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Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com. 

Monday, Oct. 20
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. 21
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Career Expo (Lincoln Parish Library)
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech v. WKU

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Wednesday, Oct. 22
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. 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)

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
7-10 p.m.: 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.

Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications

Grambling State forced three turnovers and made crucial stops to help will the Tigers to a hard-fought 20-16 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on a rainy Saturday at Simmons Bank Field.

GSU defensive backs Markel Linzer and Blake Davis accounted for all the takeaways for the G-Men defense. Linzer picked off two passes while Davis snagged an INT in the first quarter.

Linzer along Cisco Caston and Isaac Washington were GSU’s leading tacklers. All three registers six total tackles with Linzer adding a tackle for loss.

Offensively, Grambling State (4-3 overall, 1-2 SWAC) put up 300 yards of total offense. Starting quarterback C’zavian Teasett went 18-for-29 for 148 yards with one touchdown and one interception. 
GSU gained 152 on the ground, with Tre Bradford going for 100 yards for the second week in a row. Bradford rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-4, 1-2 SWAC) cracked the scoreboard first. A 47-yard reception by UAPB’s Jordan Jackson set the Golden Lions up at the GSU 9-yard line. Three plays later, Christian Peters found Ellis Stewart for a 1-yard TD pass, giving UAPB a 7-0 lead with 4:44 on the clock.

The Golden Lions tried to extend its lead on a 45-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter, but GSU’s Patrick Marshall blocked the kick.

Linzer set up Grambling State’s first scoring drive of the game when he intercepted UAPB’s Peters at the Golden Lions’ 49-yard line.  GSU quickly marched down field with Bradford capping the drive with a 12-yard TD run, tying the game 7-7 with 4:02 remaining in the first half.

The game remained tied 7-7 heading into halftime.

With 5:31 left in the third quarter, Teasett connected with Jordan Bride for 6-yard TD pass, giving the Tigers a 14-7 advantage.

Following a nearly two hour long lightning delay that began with 14:38 to play in the fourth quarter, UAPB’s Trey Glymph nailed a 26-yard FG to make it a 14-10 game with 12:23 to go.

GSU fumbled the ball away to Arkansas-Pine Bluff on its next two drives, both deep inside Tiger territory. However, the Grambling State defense came up with big stops on both of UAPB’s ensuing drives, limiting the Golden Lions to a pair of field goals.

Trailing 16-14 with 7:16 to play, Grambling State used an 11-play, 65-yard drive capped by a 3-yard scamper by Bradford to retake a 20-16 lead with 1:42 remaining.

Grambling’s State’s defense clamped down on UAPB’s final drive of the game, keeping the Golden Lions out of the end zone and securing the win.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff gained 320 yards of total offense with 204 coming through the air and 116 coming through the run game. 

Quarterback Christian Peters was 12-for-30 passing with one TD and three INTs. He was also the leading rusher for the Golden Lions with 84 yards.

Grambling State travels to Las Vegas, Nev. To take on Stats Perform FCS No. 14 Jackson State in the inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic on Oct. 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. PT/5 p.m. CT at Allegiant Stadium. The game will be broadcast on HBCUGo.

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Graveside service for Wanda Beard McCormack, 98, of Ruston, LA will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 20, 2025, at Cook Cemetery with Rev. Paul Watts officiating the service, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA.

A visitation with family and friends will be prior to the service from 10:30 – 11:00 at Cook Cemetery.

Wanda was born on August 18, 1927, in Jackson, Louisiana and died on October 16, 2025, in Ruston, LA.  She was a lifelong member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ruston, LA and retired from Commercial Union as an Insurance Rating Supervisor for many years.  Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, Sam Beard and Pauline Scott Beard; husband, Don C. McCormack; grandson, Brandon McCormack; and sister, Patsy Carter.

Wanda is survived by her children, Rick McCormack (Deb), Karen Helm (Bruce), Paul McCormack ( Kim), and Gwen Lindsey; her grands, Stephanie Franklin, Ryan McCormack, Blake Helm (Susan), Amber Losee (Sloan), Camp McCormack (Elizabeth), Molly Lebrun (Clint), Tyler Lindsey (Mallory), Hannah Lindsey; great grands, Kristen Nettles, Sam McCormack, Porter Lebrun, Finley Lebrun, Harper McCormack,  Campbell McCormack Scarlett Lindsey, Evelyn Lindsey; and other family and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Shane Phillips, Premier Hospice, and sitters, Margaret, Lillian, Dee, and Trinity for their caring love for her.

