A Dubach man who possibly overdosed during a traffic stop was treated at the hospital and later released to be booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
Kenyotta M. Wilson, 42, was stopped by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office on March 14 after the license plate on his vehicle show that it was not insured.
The deputy also found Wilson’s driver’s license was under suspension. During the stop, the deputy’s investigation lead him to search Wilson’s vehicle. During the search, the deputy found a package of syringe needles, a device used to roll marijuana cigarettes, rolling papers, and a small amount of suspected methamphetamine.
As the deputy was completing the search, Wilson’s demeanor changed significantly. He began sweating profusely to the point perspiration was puddling on the ground, as well as wild emotional swings from calmness to crying and screaming. Wilson complained about his chest burning, and the deputy concluded he may have swallowed contraband to prevent it from being discovered.
While waiting for an ambulance to respond, Wilson told an officer, “I don’t know what I took, but it’s got my chest burning.” An ambulance transported Wilson to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center where he was treated and released. He was then booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, and no liability insurance.
Wilson’s bail was set at $12,000.
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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(Pictured L to R: Coach Jeremy Hebert, Owen Hebert, Coach Casey Jackson, Coach Joey Lopez)
Special to the LPJ
BATON ROUGE, La. – In a historic first season, Triad Wrestling Club made an impressive statement at the Louisiana State Championships at the Canes River Center in Baton Rouge, sending 11 wrestlers to compete at the highest level in the state. The club capped off its debut season with a monumental achievement—Owen Hebert clinching the 14U state championship.
“This season has been incredible,” said Triad Wrestling Club Head Coach Jeremy Hebert. “From kids trying wrestling for the first time to months of dedicated training and competing at a new level, every single athlete showed determination and growth. Stepping onto the mats at the state tournament was a major milestone, and I couldn’t be prouder of our wrestlers, parents, and coaches who helped make our inaugural season a success.”
Among the highlights of the tournament, Connor Jackson and Brant Youngblood picked up key victories, a testament to the hard work put in by all of the club’s athletes. For Hebert, the journey from not placing at last year’s state tournament to winning a championship this year underscores the power of dedication and perseverance.
“This shows that putting in the time and effort pays off,” Coach Hebert added. “But winning isn’t just about trophies or podiums—it’s about stepping on the mat again and again, learning and growing with each match.”
Looking ahead, Triad Wrestling Club is already making plans to expand, with goals to establish middle school and high school wrestling teams in the near future.
For more information on Triad Wrestling Club and how to get involved, please contact Jeremy Hebert by email at jeremyandlinzie@gmail.com
RUSTON, La. — An eight-run inning in the bottom of the fifth secured a 13-3 win over third-ranked in Division II, Select, Loyola Prep (14-7) Monday night at home for the Ruston High Bearcats (15-6, 5-0 District 2-5A) — a win that now extends the current winning streak to 12 games in a row.
“This was another good ball club and early week win for us,” Ruston High head coach Bryan Beck said. “They’re a young club, but they’re really good. They’re really well coached, and they came over to play. We were a little flat early — it was ugly in the beginning, and we weren’t playing good baseball. But we were able to get to (their starting pitcher), we got into their bullpen and broke the game open. We’ll take the win — anytime you can win, it’s a good win.”
After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, Ruston answered with a one-out single by sophomore John Parker Moak with a single into center field to score junior Jackson Lee from first base to tie the score 1-1.
Ruston added two more runs in the bottom of the second after Lee singled to third base to score junior Hudson Wood with two outs. Lee would later steal home near the end of the inning to give Ruston a 3-1 lead.
Loyola would respond with a run in the top of the third to cut the lead to 3-2, but the Bearcats would extend their lead by two more runs in the bottom of the fourth. With two runners in scoring position and one out, junior Nolan Parnell hit a line drive single to center both Lee and senior Peyton Martin for a 5-2 lead.
The Fliers would get one more run to cut into Ruston’s lead at 5-3 in the top of the fifth, but the eight-run inning by the Bearcats led to the run-rule win.
Lee would hit a sacrifice fly for Ruston to center field and score senior Jake Simmons for the first out in the bottom of the stanza, putting Ruston up 6-3. Martin would single in the next at-bat to score Wood, and after a walk by Moak to load the bases, Parnell would take a walk in his plate appearance to score junior Jackson Burroughs and give Ruston an 8-3 lead. Senior Carter Love would follow with a sacrifice fly to center and score Martin for the 9-3 score.
Loyola’s pitcher would then commit a balk, scoring Moak from third base and putting Ruston up 10-3. After being brought in as a pinch runner, sophomore Michael Brisco would steal third base and the get home on an error to put Ruston up 11-3. Simmons would add a bunt single in the next at-bat to put freshman Dalen Powell on third base, who came in as a pinch runner for junior Lander Smith after he singled in the previous at-bat. Powell would then score on a steal to home plate, putting Ruston up 12-3.
Finally, Lee connected on his third hit of the night to bring home Simmons and end the game 13-3.
Senior Eli Crawford got the start on the night for Ruston on the mound, pitching 2.0 innings and striking out two batters before heading out with should discomfort. Sophomore Peyton Nations came in from the bullpen and finished the game, striking out two Flier batters, as well.
“We were being precautionary with Eli,” Beck said. “(Athletic trainer) Coach Chris Brister wanted to go ahead and get him out.”
Lee led the team with his three hits while collecting three RBIs. Parnell added three RBIs, as well, for the Bearcats. Martin, Love and Smith all had multiple hits on the night.
“Almost everybody in our lineup had a hit in the game for us,” Beck said. “A couple were multi-hit, but we just have to start better against good teams down the road.”
The Bearcats will return to action against Glenbrook on the road.
“It’s another good opponent for us,” Beck said. “Glenbrook has already beaten Loyola a couple of weeks ago. We’ll have to get ready to play, and we need to be sharp, focused and ready to go.”
A Simsboro man was arrested last Monday after he was stopped for a traffic violation and drugs were found in his vehicle.
Stephen W. Kirk, 53, was stopped March 17 for crossing the center line into the opposing lane twice on Rodgers Road. The deputy who stopped Kirk saw a marijuana cigarette in plain view inside the vehicle. A records check showed Kirk was wanted for failure to appear in Ruston City Court on a speeding charge.
A search of the vehicle located a green jewelry box containing suspected methamphetamine and a glass smoking pipe. When questioned, Kirk said both the marijuana cigarette and the methamphetamine were left in his vehicle by passengers earlier in the day.
Kirk was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, improper lane usage, and the Ruston City Court warrant. Bail was set at $4,500.
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.
Before most students roll out of bed, the staff at Tech Table is already at work, preparing to feed the Louisiana Tech campus. Serving nearly 12,000 students may seem daunting, but the cafeteria staff handles it with grace. These unsung campus heroes juggle countless responsibilities, and while their efforts often go unnoticed, Louisiana Tech would not be the same without them.
