Courtesy of GSU Athletics
Due to impacts of Winter Storm Fern, Grambling State Athletics has rescheduled its home men’s basketball game versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff to Wednesday, Feb.4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
GSU was initially set to face UAPB this past Monday night, but the game was postponed due to the impacts of the winter storm.
Ronald “Ronny” Gene Posey, Sr.
February 19, 1955 – January 23, 2026
Visitation: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Thursday, January 29, 2026, 10:00 AM, Alabama Presbyterian Church, 2091 LA-145, Choudrant
Cemetery Committal: Thursday, January 29, 2026, 11:00 AM, Sibley Cemetery, 1515 East Sibley Road, Choudrant
Donald Eugene Shankles
October 21, 1932 – January 21, 2026
Visitation: Friday, January 30, 2026, 1:00PM – 2:30PM, Grace Methodist Church, 3401 N. Trenton St, Ruston
Service: Friday, January 30, 2026, 2:30PM, Grace Methodist Church, 3401 N. Trenton St, Ruston
Final Resting Place: Sharon Cemetery, 2769 Hwy 152, Dubach
Shirley Ann Curry
Monday 01/23/1961 — Tuesday 01/20/2026
Family Gathering: Friday 01/30/2026 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Visitation: Saturday 01/31/2026 9:00am, Stonewall Baptist Church, 807 Eatman Street, Bossier City
Celebration of Life: Saturday 01/31/2026 11:00am, Stonewall Baptist Church, 807 Eatman Street, Bossier City
Interment: Saturday 01/31/2026 Following Service, Forest Park Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Ave, Shreveport
Craig Abney
Wednesday 09/04/1963 — Friday 01/23/2026
Visitation: Thursday 01/29/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Friday 01/30/2026 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home
Private Burial
Terry Gayle Plamondon
April 30, 1943 – January 21, 2026
Funeral Service: Thursday, January 29, 2026, 2:00 PM, Salem Church of Dubach, 2769 LA-152, Dubach
Howard T. Bell
Tuesday 05/30/1944 — Sunday 01/18/2026
Visitation: Friday 01/30/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Celebration of Life: Saturday 01/31/2026 11:00am, Shiloh Baptist Church, Bienville
Interment: Saturday 01/31/2026 Following Service, Collier Cemetery, New Hope Rd., Chatham
by Malcolm Butler
As the sun came up this morning, local and state authorities faced an uphill battle … literally.
Due to a stretch of hilly and icy road around the Bienville Parish line, traffic has been back up close to 40 miles with some motorists stranded for what is going on 20 to 24 hours.
Sargeant Ryan Davis with the Louisiana State Police said they are addressing this issue from the Bienville Parish-Lincoln Parish line to the Ouachita Parish-Lincoln Parish line. He spoke to the origin of the issue.
“Some of those hills (along that stretch of I-20) are still really well shaded and have accumulated a lot of ice,” said Davis. “So the (18 wheelers) are loosing traction and they are becoming stuck. The majority of vehicles on the roadways are (18 wheelers) so it has created a bottleneck.
“We have been experiencing this from the onset of this storm. It happens every time in those same areas. Geographically with the frigid weather, the precipitation, the accumulation, and the inability for those stretches of road to thaw … that’s what creates these issues.”
Davis said that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development have done some things over the past three days to try to limit the issues.
“The DOTD has salted the roads and sanded the roads,” said Davis. “They have graded the roads. Yesterday we had some melting from the sun. Of course it refroze and has created the issues all over again. Those are the issues we are facing.”
Davis said the state police and national guard have been working on the current problem since Monday, but that it’s a slow process.
“We are running double shifts,” said Davis. “The State Police is. The National Guard is out with their heavy recovery gear. We have every large wrecker in the area out here. It takes a special type of wrecker to pull those big (18 wheelers) due to their weight and the way they slide. Only the large wreckers can do it. Unfortunately, we only have about six to eight of those in this area.
“The way they have to hook up due to pulling those trucks that sometimes weigh 80,000 pounds, it takes a while. They have to put straps and hooks and safety cables just to be able for them to operate safely.”
Davis said they have been working around the clock, but that there is no way to expedite the process.
“We are only able to operate from the front of the pack,” said Davis. “So we will pull some 18 wheelers, we will get a little movement, and then the next set of 18 wheelers hit the same area and get stuck as well.
“It’s figuratively and literally an uphill battle. It’s an elephant we can only eat one bite at a time.”
