Louisiana Tech Construction Engineering Technology (CET) students were awarded a $11,500 grant from the North American Society for Trenchless Technology to attend the 2026 No-Dig Show in Palm Springs, California.
Mr. Reginald Jeter, program chair of CET, congratulated the student officers of Louisiana Tech’s joint Associated General Contractors (AGC)/NASTT Student Chapter for their leadership and initiative in securing this funding.
“We’re incredibly proud of our chapter officers: President Jackson McKinney, Vice President Colby Staffier, Treasurer Jacob Murray, Secretary Kate Hudson, and Philanthropy Chair Ethan Robertson for their hard work and commitment to advancing student engagement in the trenchless technology industry,” Jeter said.
NASTT’s Student Chapter Grant Program supports activities that build education, skills, and industry connections through job site visits, training, and partnerships with trenchless technology firms. This year brought a record number of funding requests that exceeded the budget by more than $50,000, so reviewers evaluated proposals, travel costs, past attendance, and student conduct carefully.
Louisiana Tech’s strong history and student professionalism helped secure this year’s award, which will support student participation in the 2026 No-Dig Show, an event that brings together industry leaders, researchers, and students from across North America to explore the latest innovations in underground infrastructure and pipeline systems.
“This funding helps our students gain hands-on exposure to the latest innovations driving the future of underground infrastructure,” said Dr. John Matthews, professor of Civil Engineering and director of Louisiana Tech’s Trenchless Technology Center. “Our students are not only learning from leading professionals in the field but are also contributing to the next generation of research and innovation in trenchless technology.”
The monthly of the Lincoln Parish Library Board of Control is tonight at 5 p.m. in the Jack Beard Community Room at 910 North Trenton Street in Ruston. The public is invited to attend.
(Jackson Lee, Jackson Burroughs and Hudson Wood, L to R)
By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — Ruston High School saw three Bearcats sign to play collegiately in baseball Wednesday afternoon after seniors Jackson Burroughs, Jackson Lee and Hudson Wood inked their agreements to play for their new respective schools.
Burroughs will head to Meridian Community College, Lee will go to Copiah-Lincoln Community College, and Wood will head to Southwest Mississippi Community College.
“It’s a good day to celebrate these guys and their families,” Ruston High Head Coach Bryan Beck said. “I’ve been with them for four years — two as an assistant and my second as their head coach, and I’ve gotten to see them grow to where they are now. It’s pretty special. They play the game the right way, they treat each other the right way. They treat their community, their classmates and their school the right way, and I’m very proud.”
Beck also spoke individually about each of his three players.
“I don’t know if there’s anybody who is going to out-work Hudson Wood,” Beck said. “He’s going to be in the cages, he’s going to be out there trying to get more grounders — he’ll do whatever he can to make himself better. Jackson (Lee) — he’s a baseball player. He knows how to play the game. Being a four-year letterman at this point, it’s a testament to the incredible athletic ability that God has given him with a high baseball IQ. And Jackson (Burroughs) — he reminds me a little bit of me in the fact he thinks he’s the best player on the field. It doesn’t matter if it’s at first or third base, or right field, or DH — he thinks he’s the best guy for that spot that day. He’s grown up in a baseball house, but he has created his own identity.”
For Burroughs, son of Louisiana Tech head coach Lane Burroughs, it was an easy decision to go to Meridian, given his family is from the region. Burroughs plans to study something in the math field while he’s there.
“I’ve grown up around that area and been familiar with it — it’s kind of like a second home for me,” Burroughs said. “(It means) having somewhere I can get a home-cooked meal if I need. It kind of made that an easy decision for me.”
Wood chose Southwest Mississippi Community College because of the home-feel on his visits.
“I’m super excited,” Wood said. “It’s a place that felt like home for me. It should be a good two years.”
For Lee, Copiah-Lincoln’s staff helped him see how he will make an immediate impact.
“The coaches there really wanted me,” Lee said. “It’s a team that is trending upwards, and I believe they will help develop me and reach the next level.”
