Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

For the third consecutive year, students from Louisiana Tech University’s School of Design have placed in the national ACSA Steel Design Competition.

The 2025 team earned second place for their project, Nor-Cal 101 Fire Station, continuing an impressive streak that includes first-place finishes in both 2023 and 2024.

The competition, sponsored by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and the American Institute of Steel Construction, celebrates innovation and creativity in steel design.

The winning team — Blayne Springer, Leyton Spencer and Matthew Wright — developed a wildfire response station on Lake Shasta in Northern California. Guided by faculty sponsors Dr. Pasquale De Paola and Professor Kevin Singh, the students created a thoughtful response to ongoing wildfire crises across the West. Their design addresses the increasing scale and frequency of these disasters by incorporating water conservation and firefighter training facilities.

Jurors praised Nor-Cal 101 Fire Station for presenting “a thorough and futuristic vision for a fire station.” They noted the project’s expressive exterior and inventive “kit-of-parts” strategy. The jurors also appreciated its overall playfulness, visible in both the design and the drawings: a direct reflection of the team’s camaraderie.

“I think what made this project so memorable was just how much fun we had working together,” said Spencer. “It’s something architecture students look forward to since second year. To be able to collaborate on a project at this scale really made us lean into each other’s strengths. Blayne handled a lot of the modeling and rendering, I focused on drawings and graphics, and Matt played a huge role tying everything together. Matt and I built most of the physical models while Blayne pushed the visuals. We all worked on what we enjoyed most. That made the process not just efficient, but actually super fun.”

Each year, fourth-year architecture students at Louisiana Tech participate in the ACSA Steel Design Competition, developing projects that explore unique ways of working with steel. The University’s continued success reflects a strong studio culture where creativity and collaboration consistently produce exceptional work.

For a full list of 2025 winners, visit the ACSA website.

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Northern Louisiana Medical Center held its annual Auxiliary Appreciation Luncheon last week at Squire Creek Country Club to recognize and celebrate the incredible members of the Northern Louisiana Hospital Auxiliary.

“The Annual Fall Luncheon was not only a huge success, but it was truly a pleasure to celebrate our auxiliary volunteers,” said Director Tami Davis. “Their dedication, compassion, and countless hours of volunteer service have a profoundly meaningful impact on our patients, families, and staff every single day.”

From offering warm smiles and comforting words to supporting our team behind the scenes, auxiliary members exhibit the true heart of our hometown hospital.

“Our facility simply couldn’t do what we do without them,” said CEO Kathy Hall. “Their kindness fills our halls, lifts our spirits, and reminds us what community and care are all about.

“To every Auxiliary volunteer — thank you for your selfless service, your time, and your unwavering support of NLMC’s mission. We are so grateful for each of you.”

NLMC recognized auxiliary service hours award recipients and the volunteer of the year recipient for their achievements during the event.

3,000 Hour Honoree: Gladys Thompson

2,500 Hour Honoree: Betty Hammons

1,500 Hour Honorees: Margarita Cazenave & Pat Evans (Not Pictured)

1,000 Hour Honorees: Linda Bullock, Bill Tatum, & Jean White

500 Hour Honoree: Linda Robinette

50 Hour Honoree: Joan Hardee (Presented by her daughter, Tami Davis, former Auxiliary Hospital Liaison)

Volunteer of the Year: Susan Elkins

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(The views of this letter are from the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the publishing staff of the Lincoln Parish Journal.)

True American patriotism was on display in Ruston and across America on  Saturday, October 18 as concerned citizens took to town squares, government centers and city streets to peacefully voice their disapproval with the current Administration in Washington. 

Contrary to the hyperbolic and fabricated claims of many members of Congress, including most of our own Louisiana delegation, there was no violence, no carnage, no hatred for America. In Ruston, the Declaration of Independence and several scriptures were read, and prayers were offered. 

In fact, what we saw across the nation were average, hard-working, churchgoing, country-loving people engaging in a sacred right unique to America – the right to speak out publicly against government extremes and injustices without fear of reprisal. 

Protest is an inherent, potent and important part of American politics and of being an American. From the Boston Tea Party to women’s suffrage and on to the civil rights movement, protesting is as American as apple pie, baseball and football. 

Protesting is not unpatriotic. On the contrary, standing up for one’s beliefs is one of the most patriotic things a person can do – it takes courage and conviction, risks scorn and ridicule, and is often undertaken at great personal peril. These are quintessential American values. 