Memorials may be to Emmanuel Baptist Church or to the Donor’s choice.

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Albert Bruce Whitman 
December 8, 1942 – October 18, 2025 
Services to be determined 

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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Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications

Grambling State forced three turnovers and made crucial stops to help will the Tigers to a hard-fought 20-16 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on a rainy Saturday at Simmons Bank Field.

GSU defensive backs Markel Linzer and Blake Davis accounted for all the takeaways for the G-Men defense. Linzer picked off two passes while Davis snagged an INT in the first quarter.

Linzer along Cisco Caston and Isaac Washington were GSU’s leading tacklers. All three registers six total tackles with Linzer adding a tackle for loss.

Offensively, Grambling State (4-3 overall, 1-2 SWAC) put up 300 yards of total offense. Starting quarterback C’zavian Teasett went 18-for-29 for 148 yards with one touchdown and one interception. 
GSU gained 152 on the ground, with Tre Bradford going for 100 yards for the second week in a row. Bradford rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-4, 1-2 SWAC) cracked the scoreboard first. A 47-yard reception by UAPB’s Jordan Jackson set the Golden Lions up at the GSU 9-yard line. Three plays later, Christian Peters found Ellis Stewart for a 1-yard TD pass, giving UAPB a 7-0 lead with 4:44 on the clock.

The Golden Lions tried to extend its lead on a 45-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter, but GSU’s Patrick Marshall blocked the kick.

Linzer set up Grambling State’s first scoring drive of the game when he intercepted UAPB’s Peters at the Golden Lions’ 49-yard line.  GSU quickly marched down field with Bradford capping the drive with a 12-yard TD run, tying the game 7-7 with 4:02 remaining in the first half.

The game remained tied 7-7 heading into halftime.

With 5:31 left in the third quarter, Teasett connected with Jordan Bride for 6-yard TD pass, giving the Tigers a 14-7 advantage.

Following a nearly two hour long lightning delay that began with 14:38 to play in the fourth quarter, UAPB’s Trey Glymph nailed a 26-yard FG to make it a 14-10 game with 12:23 to go.

GSU fumbled the ball away to Arkansas-Pine Bluff on its next two drives, both deep inside Tiger territory. However, the Grambling State defense came up with big stops on both of UAPB’s ensuing drives, limiting the Golden Lions to a pair of field goals.

Trailing 16-14 with 7:16 to play, Grambling State used an 11-play, 65-yard drive capped by a 3-yard scamper by Bradford to retake a 20-16 lead with 1:42 remaining.

Grambling’s State’s defense clamped down on UAPB’s final drive of the game, keeping the Golden Lions out of the end zone and securing the win.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff gained 320 yards of total offense with 204 coming through the air and 116 coming through the run game. 

Quarterback Christian Peters was 12-for-30 passing with one TD and three INTs. He was also the leading rusher for the Golden Lions with 84 yards.

Grambling State travels to Las Vegas, Nev. To take on Stats Perform FCS No. 14 Jackson State in the inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic on Oct. 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. PT/5 p.m. CT at Allegiant Stadium. The game will be broadcast on HBCUGo.

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By Kyle Roberts

MONROE, La. — The Ruston-Neville rivalry has had nearly a century of magic.

What could be more fitting for the 100th matchup than to see a 21-point comeback win with under nine minutes left to play as Ruston (6-1; 2-0 District 2-5A) stunned Neville 41-37 (4-3; 1-1 District 2-5A) in a night nobody at either school will ever forget.

“There wasn’t much going right,” Ruston High Head Coach Jerrod Baugh said of the first three quarters for his Bearcats. “We found a way to screw up quite a few things offensively. You know, the thing that happened in the first half was as much as we struggled offensively, the defense played their butts off and kept us in the ball game. We really probably should have been down by way more than ten points at halftime. And Neville just couldn’t stretch the lead because I think our defense continued to get after it.

“The teams that execute under those circumstances win ball games, and it doesn’t matter what all has transpired before. Once you get in that position, you just need to execute what we’ve worked on. And regardless of how bad we’ve played in a lot of different areas, our kids executed down the stretch whenever they needed to win the ballgame.”

Down 37-20 with 8:40 left to play, Ruston was staring a loss in the face as Neville had the ball 1st and 10 on the Ruston 22-yard line following a Bearcat interception. In what could only happen in a Ruston-Neville matchup, Tiger sophomore Jarvis Blackston fumbled the ball which then bounced all the way into the end zone for a touchback for Ruston.

