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Month: August 2025
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Local events
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.
Saturday, August 30
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech v. Southeast Louisiana
7 p.m.: Grambling State v. Langston
Monday, September 1
Labor Day
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Tuesday, Sept. 2
10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Heritage Classical Academy (5200 Hwy. 167, Ruston)
Wednesday, Sept. 3
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, Sept. 4
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, Sept. 5
10 a.m.: Master Gardener free seminar about simple irrigation for drought tolerant plants with guest speaker LSU Ag Agent John Monzingo (Lincoln Parish Library)
7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep v. Darbonne Woods
7 p.m.: Cedar Creek v. Delhi Charter
Saturday, Sept. 6
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Remembering Louise Sims Gambrell
Funeral services for Louise Sims Gambrell, age 84 of Simsboro, LA, will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Simsboro First Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Cole officiating. Burial will follow in Simsboro City Cemetery under direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Louise was born on June 24, 1941 in Simsboro, LA to Gladys and Clark Sims and passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 27, 2025 in Bossier City, LA with her family at her side. Although she was an only child, it never felt that way, as Louise was always with her cousins, Gayle and Jean. Louise graduated from Simsboro High School, then continued her education at Louisiana Tech University, where she earned her Art Major. During her junior year of college, at a Fourth of July party, at the VFW, Louise met the love of her life, LaBree Gambrell. She then married him on November 2, 1962 and they had three children.
Louise attended Simsboro First Baptist Church and loved her Sunday School Class. She enjoyed lunches with the ladies and the trips they would take. You could often find Louise reading, writing, or painting, all things she enjoyed very much. Louise also loved time spent traveling with her husband.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys Lewis Sims and William Clark Sims. She is survived by her husband, LaBree Gambrell of Simsboro, LA; sons, Steve Gambrell and wife Mae of Simsboro, LA and David Gambrell and wife Edie of Vidor, TX; daughter, Christi and husband Alan Fetterolf of Beaumont, TX; many granddaughters; and a host of other family and friends.
Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until service time Saturday at Simsboro First Baptist Church.
Remembering Fern Taliaferro Newsom
Funeral services for Fern Taliaferro Newsom, 96, of Monroe, LA, formerly of Dubach, LA, will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 30, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Dubach with Bro. Barry Joyner and Bro. Eddie Robison officiating. Interment will be at Roark Cemetery in Marion; LA. Visitation will be held prior to the service at First Baptist Church in Dubach from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.
Fern was born in Litroe, LA on March 3, 1929. She graduated from Marion High School and 2 weeks later married the love of her life, Jimmy Newsom. In 1949, they moved to Dubach, LA to raise their family. Fern was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Dubach. Later in life, she worked for LP&L as a clerk.
She is preceded in death by her parents Eugene Napoleon and Ellie Smith Taliaferro, and her husband of seventy-four years, Jimmy Newsom.
Fern is survived by her sons, Mike Newsom and wife Patti, Rob Newsom and Audre Kelley; daughter-in-law Tamara Graham Newsom; granddaughters Jennifer Newsom Green and husband Tommy, Keely Graham Newsom; great grandson Thomas Green and wife Dr. Brooke Green; and great granddaughters Lauren Green and Mia McLain.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Dubach at 7876 Hico St., Dubach, LA 71235
Special thanks are given to her caregivers at Ouachita Healthcare and her hospice nurse Kimmie Huggins. Also, special thanks to moms friend Kay Reid and to her “adopted daughter” Amy Armstrong.