Jessy Tucker, lead utility for the dish room, plays a crucial role in keeping the cafeteria running smoothly.
“I double-check the guys in the front of the house to the back of the house. I make sure the tables and utensils are properly wiped down,” Tucker said.
When talking about their daily responsibilities, the staff describe the job as having many components, ranging from preparing ingredients to cleaning dishes.
First, the staff must check inventory, ensure all ingredients are fresh, prepare their stations, clean, prep the food and then get ready for opening.
The cafeteria staff also spoke about the challenges that they have encountered with the job. Johnny Wincer, who has been steadfastly serving the campus for over 56 years, said, “Some days, some people may not be up for it, but as a team, we get it done.”
Another staff member, Kattie Witherspoon, a residential dining manager who has been with Aramark at Louisiana Tech for 14 years, discussed the challenges she faces at campus.
“A lot of people just look at us as a cafeteria. We do some pretty intricate recipes, and I think we serve a lot of good food,” said Witherspoon.
The cafeteria staff has also witnessed and made countless memories with the staff.
Tucker said, “The people, the different attitudes, and you know you can see someone having a bad day when they come in, and they see you, and that changes.”
Tucker also expressed his love for the diversity on campus adding, “You meet different people all around the world.”
One of Witherspoon’s favorite aspects of the job is watching students grow throughout their time at Tech.
“The students — just seeing them as freshmen and then to their senior year, and as they spend their time here, we get to see them move on to their next chapter,” Witherspoon said.
She also highlighted the importance of the cafeteria as a space for students to unwind.
She said, “It’s their one place that they can just relax.”
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.
Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Tuesday, March 25 3-6 p.m.: Ribbon cutting for Gibsland Bank, 305 S. Vienna St. 6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Wednesday, March 26 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
Thursday, March 27 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6-8 p.m.: Tacos with Tacos de Guero (Ruston Farmers Market)
Friday, March 28 1-5 p.m.: How to Fund Your Business Workshop (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball 7 p.m.: 4th Friday Jazz (Dixie Center)
Saturday, March 29 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 2 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Sunday, March 30 1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Monday, March 31 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Tuesday, April 1 6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (410 S. Farmerville St.)
Wednesday, April 2 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
Thursday, April 3 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6 p.m.: Bagel Boss (Ruston Farmers Market) 7 p.m.: RCT presents “Southern Hospitality” (Dixie Theatre)
Friday, April 4 3 p.m.: GSU softball 6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball 6 p.m.: LA Tech softball 7 p.m.: RCT presents “Southern Hospitality” (Dixie Theatre)
Saturday, April 5 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market Noon: GSU softball 2 p.m.: LA Tech softball 2 p.m.: LA Tech baseball 7 p.m.: RCT presents “Southern Hospitality” (Dixie Theatre)
Sunday, April 6 1 p.m.: LA Tech softball 1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball 2 p.m.: RCT presents “Southern Hospitality” (Dixie Theatre)
Monday, April 7 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
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.
In the 1980s, Jay Winsten, a public health professor at Harvard got interested in the idea of a “designated driver.” He’d picked up the concept in Scandinavia where it was the norm. At the time, the concept did not exist in the US. None of us knew what a designated driver was.
Winsten and his team at Harvard made it a goal to create a social norm in the United States: If you are going out drinking, you would pick a designated driver who would commit not to drink for the evening. How do you create a social norm out of thin air? Winsten’s inspiration was that you could make the behavior contagious by repeatedly exposing people to it, in many different contexts, even if those contexts were fictional.
Winsten and his team collaborated with producers, writers, and actors from more than 160 prime time TV programs, sprinkling designated-driver moments naturally into the plots. Segments featuring designated drivers appeared on Hunter, The Cosby Show, Mr. Belvedere, and Who’s the Boss? On one episode of the smash-hit L.A. Law, the heartthrob lawyer played by Harry Hamlin asked a bartender to call his designated driver. A designated-driver poster appeared in the bar on Cheers.
Winsten’s plea to the media was for “five seconds” of dialogue about a designated driver. He didn’t want a full episode or even a whole scene. He simply wanted the words mentioned repeatedly. Grant Tinker said about it, “Considering the simplicity of it all, it was very hard for us to feel our independence was being challenged.”
In 1991, three years after the campaign launched, nine out of 10 people were familiar with the term designated driver. And they were behaving differently as a result. Thirty-seven percent of all Americans reported having acted as designated drivers, and 54% of frequent drinkers had been driven home by one. The behavioral change saved lives. Alcohol related traffic fatalities declined from 23,626 in 1988 to 17,858 in 1992.
I want you to ponder this under the rubric of “words create reality.” A new reality was created when two words were used repeatedly in the media. This is a positive story about words creating reality. I’m sure you can think of the other side of this issue where words create another reality when they become a constant drumbeat in the media.
What words have created your reality?
Better yet, whose words have created your reality?
Those words are changing your life.
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.
Jordan Marshall scored 19 points and pulled down 14 rebounds. (Photo by Josh McDaniel)
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Robyn Lee and Jordan Marshall had double-doubles to lead Louisiana Tech to a 71-64 win over Texas Southern on Monday night inside the Thomas Assembly Center.
Both players finished with 19 points while Marshall had 14 rebounds and Lee finished with 11. Four other Lady Techsters (17-15) finished with seven or more points.
Tech played without starting point guard Jianna Morris, ruled out right before the game due to illness.
“I’m really proud of this group,” said head coach Brooke Stoehr. “Anytime you can get a meaningful win in March, and you’re still playing on March 24th, that’s a big deal. I’m really happy that this young group got a post-season win and proud of them. We played without our starting point guard. We’ve had the same starting lineup all year, and two hours before the game, we don’t have her.
“We had some people that stepped up. Sidney Thomas was tremendous defensively for us, hit a big three, and brought a lot of energy to our group. But especially these two (Jordan Marshall and Robyn Lee) on the boards, we had three and double figures rebounding.”
Isla Airey gave LA Tech the lead on the very first possession of the game. Texas Southern’s (17-16) defense held Tech without a field goal for nearly two minutes to grab a 6-4 lead. That is when Marshall and Lee took over. The duo combined for 10 points in a 12-2 run to close out the quarter, including a buzzer-beater by Marshall.
The Techsters extended the run to 20-4 early in the second. Lee stole the ball and raced down the court for a layup. On the very next possession, Lee took the ball away again and this time, Sydney Thomas finished at the rim and forced the Lady Tigers to call a timeout.
TSU responded with a 16-5 run of their own to pull within two before Marshall’s layup, which gave Tech a 31-27 lead heading into the locker room.