And the Bearcats began a rally for the ages— starting with a five-play, 80-yard touchdown drive capped off by a 64-yard touchdown drive by sophomore Dalen Powell to cut Neville’s lead to 37-27 with 6:13 left to go.

The Bearcats would recover the ensuing onside kick after a perfect one-hopper by junior Joaquin Ramos that was recovered by junior Hayden Clark on Neville’s 45-yard line. Six plays later, junior quarterback Sam Hartwell ran in a seven-yard touchdown to put the score at 37-34 with 5:26 left.

After struggling for most of the night, the Bearcats’ defense forced Neville into a three-and-out and a punt, and Ruston began its game-winning drive with 3:22 left to go in the game.

Hartwell put together multiple quarterback keepers and key completions to milk the clock and put the Bearcats in striking distance with under 30 seconds left to play.

And while Neville’s defense was keyed on junior tight end Ahmad Hudson for good reason, junior wide receiver Josiah Morgan found himself wide open over the middle of the field for his second touchdown grab of the night to put Ruston up 41-37 and for the win.

The defenses for both teams came out firing and held both respective offenses to three-and-out to force a punt.

A bad bounce on a Bearcat punt set the Tigers up at the Ruston 44-yard line with 9:46 to go in the first. A few plays later, Neville struck first with a 27-yard field goal by Brooks Yerger to put Neville up 3-0.

The Tigers would force a fumble on third down on Ruston’s following drive to get solid position to set up their first touchdown drive of the night. A three-yard touchdown by sophomore tailback Jarvis Blackston with 4:46 to go in the first quarter put Neville up 9-0 after a missed point-after.

Ruston would be forced to punt again on the ensuing drive, but a 41-yard pick-sick by junior Bearcat linebacker Kadyn Gray gave the Bearcats a shot in the arm early to cut the lead to 9-6 (Ruston’s extra-point attempt was blocked).

Neville would extend the lead after Ramos pinned the Tigers back all the way to the three-yard line. On third-and-11, junior quarterback Parker Robinson for Neville threw two terrific passes to both sophomore Desi Byrd and then senior Zeland Young for big chunk plays to extend a scoring drive. Senior Jamarion Roberson would score from 15 yards out with 7:37 to go before halftime to put Neville up 16-6.

The Bearcats answered after Morgan scored his first touchdown of the night with a 64-yard score after a perfect throw up the seam by Hartwell just under a minut later to cut the lead to 16-13.

Ruston’s defense would turn Neville over on downs for the second time of the night, but the offense, unfortunately would not be able to get anything going and punted back to Neville with 2:02 to go before halftime. On the first play of the drive, Robinson hit junior wide out Emaude Sledge for an 84- yard touchdown to go up 23-13 heading into the halftime locker room.

The Bearcats would receive the opening kickoff of the second half, trailing by only 10 points. A fumble by Ruston on the exchange between quarterback and running back gave Neville great field position. The Bearcat defense, however, stopped Neville just shy of the goal-line on fourth down, only for a questionable lateral call on the next play by Hartwell to lead to a Neville touchdown after what appeared to be a forward pass. The Tigers recovered teh ball in the end zone to go up 30-13 with 7:11 to go in the third.

Ruston again stayed in the ball game after Powell scored from 28 yards away with 1:35 to go in the third quarter to cut Neville’s lead to 30-20. The Tigers answered shortly after with the second touchdown from Sledge through to air with 9:56 left to go for Neville’s 37-20 lead before Ruston’s magical comeback.

“It’s easy for me to say now that we won the ball game, but if you if you take 100 years of this rivalry that’s been so close, I think on the 100th ball game it was very fitting the way that it turned out,” Baugh said. “I think, you know, not necessarily us winning — I’m just saying the competitiveness and the way the game went, I just think that it’s a great indication of how this rivalry has gone. And for that to be the hundredth one, I mean, that’s that’s pretty special.”

For the night, Neville outrushed Ruston 157 yards to 80, while Hartwell threw for 328 yards compared to Robinson’s 291. Ruston turned the ball over four times compared to Neville’s one.

Powell finished with 66 yards rushing and one touchdown on the ground. Hudson led the team with 125 yards receiving, while Morgan totaled 96 yards through the air with two touchdowns.

Defensively, senior linemen Ra’Keem Potts and Keegan Goldsmith along with sophomore linebacker Aiden Adams all totaled nine tackles on the night, with Potts adding a sack.

The Bearcats will return to action Friday, Oct. 24, at home to take on Alexandria Senior High. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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

Cedar Creek head coach Jacob Angevine knew his team was in for a test when the Cougars rolled into Red Franklin Stadium to face top-ranked Haynesville.