Notice of death — Aug. 28, 2025
Betty Lou Robertson
December 18, 1930 – August 26, 2025
Visitation: Friday, August 29, 2025, 2:00PM, Trinity Methodist Church, 1000 Woodward Avenue, Ruston
Service: Friday, August 29, 2025, 3:00PM, Trinity Methodist Church, 1000 Woodward Avenue, Ruston
Final Resting Place: Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 2500 W California Ave (Hwy 80), Ruston
Fern Taliaferro Newsom
March 3, 1929 – August 26, 2025
Visitation: Saturday, August 30, 2025, 1:00PM – 2:00PM, First Baptist Church, 7876 Hico St., Dubach
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 30, 2025, 2:00PM, First Baptist Church, 7876 Hico St., Dubach
Final Resting Place: Roark Cemetery, 299 Tiger Bend Road, Marion
Frances “Louise” Gambrell
June 24, 1941 – August 27, 2025
Visitation: Saturday, August 30, 2025, 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM, First Baptist Church of Simsboro
Funeral service: Saturday, August 30, 2025, 10:00 AM, First Baptist Church Simsboro
Elvin Williams, Jr.
Wednesday 06/13/1951 — Sunday 08/24/2025
Visitation: Friday 08/29/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/30/2025 11:00am, Mt. Calm Baptist Church, 566 Mount Calm Road, Simsboro
Interment: Saturday 08/30/2025 Following Service, Mt. Calm Cemetery, Simsboro
Zhylar R. Willis
Wednesday 04/10/2024 — Monday 08/25/2025
Visitation: Sunday 08/31/2025 1:00pm to 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Sunday 08/31/2025 2:00pm at at King’s Funeral Home
Interment: Sunday 08/31/2025 Following Service, New Prosperity Cemetery, Clay
Juanita Hinton
October 7, 1931 – August 26, 2025
Graveside service: Friday, August 29, 2025, 10:00 AM, Wesley Chapel Cemetery, 4330 Hwy 818, Ruston
Ora Taylor
Thursday 05/13/1943 — Sunday 08/17/2025
Visitation: Friday 08/29/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/30/2025 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home
Private Burial
Curtis Howard, Jr.
Wednesday 09/03/1952 — Wednesday 08/20/2025
Visitation: Friday 08/29/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/30/2025 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Interment: Saturday 08/30/2025 Following Service, Macedonia #1 Cemetery, 239 Glen Road, Dubach
Rusty Wilfong opening food truck at North Village Food Park
The man. The myth. The legend.
If you have ever gone to a Louisiana Tech football game (or any other Tech athletic events), you have most likely seen Rusty Wilfong doing what he loves.
Tailgating.
And that means cooking.
Around the 318, Rusty has a great reputation as a man who loves to serve; to help others.
Whether that is through his job as the Service Manager at Karl Malone Toyota or through the Ruston Rotary or just through the many chefs hats he wears for events like tailgates and fundraisers, the grey-bearded, jovial man-behind-the-grill has his own fan base.
Now, Rusty is joining the gang at North Village Food Park by opening his own food trailer: Rusty’s Jambalaya..
“I have been cooking in Ruston for decades,” said Rusty, who plans to be open by Monday, September 8. “Years and years. Cooking at fundraises and Tech tailgates and just all sorts of community events. One day I will retire, and this is what I want to do when I retire. So, I am starting it now, although I’m still working for Karl Malone Toyota.
“This gives me an opportunity to get things started with my son helping me. I want to build it up so when the time comes, I am here and established. I love Ruston, and I love cooking. It just fits.”
Rusty’s menu will include jambalaya, chicken and sausage gumbo, and red beans and rice with sausage.
Hours of operation for Rusty’s Jambalaya will be: Monday through Wednesday (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Thursday through Saturday (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. & 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
“I see so many people at Tech tailgating and at all of these other places that I cook, and now I’m hoping to see the same crowd at the North Village Food Park,” said Rusty.
Rusty’s Jambalaya is the perfect addition to North Village Food Park which is located at 2102 Timberline Court and that already includes a wonderful variety of food options, including Lola’s Teriyaki, Big Boyz Smokehouse, SaborMex, and Ckeey’s Place Menu.
This is an advertorial
Second annual community tailgate raises Bearcat support
By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, LA. — Fans, community members, and vendors joined together Friday night at the Ruston Civic Center for the second annual Friday Night Lights Community Tailgate to raise support for the Bearcats with the 2025 season right around the corner.
