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

Wednesday, Nov. 26
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)
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech men’s basketball

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Thursday, Nov. 27
Thanksgiving 

Friday, Nov. 28
7 p.m.: Ruston High football playoff game

Saturday, Nov. 29
Noon: LA Tech men’s basketball
1 p.m.: Grambling State v. Southern

Monday, Dec. 1
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
4-7 p.m.: Ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex (2001 Champions Way)
5:30 p.m.: Ruston City Council meeting (Ruston City Hall)
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)

Tuesday, Dec. 2
4-7 p.m.: Ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex (2001 Champions Way)
6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (410 S. Farmerville St., Ruston)

Wednesday, Dec. 3
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
5:30-7:30 p.m.: Men’s Wild Game Banquet hosted by First Ruston Men’s Ministry (Ruston Civic Center)

Thursday, Dec. 4
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4-7 p.m.:  Ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex (2001 Champions Way)
5:30-9 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Light Up the Pines (Lincoln Parish Park)
6 p.m.: Ruston Christmas Parade
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech women’s basketball
7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” (Dixie Theatre)

Friday, Dec. 5
5:30-9 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Light Up the Pines (Lincoln Parish Park)
7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” (Dixie Theatre)

Saturday, Dec. 6
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
10 a.m. to noon: Pictures with Santa (Historic Fire Station)
3-8 p.m.: Christmas in the Village (Choudrant)
5:30-9 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Light Up the Pines (Lincoln Parish Park)
7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” (Dixie Theatre)

Sunday, Dec. 7
2 p.m.: LA Tech men’s basketball
2 p.m. Ruston Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” (Dixie Theatre)

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 LA Tech Athletic Communications

Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey announced Tuesday the hiring of Matt Lodge as the next head coach for the Louisiana Tech soccer program. Lodge will be the fourth head coach for the Bulldogs in program history.

“I am extremely excited to welcome Matt and his wife, Brooke, and daughters, Millie and Frankie, to Louisiana Tech and Ruston,” Ivey said. “During this search, we wanted someone with a proven track record of success in developing student-athletes on and off the field. Matt has a tremendous amount of respect in the soccer community, and has built a competitive and sustainable program at Murray State. He brings a clear vision for elevating our program, and I am confident he and his family will fit well with our vision and CHAMP values.”

A native of Doncaster, England, Lodge was the head coach for the Murray State women’s soccer program for the past eight seasons following a four-year stint as an assistant for the Racers from 2014-17. Lodge amassed 70 wins during his tenure, becoming the winningest coach in program history.

“First of all, I would like to thank Ryan Ivey and Dr. Jim Henderson for this incredible opportunity for myself and my family,” Lodge said. “As soon as I stepped foot onto campus, I knew it was a place I would call home. With our top-notch facilities, resources and support of our administration we can build something really special in Ruston. I am walking into a program of players that I know are hungry to succeed and capable of building this program into something to be proud of. I want to thank Wally Crittenden for his work during this process. Finally, I want to thank my incredible wife, Brooke, for her unwavering support as always.”

Since taking over the reins for the Racers in 2018, Lodge has produced 38 all-conference selections as well as league specialty awards including Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. He is also the first coach in MSU history to help guide his coaching staff to a Staff of the Year award in the Ohio Valley Conference and Missouri Valley Conference.

A two-time Coach of the Year honoree, Lodge helped guide the Racers to an Ohio Valley Conference regular season title in the adjusted 2020-21 season following a 9-1 record in league play. In his first year as head coach, he led Murray State to an OVC Tournament title that was followed by the program’s fifth ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

“During his time at Murray State, Matt has had tremendous success on and off the field,” Ivey added. “From winning multiple championships to developing players into numerous all-conference and superlative awards, he possesses a strong commitment to developing successful student-athletes. Having played at a high collegiate level at the University of Kentucky, Matt knows what it takes to be successful.”

Lodge was a four-year letterwinner during his collegiate career at Kentucky, being named the Wildcats’ first Freshman All-American selection in 2009 and being named to the All-CUSA team in 2012. During his senior year he was named team captain, and helped lead Kentucky to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in nine seasons.