The visitors opened the third with five straight points to gain a 32-31 lead. That didn’t last long as Robyn Lee got to the rim to put Tech back into the lead.
While Marshall and Lee did the heavy lifting on the offensive end, Airey was a force down low. One of the top shot blockers in the nation showed why with four blocks in the third quarter.
With LA Tech holding on to a 49-45 lead heading into the final stanza, the Lady Techsters used scoring from six players to help close out the game. A 3-pointer by Sydney Thomas at the seven-minute mark put Tech up 58-50 and TSU would not get any closer than six the rest of the way.
Louisiana Tech shot 46.6 percent from the field (27-58) but just 20.0 percent from behind the arc (2-10) and 68.2 percent from the line (15-22). Paris Bradley had nine points and 10 rebounds, while Airey had nine points, six boards and five blocks. Averi Aaron had eight points and Thomas added seven for the Techsters.
Texas Southern finished 33.3 percent for the game (24-72), 20.0 percent from deep (4-20) and 75 from the charity stripe (12-16). Tech won the rebounding battle 51-32.
“We knew rebounding against them was going to be a huge factor,” said Stoehr. “We needed every one of those extra possessions from the rebounds and limiting their extra possessions because we turned it over.
“Not as clean and sharp with the basketball tonight as we needed to be. But it’s March, and you’re trying to survive in advance. I’m happy for this group to be able to play in front of a great crowd tonight, and hopefully another good one on Wednesday night.”
Aylasia Fantroy led the way with 16 points for the Lady Tigers. Jaida Belton had a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards. Daeja Holmes and Treasure Thompson were the other two in double figures at 11 and 10, respectively.
Louisiana Tech will host Lindenwood on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Super 16 of the postseason WNIT at the Thomas Assembly Center on ESPN+.
The Diamond ‘Dogs (14-10, 2-1 CUSA) return to the Love Shack to kickstart a four-game homestand tonight when they play host to the nearby Grambling State Tigers (9-13, 5-1 SWAC). First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
The contest can be heard on 97.7 FM and seen on ESPN+.
The upcoming contest marks the 34th time the two programs meet since their first matchup on April 9, 1971, when Louisiana Tech won 8-0 in a seven-inning game played at a neutral site in Baton Rouge. The Bulldogs are currently riding a 28-game winning streak against the Tigers, with Grambling’s last win over Tech dating back to March 1, 2005, with the Tigers taking a close 10-9 victory in Ruston.
The Diamond ‘Dogs are coming off a 3-1 week including a series win to open Conference USA play over Sam Houston on the road. Garrison Berkley posted a career day at the plate in Sunday’s rubber match, going 4-5 with a pair of homers, a double, three RBI and four runs scored. Thaxton Berch also belted his first career homer in Sunday’s 9-7 win.
Grambling State enters Tuesday’s contest as one of the SWAC’s top teams, currently sitting in a tie for the top spot with Bethune Cookman at a 5-1 conference record. The Tigers are coming off a series win over Texas Southern despite suffering their first SWAC loss in Sunday’s series finale. Grambling won Friday’s series opener, 12-7, before exploding in a 15-5 eight-inning run rule victory on Saturday. They fell short of a sweep after dropping Sunday’s contest, 19-10.
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Softball
Louisiana Tech softball will begin a five-game road trip tonight as the Bulldogs travel to Natchitoches to take on Northwestern State for the second time this season. First pitch from Lady Demon Diamond is slated for 6:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
This will be the 115th meeting all-time between LA Tech and NSU as the Bulldogs hold a 63-52 advantage. LA Tech took down NSU 9-1 in five innings in early February at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.
The Bulldogs and Demons first met in 1980 with NSU winning the first four contests. Tech won 14 straight over NSU from 1986-89. The two programs have played each other every season since 1985 expect 2010 and 2020.
LA Tech (19-11) is coming off its eighth consecutive win after sweeping its second straight Conference USA series this past weekend. The Bulldogs defeated MTSU 7-2, 8-7, and 4-3 while outhitting the Blue Raiders 35-13.
The Bulldogs finished with 10+ hits all three games against MTSU as Nicole Hammoude paced the team with six hits in nine at bats. Gilio went 5-for-11 at the dish with four RBI and three runs scored. Allie Furr and Heng both registered five hits in the series while Heng tacked on five runs to her stat line. Allie Floyd added three more wins to her name after earning victories in all three games against the Blue Raiders, moving to a league leading 15-5 on the season with a league high 118 strikeouts in 114.0 innings of work.
The Demons (3-27, 0-9) enter Tuesday’s contest with a 3-27 record after dropping their last 10 games. NSU went 2-3 in the Mississippi State Bulldog Invite and took down the host team No. 20 Mississippi State 5-0 to close the tournament and have not won since.
Funeral service for Dr. Jerald “Jerry” / “Doc” Johnson, 84, of Ruston, LA will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Interment will follow at Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens.
Officiating the service will be Brother Bill Reid and Brother Ronnie Sanders. A visitation will be held prior to the service at Calvary Baptist Church on March 26, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Jared E. and Pearl Johnson, and brother Dennis Carl Johnson.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife Carol T. Johnson of Ruston, LA; sons: Joel Johnson and wife Karla of Calhoun, LA; Jackson Matthews and wife Stephanie of Ruston, LA; siblings: Donella Carpenter and husband Jim of Springfield, MO; Zeta Proskocil and husband Rich of Mondamin, IA; Tom Johnson and wife Donna of Chesapeake, VA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
Jerry volunteered for many years at Rolling Hills and at Christian Community Action. He was a member of Ruston Lions Club. Jerry was a fourth-grade teacher and got his bachelor’s at Northwest Missouri State University, his master’s at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and his Doctorate in Education from McNeese State University.
He was National Teacher of the Year for A. E. Phillips in 1998 and 1999, National Teacher of the Year for Lincoln Parish in 1999; and National Teacher of the Year in Region One in 1999. Jerry taught 41 years, with almost 30 of those years at A. E. Phillips. He was a lay preacher in the Presbyterian Church and currently a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Chuck Hixon, Terry Havins, Steve Basco, Jackie James, Jerry Houston, Kirk Taylor, Bill Tatum, and Cary Tolar.
Planned memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or Christian Community Action.
Shirley Jean Dring March 23, 1950 – March 20, 2025 Graveside service: 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Simsboro City Cemetery
Donald Wayne Colvin May 9, 1947 — Saturday, March 22, 2025 Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Temple Baptist Church in the Fellowship Hall Funeral service: 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in the Fellowship Hall of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston Burial: Following the service at Cook Cemetery
Daphne Elizabeth Jewell April 24, 1951 – March 22, 2025 Celebration of Life: Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 2:00 PM, Episcopal Church of The Redeemer, 504 Tech Drive, Ruston Visitation: Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Haskell Hall
Johnston & Murphy Dental Care once again provided local children with free dental care and education during its annual “Give Kids a Smile Day.”