“We are very fortunate through the generosity of so many to be able to raise significant funds for the program,” Bearcat Football Club President Wes Clark said. “I don’t think people realize just what it takes to fund a football program the size of Ruston High School that has in excess of 160 young men in grades 9-12. On behalf of the Bearcat Football Club, I would like to thank everyone in attendance, along with our sponsors: Gibsland Bank & Trust, Clark Contractors/Triad Builders, Tommy’s Express Wash, Southern States Equipment, Ruston Maintenance, Squire Creek Country Club, Hot Rod’s BBQ and Sundown Tavern.
“We would also like to thank all of our auction donors. Without them none of this would be possible. Also, I’d like to personally thank Hunter and Becky Smith, Pat Gillum, and Adam Pyles for all the work they put in to make it a great event. We are looking forward to making it even bigger and better next year.”
Ruston High Head Coach Jerrod Baugh shared his appreciation for people coming to support the program.
“You don’t realize what you’re missing until you’ve been involved in it for a couple of years and really see the community turn out to support the kids,” Baugh said. “People realize the importance of what it is that football does for the kids and the community and the program, and they’re willing to come out and, and support the effort.. And so I think it’s I think it’s just great to be able to do it with it being an event where you can relax and get an opportunity to visit.”
Through ticket sales, auction items and other fundraising methods, the event raised substantial funds to continue to help the Ruston football program, which has made the state championship game all three of the past seasons and won the 2023 state title.
“I think it’s just great for the community to come out here,” Ruston High Principal Dan Gressett said. “We’ve been extremely successful the last few years — the community has totally gotten behind it. We couldn’t do any of this without the support that we have from the community. And it’s just a great event and a chance for everybody to get together before we get kicked off.”
Ruston will play in the 2025 Bayou Jamb Friday, Aug. 29, at 8 p.m. against Neville at Malone Stadium on the campus of UL-Monroe.
Burns’ playoff run sealed his spot on USA Ryder Cup roster announced Wednesday
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
A few minutes before United States Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley called Sam Burns’ name Wednesday morning as the sixth and final captain’s choice pick for the USA roster in the Sept. 26-28 international competition, Cameron Young did.
That inadvertent slip from the fourth player announced by Bradley strongly hinted Burns was on the team.
“Cameron Young just gave away Sam Burns being a pick,” posted Hugh Kellenberger of The Athletic on that publication’s live chat as Bradley methodically went through his selections live on Golf Channel. Responding to a question, Young said, “… and teammates like Sam …” and the cat was climbing out of the bag.
Despite getting a call, presumably Monday (posted Wednesday on USA Ryder Cup social media), from Bradley – who said Wednesday morning his team was set 48 hours earlier – the emotion was apparent. Burns’ voice wavered as he began to respond to the opening query from the program moderator.
“Being on these teams is one of the highest honors you can achieve in this sport. I’m so privileged and honored to be part of this team,” said the 29-year-old Shreveport native and Calvary Baptist Academy graduate from his home in Choudrant, where he plays out of Squire Creek Country Club.
Burns was 16th on the USA’s Ryder Cup points rankings and was among roughly 10 players thought to be in the mix for the six captain’s choices – including Bradley, who stood 11th on the points list but decided not to be a playing captain – a decision that may have left open the slot Burns filled.
Moments after announcing the former two-time LSU All-American and 2016 major college player of the year’s spot on the roster, Bradley referenced the intensity that Burns carries — and flashed in his initial comment Wednesday.
“Sam is an incredibly passionate golfer. He is the best putter on the planet. He has won the Match Play championship. He has an extreme competitive fire in his belly. I have a lot of respect for Sam and the way that he came on at the end of the season to make this team. His back was against the wall and he played well every week. That’s some of the hardest times to play good golf, trying to make these Ryder Cup teams, and Sam did that.
“We really wanted to see how these guys handled the pressure of making this team, and they all shined brightly at the end of the season … playing high level golf on the biggest stage, with the Ryder Cup on the line. Ultimately that was the decision-maker on who made the team,” said Bradley.
