A Ruston man was arrested last week after he was stopped for a fictitious license tag and repeatedly gave police a fake name.
Julian Winters, 48, was stopped on June 6 when Ruston Police noticed his Chrysler sedan was displaying a fake Louisiana temporary license tag. Winters told officers he had no insurance, no registration, and no driver’s license. He gave the name Xavier Winters.
A records check failed to verify the name. One of the officers on the scene recognized Winters from previous encounters and an investigation of RPD records revealed his correct name.
Once the correct name was obtained, it was determined Winters was wanted on two warrants for failure to appear in Ruston City Court for no license plate and no vehicle registration, and two warrants for failure to appear in Third District Court for possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a vehicle without proper equipment.
Winters was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for resisting an officer by false information, no liability insurance, fictitious license plate, and the City Court and District Court warrants.
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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An Arkansas man was arrested by Ruston Police last week for stalking and simple battery after a complaint by his estranged wife.
Michael Porter, III, 28, of El Dorado, was arrested June 5 after officers responded to a Maple Street residence regarding a disturbance.
Officer found Porter leaning against his vehicle with a bleeding head wound, a black eye, and multiple scratches on his neck and face. His wife said she and Porter had been separated since January. She said there had been several incidents where Porter had followed her several times since the separation, but the incidents had occurred in Arkansas.
Porter followed the woman to Ruston where he made contact with her and her boyfriend, including hitting her car multiple times in the parking lot of a Ruston restaurant. He then allegedly followed her to the Maple Street residence where he opened the driver’s door where the boyfriend was sitting, and grabbed him by the shirt, ripping it.
The boyfriend then exited the vehicle after Porter punched him and a fight occurred. The woman and the boyfriend both said he was defending himself against Porter.
Porter was taken to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center where he was interviewed by officers. He stated he followed his estranged wife to Ruston to get a cell phone out of her vehicle. He said the fight occurred because he did not like that another man was in the vehicle with her.
After Porter was released from the hospital he was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for stalking the wife and simple battery on the boyfriend.
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 City of Ruston announced East Railroad Avenue, at its intersection with South Bonner Street, will be closed to through traffic, beginning at 7:00 a.m., Wednesday and shall remain closed for approximately 90 days.
This closure is associated with State Project H.013720, titled, Bonner Street Bridge Pedestrian Improvements (Ruston) and is necessary for improving the sidewalks as well as the installation of underground electrical.
The City of Ruston regrets any inconvenience this necessary work may cause residents and motorists. We appreciate your patience, and any questions can be received by the Public Works Department at (318) 242-7703.
It hit me like a ton of bricks; I was ultimately responsible. That’s what they said in seminary, that the pastor was ultimately responsible. I learned the lesson in 1985, when Helen came out of the lady’s restroom at the church building complaining that there was no sacred paper in the room. “Who is responsible,” she bellowed. I was/am.
I was thinking about the whole realm of possibilities for avoiding responsibility. I write this “tongue in cheek” but you get the idea.
Let’s face it: responsibility is overrated. It’s the broccoli of adulthood—nutritious, necessary, and universally avoided until absolutely forced. But fear not, fellow obligation-evaders, for I bring you tried-and-true techniques to sidestep the shackles of accountability while keeping the illusion of competence.
1. Master the Power of the “Accidental” Oversight. If someone asks, “Did you email the report?” simply widen your eyes and say, “Wait… that was my task?!” This classic maneuver pairs beautifully with faux shock and frantic digging through folders. Bonus points if you fumble with your mouse like you’ve never used a computer before.
2. The Eternal E-mail Forward. When in doubt, forward the task to someone else with a cryptic message like, “Looping you in—thought this was more your area.” Now you’re not avoiding responsibility; you’re collaborating. You’re empowering. You’re… basically a leader.
3. Weaponized Incompetence. Why try, when you can fail so spectacularly on purpose that no one dares ask again? Mow the lawn into checkerboard patterns. Fold laundry into abstract origami. Burn toast with scientific precision. Soon, others will say, “It’s just easier if I do it myself.” Victory.
4. The Phantom Meeting Excuse. Nothing cloaks irresponsibility like the mythical, ever-running back-to-back meetings. “Sorry I missed that—was deep in Zoomland,” you’ll say, adjusting nonexistent headphones. If pressed, toss around vague jargon: “We were syncing on Q3 KPIs.” Nobody knows what that means. That’s the beauty of it.
5. Delay with Flair. Avoid saying no. Instead, say, “Let me circle back with some thoughts,” then enter a witness protection program. If followed up, respond with, “Waiting on some final input” (no one will ask from whom). Stall with the confidence of a bureaucrat stuck in a printer paper requisition loop.
6. Use Children, Pets, and Houseplants as Scapegoats. “My dog chewed through my internet cable.” “The kids scheduled a surprise virtual science fair.” “My fern needed emotional support.” The more oddly specific, the more believable. Besides, who’s going to interrogate a plant?
7. Mystify with Tech Jargon. If someone accuses you of negligence, murmur, “Must’ve been an authentication caching error on the API endpoint.” Say it like it haunts you in your dreams. They’ll back away slowly, unsure whether to nod or call IT.
8. Become the Question Master. Answer every request with a question. “Can you finish this by Friday?” you say, “What do we mean by ‘finish’?” “Who defines ‘Friday’ in a globalized world?” You’ve not avoided the task—you’ve started a philosophical dialogue. Bravo.
9. Disappear into the Vortex of Group Chats. Group chats are magical. Tasks vanish into the sea of emojis, gifs, and “LOL”s. If mentioned by name, hit them with a “thumbs up” reaction—neither confirming nor denying responsibility. You’re present, yet ephemeral. Like a responsibility ghost.