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech is set to host a multi-team event inside the Thomas Assembly Center this week, starting tonight with a rematch against Indiana State. Alcorn State will be the third team involved in the round robin.

Tonight’s contest against the Sycamores will tip at 6:30 p.m. and the game can be seen on ESPN+ with Malcolm Butler and Teddy Allen providing the call of the game.

The MTE also includes Indiana State vs. Alcorn State (Friday at 1 p.m. at TAC) and Alcorn State against Tech (Saturday at 12 p.m.).

This will be the second meeting in the last week between LA Tech and Indiana State as the Bulldogs fell 60-51 a week again in Indiana. The Bulldogs did enough defensively, holding the Sycamores to just 33.3 percent shooting and limiting them to a season low in points. However, LA Tech could not capitalize on the offensive end, shooting 28.8 percent from the floor with only two made threes while missing nine of its 20 free throw attempts.

LA Tech has now held three straight opponents to under 35 percent shooting, limiting all three to 60 or fewer points. As a result, the Bulldogs are only allowing 55.8 points per contest, giving them the No. 1 scoring defense in the country currently.

Following a season-opening loss at Char­lotte, Indiana State (4-2) has won four of its last five games including a 70-52 victory over in-state rival Ball State. The win improved the Syca­mores to 3-0 at home.

Indiana State have not seen too many three-pointers they did not like. The Syca­mores average 28.7 three-point attempts per game, which ranks 58th in the nation. They have taken 25+ three-point shots in five of their six games, including a season-high 38 which came against the Bulldogs.

Indiana State took the series lead with the win last week, going up 2-1. The two previous meetings also occurred in the same season (1974-75).

LA Tech has hosted a multi-team event three times since 2014 (also co-hosted one in 2021 with Northwestern State). The Bull­dogs have won 12 straight MTE games over the last four seasons, including a 3-0 record last year at the Gulf Coast Showcase in Estero, Florida with wins over Southern Illinois, Richmond, and Eastern Kentucky.

Playing the same team twice during non-conference is not very common. The last time LA Tech did it was in 2012 when the Bulldogs played Little Rock a home-and-home that same season. The last time the Bulldogs played the same non-con opponent in back-to-back contests was 2006 versus Southern.

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Funeral services for George McCuen Thomason, 87, of Ruston, LA, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Temple Baptist Church Chapel under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Dr. Reggie Bridges and Rev. Dale Oden will be officiating. Visitation will be at the Temple Baptist Church Chapel prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

George Thomason was born on October 18, 1938. He was raised in Laurens, South Carolina, where he was an active part of Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church. Before joining the U.S. Army, he attended and graduated from Clemson University. After his military service, he moved to Ruston, LA, to continue working for Laurens Glass and then married Bonnie Carson in 1976. George was a loyal member of Temple Baptist Church and taught an adult Sunday School class. Additionally, he spent a number of years serving as an outreach leader for the Kairos Prison Ministry. Prior to his retirement, he was a manager at Laurens Glass and owner of two Exxon Stations in Ruston. George was an avid golfer, and he enjoyed spending time with his family.

George Thomason went to be with his Heavenly Father on November 23, 2025. George is preceded in death by his parents McCuen and Carrie Mae George Thomason, and his brother Judson Thomason.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 49 years, Bonnie Sue Carson Thomason; daughter April Celeste Thomason, of Austin, TX; son Geoffrey Neil Thomason and wife Alisia of Ruston, LA; grandson Ethan Samuel Thomason; sister Katie Ballenger and husband Isam; sister-in-law Joann Thomason; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

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Funeral services for John Thomas “Tom” James, Jr., age 55, will be 10:00A.M. Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Ruston, LA.  Officiating the service will be Father Frank Hughes.  Interment will follow at Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston, Louisiana.  A visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in the church sanctuary for family and friends.    

Tom was born on June 21, 1970, in New Orleans, LA and passed into God’s eternal kingdom on November 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas following a courageous battle with cancer.