A Ruston man was arrested last Saturday after he attacked a police officer who was investigating a trespassing incident.
Antonio Spivey, 47, was arrested for battery of a police officer and criminal trespass on November 15 after Ruston Police responded to Chesboro Avenue regarding a disturbance.
Spivey was found at the location, and he met the description given of the suspect. Spivey became aggressive as officers were speaking to him. It was learned that he had been barred previously from the location in question.
While Spivey was being questioned, he lunged at an officer and punched him in the face. A Taser was used to gain compliance and Spivey was taken into custody. He was taken to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center to be cleared before being transported to the Lincoln Parish detention center for booking.
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.
Now that we are in between government shutdowns, let’s look at some lessons that we can all apply from watching this series of events.
Keep in mind, I have no allegiance to any political party. I am passionate about leadership and political issues, but not politics as we know it today.
Here are some key lessons that we and our elected officials could apply:
Broaden your view: Any time you are seeking to solve a problem, make a big decision, or try something new, expand your view. Ask a bigger question. Broaden your perspective.
Ask more questions: What you don’t know matters. What you don’t understand makes a difference. Ask two questions for every statement you make.
Purpose matters: Remind yourself of purpose so that you can now start to refine your focus. Purpose provides direction and removes “good” to focus on the essential!
Narrow your focus: You start broad to gain perspective and ensure you are asking the right questions, but then you continue narrowing your focus to solve the problem, make the decision, or take the right next step.
People not agendas: Check yourself throughout the process to ensure you are focused on people and solving problems, not preconceived agendas.
That process works for organizations of all sizes, individuals in all situations, and would also work for the federal government. Consider this series of questions:
What do we need to fund, not how much do we spend on it?
What’s a better option, rather than I don’t like your idea?
What’s the wise decision based on my present circumstances and future goals, not what’s the easy choice now?
What’s in the long-term best interest of the people involved, not what’s the poplar view today?
As we approach the end of another year, you may be facing some tough issues. You may be at an impasse on how to make a decision and not sure what to do. Regardless of the situation, you don’t need to shut down. You can’t do what the federal government did and just walkway! You need to move forward.
I love Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight”.
That verse removes the pressure. I am not expected to know everything, nor am I to rely solely on myself in big moments. Who wouldn’t want a straight path?
Straight paths could still be difficult at times, but direction matters!
Straight paths could be dark at times, but direction enables progress!
Straight paths could be uncertain at times, but direction provides guidance needed!
Straight paths could be long, but direction provides motivation and assurance!
By the way, I have some time in December if you know anyone in Washington DC. I can take my zero-based budgeting approach, the key learnings noted above, and Proverbs 3:5-6 to get this federal funding resolved so we don’t have to go through another shutdown.
Doug provides professional speaking and coaching services to organizations and individuals. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build a team culture, feel free to reach out to Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Two brothers were arrested early Saturday morning after a disturbance outside a downtown Ruston bar.
Barrett Howard, 19, and Joseph Howard, 25, were arrested Nov. 15 at about 1 a.m. for disturbing the peace. Joseph Howard was also charged with resisting an officer and Barrett garnered an obstruction of justice charge.
An officer working a special detail outside the bar saw two men walk outside. Their demeanor was consistent with preparing to fight one another. The officer stepped in and told the men to leave. Both men appeared to be heavily intoxicated.
One of the men, Joseph Howard, walked across Park Avenue to the steps to the Sexton parking lot and pulled his pants down to expose his rear to the bar. When the officer approached, he fled on foot.
As the officer pursued Joseph Howard, Barrett Howard, who was at the bottom of the steps, moved in front of the officer to stop him from catching Joseph. The officer got past Barrett and caught up and arrested Joseph and then arrested Barrett.
Bail was set for both men at $2,000 each.
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.
West Monroe Police are investigating a fatal crash that left a pedestrian dead Monday evening.
Just before 6 p.m. Nov. 17, West Monroe officers responded to a crash involving a pickup truck and a pedestrian at North 7th Street and Short Jackson Street.