You caught on didn’t you, each one of us is ultimately responsible for the life we live. Or as the Bible says, we must all stand and give an account of the life we have lived, no excuses, no explanations. Each one of us before God!
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 through 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, June 17 10 a.m.: Family storytime at Lincoln Parish Library (Events Center) 2 p.m.: Wildlife and Fisheries: Baby Alligators (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 4 p.m.: Photo comic club for teens (Lincoln Parish Library Community Room) 6 p.m.: Fitness class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Wednesday, June 18 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, June 19 Juneteenth 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)
Friday, June 20 10:30 a.m.: Mic drop on culture Juneteenth performance (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Saturday, June 21 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 9 a.m.: Fighting Gaming Community (Lincoln Parish Library Jack Beard Community Room)
Monday, June 23 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 4 p.m.: Story hour at Lincoln Parish Library (Events Center) 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, June 24 10 a.m.: Family storytime at Lincoln Parish Library (Events Center) 2 p.m.: Crafternoon at Lincoln Parish Library Community Room (Ages 5 and up) 4 p.m.: Watercolor art class for teens (Lincoln Parish Library Community Room) 6 p.m.: Adult Craft Night (Lincoln Parish Library; must register by calling 318-513-5510) 6 p.m.: Fitness class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 7 p.m. Temple Patriotic Program (Howard Auditorium, Louisiana Tech)
Wednesday, June 25 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11 a.m.: Technology Help Hour (Lincoln Parish Library George Byrnside Conference Room) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
Thursday, June 26 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 2 p.m.: Tween Time at Lincoln Parish Library Community Room (Ages 9 and up) 4 p.m.: 4-H Nutrition Class for teens (Lincoln Parish Library Community Room) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6 p.m.: Yoga at Lincoln Parish Library Events Center 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Singing in the Rain Jr.” (Dixie Theatre)
Friday, June 27 10 a.m.: Therapy Dog storytime special (Lincoln Parish Library Community Room) 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Singing in the Rain Jr.” (Dixie Theatre)
Saturday, June 28 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 3-5 p.m.: Puzzle swap (Lincoln Parish Library Community Room) 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Singing in the Rain Jr.” (Dixie Theatre)
Sunday, June 29 2 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Singing in the Rain Jr.” (Dixie Theatre)
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 baseball is pleased to announce its newest hire to the coaching staff, Mike Federico, as the Director of Player Development going into the 2025-26 athletic year.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have a coach and man of Mike Federico’s pedigree to join our program,” head coach Lane Burroughs said. “I have known Fed for over 30 years including a stint on the same staff in ’98 and ’99, and there aren’t many coaches or men that I respect more.”
Federico was previously the head baseball coach for the ULM Warhawks for the past eight seasons. Native of Slidell, Federico was hired by ULM prior to the 2018 season as the skipper and served as their pitching coach from 2018 to 2022.
He saw several wins over some of baseball’s toughest competition including Coastal Carolina and Southern Miss in 2024, Mississippi State in 2023 and Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, TCU and Alabama in 2021. All four opponents faced in the 2021 season were ranked among the top 10 at the time.
Federico also saw a number of his players get signed by Major League organizations. His most recent notables include Parker Seay (New York Yankees) and Chipper Menard (Baltimore Orioles) who signed contracts in 2024. Nicholas Judice was selected in the eighth round of the 2023 MLB Draft by the Yankees as ULM’s first Top 10 Round pick since Matt Green in 2005.
“Fed is a man above reproach,” Burroughs said. “He is obviously an outstanding baseball coach with tons of knowledge and connections, but he is an even better person. He is a great husband, father and friend. That is a huge part of our organization and development of our players. I want them around great coaches, but more importantly around great men of character.”
In 2019, Federico led the Warhawks to a four-win improvement over 2018, and a return to the Sun Belt Conference tournament. ULM won three games in the tournament and reached the semifinals. Third baseman Chad Bell slugged a school-record 21 home runs and was selected first team All-Sun Belt Conference, while utility player Andrew Beesley earned second team All-SBC honors.
Bell was also named to the American Baseball Coaches Association All-Region team. Bell (19th round), outfielder Trent Tingelstad (22nd round) and pitcher Trey Jeans (33rd round) were each selected in the 2019 MLB Draft. Pitcher Cole Gray was signed as a free agent by the Oakland Athletics.
In his first season with the Warhawks, ULM nearly doubled its win total from 2017, posting 23 victories while the team earned run average dropped by over half a run. Federico also coached relief pitcher Keegan Curtis, who was selected in the 22nd round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees, after Curtis posted a 2.88 ERA with seven saves.
“Loyalty is one of his biggest traits,” Burroughs said. We talked a lot over the years about professional moves, but he proved his worth with the loyalty he showed to ULM baseball by staying there and working his tail off to build that program, and he earned tons of respect by doing just that.”
Prior to arriving at ULM, Federico spent nine seasons at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, where he served as assistant coach, responsible for pitchers and catchers. During those nine seasons Southern Miss won five Conference USA Championships and participated in four NCAA Regional Tournaments.
During his tenure with the Golden Eagles, Federico saw 24 players get drafted with 15 of them being pitchers. He coached four CUSA Pitchers of the Year, one CUSA Player of the Year and a Freshman of the Year in 2017. In 2015, Federico was recognized as the conference’s Assistant Coach of the Year.
“I’m personally excited about sharing a dugout with Fed again,” Burroughs added. “His knowledge of the game and his calm presence combined with an incredible, competitive drive will make Louisiana Tech baseball immediately better.”
