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Month: October 2025
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Local events
Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Friday, Oct. 24
6-9 p.m.: Wine Walk (Downtown Ruston)
7 p.m.: Ruston High football
7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep v. Cedar Creek (Cedar Creek)
7-10 p.m.: Haunted Car Wash (Rocketfast, presented by Ruston Community Theatre)
Saturday, Oct. 25
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market and fall plant market by Master Gardeners
Noon to 4 p.m.: Board Game Day (Lincoln Parish Library)
7-10 p.m.: Weather permitting, Haunted Car Wash (Rocketfast, presented by Ruston Community Theatre)
Sunday, Oct. 26
1 p.m.: LA Tech soccer
2 p.m.: GSU volleyball
4-6 p.m.: 4PAWS Fall Fest (290 Rodeo Rd., Ruston)
5 p.m.: Fall Festival (Trinity Methodist Church, 1000 Woodward Ave.)
Monday, Oct. 27
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6 p.m.: GSU volleyball
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Tuesday, Oct. 28
5-7 p.m.: RPAR’s 5th annual Monster Mash (Ruston Sports Complex)
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)
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
1 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball
2 p.m.: Grambling State v. Alabama A&M
Sunday, Nov. 2
Daylight Saving Time
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It’s Friday. Your last chance to enter Week 9 pick’em contest!
Lincoln Parish Journal readers have an opportunity each week to win FREE money in the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em presented by Johnson Physical Therapy, FanBase of Ruston, and Martin Presence.
And the best part is it’s FREE … just like your subscription to the LPJ.
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The Lincoln Parish Journal wants to thank Karl Malone Toyota, Johnson Physical Therapy, FanBase of Ruston, and Martin Presence for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s College Football Pick’em contest.
We also want to thank Dubach Air and Heat, Ginn’s Autobody, Hart Designs, Tanyard Creek, Charlie’s Carpet Cleaning, Hod Rod BBQ, Louisiana Orchard Realty, Ruston Athletic Supply, Walker and Co., Lulu Pearl, Rusty’s Jambalaya, Greaux the Good, Tommy’s Tees, and RightFiber for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.
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Are you ready for some football?!?
Bigger question. Are you ready to win $150 in cash … with the potential to make it $300 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).
The Lincoln Parish Journal is holding the 4th Annual Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy.
If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!
Anyone is eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $150 cash prize (maybe $300). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 15 selected college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with Week 1 games (August 30).
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $150 each week!
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Crowe returns, ‘Cats fall in four
RUSTON, La. — The ovation in the gym was loud Thursday night.
That’s because Junior Lady Bearcat Ava Crowe made her first appearance on the floor early in the first set for the Ruston Bearcats (12-10) after rehabbing an offseason injury. Despite her return, Ruston would fall in four sets 25-23, 22-25, 23-25 and 12-25.
“How about Ava Crowe?” Ruston Head Coach Mandy Cauley said. “It was great to have her back on the court tonight. The girls rallied well and then dug a hole we couldn’t climb out of in set 4. I thought we certainly had some great moments but overall we need to gain consistency.”
Right after junior Jane Ramsey slammed a kill to put the Lady Bearcats up 2-1 in the first set, Crowe subbed onto the floor to take the court, and helped Ruston get to a 6-4 lead in the first. Shortly after, Ruston would start a 5-0 run to take a 14-11 lead, which was aided in large part by sophomore Baylor Cauley getting a key dig on a point while on the floor to extend the run. The set would go back and forth for the rest of the way, but Ruston would hold on despite a late 4-0 run by Benton to win 25-23.
The Tigers would get set two after the Lady Bearcats fell behind 8-4 early in the stanza. Following a Ruston timeout, the Lady Bearcats outscored the Tigers 7-3 to tie the set 11-11. A few points later, Crowe added a kill to give the Lady Bearcats the first lead in the set 14-13. Crowe again had a big kill to put Ruston up 19-16, but a late surge by Benton gave the Tigers the set 25-22.
Ruston would fall behind again 8-4 in set three. After a timeout a few points later, Ruston would eventually tie the set 14-14 and even take a late lead after a block by Cauley and Ramsey and then a Cauley kill for a 21-20 lead, The Tigers would rally, however, and get the set win 25-23.