The pickup, driven by a juvenile, was traveling north on North 7th when the pedestrian, David Anthony Garner, 59, was struck while attempting to cross the roadway. Garner was pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment is not suspected, but routine toxicology samples were collected.
West Monroe Police say the crash remains under investigation.
As a reminder, police urge motorists to stay alert and for pedestrians to:
• Use sidewalks when available.
• Walk facing oncoming traffic when sidewalks aren’t present.
• Cross streets at intersections when possible.
• Wear visible or reflective clothing at night and consider carrying a flashlight.
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.
CHOUDRANT, La. — The 2025 Eddie Thomas Memorial Tennis Tournament saw plenty of former and current Choudrant High tennis players compete over the weekend — all with the goal to raise funds for the Choudran High Tennis Team in honor of the longtime coach Eddie Thomas, who started the school’s tennis program in 1990.
“I started this tournament in 2021 in memory of my dad, who passed away from cancer in 2009,” Eddie’s son Blake Thomas said. “Dad helped to get the very first tennis court ever built in Choudrant. Through his years coaching from 1990 to 2009, he helped lead students to the state championship tournament each and every year and also had one doubles team (Jurdon Thomas and Ramsey Ballard) win the state championship.
“While the coach, he held a winning team record every year that he coached. My dad raised us boys to love and prioritize three things in life: Jesus, family and friends, and tennis. It is an honor to be able to give back to the program he built and sport he loved so much. This year I was able to raise around $10,000 to donate to the CHS tennis team as well as a few scholarships for graduating seniors. For this year’s tournament, we had a CHS student win each of the three divisions, as well as a former CHS player of my dads, Kane McGuire.”
Results below:
Winner of men’s doubles: Kane McGuire and Collin McGuire (CHS tennis player) beat Blake and Isaac Thomas in the finals Winner of women’s doubles: Josie Dickerson (CHS tennis player) and Lydia Nankya defeated Tish Jowers and Carleen Dumas in the finals Winner of the mixed doubles: Josie Dickerson (CHS tennis player) and Danny Richardson defeated Graham Lemoine and Mary Fendley in the finals
BENTON, La. — The dream started a long time ago, but it finally came to fruition this past Saturday as Ruston High School officially competed in wrestling for the first time in school history as part of the LHSAA at the Ambush of Champions hosted by Benton High School.
“In our inaugural season, days like this Saturday mattered,” Ruston Head Coach Jeremy Hebert said. “Both our boys and girls wrestled with heart, represented Ruston well, and laid another brick in building this program. They competed, they learned, and they showed the kind of fight we want this program known for.”
Five Lady Bearcats finished on the podium, including Brynn Hightower, who took first place in her weight class. Emma Medders, Robyn Harries, and Josie Bishop all took second, while Laini Holloway took third.
As a team, the girls finished third with 69 total points behind both Pittsburg (111) and event champion Benton (137).
“What I loved most about our girls at the tournament was their grit,” Hebert said. “They didn’t back down once. Even when they were tired or behind, they kept coming forward. That’s the Bearcat standard. These girls are building something brand new, and every match today was a step toward history. They wrestled with purpose, and it showed.”
Senior Dawson Baker picked up the first ever Bearcat victory in school history on the boys side, while Isaiah Clinton, Fisher Cannon, Cort Jarvis and Luke Pendergrass took victories, as well.
“I’m proud of the way our boys responded,” Hebert said. “We made mistakes, but we made progress. This is a team that learns quickly and fights for every point.”
Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Thursday, Nov. 20 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal hosted by 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry served at the Ruston Housing Authority Community Room (615 N. Farmerville St.) All welcome 5:30 p.m.: Ruston Art Ramble (Downtown Ruston) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6 p.m.: Holiday Open House and Kickoff to Christmas (Downtown Ruston)
Friday, Nov. 22 7 p.m.: Ruston High School playoff game
Saturday, Nov. 22 7 a.m. to noon: Junior Auxiliary of Ruston Garage Sale (True Care Dental, 7412 US 80, Ruston) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 2 p.m.: LA Tech v. Liberty
Sunday, Nov. 23 2 p.m.: Lady Techsters basketball
Monday, Nov. 24 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) 6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
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
Thursday, Nov. 27 Thanksgiving
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
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.