For the fourth annual event, the dental practice served 48 children from Ruston Elementary School, offering cleanings, X-rays, dental exams and instruction on taking care of their oral health.
Each year, the team at Johnston & Murphy dedicates this day to hosting third graders for a fun, educational experience focused on oral health. Along the way, students enjoyed activities, games and prizes. Two school busloads of children were greeted at the door with vibrant blue and yellow signs, a balloon arch, upbeat music and an enthusiastic staff.
Over 50 volunteers worked together to make the day special. Johnston & Murphy thanked volunteers from from the Lincoln Rotary Club, Louisiana Tech Pre-Dental Society, Northern Louisiana Medical Center, the Lincoln Parish Library, the Ruston Daily Leader, Trustwell Living at Russ Place and students from the ULM Dental Hygiene Clinic.
Johnston and Murphy Marketing Director, Amanda DeMoss, shared her gratitude in being a part of the team.
“I am truly grateful to work alongside too incredibly generous dentists. Their willingness to provide free dental care and education to so many children is a testament to their kindness and commitment to our community,” DeMoss said. “It brings me great joy to see our staff and volunteers come together, creating an event that not only impacts these children today, but equips them with knowledge and habits that will benefit them for a lifetime. Being part of this mission is an honor and I couldn’t be more proud of the work we all do together.”
Volunteers from Louisiana Tech, “Tech Buddies” escorted students throughout the event, while Johnston & Murphy staff provided the clinical services. Two volunteers from the ULM Dental Hygiene Program also assisted.
ULM Dental Hygiene Student, Julianna McMillan, shared about her experience in jumping in to help with the event.
“When I arrived, Mrs Amanda showed me around. I got assigned to a young boy and he got his teeth cleaned so I sat with him while he got his dental work done,” McMillan said. “It was fun getting to know him and helping teach him about taking care of his teeth. I’m in hygiene school right now and that’s a huge part of what we do, teach patients about home care. I really liked all of the stations. He enjoyed the cleaning and getting to meet the doctor. He was talking about going home and teaching his siblings what he learned. So I felt like it was awesome experience.”
Along with cleanings, X-rays, and dental care, the event featured educational stations where students learned about proper dental hygiene and earned prizes for their participation. The Lincoln Rotary Club provided volunteers to run the stations, which included a brushing and flossing tutorial, a nutrition station with a science experiment, a lesson on how cavities form, featuring a slime-making activity, and even a dress-up station where students could pretend to be dentists. The Lincoln Parish Library hosted a station where students read books and completed a craft.
Lincoln Rotary Club President, Victoria Sullivan expressed the club’s willingness and desire to participate each year.
“We’re always really glad to support Dr. Murphy and all that he does as a member of our club,” Sullivan said. “Lincoln Rotary is proud to supply volunteers to run the education stations. We’re happy to play a small part in such a great big event.”
Dr. Murphy started the “Give Kids a Smile Day” event four years ago, inspired by mission trips where he helped provide dental care to children and families. He wanted to bring the concept of free dental care home to help students who may not otherwise receive it.
Murphy highlighted the importance of offering this experience to children at a young age.
“It’s an event that we look forward to every year. Trying to instill some good fundamental oral practices in kids is essential,” Murphy said. “Hopefully they are able to avoid some decay and other issues in their formative years. If we can teach them these skills while they’re young, they can bring them home and teach their siblings and family.”
Dr. Johnston expressed his thoughts on the annual event and how it affects the children.
“Dr. Murphy brought back this amazing idea from Romania. Ever since then it’s been really gratifying for all of us, including the staff to be able to work on these kids,” Johnston said. “They soak everything up, they’re so receptive and so kind. I think they benefit from this and I feel like we’re planting those seeds to show them how to prevent decay.”
An 18-wheeler traveling westbound on I-20 this morning lost part of its load causing flat tires and other damage to more than a dozen vehicles.
According to newly appointed Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson, at 5:54 a.m. on Friday the truck lost part of “an unsecure load” consisting of metal beams.
Vehicles traveling behind the 18-wheeler westbound ran over the lost payload causing various levels of damage, including flat tires, bent rims, and some undercarriage damage.
Multiple Ruston Police Department units responded and many of the impacted vehicles had to be towed from the scene. No injuries were reported.
“The 18 wheeler lost some debris and multiple cars hit it, causing blow outs,” said Watson, who said at least 15 vehicles had been impacted by the incident.
According to Watson, the driver of the 18-wheeler continued down the road before stopping to secure the load. He then continued on.
As of the time of this story, authorities had not been able to locate the 18-wheeler.
“We got a description of (the truck), but the person giving us the description couldn’t give us a license plate number,” said Watson. “He continue westbound. Our officers called ahead trying to get him identified and stopped, but as of right now, it hasn’t happened.”
Watson said originally reports were conflicting to what the 18-wheeler had actually lost, but ultimately it was steel pipe.
It’s been 30 years and one day since I got the phone call that no one ever wants to get.
March 23, 1995.
I was working graveyards in the computing center at Lincoln General Hospital (now Northern Louisiana Medical Center).
Graveyards is a good term for it. I was not built to be awake in the middle of the night (and at times I wasn’t, but that’s a story for another day).
On this particular night, I was awake and reading a Lewis Grizzard book. I don’t remember exactly which one. And trying to stomach some coffee (only time in my life I ever tried to drink coffee) to help me stay vertical.
The office phone rang; keep in mind that this was before cell phones. I figured it was one of the nurses stations calling about a computer issue. Or maybe my good friend Paul, who worked the switch board at the hospital for years.
It was neither of those things. I wish it had been.
On the other end of the line was my mother. Her voice shaking to the point I could barely make out what she was saying. But I obviously knew something was wrong. It took me a couple of times asking her to repeat herself for me to finally understand.
Heck, as I think back, maybe she was talking clearly, and I wasn’t wanting to understand.
The Dallas police had just left her apartment after informing her that my sister, Lucia, had been killed in a one-car wreck. Alcohol was involved.
Lucia was just a week away from turning 27 years old. She would be a week away from turning 57 if she was still alive.
________________________________
Lucia had moved to Dallas a few months earlier. She was living with my mom as she started a new job. She was beautiful. Full of life. Loved horses and the outdoors. And people loved her.
But she and my brother-in-law Clark had separated, and I wasn’t happy about it. Heck. I wasn’t happy with her.
Clark and I were like brothers. We were both sports fanatics. We played slow pitch softball together. We did a lot of things together.
In fact, I was so mad at the situation that I hardly spoke to Lucia the last three or four months of her life. Man, does life have a way of making you wish you had do-overs sometimes.