The USA aims to defend home turf at Bethpage Black on Long Island, N.Y., and take the Ryder Cup away from the Europeans, who won convincingly two years ago in Rome.
As Bradley explained what he and his vice captains were looking for in the six picks to go with the six automatic qualifiers on the USA’s Ryder Cup points system, it was clear Burns was an ideal fit – considering the three-week FedEx Cup playoff run Burns staged (tied for fourth two weeks ago at the BMW Championship, tied for 7th last weekend at the Tour Championship, while posting 68 or lower in each of his last 10 rounds in the playoffs) coupled with his two days of leading the U.S. Open and an eighth-place there, one of his six top 10s this season.
Burns tops the PGA Tour with a .924 strokes gained putting rate, is fourth in putts per round (28.0) and 19th in birdie conversion rate (34.2 percent). He stands second on tour with 377 birdies in 24 starts this season and averages a solid 307.4 yards off the tee.
“We wanted guys who we knew could handle the moment,” said Bradley. “There’s Ryder Cups, and there’s Ryder Cups at Bethpage. We needed guys who were winners, who were up there in majors, that have won majors, and ultimately guys that we felt fit the golf course – very long, very difficult. Most of these guys are incredible putters.
“We’d love to have Sam on our side with that putter at Bethpage. I can’t wait to see him out there with those fans. (He) plays with his heart on his sleeve, and people at Bethpage are going to love that.”
Making his second Ryder Cup appearance and fourth consecutive USA roster for international competition (wins in the 2022 and 2024 Presidents Cup), Burns is relishing playing in front of boisterous New Yorkers.
“It’s going to be an incredible week. I know we’re going to have tons of support at Bethpage. These fans are special, and they love getting behind their teams, behind their country, and I know having their support will spur us on and hopefully we can rally behind that energy and use it to our advantage,” he said.
The other players chosen by Bradley and announced Wednesday were Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Patrick Cantlay and Young. The automatic selections confirmed two Sundays ago were world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, and Harris English.
Burns went 1-2 in the 2023 Ryder Cup and was 3-0-1 last year in Canada at the Presidents Cup.
Bradley said Burns and the other USA players (except for DeChambeau, who is ineligible because he plays on the LIV Golf circuit) will be in the PGA Tour’s first fall event, the Procore Championship Sept. 11-14 in Napa, California, to avoid a monthlong competitive break before the Ryder Cup.
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Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
COLUMN: Be kind in the car line
by Judith Roberts
It has started.
The race of hurrying up and wait. The endless creeping of cars along the side of a road. The multiple drivers who think the rules don’t apply to them.
Wait, what?
It’s car line time.
As someone who has picked up children from four different school car lines now, I am grateful for the teachers and administrators who work to ensure each child is picked up safely and in the quickest manner possible. It’s got to be a daily headache to look at each car, try to find the tag on the dashboard (often missing), and make sure each child, especially those in the younger grades, are placed in the correct order so the line can move along quickly.
It is a last daily feat for these teachers and staff who have been on their feet all day, doing everything from teaching to soothing to breaking up fights. At 3 p.m., all anyone in car line wants to do is go home – that includes the school staff, too.
So let’s make it easy for them, shall we?
Every school I have picked children up from has a route for pick up. I understand if you mess it up once or twice – everyone’s learning, after all. But to be a repetitive violator, breaking in line in front of the dozens of cars because you went the wrong way – makes it more difficult for the individuals waiting as well as the faculty who now have to deal with your rule breaking.
No one is more important than anyone else in the line. No one is happy to be in car line. Just go around, take the right direction, and help everyone out. Yes, I understand you have places to go and people to see. So do the rest of us. Other options exist for children other than car line. Find a friend at the school and have your kid carpool. The school system has buses that can take your child directly to your house. Options are available.
