By T. Scott Boatright

 

In a dramatic and emotionally draining up and down game, on his first attempt ever, Grambling State kicker Josh McCormick booted a ball straight between the uprights with 21 seconds left to lift the G-Men to a 26-24 win over Jackson State Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. 

After trailing throughout the game, Grambling moved on top in the third quarter and extended their lead to 23-10 with 12:06 remaining in the contest after quarterback C’zavian Teasett fired a 26-yard scoring strike to Andrew Frazier.

But Jackson State, the No. 1 team in HBCU polls,  scored on the ensuing drive on a 62-yard touchdown pass from Lockhart to N. Rembert to cut Grambling’s lead to 23-17 with 9:41 left on the clock

.After holding GSU to a three–and-out punt, Jackson State marched 57 yards on 11 plays to go on top 24-23 on a 1-yard quarterback keeper on Lockhart with 2:15 remaining.

On the ensuing drive, Teasett ran the ball nine yards for a first down at the GSU 42-yard line right at the 2:00 warning.

But 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 taken directly to a hospital.

After play finally resumed, 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.

Grambling coach Mickey Joseph then opted to let McCormick  try his first career field goal attempt as a Tiger.

The graduate senior sent the ball right down the middle to put the Tigers on top 21 seconds remaining.

Jackson State’s final play came on a 23-yard run to the JSU 37 as time expired.

The G-Men moved to 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference with the win.

Covadis Knighten led Grambling with five catches for 96 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown reception that cut Jackson State’s lead to 14-7 with 1:56 remaining in the first half.

Grambling cut Jackson State’s halftime advantage to 14-10 when Theodore Cabellero nailed a 24-yard field goal as the second quarter clock expired.

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RUSTON, La. — Despite the Bearcats getting out to a 21-3 lead early Friday, 31-unanswered Trojan points over quarters two and three propelled Alexandria Senior High (7-1, 2-1 District 2-5A) over Ruston High (6-2, 2-1 District 2-5A) by a final score of 45-28 at Hoss Garrett Stadium.

“They are absolutely a great football team,” Ruston High Head Coach Jerrod Baugh said of ASH. “You know, we knew that coming in and we all got a chance to see it. I keep saying every week whenever we started district that once everybody gets done with District 2-5A headed into the playoffs, I think everybody’s going to make some runs in the playoffs. And it’s no different for us if we’ll come back to work ready to go and correct some mistakes that we made that you just can’t make against a really, really good football team.

“There’s times where I feel like, you know, offensively and defensively, we’re looking as good a football team as you can see. And then the next series, we’re maybe the worst football team you can see at times. We have just got to steady that up and be consistent with what it is we’re doing.”

Ruston sophomore Dalen Powell scored quickly on Ruston’s opening drive of the night with a 69-yard touchdown run at the 10:07 mark of the first quarter for a 7-3 lead. ASH put together a drive in response of over four minutes, capped off by a 32 yard field goal by junior kicker Eli Fung with 5:39 to go in the first to cut Ruston’s lead to 7-3.

After both offenses were forced to punt on three-and-outs, the Bearcats added to their lead with a 32-yard touchdwon pass to junior receiver Josiah Morgan with :09 to go in the first quarter. After an unsportsmanlike penalty, junior kicker Joaquin Ramos was forced to try his point after attempt from 35-yards away and succeeded, putting Ruston up 14-3.

On the ensuing ASH drive, the Trojans fumbled the ball on their own 16-yard line and set Ruston up for a second Powell touchdown of the half with 9:10 to go in the second quarter for a 21-3 Bearcat lead.

It was then ASH found its rhythm and never looked back. On their next drive, Trojan quarterback Karsen Sellers connected with Ja’Kyrin Griffin for a 32-yard wheel route touchdown on 2-and-20 to go up 21-10 with 6:20 to go before halftime. Both teams struggled to move the ball offensively until the waning minutes of the second quarter when ASH scored two quick touchdowns: first by receiver Alex Fontenot with 1:11 to go before the half, and then a touchdown run by Kason Williams with :09 on the clock following a Bearcat interception for a 24-21 Trojan lead going into the halftime locker room.

ASH’s Fung immediately put up a 30-yard field goal early in the third quarter for a 27-21 lead. On Ruston’s next possession, some controversy surrounded a blocked punt that hit a Trojan special teams player. The Bearcats jumped on the ball, but the officials ruled that because the ball did not pass the line of scrimmage, it could not return possession to the punting team.

The Trojans capitalized with a six yard touchdown reception by tight end Grayson Thibodeaux with 3:56 to go in the third quarter to put the Trojans up 34-21.