In the fourth, Benton took the set 25-12 for the match victory.
Unofficially, Cauley led the team with 11 kills on the night. Sophomore Bridget Crittenden added eight.
The Lady Bearcats are scheduled to host a multi-team event this weekend with Parkview Baptist, Central, Fountainbleu and Byrd all making the trip to Ruston.
Remembering Carolyn F. Brown
Graveside services for Carolyn F. Brown, age 87, of Hampton, Georgia, and former resident of Choudrant, Louisiana, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, at Choudrant Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.
Carolyn was born on December 11, 1937, in Holly Ridge, Louisiana, and passed away peacefully at her home on October 20, 2025. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—tending her garden, watching the birds, and spending time with those she loved most.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Brown, brothers Charles Fletcher, Felix Fletcher, James Fletcher, Roderick Fletcher, Norman Fletcher, and Lonnie Fletcher; her sister Marie Beach; and her great-grandson Jake Murphy.
Pallbearers honoring Carolyn are Dusty Fletcher, Dustin Westfield, Dylan Woods, Jerry Daylan Fletcher, Nicholas Woods, and Sebastian Fletcher.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Cheryl Brakefield; granddaughters Lindsey Long and husband BJ Long and Amanda Murphy and husband Travis Murphy; brother Jerry Fletcher and wife Polly Fletcher; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter—all of whom brought her immense pride and happiness.
COLUMN: The Colonel’s first flight
By Brad Dison
On a warm October day at an air show in St. Louis, Missouri, pilot Archie Hoxsey learned that the colonel would be among the spectators. Archie asked the colonel if he would like to take a flight. The colonel quickly responded, “No, thank you. There are enough high-fliers up there already.” The colonel was apprehensive because he had never flown in an airplane before, but more importantly, he had heard about Archie’s most recent flight in an airshow in Lincoln, Nebraska. During that flight, one of the wings on Archie’s airplane collapsed. The airplane flipped upside down and Archie fell out of the airplane. Luck was on Archie’s side during this flight. He was flying slowly enough, low enough, and the airplane threw him out just as he was passing over a tall barn. He fell only a few feet and received only minor cuts and bruises as the barn’s roof broke his fall. The airplane was destroyed, but Archie explained that he had just received a brand-new airplane.
At the St. Louis airfield, Archie and the colonel continued their conversation as the colonel carefully examined the airplane. Finally, the colonel accepted Archie invitation. Archie responded, “You don’t need to fear anything, colonel. You’ll come down without a scratch.” The crowd of 10,000 spectators watched as the colonel clambered aboard the small two-seat airplane. Once Archie made sure the colonel was safe and secure in the co-pilot’s seat, he took the seat beside him. It took Archie and the ground crew ten minutes to get both engines running, which only worried the colonel for a moment or two. “Anything wrong?” the colonel asked. “I’ll get ‘em going,” he replied. “Good,” the colonel said without the slightest sign of nervousness. The anxious crowd cheered as the plane finally took off and climbed to a low altitude. The airplane circled the airfield and headed back over the crowd. People began to gasp as the airplane suddenly nose-dived toward the ground. Just above the treetop level, Archie pulled back on the yoke and the airplane darted back to its previous level. Just as the crowd was breathing a collective sigh of relief, the airplane took another nosedive. Archie let the airplane get within a few feet of the tops of trees before bringing it back to altitude, then immediately dipped the plane again. The third time, the airplane got within just a few feet of the ground before Archie pulled up. The relieved crowd roared with excitement. As the airplane flew over the crowd, they could see the colonel’s grand smile which his large mustache failed to conceal. Moments later, Archie and the colonel returned to the ground in a textbook landing. Their flight lasted just three minutes and twenty seconds. The crowd ran to greet Archie and the colonel. His large smile was only interrupted by his attempts to explain his experience to those nearest him. “There was nothing uncomfortable about it,” the colonel explained. “I don’t know when I have ever enjoyed myself so much. I wish I could have stayed up longer.” During that air show on October 11, 1910, Archie was piloting one of the Wright Brothers’ brand new Model B airplanes on the colonel’s first airplane flight. It was the first airplane flight of a President or former President of the United States. The colonel, as he preferred to be called, was former president Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt.