In reality, protesting is manifestly patriotic because it calls attention to injustice, discrimination and disrespect for the rule of law. These are a few of the things that our Founding Fathers sought to protect us from when they drafted the U.S. Constitution which still stands as the foundation of our constitutional federal republic. 

When people in power abuse our political, legal and law enforcement systems for personal gain or self-aggrandizement, or out of ignorance or bias, protest is a powerful tool to counter such actions and bring about necessary change. There is a reason free speech is protected by the First Amendment. 

Being patriotic is not simply about our flag, our national anthem or respect for the military and law enforcement. These are undeniably important and honorable symbols and our military and law enforcement system is critical to our freedom, our safety and our very way of life. Those who serve our country, who protect our freedoms, deserve our unfailing respect and gratitude. 

But let’s not forget that our military has engaged and fought our enemies across the world to protect and preserve our way of life – to protect the freedoms that we, as Americans, uniquely possess, and those freedoms include free speech and the right to non-violent protest. Men and women have gone to war and given their lives to ensure that, back home, we can talk and associate with whom we choose, enjoy religious freedom, and protest non-violently against our government and injustice. 

We should also not lose sight of the fact that people protest for a reason, generally. So, rather than attack non-violent protestors for exercising their rights, perhaps we all need to look behind the protest and try to understand the reasons. As the saying goes, “Don’t shoot the messenger.”  

A patriot is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.”  That definition should probably include “regardless of where those enemies or detractors reside” because not all enemies or threats are external, and a patriot must stand ready to confront all whose actions or deeds threaten our fundamental freedoms. Censorship, discrimination, racism and abuse of power are all internal threats to our country and our freedom, and a true patriot stands against them. 

As we continue to discuss and debate the latest manifestations of protest in our great and free country, we should remember a fundamental truth:  It is unpatriotic not to take a stand for what we believe in, and it is fundamentally un-American to attack those who do.

John Austin (Ruston, La.)

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By Laura Hunt Miller

As a kid I used to dream that one day I’d live somewhere where everyone celebrated Halloween, like in Hocus Pocus — porch lights on, jack-o’-lanterns lit, kids running freely from house to house, grown-ups laughing and waving from lawn chairs and stoops.

I found Halloween magical because it was the one day of the year we got to go outside of our yard in the dark (with permission), see all our neighbors, and stay up a little later with our families. The night belonged to all of us, and we loved it.

But then something happened.

Fall festivals and trunk-or-treats paraded in to save us from all our fears of phantom blades in candies, and those neighborhood stalkers we never knew were there until October rolled around.

Halloween became a sterile punch card of what the holiday once was, although I think the changes were well-intended.

After all, Halloween can be a lot of work for grown-ups. Sweeping all the holiday trappings into one parking lot and divvying up decorating duties sounded great in theory. But honestly, I never found hot asphalt very inviting, and you know most of our Halloweens in the south are warm ones.

I was never one to mass-equate kids’ costumes and Halloween décor with the satanic either, but that seemed to be a surprisingly big fear in the 90s. I mean, Harry Potter had to be the Antichrist, right? He must be playing the long game though, that cheeky Brit.

Folks are always so eager to find what they are afraid of and crush it. But that is kind of what made Halloween so great; we could face our fears, laugh at them even, and come morning find that everything was still ok. Our world had not ended, our souls hadn’t been taken. Maybe a few pumpkins had been smashed, or (gasp) a house had been rolled.

And with all our modern conveniences, drawing inward to ourselves, to groups of others that think like us, dress like us, act like us, is so easy. Blanketed in our own brands of psychological comfort, we distance ourselves from anything, or anyone, we don’t already know or understand.

One of the greatest ironies though is, the more comfortable we got, the less neighborly we were to our own neighborhoods. We curated the majority of our time to remain within sanitized circles of like-minded social groups, and turned everything “kid-related” into risk-management strategies with candy. Well, sometimes candy.

But Halloween done right, is a magical night because it unites us. It gives kids confidence. It gives parents connection. It gives neighbors a reason to turn on the porch light and say, I am making time for you and your families tonight, even if we’ve never actually met. Talk about the kindness of strangers.

In our neighborhood, there’s been a quiet renaissance brewing. Folks have been setting their lawn chairs back out in their yards. Little kids have been learning how to say “trick or treat” and “thank you.” We have been coming back out to reclaim this one night, one smile at a time, and have fun together.

