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.
Wednesday, July 30 Dixie Softball World Series (Ruston Sports Complex) 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 12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
Thursday, July 31 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 4 p.m.: End of summer prize party for teens (Lincoln Parish Library Community Room) 6 p.m.: Yoga at Lincoln Parish Library Community Room 7 p.m.: Community performance by Southern A’Chord (fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston)
Friday, August 1 10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Lincoln Parish Health Hub/HELP Agency (316 Mills Ave., Ruston)
Monday, August 4 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 5:30 p.m.: Ruston City Council meeting (Ruston City Hall) 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, August 5 6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (410 S. Farmerville St.) 6 p.m.: Fitness class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Wednesday, August 6 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 12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
Thursday, August 7 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.: Yoga at Lincoln Parish Library Events Center
Saturday, August 9 8:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 9 a.m.: Fighting Gaming Community (Lincoln Parish Library Jack Beard Community Room) 12:30-4 p.m.: GSU Tiger Con (GSU Campus)
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 Athletics continues its series of honoring some of the Bulldogs’ greatest student-athletes since 2000. Starting Tuesday, fans can vote for the Louisiana Tech Softball All-Quarter Century Team.
A total of 59 players who met at least one of the following criteria were nominated:
Played at least one season from 2000-2024 (2025 players not included)
Current players from the 2025 season are not eligible
A total of 20 players will make the Softball All-Quarter Century Team including four pitchers, six infielders, five outfielders, two catchers and three utility players.
Sadie B Currie 07/10/1942 — 07/25/2025 Visitation: Friday 08/01/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Funeral Service: Saturday 08/02/2025 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 08/02/2025 Following Service, St. Luke Baptist Church, 163 St. Luke Church Road, Arcadia
Verlon Gene Rowe May 30, 1934 – July 27, 2025 Visitation: Friday, August 01, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Hodge Baptist Church, 1100 S. Holly, Hodge Funeral Service: Friday, August 01, 2025, 10:00 AM, Hodge Baptist Church, 1100 S. Holly, Hodge
Henry Revels May 18, 1951 – July 26, 2025 Visitation: Victory Life Church of Ruston, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Service: Victory Life Church of Ruston, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 2:00 pm Cemetery: Rock Corner Cemetery, Wednesday, July 30, 2025
A look inside Lafayette Parish’s Real Time Crime Center.
by Wesley Harris
An allocation of $1.5 million by Congress to a real-time intelligence center in Ruston is expected to enhance the police department’s crime fighting capabilities, Mayor Ronny Walker told the Lincoln Parish Journal last week.
Walker said U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has announced he successfully secured the $1.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending in the first Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Appropriations bills advanced by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.
The funding will go toward a technology-heavy center envisioned by Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson to prevent and investigate crime.
Watson said the RTIC (pronounced Ar-tic) will give the department new tools that have been highly successful in other cities.
“Imagine the value during a critical incident at a school or an active shooter situation if we can link into camera systems at the scene to see what our first responders are getting into before they show up there,” Watson said. “Also, if there’s a first responder already at the school, we tap into his body-worn camera and see what he’s seeing. There’s tons of different things that the center will be used for.”
“It’s not my idea,” the chief said, “but I know good ideas when I see them.”
Watson said Lafayette Parish has the only fully functioning RTIC in Louisiana.
“I went down there and toured theirs. A Lafayette Sheriff’s Office sergeant runs it with a retired deputy and a retired city police officer and a couple of civilians who work part time,” said Watson. “They are solving crimes all over the U.S. by tracking offenders who are coming through Louisiana.”
Watson said Lafayette has access to camera systems and license plate recognition (LPR) systems from Texas to Florida.
“Let’s say Florida enters in a car into their LPR system and it’s picked up by a LPR here in Louisiana. Lafayette is finding stolen cars like that,” said Watson. “They just found a kidnap victim like that. It’s fascinating stuff, not to mention the local cases they’re solving and recovering stolen property.”
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office said their center has access to 1,700 cameras around the parish, including a combination of traffic cameras, public surveillance cameras from multiple law enforcement agencies and private security cameras, as well as dash cameras in sheriff’s office vehicles and deputies’ body-worn cameras.
Watson said Ouachita Parish is currently building an RTIC.