Sources:
1. St. Joseph News-Press, September 6, 1910, p.1.
2. The Kansas City Post, October 12, 1910, p.6.
3. “Colonel Roosevelt is invited to fly in Arch Hoxsey’s plane at St. Louis, Mo., 1910,” Library of Congress, January 4, 2010, accessed October 13, 2025, https://youtu.be/yIlpDwMKzJo?
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.
Notice of death — Oct. 23, 2025
Carolyn Brown
December 11, 1937 – October 20, 2025
Graveside: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 2:00PM, Choudrant Memorial Cemetery, Jones Street, Choudrant
Joyce Marie Crawford
July 18, 1957 – October 21, 2025
Visitation: Friday, October 24, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, New Prospect Baptist Church, 3438 Hwy 167, Dubach
Funeral service: Friday, October 24, 2025, 11:00 AM, New Prospect Baptist Church, 3438 Hwy 167, Dubach
Cemetery Committal: Friday, October 24, 2025, 12:00 PM, Unionville Cemetery, 6598 Hwy 822, Dubach
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
Pilot in fatal crash identified
The pilot who died in an airplane crash near the Ruston Regional Airport Tuesday has been identified.
Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown confirmed Rodney Cooper, 64, of Huntsville, Texas, was traveling from Huntsville to the Ruston Regional Airport at the time of the crash.
Cooper was executive director at LaSalle Corrections which is headquartered in Ruston. The plane involved is owned by LaSalle.
Cooper retired from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)—the state’s corrections agency—in 2009 after three decades of service. At the time of his retirement, he served as the Correctional Institutions Deputy Division Director for Prison and Jail Operations for Texas.
Soon after retiring, he joined LaSalle Corrections of Ruston. LaSalle develops and operates correctional facilities in Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia. It provides a wide range of services to law enforcement agencies, including facility development, financing, management, security, and inmate programs. LaSalle Corrections manages 18 correctional facilities, including the Jackson Parish Correctional Center, the Natchitoches Parish Correctional Center, and other facilities in the area.
According to TDCJ, Cooper is survived by his wife Gayle, his daughters Amanda and Kalyn, and several grandchildren. In a statement, TDCJ said, “Rodney was a truly remarkable man who touched so many lives with his kindness and warmth. He was a man of great character and compassion, and a dear friend to many.”
Sheriff Brown said investigation of the crash is being handled by the National Transportation Safety Board. An autopsy will be performed to determine if a medical episode played a role in the crash, Brown said.
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.
GSU students explore opportunities, expertise at Fall 2025 Lonnie B. Smith, Jr. Career Fair
Courtesy of GSU Communications
Nearly 600 Grambling State University students started building on their futures Oct. 9 as they participated in the Fall 2025 Lonnie B. Smith Career Fair inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
There 598 students received the opportunity to meet and network with recruiters from more than 62 potential employers and postgraduate programs from across the country as well as take professional headshots to add to their résumés and a Clifton Strengths assessment booth.
The Career Fair also featured three separate Candid Conversations programs where university alumni and professionals discuss careers and opportunities. These events are designed to provide students with more in-depth, informal discussions about career paths, personal development, and aligning with purpose — things beyond what is typically covered at a traditional job fair.
“It was amazing,” said Antoinette Livingston, GSU Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development. “I’m so proud of how our students presented themselves and the level of preparedness they showed. Employers were impressed with their résumés, professionalism, and confidence throughout the day. That kind of feedback reinforces the work our office does every day—helping students build the skills, gain the experiences, and make the connections they need to succeed beyond graduation. Seeing them prepared and ready for what’s next is the most rewarding part of what we do.”
Topics for the Fall 2025 Candid Conversations were “Experiential Learning”; Lights, Camera, And Real Action: An Inside Look Into The Entertainment Business,”; and “Beyond The Paycheck: Investing In Your Well-Being For Long-Term Success.”
GSU College of Business Dean Dr. Derrick Warren moderated “Experiential Learning” conversation talking about the importance of internships and hand–on learning with a panel made of IT infrastructure analyst Jarrid Richards from Cleco; Justin Harris, Branch Manager for Cintas in Dallas/Fort Worth; Larry Wright, Director of Operations for Procter & Gamble in Pineville, Louisiana; and Grambling State junior cybersecurity and computer science major Ugochukwa Igweagu, who interned for Cisco last summer.