Maybe not every neighborhood is built for trick-or-treating, but if five houses on a block turn on their lights, the street starts to feel friendly again. If ten do, it becomes a destination that feels safe. And if just one puts out a Bluetooth speaker with spooky music? That might be the house your kid remembers forever.

So this year? Sit outside. Wave to someone new. Let the night be full of laughter, and a maybe little harmless mischief. And if you don’t have a neighborhood you can celebrate in, come visit ours. We’ll be your neighbor.

Because you never know who’s walking up the street —or how long they’ve been waiting for a night like Halloween to discover what magic feels like for themselves.

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“He was sure back in the sixties that everyone was hip,
Then they sent him off to Vietnam on his senior trip…”

• “Old Hippie,” The Bellamy Brothers

More than once when he saw me ride up on my bicycle, Jimmy and his Levis would get out of a Dodge Charger and leave his high school buddies and walk across the Dairy Maid parking lot and buy me a dipped cone or a milkshake.

Part of the reason was he had a crush on my big sister. Pretty good reason.

But the other part was that he really did like me, and most everybody liked Jimmy. He was a good-looking senior who had thick hair that seemed to part and layer by itself, a guy who didn’t care much for school and who had a big smile that was wholesome and not dishonest, a smile that made you think it was OK to not like school and to like girls and a Dodge Charger and hanging around the Dairy Maid instead.

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It didn’t seem right to me that they could send a nice guy like that to Southeast Asia, wherever that was. But they did, and when he came home, he knew how to fly a helicopter. He even knew how to fly one with his hands broken, which is what happened when they crashed and then took off again, bullets and mortar everywhere, a lot of guys with him either killing the enemy or getting killed, Jimmy flying some dead and some wounded out of there, a long way from the Dairy Maid and the umbrella-shaded picnic tables and the girls and the ice cream cones.

His smile was different when he got home. I haven’t seen him in years and years, but every year around this time, around Veterans Day, I want to thank him again, not as a boy who didn’t understand, but as a grownup who understands at least a little more than was possible when he was sponsoring my milkshakes and French fries, before they’d taught him to fly, before he’d seen people die.

Jimmy and a lot of other guys I know were veterans – some of them veterans of combat – before they were even 20 years old.

I didn’t grow up with this other friend, but he’s the one I call each November 11 and again on Memorial Day. I was still playing Little League in South Carolina when he got shipped overseas from Cotton Valley, compliments of the United States Army, to spend his final two years as a teenager fighting North Vietnamese, then other people in other places.

For the fateful reason of being a few years older than I was, he and Jimmy and thousands of others went, and I did not. But they’ve never held it against me; no veteran I know ever has.

Our boys went to school together; his son rode with me and my son to a Texas Rangers game one bright May Friday years ago. This veteran and I got to coach Little League together and eat on Fridays during football season together.

We aren’t best friends and we live in different towns so we don’t even see each other much these days. But I would trust him with my life. He is always a little surprised, or seems that way, when I call him each Veterans Day.

I’ve never talked to him about the fire fights, or what he saw and heard. He’s barely mentioned it. But “barely” was enough for me to understand that while I was still playing electric football, he was learning how to fire a machine gun. At somebody. Who just might be shooting at him.

We can be friends and he can even tell me all the war stories. But we’ll never have that shared experience. All I can do is thank him, and mean it, and try to use honestly — and not abuse — all the American freedoms he and others fought for.

My friend was fortunate he didn’t get killed. He did his part without having to die. But a war changes things. Like the Bellamy Brothers sang, “…and they forced him to become a man, while he was still a boy…”

Each of us owes our lives to veterans who’ve fought to protect us. Some of them died decades before we were even born. It’s too late to thank them, but it’s not too late to thank, any day, the ones who’ve served and remain, the ones we see every day.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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.

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CLICK HERE TO PLAY: WEEK 6

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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Another week. Another winner.

Jacqueline Sampson was this week’s winner of the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy, and she walked away with $150.

Congratulations, Jacqueline!! Great job, ladies. Jacqueline is our fifth female winner in eight weeks!

Now, 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!

Week 1: Faith Moss

Week 2: Don Sutton

Week 3: Kim Shackelford

Week 4: Lisa Wright

Week 5: Russ Thompson

Week 6: Steve Grafton

Week 7: Mechelle Brown

Week 8: Steve Pate

Week 9: Jacqueline Sampson

Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

Ruston Police arrested a Opelousas man last week for peeping Tom who was determined to be a car burglar in possession of drugs after further investigation.