Lucia had gone to a bar with a friend that night. There, they met some friends of Lucia’s new friend. Evidently when it came time to leave, Lucia wasn’t ready to go. So she stayed, knowing she would catch a ride home with her newest friends.
Too many drinks. A new sports car. And liquid stupidity cost three people their lives that night. Police said based on the skid marks and the condition and location of the car, the car had to be going over 100 miles per hour when it left the road.
Everyone was killed … except the driver. He walked away from the crash almost unscathed.
I never blamed him. Not completely. Lucia had made a poor decision. All four people in the vehicle made a poor decision. And it cost three of them their lives.
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Following the phone call, the next few hours were a blur and still are. I think I was in shock. Had to be. I remember calling my boss to tell him I had to leave and why. I remember driving to my grandparent’s house on Pinewood Lane and waking both of them up to tell them in person. I called my dad.
I remember trying to find Clark. Honestly, I can’t remember if I did that before or after telling my grandparents. Clark lived in Ruston on Sybil Street. He wasn’t at his apartment; turns out the Ruston PD had come over to inform him and he had left to go to a friend’s house.
I called the mom of Lucia’s best friend in Ruston. I didn’t want Lee Anne to hear it off the street, but by that point I didn’t have the emotional bandwidth to be the one who told her.
As soon as the sun came up, I rode with my grandparents to Dallas to pick up my mom and bring her back to Ruston. What a long, draining day. It’s a day that I hope no one ever has to experience.
Unfortunately, my story isn’t unique. Sure, it may have some uniqueness to it, but it’s a call that thousands upon thousands of people have received. It’s a day that too many people have experienced.
I don’t write this to get people’s sympathy. Trust me. I came to terms with this a long, long time ago. But I work around college students daily. I see the DWI stories in the Lincoln Parish Journal daily. The young. The old. Heck, those are the lucky people (if they learn from their mistake).
But every year on this anniversary I post photos of Lucia on my Facebook page with a brief synopsis of what happened on March 23, 1995. It’s a way for me to remember her. And more importantly, it’s a way for me to honor her life by trying to prevent someone – anyone – from repeating her mistake.
Thirty years numbs the pain and clouds over some of the details. But it will never completely erase the memories of that call and of the news that changed my family’s life in so many ways.
A mom and dad lost a daughter. A brother lost his only sister. And friends lost a friend.
And all because of a poor, yet permanent, decision.
Johnny Simmons (left) is pictured coaching alongside Lincoln Prep boys basketball coach Antonio Hudson. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
Lincoln Preparatory School has announced the new leadership for its athletics department and football team, with Johnny Simmsons being named Interim Athletics Director and Chaunce Davision taking over as Interim Head Football Coach for the Panthers.
Those two fill the void left by the dismissal of Glen Hall, who held both roles at Lincoln Prep, earlier this week.
“Both of these outstanding leaders bring a wealth of experience, deep-rooted dedication, and a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the field,” said Lincoln Prep Acting CEO/Executive Director Crystal Washington.
Simmons, who is in his third year at Lincoln Prep as an assistant basketball coach/special education teacher, is no stranger to the area as a former assistant coach for the Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team and head coach at Union Parish (Farmerville) High School and Bernice High School.
His high school career coaching record stands at 365 wins and 175 losses with six district Coach of the Year Awards, five district championships and a State-Runner-up title in 2013.
Simmons has also served as an assistant coach at Southern and Louisiana-Lafayette universities and has more than 32 years of coaching experience overall with an extensive background in player development, recruiting, and program management.
“Those skills will be instrumental in advancing our athletic department, ensuring our student-athletes have the resources and mentorship needed to thrive,” Washington said. “ His proven leadership at both the high school and collegiate levels speaks volumes about his ability to foster excellence in sports and academics.”
As a college assistant Simmons signed two nationally ranked recruiting classes and recruited three conference Freshman of the Year honorees.
Davison has served as an assistant football coach since returning to Lincoln Prep in 2016, initially coaching the offensive and defensive lines before serving the last two years as defensive coordinator.
A graduate of Grambling High School, where he played from 1994 to 1997 under the guidance of Greg “Big Coach” Williams, Davison attended LSU and graduated from Grambling State with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a Master’s degree in Sports Management.
Davison served an internship under late Coach Billy Laird and Ruston High School before taking over as offensive line coach at Union Christian Academy in Farmerville from 2010 to 2012 before moving on to serve as offensive line coach at Lake Providence (General Trass) High School from 2012 to 2014.
He then served in that same role at Tioga High School before joining Lincoln Prep when that school opened in 2016.
“Coach Davison’s unwavering commitment to Lincoln Prep and his ability to cultivate talent and discipline within our football program make him an exceptional choice to lead our team,” Washington said. “His years of experience, strategic mindset, and devotion to our student-athletes will undoubtedly propel our football program to new heights.
“Congratulations to Coach Simmons and Coach Davison — we are confident that your leadership will leave a lasting impact on our school and our student-athletes for years to come.”
A citizen’s call prompted a DWI apprehension in Ruston last week.
At about 4 a.m. on March 14, Ruston Police responded to the Clinton Circle area of southeast Ruston regarding a property damage complaint. An officer spotted a vehicle matching the description of the suspect’s. The driver, Robert Grisby, 33, of Ruston, appeared to be impaired.
According to an officer’s report, Grisby performed poorly on field sobriety tests. His vehicle did not have a license plate or liability insurance, according to police.
Grisby was arrested and a search of the vehicle located a small amount of marijuana and open containers of alcohol. A breath test was administered at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center showing Grisby’s blood alcohol concentration to be .181g%.
Grisby was booked for first offense DWI, no driver’s license, no license plate, no liability insurance, open container, and position of marijuana. His bail was set at $1,500.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
A Dubach man was arrested by Louisiana State Police in Ruston last week after he was found to be in possession of drugs on a traffic stop.
Two troopers stopped a car with only one functioning headlight and excessively dark window tint on South Farmerville Street in Ruston about 10:30 p.m. on March 11. Quinjaret Jocorey Graham, 27, was a passenger in the vehicle.
When the driver exited the vehicle, he admitted to smoking marijuana and provided a trooper with a plastic bag containing suspected marijuana. Troopers saw thick white smoke coming from the vehicle as well as the odor of marijuana. Graham was directed out of the vehicle and was found in possession of a plastic bag containing suspected tramadol tablets. Graham claimed the tramadol but could not provide any proof of a prescription. He was arrested for a possession of tramadol and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
Bail for Graham was set at $12,500 but he is also being held for the Probation & Parole unit of the Louisiana Department of Corrections.
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.
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office has added new equipment to its law enforcement toolbox, including a high-tech drone with a thermal camera and 24 new body cameras for patrol deputies.
UPSO Sheriff Dusty Gates said these upgrades will improve search-and-rescue efforts, deputy accountability, and provide advanced technology for critical situations.