And although Creek fell 62-20 in the District 1-1A match-up, the Cougars showed continued progress rolling up almost 300 yards of total offense in the loss.

“We have said it all year that our team has a lot of fight,” said Angevine. “We know that Haynesville is not only the big dog in the district, but they are one of the big dogs in the state. So for us to come out and punch them in the mouth a little bit … I don’t think they liked it very much.

“That’s just the nature of our football team. We are a gritty football team. We love to go after people. That’s just the nature of our team.”

Haynesville (7-0, 4-0) came out and established the run early, jumping out to a 14-0 lead after the first quarter on TD runs by Donnie Critton and Yasin Meadors. Critton added a second rushing score early in the second quarter to extend Haynesville’s lead to 21-0.

However, the Cougars responded in fashion.

Junior quarterback Brett Bell hit senior tight end Blake Robinson on a screen pass and Robinson worked his way down the field for a 38-yard TD to close the gap to 21-6. Robinson ended the night with two catches for 57 yards and the score.

“The little screen to Blake was a great call and a great play,” said Angevine. “We knew Haynesville would be pinning their ears back and coming after us with a blitz. It was great execution by our kids. It’s one of those things we work on in practice.

“Our identity is running the football, but I don’t think we are a one dimensional team. So that pitch and catch with Blake was big for us. We threw the ball a pretty good bit tonight. We missed on a couple of plays, but Brett is getting better and better every week.”

Cedar Creek then recovered an onside kick, and on the first play from scrimmage, Bell raced 40 yards to paydirt for the Cougars second TD over a 17 second span. 

“The sideline was electric (after those two touchdowns),” said Angevine. “Our kids know if we play our brand of football, we can compete with anybody. Haynesville has been in those big-time moments before and this group really has experienced that a whole lot.”

Haynesville added two more scores before the half to lead 35-12 at the break.

“The message at halftime was don’t let the moment get to big for us and to just keep hitting them in the mouth,” said Angevine. 

The second half began like the game did as Haynesville scored three touchdowns in the third quarter to push it’s lead to 55-12. 

Bell struck on the ground again in the fourth quarter, racing 40 yards to paydirt to cap a four-play, 62-yard drive. Freshman Payton Harris, who finished with 88 yards on 15 carries, converted the two-point conversion. 

Haynesville scored on all nine of its possessions in the game, utilizing tremendous team speed throughout the contest. 

“As far as trying to play against their speed, we tried our best to maintain the perimeter and to set the edge,” said Angevine. “Sometimes you have guys that are just faster than you. We saw that tonight. 

“I felt like in the trenches we did a really good job. We were able to hit them in the mouth a few times, and I think our physicality matched up with theirs a pretty good bit. In the end, speed kills and they have a lot of it.”

Creek had one more opportunity to score as Harris took a handoff on the final play of the game and raced 62 yards before being tackled at the Golden Tornados 4-yard line. 

Bell led the Cougars with 95 yards on nine carries with the two TDs while completing 2-of-4 passes for 57 yards.

Trigger Woodard added 33 yards on 11 carries. 

Micah Taylor led Creek with six tackles while Bryce Martin and Gunner Fontenot each registered five tackles. 

 

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By T. Scott Boatright

The second half of the season resurgence continued for Lincoln Preparatory School Friday night as the Panthers went on the road and took down Glenbrook 25-7.

Over the past two games first-year Panthers head coach Chaunce Davison has become a gridiron chemist of sorts, moving players around to find the right mix to create a winning combination.

Simply put, the changes the Panthers have shown over those past two games is obvious, and in a very positive fashion with Lincoln Prep winning by a combined score of 62-7 over Ringgold and Glenbrook.

Part of that change has come in their attitude. A Lincoln Prep team that might have gotten frustrated during the first half of the season kept fighting against Glenbrook despite not getting on track until the second quarter.

On their first possession the Panthers drove from their own 42-yard line down to the Glenbrook 24 before turning the ball over on downs.

And on their second possession, the Apaches used passes of 28 yards on a screen and 16-yard slant to set up freshman quarterback Louie Collin’s 14-yard touchdown pass to Carson Whitehead to put Glenbrook up 7-0 with 9:15 left in the second quarter.

Adding insult to injury, the Apaches recovered the ensuing onsides kickoff at the Lincoln Prep 44-yard line.

But three plays later Jabari Levingston picked off a Collins pass and returned it to the Glenbrook 38 yardline.