Kobe Karhon Thomas, 27, was arrested on October 25 after a woman on Paul Avenue reported a man peeping in her windows. Thomas was subsequently charged with vehicle burglaries in the neighborhood as well as drug possession.

The woman called police reporting a man was knocking on her door and peeping in her windows. Responding officers found Thomas rummaging through a vehicle nearby. Upon seeing police, Thomas fled into a wooded area. He was captured shortly thereafter.

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A pistol magazine and a pocket knife were discarded by Thomas as he fled. These items were later discovered to have been stolen from a nearby vehicle.

A third vehicle was located that had been rummaged through and was in a state of disarray. The glove box was open and items strewn about. At the time of the officer’s report, it was unknown if anything had been taken from this vehicle.

A smoking pipe suspected to be used in consuming drugs was found on Thomas. Thomas later discarded a small bag of suspected methamphetamine in a patrol car, and when booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, Xanax pills were found in his sock.

Thomas was booked for two counts of simple burglary of a vehicle, peeping Tom, three counts of criminal trespass by entering vehicles, resisting an officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of Xanax, obstruction of justice by discarding evidence, and introduction of contraband into a penal facility.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

A Texas man was arrested on Interstate 20 near Simsboro last week after a trooper stopped him for several traffic violations and later found marijuana in the vehicle.

Rodriguez Gerard Monette, 38, of Grand Prairie, Texas, was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute on Oct. 22.

Lynette was stopped after a trooper on Interstate 20 observed his Chevrolet Tahoe cross the while fog line onto the shoulder of the road and then follow a commercial vehicle too closely. The trooper also noted the Tahoe drifted onto the shoulder a second time and then slowed to 48 miles an hour on the Interstate before exiting at milepost 78 without a turn signal.

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Monette said he was traveling from Dallas, Texas, to Atlanta, Georgia, for a rap video. The trooper smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from Monette.

A search of the vehicle located a plastic bag of suspected marijuana in the driver’s door and a bag of marijuana in the center console. On the driver’s floorboard, the trooper located 12 small unused packages commonly used the package smaller quantities of marijuana for sale. Monette claimed ownership of all the marijuana consisting of approximately 63 grams.

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.

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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. 29
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)
5-7 p.m.: RPAR’s 5th annual Monster Mash (Ruston Sports Complex)

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Thursday, Oct. 30
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.: LA Tech Homecoming Parade
6:30-8 p.m.: LA Tech Homecoming pep rally and fireworks (Thomas Assembly Center)
7-10 p.m.: Tech R Treat (Argent Pavilion, LA Tech campus)

Friday, Oct. 31
Halloween
2 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball
7 p.m.: LA Tech v. Sam Houston (Homecoming)
7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep football

Saturday, Nov. 1
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
10 a.m.: Bingo at Dubach Community Center (106 Smith St., Dubach)
1 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball
2 p.m.: Grambling State v. Alabama A&M

Sunday, Nov. 2
Daylight Saving Time

Monday, Nov. 3
10:30 a.m.: Party Fowl ribbon cutting (102 N. Homer St.)
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, Nov. 4
9:30 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Lowder Baking Company (106 W. Park Ave.)
4 p.m.: GSU volleyball
6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (410 S. Farmerville St.)

Wednesday, Nov. 5
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, Nov. 6
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal sponsored by the Presbyterian Church and 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry (Ruston Housing Authority Community Room, 901 MLK Dr.) All welcome to come.
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)

Friday, Nov. 7
7 p.m.: Ruston High Football

Saturday, Nov. 8
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
2 p.m.: Grambling State v. B-CU

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.

Walk through any hospital in Louisiana and there’s a good chance you’ll meet a nurse, technologist, or healthcare leader who began their journey at Northwestern State University. From Natchitoches to Shreveport, Alexandria, and Leesville, NSU has become one of the state’s most respected names in healthcare education.

Healthcare is changing quickly, and so are the demands on those who deliver it. Hospitals need more trained professionals. Patients need more access to care. Families need people who can lead with skill and compassion. For many in Louisiana, that career path begins at NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health.