The ‘Cats did find life towards the end of the third quarter after Powell scored his third touchdown of the night from nine-yards out with 0:10 to go in the third for a 34-28 score. The drive was set up thanks to a key 17-yard reception by junior tight end Ahmad Hudson on third down and then a run by Hartwell to extend the series.

ASH, however, scored again as running back Noble Williams got in from two yards out a few minutes later in the fourth quarter. Thibodeaux would haul in the two-point coversion to put ASH up 42-28 with 8:09 to play. Five minutes later, Fung got another field goal — this time from 21 yards away for the 45-28 final score.

The Trojans outrushed the Bearcats 257 to 179 yards overall (a majority of Ruston’s ground game yardage came in the first quarter) and had 26 first downs compared to Ruston’s 17.

“They gave us a dose of what it is we’re normally known for — being able to hold on to the football and run it down somebody’s throat,” Baugh said. “And tonight, we couldn’t and they could. So we’ve got to get back to work and put our heads down. We got to get better every week, and we got two more weeks to do that going into the playoffs. It’s just like I have to remind everybody about last year: we lost two district ball games last year and made a run to the state championship.”

Powell finished with 141 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Hartwell threw 135 yards on 13-of-25 passing and one touchdown.

Ruston returns to action Friday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m. on the road against Pineville to continue district play. The game will be broadcast on Q94.1 FM and streamed live on BearcatNationNetwork.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.

by Malcolm Butler

Brett Bell had himself a night.

The junior signal caller for Cedar Creek rushed for 278 yards and six touchdowns and passed for 80 more and another score to lead the Cougars to a 65-32 win over Lincoln Prep at Origin Bank Stadium on Homecoming Night.

It was a performance for the ages.

“He stepped up big-time,” said Cedar Creek head coach Jacob Angevine. “He has been getting better and better every week, but tonight he became the alpha.”

Bell did just about anything he wanted against the Panthers, running over, around and through the Lincoln Prep defense.

“He was able to get to the edge, make people miss, run over people,” said Angevine. “He did it all tonight. Brett Bell cemented his name as one of the best players in our district tonight.”

Bell carried the ball just 15 times, averaging over 18 yards per carry and helping Cedar Creek amass 457 yards on the ground.

“I’ve gotten better reading the plays,” said Bell, who was quick to give credit to his teammates. “We have a great O-line, so they make it easy to read the plays. I think reading the defense and understanding what I can do has been my biggest improvement.”

Bell scored on runs of 28, 80, 24, 43, 3 and 28 yards during the contest while also connecting on a 65-yard TD pass to Blake Robinson in the second quarter.

“It’s awesome having a quarterback that isn’t afraid of anything and has that much swagger,” said Robinson, who snuck behind the defense on a play-action pass.  “He plays like he doesn’t have anything to lose. He’s a junior and is showing everybody how it’s done. He has taken on a leadership role with me and the seniors. We are all stepping up trying to make this a player led team.”

Throughout the contest, Bell calmly brought his team to the line, looked over the Panthers defense, and made right decision after right decision.

“He has things you can’t teach,” said Angevine. “For a guy who has not played football since the eighth grade, he’s remarkable. He has things you just can’t teach. His athleticism is awesome, and his decision making is getting better and better.

“He keeps everybody cool, calm, and collected. He has to. He has to step up and be that leader. He gets into the huddle, keeps everyone calm, and says, ‘Look this is the play we are going to run, and we are about to get a first down or we are about to score here.’ He takes control.”

The Cougars jumped out to a quick two score lead on Bell’s 28-yard run followed by Payton Harris’ 2-yard run. Harris finished with 121 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries.

And anytime the Panthers threatened to try to make it a game, Bell answered with a big play.

One play after the Panthers cut the Creek lead to 14-6, Bell faked a handoff to Trigger Woodard, pulled the ball, and raced 80 yards untouched to the endzone. 

It was one of the easier scores of the night. They weren’t all like that as numerous times he ran through arm tackles, with Lincoln Prep defenders trying to drag him down. The Panthers didn’t have a lot of success though.

“I’m intense,” said Bell. “You have to be intense to do the little things right. I have learned that from baseball. I try to stay calm and poised at all times.”

Bell put the final nail in the Panther’s coffin with a 28-yard TD run with 2:16 to play in the contest, adding the two-point conversion with his legs. And he did it with a cool calmness that gives his teammates confidence.  

“Somehow he has gotten more confident,” said Robinson. “It doesn’t make sense. He has never lacked confidence. Never once. It’s special to have a quarterback like that.”

Although the rushing total isn’t a Cedar Creek single game record, it is believed to be in the Top 5 all-time according to school officials.

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By T. Scott Boatright

It wasn’t the script Lincoln Prep had hoped for Friday night in the Panthers’ District 1-1A showdown at Cedar Creek.