Richards said a key point for college students trying to impress potential employees is to be coachable.
“We expect you to make mistakes, especially during internships and different rotational programs, but just make sure to be coachable,” Richards said. “Sometimes these things start off slow in internship potential, where an employer is trying to figure out where to fit you in different parts of the business that you’re probably not ready for, but be coachable.
“Have the desire to learn. Sit down next to a coworker of yours and see what you can learn from them. Identify what people are good at and try to leverage your skills to where you can get taught by the best.”
Jess’Lyn Sanders, Miss Grambling State University 2024-25, moderated the “Lights, Camera, Action” conversation that featured a panel made up of GSU Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryanne Logan; Dr. Aaron Livingston from GSU’s Sports Administration graduate program; Kristena Hatcher, founder and CEO of North Star Focus, a diverse, woman-led talent consulting firm; and De’Vante Martin, a GSU Mass Communications graduate and reporter for KNOE television in Monroe, Louisiana.
Logan said that while hard skills specific to a given profession are crucial to any job, soft skills also play a critical role.
“Teamwork and collaboration — you need that in any industry,” Logan said. “In the sports industry, it’s not only about the team on the field and also the team behind the field — the people working behind the scenes to make it all happen.”
“Another soft skill that’s key when you’re working in the sports field is adaptability. A few years ago, we had the COVID pandemic. We were trying to navigate COVID and keep people clean and healthy. Talk about learning on the fly and adapting — that was a prime example of that. So, always focus on teamwork and collaboration and be able to adapt to change.”
The final Candid Conversation, “Beyond The Paycheck:” was moderated by GSU Office of Career Studies and Professional Development Daphne Tolliver and featured panelists Dr. Gretchen Pettaway of Mid-City Pediatrics in Shreveport, Louisiana; Corey Williams, a Talent Sourcing Partner at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana; Dr. Carolyn Jackson, an associate professor in GSU’s Department of Developmental and Higher Education Studies; and Benita Izuora, GSU’s current Miss Sophomore.
Talking about preventing job burnout was a primary focus during that discussion.
“You have to prioritize yourself and your health — you’ve got to do that first,” Jackson said. “You have to set boundaries for yourself first, because that day is coming where something is going to happen and you’re going to feel overwhelmed, and there’s no way to prevent it.
“But, if you have some tools that you practice while you are in (undergraduate school) or while you are new on a job. When it’s time to rest, make sure you’re resting. Put that phone down and go to sleep. That will help you enter a stressful situation with as clear a mind as you can have.”
Jackson said priority alignment is the key to finding the proper work/life balance.
“When it’s time to work, I work, and when it’s time for family, it’s family time,” Jackson said. “And when it is time for me, myself and I, it is that time. And sometimes you’ve got to be strict with those boundaries. Family trumps job and faith trumps family.”
In early 2024, Chris Compton Jr., a 2005 Engineering Technology graduate from Grambling State who is now Procurement Director for Turner Construction, returned to his alma mater to present six scholarships from his corporation along with a promise that his corporation would be making more hires from GSU, which at that time only consisted of Compton and Torrence Banks, who had just started working for Turner at that point.
On Thursday, Banks joined recent Grambling State graduates Collin Dean, originally from Los Angeles now working in San Francisco, and Khaaliq Stevenson, originally from Denver now working in Memphis, as Career Fair recruiters for Turner Construction.
“It feels so good to be able to come back and do this,” Stevenson said. “Torrance and I were actually having a conversation yesterday about how we were in those seats just a little over a year ago. So just being able to see that we were just in those seats and now we’re on the other side talking to those students in those seats now and being a part of the cycle continuing is a beautiful thing, because when Chris came and got us, he said they were going to come back with more Grambling alumni next time. And sure enough, here we are.”
Antoinette Livingston said that GSU Career Clothes Closet has a new look and continues accepting donations of gently-used business attire to help GSU students in need as they search for jobs.
JPT: A clear vision, path to recovery
Sam Hartwell remembers it like it was yesterday.