Gates emphasized the value of the new body cameras issued to each patrol deputy. “These cameras provide an extra layer of transparency and accountability,” Gates said. “They help protect both our deputies and the public by providing clear, reliable records of interactions in the field.”
Along with the body cameras, UPSO is introducing a new thermal drone to assist in search-and-rescue missions, suspect tracking, and emergency responses. The drone features a thermal sensor for detecting heat signatures, a spotlight for illumination, and a loudspeaker for voice communication, making it particularly effective for nighttime operations.
“This drone helps us see what we can’t from the ground,” said Gates. “With its thermal imaging capability, we can find missing people, track suspects, and assess dangerous situations faster than ever.”
Leading the newly formed UPSO Drone Team as chief pilot is Deputy Burt Green, who holds a Remote Pilot Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. Green, along with four other deputies, will receive specialized training to ensure the safe and effective operation of the drone.
“This technology gives us an extra set of eyes in the sky,” Green said. “It will be a great asset in emergency situations where time is critical.”
The body cameras and drone are part of UPSO’s efforts to modernize its operations and improve service to the parish. The UPSO Drone Team will begin using the drone in the coming weeks after training is completed and the new body cameras have already been issued to patrol deputies.
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.
MONROE, La. — Ruston High tallied another one into the win column Friday night after beating Neville 14-4 after six innings to extend the streak to 10 straight games and a perfect start in district play.
“It was another big win for us tonight going on the road and getting a win out at Neville,” Ruston High Head Coach Bryan Beck said. “The kids are playing well and the coaches are coaching well. It’s just a fun time to be a Bearcat.”
After a scoreless first inning for both teams, Ruston (16-6, 4-0 District 2-5A) put three runs on the board in the top of the second inning with junior Jackson Burroughs getting a bunt single and scoring junior Hudson Wood. Junior Jackson Lee would hit a ground ball into centerfield in the next at-bat, scoring senior Carter Love from third base. Senior Peyton Martin added another single afterward to score Burroughs and give Ruston a 3-0 lead.
The Bearcats put up another three-spot in the top of the third inning when sophomore John Parker Moak tripled to right field and scored sophomore Dillion Williams, who doubled in the previous at-bat. Junior Lander Smith then hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Moak from third to put the Bearcats up 5-0. Senior Jake Simmons would hit into a fielder’s choice three batters later to score Love and give Ruston the 6-0 lead.
After Neville responded with a four-run bottom of the third inning, the Bearcats plated another runner in the top of the fourth inning with two outs when Moak doubled to center field and scored Martin to go up 7-4.
The Bearcats then tacked on six more runs in the top of the fifth inning — all with two outs. After the ‘Cats loaded the bases, Martin would draw a full count walk and score Simmons. Freshman Dalen Powell would score in the next at-bat on a steal to home, and Moak would get his second double on the night with a fly into left field, scoring both Lee and Martin to go up 11-4. Smith would reach on an error in the next at-bat to score both Wood and Moak for the 13-4 lead.
Ruston would get the final run it needed for the run-rule win in the top of the sixth inning after sophomore Sam Hartwell grounded out to third base to score sophomore Michael Brisco for the 14-4 final score.
Moak led the team in hitting on the night, going 3-for-4 at the play and getting four RBI, while Martin drove home two on the night, as well. As a team, the ‘Cats finished with 13 hits while working 19 players into the lineup and five pitchers on the mound.
“We had a lot of guys play tonight, which was good for us,” Beck said. “We’re trying to look down the road, and hopefully, we’ll make the playoffs and have a good feel of what we want to do in a three-game series with our starting pitching and our bullpen. Although we know want to have good starting pitching, it’s good to know you can go into the bullpen at anytime in any situation and we’re starting to trust certain guys in those situations.”
Senior David Griep got the start, going 2.2 innings and striking out four batters before senior Sam Specht can in for relief for 1.2 innings and two strike outs. Senior Eli Crawford, Lee and sophomore Colt Lary all saw time on the mound, with Lary recording the final out of the game.
“Specht can come in really anytime against anybody and get you out of a jam,” Beck said. “He pitched really well. Crawford also gave us some work tonight — he’ll go again in either the Monday or Tuesday midweek game and start. Then Jackson Lee, our centerfielder — he’s a really good left-handed pitcher who can come in for us and get a lefty batter out, and then Lary got to come in and close it out for us for the last out.”
The team also honored National Down’s Syndrome Day by wearing matching yellow and blue socks, which was after honoring the Bearcat Buddies program the night before.
“That means so much to me and my family — my middle child Billy Jack has Down’s Syndrome, and they love him in the locker room,” Beck said. “And Colt’s sister, Andie — she has that as well. So it was an honor for me to give Colt the ball to get the last out of the game tonight for us. That was great for our kids to be part of.”
The Bearcats and Tigers will play the final game of the three-game series Saturday at 1 p.m. in a home game for Ruston for Alumni Day.
“We’re excited about the chance for a clean sweep,” Beck said.
(Ruston High baseball squad sporting matching socks in honor of National Down’s Syndrome Day)
3/22/25: Ruston 12, Neville 2
By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — Ruston High senior pitcher Carter Love pitched a complete game Saturday afternoon on Alumni Day for the Bearcats (17-6, 5-0 District 2-5A), leading the Firmly Founded to a 12-2 win and district sweep over the Neville Tigers while extending the current win streak to 11 victories in a row.
“Carter went the distance for us, and that was really good to see,” Ruston High head coach Bryan Beck said. “I’ve said multiple times that we need our starting pitching to go deep for us, and he was able to do that. Getting a sweep over the Neville Tigers is a really big deal, and that’s tough to do when you play your opponent three times in three days.
“We were on Spring Break this week, and I thought the kids had really good focus all week. I actually gave them the day off in the middle of the week, and the coaches and I were a little nervous about how that was going to go, but after the Sterlington win, we gave them the day off and had a JV night and the guys showed up and had a big time sweep.”
After Love’s first inning pitching put out all three Neville batters in the top of the frame, Ruston would get a two-RBI single from sophomore John Parker Moak with no outs to score both junior Jackson Lee and senior Peyton Martin for a 2-0 lead. Junior Nolan Parnell then added a double to center field to score Moak and put Ruston up 3-0.
Junior Kenden Freeman grounded out to shortstop later in the inning to score Parnell from third base with two outs. Finally, Lee would hit a single and score freshman Dalen Powell for a 5-0. Junior Hudson Wood would get thrown out at the plate going for home for the third out of the inning.
After a scoreless second inning for both teams, Neville put up two runs in the top of the third inning to cut the lead to 5-2. Ruston, however, added five more runs in the bottom of the third, beginning with junior Brooks Brown singling to right field and scoring Powell from third base. Freeman would draw a bases-loaded walk in the next at-bat, with sophomore Davis DeMoss stealing home in the following at-bat to put Ruston up 8-2.