Two plays later freshman fullback Howard Kirkpatrick, Jr. powered his way 3 yards up the middle to paydirt before Josh Kelly added the PAT kick that knotted things up 7-7 with 6:08 left in the second quarter.

Glenbrook looked to be driving for the go-ahead score with the clock winding down toward halftime before Lincoln Prep’s Zion Hicks intercepted a pass in the end zone and raced it back 103 yards for a score as time expired to put the Panthers on top 14-7 at intermission.

Interceptions have become a key part of Lincoln Prep’s play this season, with the Panthers scoring on his second pick six in as many weeks (Levingston had one last week).

“If they get their hands on it, you better have somebody out there because they can take it to the house,” Davison said of Levingston’s and Hicks’ play against the Apaches. “We have some good kids. Some athletic kids. Those two kids I can see playing on Saturdays one day.”

Another big part of that chemistry Davison and Co. have been mixing up is changing Kirkpatrick’s jersey number from the 56 he had been wearing playing in his linebacking role to the 45 the freshman now wears as an offensive weapon, too.

“We’ve got to,” Davison said about playing Kirkpatrick on offense as well as defense. “Activate Howard, man. He’s a young guy that wants the ball. He wants to do it. And I’m happy for him, man. I’m happy for him.”

Kirkpatrick runs of 13 and 17 yards on the opening drive of the second half helped set up Kelly’s 15-yard quarterback keeper for a score at the 9:22 mark of the third quarter to extend the Panthers lead to 19-7.

Kelly is another part of Davison’s change in team chemistry, and in his second game as starting quarterback the sophomore totaled five carries for 53 yards while completing 4-of-6 passes for
another 61 yards.

“Josh is a smart football player,” Davison said. “He’s got a good football IQ and can do a lot of things. He kind of hid from us when he first came. But it’s like him kicking extra points, and he can kick field goals. We haven’t somebody around here that can really do that. But he said, ‘Coach, I can kick it.’

“He’s just a guy that doesn’t mind having the ball and doing whatever it takes, whatever he needs to do for the team. And that’s what we need in a quarterback.”

Lincoln Prep’s final score came early in the final stanza as Trey Spann took a handoff and ran wide left down the sideline for a 19-yard touchdown.

Spann broke the century mark in his expanded role as part of the Panthers rushing corps, totaling 101 yards on eight carries while adding a pair of receptions for 19 yards.

Karmelo Goins had Lincoln Prep’s other two catches for 42 yards and Kirkpatrick finished with 39 rushing yards on nine attempts while adding six tackles.

Defensively, Lincoln Prep was led by Javion Shelton with eight tackles, Levingston with seven tackles while Jakobe Jones and Aiden Ferguson added six each.

Ryan Randolph chipped in with five tackles while Hicks and Josiah Spann added three tackles and one interception each.

“I was happy to see that we put together some drives on offense,” Davison said. “People stepped up and took on the challenge. Maybe the biggest thing is that they didn’t put their heads down when we got down. They attacked and they kept going.

“They made some big plays after some tough calls, and that’s all I want from my kids. Just keep fighting. Keep fighting. Football is a fight. It’s an up and down situation. We’ve got to keep going. And I love the way they responded and battled back tonight. This win was big for this team. We’re fighting for the playoffs. We’re trying to get in there. Trying to run this thing out and keep on winning.”

Next up for the Panthers is a District 1-1A cross-parish showdown at Cedar Creek.

“We’ve finally got as little momentum,” Davison said. “We’re finally kind of rolling. We’re ready. Let’s get it. I’m just happy for this team. Let’s go play. Keep on fighting.”

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By  T. Scott Boatright

Grambling State head coach Mickey Joseph spent four seasons as a quarterback for the University of Nebraska in the late 1980s and early ’90s.

You couldn’t blame him if he’s wishing he still had a little eligibility left today.

Joseph leads his Tigers into Simmons Bank Field to take on Arkansas-Pine Bluff in a game set for a 2 p.m. kickoff on Saturday.

And he does so still somewhat unsure who will be his quarterback against the Golden Lions.

The Tigers (3-3 overall and 0-2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s West Division) are coming off a 21-20 Homecoming loss to Texas Southern week in a game during which the Tigers had to use three different quarterbacks.

This weekend GSU could play its fourth quarterback of the year after Joseph said earlier this week that he planned to practice with running back Byron Eaton, Jr., who played quarterback at Lincoln High School in Dallas, if needed.

That seemingly nightmarish scenario started before the Texas Southern game, when GSU starting quarterback C’zaian Teasett spent pregame warm-ups and the first half in street clothes and wearing a “boot” on his left foot.