Louisiana Tech bowling head coach Matt Nantais announced the signing of Nevaeh Hull, a standout from Mountain View High School in Meridian, Idaho.
Hull, who will join the Bulldogs as part of the 2026 recruiting class, is regarded as one of Idaho’s top high school bowlers. During her junior year, she helped lead the Mountain View girls bowling team to a clean sweep at the district tournament on Feb. 1, finishing second overall individually. She is also a two-time Pepsi champion and has posted multiple high-series performances while competing in state and national junior events, including USA Bowling tournaments and Junior Gold.
“Nevaeh is going to be a great addition to our team,” stated Nantais. “She works hard in everything she does, and her dedication shows. She’s also the first athlete I’ve ever signed who owns her own race car, which says a lot about her drive-on and off the lanes.”
“I am really looking forward to having her here and watching her hit the ground running. Over the past year and a half that I’ve been following her, she’s improved tremendously, and I can’t wait to see how much more she’ll grow once she’s with us.”
She becomes the latest addition to a Louisiana Tech program that has ranked among the nation’s top teams in recent seasons.
Hull will enroll at Louisiana Tech in the fall of 2026.
Funeral services for Christopher Joseph Womack, age 54 of Ruston, LA will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Temple Baptist Church with Rev. Thomas Patton and Bro. Preston Forrest officiating.
Burial will follow in Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens in Ruston under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Chris was born on November 18, 1971 in Ruston, LA and passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 in Ruston, LA.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Friday, November 21, 2025 at Temple Baptist Church.
Funeral services for Mrs. Jean Dumas Barmore, age 83 of Dubach, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Mineral Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Greg Tipton and Rev. Barry Joyner officiating. Burial will follow in Mineral Springs Cemetery in Dubach under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Jean was born January 5, 1942 in Plaquemine, LA to Zettie Neel Dumas and James Odis Dumas and passed away peacefully Monday, November 17, 2025 in West Monroe, LA surrounded by her loved ones. She built a full and joyful life rooted in family, faith, and service to others.
Over the years, Jean worked in a variety of roles and touched countless lives through her dedication and strong work ethic. She spent many years as an inspector at Laurens Glass and later served as Personnel Director at Long Leaf Nursing Home, among other positions throughout her lifetime.
Jean was happiest when surrounded by family. She loved fishing, hunting, cooking, and spending as much time with Ted as she could. She also delighted in playing the organ at church, sewing, and offering a helping hand to anyone in need. Her bold personality, warm smile, and generous heart made her unforgettable. Jean never met a stranger—if she did, they were friends by the time the conversation ended.
Jean is survived by her devoted husband, Ted Barmore; her children Judy Baker (Steve), Julie Brown (Jason), Bubba Lee (Patricia), Lori Knox (Raymond), and Brandon Barmore (Stephanie); Brother, Bud Dumas (Betty); and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her grandchildren include Chris Baker (Emily), Dusty Baker, Megan Boyce (Mims), Jodi Perritt (Greg), Kasey Baker (Hannah), Annie Cain (Jacob), Justin Wininger (Heather), Jayme Bell (Jamie), Kaylee Brown, Cassidy Barmore, Abagael Barmore, Connor Lee, Brenden Barmore, Jordan Durant, Seth McGraw, and Allison McGraw, along with numerous great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.
Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Baker, Dusty Baker, Kasey Baker, Brendan Barmore, Will Billberry, and Michael Barmore. Honorary pallbearer is Jordan Durant.
The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to Glenwood Regional Medical Center and Alpine Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation for the exceptional care and compassion they provided during Jean’s final days.
Jean leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and kindness that will continue to live on in all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed.
Visitation will be from 12:30 PM until service time, Thursday at Mineral Springs Baptist Church.
