A passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation in Ruston last week was wanted in San Antonio for a drug offense.

Vanessa Nicole Mendoza, 40, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was arrested September 24 after the vehicle she was a passenger in for stopped in Ruston.

A records check revealed a warrant for Mendoza in San Antonio, Texas. After she was arrested, a small black bag near her was searched. Officers found a glass smoking pipe containing a small amount of suspected methamphetamine.

Mendoza denied ownership of the bag but a credit card bearing her name was found inside.

Mendoza was booked for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone (school), and the San Antonio warrant.

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.

Loading
crossword puzzle. One moment please.

Click the three bars in the bottom corner and select “With Radar” to see current precipitation and storms in your area.

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, Oct. 1
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, Oct. 2
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Courtesy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Ruston (1371 N. Service Rd., Ruston)
5-6 p.m.: All welcome to free meal hosted by 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry (Ruston Housing Authority, Maryland Plaza Community Room, 615 N. Farmerville St.)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
6 p.m.GSU volleyball
7 p.m.: LA Tech soccer

Friday, Oct. 3
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball
7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep football
7 p.m.: Cedar Creek football

Saturday, Oct. 4
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
1 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball

Sunday, Oct. 5
1 p.m.: LA Tech soccer
2 p.m.: GSU volleyball

Monday, Oct. 6
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)
5:30 p.m.: North Central Louisiana Master Gardeners present seminar on Monarch Butterflies (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6 p.m.: GSU volleyball
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)

Tuesday, Oct. 7
6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (410 S. Farmerville St., Ruston)

Wednesday, Oct. 8
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, Oct. 9
9:30 a.m.: Piney Hills Quilt Guild meeting (Grace Methodist Church)
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, Oct. 10
2 p.m.: GSU Homecoming pep rally (Main Street, Grambling)
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball
7 p.m.: Ruston High football (Homecoming)
7 p.m.: Cedar Creek football

Saturday, Oct. 11
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
1 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball
6 p.m.: Grambling State v. Texas Southern (Homecoming)
6-8:30 p.m.: Pumpkins in the Park (Railroad Park)

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.

BATON ROUGE — Chalk up another terrific weekend for Ruston High cross country.

Down in South Louisiana at the Highland Road Park in Baton Rouge, Ruston’s boys took first place overall in the second race of the season while the girls ended with an impressive second place finish.

“I’m really happy for our kids this weekend,” Ruston High Cross Country Coach Dustin Cochran said. “It’s always fun to travel down to Baton Rouge and compete against a lot of the best kids in the state. We had two really good team races, a lot of personal records or seasons best runs, and one really happy coaching staff. For September I’m always preaching process over results. These 14 young ladies and men have been embodying that so far this season. This was the most laser-focused I’ve seen a group in a couple of years at a meet. They had fun, but everything they did, they did the right way. They traveled well, they behaved at the hotel, they warmed up well, raced really tough, and then cooled down well.”

Ruston’s boys took the top team spot with a score of 114 (8+12+19+35+40 (49+68)), beating Central Lafource by nine points in the three-mile course.

Senior Al-Amin Wilson lead the Bearcat pack with a time of 15 minutes, 39.82 seconds, while senior Joshua Daulton finished took 12th at 15:42.83. Senior Luke Braswell gave a 19th place performance at 16:00.66, and senior Ben Boudreaux took 35th with a time of 16:22.00. Junior Wyatt Hancock rounded out Bearcat scorers at 16:31.25 for 40th place.

Junior Preston Parker also turned in a 49th place finish (16:45.13) and sophomore Billy Rufleth took 68th overall at 17:07.37.

On the girls’ side, the Lady Bearcats took second overall at 109 (5+11+24+30+39 (69+105)) with sophomore Eden Dawsey taking fifth overall at 18:03.48. Senior Hallie Hebert took 11th overall with a time of 18:27.49, while junior Madison Morris finished at 19:20.60 for 24th place.

Senior Maddy Parkman turned in a time of 19:37.40 (30th), while Addison Brister took 39th to round out scoring with a time of 20:03.28. Sophomore Mary Hamond finished 69th overall at 20:49.62, while junior Diana Santos took 105th at 22:01.85.