Davis said the DOTD has road graders out that are attempting to get the larger accumulation off the roadway, but with traffic backed up they are limited to smaller sections.
The State Police, National Guard, and local authorities have been using side by sides to try to deliver water, snacks and in some cases when needed gasoline to stranded motorists.
“We have all hands on deck this morning,” said Lincoln Parish Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Kip Franklin. “We are trying to get water and (food) to people stuck on I-20 westbound. It’s shut down completely from one side of Lincoln (Parish) to the other and into Ouachita (Parish) and into Bienville (Parish).
“We are trying to get MRE’s and water delivered to these people stuck out here. We are using side-by-sides to go down the interstate and get this in the hands of the people who need it.”
Lincoln Parish Deputy Sheriff Landon Hunt said they are also delivering gas to vehicles when needed but that it’s a slow process.
Ruston mayor Ronny Walker was out this morning helping pass out supplies to motorists. He said he had called Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
“These people are so appreciative out here,” said Walker.
Davis said there have been some medical issues with stranded motorists as well.
“We had a lady earlier with some diabetic concerns so we had a trooper pick her up and bring her to Wal-Mart to get her what she needed,” said Davis. “We are doing the best we can, but it’s a challenge unfortunately.”
Davis said the hope is with temperatures getting above 40 degrees today and the sun out again, that melting will help.
“I would presume there is hope that will help,” said Davis. “That doesn’t mean we want people coming out on the roads. We are having to utilize US Hwy 80. We are even having to bring wreckers down the opposite way eastbound on the interstate to get them where they need to be.”
by Wesley Harris
The Lincoln Parish Police Jury is using road graders and other equipment to remove the remnants of the weekend’s ice storm from state and parish roadways.
Glenn Scriber, president of the Police Jury, said Monday afternoon that the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (DOTD) had approved the Police Jury to clear state highways. Generally, DOTD maintains state highways while the Police Jury cares for parish roads.
“We couldn’t sit back and do nothing,” Scriber said of the Police Jury. Although the parish performed limited ice removal from roadways after a 2021 ice storm, this is a much larger effort, he said.
“We talked to DOTD about what we could do to help in clearing our major highways,” Scriber said. “DOTD is concentrating on Interstate 20 so we asked if we could work on our most traveled state highways—33, 167, and 80—with their permission.”
“We first selected highways that would benefit the most people,” Scriber said, noting that most of the highways worked Monday led into Ruston.
“We have our parish workers out as well as contractors we have engaged to help us,” Scriber said. Contractors were directed to the Dubach area and Burgessville, Rough Edge, and Frazier Roads north of Ruston. More work on parish roads will continue Tuesday when conditions will be much more treacherous due to refreezing of slush and melted ice Monday night.
“Our crews and contractors are doing a very good job,” Scriber said. “The more ice we can remove, the sooner the remnants will melt and clear the roads.”
Scriber said Police Jury workers also cleared areas around the Northern Louisiana Medical Center, including the emergency room to aid ambulances and employee parking lots, and a nearby dialysis center.
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker expressed appreciation to the Police Jury for help clearing roadways inside the city.
“I think this is the worst ice we’ve experienced while I’ve been mayor,” Walker said, “but we did not have the power outages we saw in past storms.”
Walker attributed some of the success in reducing power failures to the City’s aggressive tree-trimming program. “We’re appreciative of the City Council allowing us to be able to be proactive in preparing for these situations.”
The mayor praised all city departments that have worked tirelessly during the storm and its aftereffects.
“Our crews have done incredible work,” Walker said. “Our police, fire, public works, have been excellent in taking care of our citizens.”
Walker said street crews and utility crews were keep in town through the weekend. “Some workers live out in the parish but we wanted everyone close, so our crews slept at the office or in hotel rooms so they would be immediately available when needed.”
Walker said contract crews were also brought in for the weekend just to deal with downed trees across roads and power lines.
The bitter cold hampered some efforts to restore power. “A motorist hit a power pole on Maple Street Saturday,” Walker said. “What should have been a two-hour job to restore power took five hours because the hydraulics in the bucket trucks froze up due to the cold.”
Other outages Saturday and Sunday were each cleared up within two-three hours.
The mayor said some Ruston businesses experienced damage from the weight of ice on buildings.
“We lost some awnings and portable buildings but no damage to city property,” he said.
Walker expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation and patience during difficult circumstances. He also cited some individuals for special recognition.