Well-respected Ruston Fire Chief Chris Womack passed away Tuesday at the age of 54.
by Malcolm Butler
The Lincoln Parish first responder family and the city of Ruston were shaken Tuesday with the tragic news that Ruston Fire Department Chief Chris Womack passed away following a brief illness.
Just a few months after being diagnosed with cancer during a new-mandatory state cancer screening, Womack fell victim to the awful disease.
Ruston mayor Ronny Walker was proud to call Womack a friend and a colleague.
“Chris was my first leadership hire when I became mayor,” said Walker, who made the appointment in 2015. “His leadership of that department is unparalleled. He was a tough chief, but his people respected him because he was so fair and so honest. He will be greatly missed by Ronny Walker, and by the City of Ruston.”
Womack, a 1989 Ruston High School graduate, began his career with the Ruston Fire Department in the early 1990s and slowly, but steadily, worked his way up the ladder.
“As he grew up in that department, and I do mean grew up, from entrance level firefighter to driver to captain, he was seeing things from a professional level all along the way,” said Lincoln Parish Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Kip Franklin. “That carried over to his training officer position, and then when he made chief. He has turned the Ruston Fire Department into the most professional fire department in the state of Louisiana.”
Franklin served on the Ruston Fire Department with Womack for almost two decades, serving as his fire district chief along the way.
“When the RFD personnel go on scene, they are some of the most professional and courteous first responders you will ever interact with,” said Franklin. We have a lot of great first responders in Lincoln Parish, but that department is a reflection of Chris’s leadership.”
During his time as Fire Chief, Womack’s leadership helped bring the RFD to a Class 1 rating. He was also instrumental in paving the way for the construction of Fire Station #2 and the construction of the fire tower for training. He also started the Fire Prevention Bureau.
Lincoln Parish Sheriff Stephen Williams began his employment with the LPSO in 1993, thus he and Womack’s career’s had similar timetables.
“We have come up through the ranks together,” said Williams. “Chris has always been a super polite, super professional guy. He would do anything in the world to help you. He was a man’s man.
“They are certainly going to have a hard time replacing him.”
Outside of Womack’s family, the loss may be felt the hardest within the Ruston Fire Department family.
David Wells, Director of Emergency Medical Services for the Ruston Fire Department, spoke of the privilege of working and learning under Womack’s tutelage.
“It was an absolute honor to serve under him as one of his chief officers,” said Wells. “Not only did he make me a better firefighter and a better chief officer, but he made me a better man, a better husband, and a better father.
“One of the reasons that I went to work for Chief Womack is because I knew he would hold me accountable. I knew he would push me to be better than I thought I could be.”
Wells joined many of the first responders in the area in paying their respects to Womack over the last couple of days, a moving tribute according to Franklin.
“It’s a huge loss,” said Franklin. “A huge loss. It was so moving and an illustration of his impact when I was at the hospital Monday. To see the on-duty and off-duty Ruston Fire Department personnel coming by to pay their last respects to their chief … it’s hard to describe without getting emotional about it.
“Those guys and women were coming into the room, laying their hands on his hand, and paying their respects. They were saying goodbye. It was so moving.”
Womack leaves a legacy, not only in Lincoln Parish, but within the state, according to all who knew him. He was a Louisiana Fire Chief Board Member, and he sat on the state’s Fire Certification Advisory Committee. He also served on the 911 Commission.
“This was not only a big loss for our fire department, but it was a big loss for the Fire Service of Louisiana,” said Wells.
Walker said he would appoint an interim fire chief but that he would wait until Womack has been laid to rest.
Lawrence Williams, IV, was shot and killed in 2019. The case has still not be solved.
One in a series on unsolved cases in Ruston & Lincoln Parish
by Wesley Harris
Case No. 2
Victim: Lawrence Williams
Type of Case: Homicide
Date: November 2019
Status: Arrest made, grand jury did not indict
Although Ruston Deputy Chief Dylan Castaneda’s new job no longer entails direct involvement in criminal investigations on a daily basis, he still thinks about open cases he worked as a detective.
One of those cases was the death of Lawrence Williams, IV, 22, of Ruston.