Tom was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer where he served as President of Men of the Church for six years.  He attended and graduated in 1989 from Cedar Creek School. He cherished his years at Cedar Creek and loved playing football for the Cougars, often sharing fond memories of his time on and off the field with friends and teammates.

Tom graduated from Louisiana Tech University earning his Baccalaureate of Science in Marketing and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity where he served as Treasurer.  The friendships made during that time would remain for the rest of his life. 

Tom began his career as an Oil and Gas Landman for Clark Ryder and Associates in Lafayette, LA in 1996.  In 2001, he moved back to Ruston, continuing his career working for his friends, Peter Richardson then Steve Smith of Hunter Entergy, where he would work for the remainder of his life.

Tom was a board member for Med Camps of Louisiana, serving as Board Chairman in his final year of service.  Med Camps was one of his son, John’s, most loved places and always close to Tom’s heart.

Tom married the love of his life, Jenny Adkins, on March 30, 2002.  They were married for 23 years, sharing one son, John Thomas (John) James, III and many wonderful memories together.  Tom loved traveling with his family, especially taking his son John to Disney World and the beach.  So many wonderful memories were made on those trips and will remain with his family forever.

Tom was an avid fisherman, sharing the love of speckled trout and white perch fishing with his father, John Tom. He loved heading down to Creole, filling his ice chest full of speckled trout and enjoying a good meal afterwards with great friends, his dad, and family friend, Hank Evans among many others.  To find peace in these hard times, one can just picture John Tom greeting Tom, excited to finally share, the ultimate fishing spot in Heaven.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, John Tom and Beverlee Biscomb James; paternal grandparents, Floyd and Katherine “Kat” James; and maternal grandparents, George and Joyce Biscomb.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jenny Adkins James; son, John Thomas James, III; brother, Matt James (Jill) and children Henry and Annie; aunt, Margaret Ann James and family; aunt, Kiki Biscomb Wardlaw (Chastain) and family; sister-in-law, Leanna Adkins Buckley (James) and niece Hannah; and other family members and numerous friends.

Pallbearers will be Henry James, Chris Hamm, Heath Hightower, Dave Downs, Hunter Smith, and Ty Bromell.

Honorary pallbearers are Chastain Wardlaw, Benjamin James, III, Steve Burkhalter, and Steve Smith.

We would like to give a special thank you to family and friends who supported us through Tom’s cancer battle.  We are humbled by your generosity and grateful for your friendship.  An additional thank you to Dr. David Osafo as well as, Tom’s care team at MD Anderson Medical Center. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Med Camps of Louisiana, 102 Thomas Road Suite 615, West Monroe, LA  71291.

 

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Ida Mae Watts Hester 
Sunday 07/01/1928 — Wednesday 11/19/2025  
Visitation: Friday 11/28/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Celebration of Life: Saturday 11/29/2025 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home 
Interment: Saturday 11/29/2025 Following Service, Mt Mariah Cemetery, Chatham 

Kay Doss 
May 22, 1952 – November 23, 2025 
Visitation: Monday, December 01, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM, New Prospect Baptist Church, 3438 Hwy 167, Dubach 
Graveside service: Monday, December 01, 2025, 11:00 AM, Hamilton Cemetery, 126 Hamilton Cemetery Road, Dubach 

Gwendolyn Fay Diamond   
Saturday 08/27/1955 — Monday 11/17/2025   
Visitation: Wednesday 11/26/2025 11:00am to 1:00pm, New Hope Baptist Church, 204 W Vaughn Ave., Ruston   
Life Celebration: Wednesday 11/26/2025 1:00pm, New Hope Baptist Church, 204 W Vaughn Ave., Ruston   
Interment: Wednesday 11/26/2025 Following Service, St. David Cemetery, Vienna  

John J. Aubespin  
Saturday 07/12/1941 — Friday 11/21/2025   
Celebration of Life: Friday 11/28/2025 11:00am, St. Benedict Catholic Church, 471 Main Street, Grambling  
Interment: Friday 11/28/2025 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling 

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Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

Louisiana Tech University has announced its 2025 Fall Quarter president’s and dean’s honor lists.

Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor list, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.

Honor students are listed HERE by the hometown they have entered in their Workday Student profile, with all Louisiana students listed first by parish.

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The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Dubach man last week after he struck a deputy who was investigating a disturbance involving the man.

Travis Humble, 46, was arrested for battery of a police officer and resisting an officer on November 21 at a residence on Hico Loop Road.

Responding deputies were told Humble was kicking the front door of a residence. Deputies found him in the front yard when they arrived. Humble said nothing had happened and that he was leaving.

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Humble was told he was not free to leave until the matter was investigated, and he replied, “What are you going to do, shoot me?”

When Humble refused verbal commands so he could be detained, a Taser was deployed. Humble pulled the Taser probes out and then threw a large book, striking the deputy in the face. Humble was taken to the ground and continued to resist until other deputies arrived and he was secured.

Ruston Ambulance Service responded to the scene to render aid and cleared Humble for transport to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center to be booked.

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.

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Local residents and fans of NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw will have a special opportunity tomorrow, as Bradshaw returns to his hometown for an exclusive signing of The Bradshaw Family Cookbook. The event is scheduled for Tuesday from 3–5 p.m. at Origin Bank in Downtown Ruston.

Attendees who have purchased a cookbook will have the chance to meet Bradshaw, receive a personalized autograph, and take a photo with him. Fans are reminded not to bring outside items for signing; Bradshaw will only sign cookbooks purchased for the event.

To secure a cookbook and reserve a spot, community members may make a minimum $50 per-book contribution online through Louisiana Tech Athletics by CLICKING HERE.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 25
Time: 3–5 p.m.
Location: Origin Bank – Downtown Ruston | 400 N. Trenton Street, Ruston, LA

This special event offers fans, families, and cookbook lovers a rare opportunity to connect with Bradshaw and celebrate the release of his new collection of family recipes.

For more information, please visit the cookbook’s landing page. 

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Special to the LPJ

SULPHUR, La. — The Ruston Bearcats swam their way to the Division II state champions over this past weekend, while the Lady Bearcats picked up a sixth place finish at the 2025 LHSAA State Championships at the SPAR Aquatic Center in Sulphur, La.

The Bearcats won with a 272 points total — nearly 100 points better than second place Arch Bishop Rummel.

“After the second place finish last year, the boys really started talking about winning this year,” Head Coach Paulette Butterfield said. “It became a regular discussion of having to do the work in practice. Simply wanting it wasn’t enough. The first half of the meet we knew we would have to be patient and calm, since our stronger individual events were in the back half of the meet would give us a strong finish. The last relay (400 freestyle) was the final factor, we knew they had to place high to get the final points needed. Those boys took care of things by winning the event by 8 seconds.

“It was a flashback moment for me, going back to the first team we beat them in 2012 and held on to the title for six more years. This was kind of like that, we believed we could beat them but didn’t really know what to expect with our team of 10 qualifiers versus their team of 16.”

See boys results below:

• 1st > 100 fly – Sophomore JJ Hoover (set new Division 2 state record)
• 1st > 100 breast – Hoover
• 2nd > 50 free – Junior Samuel Jackson
• 2nd > 100 free – Jackson
• 3rd > 100 fly – Freshman G Amiano
• 3rd > 200 medley relay – Sophomore Matthew Roach, Hoover, Amiano, Senior Taylor Roller
• 4th > 200 free relay – Roller, Junior Paul St. Cyr, Freshman Ian Liu, Jackson
• 6th > 100 back – Amiano
• 8th > 100 free – Roach
• 8th > 100 breast – Sophomore Maddox Hamby
• 9th > 200 IM – St. Cyr
• 10th > 100 back – Roach
• 10th > 200 IM – Roller
• 11th > 100 breast – Roller
• 13th > 100 back – St. Cyr
• 13th > 100 breast – Campbell
• 14th > 200 IM – Campbell
• 14th > 50 free – Liu
• 15th > 100 free – Liu 

For the girls, they finished with 116 points for a six overall finish.