Additionally, for those in elementary schools, the teachers do not recognize your car. Yes, I know you’ve got a hot pink, specially-designed car, but the teachers are learning new student names and faces – don’t make them memorize cars, too. Just put your tag in the car identifying which student you’re picking up. I’ll be honest, this is one even I’m dealing with, because I’ve had kids at the same school for five years now. I know the teachers recognize my car, but with everything else they’re expending mental energy on, can I not make it a little easier by just putting my bright tag on my dashboard? Of course, I can.
Lastly, for those who pick up at schools near residential areas, please don’t block driveways of homes. I’ve seen too many people trying to get home or get out of their driveway when it’s blocked by carline traffic. Just make a little space so someone can get in or out of their home.
Car line takes some time. I know, I get it. I’ve been living it for a bit now. But if we all follow the rules, we can make getting our children safer – and quicker – for everyone. And that’s something easy that we can all do to help our students, our teachers and our schools.
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.
Hey Pigskin Prognosticators! Take your best stab at this week’s football pick’em contest
Lincoln Parish Journal readers have an opportunity each week to win FREE money in the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em presented by Johnson Physical Therapy, FanBase of Ruston, and Martin Presence.
And the best part is it’s FREE … just like your subscription to the LPJ.
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The Lincoln Parish Journal wants to thank Karl Malone Toyota, Johnson Physical Therapy, FanBase of Ruston, and Martin Presence for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s College Football Pick’em contest.
We also want to thank Dubach Air and Heat, Ginn’s Autobody, Hart Designs, Tanyard Creek, Charlie’s Carpet Cleaning, Hod Rod BBQ, Louisiana Orchard Realty, Ruston Athletic Supply, Walker and Co., Lulu Pearl, Rusty’s Jambalaya, Greaux the Good, Tommy’s Tees, and RightFiber for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.
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Are you ready for some football?!?
Bigger question. Are you ready to win $150 in cash … with the potential to make it $300 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).
The Lincoln Parish Journal is holding the 4th Annual Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy.
If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!
Anyone is eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $150 cash prize (maybe $300). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 15 selected college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with Week 1 games (August 30).
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $150 each week!
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
LPJ to resume Saturday publishing for football; will not publish Labor Day
By LPJ Staff
The Lincoln Parish Journal will proudly resume Saturday publications starting this Saturday, Aug. 30, which will run through the end of football season for all local schools and universities.
See your Friday night recaps and college football preview stories in our Saturday editions by subscribing for free today right here. All you need is to input your email and you’ll have access to the only free daily news source in Ruston and Lincoln Parish. On Sundays, you can read college football recaps by going to our homepage at www.lincolnparishjournal.com.
The LPJ will also not be publishing on Monday, Sept. 1, in honor of Labor Day. Publishing will resume Tuesday, Sept. 2.
COLUMN: Are you having trouble moving forward?
Have you ever avoided something because it was going to be hard? Have you ever had a hard time making a decision because you were waiting for the perfect conditions? Have you ever put something off, even though you know it was the right thing, because it would require change?
Unfortunately, looking back at my life, I can say yes to all of those at one point or another. In fact, some of the biggest regrets in my life are around things I chose not to do, opportunities that I avoided, or decisions that I contemplated too long.
My problem was my fear was greater than my faith at those points. My fear of failure, my fear of being uncomfortable, and my fear of change were all key factors. When faced with uncertainty, it really comes down to two things: fear and faith.
Fear is rooted in negative thinking that allows us only to see a bad outcome. Failure, rejection, injury, and bad news/results are the focus of our thoughts.
Faith has a foundation that tells us regardless of the outcome, we will be better for the experience. Faith doesn’t focus on how difficult, hard, or uncomfortable something may be, but rather reminds us that all things work together for good for those that love God and are called according to His purpose.
Faith propels us to do extraordinary things. Fear, in the best case, limits us to the ordinary experiences of life.
Here is a question that I learned several years ago that has helped me navigate uncertainty and difficult decisions:
Based on my current circumstances and future dreams, what is the wise thing to do?
Rather than be consumed by fear of hard things or uncertainty, simply ask that question.
An honest view of current circumstances places focus on life right now. It’s reality. Here’s where I am, here’s the resources I have, and here’s the demands on me today.