“Our students come from every corner of Louisiana and every stage of life,” said Dr. Aimee Badeaux, Dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health. “Some are high school graduates looking for their first step. Others are licensed professionals seeking to grow in their careers. What unites them is a commitment to helping others, and that’s something we know how to develop.”

NSU offers one of the most comprehensive selections of healthcare programs in the region. Students can choose from associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across nursing, radiologic sciences, and allied health.

Among the most popular options:

• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and LPN to ASN
• Military Medic/Paramedic to ASN — the only program of its kind in Louisiana, offered in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Alexandria, and Leesville
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN to BSN, LPN to BSN, and Accelerated BSN (BS to BSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with concentrations in Administration, Education, and multiple Nurse Practitioner tracks
• Doctoral-level Nurse Anesthesia, Executive Leadership, and Educational Leadership programs
• Bachelor and Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences — including the first Sonography program in North Louisiana
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health, with concentrations in Health Science & Technology and Health Sciences Leadership & Management

For working registered nurses, the RN to BSN program remains a top choice. The online format offers flexibility and affordability while maintaining a strong academic foundation.

“Many of our RN-BSN students are balancing full-time jobs and family commitments,” explained Dr. Greg Handel, Executive Vice President and Provost. “We built the program to meet them where they are. It’s affordable, accredited, and recognized nationally for quality.”

Students in NSU’s healthcare programs train in high-fidelity simulation laboratories that recreate real-world clinical settings. From emergency response to pediatric care, these labs allow students to practice critical skills in a safe environment before moving into hospitals and clinics.

Those partnerships with regional healthcare providers are another reason NSU graduates are in such high demand. Students complete clinical rotations with major hospitals, community clinics, and long-term care facilities throughout Louisiana, gaining the experience and confidence that employers look for.

“The hands-on training our students receive makes a real difference,” said Dr. Badeaux. “They graduate with practical skills and a sense of responsibility to their patients and communities.”

That preparation shows in the outcomes. NSU boasts NCLEX pass rates of 98% for ASN graduates and 96% for BSN graduates, consistently exceeding state and national averages.

The university has also earned top national recognition, including:

• #1 in Louisiana among Top Public Schools – U.S. News & World Report, 2026
• #1 Best Online Nursing Program – The Princeton Review, 2024
• #1 Best Nurse Practitioner and MSN Programs – NursePractitionerOnline.com and RegisteredNursing.org, 2025

In the past five years alone, Northwestern State has produced more registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and radiologic technologists than any other institution in the state.

Behind every successful graduate is a team of faculty who are both experienced clinicians and committed educators. With an average class size of 17, students receive the kind of personal attention that larger universities often can’t provide.

“Students succeed here because they’re known here,” said James T. Genovese, President of Northwestern State University. “We take pride in offering an environment where each student’s goals are understood, supported, and celebrated.”

As Louisiana’s population grows and healthcare needs become more complex, NSU continues to adapt. The university is expanding key programs to new sites, building stronger partnerships with hospitals, and investing in technology that enhances training and patient simulation.

Dr. Badeaux summarized it simply: “Every day, we’re educating the professionals who will care for our families tomorrow. That’s work we take seriously.”

For students and families exploring healthcare careers, Northwestern State University offers a trusted path — from the first day of class to the first day on the job. To learn more or connect with an advisor, visit www.nsula.edu/nursing.

Paid Content

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Dr. Lynn Earl Hawkins 
August 17, 1938  –  October 22, 2025 
Visitation: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 1:00PM – 2:00PM, Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, 1515 S. Service Road West, Ruston 
Service: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 2:00PM, Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, 1515 S. Service Road West, Ruston 
Final resting place: Monday, October 27, 2025, 11:00AM, Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens, 1270 Highway 544, Ruston 

Carolyn Brown  
December 11, 1937  –  October 20, 2025  
Graveside: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 2:00PM, Choudrant Memorial Cemetery, Jones Street, Choudrant   

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Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

The School of Human Ecology and the Education and Research in Children’s Health (ENRICH) Center in Louisiana Tech’s College of Education and Human Sciences recently hosted the Bruce Everist Community Event, bringing together educators, students, and local organizations to explore how belonging shapes children’s development and learning.

“The ENRICH Center and our programs in the School of Human Ecology encourage students to engage in the community, gain field experience, and contribute to helping kids and families in our area,” Dr. Matthew Thornton, director of the School of Human Ecology, said. “Not only did attendees connect with great resources, they also gained access to research-based information about how rejection impacts kids and how fostering belonging in classrooms can make a difference.”