“For this small group to finish in the Top 8 is a huge accomplishment,” Butterfield said. “The relays did well finishing in the Top 8 along with the individual finishes of Junior Breanna Senn, Junior Emma Hinton and Freshman Emily Xu made for a strong team finish.”

• 1st > 500 freestyle – Senn
• 2nd > 200 freestyle – Senn
• 3rd > 100 freestyle – Xu
• 5th > 50 freestyle – Xu
• 7th > 400 Yard Freestyle Relay – Xu, Hinton, Sophomore Olivia Strand, Senn
• 8th > 200 Yard Freestyle Relay – Xu, Hinton, Strand, Senn
• 14th > 100 breaststroke – Hinton

Cedar Creek also had impressive individual swimming performances, as well, in the Division IV meet which included individual championships by junior Camdyn Napper in both the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke.

• 1st > 200 IM – Napper
• 1st > 100 Breastroke – Napper
• 3rd > 100 Backstroke – Junior Gracie Jones
• 6th > 200 IM – Jones
• 6th > 200 IM – 8th grader Dallas Gouedy
• 7th > 100 Freestyle – Gouedy

“This group had a variety of experiences this year,” Butterfield said. “Camdyn was a repeat champion in his events, Gracie had her first podium appearance and Dallas was the highest finishing middle school swimmer in both of his events.”

Choudrant freshmen Jessie and Julie Groce also placed well in their respective events.

• 3rd > 200 IM – Jessie Groce
• 4th > 100 Butterfly – Jessie Groce
• 5th > 50 Freestyle – Julie Groce

“This was the first high school state meet appearance for both of these girls and to finish in the top for both of them is a great starting point for future years,” Butterfield said.

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Courtesy of Louisiana State Police

As families and friends gather across Louisiana to celebrate Thanksgiving, Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists to make safety a priority during this busy travel season. Holidays should be marked by togetherness and gratitude, not preventable tragedies on our roadways.

Impaired driving remains one of the most significant dangers during holiday travel. If your celebration involves alcohol or any substance that affects your ability to drive, please plan ahead. Arrange a sober ride, designate a driver, or use available transportation options. Never get behind the wheel if you are impaired and never allow someone you care about to do so.

We also urge everyone to wear a seat belt—every trip, every time. A simple decision to buckle up can make the difference between life and death. Drivers should ensure that all passengers, including those in the back seat, are properly restrained before the vehicle moves.

If you are hosting Thanksgiving festivities, you play an important role as well. Provide non-alcoholic drink options, help guests find safe transportation, and be prepared to take keys if someone has consumed alcohol. A responsible host can prevent a dangerous situation before it starts.

Louisiana State Police Troopers will be working throughout the holiday to keep our highways safe, but we cannot do it alone. We ask every driver to do their part: slow down, remain alert, avoid distractions, and make responsible choices.

Motorists who witness hazardous road conditions or reckless drivers are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the nearest Louisiana State Police troop headquarters. Together, we can ensure this Thanksgiving remains a time of gratitude, joy, and safe travels for everyone returning home to their loved ones.

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Thanksgiving is easy when life is smooth, isn’t it?

Gratitude rises without much effort when the answers have already arrived and the people we love are sitting safely around our tables. But sometimes the season meets us in the middle of unanswered prayers, or with someone we care about still far from home, or hoping for a breakthrough that hasn’t come. It’s in those in-between places that Thanksgiving begins to look a little different.

That truth has been nudging me all fall as our Bible Study Fellowship class has been walking through the book of Daniel, headed toward the ultimate return of the Jewish exiles. We witnessed Daniel’s spending most of his life far from home, in a place he didn’t choose, surrounded by circumstances he couldn’t change. Yet he still turned toward God with thanksgiving. Not after everything was fixed, but right in the middle of exile.

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Daniel’s example feels especially close to my heart this season. When someone you care about is walking through hardship, you learn to pray differently. You learn to hope differently. You learn that thanksgiving isn’t always loud or triumphant. Sometimes it’s a small, steady flame – a way of saying, “Lord, I trust You, even here.”