“At the season opener we asked everyone to start slow and work to a spot we needed them and finish,” Cochran said. “We did that and picked up team wins. At SJA this weekend, we asked them to start faster, get to the right spot even with 300 runners out there, and compete really hard in the bumping and the shoving and the traffic. We did that and we picked up a team win for the boys and a really competitive runner up finish for our girls. I think it says a lot about a group of kids when they listen to what you want, trust it, then go execute it. We’ve got a selfless group. They don’t have to have it their way all the time. They’re helping each other get better and racing for each other.

“I’m impressed with the quick times so far. If we keep everyone healthy, and stay motivated, as we sharpen up we should be able to compete really well as the season goes on. I’m really looking forward to October and November and seeing what this team can do. You want to go out and represent Ruston well everytime we step on the course. We’re 2-for-2 on doing that this season and we aim to keep that going.”

Ruston High will host its home meet this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 4, with varsity girls running at 7:30 a.m. and the boys running at 8 a.m.

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

For the third consecutive week and fourth time this season, Louisiana Tech was represented on the Conference USA weekly awards list, with John Hoyet Chance named Special Teams Player of the Week and linebacker Alonzo Jackson Jr. named Freshman of the Week, announced by the league on Monday afternoon.

Chance earned his third Special Teams Player of the Week honor after averaging 49.2 yards per punt on six attempts against UTEP. The Shreveport native had a season-long punt of 68 yards, while another traveled 52 yards. He landed two of his kicks inside the 20, while two more were fair caught. Chance leads CUSA with 14 punts of 50 yards or more and punts inside the 20 (14). Chance was perfect on six kickoff attempts, recording a touchback each time.

Redshirt freshman linebacker Alonzo Jackson Jr. eared Freshman of the Week honors after a career-day against UTEP. The Haynesville native entered the contest with no statistics on the season but was forced into action at linebacker after an injury and an ejection.

The Haynesville High School product recorded six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups and a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown. Jackson’s pick was the Bulldogs’ fifth of the night and helped seal a 30-11 win over the Miners in the fourth quarter.

This marks the fifth and six CUSA weekly award won by the Bulldogs this season.

Mekhi Mason – DPOTW – Week One
John Hoyet Chance – STPOTW – Week One
John Hoyet Chance – STPOTW – Week Three
Kolbe Fields – DPOTW – Week Four
John Hoyet Chance – STPOTW – Week Five
Alonzo Jackson Jr. – FOTW – Week Five

From Brandon Forester, Owner of Omega Entertainment, Q94.1FM and The Roux 102.3 FM

Greetings Fellow Bearcats and fans,

As we march down another exciting path of Ruston High School Bearcat Football this season, we would like to invite you to attend our Bearcats Live! broadcast.

Every Tuesday from 6:30-7:30PM join us live at The Sundown Tavern with Coach Jerrod Baugh and Host Nick Brown as they analyze the previous week’s game as well as the following matchup.

Sideline Reporter Toby Nations will be there to provide on the spot Q&A with the audience.

Can’t make it in person? Catch us on Q94.1 FM!

We strive to bring you the very best, so come join us for this informative and entertaining weekly event and show your support for the Mighty Bearcats!

Mary Elizabeth Davidson Eppinette 
September 29, 1940  –  September 27, 2025 
Visitation: Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 12:00PM – 1:00PM, Kilpatrick Funeral Homes, West Monroe 
Service: Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 1:00PM, Kilpatrick Funeral Homes, West Monroe 
Interment: Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 2:00PM, Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 451 LA 151 S, Calhoun 

Ruston High climbed one spot this week in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association weekly poll from No. 3 to No. 2 following the 49-21 win Friday against Midland Legacy.

Class 5A

School, 1^st rec, points, Prev. rank

1. Karr (11)                                4-0                                       132            1

2. Ruston                                   4-0                                        116             3

3. Central                                   4-0                                         95            4

4. St. Augustine                         4-0                                         92            5

5. Alexandria                             4-0                                         83            6

6. Catholic-Baton Rouge           3-1                                         80             2

7. John Curtis                            3-0                                         73            8

8. Zachary                                 3-0                                         56            9

9. Brother Martin                      4-0                                         36           10

10. West Monroe                       3-1                                         33            NR

Others receiving votes: Neville 16, Terrebonne 16, Evangel Christian 10, Ouachita 5, Destrehan 5, Parkway 2, Archbishop Rummel 2, Carencro 2, Airline 1, East Ascension 1.