The evening featured a community resource fair, the premiere screening of the documentary Belonging, and an expert discussion with Dr. Amanda Harrist, emeritus professor of Human Development and Family Science at Oklahoma State University. The event built upon themes from a previous documentary, Rejected, continuing a research project examining how children’s early experience of acceptance or rejection influence their development over time.

“This is a film we’ve been working on for a long time, and I think the message is very timely,” Harrist said. “Every child deserves the right to be part of a group. Belonging is a basic human need, and teachers can play a huge role in ensuring that every child in their classroom feels included.”

Human Development and Family Sciences student, TerriLynn Cloud, shared how the event offered valuable insight into children’s development and the long-term effects of belonging.

“I hope attendees learned how a child’s mind grows as they get older and how early experiences shape that,” Cloud said. “This event was also a great way to connect community partners and show what resources and organizations are available to support child development.”

Harrist also explained that research demonstrates the tangible effects of rejection on children’s brains.

“When you experience exclusion or social pain, your brain reacts in the same way it does to physical pain,” she added. “Those emotions interfere with learning and children can’t focus on reading or math if they feel lonely or ignored. Supporting emotional health and social relationships is essential to academic success.”

The Bruce Everist Community Event was funded by the Bruce Everist Lecture Series and supported by the ENRICH Center, which serves as a catalyst for improving health outcomes for children through research, education, and outreach.

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Courtesy of the Louisiana Department of Health

The Hilly-Greenwood Water System has been awarded a $310,800 loan from the state’s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund program, allowing the rural water system to access another $801,000 through the state’s Water Sector Program (WSP) to construct a new water well that will replace an outdated unit.

The Hilly-Greenwood Water System provides water service hook-ups to nearly 450 customers, accounting for 1,400 residents in the central, northwest region of Lincoln Parish.  The system services water customers north of Interstate 20 and west of La. Highway 167.

The DWRLF funding is serving as the system’s “local match” for the WSP grant and is increasing the total dollars available to spend on construction of a new well system to more than $1 million. The DWRLF portion of the monies will be paid back through a low-interest, 30-year agreement.

“The DWRLF funding allows our system to construct a new well for our customers for less than one-third of the total cost,” said Hilly-Greenwood Water System President Randal Hermes. “The newly constructed well will replace an outdated well, allowing us to secure quality drinking water for our customers for years to come.”

The new well will be constructed at the elevated tank site on Highway 146. The system includes a new chlorination station, electrical hook-ups and site piping that will be connected to the well. 

The Hilly-Greenwood Water System currently operates three wells across the district. The new well will replace an outdated well located on the site of the new one.

Engineer Bob Myers of Riley Company of Louisiana is managing the project. He said drilling for the new well is expected to be completed by the end of the year, while the final stages of constructing the new well and closing the old one on site will be completed before next spring.

The state’s DWRLF program assists public water systems in financing needed drinking water infrastructure improvements. The DWRLF provides low-interest loans for construction of eligible water system projects, such as treatment plants, distribution main replacements, and storage facilities. The program is administered by the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Public Health (LDH-OPH) and operates under state law.

The DWRLF program aims to improve drinking water quality by assisting systems in providing water that meets established standards and achieves the goals of the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996. The program is funded through federal capitalization grants matched with state monies, ensuring that the funds are used to support public health and safe drinking water delivery in Louisiana.

“Safe drinking water is fundamental to community health,” LDH Deputy Engineer of Infrastructure and Finance Dan MacDonald said. “This program helps communities throughout Louisiana keep their water as safe as possible without placing an undue burden in the form of expensive financing.” 

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RUSTON, La. — Due to the threats of inclement weather on Tuesday, Monster Mash 2025 has been moved to Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Ruston Sports Complex.

Information on the event is included below:

Bring the kids to the Ruston Sports Complex on Wednesday, October 29th, for the 5th Annual Monster Mash Event from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Businesses and organizations from across our community help host this annual event. Children are encouraged to dress up in their best costumes for trick-or-treating.

Trick-or-treating, music, games, and tons of Halloween fun!

ONLY children 12 and under will be allowed to participate and are required to have a ticket. Tickets are free. (adults DO NOT need a ticket) You can print the ticket or show it on your mobile device. Entrance to the Ruston Sports Complex will be from HWY 167 South. Once parked, you will enter the B complex for trick-or-treating. There will be signs and volunteers available to help direct where to enter B complex. When leaving the complex, please exit to South Farmerville Street.