The Panthers were to see “An Upset at Origin Field.”

Instead, the game played out more like a Halloween version of “The Good, the Bad and The Ugly.”

In a game that saw the teams combined for 97 points and 874 yards, Cedar Creek earned a Homecoming victory by the score of 65-32.

The good for Lincoln Prep was passing attack unlike any unleashed for the Panthers in years and years.

And the bad was their play in the trenches, which was dominated by the Cougars, who ran for 457 yards and eight touchdowns.

All that ended up in the ugly team stat of 12 penalties on the night, including some late personal fouls as frustration set in.

Panthers coach Chaunce Davison let his team know in their postgame talk that was unacceptable.

“That can’t happen,” Davison said. “We’ve got to learn to be better than that. Yes, we were frustrated. That’s no excuse. That can’t happen. It’s football. We practiced for getting some calls we thought we were supposed to get or that we didn’t get. But that’s football. You’re going to go into places where you’re not going to get those calls.’

Trailing 41-12 by halftime didn’t help the Panthers’ attempt to keep their composure.

“The biggest thing is that we got hit in the mouth,” Davison said. They hit us in the mouth and we just have to learn how to hit back without all that extra stuff.”

Davison admitted he was surprised by Cedar Creek’s line domination on both sides of the ball.

“We didn’t see this happening — not like this,” Davison said. “As a staff we’re just going to have to go back in and draw up something new. I didn’t see this coming. I thought we were going to be a little more physical. But it didn’t happen like that.”

Another part of the good was the play of Panthers’ sophomore quarterback Josh Kelly, who connected on 13-of–21 pass attempts for 269 yards, including scoring strikes of 51 and 60 yards to Trey Spann, 60 yards to Jarbari Levingston

“Josh has quarterback awareness,” Davison said. “He knows how to play this game as a quarterback. Sometimes you have jitters and might make a mistake or two, but he played well tonight. We gave him some bad snaps every now and then. That’s something that we as coaches are going to have to fix.”

Levingston finished with five receptions for 122 yards while adding 101 yards and another score on 14 carries.

“Jabari is an athlete,”: Davison said. “He’s one of those kids that if you get him the ball, running or catching, he’s going to make something happen.”

Spann hauled in five catches for 153 yards and his two scores.

While Lincoln Prep did some damage with their passing game, Davison wouldn’t say he was ready to change his offense to an aerial based attack.

“We’re going to worry about that when we get there next year,” Davison said. “But I can say we’re going to use what we got.”

At 3-5 overall and 2-3 in district play, Lincoln Prep now has to bear down and try to win out in hopes of earning a playoff berth.

“We’re going to take it week by week,” Davison said. “We’ve got Homecoming next week against Plain Dealing. And then we go to Arcadia to close out the regular season. That’s a game we shouldn’t have to get fired up and ready for. So, we’re just going to take it one week at a time.”

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By T. Scott Boatright

 

To say the Grambling State football season hasn’t gone the way the Tigers hoped would likely be an understatement.

But at 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s West Division, the Tigers still have half a season left to play. 

And even if a shot at earning a berth in the SWAC championship game is highly unlikely at this point, the G-Men relish the chance to play spoiler.

The G-Men will get that chance this weekend as they face off against the No. 1 team in HBCU football as Grambling State battles Jackson State in a game set for a 5 p.m. kickoff on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. 

Jackson State stands at 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the SWAC East Division with its lone loss of the season coming by the score of 38-20 at Southern Mississippi on Sept. 6.

Grambling defeated Jackson State 41-20 last season, and GSU coach Mickey Joseph knows his G-Men will be facing a team looking for revenge despite having gone on to win the National Black College Championship last season.

And he knows what a strong performance can do for his football team.

“Anytime you can, you can play a team of this magnitude, you know, a really good football team and you can go and throw blows with them, I think you got to be excited for that opportunity that we that we’re getting, but it’s a lot in a game of this magnitude,” Joseph said. “We played Ohio State, the number one team in the country, and now we play the number one HBCU team, the HBCU in the country.”

Joseph also knows the G-Men will almost be facing two opponents in this game — Jackson State and all the extras surrounding playing the game in a professional stadium in Las Vegas.

“Just getting the boys ready, mentally to prepare for the travel, you know, leaving on Thursday, is a challenge,” Joseph said. “Getting them to understand how we’re going to structure that Thursday and structure that there on Friday and some of the things that I’m going to ask them to do differently than if we were playing in this region. We’re skipping two time zones, so we have to make sure that they listen to what we’re telling them, what the medical staff’s telling them. So, it’s gonna be more off the field things and then on the field.”