“My wife cooked all weekend for linemen and police officers,” he said. “Moose Garriga of Log Cabin, Heath Hightower of Sundown Tavern, and Super 1 Foods were great in helping us out with food for our city workers and contract crews. We’re very fortunate to have such great people in Ruston.”
Walker added, “We need to remember those in areas still without power.” He explained Ouachita Parish still has tens of thousands without power as well as a serious problem with water distribution.
Both Walker and Scriber urged motorists to stay off the roads Tuesday.
Walker said a crash in Bienville Parish had Interstate 20 backed up from west of Arcadia to nearly the Ouachita Parish line as of Monday evening and unnecessary travel compounded the problem. He expects roads Tuesday to be hazardous.
“I encourage everyone to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary,” Scriber said. “The roads are still very hazardous and we want our first responders to be safe by keeping the traffic volume as low as possible.”
* * *
Lincoln Parish schools, parish offices, and City of Ruston offices will be closed Tuesday, January 27. Louisiana Tech will be closed through Wednesday.
Garbage trucks will not run Tuesday. The City will evaluate conditions and once a determination for garbage routes is made, an updated pickup schedule will be provided.
Need to report a problem in Ruston? Call the City’s 24/7 Operations Desk at 318-255-1316.
by Malcolm Butler
Mother Nature … one. I-20 … zero.
She wins.
As the area continues to try to thaw out from the winter storm that dumped in excess of four to five inches of wintry precipitation — sleet, snow, freezing rain — during a 30-hour window in Lincoln Parish, traffic issues have been one of the main challenges.
While the local roads around Ruston and in the rural areas of Lincoln Parish have been problematic — especially for those without a vehicle equipped to handle such adversity — Interstate 20 has been arguably the biggest issue.
Long delays have been the norm on I-20 from Shreveport to east of Monroe with some stoppages lasting more than 15 hours.
The main culprit has been 18-wheelers although the issue is not immune to other vehicles as well.
Late Monday afternoon, another one of these jams began around Gibsland as 18-wheelers struggled to get up some of the more hilly stretches of the interstate.
And as of 9 p.m. Monday night, the traffic was at a standstill from Gibsland all the way to the Ouachita Parish line … a stretch of around 40 miles.
“The state is handling most of the issues on I-20,” said Lincoln Parish Deputy Sheriff Landon Hunt last night. “We have loaned them some side by sides which allows them to get in and out of those 18 wheelers and figure out where the problems are.
“They can also pass out some food and water while they are out there.”
Hunt said the issue has to do with traction.
“It’s mostly 18 wheelers,” said Hunt. “They can’t get traction going up those hills. They just get stuck. Usually one lane will be descent and so another one will try to come around them and they get stuck. And now you have the entire road blocked.
“It’s hard to get the wreckers to them. It takes a long time to get to them and then once you do get them out, a little while later the same thing will happen again.”
The stretch of I-20 through Lincoln Parish had very little issue Monday after crews worked all through Sunday night using road scrapers to help clear much of the ice. However, not every parish has done the same thing, thus causing many of these issues.
“Lincoln Parish ran graters and salt all night (Sunday night),” said Hunt. “Those guys did a great job. It’s why everything was in so much better shape here.”
Staff Reports
Louisiana Tech University made the decision Monday afternoon to extend its campus closure through Wednesday as roads were slow to thaw following the winter storm that blanketed the south over the weekend.
The University sent out a message to all faculty and staff through its website and social media channels announcing that Wednesday classes were also canceled. Tech had made the decision last Friday that Monday and Tuesday would be canceled.
“Our area continues to be under an extreme cold warning with significant ice accumulation on the roadways. To ensure a safe return to campus for our students, faculty, and staff, Louisiana Tech University will remain closed through Wednesday, Jan. 28. Tuesday’s temperatures will allow for some roadway melt but below-freezing temperatures overnight will likely result in iced roads. Visit ert.latech.edu to view full message with information about services available during closure.”
Grambling State, which also closed campus through today, has not announced its plans for later in the week.
Officials at Lincoln Parish Schools, Cedar Creek School, and Lincoln Preparatory School also said that they will make announcements sometime today on their plans for Wednesday. Those schools were all originally closed through end of today.
NOTE: This is a partial list of Lincoln Parish businesses and entities that are closed Tuesday (per their communicating to us). If you have an addition to this list, please email LPJNewsLA@gmail.com (include BUSINESS CLOSURE in the subject line and include if you know your business will also be closed Wednesday. We will update this list periodically throughout the day.