The focus on future dreams brings to light purpose, the direction that I sincerely want to go in my life, and the values that are most important to me.
Therefore, when faced with a big decision, I am not focused on how hard it may be, or how uncomfortable I may be, or any other factors that often leave us waiting for the perfect time. The perfect time may never come.
Today may not be the right time based on your answer to the question, but it’s not because of perfection. Rather, it’s just not the wise thing based on current circumstances and future dreams. As your circumstances change or your dreams are altered over time, the answer may change.
Far too many of us are stuck. We are just in a holding pattern due to uncertainty. We need to make a decision, have that difficult conversation, start that new habit, drop that old habit, or embrace that new opportunity, but we are afraid.
Far too many of us accept a predictable bad over a possible good because that change just might be worse. We fear what we don’t know. Therefore, we accept safe lives rather than joy filled lives. We avoid pain, loss, and hard things rather than pursue an abundant life full of joy.
It comes down to fear or faith. No more regrets. Don’t fear hard, embrace it!
In light of your present circumstances and future dreams, what’s the wise thing for you to act on today?
Doug provides professional speaking and coaching services to organizations and individuals. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build a team culture, feel free to reach out to Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.
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.
Man charged with domestic abuse battery
A Ruston man was arrested earlier this week on charges of domestic abuse battery.
Ruston Police officers responded to a Glenwood Drive address shortly after midnight on Aug. 25 after dispatch advised that the suspect, Patrick Franklin, 39, was leaving the scene in a white Cadillac Escalade. One RPD officer initiated a traffic stop on Farmerville Highway while another talked to the victim, who stated that Franklin came to the address, and they began arguing. She said Franklin attempted to come into the house, but she put her hand on his chest to keep him from entering. She said he then took her phone and threw it in the woods and then struck her with his fist in the face. The victim then said Franklin pushed her to the ground.
The officer at the residence observed a laceration on the inside portion of her upper lip.
The victim’s daughter said she was in the driveway and witnessed the event. Both women said Franklin collected two firearms from the house before leaving.
Franklin stated he was at a female coworker’s house and discovered three of his tired on his Grand Marquis had been slashed. When he returned to the Glenwood Drive address, he began collecting his belongings. He stated the victim threw her own phone into his woods, and he collected his belongings and left. He said that the two women were lying to have him arrested.
Based on the evidence, Franklin was arrested and booked at the detention center.
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.
COLUMN: A silly solution
by Brad Dison
In 2006, 28-year-old Army Specialist Todd Shriver was just one of many soldiers fighting in Iraq against Saddam Hussein’s regime. Todd and other soldiers in his unit were tasked with clearing buildings of enemy insurgents in the city of Ramadi, but the work was slow. The soldiers listened for any movement in the room to be cleared. If they heard nothing, the soldiers took a quick peak into a room, with a mirror if one was available, to check for any signs of obvious danger such as enemy soldiers or explosives. They could be hiding anywhere. Then, the soldiers cautiously and slowly walked or crawled through the doorway with their weapons at the ready. Once a room was cleared, they repeated the process on a slow, seemingly endless cycle. If they failed to notice a tripwire, just one…BOOM!
Enemy soldiers had set booby traps in many of the buildings. The explosives were triggered by nearly invisible trip wires. The various branches of the military had spent an untold amount of money searching for a practical solution for finding these tripwires, but none of their ideas became standard-issue equipment. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Garver, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad, explained that soldiers often have to improvise on the battlefield and that commanders are given money to purchase nonstandard supplies. During the war in Iraq, soldiers bolted scrap metal to vehicles in what they called “Hillbilly Armor.” Troops removed old bulletproof windshields from damaged vehicles and attached them to working military vehicles to provide extra protection to gunners. Medics used tampons to plug bullet holes until the wounded soldiers could be transported from the battlefield to medical facilities. Soldiers used condoms over the muzzles of their rifles to keep sand out.