The entire project to equip it like Watson wants will take about $3.5 million but the recent Congressional appropriation is a huge start. Grants and other funding sources from outside the city are being pursued, Watson said.
“We have some LPR locations around the city already.” said Watson. “I’m about to put up five more. We’re utilizing that technology now. But we’re going to build out from that.
“The RTIC [proposal] includes new computers for our vehicles, a new software program that will enable us to pull in security cameras from all over the city from those sites that give us access. We anticipate using some part-time retired people and they’re going to be solving crimes based on information they get off of those cameras and LPRs.
“We will also be able to link in to an officer’s body-worn cameras from the RTIC. The analysts can check on that officer who’s out on a call, monitor his body-worn camera. Some officers have a little bit of pushback to that initially, but it gives officers a second set of eyes to what’s going on around them. It saves lives.”
Watson said Ruston’s limited LPR system is already helping officers solve cases.
“Summer Wilson, one of our officers, worked a vehicle burglary,” Watson explained. “She came back to the office, started digging around on the LPR system, finds a car that was in that area at about 1:00 or 2:00 o’ clock in the morning. Now, we can’t pin it on him right now, but we know it was him.
“He took the suspects over there, dropped them off, came back and picked them up, and that’s when we checked him on the LPR. That kind of analysis of crimes hasn’t been performed in the past. So the Real-Time Intelligence Center is going to do nothing but amplify that by giving us the tools to apply that type of technology to every case.”
Use of a “drone as a first responder,” also known as a response drone in the industry, is part of Watson’s plan for the RTIC.
“The drone would sit on top of City Hall or the police department and would be activated from dispatch,” Watson said. “It can be anywhere in our city in 30 seconds and be transmitting from the scene while officers are responding. That feed is being watched in dispatch or in the crime center. A call of a fight and the drone is right there, letting officers know how many are involved. Or that someone is fleeing the scene. Or maybe there’s nothing to it and officers can slow down.”
Watson credited Mayor Walker’s efforts to seek funding from outside sources to support the project.
“This program relies on businesses and schools giving us access to their camera surveillance systems. If the police department gets a call like a burglary in progress or something, the intel center can link into the building’s cameras and see how many suspects are on the premises,” said Mayor Walker.
The response drone could also track down suspects who flee the scene, according to Watson’s description of the technology.
The mayor has given his full support to Watson’s plan.
“This is the next wave of what’s happening in police work and so important in my opinion in Ruston because we are a two-college town,” Walker said, citing growth of the city and the crime that comes with that.
“It helps the fire department, too, because if we get a call of a fire somewhere that has a system, the firefighters will know what’s going on before they ever get there.”
Walker credited Senator Cassidy for the financial help and for helping Ruston and Lincoln Parish continue to move forward.
“Senator Cassidy has helped us a lot over the eleven years I’ve been in office, bringing us about $35 million in grants and earmarks,” said Walker. “So this is just another example of that, and we really, really appreciate it.”
Grambling State University (GSU) has been awarded $899,647 through the U.S. Department of Education’s Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program to launch the Enhancing Student Support Services for Underserved Students (E4S) project.
This initiative will serve students as the Tiger Living Initiative for Fundamental Thriving (L.I.F.T.), furthering GSU’s commitment to student success and holistic development.
The L.I.F.T. initiative will support over 2,500 GSU students, aiming to boost retention by 2% through a comprehensive approach that leverages public benefit programs, creates a campus-wide mental health strategy, and addresses students’ social, emotional, and academic needs.
By increasing postsecondary access, affordability, completion, and success after enrollment, L.I.F.T. will help students recognize and maximize their talents to succeed academically, socially, and in their future careers.
The project will be led by Marcus Kennedy, Interim Dean of Campus Life & Holistic Development, who will serve as the Principal Investigator. Key partners include The LEAD Firm, Christian Community Action, College of Professional Studies, School of Social Work, Humanitarian Enterprise of Lincoln Parish, and CAA, all of whom will play a vital role in providing comprehensive support to GSU students.
“This federal investment arrives at a pivotal moment for Grambling State University,” said Grambling State President Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr. “With the launch of L.I.F.T., we are positioned to address the fundamental needs of our campus community while launching our first cohort of student leaders this summer through the GSU LEAD: Leadership Excellence and Advancement Development Micro-credential.