Back-up Ashton Frye started the game, even scoring the Tigers’ first touchdown on a 15-yard run. 

When Frye went down in the third quarter with an injury of his own and the Tigers on top 20-14, he was replaced by true freshman A’myne Darensburg, who lasted three series that resulted in a pair of punts and an interception on his final play of the night.

After Frye was injured, Teasett went to the locker room and suited up before turning to the GSU sideline.

And after Darensburg was picked off, Teasett ended up taking the field for GSU’s next possession with 11:52 remaining in the contest.

Joseph said putting Teasett into the game was about trying to pull out a win.

Frye has a right shoulder injury and is expected to be out for at least two games. But Teasett’s status remains unclear.

“Teasett, it’s strange,” Joseph said during his weekly press conference earlier this week. “I had ruled him out. I said you know what, I’m going to hold you. And then when all this happened, the kid he (said), ‘I’m not going to stand back and let this go on. You’re going to have to cut my leg off.’ That’s how much he believes in his teammates and Grambling.

“Remember Byron Leftwich, when then they had to carry him? That’s what you were going to have to do with Teasett. Teasett knew he was going to be in pain if he went out there but he couldn’t let his teammates and Grambling down, so he tried to help the situation. I take my hat off to the kid. And it’s probably a setback but I’m going to push him to day-to-day (this week) because it’s going to be what he can take as far as pain tolerance.”

When asked during the press conference if he still agreed with his decision to play Teasett after his previous decision to sit Teasett out before ending up allowing him to play, Joseph admitted that he probably didn’t.

“When I was at Nebraska, I was ruled out and that I wasn’t supposed to play on a Friday and Saturday. But I got dressed and I played and told Coach (Tom) Osborne I was gonna play. It probably doesn’t make sense.

“But you gotta put yourself in this kid’s shoes. The old-school world philosophy was if you can walk, you can play. But that’s changed. We’re soft on them these days. But it probably wasn’t the smartest thing, but you know me, if the kid says he was able to go, he can go. But I ruled the kid out because I didn’t want him playing banged up. But he decided that he wanted to go, so when he was able to go, he did the best that he could do. But no, it probably wasn’t smart from a coach’s standpoint. But we got through it. We got through it, so now we’ve got to move him to day-to-day.”

So to start the game at quarterback against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, it could be Teasett, it could be Darrensburg, a 6-2, 190-pound true freshman out of New Orleans’ John F. Kennedy High School,  or it could be an unlikely darkhorse waiting in the wings.

During the press conference, Joseph also admitted that he planned to give Eaton,who has rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns on 36 carries so far this season, some work at quarterback during this week’s practices.

“We’re going to work Byron Eaton will work some at quarterback with Darensburg also,” Joseph said.

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Courtesy of Louisiana State Police

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, shortly after 3:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 599, near Bernie Turner Road. The crash claimed the life of 80-year-old Maris Johnston.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2024 Ford Expedition, driven by Johnston, was traveling south on Louisiana Highway 599. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford ran off the right side of the road, struck an embankment, and overturned.

Johnston, who was unrestrained, suffered serious injuries. She was transported to an area hospital, where she later died. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chances of being severely injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seatbelt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce the risk of injuries during a crash.

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In September 2025, Detectives assigned to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations Monroe Field Office (LSP MFO) initiated an investigation following a complaint alleging malfeasance by the Assistant Chief of the Rayville Police Department.

As the investigation progressed, Detectives determined that 43-year-old Czyz Williams unlawfully removed several firearms from the Rayville Police Department and subsequently sold them. Investigators also discovered that Williams fraudulently solicited monetary donations from community members for fictitious crime prevention programs.

Based on the findings of the investigation, LSP MFO obtained an arrest warrant for Williams on three counts of theft of a firearm, one count of theft, and four counts of malfeasance in office. On October 16, 2025, Williams was arrested and processed into the Richland Parish Detention Center without incident.

Louisiana State Police will serve as the lead investigative agency. The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further information is available at this time.

The Louisiana State Police online reporting system is also available to the public through a convenient, anonymous, and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. The form can be accessed by visiting www.lsp.org and clicking on the “Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity” link.

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RUSTON, La. — A Ruston woman has been arrested and charged as principal to an attempted murder in Shreveport from October 1.

Cortrina Price Hood, 51, of Deer Creek Rd., was arrested on a warrant Friday morning after a routine traffic stop. The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office is on the scene to search the home for more evidence.

This is a developing story.