Joseph said getting his team locked on ball security will also be a key after watching his G-Men give up three fumbles (including by quarterback Tre Bradford and another by No. 1 running back Tre Bradford) in last week’s 20-16 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

“It’s something that we work on every day, and you know, and have to understand that when the temperature and the conditions change,” said Joseph. “We had to understand that. Last week, Tre should have just gone down (on his fumble). He’s fighting for extra yards. Teasett knows he’s under pressure and he’s got to put the ball away because people are going to be snatching at it. 

“We got to understand that we’ve got to hold on to the ball securely. We have said that over and over again. So, we’re going to continue working at this and try to cut it out this week. And you know, what’s a better week to cut out the bad habits than against the number one team in HBCU football?”

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On Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the Drug Enforcement Administration to host DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at Super One Foods in Ruston.

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

For more than a decade, the event has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction.

What:                    National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

When:                  Saturday, October 25^th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Who:                     Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office 

Where:                 Super One Foods ( 1500 North Trenton Street Ruston, LA )

In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

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The choir of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer is inviting the public to a Choral Evensong celebration at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

The hour-long event, under the direction of Dr. Tracie Ellerman, will be held at the Church of the Redeemer,  504 Tech Drive, Ruston, LA.  

 “We are inviting the community of Ruston to join us as we worship the Lord in a spiritual, peaceful. liturgical setting in the Anglican tradition, featuring our beautiful new organ which was installed and dedicated earlier this year,” said Rev. Frank W. Hughes, Ph.D., priest in residence at the Redeemer.

A reception with refreshments will follow the Choral Evensong.

For further information about the event, please call 318-255-3925 or visit the Redeemer website at: www.rustonredeemer.org

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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.

A letter from Brandon Forester, owner of Omega Entertainment:

As a proud alumnus of both Louisiana Tech and Ruston High, I and the station are honored to bring you the live broadcast of Bearcat Football this season. This journey started long ago, while in 1991 as a student, I recorded my first radio ad with Mrs. Loyce Miller at RHS. A lot of water under the bridge since.

In February of this year, I purchased the only locally owned and operated station in Ruston from my longtime friend and fraternity brother, Bill Brown. Bill was adamant about keeping the stations local. Locally owned, locally invested, locally involved. We love where we live and we love what we do!

Since then, we’ve upgraded the studio to an all-digital format for broadcasting, 24/7 mobile apps, live streaming, and much more. With this additional significant investment to our equipment, we are able to successfully merge, strengthen, and enhance the effectiveness of our local radio listening experience.

The easy/free App downloads for all live access, all the time, from anywhere…wherever you are, we can be there with you. Phone, tablet, dashboard, desktop, etc… The more listeners we reach, the more we can help local businesses, local nonprofit, events, festivals, and sports like the Bearcats on Q94.1 and the Jonesboro Hodge Tigers on the new Roux 102.3. Speaking of the Roux, we’re bringing back the 5th Quarter nostalgia every Friday night following our football broadcasts to air The Ruston Rec Dance show.

We’ve poured over decades of research to catalogue and play the songs that Bearcat nation partied to at the old Rec Center. You can download the Q 94.1 app by going to your app store and searching “Q941”. The Roux app can be found searching for “ROUX102”.

I’d be remiss not to thank my station crew Tootsie, Rob Tucker, “Lonesome” Loyd, Scott Howard, Larry Allen, Barry Gilliland, Chris Peddie, Rick Godley, Mike Stone, and my wife Deanna. Their dedication and hard work behind the scene has made this all possible. And last but not least, the Bearcat broadcast team of Kyle Roberts, Nick Brown, Toby Nations, and Matthew Carswell whom I consider the best broadcast team in the state. Looking forward to an exciting and successful season!

FIRMLY FOUNDED!
GO BEARCATS!
M BRANDON FORESTER

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

Sheryl S. Modest Abney   
Sunday 10/30/1966 — Sunday 10/12/2025    
Visitation: Friday 10/24/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home   
Celebration of Life: Saturday 10/25/2025 11:00am, Countyline Baptist Church, 7246 Highway 146, Ruston   
Interment: Saturday 10/25/2025 Following Service, Ebenezer Cemetery, Parish Road 214, Ruston   

Frank “Hamp” Hampe Miller, Jr.   
September 15, 1952 – October 20, 2025   
Visitation: Monday, October 27, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel   
Graveside Service: Monday, October 27, 2025, 2:00 PM, Forest Lawn Cemetery, 2500 West California Ave, Ruston   

Terry Kent Smith    
April 8, 1955 – October 15, 2025    
Graveside service: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 2:00 PM, Canaan Cemetery, Spearsville  

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by Malcolm Butler

 

Arch Aplin III, affectionately known as Beaver, stated early in his address to the crowd of hundreds that gathered for the Buc-ee’s groundbreaking ceremony Friday morning that he was “a little emotional.”