Don’t forget to bring a bag for trick-or-treating!

We look forward to seeing you at this family-friendly event!

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by T. Scott Boatright

Grambling State quarterback C’zavian Teasett remains hospitalized in Las Vegas, GSU coach Mickey Joseph said during his weekly press conference inside the Robinson Stadium Support Facility.

The redshirt sophomore was injured with around two minutes remaining in Saturday’s 26-24 upset over Jackson State at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

At the end of a 9-yard run for a first down, Teasett was tackled at the GSU 42.

After being tackled, Tezsett remained face down and motionless on the field as GSU medical personnel rushed to his aid. Almost immediately after getting to Teasett, those personnel signaled for more help and equipment.

Eventually Teasett was strapped to a backboard and put into an ambulance that had driven out to the middle of the field and transported directly to a hospital.

“He’s responsive and in good spirits,” Joseph said Monday morning. “So, we’ve got to play it by ear out of respect for his family. They’re going to keep everything tight to the vest, and that’s their prerogative.

“As I get things from the medical staff, I can give it to you. But that’s what (all) I have right now.”

Joseph said GSU football general manager Reggie Nelson and GSU head trainer Terena Marshall remain in Las Vegas with Teasett and his family.

After play in Saturday’s game finally resumed with 1:55 remaining following Teasett’s injury, running back Byron Eaton Jr. took the next snap for Grambling out of the Wildcat formation and ran for 1 yard.

Backup quarterback A’Myne Darensbourg then moved behind center and ran for 12 yards to reach the Jackson State 48.

Then, on third and 12, Darensbourg hit Barron Myles Jr. for an 11-yard gain to the Jackson State 27 yard line.

“Darrensbourg came in and ran around a little bit,” Joseph said. “We asked them all the time, when you go in the game, what play would you like to run? And he said it. He came in there with ice in his veins and scrambled for the first down.”

Grambling coach Mickey Joseph then opted to let Josh McCormick try his first career field goal attempt as a Tiger and the graduate senior sent the ball right down the middle to put the Tigers on top with 21 seconds remaining.

“You could see it in their eyes they were going to try to win it for Teasett,” Joseph said of his team. “I had two things going through my mind — making sure I was calm, that I stayed in a place where I didn’t get overwhelmed by what’s going on with the situation because we still had to go win the game. 

“And at that point, for some people the game was important. At that point the game wasn’t important to me. That kid was important to me. Those kids were important to me. Not the game. If we would have lost that game, that’s fine. But the look in (the GSU players’) eyes, they weren’t going to let (Teasett’s injury) stop them.”

Joseph said that with No. 2 quarterback Ashton Frye remaining out with injury, Darrensbourg will start at quarterback this upcoming weekend at home against Alabama A&M while freshman Hayden Benoit, who Joseph termed a drop-back pocket passer, out of Loreauville temporarily moving into the backup role and Eaton continuing to receive some snaps out of the Wildcat formation.

“Now, you don’t want to play musical chairs with this position,” Joseph said. “This isn’t going to be musical chairs. When they go into the game, they’re going to know what they are doing. It’s probably going to take three of these kids to get us into position to win a football game, and we’ll do it. 

“But we’re not going to sub them just to sub them in and out. We do have a gameplan for them. (Quarterback coach Shyrone Carey) and I met yesterday Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon and late last night about this position, so we will have a gameplan when we leave this building this afternoon, we’ll leave knowing what these kids are capable of doing. But everybody’s going to have to step their game up.”

Teasett (Offense) and McCormick (Special Teams) both earned SWAC Player of the Week honors. The awards were announced by the conference on Monday.

A SWAC Co-Offensive Player of the Week, Teasett threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns on 16-of-26 passing and also ran for 31 yards and a score on eight carries in the victory.

McCormick also handled five kickoffs for G-Men along with the game-winning field goal. 

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This fall’s St. Jude Trike-A-Thon at Emmanuel Baptist Church almost doubled the total raised last year, climbing to $5,701 from $2,914.30.

Event coordinator Jessica Harp, assistant director for Emmanuel Baptist Preschool, said the staff – led by director Amanda Martin – made it their personal goal to encourage parents to join in one-on-one and that more parents took advantage of the company-match option when donating.

“We are always so thankful for everyone who helps,” Harp said. “Our parents set up the donation pages, but it takes an entire community coming together to hit our goal.”