What comforts me is knowing that God was at work in Daniel’s story long before Daniel could see it – moving kings, shaping moments, preparing answers. I believe he is doing the same today.

When I look around, I think of so many people carrying hidden burdens right now. Some are waiting for a phone call. Some are waiting for a decision. Some are waiting to feel at home again. Some are waiting in faraway places, praying over doors that seem firmly closed, trusting that God has not forgotten them.

And for all of them – for all of us – Daniel’s life whispers that God is already working in places we cannot see, weaving grace into the very spaces that feel unfinished.

Maybe that’s where Thanksgiving really begins – not just when the blessing arrives, but when we choose to trust the Giver. When we whisper thanks before we see the answer. When we say, “Lord, I don’t understand the timing, but I believe You are good.”

It reminds me of the way Jesus prayed before he multiplied the loaves and fishes. He gave thanks while the need was still bigger than the supply, thanking the Father before the answer unfolded. That kind of early thanksgiving doesn’t ignore reality. It simply declares that God is greater than the uncertainty we face.

Daniel reminds me that gratitude is not a denial of hardship, but a declaration of faith. He wasn’t pretending everything was easy; he simply knew Who held his future. Maybe that’s the invitation for us too – to practice a thanksgiving that is steady, honest and rooted in the character of God rather than the circumstances around us.

One of the most striking moments in Daniel comes in Chapter 10. Daniel has been praying faithfully for his people, bearing their burdens as his own. But the heavens seem silent. Three weeks pass with no sign of an answer. Then a messenger finally arrives and tells him something that must have stunned him: “Do not be afraid … from the first day you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard” (Daniel 10:12).

“From the very first day.” I love that phrase …  Before Daniel saw anything change … before help arrived … before he had any reason to believe his prayer had even reached heaven. God had already heard him. Sometimes I think we need that reminder during the holidays – that even when we’re waiting, even when life feels paused or uncertain, God is already attending to the prayers we hardly know how to form.

So as we approach Thanksgiving Day, if you or someone you love is still standing in the doorway of hope – waiting, watching, praying – take comfort in Daniel’s reminder: God hears the very first sigh of a prayer, long before the answer arrives. He hears across oceans, across delays, across the ache of longing. He is already preparing the steps ahead.

May we find strength in that truth as we give thanks, even here, even now.

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

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

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal accident involving a pedestrian and a train in the Keithville area Sunday evening.

The incident occurred about 7:00 p.m. on November 23 on the railroad tracks near the intersection of Preston Road and Keithville-Keatchie Road south of Shreveport.

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According to a deputy’s report, the engineer and conductor of a Union Pacific train saw a person on the tracks. The crew activated the emergency braking system and tried to stop, but were unable to do so before the impact.

Caddo Fire District No. 4 personnel arrived at the scene and pronounced the pedestrian dead.

The fatality remains under investigation by the Caddo Sheriff’s Office. The name of the deceased person has not been released by authorities.

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

CLICK HERE TO PLAY

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

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

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

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

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Are you ready for some football?!?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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My friend bought her daughter a car. Not a fancy one—no heated seats, no moonroof, no button that launches it into orbit. Just a good ol’ reliable vehicle to get her from dorm room to dining room and back again for those sacred college holidays like Thanksgiving, when students return home to eat, sleep, and pretend they still remember how to do laundry.

One day, the daughter had a flat tire. No big deal—she had AAA on speed dial, right next to “Mom” and “Pizza.” She called the flat tire hotline and waited for the cavalry. The AAA guy showed up, popped the trunk, checked under the mat, looked in the glove box, maybe even peeked under the seats. No spare tire. No jack. No tools. Just a lot of empty space and one very confused roadside technician.

Cue the anguished phone call to Mom: “Mom! There’s no spare tire! I’m stranded! The car is broken! The dealership sold us a lemon! I’m going to die here next to the Chick-fil-A!”