Prior to joining Southern Miss in 2009, Federico was an assistant baseball coach at the University of Memphis, where he was responsible for pitchers and catchers. He helped lead the Tigers to a NCAA Regional appearance in 2007, its first berth since 1994. Memphis enjoyed back-to-back 30-plus win seasons in 2006 and 2007. During his five years at Memphis, the Tigers had 13 players drafted including seven pitchers.
Federico enjoyed tremendous success as a head coach at Meridian Community College in Mississippi, leading his squad to two World Series appearances in his three seasons as head coach. He was honored as Region XXIII and Southeastern District Coach of the Year in 2003 and 2004. In 2004, he led the Eagles to 46 wins and finished in ninth place in the World Series tournament. His time at MCC also included 15 players and nine pitchers being drafted.
“I ask our alumni, season ticket holders, fans and Bulldogs everywhere to welcome Mike, Hannah, Hayden, Brycen and Isabella to the Louisiana Tech baseball family,” Burroughs added. “This is definitely a great day for our program, department and university and as always… it’s a great day to be a Bulldog.”
Assistant A.D. for Creative Video Services Jun Lee earned a pair of Top 5 finishes at the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Creative & Digital Design Contest.
Courtesy of Louisiana Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech Athletics was recognized for its outstanding creative and digital content, earning a total of seven awards in the 2024-25 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Creative & Digital Design Contest.
The annual contest, which continues to grow in size and prestige, drew a record-breaking 2,160 entries this year, including 930 from the University Division. Louisiana Tech was among more than 250 institutions and conference offices participating, with over 650 individuals recognized across the contest.
LA Tech’s content creators were honored across multiple categories, showcasing the department’s depth and versatility in creative production:
Jun Lee, Assistant A.D. for Creative Video Services, earned two top five finishes in the Short Form Videos/Reels category:
3rd Place – Football Game Week Hype Video
4th Place – Blue Helmet Reveal Video
Kevin Albarez, Associate Director for Strategic Communications, received recognition in the Game Notes category:
17th Place – Women’s Basketball Game Notes vs. Illinois State (WNIT Great 8)
Courtney Pugh, graphic designer, led the way with four awards across various categories:
2nd Place – Football Gameday Program (Programs category)
3rd Place – Football Signing Day Graphic (Signing Day Package category)
10th Place – Milton Williams Super Bowl Champion Graphic (Major Awards & Championships category)
16th Place – Lane Burroughs 300 Wins Graphic (Individual Awards, Milestones & Records category)
“The Creative & Digital Design contest continues to showcase the immeasurable talent of the CSC membership in the creative space as we recognize the best in our industry through a wide variety of contest categories as judged by their peers,” said CSC committee chair Patrick Murphy of the Colorado School of Mines.
The contest, now in its second year under an expanded format, has seen a dramatic rise in participation—jumping over 125 percent from 957 entries in 2023-24. Nine contest categories experienced year-over-year growth, with significant expansion in the Portfolio Contests, which drew 173 submissions and saw the addition of two new categories.
Graveside services for James “Sonny” Foster, Jr., 80, of Hico, LA, will be held at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Harmony Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes. There will be a visitation prior to the graveside service at Harmony Chapel Methodist Church from 11:00 to 12:00. Officiating the service is Rev. Ricky Walters.
Sonny was born in Hico, LA and made his home there, where he and his wife Donna raised their 2 children. Sonny worked as a switcher for Kerr-McGee and as a reserve Deputy for Lincoln Parish Sheriffs office for 10 years.
Sonny is preceded in death by his parents James and Elane Enloe Foster.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 59 years, Donna; daughter Amy Smith of Ruston, LA : son, Trey Foster of Ruston, LA; grandchildren Landry Smith (Kailey), Lexie Tennison (Keeton), Landon Foster, Emory Smith (Sam Terral), Logan Foster: great grandchildren Spencer Smith, Molly Smith, Ava Foster, Tyton Tennison, and Keaston Tennison; brother Gene Foster ( Diane); sister Patsy Caver, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
Dr. Mike Cage May 8, 1936 – June 12, 2025 Service: St Paul’s United Methodist Church, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 11:00 am
Windle Gorden April 19, 1931 – June 11, 2025 Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – West Monroe, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – West Monroe, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 12:00 pm Cemetery: NELA Veteran’s Cemetery, Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Neal Stuart Mathis August 26, 1958 – June 11, 2025 Service: Private, Saturday, June 21, 2025
James “Sonny” Foster June 18, 1944 – June 15, 2025 Visitation: Harmony Chapel Methodist Church, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Cemetery: Harmony Chapel Cemetery, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 12:00 pm
Well, the latest turn – at least strongly speculated by ESPN.com’s Pete Thamel Sunday night – could directly impact Louisiana Tech University.
Thamel, one of the industry leaders in sports journalism covering college athletics, tweeted out the following on Sunday and wrote a detailed story about the scenario.
“The industry is bracing or a ripple of realignment, sources tell me/@bonaguraESPN,” Thamel said in his tweet. “Texas State is heavy favorite to join the Pac-12. Louisiana tech is the favorite to replace Texas State in Sun Belt. What’s next for Memphis? What’s CUSA ripple?”
Talk of Texas State joining the Pac 12 has been discussed for the past 12 months after the San Marcos-based school supposedly turned down an offer to the Mountain West.
So, are Thamel’s sources on target?
“We don’t take stances on rumors, particularly when those rumors are based in layers of speculation,” said Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson on Monday morning. “We will always do what is in the best interest of Louisiana Tech and Louisiana Tech Athletics.”
Although nothing official has happened regarding the Pac-12 and Texas State, Thamel believes that invite is looming. Thamel also believes the Sun Belt has its eyes on either Louisiana Tech or Western Kentucky, although Tech’s geographical location gives it an edge.