Williams was shot to death on November 2, 2019 shortly after 2:00 a.m. in the 800 block of McAllister Street in Ruston.
Less than a week later following an intense police investigation, Randall Smith, Jr., 23, was arrested for second degree murder. He was jailed at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center with bail set at $1 million.
However, when the case went before a grand jury, witnesses recanted their accounts of Smith’s involvement. The grand jury failed to hand down an indictment and Smith was released.
A second witness testified before a second grand jury but still no indictment was handed down.
Police say the investigation into this case is still open but new witnesses or new evidence will be necessary to go back before the grand jury.
Yumeka Spencer, Lawrence’s mother, told the media in 2020 that her son was walking on McAllister when “some guys approached him, and they ended up shooting him.”
On February 29, 2020, members of Lawrence’s family were among 150 people who marched on Martin Luther King Drive, passing near the site of his shooting, to attend a “Stop the Violence” rally at Zion Traveler Baptist Church.
Rally goers stressed the need for the community to unite and teach youth that guns are not a solution.
Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson has repeatedly addressed the handful of cold cases held by RPD in community meetings, assuring families that those investigations have been revitalized since he joined the department in March.
In many of the cases Watson has reviewed, the assigned investigators had retired or left the department or moved to other assignments. Many cold cases have been reassigned to current investigators. Watson said he has personally reviewed the most recent cold cases.
Watson is frustrated by the turn of events in the Williams case with a witness who said he saw the shooting and identified a suspect later changed his story.
“The victim’s family knows [this witness] changed his story,” Watson said. “They know about him. And he knows I’m not too happy. He provided really good information that led to an arrest but then completely recanted. But this case is not over.”
Castaneda wants to see the Willliams case cleared by an arrest, but he knows that will take some help from the public.
A summerlike wind parted the clouds and allowed the sun to shine Tuesday as the city of Grambling dedicated the street leading into Lincoln Preparatory School as Dr. Birdex Copeland, Jr., Drive.
Copeland, who died in 2020 at the age of 76, retired from Grambling State University, where he served as professor, head of the Department of Sociology and dean of the School of Social Work.
He also was a member of Grambling’s City Council and played a key role in founding Lincoln Preparatory School after the old Grambling Laboratory School was ordered to be closed as part of a decades long desegregation case that began in 1966 and was finally dismissed in 2016..
Dr. Copeland’s sister Mary Copeland James and brother Charles Copeland each briefly spoke during the ceremony following an introduction by Grambling Mayor Alvin Bradley.
But it was Dr. Copeland’s widow, Lolita Collins-Copeland, who made the same kind of impact with her words as her late husband was known for.
As she began, Lolita Copeland thanked Lincoln Prep Acting Executive Director and a group of older students and band members from the school for being on hand for the occasion.
“This ground we’re standing on today is holy ground,” Lolita Copeland said. “It’s a vision and a dream that came true. A promise that God allowed us to be here to see today. We’re very grateful. Thank you Mrs. Washington for carrying the torch. We know that the work might not always be easy for you, but keep pushing forward so that Lincoln Preparatory Charter School will continue to be a beacon of hope, and light, to this community.
“My husband was so committed in making sure that Grambling had a school for our youth, our young people — you see them here today — to be where they are continually educated. To prepare them for the future, to prepare them for this world so that they will be a reflection of us — African American people. Thank you, young people, for being here today. My husband is smiling on you.”
Lolita Copeland said the street isn’t only a roadway dedicated in her late husband’s honor
“It is a road, a street which leads to preparing our young people to being prepared and equipped for their promising futures,” she said. “We must — and I say this to all of us here today — we must invest in our young people. We must invest in them. We must meet them where they are.
“Yes, they are different than many of us that are older folk, and that’s OK. But we must be patient with them, and hear them, and embrace them, and love on them. Now, for those of you who knew my husband, he didn’t believe in tooting his own horn. He believed in rolling up his sleeves and putting in the work. It was always about this community.”
Lolita Copeland said that his love for the school which became known as Lincoln Preparatory School was based on his love for the community it serves.