“This program will not only address the core priorities of student success and well-being but also position our graduates to lead, serve, and thrive in their communities and chosen fields. We are deeply grateful for this much-needed support and the opportunity it brings to transform lives at Grambling State.”
Four Union Parish residents were arrested last week for their roles in the February death of a newborn. The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests following an investigation by agency investigators.
UPSO said the case was initially investigated by the Farmerville Police Department before being turned over to the UPSO Criminal Investigations Division.
The investigation began when emergency medical personnel responded to a home within Farmerville after a report a female had given birth in the bathroom. Paramedics arrived to find the newborn child unresponsive with its head submerged in the toilet. Life-saving measures were initiated at the scene and the child was transported to the hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the newborn died, UPSO said.
The investigation revealed statements made by those present at the scene conflicted with dispatch call logs and emergency response timelines. It was determined the newborn had been left submerged for several minutes before help was called.
Investigators also found no one at the scene attempted to remove the child from the toilet or provide aid before paramedics arrived. The death was ruled a homicide with the cause listed as drowning.
As a result of the UPSO investigation, warrants were obtained from a Third District Court judge for the following individuals:
Lindsey Nicole Washington, 21, of Marion, second degree murder
Lee Dell “Pop” Nation, Jr., 69, of Farmerville, second degree murder
Evelyn Nation, 74, of Farmerville, negligent homicide
Elaine Nation, 60, of Farmerville, negligent homicide
All four individuals were arrested last week and booked into the Union Parish Detention Center without incident. Bail for Washington and Lee Dell Nation was set at $750,000 each. Bail for Evelyn and Elaine Nation was set at $150,000 each.
This case remains under investigation.
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Two Union Parish deputies faced fierce resistance from suspects in separate incidents Saturday.
At about 9 p.m. Saturday, a uniformed deputy working an off-duty detail at a Union Parish healthcare facility was attacked and strangled by a patient.
In a separate incident, a DWI suspect attempted to take away the arresting deputy’s firearm.
Kitauge M Bennett, 32, of Baton Rouge, a client of the healthcare facility, became irate and began yelling profanities, causing a disturbance. While the deputy attempted to de-escalate the situation, Bennett grew increasingly aggressive, confronting the deputy, stating she was “not afraid of the badge.”
As the deputy attempted to deploy handcuffs, Bennett physically attacked the deputy, striking the deputy in the face several times and attempted to strangle the deputy to the point of almost losing consciousness. Facility staff members intervened and were able to assist in removing Bennett’s hands from the deputy’s neck.
Bennett then fled the facility. The deputy regained composure and pursued Bennett and arrested her after a brief struggle.
Bennett was booked into the Union Parish Detention Center for attempted first degree murder of a peace officer, unlawful disruption of a healthcare facility, and resisting an officer by force or violence. Bail was set at $756,500.
In the second incident, Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a possible impaired driver near Farmerville. A motorist reported encountering a vehicle stopped in the roadway and the driver admitted he was impaired.
When deputies arrived, Clyde L Gandy, III, 68, of Farmerville, admitted to consuming six beers earlier in the day and admitted he was intoxicated. After administering sobriety tests to Gandy, deputies determined he was impaired and should not be operating a motor vehicle.
Gandy resisted attempts to handcuff him by trying to pull away. After a brief struggle, he was placed in custody and escorted to the deputy’s patrol vehicle. Gandy, who was still handcuffed, attempted to remove the deputy’s firearm from its holster. Another struggle ensued and Gandy was finally secured into the vehicle.
Gandy was booked into the Union Parish Detention Center for attempting to disarm a police officer, first offense DWI, and resisting an officer. Gandy’s bail was set at $22,500.
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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is installing traffic counter devices at various Lincoln Parish intersections and across the state to collect data on traffic volume, vehicle types, and roadway usage.
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office reported receiving some phone calls about the devices from residents who spotted them at selected state highway intersections.
The devices are used to inform future transportation planning, infrastructure improvements, and maintenance priorities. They are non-invasive and pose no risk to the public or vehicles, appearing as small electronic devices atop tall metal poles near street signs or along the right-of-way.
Other parishes where the devices are in use include Caddo, Sabine, St. John, St. Martin, and Red River Parishes.