“In the fall, when Texas State was flirting with other leagues, the Sun Belt had started to put together contingency plans,” wrote Thamel. “That included conversations, per sources, that established Louisiana Tech as the favorite over several other targets, including Western Kentucky, if Texas State were to leave. There would still need to be more discussion and presidential action before any addition.”
Many people, including Thamel, believe Tech has the inside track based on their geographical footprint with the impending vacancy coming from the West.
Louisiana Tech AD Ryan Ivey addressed the speculation indirectly on Monday.
“Conference realignment is always a thing,” said Ivey. “It never truly goes away. I’ve said since I first got (to Tech), our main responsibility is to be the very best we can be right here. And then in the event that there are potential opportunities, we have to evaluate them in the best interest of Louisiana Tech Athletics and obviously on behalf of the University. That’s about all I can say.”
So, have Tech officials had conversations with the Sun Belt recently?
“I have conversations daily with colleagues across multiple conferences to try to understand what is going on and to try to best position Louisiana Tech Athletics regarding the changing landscape of the industry,” said Ivey. ‘Sure, I have had conversations with people in the Sun Belt, but it has been about a ton of things. We are just trying to understand what other conferences are doing regarding the changing landscape of this industry.”
Although no definitive timelines have been publicly addressed by the Pac-12 (or the Sun Belt), the speculation is that the moves could happen very soon, even as early as the end of June.
“I think it’s probably sooner rather than later,” said Ivey. “I know there is speculation out there that it is just a matter of weeks as it relates to that. Who knows, but that is my understanding.
“We all know the Pac-12 must get to eight football playing members. We know that that is a requirement when it comes to FBS, so I think it all hinges on what they want to do. Whether that is doing something internally or trying to take other action as it relates to that requirement.”
If the moves occur before the end of June, there is a good chance that Tech – if offered and accepted an invitation to the Sun Belt – could be competing in the league as soon as the 2026-27 athletic season.
There would be a price to pay for the transition to the Sun Belt per CUSA bylaws which require a departing school to pay two years’ worth of revenue distributions plus the remaining years on the grant of rights signed by all league schools in 2023. The grant of rights runs through 2028.
The combined total would be an estimated $5.5 million if the move occurred in the summer of 2026.
Louisiana Tech was a member of the Sun Belt Conference from 1991 through 2001 when it departed to join the Western Athletic Conference for a dozen years. Tech joined Conference USA in 2013.
Some Ruston residents have seen some discoloration in the water at their homes recently.
According to city officials, the discoloration is being caused by testing currently being conducted by UtiliServe, LLC.
The testing (flushing of the water system) began on June 12 and will continue thru June 26 and is impacting mostly residents who live north of I-20 and west of Highway 167. This is a testing process that is done every year, cycling through all 11 wells during a five-year period.
“We did it in 2022, 2023, and 2024,” said Freeman. “This is 2025. Next year will be the northeast area. This is mandated by the state that every five years this unit directional flushing is completed for all wells. Every five years we flush our entire system. This is the fourth year of that five-year plan.
“Within that area, there is a grid pattern that they will be doing over the course of those 15 days.”
Freeman explained that over the course of time, water lines build up corrosion. Thus, the unit directional flushing is used to clean out the lines.
“There are predominately two wells that supply that area,” said John Freeman, Public Works Director. “It’s Well No. 8 behind the Fire Station and Well No. 9 on West Kentucky just past the four-way stop.”
Freeman and Walker both stressed that the water is perfectly good to drink, regardless of the color of it.
“We have had (UtiliServe) doing major testing on fire hydrants,” said Walker. “They are putting chlorine into the water, dialing it up and down, testing the fire hydrants to find out the results.”
This testing (adding chlorine) turns the water different colors, ranging from brown to green to blue to clear. The color of the water is dictated by the amount of chlorine that is in it.
“The water is perfectly fine to drink, regardless of the color of it,” said Walker. “It’s perfectly fine. We know it looks bad, but there is nothing wrong with the water. It’s simply a different color because of the level of chlorine in it due to these tests.”
The City is asking residents in the aforementioned area (north of I-20, west of 167) to respond to the company through email with pertinent information in order to help them.
According to the City of Ruston Facebook page, city officials are asking residents to email info@utiliservepro.com “to document this information by including their address, time of day noticed (the color of the water) and any other helpful information.”
“That’s how they track to see what is going on with the water,” said Walker. “That is the most important part of this the entire conversation. If people will let (UtiliServe) know they can match it up with what they were doing (testing-wise) at that time and day. The more information they can get, the better.”
While the unit directional flushing is the main source of recent water discoloration, Walker said there was also some testing being done on the iron level in Ruston water. Iron levels also cause discoloration of water.
“We were getting too much iron in the water,” said Walker. “Anything in north Louisiana has iron in it. But we were getting too much, and we are trying to figure out where it is coming from. Was it a problem with the well? Was it a problem with the lines? That’s what we are trying to determine.
“The problem with water … if you have a leak, we can find it because we can see the water. But if it’s something in the water that is coming out of the Sparta … is it a problem with a well casing? There are all kinds of things like that.”
Freeman said the Ruston water is tested monthly per the Louisiana Department of Health.
The iron levels impact all eleven wells in the Ruston area.
“If you live in north Louisiana you are going to have iron in your water,” said Walker. “The LDH comes monthly to do tests, sometimes more often than that. But all of our water tests are fine. We understand it’s discolored so it looks bad, but it’s safe.”
“There is water quality, and there is water clarity,” said Freeman.
Sam Burns confers with a U.S.G.A. official after his drive on the 15th hole Sunday in the final round of the U.S. Open came to rest in a waterlogged area, a pivotal event In the tournament at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club.