“It was always about this community,” she said. “Birdex loved Grambling. He loved his students, he loved the future young people, and he loved Grambling State University. So, on behalf of our family, the Copeland family, we say thank you.
“We are so humbled by this acknowledgment and recognition of a life well lived. And we are grateful to you. For each and every one of you who have come to play a part in this day, whatever that part may have been, great or small, we humbly thank you and ask that God may continue to bless you and keep you”
Lincoln Preparatory School Board member Robert Wiley spoke of how Copeland became a driving force behind the school’s creation after the old Grambling Laboratory School was closed as part of a decades long desegregation case, fighting for a new school even during times it looked like that might not happen.
“When the charter school starter, (former CEO Gordan Ford) called me and asked me to come to Baton Rouge with him, Dr. Copeland and some people from GSU,” Wiley said. “We were trying to save the school, because really, the school — the old school — was going to be shut down. And we were trying to figure out how we could save Grambling schools.
“So, we went down and were interviewed by the Department of Education’s Charter School Committee. My role was supposed to be to talk about finances and how we were going to make it work — what kind of finances we were going to receive to make the charter school work. The education people were supposed to talk on the education side of it, and Dr. Copeland was to serve as the elder statesman along with us.”
Wiley said at first those talks were not going good.
“I had charts and graphs and was telling them about the finances, and the education people were talking about the education component,” Wiley said. “And the Board was like, Lincoln Parish has a good (school system), so why can’t those kids just go to the Lincoln Parish Schools? And we were trying to convince them that Grambling needed a school of its own.
“And that’s when Dr. Copeland stepped up and talked about the history of Grambling, and why we had a school here in the first place. And he went all the way back to the ’60s and brought them back to 2000. With his passion, and the way he expressed himself in talking to that group, after he got through talking we could tell that the whole atmosphere had changed. And they were ready to approve the charter school in that meeting after he got through talking.”
But Dr. Copeland’s vision and dream was more than simply a new school.
He was thinking bigger.
“The charter school got approved and Dr. Copeland became president of the Board and I worked as his vice president for many years and enjoyed every minute working with him,” Wiley said. “I learned so much from him about being a leader.
“Dr. Copeland looked at the big picture. He was always a visionary and would always say, ‘Let’s not get caught up in the weeds,’ because his goal was to have a successful school in Grambling. And we’d have all these weeds — naysayers — we’d have to go through asking why we named the school this and whatever. And he was always calm. He was always thoughtful and was always a great leader, and I can’t think of a better person for this street to be dedicated to, and I’m so happy we’ve done that.”
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.
Donna Colvin was this week’s winner of the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy, and she walked away with $150.
Congratulations, Donna!!
Now, are you ready for some football?!?
Bigger question. Are you ready to win $150 in cash … with the potential to make it $300 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).
The Lincoln Parish Journal is holding the 4th Annual Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy.
If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!
Anyone is eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $150 cash prize (maybe $300). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 15 selected college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with Week 1 games (August 30).
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $150 each week!
Week 1: Faith Moss
Week 2: Don Sutton
Week 3: Kim Shackelford
Week 4: Lisa Wright
Week 5: Russ Thompson
Week 6: Steve Grafton
Week 7: Mechelle Brown
Week 8: Steve Pate
Week 9: Jacqueline Sampson
Week 10: Johnny Maxwell
Week 11: Doug Strickel
Week 12: Donna Colvin
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
A shooting Monday evening wounded a Ruston man, according to police.
Ruston Police Lt. Kayla Loyd said dispatchers received a call of a gunshot victim at the 500 block of East Colorado Avenue at about 9:40 p.m. on November 17.
When officers arrived, they located the victim, Christopher Jackson, 22, of Ruston, with a gunshot wound to his leg. Jackson was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Loyd said.
As of Tuesday afternoon, no suspects had been identified.
“The Ruston Police Department remains committed to thoroughly investigating this incident and ensuring the safety of our community,” Loyd said.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information is encouraged to call the Ruston Police Department Investigations Division at 318-255-4141.
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.