Playing a middle school football game during his eighth-grade year at Cedar Creek, Sam took a hit up high while his leg was flexed out.
And although he finished playing the game, Sam found out the following day he had torn the ACL in his right knee.
However, three years and one school later, Ruston High School’s starting quarterback is running around making plays for the No. 2 ranked Bearcats like nothing ever happened.
Sam gives a lot of credit to the folks at Johnson Physical Therapy (JPT).
“Working with JPT and those guys and doing rehab with all of them, they made it fun,” said Sam. “I actually looked forward to physical therapy. I looked forward to going and seeing Mr. Jereme (Johnson) and Mr. Bryan (Moore) and all of those people. I worked with all of them, and they were all great.”
It was in the fall of 2022 when Sam suffered the injury.
“During that time, I was in the middle of making a decision on going to Ruston High the next year or if I wanted to stay at Cedar Creek,” said Sam. “Hurting my knee during that time made that decision more complicated.
“It beat me up a little bit. You want to play with your friends. You want to be out on the field. And especially in middle school, you don’t think you are going to suffer that type of injury. It sucked, but God has a plan for you.”
A big part of that plan was JPT.
Following the ACL repair surgery performed by Dr. Paul Novakavich, Sam began the tedious, emotionally and mentally challenging task of recovery.
“After my surgery, my (knee) was impossible to move,” said Sam. “It was a hard time dealing with it. I think going to JPT, working hard, focusing on getting better … my mentality got better. I could tell I was getting better thanks to the work and the staff pushing me and encouraging me. I knew I was getting better every week. They always gave me positive feedback.”
Jereme, who started JPT in 2017 and now has three sites in Ruston, Monroe and West Monroe, remembers eighth-grade Sam and his rehab.
“Sam had such a poise about him at such a young age,” said Jereme. “It’s cool to see the growth of these kids through the adversity of the injury and rehab. To see them come in, down in the dumps, they have had their (athletic) identity taken away to some respects … it’s such a psychological warfare to go through that.”
According to both Jereme and Sam, the patient had the right mindset as he went through the rehabilitation process.
“You have to attack it with a good attitude,” said Sam, whose older sister Ava also benefited from JPT for a pair of ACL injuries. “If you don’t, you aren’t going to get any better. That was my mentality. I wanted to get back on the field and play. I knew I was going to a bigger school where I wanted to play. Mentally, it was always in the back of my head. ‘What if I’m never the same? What if I can’t do this? What if I can’t do that?’
“I thought they made it so much fun. The workout was always challenging. It was always hard. But they have great people, great equipment and a great facility to help you get through it. I always had fun doing it even if it was hard.”
Jereme said he and his team take great pride in working with people of all ages. He said it’s satisfying to see the recovery of young athletes who may have a lot of doubt when they first start the process.
“You have to get them to appreciate what they can do,” said Jereme. “They doubt their capabilities when they are first starting physical therapy. They don’t really trust the limb to land on or move on. We know the final product and how we are going to get there, but they have no clue. We are on the end of knowing. They are on the end of not knowing nor trusting.”
That knowledge is a key to JPT’s success with its clients, regardless of age or injury.
“We have done this for so long with so many different patients that the vision is very clear to us,” said Jereme. “Everyone comes in with their own setbacks or challenges. But through it all, we have done it so many times that we can see – we know – the path to their recovery. At this point there is nothing that we haven’t seen.
“We see the vision and know the outcome regardless of each individual setback. We know how we want to move forward, and we know how it’s going to play out.”
This is an advertorial
LA Tech Tri Delta’s raise over $20k for St. Jude’s
Louisiana Tech Delta Delta Delta Raises $20,257 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital During “5K in a Day” Event
The chapter of Delta Delta Delta at Louisiana Tech University raised an incredible $20,257 in just 24 hours during our annual “5K in a Day” virtual philanthropy event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The fundraiser brings together Tri Delta sisters, families, friends, and the Ruston community to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude — where families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.
“Raising $20,257 in just 24 hours has far exceeded my expectations for this fundraiser,” said LA Tech Tri Delta Director of Philanthropy Anika Beiber. “I’m incredibly proud of the hard work our chapter put into making this happen and so grateful to everyone who donated and supported us. St. Jude holds a very special place in my heart, and knowing how much this money will help patients and their families makes all of the effort more than worth it.”