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
OAKMONT, Pa. – Four holes remained, and despite some rain-induced struggles, Sam Burns’ drive was in the 15th fairway and he shared the lead at the U.S. Open Sunday afternoon.
But the Choudrant resident, who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club, was definitely not sitting pretty. His ball came to rest on a waterlogged section of the fairway at the bottom of a hill, and to everybody who wasn’t a United States Golf Association official, it looked like temporary relief was due.
Burns asked. Was denied. Asked for a second official to look. Was denied again. Television announcers questioned the ruling, and hours later, it remained highly dubious in the eyes of Golf Channel analysts and those in the media interview tent questioning Burns about it.
The ensuing shot predictably went awry, and led to a double bogey that sank Burns from the top spot to stay. He opened Sunday as the 54-hole leader at 4-under. After a closing 78, he tied for seventh – the best finish in a major championship for the 28-year-old Shreveport native – with his good friend Scottie Scheffler and former U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm, five shots back of surprise winner J.J. Spaun, Burns’ playing partner during Saturday’s round.
“That’s kind of the low part of the fairway there. When I walked into it, clearly you could see water coming up,” Burns said. “I took practice swings and it’s just water splashing every single time.”
After the pair of officials did not provide relief, Burns played the hand he was dealt.
“From that point, (caddie) Travis (Perkins) and I said, ‘Look let’s focus on the shot, try to execute.’
“I did the best I could. I was 100 percent locked in on what I was trying to do,” said Burns in the media tent afterward. “Ultimately, it felt like the water just kind of got in the way, and I went left. It is what it is.
“At the end of the day, it’s not up to me, it’s up to the rules official. That’s kind of that.”
Burns ran into more trouble, but without officials involved, and bogied 16. He recovered with a too-little, too-late birdie on 17 and bogeyed 18 to cap an afternoon that would have left many of his peers steaming about the ruling and bad breaks. Speaking to the media, Burns’ demeanor earned admiration.
“Applaud his attitude,” said Golf Channel host Ryan Burr.
Said analyst Paul McGinley, assistant captain of the 2025 European Ryder Cup team: “If he was entitled to relief, which it looked like from the TV pictures … the bigger issue here is Sam Burns and his behavior, how he handled it. I know it probably cost him certainly a chance to win the U.S. Open the last few holes, making double there and the turning into a bit of a tailspin. It was a tough break to get ….
“To see a player like this, in the heat of battle, at a U.S. Open, for his national title, getting a tough break and a tough ruling, and to handle it the way Sam Burns did, I am full of admiration for him. How he handled that, and the interviews afterward, that was a touch of class in my opinion.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” said analyst Brandel Chamblee. “This is the national championship, four holes left to play, that was probably one of the big turning points on the back nine, for him not to have sour grapes, not to come in and complain, not pitch a fit, just carry on, business as usual. You can’t say enough about his demeanor there.”
Burns had soared into the lead with a spectacular Friday round of 65. It was 9.8 shots better than the average score in the field, the highest figure anyone has posted in a U.S. Open in 16 years.
It left observers comparing Burns’ round to the historic 63 by Johnny Miller at Oakmont in the final round that carried him to the 1973 Open crown.
Burns followed that with a 1-under 69 Saturday, playing with Spaun, that edged him into solo first entering Sunday. He briefly had a two-shot lead and was 4-under for the tournament when weather and taxing conditions took a toll on the field, none more so than Burns.
He still brought home $614,423, to go with the $1 million he collected for a runner-up finish (playoff loss) a week ago at the Canadian Open. His Friday 65 was the best round all week at Oakmont, and one of the most remarkable this century in U.S. Open history.
GRAMBLING — The City of Grambling selected its Juneteenth royalty Friday night as the celebration’s annual pageant was held inside T.H. Harris Auditorium on the Grambling State University campus.
Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth (short for “June 19th”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed.
Founded and organized by Beattie Street, the pageant was hosted by GSU Deputy Chief of Staff Adarian Williams.
This year’s winners are Little Miss Juneteenth Alaya Nichelle Casson; Junior Miss Juneteenth Evangeline Sha’Marie Rhodes; and Miss Juneteenth Aubrey Champion.
That trio will be featured prominently as Grambling’s annual Juneteenth Parade rolls through the village at 10 a.m. Thursday — Juneteenth itself.
Get ready to play ball in Ruston! The Softball Dixie World Series will be coming to Ruston this summer for their 50th Anniversary.
Set for July 25–30, this milestone event will welcome between 80 to 90 teams from 10 Southern states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Teams will play in tournament games at the Ruston Sports Complex, with Opening Ceremonies scheduled for Friday, July 25 at the Thomas Assembly Center at Louisiana Tech University.
Beginning in 1975, the Dixie Softball World Series was founded as part of the larger Dixie Youth Sports organization, which was created to provide community-based baseball and softball programs in the southern United States. This historic tournament will feature all divisions of Dixie Softball, bringing in players from ages 5 to 19.
Dixie Softball’s District 6 Director, Jade Cannon shared her excitement about the upcoming event and what it means for the community.
“Ruston Dixie hosted the Dixie Debs World Series in 2021. The National Directors loved their experience in Ruston. They were very impressed by the Ruston Sports Complex and its ability to host a tournament the size of a 50th World Series,” Cannon said. “That, added with Ruston’s hospitality, prompted them to ask us to bid for the 2025 World Series.
“We were awarded the bid in 2021. As a league, we are very excited for this experience. The Ruston Dixie SweeTees (ages 5-6) have earned their trip to the World Series for the past three years. This year we will have our local girls competing in every age division, and we’re happy they’re going to get this experience.”