Class 4A

School, 1^st rec, points, Prev. rank                                                     

1. North DeSoto (9)                        4-0                                     127           1

2. Teurlings Catholic (2)                4-0                                      120           2

3. St. Thomas More                        2-2                                      102          T3

4. Franklin Parish                           3-1                                      101          T3

5. Franklinton                                 3-1                                        78           5

6. Lakeshore                                   4-0                                        76           6

7. St. Charles                                  4-0                                        70           7

8. Plaquemine                                 3-1                                        58           8

9. Iowa                                            4-0                                        46           9

10. Archbishop Shaw                      2-2                                       40           10

Others receiving votes: Vandebilt Catholic 14, Tioga 7, Belle Chasse 5, E.D. White 5, Lutcher 5, Westgate 3.

Class 3A

School, 1^st rec, points, Prev. rank

1. Jewel Sumner (5)                        4-0                                     117          1

2. St. James (2)                               3-1                                      113          2

3. Sterlington (1)                             3-1                                     110          3

4. Madison Prep (1)                        3-1                                       95          4

5. Bunkie (1)                                   4-0                                       94          5

6. Jena                                             4-0                                       78          6

7. University (1)                              2-2                                       73          7

8. Lake Charles College Prep         3-1                                       50          8

9. Erath                                            4-0                                       42         10

10. Church Point                             3-1                                       36          9

Others receiving votes: Jennings 29, Marksville 8, Amite 6, John F. Kennedy 5, Westlake 2.

Class 2A

School, 1^st rec, points, Prev. rank

1. Ouachita Christian (8)                        4-0                              125           2

2. Dunham (1)                                         3-1                             113           4

3. Lafayette Christian Academy              3-1                             108           1

4. Calvary Baptist (1)                             3-1                                97           5

5. Notre Dame                                        3-1                                91           6

6. Catholic-New Iberia (1)                      3-1                               82           3

7. Lafayette Renaissance Charter           4-0                                58           7

8. Oak Grove                                          3-1                                54           8

9. Ferriday                                               4-0                               40            9

10. South Plaquemines                           3-1                                37          10

Others receiving votes: Kinder 13, Mangham 13, Newman 9, Union Parish 9, Northlake Christian 6, East Feliciana 3.

Class 1A

School, 1^st rec, points, Prev. rank

1. Haynesville (11)                                 4-0                               132           1

2. Jeanerette                                            4-0                               115           3

3. Covenant Christian                             3-1                                 99           4

4. Southern Lab                                      3-1                                  93          5

5. Hamilton Christian                             4-0                                  83          6

6. Opelousas Catholic                             3-1                                 79           2

7. Riverside                                             3-1                                 72           8

8. Kentwood                                            2-2                                59           9

9. Ascension Episcopal                           4-0                                 26          NR

10. Vermilion Catholic                            1-3                                 22           7  

Others receiving votes: Sacred Heart-Ville Platte 18, North Iberville 15, Logansport 13, Ascension Catholic 12, Westminster-Opelousas 10, St. Edmund 7, Grand Lake 2, General Trass 1.

Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

Louisiana Tech University is strengthening its role in aerospace and advanced technology research thanks to new grant funding from the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium (LaSPACE) through NASA’s EPSCoR program.

The College of Applied and Natural Sciences (ANS) and the College of Engineering and Science (COES) will use these awards, totaling more than $155,000, to support students and faculty in building sustainable research programs that drive innovation, expand Louisiana’s contributions to the nation’s space and technology efforts, and highlight the power of collaboration between the two colleges.

“These LaSPACE awards are an incredible opportunity for our students to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to real-world research,” said Dr. Gary Kennedy, dean of ANS. “Experiences like these give our students a competitive edge, open doors for future careers, and reflect the high caliber of talent in our college.”