Wearing his sunglasses, sports coat and Cowboy hat, Beaver came across sincerely when addressing remarks made by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.

“Governor Landry said something that set me back a little bit,” said Beaver. “I don’t know. It just rushed over me. Living the American Dream. You are right. I am, Governor.

“It’s phenomenal. I grew up in a small town in Texas and had absolutely no experience in convenience stores or travel centers, but I was able to pursue an idea – a dream – at a young age. And I am living it in color now.”

Lincoln Parish residents and motorists on Interstate 20 and other roads leading to north central Louisiana will soon be living it too when the world-renowned travel center opens in April of 2027.

“These things usually take 16 to 18 months to build,” said Beaver.  “We are bringing all of our Texas barbecue and brisket, all of jerky, but we will also sell boudin.”

Friday’s groundbreaking came 34 months after the original announcement in January of 2023 and is just one more step in reassuring locals that the 74,000-square foot travel center will be a reality on Tarbutton Road.

Beaver said that the idea for coming to Ruston started in about as simple a way as possible.

Holding up a copy of the letter he received from the late Marilyn Robbins, Beaver read part of it aloud Friday morning.

“I own 58 acres in Ruston, and I want you in my town,” read the letter Beaver received a few years ago prior to the announcement.

“And sometimes this is how things happen,” said Beaver. Really. “And this is how this happened. Really. She took the time, and she took the opportunity, and she sent me a letter.”

Governor Landry and Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker both thanked Beaver for his decision and dedication to making the Ruston Buc-ee’s a reality.

“He represents the American Dream,” said Governor Landry. “He represents what America is all about. It’s a land of opportunity, for you to go out and be whoever you want to be and to live out those dreams and to do things with a smile.”

There are currently 54 active operational Buc-ee’s in the United States with 36 of those residing in the state of Texas. The first was built in 1982.

“I grew up in a small town in Texas, but all of my family is from Louisiana,” said Beaver. “My grandma and grandpa lived in a little town of Harrisonburg in North Louisiana. He owned a general store back in the day, a little mercantile general store.

“I never thought I would be in the convenience store business, but I think it evolved from back then. As things evolved, I think that gene in me came out.

“I opened my first convenience store in 1982. I knew nothing about the business. I had a labrador retriever named Buck, and my nickname is Beaver. So, I named it Buc-ee’s and made my logo a Beaver. That was my business plan.”

Ruston will be the first of two that will eventually open in Louisiana with Lafayette also scheduled to be home to Beaver Nuggets.

Walker said it will add tremendous value to Ruston, Grambling and all of Lincoln Parish.  According to online sources, Buc-ee’s starting salaries begin at $16 to $20 per hour depending on locations with management positions paying much higher.

“As they told me today, they will be hiring 450 employees at first,” said Walker. “Now some of those will be temporary until they get the store fully open. But when you look at whether it’s 250 employees or 450, that’s huge for our area.

“It’s huge for people who need that type of salary. And more importantly, they have a 401k, and they have paid vacations. But the most important part of it is they will have health insurance.”

“When you give people an opportunity to have a good paying job with benefits, especially health insurance, they can feel like they are truly taking care of themselves and their families,” said Walker.  “That’s the biggest part of this American Dream.”

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Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

The College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) and A.E. Phillips Laboratory School (AEP) congratulate Mrs. Jennifer Williams as the 2025 Lincoln Parish District Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Williams, a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher at AEP, has dedicated her career to helping students discover their love for writing and literature. She noted that the recognition is a meaningful reflection of her passion for teaching.

“I feel so honored that they would choose me for this award,” Williams said. “It was a tedious process to apply, but I love what I do and it feels good to be awarded.”

A.E. Phillips Principal Dr. Jenny Blalock said Williams’ commitment to her students and her profession sets her apart.

“Mrs. Williams brings so much joy to the classroom, and students grow tremendously under her instruction,” Blalock said. “We are so blessed to have her teaching in our middle school, and we are thrilled that she is receiving recognition for her work.”

Williams advances to represent Lincoln Parish at the regional level, competing against other district honorees from Region 5.

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By Wesley Harris

 

Social media went berserk Thursday after a reportedly malnourished dog in the custody of an animal rescue shelter was returned to its owner, with allegations a Lincoln Parish deputy was responsible.

4Paws Rescue posted the following on social media: “THIS DOG WAS JUST GIVEN BACK TO THE OWNERS!!!! She is emaciated!!!! ER vet said she had 3 days to live. The owners surrendered the dog so we could get her medical help!! The SHERIFF GAVE THE DOG BACK TO THE OWNERS!!!!  The problem is we did not get the owner surrender in writing or on video. We were more worried of saving the dogs life. Sheriff  gave the dog back to the owners instead of seizing the dog to investigate!! Call the Lincoln Parish Sheriff & demand answers!!!”