Ruston Dixie president Stephanie Whitten emphasized how event will require a team effort, and how community will play an important role in its success.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host an event of this size and that people can experience the town we love so much. The Ruston Dixie Board of Directors began the groundwork for hosting this tournament as soon as we were awarded the bid. I have been very impressed with the City of Ruston, the Ruston Sports Complex, and the CVB with their help towards hosting the tournament,” Whitten said. “We definitely will also need the help of the community as well. There are opportunities for sponsorships, advertisements, and to volunteer. Volunteer opportunities include set ups, serving, host families, and even help running games. We have a QR code for signups and would love your help.”
With thousands of players, coaches, families and fans expected to arrive in Ruston, there will be a significant economic and cultural impact on the town. Local businesses, restaurants and hotels can expect many visitors, all getting a firsthand taste of Ruston’s charm and culture.
Cannon highlighted how both the softball players as well as the town of Ruston will benefit from the tournament coming to town.
“We are looking forward to seeing our hometown kids compete at the highest level of Dixie Softball. They are working hard to prepare as they have all season long. I will be very rewarding to see them play at the World Series, especially the ones that have played with us for many years,” Cannon said. “There is no better feeling than to see their friends, family and community filling the stands in support. The people of Ruston can look forward to a busy weekend of good softball, and people from all over the country visiting our stores, restaurants and hotels.”
For more information about volunteering or sponsoring the event, visit the Ruston Dixie Softball Facebook page or scan the official QR code posted online.
On Thursday, June 12, 2025, shortly after 7:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 eastbound just east of Louisiana Highway 145. The crash claimed the life of 44-year-old Pedro Victoriano Rios of Marshall, Texas.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2011 Hyundai Elantra, driven by Victoriano Rios, was traveling east on Interstate 20. For reasons still under investigation, the Hyundai traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree.
Victoriano Rios, who was unrestrained, received serious injuries. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chances of being severely injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries during crashes.
GRAMBLING — Grambling continued its Juneteenth festivities over the weekend with a fishing tournament and car show.
Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth (short for “June 19th”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed.
“It’s been a great morning,” Grambling Mayor Alvin Bradley said early Saturday afternoon as the fishing tournament results were being tabulated. “The weather has been good because it’s been a little overcast with a nice breeze. It’s starting to heat up now in the afternoon, but it was a good morning for those who came out to the car show and to the fishing tournament.
“I appreciate everyone who came out today and helped us celebrate, and don’t forget the celebration will continue on Wednesday with a big day coming up on Thursday — June 19, which of course is the actual Juneteenth day, although our celebration is way too big for only one day.”
The fishing tournament came to an ounce to determine, as Keith Johnson’s 4.10-pound catfish edged the second-place winner John Williams, who hauled in a 4.0-pounder.
Jamie Williams captured the third-place prize for largest catfish with a 3.14 pounder.
Fannie Willis won the first-place bream category by being the only angler to catch a fish of that species, hauling in three that totaled a combined 8 ounces.
There were no bash or trash fish caught during this year’s tournament, so those prizes went unclaimed.
Grambling’s 2025 Juneteenth Festivities will continue at 6 p.m. today with a Line Dance in the Community Room at City Hall.
A Juneteenth Bible Study will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Christ Temple Baptist leading into Juneteenth itself on Thursday..
That day begins with a Health Fair at 10:30 a.m. at Grambling City Hall. The annual Juneteenth Parade will run starting at 10 a.m. that day followed by the annual Bake-Off at 11 a.m. at Lewis Temple.
Saturday had the ingredients for a tinderbox of chaos.
The current political climate is way too hot, and unfortunately, has been for quite some time in the United States. We are more divided than ever, we type comments with hatred and vitriol online, and we always feel on the verge of terrible incident or tragedy.
But as the Ruston community always does, it came through, even if a few birds were flipped and few words were exchanged toward the end of the “No Kings” protest in front of City Hall this weekend.
The reality is that it could have been so much worse.
There were nearly 2,000 of these protests all over the United States, and given what’s going on in Los Angeles right now, people were concerned with these smaller pockets of protests all over the country.
In fact, a state-wide political group sent a letter out on Thursday, naming cities in Louisiana (including Ruston) where riots were allegedly being encouraged. And the letter reminded Louisiana citizens that it would be justifiable to run protesters over with their cars should they feel threatened.
More fuel for a potential fire.
However, I am thankful to say that Saturday there was nothing close to a violent riot, nor any need for motorists to question their own safety. Sure, emotions flared, a protester was repeatedly flipping off some Trump supporters, and words were exchanged as some made their way back to their parked cars.
But in the scheme of things, Saturday was, in a word: uneventful.
I offer a heartfelt thanks to everyone involved: the law enforcement and city officials keeping watch, the “No Kings” protesters and Trump supporters staying peacefully assembled, and the cars safely driving by in either support of the protesters’ cause or the president.
Our constitution guarantees the right of assembly and free speech — two things that I am very grateful for as a journalist. Because we’re human, we are inclined to not like speech and assembly if it feels foreign to our own tribes and beliefs — and it’s our constitution that supersedes our own preferences when it comes to politics.
My goal as a journalist are that you’ll never know my politics when you read my stories or columns. Even Saturday, I was able to have conversations with both “No Kings” protesters and the Trump supporters who showed up in the opposite sidewalk. I am able to do that because I believe in people’s rights to support their policies or party, regardless of how I feel personally, and because of the weight of being a non-biased media member.
My hope is that as the national political temperature continues to rise, Ruston’s heart and culture will rise higher. Maybe the nation can look to our little community as an example for how to exercise our constitutional rights in a healthy way when we assemble in public.