DOTD asks the public not to tamper with or remove the devices to ensure accurate data collection. Questions can be directed to DOTD at 1-877-452-3683 or DOTDCS@la.gov.
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Three Ruston men were arrested Wednesday after police attempted to stop a vehicle involved in a gun incident that resulted in a vehicle pursuit and a foot chase.
Marquis Melacon, 22, Jordan Briscoe, 17, and Rodriq Rhone, 19, were arrested about 6 p.m. July 23 on numerous charges.
Ruston Police responded to the McAllister Street area in response to a report of a man in a red Toyota Camry pointing a gun at a crowd of people. An officer spotted the Camry and attempted to stop it. The vehicle failed to stop and officers pursued it with lights and sirens.
The Camry failed to stop at two stop signs and crossed over the center line on McAllister Street into oncoming traffic while trying to elude police. The vehicle came to a stop at Third Avenue and McAllister Street. The driver, Briscoe, exited the vehicle with his hands up and was taken into custody.
During the pursuit, a rear seat passenger later identified as Melacon threw an AR-15 style firearm out the rear driver’s side window. Once the vehicle came to a stop, Melacon fled behind a house on Second Avenue. He was taken into custody. The firearm was retrieved.
A check of the firearm’s serial number showed it had been stolen in Ruston.
A search of the vehicle located approximately 38 grams of marijuana, a set of scales, a marijuana cigarette roller, and sandwich bags commonly used for packaging narcotics.
Rhone also fled the vehicle and ran into a house on Second Ave. He was eventually taken into custody and taken to the Ruston Police Department.
While in a interview room at RPD waiting to be questioned, Rhone yelled through the walls to another suspect to tell him to stop talking. Rhone was moved to another room and again began yelling to tell the other suspect to stop talking.
Melacon was booked for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled substance, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, flight from an officer, obstruction of justice, and terrorizing. The terrorizing charge pertains to pointing the firearm at the crowd.
Rhone was booked for resisting an officer and obstruction of justice.
As the driver of the vehicle, Briscoe was booked for aggravated flight from an officer.
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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Notice is hereby given that David St. John, administrator of these successions, proposes to sell the aforesaid immovable property, at private sale, for the price and upon the terms set forth above. Any heirs. legatees, creditors or others opposing the said sale are required to make opposition, if any they have or can, to such sale, within seven (7) days, including Sundays and holidays, from the date whereon the last publication of this notice appears, or the court may grant the application without further action.
07/15/25, 07/29/25
Please view the Attached the Signed Court Document:
Lincoln Prep HC Chauncey Davison (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
Lincoln Preparatory School’s football team got back to business on Monday as the Panthers returned to conditioning and weight-lifting workouts on Monday after a two-week break.
But before that break they got a chance to work on their offensive skills positions and defensive backfield during a pair of 7-on-7 camps.
“We went over to River Oaks (in Monroe) and went up against River Oaks and Delhi Charter,” said Panthers coach Chauncey Davison. “We got some good work in there and I thought we looked pretty good.
“And we also went to Shreveport and got second place — we lost to Homer — at a 7-on-7 session hosted by Centenary College. So we’ve been working at it trying to get better even before the start of official preseason practice.”
That 7-on-7 work against other teams is especially important as the Panthers work to get new starting quarterback Zion Hicks more comfortable behind center.
“Zion’s coming along pretty good,” Davison said. “He’s learning how to be a quarterback. He’s learning how to be a leader. This is going to be his first year taking those responsibilities. I’m just excited to see if he can do what he needs to do.”
Senior Tre Spann looks to be Hicks’ top target after serving as one of Lincoln Prep’s top receivers the past couple of years.
“Having Tre back for his senior season is huge,” Davison said. “He’s a leader for our basketball team, too.
“But Tre is a quiet leader. He’s not gonna say much. He’s going to lead by example. He’s going to lead with his actions. He’s going to show up every day and he’s going to put that work in. But he’s not a big talker.:”
Davison said the Panthers’ vocal leader will be senior lineman Ryan Randolph.
“Ryan is one of those guys who can tell the other players something, and they’re going to do it without saying too much back,” Davison said.
Stepping into the Panthers’ tight end role to replace Hicks will be Josiah Spann, Tre Spann’s younger brother.