Nearly 300 Facebook users had commented on the post by 6:00 pm Tuesday.

Lincoln Parish Sheriff Stephen Williams provided the following statement after looking into the matter:

“On October 23, 2025, at approximately 10:55 a.m., Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to 4 Paws Rescue in reference to a reported disturbance.

“The investigation revealed that on October 21, a representative from 4 Paws Rescue had obtained a severely malnourished dog from a residence near Beacon Light Road. A verbal agreement was made with the owner allowing 4 Paws to take temporary possession of the animal for medical treatment, with the understanding that the dog would be returned at no cost once care was completed.

“When a relative of the owner later arrived at 4 Paws to check on the dog’s condition, she was informed the animal would not be released until veterinary expenses were paid. The disagreement led to a verbal altercation, prompting law enforcement response.

“Deputies advised 4 Paws Rescue personnel that, without proper surrender documentation, ownership of the animal remained with the original owner and that the animal could not be withheld pending payment. Deputies further instructed 4 Paws to contact the Lincoln Parish Police Jury, which maintains authority over animal control matters in the parish, regarding the reported neglect.

“Prior to clearing the scene, deputies facilitated an agreement for the dog’s owners to reimburse 4 Paws for medical costs incurred to that point. Deputies also notified the Police Jury of the suspected abuse and neglect.

“The dog was subsequently returned to the owner and taken to a local veterinarian for further evaluation. Upon review of the animal’s condition and veterinary records, animal control determined that sufficient cause existed to pursue criminal charges.

“As a result, the owner was charged with one count of Cruelty to Animals. The animal has since been voluntarily surrendered to Lincoln Parish Animal Control and is continuing to receive medical treatment.

“It should be noted, the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office nor the Lincoln Parish Police Jury Animal Control received calls regarding this animal abuse case before this disturbance occurred.”

4 Paws responded to the Sheriff’s statement with this social media post:

“4 Paws Rescue would like to thank the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office for their diligent work in this case.

“We would also like to make a few clarifications. The volunteer that found Chloe is new and inexperienced. He mistakenly trusted the verbal agreement to surrender. The agreement was that if they surrendered her, we would cover the cost of vet care. If they wanted her back they would have to pay for vet care. We wanted to keep her here and safe, not the money.

“We should have called the sheriff and/or police jury. That is our mistake, and we are sorry. However, it was after hours, and Lincoln Parish doesn’t currently have an animal control officer. Chloe would not have survived the night without intervention, so we made the judgement call to rush her to the vet without informing local law enforcement. It was the wrong call, but our first priority was to get Chloe safe. We feared that official channels would take too long.

“We are extremely grateful for everyone that helped us in getting Chloe the help she desperately needed.”

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On Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the Drug Enforcement Administration to host DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at Super One Foods in Ruston.

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

For more than a decade, the event has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction.

What:                    National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

When:                  Saturday, October 25^th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Who:                     Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office 

Where:                 Super One Foods ( 1500 North Trenton Street Ruston, LA )

In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

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by Wesley Harris

The huge Chevron station and convenience store in the 700 block of South Vienna Street is nearing completion. In addition to gas pumps for passenger cars, the station owned by Lott Oil Company features diesel pumps for big rigs. Old timers will recall the property was once the site of the unique Pirkle House and the parking lot for the original Green Clinic.

In September, the inmate litter crew operated by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office cleaned 100 miles of parish roads, collecting 17,160 pounds of litter. That’s over 8.5 tons.

A new Honduran restaurant has opened up at the entrance to the Ruston Sports Complex. Los Catrachos Restaurant is in the space formerly occupied by Dairy Queen and The Dugout.

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Does your school, church, or business have plans to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026? In 1975, Lincoln Parish held a massive celebration for the Bicentennial that included burial of a time capsule, the unveiling of a bust of Ruston founder Robert Russ, a community-wide religious service, a fashion show of historical costumes, and other events. The annual Peach Festival was extended to coincide with Independence Day with the peach parade and pageant featuring bicentennial themes. A 250th anniversary is called a “semiquincentennial.”

The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Women’s Self-Defense Class on Saturday, November 1 from 8:00-10:00 a.m. at the Lincoln Parish Public Safety Complex. To reserve your spot, email cjackson@lpsheriff.org no later than October 27. Please provide name, address, date of birth, email address, and contact number in your email RSVP. Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

How did watermelon season come and go and I missed it?