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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.

Harold Joseph Cramer, Jr.  
December 16, 1931 – October 5, 2025 
Visitation: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel 
Memorial Service: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 5:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel 

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  T. Scott Boatright

 

The Lincoln Parish Library Board of Control made it official during Thursday as it passed a motion to change regulations that now allows alcohol to be served inside the LPL Events Center if renters utilizing that facility want to do so.

But alcohol will be allowed to be served in the Events Center only. Not inside the library itself or on any other property owned by Lincoln Parish.

On Tuesday the Lincoln Parish Police Jury passed a motion by a 6-4 vote to amend its Code of Ordinances to allow alcohol to be served during functions renting out Events Center space.

And on Thursday, the LPL Board voted unanimously to approve the new regulations the LPPJ voted in favor of, making the matter official on all sides.

“The only action we have to take is to formally adopt the policies and rules that we drafted and were approved by the Jury,” said LPL Board member Bill Jones, a lawyer who wrote the revised policies approved by the LPPJ and the LPL Board before making the motion for the Board to finalize the process.

“We appreciate the Jury for hearing, voting and approving this and we think it will allow us to have a more productive way to utilize the Events Center.”

One Events Center policy change was updating and clarifying its policy on an “Indemnification and Hold Harmless” agreement in which a renter agrees to indemnify and hold the library, the Events Center, and their employees, agents, representatives, officers and directors harmless from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, charges, expenses, or actions, including attorney’s fees, whether for personal injury or property damage arising from or related to a renter’s use of the Events Center and its parking lot to the fullest extent of the law.

A “Risk of Loss or Damage to Renter’s Property” clause has also been added to Events Center policies, meaning that renters would assume the risk of loss or damage to property they place in the Events Center so that neither the Lincoln Parish Library nor the Events Center be responsible for loss or damage to any such property, with the renters assuming the sole risk of loss and damage to such property placed in the LPL or Events Center.

Another new stipulation requires security at any event where alcohol would be served, with the LPL making those security arrangements by requesting the service of off-duty Sheriff’s Office deputies, or off-duty Ruston Police Department personnel should off-duty deputies not be available, at an approximate count of one officer per 100 people.

The updated Event Centers use rules also prohibit event attendees from bringing their own alcohol to the Events Center, and that any alcohol served or sold there must be served by a bartender with a valid, Louisiana-issued alcoholic beverage caterer’s permit.

Jones told the LPL Board that there is a potential for more changes to be made to Events Center policies after he recently met with LPPJ member Chris “Moose” Garriga, who owns Log Cabin Grill and Market and co-owns Ponchatoulas Restaurant.

“Moose came and visited the Events Center because he at the (LPPJ) where our proposed changes were introduced, he said he had some ideas he thought could make things better for the renters,” Jones said. “So, we invited him to come and he did, and gosh, he stayed an hour and a half and he gave us some really good ideas. 

When (LPL Director Jeremy Bolom, who was out of town for Thursday’s Board of Control meeting) gets back, I think we’re going to draft a proposal to purchase the items that Moose suggested that we (get) that could help anybody catering when they get there. And we’re not talking about a huge expenditure. He also had some procedural and policy advice. So I think we’ll be coming back to the Board once we have a chance to move forward on that. He was very helpful. That’s his business, and he was very happy to help us. I learned a lot from him.”

Jones said news of the pending change has already resulted in what he called a large public service organization interested in renting out the Events Center contingent on the policy changes that are now official.

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

Two years ago, I wrote a letter in support of a school board millage renewal that would have been used to fuse the Ruston city elementary schools. The proposed renewal plan did not pass, but the goal of reconfiguring to benefit the kids attending Ruston city schools did not go away. Anyone who knows me knows that my family loves our schools. My children have attended Ruston city schools since preK and are currently attending RHS, RJHS, Cypress Springs Elementary, and Glen View Elementary. It has been a very unique experience with the way our schools are configured and the teachers and administrators have made the most of it. And while it has been a positive experience for us, this doesn’t mean it can’t be a better experience for others moving forward.

These proposed changes would have a positive impact for so many families and children who attend our city schools. Fewer transitions in such pivotal years can result in stronger relationships being formed between schools and families, increased continuity of academics, and less time spent learning new schools, administrators, procedures, and expectations. Our current configuration has children attending three different schools for PreK-5th grade and the proposed change would mean one school for PreK-5th grade, resulting in much needed consistency for all students.