“Josiah looked pretty good in the 7-on-7 camps,” Davison said. “But 7-on-7 is not like playing in pads, so he’s still got a lot of work ahead of him. But he’s been catching and making plays for us, so I’m eager to get out there and see what he can still do wearing those pads.”
The Panthers lost last year’s top ballcarrier D’Tavion Wright but do have senior Jaylin Huntley returning to head up Lincoln Prep’s corps of running backs.
“Huntley is a speedster. He doesn’t have the best hands, but I love to see him get behind the kind and find some open space,” Davison said. “Once he does that, he’s trouble for the opposing defense.”
Davison said actual preseason workouts will start on Aug. 11 leading up to Lincoln Prep’s Jamboree games against Madison and General Trass at the Madison Parish Jamboree on Aug. 29.
The Panthers kick off the regular season at home on Sept 5 before playing a pair of Thursday contests, at Magnolia Charter on Sept. 11 and at home against Beekman Charter on Sept. 18.
Lincoln Prep will open District 1-1A play on Sept. 26 at home against Jonesboro-Hodge before playing at Haynesville on Oct. 3.
Then comes a three-game road swing as the Panthers travel to Ringgold on Oct. 10, Glenbrook on Oct. 17 and Cedar Creek on Oct. 24.
The Panthers will celebrate Homecoming on Oct. 31 by playing host to Plain Dealing before closing out regular-season play on Nov. 7 at Arcadia.
Years ago, I admitted my age and the ever-increasing number of conversations I was missing.I blamed it on soft talkers. The truth was the promise of my mother that if I don’t turn that noise down, I’ll go deaf, came true. Years of loud music, loud concerts, and loud lawn equipment have taken their toll.
The household mantra has become, “you don’t listen to me.” If Alabama has the football and it is third and seven on the LSU twenty-yard line, it is true I am not listening, I’m holding my breath to see what happens. Talk to me after the play! I did give up a coupe of years ago and bought hearing devices.
Speaking of hearing, I hear the sounds of football returning. I am rejoicing greatly. The dark period is almost over; we are less than a month away from kickoff. I don’t care who, we are going to be playing football again. If you want your team to win this year, come to Trinity Methodist I am offering the laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and fervent prayer for your team. You must be present to receive the football prayer.
I had a secretary once who could not hear. I was told by church members that when Ellen smiles it means she is not hearing a word you are saying. It seemed that Ellen smiled all of the time. When she would leave messages for me that involved phone calls they were always amusing and often incorrect.
I served a church with an associate pastor who was decades past retirement. He couldn’t hear even with his hearing aid. One day, he forgot the name of the dearly beloved we were burying. I couldn’t bail him out by whispering in his ear. I had to say loudly, “Her name is Helen Jones.” From then on, I made sure he had the name of the dearly departed written down.
The takeaway in this noise is that I have concerns that I am not hearing God. There is often too much noise in daily life. Even in prayer, we have such a long prayer list that by the time we tell God everything that is on our minds, we don’t have time to be quiet and listen to Him. I’m great at telling God stuff, I’m not so good at listening to His “still small voice.” The Hebrew behind that English phrase is better translated “the sound of utter silence.” Ponder that phase in your heart.
God speaks, most clearly in Jesus. He speaks. I confess that I need to do a better job of finding ways to listen for the “sound of utter silence.”
How is your heart hearing?
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, July 29 Dixie Softball World Series (Ruston Sports Complex) 10:30 a.m.: Summer movie series: “Monsters, Inc.” (Dixie Theatre) 4 p.m.: Ultimate art trivia for teens (Lincoln Parish Library Community Room) 6 p.m.: Adult Craft Night (Lincoln Parish Library; must register by calling 318-513-5510)
Wednesday, July 30 Dixie Softball World Series (Ruston Sports Complex) 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 12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
Thursday, July 31 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 4 p.m.: End of summer prize party for teens (Lincoln Parish Library Community Room) 6 p.m.: Yoga at Lincoln Parish Library Community Room 7 p.m.: Community performance by Southern A’Chord (fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston)
Friday, August 1 10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Lincoln Parish Health Hub/HELP Agency (316 Mills Ave., Ruston)
Monday, August 4 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 5:30 p.m.: Ruston City Council meeting (Ruston City Hall) 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, August 5 6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (410 S. Farmerville St.) 6 p.m.: Fitness class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Wednesday, August 6 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 12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
Thursday, August 7 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.: Yoga at Lincoln Parish Library Events Center
Saturday, August 9 8:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 9 a.m.: Fighting Gaming Community (Lincoln Parish Library Jack Beard Community Room) 12:30-4 p.m.: GSU Tiger Con (GSU Campus)
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 fans are invited to kick off the upcoming athletic season at Fall Fan Fest, set for Friday, August 15 from 6–8 p.m. at Joe Aillet Stadium. Admission is free and open to the public.