Collaboration between these colleges continues to drive innovation and opportunity for students. By working together, faculty and students from both colleges combine expertise in science, technology, and engineering to tackle complex challenges, secure competitive research funding, and create hands-on learning experiences that prepare graduates to lead in Louisiana’s growing STEM workforce.

“These LaSPACE awards highlight the impact of research collaborations at Louisiana Tech,” said Dr. Collin Wick, dean of COES. “They recognize the innovative work of our faculty and students and strengthen our position as a leader in advancing aerospace and related research on a national scale.”

Louisiana’s participation in NASA EPSCoR opens the door for students and researchers at institutions like Louisiana Tech to compete for funding that ranges from small travel grants to multi-year research awards.

These opportunities not only expand hands-on experience in aerospace-related fields but also encourage collaboration across universities and industry partners, building a strong foundation for the state’s future workforce in science and technology.

The Distinguished Awards program began over 20 years ago and was brought back last year after a seven-year hiatus. The luncheon will be a time to honor these individuals and have them share a little about what Ruston High means to them.

Last year the event drew its largest attendance on record. Tickets are on sale through Friday, October 3 through GoFan. This can be done through the GoFan app or online. Tickets are $40 each or $300 for a table of 8. 

 GoFan link: https://gofan.co/app/school/LA19888

Any questions about tickets or the event can be directed to Heather Reeder at hreeder@lincolnschools.org or 318-548-8166. 

“We are thankful to our corporate sponsors who have contributed to luncheon to help offset expenses: Gibsland Bank and Trust, Lincoln Parish Journal, Century Next Bank, National Jewelry and Walpole Tire,” said Reeder. “They are greatly appreciated by the Alumni Association.”

JOURNAL SPORTS

Sam Burns and the USA team nearly conjured up a magical comeback Sunday at the 45^th Ryder Cup, but could not overcome Europe’s brilliant play over the first two days and clutch shots on the final day in a closer-than-expected 15-13 defeat.

Europe dominated the American side in the first 72 holes of competition, in foursomes and four-ball play on Friday and Saturday, and was on the brink of one of the biggest winning margins in Ryder Cup history.

The USA sparkled Sunday in singles play, as Europe struggled to score the clinching points until very late in the day, before Burns’ match with Scotsman Robert McIntyre was complete.

It ended when Burns’ drive on the 18^th hole found a sand trap leading to his eventual bogey, and allowing McIntyre’s par to earn a tie for the afternoon, giving each side a half point. That completed the day’s competition.

Europe won only one singles match Sunday, but tied in four. The foreigners needed only 14 points for an overall team tie to retain possession of the Ryder Cup that they won in 2023, and bot that when Shane Lowry birdied the 18^th to tie the USA’s Russell Henley. Tyrell Hatton’s draw with Collin Morikawa in the match in front of Burns-McIntyre put the visitors over the top and gave them the overall win.

Though Burns’ forte’, his putting, was not a strong suit over the weekend, the Choudrant resident was competitive in all three of his starts.

Friday afternoon he teamed with Patrick Cantlay, whose sizzling birdie binge on the back nine led the USA pair to a draw with the Irish duo of Rory McIlroy and Lowry.

Saturday afternoon, again in four-ball competition, Burns/Cantlay were in a tight match but this time fell 1-up to Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick.

A heartwarming and faith-filled new children’s book, “All I Need is a Glove…and God,” has been released, telling the powerful true story of KB Briley, a former softball player from Sterlington and Louisiana Tech whose perseverance and unwavering trust in God are inspiring young readers.

Briley’s book blends sports, faith, and grit in a story aimed at young athletes—especially girls—facing challenges of their own. Told in an accessible and encouraging voice, the book invites readers ages 6–11 to walk with KB through real-life setbacks, including a cracked back, multiple shoulder injuries and surgeries, hitting slumps, and a season stolen by COVID, all while chasing a dream she refused to quit.

“This book is really my heart on the page,” Briley said. “It’s for every kid who’s ever been hurt, overlooked, sidelined, or told they weren’t enough. I want them to know God can still do big things through their story.”

Briley was a star player at Sterlington High School before playing collegiate softball for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. After earning academic honors at Tech, she returned home to Sterlington, where she now serves as head softball coach and teaches sixth grade social studies at Sterlington Middle School.