Preliminary work to replace the Cooktown Road bridge over Interstate 20 has begun. Crews are preparing to move fiber, phone, gas, and electrical lines to make way for the long-anticipated construction. Mayor Ronny Walker expects actual work on the bridge to begin early in 2026. Cooktown Road is a state highway, thus the project is overseen by the state Department of Transportation & Development.

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 stolen vehicle passing through Lincoln Parish was spotted by a Louisiana state trooper, but a lengthy pursuit followed by a foot chase were necessary to take the suspect into custody.

Jamaire Shadylir Simpson-Wright, 19, Vicksburg, Mississippi, was arrested October 17 at about 10:00 a.m. after he bailed out of his stolen vehicle and ran into the woods on Interstate 20.

A state trooper received information that a Kia Rio reported stolen in Fort Worth, Texas was suspected to be traveling east on Interstate 20. The trooper spotted the Kia as it passed through Ruston on I-20.

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When the trooper maneuvered behind the Kia, the driver took the La. Highway 33 exit and stopped at a closed service station. When the trooper directed the driver to exit the vehicle, he instead re-entered I-20 and a pursuit ensued.

The pursuit continued approximately 15 miles before the suspect hit rire deflation devices deployed in front of the vehicle. The suspect continued about two more miles before pulling to the shoulder and a female passenger fell out onto the grass. The driver re-entered the Interstate and collided with the trooper, who then used his vehicle to push the suspect into the ditch.

The suspect then fled the vehicle, crossed both east- and westbound lanes of I-20 and entered the woods on the north side of the highway where he was taken into custody.

Simpson-Wright was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for illegal possession of stolen things and aggravated flight from an officer.

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

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.

Ruston Police arrested a man at the Lincoln Parish Library Tuesday after a report of a possible sexual assault.

Zachary K. Bennett, 44, who reported being homeless, was arrested on October 21 for obscenity and criminal trespass.

Officers responded to the library where staff members said they heard sounds of sexual activity coming from the area of the loading docks on the south side of the building. The staff heard an adult man make statements about planning to have sex with a juvenile on the premises.

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Bennett was found lying in a sleeping bag near the loading dock. His pants were undone which he said was due to a broken button.

Bennett said he was not having intercourse with anyone but admitted to some sexual activity.

Bennett had been previously banned from the library and he said he forgot about that restriction from the property. He was placed under arrest and booked at the Lincoln Parish 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.

By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — You’ll be hardpressed to find a more exciting Ruston High Bearcat regular season win than last week’s 17-point fourth quarter comeback at Neville.

For those that don’t already know, last week and with only eight minutes remaining, the Bearcats (6-1, 2-0 District 2-5A) mustered a comeback win for the ages against the Tigers (4-3, 1-1 District 2-5A), scoring three touchdowns, getting a key stop defensively, and even recovering an onside kick to get the win in the 100th meeting between these two storied rivals.

It was the only way the game could possibly have gone.

And now, another tough task ahead: maintaining energy and focus going into tonight against a very talented Alexandria Senior High (6-1, 1-1 District 2-5A) that won the district last season.

The top priorities for the Bearcats this week were to move on to the next game and have good practices throughout. Mission: Accomplished so far.

“I think it’s been fine,” Ruston High Head Coach Jerrod Baugh said. “I think practice has been good — maybe even the best week of practice all the way across the board that we’ve had. Not that they’ve all been great, but it’s been consistent through the week. Hopefully, that goes well as far as getting ourselves prepared for a really good football team.”

A common curse that follows emotional victories is a letdown — an emotional hangover for teams, if you will. Baugh and the team are aware of this and have worked on getting the kids to be laser-focused on the Trojans.

“We really just try to help them get past it,” Baugh said. “I’m pretty honest with the kids — I want them to celebrate, and we appreciate all the accolades that comes with it whenever you win ball games like that. You have to take that in stride as best you can, all while being focused on what the next objective is. You see it all the time in the NFL or college football: somebody wins a big ball game and then they play some lesser competition and don’t play well. And we’re not playing lesser competition: ASH is a really good football team. I do feel like we’ve done pretty well, but we won’t know for certain until we get out and play.”

ASH’s only loss came at the hands of the West Monroe Rebels two weeks ago in the opening week of district play. With a tie game near the end of regulation, ASH returned a kickoff after a player appeared at first to be standing in the end zone, which is supposed to be ruled an automatic touchback. The returner fumbled, setting West Monroe up for a field goal at the end of the night to win 24-21 in Rebel Stadium.

Regardless of the loss, Baugh knows ASH is very talented and well coached.

“They’re really solid all the way around,” Baugh said. “They’re always good in the skill positions — (Head Coach Thomas) Bachmann has done a really good job. At one time, they were only known as a team throwing the ball around all over the place and scoring a bunch of points. Now, they’re a really solid football team all the way around on offense, defense and special teams. They do a really good job of scheming you up. He knows where you’re weak at, and he attacks those areas with some good players.