Although the public was just made aware of this plan, the details have been in the works for much longer. Studies have been done and data has been poured over and the intention and planning behind this proposal is very well thought out. Through my own conversations with LPSB members and employees, it has become obvious to me that moving our district forward to provide a more stable and equitable academic experience is always the goal and the plans will always be evolving as our city grows and they see what works and what doesn’t. This is very much a big picture view with more moving parts that most of us realize and while this current proposal won’t address them all, I do believe the school board is moving us in the right direction and we’ve got to start somewhere.

Choudrant, Simsboro, and Dubach all currently have PreK in house with their elementary grades and while LPECC has benefits as a stand alone site, moving these classes into neighborhood schools would also have many benefits for not only the children attending but their parents as well. If you have ever had a conversation with me about schools, you know I not only highly value the diversity of our schools but I’m also very protective of it. I had concerns about losing this piece, but Ruston is not the same town it was 15 years ago. We’ve seen so much growth in not only businesses but housing developments in all areas of town.

While the demographic breakdown won’t be the same as it currently is, I don’t think it will be what it was 15 years ago. I also think it’s important to note that all four schools will continue to be equally funded. I don’t know a perfect solution to keep schools racially diverse, but I also know it is now illegal to draw school zone lines based on demographics. In my opinion based on what I’ve seen as a parent and conversations I’ve had with fellow families and educators, the benefits of going to a preK -5 model for all children but specifically the most vulnerable far outweigh demographic statistics. Diversity does not always mean equality and while diversity is important, equality in education is the goal of this plan. Working toward a school system that allows all students and their families to have easy access to their schools, build meaningful relationships with administrators, and have a more stable educational environment while receiving equal funding and resources is a win for everyone.

I appreciate LPSB members and employees and their efforts to advance the educational experience in Ruston. I highly encourage concerned community members to reach out and seek answers to your questions directly from the source. I support their decisions to move our schools forward and look forward to seeing the growth in Lincoln Parish.

Katie McCormick

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The Lincoln Parish Police Jury is launching a new effort to hear directly from residents about the future of waste and recycling in our community.  The Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) will guide how the Parish collects, manages, and reduces waste over the next 20 years – and your input is key.

Come Share Your Ideas!

Community Meetings:

• Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Dubach Community Center (106 Smith St., Dubach, LA 71235)
• Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Choudrant High School (2555 US-80, Choudrant, LA 71227)
• Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Simsboro High School (1 Tiger Drive, Simsboro, LA 71275)

These meetings will give residents a chance to share feedback, ask questions, and provide input that will help shape programs, facilities, and services that work for everyone in Lincoln Parish.

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CLICK HERE TO PLAY

Lincoln Parish Journal readers have an opportunity each week to win FREE money in the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em presented by Johnson Physical Therapy, FanBase of Ruston, and Martin Presence.

And the best part is it’s FREE … just like your subscription to the LPJ.

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The Lincoln Parish Journal wants to thank Karl Malone Toyota, Johnson Physical Therapy, FanBase of Ruston, and Martin Presence for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s College Football Pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Dubach Air and Heat, Ginn’s Autobody, Hart Designs, Tanyard Creek, Charlie’s Carpet Cleaning, Hod Rod BBQ, Louisiana Orchard Realty, Ruston Athletic Supply, Walker and Co., Lulu Pearl, Rusty’s Jambalaya, Greaux the Good, Tommy’s Tees, and RightFiber for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest. 

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Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $150 in cash … with the potential to make it $300 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).

The Lincoln Parish Journal is holding the 4th Annual Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy.

If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!

Anyone is eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $150 cash prize (maybe $300).  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 15 selected college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with Week 1 games (August 30).

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m.  It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.

All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $150 each week!

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

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A Texas man was arrested in Ruston Saturday after he allegedly threatened to shoot up a gas station convenience store.

Leon Shawn Allen, 46, of Lancaster, Texas, was arrested early Saturday morning after Ruston Police investigated an incident at a service station on the North I-20 Service Road.

At about 4:00 a.m., police responded to a disturbance at the station. An employee told officers a man came inside and threatened to shoot up the place. He pointed out a gray vehicle at one of the gas pumps.

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A man with the vehicle was checked out, but the driver’s license of a second man was found in the vehicle. The store employees identified Allen, pictured on the driver’s license, as the suspect who threatened them.

Allen could not be located in the area at the time. Officers left but the same vehicle was seen leaving the station later in the night. Allen was found to be the driver. He said he was not in the store but that people were going crazy. He was arrested and a large bag of marijuana and paraphernalia commonly associated with the sale or distribution of drugs were found inside the vehicle.

Allen was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for simple assault and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

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.