With no clear solution to easily locating tripwires, Todd and his fellow soldiers continued the slow process of clearing buildings. One day in October 2006, Todd was assisting some Marines in clearing a building. It was pretty much the same process of listen and look. Then, the Marine did something Todd was not expecting. He pulled out an aerosol can and sprayed its contents through the doorway. Todd was curious about the Marine’s action, but the soldiers knew to keep quiet. After clearing a few rooms in the same manner, the Marine took out the aerosol can and sprayed it as he had through the other doorways. This time, something different happened. The contents that spewed from the can clung to a nearly invisible thread which spanned the doorway. With a quick push of the can’s nozzle, the soldiers located a practically invisible tripwire that could have been deadly.
Todd requested cans of the product, but none could be found in Iraq. The product was plentiful in the United States, so Todd turned to his mother, Marcelle Shriver. On a telephone call, Todd told her what the product was and how they could use it if they had it. Todd’s mother sprung into action. She sent her son a few cans of the spray, but they needed more. With the help of her church, Todd’s mother sent him a few more dozen cans. Word spread quickly about the need and manufacturers joined in the cause. Within a year, Todd’s mother had sent more than 80,000 cans of the spray to soldiers in Iraq. Todd’s mother was collecting the spray cans, not from hardware stores, but from party supply stores. You see, the product in the aerosol cans that has saved countless lives by making the invisible tripwires visible was a silly solution called Silly String.
Sources:
1. “A Serious Use For Silly String,” December 6, 2005, CBS News, accessed August 17, 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/
2. Mel Evans, “Silly String care packages sent to troops in Iraq,” October 15, 2007, NBC News, accessed August 17, 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/id/
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Two arrested for intent to distribute marijuana
A traffic stop initiated because of speeding turned into an arrest of two individuals for drug possession and intent to distribute.
A Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s sergeant initiated a traffic stop on Hwy. 80 in Simsboro due to a Jeep traveling 73 mph in a 55 mph zone. When the sergeant contacted the driver, Trey Moore, 32, of Arcadia, he detected an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
Moore was questioned out of the vehicle, and he said the passenger, Aniya Hill, 20, of Ruston, had been the one who had smoked marijuana and had a small baggie of it in her purse. When asked about the marijuana, Hill said she did have some in her purse.
At this time, the sergeant conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle, which revealed a small bag of marijuana in Hill’s purse and in a headphones case in the backseat on the driver’s side.
More than $11,000 of cash in large and small denominations was discovered in the center console. Additionally, more marijuana was, digital scales and a box of unused sandwich bags was found in a grocery bag underneath the front passenger seat.
The marijuana located in the Jeep was later found to be approximately 350 grams.
Hill stated the money was his but that the marijuana under the passenger seat belonged to Hill. Hill said the marijuana belonged to Moore.
From training, the sheriff’s sergeant recognized the amount of money, plastic bags and digital scales were all signs as an intent to distribute the marijuana.
Moore and Hill were informed they were under arrest for possession with an intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. They were transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and booked.
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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Local events
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.
Thursday, August 28
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.: Rustonys (Dixie Theatre)
6 p.m.: Yoga at Lincoln Parish Library Events Center
Saturday, August 30
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech v. Southeast Louisiana
7 p.m.: Grambling State v. Langston
Monday, September 1
Labor Day
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Tuesday, Sept. 2
10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Heritage Classical Academy (5200 Hwy. 167, Ruston)
Wednesday, Sept. 3
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, Sept. 4
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, Sept. 5
10 a.m.: Master Gardener free seminar about simple irrigation for drought tolerant plants with guest speaker LSU Ag Agent John Monzingo (Lincoln Parish Library)
7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep v. Darbonne Woods
7 p.m.: Cedar Creek v. Delhi Charter
Saturday, Sept. 6
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Remembering Betty Lou Lancaster Robertson
Betty Lou Lancaster Robertson passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, at the age of 94. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, she lived a life marked by faith, optimism, and unwavering love for her family.