Parnell would get a double later in the inning to score both Freeman and Lee to put Ruston up 10-2.
Ruston would add another run in the bottom of the fifth inning after Moak was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, putting Ruston up 11-2.
The Bearcats would get the final run needed in the bottom of the sixth inning following a lead-off triple by senior Caleb Hampton to right field with Wood getting the walk-off sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Hampton and giving Ruston the win.
Outside of his tremendous pitching, Love also went two-for-three at the plate after batting in the five-spot.
“It was all-around a good performance for Carter,” Beck said. “Just all phases seem to be working well for us right now. And I know I sound redundant when I say it, but I tell our kids, if we can have good starting pitching and hit the baseball in hitting counts and get good barrels, that’s all we’re asking our offense to do.”
Ruston would finished with another double-digit hitting performance — this time for 12 hits on the day, helped in large part by Parnell’s team-leading 3-for-4 at the plate.
“They’re just attacking strikes and putting good swings on the ball,” Beck said. “Good things are happening. Parnell had a really good week, and we’re really happy for him. He came off a leg injury from football, and he’s just a grinder. He’s a utility guy in the infield for us, so he can play third or first or anything like that.”
The Bearcats will have the chance to extend the streak in non-district play at home Monday against Loyola and then Tuesday at Glenbrook. The next district matchup for Ruston will be Alexandria Senior High next weekend.
“We’ll enjoy it for a couple of days, and then it’s right back to tough baseball — that’s how we like it,” Beck said. “We’re ready to make a run toward the second half of the season.”
Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Monday, March 24 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Tuesday, March 25 3-6 p.m.: Ribbon cutting for Gibsland Bank, 305 S. Vienna St. 6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball 6-8 p.m.: “Empty Chair Town Hall” for public to speak, write to members of Congress, hosted by Indivisible.North.LA (Ruston Library Events Center)
Wednesday, March 26 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
Thursday, March 27 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6-8 p.m.: Tacos with Tacos de Guero (Ruston Farmers Market)
Friday, March 28 1-5 p.m.: How to Fund Your Business Workshop (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball 7 p.m.: 4th Friday Jazz (Dixie Center)
Saturday, March 29 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 2 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Sunday, March 30 1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Monday, March 31 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Wednesday, April 2 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
Thursday, April 3 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
Saturday, April 5 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
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.
Louisiana Tech will host Texas Southern in the second round of the WNIT tonight at 6:30 p.m. inside the Thomas Assembly Center on ESPN+ with Malcolm Butler and Teddy Allen on the call.
The game can also be heard on 97.7 FM with Kyle Roberts providing a call of the action.
The winner will advance to the round of 16 and will face Lindenwood, who defeated Tarleton State on Sunday.
Tech leads the series 1-0 with the lone contest coming in 1993, a 99-57 Lady Techsters win.
Louisiana Tech (16-15, 8-10) is making a sixth trip to the WNIT and fifth time under head coach Brooke Stoehr. The Lady Techsters last played in the postseason tournament in the 2023 season and last hosted in 2022.
Averi Aaron had a spectacular four-game stretch to end the season. The freshman forward scored double in each contest, with 18 points against New Mexico State and 16 points against Liberty in the Conference USA Tournament. Aaron has also produced on the boards with four games of 5+ rebounds over the past five.
After a sensational freshman campaign, Bradley secured CUSA Freshman of the Year and First Team All-CUSA, the first Lady Techster to win Freshman of the Year since Erica Smith-Taylor in 2002 in the WAC.
Jordan Marshall is another freshman who has been playing at a high level all season. The 6-0 forward ranks third in CUSA in rebounds (246) and fourth in rebounds per game (8.5).
Texas Southern (17-15, 14-4) enters the second round after beating Saint Mary’s on Thursday. Aylasia Fantroy and Treasure Thompson lead seven Lady Tigers in scoring. Fantroy had a double-double with a game-high 16 points and 10 rebounds. Thompson chipped in 10 points as the only other TSU player in double figures.
The Lady Tigers only have three forwards on the roster but boast one of the country’s best rebounding and shot-blocking averages. Their 42.25 boards a game are 15th, and 4.5 blocks are 27th in the nation. Fantroy leads the team with 6.8 boards, and Thompson has a team-high of 1.7 blocks.
The Diamond ‘Dogs (14-10, 2-1 CUSA) return to Ruston after taking down Sam Houston (7-17, 1-2 CUSA) in a Sunday rubber match, 9-7, at Don Sanders Stadium to clinch the opening series of Conference USA play.
Tech won Friday’s opener 6-5 before dropping the second game of the series on Saturday 7-4.
On Sunday, LA Tech applied pressure from the very first pitch of the ball game after Colton Coates drew a four-pitch walk to lead off. Garrison Berkley then came up and drew a 2-0 count before a mound visit was called by Sam Houston.
After the meeting was over, the Bearkat pitcher battled back to a full count against Berkley before the Bulldog outfielder belted a ball over the left field wall for his first homer as a ‘Dog and give Tech an early 2-0 lead.
With Tech leading 4-1, Berkley’s bat stayed hot as he led off the third with a solo blast to extend Tech’s lead to 5-1. With his second homer of the day, Berkley is the first Bulldog with multiple homers in a single game since Dalton Davis had two jacks against Sam Houston on May 24, 2024.
After Brooks Roberson retired the Bearkats in order in the third, the fourth inning was quiet for both sides until the fifth when the ‘Dogs added to their lead. Back-to-back base hits from Coates and Berkley and a walk drawn by Michael Ballard loaded the bases with one out as Trey Hawsey came up to bat. On a 3-1 count, the first baseman roped a base hit through the right side of the infield to plate two more runs and give Tech a 7-1 lead going to the bottom of the fifth.
With Tech leading 7-4, the Bulldogs added a run in the seventh after Berkley led off with a double for his fourth hit of the afternoon and Ballard singled to put runners on the corners with no outs. Ballard then moved up to second on a wild pitch. With two outs and a 1-2 count, Ruddell hit a dribbler to the shortstop and was able to just beat out the throw to first, allowing Berkley to score and give the Bulldogs an 8-4 lead going into the seventh inning stretch.
Thaxton Berch, who entered the game earlier in the fifth for a defensive change, his his first collegiate homer putting the ‘Dogs up 9-4 in the top of the eighth. Luke Nichols then entered the game out of the bullpen and retired the Bearkats in order with a pair of strikeouts and a fly out to send the game to the final inning.
Sam Houston plated three runs but Blake Hooks got the final out with the tying runs on base with his third strikeout of the frame.