After touring the St. Jude campus and seeing firsthand the incredible impact they make, this cause became even more personal to the chapter. They want to thank everyone who donated, shared their posts, or helped spread the word. The support helps ensure that children and families facing childhood cancer receive the care and hope they deserve.
“I just want to take a moment to shout from the St. Jude rooftops — THANK YOU for your absolutely incredible fundraising efforts in the past 24 hours,” said St. Jude/ALSAC representative Crystal Heyward. “Your passion, dedication, and teamwork have truly blown me away. Watching this chapter come together with such energy and purpose has been nothing short of inspiring.
“Whether you were rallying support, organizing events or news appearances, or simply spreading the word, each of you played a vital role in making this campaign such a success. Your commitment to our mission and to making a difference is what makes Tri Delta so special to our St. Jude babies and families.”
Tri Delta’s partnership with St. Jude began in 1999, and since then, chapters across the country have raised more than $100 million to help advance research and treatment.
‘CIA agent’ charged in I-20 incident
A Texas man was arrested by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office on a multitude of charges after he made threats and incoherent statements, identifying himself as an agent of the federal Central Intelligence Agency.
Dennie James Barker, 29, Salado, Texas, was arrested for obstruction of a highway, drug possession, impersonating a law enforcement officer, and a number of other charges after deputies responded to Interstate 20 regarding a man walking in traffic.
Deputies responded to the area of the 74 mile marker on I-20 at about 8:30 p.m. Oct. 19. A Toyota Tacoma pickup was found on the shoulder of I-20 with damage to the rear bumper area. Barker was found in the driver’s seat.
When asked if he had been walking in the roadway, Barker said no that he was wearing “a cloak of invisibility” and no one could see him.
When asked why he was there, Barker said he had run out of gas. When asked why his hood was up, he said, “’cause I’m out of gas.” When asked if he had been in a crash recently, Barker said yes, that he had been rear ended in Texas, but had continued driving without reporting the accident.
Deputies detected the odor of green marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and could see rolling papers on the front seat. During a search, two jars of marijuana and a container of THC edibles were located as well as multiple empty jars with marijuana residue.
Barker matched the description of the man walking on the interstate. During the interview, he talked nonstop and made incoherent statements. When he was arrested, he informed deputies they did not know what they were doing and that he was a CIA agent. He repeated this claim, but no documents or identification were found to verify his claim.
When told the charges against them, Barker allegedly said he did not care and he told a deputy he would “—- you up.” Later, said he would harm the deputy and his family at a later time.
During the transport to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, a deputy reported Barker yelled and screamed and thrashed about for the duration of the ride, including making several comments, threatening the deputy.
Barker was booked for obstruction of a highway, possession of marijuana, possession of THC edibles, expired vehicle registration, pedestrian on an interstate highway, public intimidation, impersonating a law enforcement officer, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Roebuck captures title at Allstate Sugar Bowl event
by Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek junior Alex Roebuck captured the title at the 2025 Allstate Sugar Bowl Fall Series at The Island as part of the Kelly Gibson Junior Golf Foundation.
Roebuck shot a two round total of two-over-par 146 to run away with the 16-18 Boys Division that was played at The Island in Plaquemines, Louisiana.
The next closest competitor was John Discon out of New Orleans who shot a two-round total of 13-over-par 157.
Roebuck’s 72 and 74 were the top two rounds out of all the competitors that participated in the event. He led the field with 10 birdies out of his 36 holes with the next closest competitor recording five.
He shot two over on the par 3s, three over on the par 4s and three under on the par 5s.
Roebuck, who captured the Division IV individual state title during his freshman year at Cedar Creek, finished 89th out of more than 300 competitors this summer at the 2025 High School Golf National Invitational sponsored by the PGA.
Entry form still open for Week 9 pick’em contest!
Lincoln Parish Journal readers have an opportunity each week to win FREE money in the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em presented by Johnson Physical Therapy, FanBase of Ruston, and Martin Presence.
And the best part is it’s FREE … just like your subscription to the LPJ.
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The Lincoln Parish Journal wants to thank Karl Malone Toyota, Johnson Physical Therapy, FanBase of Ruston, and Martin Presence for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s College Football Pick’em contest.