Betty Lou was born on December 18, 1930, in Waterproof, Louisiana to her loving parents, Roderick Claude Lancaster, Sr. and Lillie Maude Hudnall Lancaster, she was the youngest of seven children and always the light of everyone’s eyes. Known as the “Eternal Optimist,” she saw only the good in every situation. She had a gift for listening to others and always finding the bright side and offering encouragement rooted in faith and joy.
Betty Lou and her beloved husband, Robert Scott “Scotty” Robertson, shared a rare love and true partnership from the very beginning. Their life together carried her from her Louisiana roots all across the country with Scotty’s coaching career. Wherever they went, she embraced the phrase “Bloom where you are planted.” When asked to move again, she would simply reply, “Just tell me if I should pack a bikini or a fur coat.” This was how she approached life—joyfully, gracefully, and always rooted in Christ. For her, the glass was always overflowing.
Her faith was central to who she was. Betty Lou was deeply devoted to Trinity United Methodist Church, where she worshiped faithfully for decades. She was lovingly uplifted by the visits of Reverend Doug de Graffenried, the steadfast care of her adoring niece Lee Ann Toliver, and the compassionate ministry of Cathy Brewton of Lifehouse Ministries.
Change was a constant in Betty Lou’s life, yet she remained steadfast and faithful, building a loving home and inspiring her family with her kind heart and giving spirit. She found joy in her church, her sorority sisters from her Kappa Delta alumnae chapter, and most of all, in her family.
Betty Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Scotty Robertson; her parents, Roderick Claude Lancaster, Sr. and Lillie Maude Hudnall Lancaster; her siblings, Mildred McBride, Anne Chennault, Robert James Lancaster, Roderick Claude Lancaster, Jr., Martha Seaman, and Mary Higginbotham; and her best friend since childhood, Martha Moss.
Betty Lou is survived by her loving and devoted daughters: Libby Robertson Power, Houston, TX; Claudia Robertson Fowler and husband, Royal, Nashville, TN; Vicki Robertson Page, Dallas, TX.
The lights of her life were her grandchildren and great grandchildren, each of whom she adored: Grandchildren Patrick Daniel (wife, Nicolette) of Houston, TX; Lizzie Ivy (husband, Judson) of Naples, FL; Meghann Myers (husband, Jesse) of Houston, TX; Cassie Kelley (husband, Charles) of Nashville, TN; Michaelanne Lauderdale (husband, Matt) of Inlet Beach, FL; Mitchell Page (wife, Jacki) of Dallas, TX; Mary Elizabeth Page of Portland, OR; Scott Robertson Page of Dallas, TX; Emily Rhine (husband, Jeremy) of Dallas, TX; and Robertson Fowler of Middleburg, VA.; Great grandchildren Luke Daniel, Bond Daniel, Jackson Myers, Audrey Myers, August James Myers, Ward Kelley and soon to be born baby boy Kelley, Frankie Lou Lauderdale, Owen Robertson Page, and Evelyn Rose Page. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Connie Robertson Tarver of El Dorado, AR, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will include Patrick Daniel, Mitchell Page, Scott Page, Robertson Fowler, Rob Lancaster and Duane Tolliver.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the love, care, and comfort shown during Betty Lou’s final days, especially to the compassionate staff at Northern Louisiana Medical Hospital.
We will not cry tears of sadness but tears of joy, knowing that Betty Lou lived a life overflowing with love, faith, and joy. Our hearts are full, knowing she now rests in heaven with the love of her life, Scotty.
Funeral services Celebrating Betty Lou’s Life will be 3:00 P.M. Friday, August 29, 2025, at Trinity Methodist Church, 1000 Woodward Avenue, Ruston, LA with Reverend Doug de Graffenried officiating the service. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Ruston, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA.
A visitation for family and friends will be prior to the service beginning at 2:00 P.M. until service time at Trinity Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston, LA, or to the Louisiana Tech Foundation, in honor of Betty Lou and Scotty’s lifelong devotion to their faith, family, and community.
A Lasting Tribute: To know Betty Lou was to love her. Her joy, faith, and boundless love will live on for ever in the hears of her family and friends.