We encourage anyone who doesn’t see a business listed on this to call or check their Facebook page before you try to go to said business … it still may be closed and just not on this list.
Courtesy of GSU Communications
For Austin Small-Jones, a rising junior majoring in elementary education, the journey to Washington, D.C., began in a classroom—with a teacher who believed before he did.
“I could not understand why she cared more about my life than I did,” Austin said. “I kept asking, why does this person believe in me when I don’t even believe in myself?”
That teacher was Ms. Sherika Clay, his high school JAG specialist. Through consistent presence and coaching, she helped Austin find his voice. “She didn’t just say she believed in me,” he said. “She showed up. She put work behind it. And that gave me the fire to care about my future.”
That belief carried Austin through Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG)—and all the way to its highest student office. What began as participation in the program in high school grew into leadership at every level: Austin rose to State President of JAG Louisiana, then National President-Elect, and ultimately National President. In that role, he became the first male and the first Louisianan to lead the organization, representing nearly 90,000 students across 37 states and two U.S. territories.
“JAG is the vehicle,” Austin said. “It helps students get to their destination—but you have to be willing to open the door and get in.”
That leadership—and the relationships it cultivated—opened doors on Capitol Hill. While in Washington, D.C., for a national JAG conference, Austin’s conversations with policymakers and committee staff quickly turned into interviews and an offer to intern with Speaker Mike Johnson.
“It happened really fast,” Austin said. “I didn’t even leave D.C. before someone emailed me asking to meet. Not even a day after my interview, they called and said, you got it—when can you start?”
Austin credits Grambling State University with preparing him to recognize—and seize—that moment. “Grambling State helped ground me in who I am,” he said. “It’s an environment where you learn how to navigate different rooms while staying rooted in yourself. That matters when you’re stepping into spaces like Capitol Hill.”
A proud member of Grambling State’s Call Me MiSTER Program, Austin says the university sharpened both his purpose and his readiness. “Being at an HBCU gave me confidence,” he said. “It helped me build my voice, my professionalism, and my sense of responsibility—not just to succeed for myself, but to represent something bigger.”
That preparation is evident as Austin balances coursework online while interning in Washington. “My professors, my department, and the administration worked with me to make sure I could stay on track,” he said. “That kind of support lets you focus on the opportunity without losing momentum.”
During the internship, Austin will assist with drafting federal legislation, preparing hearings and testimonies, giving Capitol tours, and observing how bills move from committee to the House floor.
“I’ve always been passionate about what happens in the classroom,” he explained, “but also about how federal policy affects what happens in the classroom. Now I get to see the full process. That changes how you think as an educator.”
That insight will directly inform his future classroom practice. “When my students ask why systems exist—or don’t—I’ll be able to explain it,” Austin said. “And I’ll be able to show them how they can be part of changing it.”
A first-generation college student, Austin’s commitment to education is grounded in lived experience and trauma-informed mentorship. “If I can do for even one student what Ms. Clay did for me,” he said, “then I’ve done my good in the world.”
He will serve in Washington through May 15 and has already been offered the opportunity to continue as a staff assistant—an early step in a career he hopes will one day influence education systems at scale.
“I tell people all the time,” he said. “There are so many Austins out there. They’re just waiting on someone to believe in them and give them an opportunity.”
A Grambling woman was arrested last Wednesday after she was allegedly involved in a hit and run crash on East Georgia Avenue in Ruston.
Jasmyne Wright, 27, was arrested after Ruston Police investigated the accident and located her nearby.
At about 10:30 a.m. Jan. 21, Ruston Police responded to the 900 block of East Georgia Avenue (U.S. 80) regarding a hit and run. The victim told police he was driving east on George Avenue when the driver of a black Nissan Altima sideswiped him while driving at a high rate speed.
The victim said he saw the vehicle continue east. An officer searching for the suspect vehicle saw a commotion in the parking lot of a restaurant in the 1000 block of East Georgia. He approached the driver of the suspect vehicle and got her out and was attempting to apply handcuffs when she pulled away and kicked the restaurant manager in the stomach. The officer then controlled the suspect and placed her in handcuffs.
Wright was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for hit and run driving and resisting an officer.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a man last Tuesday after he was allegedly spotted on a homeowner’s surveillance video stealing her all-terrain vehicle.
Brice Anthony Braxton, 44, of Houston, Texas, was arrested for theft of a motor vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia Tuesday after he was spotted on foot on U. S. 167 in Dubach.