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Softball
A walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning off the bat of Alexis Gilio aided Louisianan Tech softball to a Conference USA series sweep of Middle Tennessee, as the Bulldogs defeated the Blue Raiders 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.
Tech won Friday’s opener 7-2 behind a career-high 11 strikeouts by Allie Floyd and then earned Saturday’s game 8-7 thanks to a 3-run home run by Gilio that ignited a five-run bottom of the sixth.
The wins mark eight straight victories for the Bulldogs as they improve to 19-11 (7-2 CUSA).
LA Tech outhit MTSU 12-3 on Sunday afternoon, and 35-17 for the series. Allie Furr led the way with three base knocks, while Elena Heng and Gilio collected two apiece. Nicole Hammoude, Reagan Marchant, Addison Snyder, Jina Baffuto, and Karli Sellers all finished with one hit each. Gilio, Hammoude, Marchant, and Baffuto all drove in one run, while Heng came around to score twice, followed by Marchant and Gracie Flores who both crossed home once.
Alyssa Martin made the start in the circle for the Bulldogs and pitched 4.0 quality innings, while allowing just three hits and three runs (one earned), along with three strikeouts. Allie Floyd picked up her 15th win of the season after tossing 3.0 innings of scoreless no-hit softball in relief. Floyd picked up all three wins in this weekend’s series after allowing no hits, no runs, and no walks.
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Tennis
Louisiana Tech needed just two hours to shutout Sam Houston, 4-0, on a sunny Saturday afternoon at the LA Tech Tennis Complex, completing a conference weekend sweep.
Tech defeated New Mexico State 4-2 Friday in what was a heated Conference USA battle.
LA Tech (12-6, 2-0 CUSA) started the day by winning the doubles point and then tacked on three straight-set victories in singles from the top of the lineup to down Sam Houston (4-7, 0-3 CUSA) for a third straight time.
Ana Rodrigues and Zoie Epps teamed up for their 10th dual doubles win, claiming a 6-2 victory on court one. Meanwhile, Mio Kozaki and Nina Skoric found themselves down 0-4 before reeling off six straight games to clinch the doubles point for LA Tech with a 6-4 victory.
Rodrigues, Epps, and Skoric would also provide points in dual singles. Epps had the first finish, cruising to a 6-1, 6-0 win over Christine Jevicky at the No. 2 spot for her team-leading 16th victory of the spring. The 16 wins now ranks tied for the eighth most in a single season in program history.
Her doubles teammate, Rodrigues, was just as dominant. A day after needing a long three-setter to clinch the win over New Mexico State, the senior captain overpowered Nayuma Subba 6-2, 6-1 at the No. 1 position.
Providing the clincher was Skoric who was back in the singles lineup and delivered a 6-2, 6-4 win against Sara Sadadinovic at the No. 3 spot.
When play was stopped, both Kozaki and June Vigneron were up a set on courts four and six, respectively.
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Track and Field
Donald Lamp became the first Louisiana Tech track and field athlete to throw the hammer over 60 meters at the Clyde Hart Classic hosted by Baylor at Clyde Hart Stadium on Saturday.
The junior qualified for the finals in fifth at 52.02m in his first outdoor meet as a Bulldog. The Iowa Western transfer stepped up on his first attempt in the finals to launch a new program record of 60.01m, topping the previous mark of 58.84m set by Malek Evans in 2018. The mark also bested his previous best of 54.82m to finish third at the 2024 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Championships.
Kaitlyn Washington also had a spectacular start to her LA Tech career. The Northwestern State transfer won the discus, placed third in the shot put and set a personal best in the hammer. Her final throw of 48.92m put her on top in the discus, while her third throws of 13.55m in the shot put and 49.38m in the hammer were her final marks.
Maria Ferreiro Pena and Annie Jones set PRs in the javelin at 46.43m and 40.98m, respectively. Pena was 5m further than any other competitor and Jones finished third. Zachary Drake, Tucker McCoy and William Estes took the top three spots on the men’s side. Drake threw 63.75m and McCoy had 54.73m in their first collegiate action.
Demarko Lawler (7.14m) and Cobe Johnson (6.99m) finished second and third in the long jump. A’reil Williams (1.70m, HJ) and Tia Reder (12.16m, TJ) were the other podium finishers in the field events.
Another transfer, Kimeone McLeod took home the win in the 100mH at 13.62. Urijah Williams finished third in the 110mH with a time of 14.53.
The Bulldogs took home the top five spots in the women’s 400m. Osaretin Joy Usenbor set a new PR at 53.47 to win the top spot. Nia Wiley also set a new best at 55.40 to finish third. Jamara Patterson (54.21), Jenaia Williams (55.79) and Faith Tarver (56.60) rounded out the top five.
Mekhi Gammons (47.39, 400m), Nikoby Johnson (10.31, 100m), Tim Rummelhagen (54.46, 400mH) and Abdulraof Rashid (20.86, 200m) were the final individual podium finishers.
The team of Patterson, Usenbor, Jenaia Williams and Wiley won the 4×400 in 3:37.01, while Gammons, Rummelhagen, Laden Tucker and Cullen Hronek took second in the men’s 4×4 at 3:12.89.
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Bowling
The Louisiana Tech bowling team averages 213.7 over 17 games but would fall 2-1 to No. 9 Stephen F. Austin in an elimination match at the Conference USA Championship at Colonial Lanes on Thursday.
The 11th-ranked Bulldogs (83-45) took the opening set 1,039-926. After picking up the 10-pin to open the game, Kylee Trexler connected on 10 of her next 11 shots to lead the way with a 254. Rachel Ong wasn’t far behind with a 223, and Abbie Leiendecker anchored with a 211. Allyson Sand came in to finish a 202 for the other score in the plus for Tech.
The Baker match had both teams averaging over 225, with the point coming down to the final frame. The Ladyjacks took a 25-pin lead after taking the opening game 247-222. SFA increased the lead to 67 after taking games two and three, 229-201 and 204-190. Louisiana Tech started to make a move in game four and cut the deficit in half with a 236-204 win.
The teams started the final game shot for shot and looked to be on their way to both shooting in the 270s. However, SFA would leave the door open with two spares. In the 10th frame, Leiendecker needed to strike out to force the Ladyjack’s anchor to double and get a nine count. She connected on the first two and got an eight count. SFA’s anchor followed suit and tied the match up.
The best-of-seven started with SFA winning another 10thg-frame finish, 221-219. Tech flipped the script in game two, striking out in the 10th for a 199-188 win. The Bulldogs would easily win the next two, 214-149 and 222-187.
Needed to win just one game, LA Tech would only roll four doubles over the next three games. The Bulldogs still had a chance in game five with only one double. The difference would be pin count after spares, as SFA won 204-198. The Ladyjacks would take the final two, 247-225 and 212-192, with both coming down to the end.