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Now, I know this mom. She’s articulate. She’s passionate. She’s fluent in “colorful metaphors.” I’ve heard her use her big girl words before, and let’s just say she doesn’t need a thesaurus when she’s fired up. She called the dealership and unleashed a verbal tsunami. Somewhere in the background, I imagine the receptionist ducking under the desk and whispering, “It’s her. The metaphor lady.”

Just as Mom was winding up for Round Two, the dealership guy calmly asked, “Ma’am, is your daughter’s car a 2023 model?”
“Yes,” she snapped.
“Well,” he said, “that car comes with run-flat tires. You can drive up to 50 miles on a flat. There’s no spare because you don’t need one.”

Silence.
Then a dial tone.
I don’t think Mom apologized. I think she just hung up and prayed the Holy Spirit would interpret her sighs.

Now, I’m grateful this wasn’t my story. But let’s be honest—I drive cars with spare tires. I think. I mean, I assume they’re in there somewhere. Probably under the mysterious carpet flap in the trunk next to the ancient granola bar and the rogue umbrella. Maybe I should check.

But this story made me laugh. It reminded me that sometimes we panic before we understand. We yell before we read the manual. We assume the worst before we remember that God might’ve already built in a solution.

And that brings me to Thanksgiving.  It’s almost here. Can you believe how fast this year flew by? I blinked and it was Advent again. I’m thankful for so much—especially for you, dear reader. You’ve prayed for us, encouraged us, and shared stories that have become sermons, devotionals, and the occasional punchline.

I’m thankful for my church family, my neighbors, and the beautiful traffic chaos of life in Ruston, Louisiana. I’m thankful for the characters in my life—especially the ones who call me with flat tire emergencies and teach me new vocabulary.

So, this Thanksgiving, take a moment. Look at life through grateful eyes. Even the flat tires. Even the missing spares. Even the run-flat moments when you realize God’s grace lets you keep going, even when you feel deflated.

Thank you for being part of the ride. And if you’re wondering whether your car has a spare… maybe check before you call Mom.

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.

Staff Reports

Cedar Creek’s boys picked up a win and the girls suffered a loss during basketball action Monday.

Cougars 49, Vidalia 33

Jake Terry scored 17 points and Rhett Bridges added 10 to lead the Cougars to a 49-33 win over Vidalia on Monday. 

Creek (2-1) jumped out to a 14-7 lead after the first quarter behind a balance attack led by Terry (6), Luke Alexander (4) and Jace Martin (4). The Cougars extended their lead in the second quarter as Terry scored five while Cameron Temple connected on a three-pointer as Creek led 23-14 at the break.

The advantage stayed at nine through three as the two teams both netted 11 points in the third quarter. Terry and Martin each scored four points in the frame while Bridges connected on a three-pointer.

Bridges came to life in the fourth for the Cougars, scoring seven points while Blake Robinson added four in his season debut on the hardwood.

“It was really good to not play our best and still find a way to win,” said Creek head coach Todd Martinez. “Adding Luke Alexander from cross country and Blake Robinson from football field has really increased our depth.”

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Ponchatoula 48, Cedar Creek 38

Mary Grace Hawkins scored 14 points and Avery Ryan added eight but the Lady Cougars (1-2) came up short against Class 5A Ponchatoula 48-38 at the St. Thomas More Tournament Monday afternoon.

Creek had to play the majority of the game without senior point guard Taylor Martinez, who suffered an injury in the opening minutes.

“I’m heartbroken for our senior, Taylor Martinez, who went down with an injury in the first two minutes of the game,” said head coach Katie Hall. “She’ll get an MRI on Wednesday and will be out for tomorrow’s game.”

After watching one of their team leaders go down, the Lady Cougars got off to a slow start, trailing 14-7 after the opening eight minutes of play as Hawkins netted four and Britton Bennett connecting on a three-pointer. 

Ponchatoula extended its lead to 29-19 at the half. Hawkins scored five, including her only three-pointer of the game, and Caroline James scored four.

The Lady Cougars found more offense in the third quarter led by Ryan’s five and a three-pointer by and an Alivia Lee three-pointer as Creek closed the gap to 41-34. 