The victim said she saw the theft via video as her “side-by-side” ATV was taken by a man. Patrol deputies in the area saw Braxton walking through a parking lot asking for a ride to Ruston. Braxton said he knew nothing about the theft but a frisk located a glass smoking pipe commonly used to consume drugs was found on him.
A review of the video by deputies showed Braxton was wearing the same clothing as the thief. Braxton was arrested for theft of a vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
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, Jan. 28
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, Jan. 29
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)
6:30 p.m.: Lady Techsters basketball
Friday, Jan. 30
6-9 p.m.: St. Jude Red Carnation Ball (Ruston Civic Center)
Saturday, Jan. 31
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
2 p.m.: Lady Techsters basketball
Monday, Feb. 2
Groundhog Day
10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Party Fowl (102 N. Homer St.)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
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, Feb. 3
10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting Cenla Christian Childcare Center of Ruston (1004 Center St.)
Noon: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (Choudrant Elementary School)
Wednesday, Feb 4.
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 basketball
Thursday, Feb. 5
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)
6:30 p.m.: GSU women’s basketball
Saturday, Feb. 7
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
2 p.m.: GSU women’s basketball
2 p.m.: LA Tech basketball
4 p.m.: GSU men’s basketball
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Head football coach Sonny Cumbie announced the hiring of Dexter McCoil Sr., who will coach safeties for the Bulldogs in 2026.
McCoil, a Louisiana native, comes to Ruston after a three-year stint at Texas State in San Marcos, Texas, including the past two seasons as defensive coordinator. He was promoted to the coordinator role after serving as the Bobcats’ safeties coach in 2023.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Dex to our staff,” stated Cumbie. “A Louisiana native with success at the highest level as a player, he will have a significant impact on our players and staff through his ability to teach, lead and connect.”
In his first season as defensive coordinator, the Bobcats finished 8-5 overall and 5-3 in Sun Belt play, capped by a win over North Texas in the SERVPRO First Responders Bowl. Defensive end Steven Parker and cornerback Jordan Polk earned All-Sun Belt Conference honorable mention honors, as McCoil’s defense held three opponents under 10 points.
Texas State allowed 24.54 points per game and 358.9 yards per contest. The Bobcats recorded 97 tackles for loss, 36 sacks and nine interceptions. The defense finished first in tackles for loss and eighth in sacks in the Sun Belt.
The 2025 season saw McCoil produce three All-SBC selections, highlighted by linebacker Treylin Payne who earned Second Team All-SBC after leading the Bobcats with 107 tackles. TXST collected 96.0 tackles for loss, 27.0 sacks and nine interceptions. Payne registered the 5th most tackles in the SBC in 2025 including a career-high 24 against Marshall, good for the TXST single-game record and 2nd overall in Sun Belt history.
In his first season at Texas State in 2023, McCoil helped develop a group of safeties who were in their first season with the Bobcats and at the FBS level after team captain Tory Spears went down with an injury early in the season.
Holton and Culp, who were both starters that transferred in from UIW, wreaked havoc in the secondary. Holton was tied for third in the country in forced fumbles while Culp was first in fumbles recovered. Both helped the Bobcats finish 26th in the nation in turnovers gained. Holton and Culp were also second and third on the team, respectively, in tackles.
McCoil joined the Bobcats after coaching at Incarnate Word in 2022 with Texas State head coach GJ Kinne. As the safeties coach and NFL/CFL liaison for the Cardinals, he helped the program win a Southland Conference championship and reach the FCS Playoff semifinals for the first time in program history. He also tutored Culp to all-conference honors after he was second on the team in tackles and forced two fumbles.
With high-level playing experience in college and in the pros, McCoil began his coaching career at the high school level in his home state of Louisiana. He started out as the defensive backs coach at his alma mater, Lutcher High School in 2018. In 2020 and 2021, he was the defensive backs coach at East Ascension High School (LA) and helped three of the four starting cornerbacks earn all-district honors.
McCoil played professional football for nine years, including three years in the NFL and four years in the CFL. In 2014, he was named the CFL Rookie of the Year and helped the Edmonton Eskimos win the 2015 Grey Cup. In the NFL, he played for the San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers.
His professional playing career followed an award-ridden career at Tulsa, where he was teammates with Kinne and set the program and Conference USA career interception record. He was a CUSA Second Team honoree, Freshman All-America Honorable Mention selection, and the 2011 Armed Forces Bowl Defensive MVP.