“They’ve graduated some good football players off of a really good team from last year, but like us, they’ve got some good kids to take those positions. They’re performing and doing really well.”

Sophomore Dalen Powell leads Ruston in rushing with 938 yards and 10 touchdowns, with an average of 7.39 yards per carry. Junior quarterback Sam Hartwell has 330 rushing yards with five touchdowns, while having 1,186 passing yards and 14 touchdowns through the air.

Junior Ahmad Hudson leads the team in receiving with 534 yards and seven touchdowns. Junior Josiah Morgan, who caught last week’s game-winning touchdown, has 285 yards receiving and three touchdowns.

Both ASH and Ruston played in their respective state championship games last season.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. tonight and will be broadcast on 94.1 FM and streamed live on BearcatNationNetwork.com.

 

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By T. Scott Boatright

 

Two schools only a few miles apart. Two football teams fighting for the playoffs in a tough District 1-1A.

One game in a Lincoln Parish showdown with both teams likely featuring similar offensive attacks — run the ball, run it again and run it one more time.

That’s what looks to be in store as Lincoln Prep travels a few miles to the northeast to take on Cedar Creek in a contest set to kick off at 7 p.m. today at Origin Bank Field.

Cedar Creek stands at 4-3 overall and 2-1 in district play while Lincoln Prep heads into the contest at 3-4 and 2-2 in 1-1A action.

The Cougars are coming off a 62-20 home loss to Haynesville while Lincoln Prep is riding a two-game win streak after going on the road last week and defeating Glenbrook 25-7.

It will be Cedar Creek’s Homecoming game, which has called for a little more off field management this week for Cougars coach Jacob Angevine.

“Trying to keep 15- through 18-year-old boys on a good swivel with all the other things going on, like being up at 9 o’clock on a Thursday — that’s a challenge,” Angevine said. “Lincoln Prep is clicking at the right time and we’re going to have a big task. 

“It’s Homecoming, and we’ve got all the distractions and all the glitz and glamor that is Homecoming, and it’s going to be a big challenge for us. We’ve got a really good football team coming in and it’s going to be a real test for our team in more ways than one.:”

Panthers coach Chaunce Davison said he is expecting a hard-fought contest on both sides tonight.

“It’s a good matchup,” Davison said. “I think we’re about even. (Cedar Creek) came out and got an early lead and ended up scoring about 20 points against Haynesville. I think it’s going to be a good game — a tough game,”

Davison also hopes his team knows how important this game will be for both programs.

“It should mean something because we’re trying to finish 6-4,” Davison said of his Panthers taking on the Cougars. “I know on the other side of town, Cedar Creek is trying to get things right. And we’re trying to get things right. So it should mean a lot of our players.”

Davison also hopes his players will be primed for the intra-parish matchup that goes back to his high school playing days as a Grambling Laboratory High School Kitten. 

“I always liked playing Cedar Creek. We played them back in high school (when Davison was a Grambling Lab Kitten). That was always a game where we came to play. And that’s what I hope to see our guys do this week.”

Both coaches admit they expect it to be a run-based game for both teams.

“They really want to keep the ball on the ground,” Angevine said about the Panthers. “They’ve got a really good trio of backs that they can hand the ball off to. They’ve got athletes. But we’ve done a good job. Our offensive line has done a good job these last few weeks of really paving holes for guys to run through. I think we’re averaging close to 100 yards there. Peyton Harris is averaging close to 100 yards the past three or four weeks, so he’s obviously stepped up big time.

“But that’s all credit to our offensive line on that. They’ve done a really good job. It’s really going to be a smashmouth football game, I think. Earlier in the season I think Lincoln Prep wanted to live and die by the pass. But they’ve really shifted to a really downhill running football team. They’re pretty dangerous with it and have a couple of good wins the past couple of weeks.”

After earning those two wins against spread offenses, the Panthers know stopping the run will be a key against the Cougars.

“This time it’s going to be trying to stop that veer option (offense),” Davison said. “We’re just going to tackle everybody. Tackle your assignment. That’s all we need to do. That’s all we’re going to do.”

Angevine admits the Panthers might have the edge at the skill positions but hopes his Cougars can win the war in the trenches.

“At the skill positions, they have athletes — I think they have us,” Angevine said. “But in the trenches, I really like our guys. I think it’s going to be a really good dogfight. I think we’re a little more experienced up front than they are, so that’s definitely going to help us. 

“But man, they’ve got speed for days. So that’s going to be a lot of pressure on our defense, for sure, to keep them contained and limit the big plays. But I feel like we stack up really well against them.”

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