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Seventy-five children ages 1 to 5 years old rode their trikes, scooters and bicycles for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital that day, with 30 families collecting donations. 

The trike-a-thon program combines fun and education to help preschoolers and their teachers understand how they can support St. Jude’s mission, said Jennifer Patterson, president of the Zeta Rho chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, which provided event volunteers.

St. Jude provides materials for a week of learning and fun activities, teaching children trike and riding-toy safety.

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.

Every October, my husband and I like to drive through what might be the most festive neighborhood in town when it comes to Halloween. The good thing is – it’s just a couple of blocks from us.

You enter from one road, then in just a bit, the street curves and circles, so you can either keep going or turn around and head back the way you came. We go there in the spring for flowers, in the fall for foliage and in the winter for Christmas lights – but right now it’s all about Halloween.

Skeletons climb up on mailboxes, ghosts sway from tree limbs, and yards will soon glow in purples and oranges. My husband, who’s an artist and loves light in all its forms, calls it Disneyland.

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We both love the imagination of it all – the friendly frightfulness and how every porch seems to wink at you. There’s something almost childlike about it, how neighbors go to such lengths just to make someone smile or jump. It always reminds me that creativity and community can glow even in the darker months.

But there’s a difference, I’ve decided, between the fun kind of fear on Oct. 31– and the kind that can quietly trail us home any night of the year.

Halloween fear is predictable: It pops out from behind a bush, then vanishes when the porch light flicks on. But everyday fear is sneakier. It comes disguised as “just being careful” or “thinking ahead.” It rides along in the passenger seat whispering, “What if this happens? What if that doesn’t?” These are the things that go bump inside – the fears of loss, failure, change or being alone.

Scripture reminds us that those voices aren’t from God. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear,” Paul wrote, “but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). That verse doesn’t promise that life will never be scary, only that God doesn’t speak through fear. His words come in peace, even when circumstances don’t.

Still, it’s hard to see the way forward when darkness closes in. That’s when faith becomes what I think of as a flashlight – not a floodlight revealing the whole road, but just enough to take the next step. Sometimes that next step is all we’re given, and that’s enough. We don’t need to know the whole map; we just need to trust the One holding the light.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” the psalmist wrote. It’s that quiet, steady beam that steadies us, too. And remember: Like any good flashlight, our faith needs its batteries checked now and then – through prayer, scripture and time spent with God.

Then there’s another kind of fear entirely – the one the Bible calls “the fear of the Lord.” That’s not trembling in terror; it’s standing in awe. It’s realizing that the One who created light itself walks beside us through the dark. When we live in that kind of reverent awareness, smaller fears begin to lose their power.

So as October deepens and our drives take us past pumpkins and spiderwebs, I’m reminded that fear wears many masks. Some of them glow in the dark. Others accompany polite smiles or try to cover up restless thoughts. But only one fear – holy awe – brings peace instead of panic.

If I’m afraid, I try to remember the psalmist’s simple confession: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

The porch lights may flicker. The night may feel long. But faith, like a freshly charged flashlight, keeps shining – leading us one steady step at a time.

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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.

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.

CLICK HERE TO PLAY

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.

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A man who has been arrested for shoplifting numerous times in Ruston this year was arrested twice within a matter of hours on the same day for the same offense.

Dontrell Williams, 35, formerly of Avondale now living in Ruston, was arrested Oct. 22 for shoplifting at 1:30 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. at the Neighborhood Walmart on West California Avenue.

Williams was previously barred from Walmart properties, making him eligible to be charged with criminal trespass each time he enters the premises.

Williams has been arrested at Walmart at least seven times this year. Many of those charges are still pending in court.

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In the first incident last Wednesday, Williams was stopped by Ruston Police as he left the parking lot. William said the items were given to him, but Walmart management said he took the items and did not pay for them. When his backpack was searched, merchandise from Walgreens was also found. Williams was positively identified as taking those items without paying.

It was also determined that Williams was wanted on two arrest warrants for theft and criminal trespass from an Oct. 18 incident. He was booked for two counts of theft by shoplifting, criminal trespass, and the two warrants.

Later in the day, Walmart reported it had determined William had committed a theft of five items on Oct. 20. He could not be identified at that time but the earlier arrest on Oct. 22 provided positive identification in the Oct. 20 theft. He was booked on another count of theft.

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.