We also want to thank Dubach Air and Heat, Ginn’s Autobody, Hart Designs, Tanyard Creek, Charlie’s Carpet Cleaning, Hod Rod BBQ, Louisiana Orchard Realty, Ruston Athletic Supply, Walker and Co., Lulu Pearl, Rusty’s Jambalaya, Greaux the Good, Tommy’s Tees, and RightFiber for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.
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Are you ready for some football?!?
Bigger question. Are you ready to win $150 in cash … with the potential to make it $300 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).
The Lincoln Parish Journal is holding the 4th Annual Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy.
If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!
Anyone is eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $150 cash prize (maybe $300). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 15 selected college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with Week 1 games (August 30).
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $150 each week!
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
COLUMN: This thief is still on the loose
Crime rates are a big topic of discussion in cities around the country. The President’s use of federal support to assist in some of these cities has grown into quite a political debate. However, there is another group of thieves that continues to run rampant, and no one is talking about it. These thieves are robbing people in all types of communities.
We know the name of this group, but we are doing very little to slow them down.
The thieves’ names are “Expectations.”
Expectations continue to rob people every day. They rob people of joy, contentment, and peace. They cause damage to friendships, families, and workplaces. Expectations are quietly impacting people through disappointments, disillusionment, and depression.
Expectations are clearly outside of our control. They are really hopes, wishes, and wants that we feel strongly about, but can’t control.
We can share our expectations with others but are dependent on them to comply. We can place expectations on ourselves but can’t control every variable. We can expect things to happen, but there are no guarantees.
If we were to be honest, most of our expectations are outcome based. Most of our expectations are tied to an accomplishment, an achievement, or a performance. Those expectations could be tied to someone else or us.
To crave an outcome but not love the process is a guarantee of disappointment.
The key is a shift in mindset. Shifting from an outcome focus to an input (process) based focus changes everything. In other words, rather than placing so much of our focus on outcomes, achievements, accomplishments, and performances, we replace it with a focus on daily disciplines, habits, actions, and processes.
The mindset shift is from things we can’t control to things we can control. The focus allows us to regain joy, contentment, and peace in the midst of varying circumstances. We aren’t living above the circumstances but have a very different view within the circumstances. Circumstances and outcomes no longer control us. Expectations are no longer a factor.
The outcome-based expectations are replaced with input focused standards that direct our lives. These standards form the input focus and can be comprised of whatever one desires. This approach is conducive for individuals, organizations, and teams.
Nick Saban, former college football coach, would frequently refer to his “process” at the University of Alabama. That process was the input-based approach that he used for years in coaching. While he accomplished great things, the accomplishments were never the focus. The process was the focus.
In the middle of Jesus’s famous Sermon on the Mount, he said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal”.
Focus was key even 2000+ years ago. Those treasures on earth that he mentions suggest possessions, accomplishments, and many other outcome-focused realizations of expectations.
Don’t let expectations rob you any longer. Put a stop to it! Start thinking about inputs, standards, and process. Focus on daily habits and disciplines that promote healthy mindset, body, and emotions. For organizations, they promote engaging workplaces, unified teams, and focused execution.
Take back your joy, contentment, and hope! It was yours all along!
Doug provides professional speaking and coaching services to organizations and individuals. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build a team culture, feel free to reach out to Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Drug search warrant executed in Ruston
Four men were arrested at two South Trenton Street residences in Ruston when authorities executed a search warrant Monday.
At about 3:00 p.m. on October 20, the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team, along with patrol deputies of the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Department and officers of the Ruston Police Department, executed a search warrant at 1110 and 1112 South Trenton Street.
As officers arrived, Maurice Dubose attempted to flee on foot. He was ordered by a Ruston officer to stop, but he physically resisted and he and the officer went to the ground. According to the officer’s report, Dubose resisted to the utmost, flailing and kicking. Deployment of a Taser had no effect on Dubose. Other officers arrived and gained control of Dubose.
A search revealed Dubose had a small container holding several burnt pieces of Brillo pad, commonly used as a filter for smoking illegal narcotics. On the ground where Melton was arrested, a silver metal pipe used for smoking narcotics was found. It was also determined that Dubose was wanted on a warrant by Ruston Police for theft less than $1,000.