In his four seasons at Tulsa, he finished with a total of 315 tackles, 18 Interceptions, 43 passes break ups, and one forced fumble.
At Lutcher High School as a student, McCoil helped the school win two state championships. He helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2008 3A State Championship. McCoil was named the District MVP following his senior season and while earning honorable mention all-state honors. McCoil also earned all-district, all-metro and all-River Parish honors following both his junior and senior seasons of high school.
Terry Gayle Plamondon was born in Hayward, California, on April 30, 1943, and passed away peacefully from this life surrounded by family and close friends on January 21, 2026, in Monroe, Louisiana. He was 82.
Terry was a man of many talents who loved a good conversation, a good laugh, and a good meal. He had a wide variety of passions from creating exquisite culinary dishes and beautiful abstract paintings to learning about other cultures while traveling the world. He was a writer and a ferocious reader, knowledgeable in many subjects and always up to date on current events. He loved his evening fire outside and sitting on the front porch surrounded by his many fur babies that came into his life. He was a gentle spirit who in his early years wandered the country learning different types of regional cuisine and making friends along the way, but spent his last years living in Ruston, Louisiana, with his wife, Carol. Although he lived a full life, his love for Jesus was most important and he was not afraid to share his faith with others.
Terry graduated from the University of Hawaii receiving both an undergraduate degree in Psychology and master’s degree in English Literature.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol Burkhalter Plamondon; parents, John and Wanda Trout Plamondon.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his sister, Toni Ogle; his cousin, Gary (Debra) Baxter; his son, Jean-Paul Plamondon and daughter, Katharine Plamondon; Carol’s children, Maggie (Bruce) Blau, Larkin (Dean) Norton, Wes Hudson and seven grandchildren; and close friend, Kim Birch.
Pallbearers will be Jean-Paul Plamondon, Steve Smith, Frank Cordaro, Dean Norton, Wes Hudson, and Harold Parker. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Hart and Gerry Click.
Visitation will be held at his beloved church, Salem Church of Dubach, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, starting at 1:00 pm followed by the service at 2:00 pm. A private family graveside service will be held afterward at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ruston.
Ronald Gene Posey, age 70 of Choudrant, LA passed away Friday, January 23, 2026 after a long battle with MS and Polio complications. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Alabama Presbyterian Church near Choudrant with Rev. Jeremy Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Sibley Cemetery in Choudrant under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.
Ronny was known for his love of fishing and hunting, and was so good at it, he was often compared to local celebrity hunters and fishermen in family conversations giving him the nickname of ‘Ronny Dance’. He enjoyed life to its fullest despite the many physical challenges he endured his entire life. Laura’s strongest memory of her dad was how strong he was. He was known for his wit and sense of humor, big smile and his ability to make people feel welcomed and loved. He also had a love for fast cars and enjoyed dirt track racing by helping his son, Gene, and pit crew with their race car. His favorite sports teams were the Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs. Ronny loved his daughter and granddaughters and could be seen frequently at the softball field watching Kylie and the younger girls learning to play.
Ronny worked at Ruston Lumber and Supply while gaining a draftsman degree. He then worked at DCP Midstream until he retired in 2010. He then joined his brother Jeff at Choudrant Mini Mart to stay engaged with the community.
Ronny is preceded in death by his father, Gene Harvey Posey, and grandparents Melvin and Lucille Holstead, Jack and Mattie Posey, and granddaughter Mattie Jean Posey.
Ronny is survived by his wife of 44 years, Peggy Younse Posey, of Choudrant, his mother Juanita Holstead Posey, his children Laura Lynn Posey (husband Ben Willis); Ronald Gene Posey, Jr. (wife Robin); grandchildren: Blakelyn Posey, Ronni Faith Posey, Kylie Willis and Kollyns Grace Willis. He is also survived by sister Deborah Posey Chandler (husband Mark); and brother Jeffrey Thurman Posey (wife Beverly).
Ronny is now walking the streets of heaven pain-free.
Serving as pallbearers will be: Don Newell, Jerry Silmon, Schuyler League, Heath Posey, Brandon Chandler, Will Gay and Bobby Joe Milner. Honorary pallbearer will be Cody Chandler, who will be playing the piano for the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to MedCamps.