“I’ve been the girl crying in a dugout. I’ve been the one going through physical therapy instead of practice. But I’ve also been the girl who got back up—with God’s help,” Briley said. “I hope this book reminds kids that setbacks aren’t the end. They’re just part of the journey.”

“My glove—my passion, my calling—coupled with God’s direction led me through all those barriers,” Briley said. “Sometimes I wondered where God was leading me with all the obstacles to my playing career, but I trusted him.”

“Sometimes chasing your dream will break your heart before it blesses your life,” she said.

Co-author Wesley Harris, a Louisiana writer and historian, helped shape Briley’s story into a children’s format that’s both inspirational and relatable. With its mix of playful illustrations, encouraging quotes, and honest reflections, “All I Need is a Glove and God” is already resonating with families, coaches, and athletes.

Describing the book, Briley said, “It’s a little book with a powerful story. It’s all about giving the credit to God and explaining how kids can have a relationship with God.”

“Softball taught me a lot—but my faith taught me more,” Briley added. “That’s what I want kids to take from this book: toughness isn’t about never falling. It’s about getting back up—and knowing you’re never alone when God is by your side.”

“All I Need is a Glove and God” is now available through amazon.com and etsy.com, with plans for school visits, church events, and team devotionals where Briley hopes to speak directly to young readers. Briley considers the book a ministry and all sales go back into purchasing more books to distribute to kids.

Officials at Grambling State University arrested a Monroe man last Monday for attempted murder and numerous weapons charges but have released no information on the case.

Elijah T. Powell, 18, was arrested about 9:40 p.m. Sept. 22. He was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on warrants charging him with attempted second degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, possession of a firearm in a firearm-free zone (school property), possession of a stolen firearm, and resisting an officer. He is also being held for probation violation.

Powell remains in the detention center with bail set at $672,500.

Attempts to obtain information on the incident from GSU Police, the GSU Communications Office, and the University President’s Office have been unsuccessful.

A representative in the President’s Office provided the following statement: “As this remains an active investigation, and due to the seriousness of the charges, we are limited in what details we can share at this time. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty, and staff. Should a formal statement be issued, it will be shared through the University’s official communications channels.”

In most arrests, an affidavit is completed describing essential facts of the case when suspects are booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. A judge later reads the affidavit to ensure probable cause exists. However, when arrest warrants are obtained as in this case, the affidavit is not completed because a judge has already heard the details and determined probable cause for the arrest when the warrant is issued.

University officials sent out a GramAlert message through the school’s emergency notification system last Monday evening notifying recipients gunshots had been fired near the school’s track. The report said GSU Police had responded and taken a suspect into custody.

The Lincoln Parish Journal could not determine if Powell is a GSU student or whether any injuries occurred.

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.

D’arbonne Woods Charter School in Union Parish was locked down briefly Friday after possible gunshots were heard near the campus.

At about 12:30 p.m. Friday, the school resource officer (SRO) assigned by the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report of possible gunshots heard near the campus. Out of an abundance of caution, the SRO placed the campus into a soft lockdown.

Additional UPSO deputies quickly responded to the area. Deputies checked the campus and nearby areas for any criminal activity, utilizing patrol vehicles and a thermal drone. No suspicious persons or activity were located. The lockdown was then lifted and normal school operations resumed.

During a soft lockdown, schools lock exterior doors to limit access, but students can generally continue normal activities inside the building, though movement is restricted and may be limited. The procedure serves to prevent external dangers from entering the school while the situation is evaluated. The lockdown is lifted once law enforcement or school officials determine the area is safe.

The campus is located on La. Highway 33 just south of Lake D’arbonne.

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.

Loading
crossword puzzle. One moment please.

Click the three bars in the bottom corner and select “With Radar” to see current precipitation and storms in your area.

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. 