During a search of the residence at 1110, a bag of suspected synthetic marijuana was located in the bedroom of Eugene Harris along with digital scales. Harris denied ownership of the synthetic marijuana but informed officers he smokes it regularly.
Jerry Melton was found on the property with a small bag of synthetic marijuana and a container of synthetic marijuana were found in Melton’s pants pocket.
Prometheus Potts was found on the property and was arrested on a warrant from state probation and parole. When placed in a patrol car, Potts was asked if he had anything illegal and he admitted to having marijuana synthetic marijuana in his socks.
The residence is within 834 feet of a church, thus falling within a drug-free zone under Louisiana law.
The four suspects were booked as follows:
Maurice Dubose, 61, resisting an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, and the theft warrant.
Lugene Harris, Jr., 56, possession of synthetic marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of the drug free zone law.
Jerry Melton, 31, possession of synthetic marijuana
Prometheus Potts, 51, possession of a synthetic marijuana, probation violation.
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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Local events
Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Thursday, Oct. 23
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)
7-9:30 p.m.: Haunted Car Wash (Rocketfast, presented by Ruston Community Theatre)
Friday, Oct. 24
6-9 p.m.: Wine Walk (Downtown Ruston)
7 p.m.: Ruston High football
7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep v. Cedar Creek (Cedar Creek)
7-10 p.m.: Haunted Car Wash (Rocketfast, presented by Ruston Community Theatre)
Saturday, Oct. 25
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market and fall plant market by Master Gardeners
Noon to 4 p.m.: Board Game Day (Lincoln Parish Library)
7-10 p.m.: Weather permitting, Haunted Car Wash (Rocketfast, presented by Ruston Community Theatre)
Sunday, Oct. 26
1 p.m.: LA Tech soccer
2 p.m.: GSU volleyball
4-6 p.m.: 4PAWS Fall Fest (290 Rodeo Rd., Ruston)
5 p.m.: Fall Festival (Trinity Methodist Church, 1000 Woodward Ave.)
Monday, Oct. 27
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6 p.m.: GSU volleyball
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Tuesday, Oct. 28
5-7 p.m.: RPAR’s 5th annual Monster Mash (Ruston Sports Complex)
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)
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
1 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball
2 p.m.: Grambling State v. Alabama A&M
Sunday, Nov. 2
Daylight Saving Time
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Remembering Vernon Darrell James
Funeral services will be held for Mr. Vernon Darrell James, age 98, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 405 E. 5th Street in Homer, LA, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. Steve Fowler, officiating. Interment will be at Arlington Cemetery, Homer, LA. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9-10 a.m., prior to the service.
Vernon James left us on October 20, 2025 and joined his Heavenly Father. He was born October 14, 1927, in Claiborne Parish, LA, to William Eugene and Willie Keys Chandler James.
Vernon was employed at the Homer National Bank, and he served his country bravely in the U.S. Army as part of the 43rd Infantry Division during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. While in the Army, he spent some time in Germany. After returning stateside, he met Ruth Gill and they married in 1954, and he returned to work at the Homer National Bank. The couple welcomed the birth of their son, Darrell in 1957. In 1967, Vernon joined his father-in-law, Edgar W. Gill, in the insurance business. He inherited the family business, and eventually sold it in the 1980’s as he entered into retirement. Vernon enjoyed getting together with his military buddies throughout the years following his retirement. He loved to be outside working in the yard or the garden. Vernon was well known throughout the community for his hobby as a locksmith. He and Ruth enjoyed attending Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters Basketball games over the years. Vernon was a loyal husband and a good friend.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of over 70 years, Ruth Gill James; his parents; brothers, Charles Eldon James and Keddy James; and sister, Clois James.
He is survived by his son, Darrell James; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers will be Bill James, Kenneth James, Ben James, Mike Dougherty, John McCowen, IV, Sidney Smith, Mark Crenshaw, and Mark Copeland.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Hatch and Ed Watson.
A big thanks to Dr. Salmon, and all of the full time help at home: Olivia McCowen, Lisa Ford, Sue Buggs, Ann Marie McCowen and Mary Ford.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.