After Saturday, I have reason to hold a glimmer of hope that can be the case.
(This is part of a series on the 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class that will be inducted in Natchitoches on June 28th.)
By TEDDY ALLEN
Written for the LSWA
She picked up a basketball as a challenge when she was 9 and used it to prove a point, first in the back yard against her brother and two cousins in Coushatta, then on her way to becoming a two-time Kodak All-American at Louisiana Tech, then through 13 seasons in the WNBA and a concurrent 15 overseas, and now through another 15 seasons as a WNBA coach.
All the while, that crimson dirt of Louisiana’s rural Red River Parish on her hands proving she’d worked for it, that she’d earned it, Vickie Johnson has remained about the most genuine and gentle, polished, unassuming off-the-court ballplayer you could ever meet, even if, like her, you’d traveled from the banks of Loggy Bottom and Grand Bayou to the Thomas Assembly Center in Ruston to Madison Square Garden to the gymnasiums of France and Hungary to Israel and Turkey.
“Polite, well-mannered, very bashful and shy,” said her long-ago summer ball AAU teammate Sarah Harrison Zeagler.
“And,” Zeagler laughs at the memory, “insanely talented.”
It’s that delightful mix of sweet, super, and stubborn that vaulted Johnson, a 5-9 guard with a pure all-around game highlighted by a sweet baseline jumper, above the field at every level of basketball and has ultimately landed her a well-deserved, “it’s-about-time” spot in Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2025.
Family and friends from her Coushatta hometown will make the 30-minute trip south to Natchitoches for the Induction Celebration in Natchitoches June 26-28. Event information is available at LaSportsHall.com.
It was back home in Coushatta that she wanted to prove a point to her big brother.
“I didn’t start playing because, ‘Oh, I love basketball,’” Johnson said. “I started because my oldest brother said it was for guys, for the boys. ‘Girls don’t play basketball.’ So I picked up a ball and went to the back yard. I was 9. From that day on, I loved it.”
A year later, 1982, she saw Louisiana Tech and USC, titans of the women’s college game at the time, playing on television.
“I watched with my mom and it … I was thrilled, you know?” Johnson said. “I told her, ‘One day, I’m playing college basketball. I’m gonna play for the team in the blue, the team with the stars going down their jerseys.”
The ‘team in blue’ was the Lady Techsters, only about 70 miles away through the pine trees and winding state highways from her back yard court.
“Well,” said the lady everyone in Coushatta called ‘Mrs. Susie,’ the single mom with three jobs, “if you’re gonna play for them, you’d better get back outside.”
She dribbled her way out the back door and kept shooting.
Often joining her was her father’s youngest brother from Shreveport, her Uncle Johnny, a veteran of semi-pro hoops and a serious student of the game.
“He taught me how to play basketball,” Johnson said. “He just … how to dribble, to move, to guard, understanding the game. ‘What did you see? How could you have done better?’ He took care of me.”
Uncle Johnny was a good teacher. By the time Johnson was a sophomore at Coushatta High (now Red River), she’d verbally committed to play for “the team in blue.”
But it wasn’t the same program she’d watched on TV in 1982. Tech fell out of the Top 25 in 1990-91 for the first time in 13 years, then lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The next season was equally mediocre.
“No question that Vickie coming to Louisiana Tech really helped put the program back on the national map,” Tech’s head coach Leon Barmore, a Louisiana Sports and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, said. “If we hadn’t signed that class — Vickie, Racquel Spurlock, Amy Brown — we would have disappeared from the national spotlight. Vickie wasn’t a savior by herself, but she sure was instrumental.”
As a rookie Lady Techster in 1992-93, Johnson helped take the team to the NCAA Regional Finals, a snapshot of things to come. During her four seasons with Tech, the Lady Techsters were 116-17 and finished as national runner-up in 1994 when Johnson, a sophomore, was chosen to the All-Final Four team.
“Vickie was the ultimate teammate,” Barmore said. “She did whatever it took to win, whether that meant playing defense or scoring or just being a leader.”
“She’s a winner,” said Brown, a former Parade All-American, Johnson’s Tech teammate, and now director of teacher education at Tennessee Tech after a successful, championship-filled coaching career there. “She was the type of player who wasn’t going to allow her team to lose. She practiced every day like she played every night. It was contagious with her teammates.”
Whether it was a trait developed in the back yard or through emulating Mrs. Susie, Johnson’s selflessness came early, as sweet and as necessary as her baseline jumpers.
“Vickie could have played all five positions by herself,” her AAU teammate Zeagler said. “She could see the floor, everything, everywhere, like she had eyes in the back of her head.
“But the thing that always stood out about her was I felt like I belonged on the court with her, and that was because she made us feel that way,” Zeagler said. “She made us feel like we belonged on the court as much as she did.”
Although as a freshman and sophomore she helped Tech claw back onto the national stage, turns out Johnson was just getting started when it came to giving the folks around Cut-Off Road and Lone Star Feed down in Coushatta plenty to talk about. She earned spots on both the Kodak and Street & Smith All-America teams the next two seasons, Sun Belt Conference MVP in 1995 and 1996, and 1996 Louisiana Player of the Year.
She did it with a silky grace and salty presence.
“She was as smooth a basketball player as I can remember coaching,” Barmore said. “The baseline was her home. She would roam the baseline and make that little jump shot all night. It was a beautiful thing to watch. She was one of the players that our fans enjoyed watching the most.”
Thomas Assembly Center proved to be only a launching pad. There was more where that came from.