This fun-filled evening offers fans a unique opportunity to meet student-athletes and coaches from the Bulldog football, soccer, and volleyball teams. Attendees can collect autographs, snap photos, and enjoy a variety of interactive stations for each sport. Kids can also enjoy bounce houses, tailgating games, and more—all taking place on the brand-new state-of-the-art turf currently being installed at Joe Aillet Stadium
While enjoying the music and on-field activities, fans can grab the latest LA Tech gear from the Barnes & Noble Bookstore and choose from a range of food and drink options, including Kona Ice, Tom’s Coffee, and Aramark concessions.
Season tickets for football will be on sale during the event, along with Champ’s Kids Club memberships, which grant kids in 8th grade and younger free admission to all home regular-season sporting events throughout the 2025–26 athletic year.
The Louisiana Tech baseball All-Quarter Century team was announced on Monday, highlighting some of the program’s best student-athletes from the previous 25 seasons.
16 of the players that were selected played at least one season under head coach Lane Burroughs (since 2017), 11 of which played any time from 2018 to 2022. Six players are represented from the 2000s and nine have played for the Diamond ‘Dogs in the last three seasons prior to the spring of 2025.
Seven of the 10 Bulldog Men-Team Captains for life that was incorporated upon Burroughs’ arrival-were selected to the All-Quarter Century Team: Parker Bates, Ethan Bates, Jorge Corona, Jonathan Fincher, Matt Miller, Steele Netterville and Taylor Young.
Seven players-Cade Gibson (Miami Marlins), Phil Maton (St. Louis Cardinals), Ryan Jennings (Toronto Blue Jays), Taylor Young (Los Angeles Dodgers), Dalton Davis (Seattle Mariners), Jorge Corona (Kansas City Royals) and Cole McConnell (Chicago White Sox)-currently reside on the rosters of their respective MLB organizations, with Gibson and Maton currently playing at the Major League level.
The full list of the All-Quarter Century Team can be found below.
PITCHERS Cade Gibson (2021-22) Kyle Crigger (2020-22) Jonathan Fincher (2019-23) Phil Maton (2012-15) Casey Blalock (2001-02) Phillip Diehl (2015-16) Ryan Jennings (2021-22) Nate Harris (2016-17) Matt Miller (2017-19) Jamie Gilley (2012-13)
INFIELDERS Taylor Young (2018-22) Hunter Wells (2018-21) TJ Soto (1997-2000) Dalton Davis (2023-24) Wade Robinson (2000-03) Chase Lunceford (2016-17)
Henry Revels May 18, 1951 – July 26, 2025 Visitation: Victory Life Church of Ruston, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Service: Victory Life Church of Ruston, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 2:00 pm Cemetery: Rock Corner Cemetery, Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Mavis Mae Miller Davis February 1, 1947 – July 24, 2025 Service: Alabama Presbyterian Church, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, 10:00 am Cemetery: Sibley Cemetery, Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Preslee Prince (middle) and Hoyt Prince (far left) join Lt. Jake Watts in one of the many exercises at the fourth annual LPSO Youth Cadet Academy. (Courtesy Photo)
by Malcolm Butler
In a day and age where it is becoming increasingly difficult to serve in law enforcement, building relationships with citizens is even more paramount.
That’s what members of the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office did during the course of its 4th annual three-day Youth Cadet Academy: build relationships.
Eleven area youth — eight males and three females — ranging from grades six through eight spent time interacting with area law enforcement officers and first responders while learning some of the ropes of the profession.
“Our main goal is always to build relationships with the kids,” said LPSO Deputy Chief Landon Hunt. “We want them to see what we do on a daily basis and learn from it. This allows them to see that our deputies are just normal human beings, just like everybody else.