Donald Eugene Shankles
October 21, 1932 – January 21, 2026
Visitation: Friday, January 30, 2026, 1:00PM – 2:30PM, Grace Methodist Church, 3401 N. Trenton St, Ruston
Service: Friday, January 30, 2026, 2:30PM, Grace Methodist Church, 3401 N. Trenton St, Ruston
Final Resting Place: Sharon Cemetery, 2769 Hwy 152, Dubach
Shirley Ann Curry
Monday 01/23/1961 — Tuesday 01/20/2026
Family Gathering: Friday 01/30/2026 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Visitation: Saturday 01/31/2026 9:00am, Stonewall Baptist Church, 807 Eatman Street, Bossier City
Celebration of Life: Saturday 01/31/2026 11:00am, Stonewall Baptist Church, 807 Eatman Street, Bossier City
Interment: Saturday 01/31/2026 Following Service, Forest Park Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Ave, Shreveport
Craig Abney
Wednesday 09/04/1963 — Friday 01/23/2026
Visitation: Thursday 01/29/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Friday 01/30/2026 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home
Private Burial
Terry Gayle Plamondon
April 30, 1943 – January 21, 2026
Visitation: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Salem Church of Dubach, 2769 LA-152, Dubach
Funeral Service: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 2:00 PM, Salem Church of Dubach, 2769 LA-152, Dubach
Howard T. Bell
Tuesday 05/30/1944 — Sunday 01/18/2026
Visitation: Friday 01/30/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Celebration of Life: Saturday 01/31/2026 11:00am, Shiloh Baptist Church, Bienville
Interment: Saturday 01/31/2026 Following Service, Collier Cemetery, New Hope Rd., Chatham
by Wesley Harris
The precipitation may have passed out of the area, but its effects will linger for several days, according to local public safety officials.
Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Landon Hunt said he does not anticipate icy roads being any better Monday. “In fact, after Sunday night’s hard freeze, roadways will be in worse shape Monday morning than they were Sunday afternoon,” he said.
“We responded to many car crashes and stuck vehicles through the weekend, but I expect the roads Monday morning to be the worst we’ve faced so far,” Hunt said.
Sunday evening Hunt said, “Our office has answered 142 calls for service since midnight Friday, including stalled vehicles, traffic crashes, medical assists, and other weather-related incidents.”
Hunt said the sheriff’s office had responded to numerous crashes, including motorists who unexpectedly came upon downed trees in the roadway that were difficult to see because of the heavy sleet falling Saturday. One patrol deputy even encountered a tree in a curve and had to skid to a stop.
No serious injuries were reported in the crashes, Hunt said.
“Even ambulances have had difficulty reaching emergency calls,” Hunt said. “When a carport laden with ice collapsed on a homeowner near Dubach, an off-duty medic and a patrol deputy were first to the scene and were able to affect a rescue and apply a tourniquet to stop bleeding.”
The victim was transported to Reeves Memorial Medical Center in Bernice for treatment and was later transferred to Shreveport for observation overnight, according to the man’s family.
Lieutenant Kayla Loyd, public information officer and investigator with the Ruston Police Department, said she worked an extra shift on the street Saturday night.
“The stuck and stalled vehicles on Interstate 20 and throughout the city kept us busy,” said Loyd.
Fortunately, the city has seen minimal power outages. Two power failures Saturday were due to motorists skidding off the roadway and taking out utility poles. Another outage Sunday was blamed on a tree down on a power line.
Only about 600 customers have experienced power outages in Lincoln Parish, with thousands of customers experiencing disruptions in nearby parishes.
Police Chief Eric Watson said he worked the entire weekend in support of his officers, citing 18-wheelers with drivers unfamiliar with icy roads as one of RPD’s biggest headaches.
“They cannot understand why their trucks can’t be driven on ice,” said Watson. “I-20 was moving off and on. We had to shut it down two or three times today for a couple hours each time.”
Hunt said the sheriff’s office ran more than double its usual Sunday night shift and stayed busy with calls and helping medical personnel get to and from work as road conditions worsened.
What little thawing or break up of the ice occurred Sunday refroze during the night, making for extremely hazardous conditions Monday morning.
“All parish roads are in horrible shape, with three to four inches of ice on them,” Hunt said. “State highways are in slightly better shape just because of the volume of traffic, but that changed when falling temperatures refroze the roadways.”
“We’re prepared for Monday and here to help, but we ask that everyone stay off the road unless it’s an emergency,” Hunt said. “This is essential for everyone’s safety, the public, as well as our first responders and utility crews.”