In the 1997 WNBA Elite Draft, Johnson was the 12th player chosen. A quick look at only a few high points from her pro stat sheet, which is almost 30 years old — and counting…
Nine seasons with the New York Liberty and four with the San Antonio Silver Stars;
Twice an All-Star;
First person in the league to collect 4,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 1,000 assists in a career;
Dependable-plus, a starter in 408 of 410 games played and the first person in WNBA history to play 11,000 minutes;
Won the league’s Sportsmanship Award in 2008, her last as a player, and has been a coach in the league since.
“As good a player as she was on the court, she’s a better person,” Brown said. “She deserves every honor she’s received for what she did as a player, but it’s even sweeter because of who she is off the court.”
“Quiet off the court, but once it was time to play, all that went away,” Zeagler said. “Never mean, but always purposeful. She was very sportsmanlike-minded: you got knocked down, she’d help you back up. Just an incredible all-around person.”
All that, the total package, game after game and year after year, in a sport that “girls don’t play.”
And all that with an attitude grounded in her back yard and in the house with Mrs. Susie.
A turning point of sorts goes back to a phone call made to her home after three days of practice at Tech. She told her mom of Barmore, “This man is crazy; I can’t satisfy this guy.”
She was thinking of transferring to LSU, a program that had recruited her hard, even though she had committed to Tech.
But on that call, Mrs. Susie asked her three questions:
“You wanted to go to Tech, right?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“You’re at Louisiana Tech right now, right?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“You signed a scholarship, a contract, right?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Then stay your ass right there.”
That’s the conversation Johnson recalls. “Then she hung up on me,” Johnson said. “At the time, a freshman, three days in … I was devastated.”
The next day, Barmore told his freshman star before practice that he’d received a phone call overnight. It was from Mrs. Susie.
“She told Coach Barmore, ‘Don’t mistreat her, but stay on her. Don’t cut her any slack. Let her know that this is about more than basketball; this is about life,’” Johnson said. “And that’s what he did.
“I can truly tell you that the discipline and consistency Coach Barmore instilled in me during my years at Tech is what I carried with me as a player and is what I carry with me as a coach,” she said. “College was very hard, mentally. Even as a sophomore, Coach Barmore expected me to know everything he was thinking, on offense and on defense. And I’m grateful every day, because when I got to the pros, it was easy. Every system. I could watch a team and know when to fill in and where to fill in. That’s from Coach and from breaking down lots of film, day after day, with (assistant coach) Kim Mulkey. I came out loaded.”
Quietly but staggeringly efficient, gym after gym, night after night, year after year. And still in the game. All for the joy.
Her old childhood friend Layne Huckaby, a hoops coach himself, was on the line when she got the phone call welcoming her to the Class of 2025 and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
“You know what she said? ‘Thank you.’ That was it,” Huckaby said. “So humble. She was never in it for the recognition. She never needed to be in front of the camera. She just wanted to play.”
“A lot of people told me I wasn’t good enough,” Johnson said. “That was my fire. And that’s how I played. I wanted to guard the best players. When I chose to play overseas, I chose countries with the best players. That’s where I got my joy, from playing against the best.
“I played because I enjoyed it,” she said. “The accolades that come with it? They come with it. But my goal was to be the best I could be and get in Louisiana Tech, and I did that.”
____________________________
Teddy Allen is a Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductee as a 2023 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. He writes for several publications, is the color analyst on the Louisiana Tech Radio Network football broadcasts, and does work for ESPN+ coverage of Tech sports.
The Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a local woman after an investigation of cruelty to her children led to the discovery of 34 animals living in the home.
Darci Freligh Boyd, 41, was arrested after deputies accompanied personnel from the Department of Children and Family Services to a residence in the 4900 block of La. Highway 371 north of Ringgold regarding child welfare concerns.
Boyd, the mother of three juvenile children who were the subject of DCFS concerns, was located at the home. According to the Sheriff’s Office, DCFS made arrangements with family members to take custody of the children as they appeared to be victims of cruelty by Ms. Boyd.
BPSO also discovered the home was being used as an animal rescue for 27 dogs and seven cats, all being housed throughout the interior of the home and in a fenced area behind the home. Living conditions for the family as well as the animals were deplorable.
According to BPSO, Boyd claimed ownership of 10 dogs and the cats but said the remaining animals were being housed under the name of Hope Angel Rescue.
Boyd was charged with cruelty to juveniles and aggravated cruelty to animals. Bail was set at $20,000.
The animals were removed from the home and into the custody of Animal Rescue Corps from Tennessee and Animal Rescue New Orleans as well as volunteers from Texas. All animals are being examined by veterinarian Dr. Randy Clemons and vaccinated to allow out of state transportation. Boyd relinquished ownership of the animals in question to allow removal.
This rescue effort was arranged through officials from Dixon Correctional Institute which is a state penal facility north of Baton Rouge. The Sheriff’s Office thanked all who made the rescue a success.
A man who allegedly beat a woman who refused to have sex with him has been charged with forcible rape and false imprisonment.
The Grambling Police Department arrested Terria H. Harris, 67, of Grambling, about 6:30 a.m. last Sunday at an apartment on Ellis Washington Street.
According to an officer’s report, the incident began about 1:45 a.m. Sunday morning when Harris became upset with a female companion after she refused to have sex with him.
Harris punched the woman, dragged her into a bathroom, and forced her clothes off. He then supposedly hit the woman until she was defenseless and raped her, according to the arresting officer’s report.
Afterward, Harris allegedly refused to let the woman leave the house, blocking the door several times. Around 4:20 a.m., she escaped and walked to the Grambling Police station. Harris was arrested a few hours later.
Officers observed physical injuries to the woman’s face. She was taken to Northern Louisiana Medical Center for treatment.
Harris was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. His bail was set at $100,000.
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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