“This academy allows us to build that relationship between us and them at a young age. They see they can trust us and understand they can come to us when they need to.”
Hunt also said he hopes that the LPSO or local law enforcement agencies will eventually get some potential members down the road.
“Hopefully, one day we will get some recruits out of this,” said Hunt.
This year’s class got an up-close look at a variety of subjects, including defensive tactics and weapons retention, effects of alcohol and drugs, investigations and fingerprinting, and traffic stops.
Day two of the academy saw the participants work a mock crime scene, with all eleven having various roles in the exercise. They then toured the jail and participated in a mock trial during the afternoon with Third Judicial District Judge Bruce Hampton overseeing it.
Cedar Creek ninth grader Preslee Prince was one of this year’s cadets.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said Prince who served as an investigator during the mock trail. “We learned a lot.”
Lilly Boyd, who is entering 7th grade at Downsville Charter, echoed Prince’s sentiments.
“I was told about it, and I heard there were guns,” said Boyd. “I like guns. It’s been pretty cool. I learned how to put on a tourniquet.
“Out of all of it, I really enjoyed touring the jail and the weapons retainer.”
The final day of the academy saw the campers participate in a physical fitness test on an obstacle course at the LPSO gun range. They also did some skeet shooting and experienced both K9 and SRT demonstrations.
Hunt said that the academy continues to be a success every year and eventually thinks some of the participants could choose law enforcement as a career.
“A number of them seem very interested every year,” said Hunt. “Not only in law enforcement, but within the entire criminal justice system. There were several who sat in with the district attorney and the judge during the mock trial who seemed interested in going to law school one day.
“We hope it will bring some of these young kids into the criminal justice system.”
The Lincoln Parish Police Jury would like to invite residents from the parish to come join the grand opening of the new Lincoln Parish Health Hub and Humanitarian Enterprises of Lincoln Parish (H.E.L.P.) Agency building at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, on Mills Street in Ruston, just north of Northern Louisiana Medical Center.
The project has been planned for three years at a cost of around $9 million. Layout-wise, the new 12,500 square foot main Health Hub building will house the Health Unit on the east side of the main building and the Health Hut on the west side with a shared reception space and break rooms in between. The Health Hub building will house the Lincoln Parish Health Unit, Health Hut, Parish Sanitarian offices and support spaces.
The building will feature multiple examination rooms, storage areas and a large demonstration kitchen for WIC services. Separated by a shared parking lot, the new 3,500 square foot HELP Agency building will house the HELP Agency, Coroner’s office and other support spaces.
From the Health Hut Webpage: “The Health Hut” is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve the medical needs for the underserved adult population in and around Lincoln Parish through mobile medical care. A casual conversation with a board member of the Lincoln Health Foundation led to the creation of The Health Hut by Dr. Leonel Lacayo and his wife Lisa Lacayo in 2011. The Lacayo’s took a great interest in serving those who could not afford medical care and had limited means of transportation. Today their legacy lives on as The Health Hut continues to provide easy access for complete primary care services to all areas of Lincoln Parish. The Health Hut also is a provider for Louisiana Medicaid.
From the H.E.L.P Agency Webpage: The H.E.L.P. Agency is an organization that is under the umbrella of the Lincoln Parish Police Jury. We assist low income individuals and families with utility assistance, rent, transportation, and much more. We pride ourselves in being an agency that lends a helping hand to the citizens of Lincoln Parish with a friendly, homely approach. We uphold the beliefs of our mission statement, which is “To Encourage, To Inspire, To Love And To Restore Through Service”.
Bearcat fans looking to renew their season tickets will have until midnight tonight to log into GoFAN and complete their renewals.
Fans with current season tickets should have received an email about the renewals recently.
Any season tickets that have not been renewed by midnight will be open to the general public for purchase in the near future.
For more information, please contact Terri Ramos at terri.ramos@lincolnschools.org or by phone at 318.255.0807.
Ruston’s home slate this season includes Friday, Sept. 19, against Longview, Thursday, Sept. 25 against Midland Legacy (in Alvarado, Texas), Friday, Oct. 10, against Ouachita for Homecoming, Friday, Oct. 24, against Alexandria and Friday, Nov. 7, against West Monroe.
