remain open.
“Cedar Creek Campus is closed Wednesday. Middle and high school students will have virtual learning. Students should check FACTS for more information.”
“Due to pending inclement weather, Lincoln Prep will have a virtual learning day on Wednesday, February 19th. We will continue to monitor the weather for the remainder of the week. Please make sure students complete their assignments. Thank you!”
Retiring Ruston Police Chief Steve Rogers, Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker and Interim Police Chief Chad Hamlin
by Wesley Harris
Ruston Police Deputy Chief Chad Hamlin has been selected by Mayor Ronny Walker to serve as interim chief until a permanent appointment of one of the 10 aspiring candidates is approved by the city council. Chief Steve Rogers is retiring after 20 years with RPD and 17 as chief.
Hamlin, 46, is a Grambling native who has served with RPD since 2007. He spent his first four years as a patrol officer before being promoted to sergeant and later to lieutenant. He also served as a crime investigator for several years. In his current position, Hamlin oversees training and public information, and more recently, took over RPD’s patrol division after an another deputy chief retired.
Walker said Tuesday morning that retirement for Rogers will be official Friday. Hamlin will be sworn in at noon that day.
The temporary appointment was necessary because of the delay in receiving scores from the police chief exam given by the Office of State Examiner in January, Walker said.
“Due to the fact we did not get our test scores back in a timely manner from the state, we’ve had to push our interviews back,” Walker said.
Despite the delay, Walker said he believes he will be able to recommend a candidate at the next city council meeting.
Eleven candidates took the exam with 10 receiving passing scores. Walker said he has already scheduled interviews with the 10 candidates which include eight current RPD members and two external candidates, both of whom served with RPD in the past.
Hamlin is one of the 10 eligible candidates vying for the permanent job as chief.
Walker and a team of city staff members who have helped in management level interviews in the past will meet with each candidate in the next few days. The mayor said there may be a second round of interviews, but he will not make a decision on that until later in the process.
That committee is comprised of Beth Bennett, Assistant to the Mayor; Matt Cotton, Sports Complex Director; Julie Keen, Finance Director; Kevin McGivney, Public Works Operations Manager; and Angie Robinson, HR Director.
Walker explained the plan is to recommend a candidate at the March 3 city council meeting. The position requires approval by a majority of council members.
Hamlin thanked the mayor for the opportunity to serve as the interim.
“I appreciate the opportunity, no matter how long it is,” Hamlin said. “As Chief [Rogers] said, there are good people in the department who work hard every day.”
Rogers told the media Tuesday morning, “It’s been a good ride.”
Rogers praised the good people he has worked with as chief, saying, “[The staff] has worked well together and we need to continue that [under the new chief].”
A reception will be held for Rogers from 3-5 p.m. Thursday at the Civic Center Peach Room.
Malcolm Butler contributed to this article.
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Ruston Police arrested a local man last week after he was allegedly spotted shoplifting by a manager at the Walmart Neighborhood Market.
Adrian Jackson was arrested February 14 on several charges after Walmart reported he not only committed a theft but had been previously barred from the property because of earlier incidents of shoplifting.
Officers responded to find Jackson being detained. He is under permanent ban from all Walmart properties because of shoplifting. The manager said Jackson had also been seen shoplifting on February 9.
When police took Jackson in the custody, a glass smoking pipe containing suspected cocaine residue was found on him.
Jackson was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for two counts of theft by shoplifting, possession of drug paraphernalia, and remaining on premises after being forbidden. His bail was set at $4,000.
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.
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A Ruston man was arrested at the QuikTrip convenience store on the South Service Road in Ruston last week.
Jamarius Williams, 34, reportedly caused a disturbance, knocking over a display stand and throwing a cup of coffee.
When officers approached Williams, he admitted he was banned from the property. After his arrest, he told officers he had some “mojo” in his pants pocket. An envelope of suspected marijuana was recovered.
Williams was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for a possession of marijuana, disturbing the peace, and remaining on premises after being forbidden.
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.