Monday, Sept. 29
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)

Wednesday, Oct. 1
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, Oct. 2
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Courtesy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Ruston (1371 N. Service Rd., Ruston)
5-6 p.m.: All welcome to free meal hosted by 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry (Ruston Housing Authority, Maryland Plaza Community Room, 615 N. Farmerville St.)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
6 p.m.GSU volleyball
7 p.m.: LA Tech soccer

Friday, Oct. 3
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball
7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep football
7 p.m.: Cedar Creek football

Saturday, Oct. 4
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
1 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball

Sunday, Oct. 5
1 p.m.: LA Tech soccer
2 p.m.: GSU volleyball

Monday, Oct. 6
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)
5:30 p.m.: North Central Louisiana Master Gardeners present seminar on Monarch Butterflies (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6 p.m.: GSU volleyball
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)

Tuesday, Oct. 7
6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (410 S. Farmerville St., Ruston)

Wednesday, Oct. 8
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, Oct. 9
9:30 a.m.: Piney Hills Quilt Guild meeting (Grace Methodist Church)
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, Oct. 10
2 p.m.: GSU Homecoming pep rally (Main Street, Grambling)
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball
7 p.m.: Ruston High football (Homecoming)
7 p.m.: Cedar Creek football

Saturday, Oct. 11
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
1 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball
6 p.m.: Grambling State v. Texas Southern (Homecoming)
6-8:30 p.m.: Pumpkins in the Park (Railroad Park)

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.

JOURNAL SPORTS

On a night where the Louisiana Tech offense committed four turnovers, the Bulldogs defense did one better.

Tech’s defensive unit continued its stellar play, recording five interceptions and returning two of them for TDs in the second half to lift the Bulldogs to a 30-11 win over UTEP at The Sun Bowl Saturday night.

“Great team win,” said Tech HC Sonny Cumbie. “The first road trip where you take a plane, the guys were locked in. I think they had a great maturity about how they handled the trip.

“Defensively, I continue to be amazed by our guys. Coach Olson and that staff do a great job preparing. They are playing fast. Excited to be 4-1 and 2-0 in conference. There are not going to be any easy games in this conference.”

With the victory, Tech (4-1, 2-0 CUSA) won for the their weekend in a row. It’s just the third time in its last 21 road games dating back to the start of the 2022 season that the Bulldogs have won away from Ruston.

UTEP entered the game ranked among the nation’s top teams in explosive pass plays, but outside of a meaningless 35-yard TD pass with 3:34 to play in the game and Tech with the outcome in its grasp, the Miners weren’t able to do damage against the Bulldogs.

Miners QB Malachi Nelson, fresh off a 400-plus passing effort in last week’s contest against ULM, completed just 17-of-37 passes for 71 yards and four interceptions before being lifted midway through the fourth quarter with his team trailing 24-3. Nelson’s longest completion was just 11 yards.

Jakari Foster returned an interception 67-yards for a score with 10:22 to play in the fourth quarter to extend Tech’s lead to 17-3. Alonzo Jackson put the final nail in the coffin with a 23-yard interception return for a score with 1:44 to play in the game.

“There are playmakers on the back end,” said Tech HC Sonny Cumbie. “They are football smart. They have great anticipation. It is a huge relief when that happens. When we needed a play, those guys elevated and made the plays. Their confidence is very high.”

Michael Richard, Chief Leota and Kolbe Fields also recorded interceptions in the game. 

The one piece of bad news for Tech’s defense was the fact Fields had to be carted off the field in the third quarter following his interception with an apparent knee injury. The extent of the injury is not known.

Offensively, Tech struggled to find any type of rhythm during the game. 

Blake Baker was 18-of-26 passing but for just 137 yards. He threw an interception in the endzone in the first half with Tech leading 7-0 and the ball on the Miners six-yard line. Baker also lost two fumbles, including one late in the second quarter with the Bulldogs in field goal range.

Baker did find Marques Singleton for a 5-yard TD strike in the first quarter that gave the Bulldogs the early 7-0 advantage. 

Clay Thevenin carried the ball 19 times for 68 yards with a 4-yard TD run with 4:58 to play in the game, putting the Bulldogs up 24-3. 

UTEP outgained Tech 271-232 in total offense with more than 100 yards coming in the final five minutes after the Bulldogs had taken the 21-point lead. 

Tech leads the country in defensive TDs with five and has now forced 13 turnovers in five games.

Tech will travel to face Kennesaw State on Thursday, Oct. 9.