“I’m so proud of our girls for competing hard — we battled from behind most of the night, cut it to three with about four minutes to go, and just ran out of steam,” said Hall. “But this group has so much fight, grit, and determination. I have full confidence in the players who will step in and continue to play for their teammate, Taylor.”

Creek managed just four points over the final quarter as Ponchatoula was able to hold on for the win.

 

 

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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. 

Wednesday, Nov. 26
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)
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech men’s basketball

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Thursday, Nov. 27
Thanksgiving 

Friday, Nov. 28
7 p.m.: Ruston High football playoff game

Saturday, Nov. 29
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
Noon: LA Tech men’s basketball
1 p.m.: Grambling State v. Southern

Monday, Dec. 1
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
4-7 p.m.: Ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex (2001 Champions Way)
5:30 p.m.: Ruston City Council meeting (Ruston City Hall)
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)

Tuesday, Dec. 2
4-7 p.m.: Ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex (2001 Champions Way)
6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (410 S. Farmerville St., Ruston)

Wednesday, Dec. 3
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
5:30-7:30 p.m.: Men’s Wild Game Banquet hosted by First Ruston Men’s Ministry (Ruston Civic Center)

Thursday, Dec. 4
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4-7 p.m.:  Ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex (2001 Champions Way)
5:30-9 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Light Up the Pines (Lincoln Parish Park)
6 p.m.: Ruston Christmas Parade
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech women’s basketball
7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” (Dixie Theatre)

Friday, Dec. 5
5:30-9 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Light Up the Pines (Lincoln Parish Park)
7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” (Dixie Theatre)

Saturday, Dec. 6
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
10 a.m. to noon: Pictures with Santa (Historic Fire Station)
3-8 p.m.: Christmas in the Village (Choudrant)
5:30-9 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Light Up the Pines (Lincoln Parish Park)
7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” (Dixie Theatre)

Sunday, Dec. 7
2 p.m.: LA Tech men’s basketball
2 p.m. Ruston Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” (Dixie Theatre)

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 Louisiana Tech Athletics 

Louisiana Tech safety Jakari Foster was named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week, announced by the league on Monday.

The redshirt senior came up with two critical interceptions in LA Tech’s 34-28 overtime win over Liberty on Saturday and added eight tackles.

Foster’s first interception came late in the third quarter with the Bulldogs down 28-14 and Liberty driving. He intercepted a pass at Tech’s 4-yard line, setting up a 96-yard scoring drive that made it 28-21.

His second interception was the biggest of the night, as he picked off Ethan Vasko’s pass in the end zone on Liberty’s first overtime possession. Tech scored on the first play of its overtime drive to secure the 34-28 overtime win.

The redshirt senior leads the nation with six interceptions to go along with 48 tackles, three pass break ups, three quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. His six interceptions is the most by a Bulldog in a single season since Xavier Woods tallied six in 2014.

This marks the eighth CUSA weekly award won by the Bulldogs this season.
Mekhi Mason – DPOTW – Week One
John Hoyet Chance – STPOTW – Week One
John Hoyet Chance – STPOTW – Week Three
Kolbe Fields – DPOTW – Week Four
John Hoyet Chance – STPOTW – Week Five
Alonzo Jackson Jr. – FOTW – Week Five
Landon Nelson – OLOTW – Wek Ten
Jakari Foster – DPOTW – Week Thirteen

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Gwendolyn Fay Diamond  
Saturday 08/27/1955 — Monday 11/17/2025  
Visitation: Wednesday 11/26/2025 11:00am to 1:00pm, New Hope Baptist Church, 204 W Vaughn Ave., Ruston  
Life Celebration: Wednesday 11/26/2025 1:00pm, New Hope Baptist Church, 204 W Vaughn Ave., Ruston  
Interment: Wednesday 11/26/2025 Following Service, St. David Cemetery, Vienna 

John J. Aubespin 
Saturday 07/12/1941 — Friday 11/21/2025  
Celebration of Life: Friday 11/28/2025 11:00am, St. Benedict Catholic Church, 471 Main Street, Grambling 
Interment: Friday 11/28/2025 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling 

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