“The refreeze is going to make it especially bad,” said Watson. “Our people in the city need to stay off the street. Most places are closed and people are just out driving around and we have to assist in clearing the roads.”
by Wesley Harris
Just as the Lincoln Parish Journal was preparing to run a profile on the homicide of Nicholas Green as part of an ongoing series on local unsolved cases, Ruston Police made an arrest in the Louisiana Tech student’s 2016 shooting death.
Brandi Raney Franklin, 29, of Opelousas, was arrested January 22 by RPD with assistance from the Opelousas Police Department. She is being held at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for negligent homicide, obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $602,250.
Nicholas ‘Nkiko’ Green was killed on New Year’s Eve 2016 at his home on East Texas Avenue in Ruston, just a block from the parish courthouse. A Louisiana Tech student from Elton near Jennings, Green was expected to graduate in 2017. The case remained unsolved for nine years until a fresh look by RPD led to an arrest.
Green lived in one of the three apartments in a white frame building at 105 East Texas. The area is normally free of violence. And Louisiana Tech students are rarely victims of violent crime.
Sam Bourland, Nikko’s neighbor at the time, believed he heard fireworks, but was met with police cars and ambulances when he stepped outside. The chaos he saw marked the beginning of a long and unresolved case.
Lieutenant Kayla Loyd of the Ruston Police Department said at about 9:10 p.m. on December 31, 2016, officers were dispatched to the East Texas apartment regarding a report of a home invasion with an occupant shot.
When officers arrived, they found Green and three other occupants who were inside of the residence when the shooting occurred. Franklin, Green’s girlfriend, said two men broke in the front door and then the bedroom door and attempted to rob them.
“At the time of the shooting, Franklin informed officers one of the men broke into the bedroom and a fight occurred,” Loyd said, “and Green was shot.”
Franklin told police that night that during the fight, the offender dropped his gun at which point she picked it up and chased the two men out of the house.
None of the investigators who worked the case in 2016 remain in RPD’s Criminal Investigation Division. Loyd began working the case recently after her transfer to the investigative unit.
Franklin was located in Opelousas Thursday and taken into custody on two RPD warrants for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was questioned at the Opelousas Police Department.
Loyd said Franklin confessed to her role in the shooting at that time. Once booked at the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, Franklin was transferred to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. Additional charges of negligent homicide and obstruction of justice were then added after arrest warrants were obtained on those charges.
Details of how the shooting actually occurred have not been released at this time.
Green relative Sadie Ackless Avery released a statement on behalf of the family: “There are no words to fully describe the emotions we are feeling right now. Relief. Pain. Anger. Gratitude. All at once.”
“Justice does not bring Nicholas back, but today reminds us that God never stopped working, even when it felt like He was silent. God is faithful.”
Loyd expressed appreciation for the Opelousas Police Department for the use of their personnel and facilities during the investigation.
Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 318-255-1111 or Lt. Loyd at Ruston Police at 318-255-4141.
by Wesley Harris
At least two of the power outages in Ruston Saturday were due to motorists losing control of their vehicles and striking utility poles. Is it worth it to get out on the roads in such conditions?
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Kudos to city officials for draining the Railroad Park fountain before the ice storm hit. After losing the original 1890s fountain to a hard freeze several years ago, protecting the exact replica fountain installed last year was a priority in storm preparation.
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Don’t hesitate to visit one of our many restaurants once conditions permit. A closure of two or three days can be devastating to a small business and to the employees who rely on those jobs and your tips.
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Saw more grown men than kids out playing on the snow and ice Sunday afternoon. No interest in the playoff games apparently.
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The numerous text alerts and social media messages from Ruston and Lincoln Parish officials went a long way in keeping the public informed about road conditions and power outages. Thank you!
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When you see our police officers, utility and highway workers, firefighters, and deputy sheriffs, thank them for the hard work in difficult conditions over the past days. And it’s not over, yet.
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If you have a library card, you can check out e-books and audio books from the Lincoln Parish Library without leaving home. Go to: https://mylpl.org/digital-library/
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Lincoln Parish was very fortunate as far as maintaining power through the ice storm. About 600 customers lost power compared to about 6,000 in Jackson Parish and 49,000 in Ouachita. About 152,000 homes and businesses had lost power as of Sunday afternoon.
NOTE: This is a partial list of Lincoln Parish businesses and entities that are closed today (per their communicating to us). If you have an addition to this list, please email LPJNewsLA@gmail.com (include BUSINESS CLOSURE in the subject line and include if you know your business will also be closed Tuesday. We will update this list periodically throughout the day.
We encourage anyone who doesn’t see a business listed on this to call or check their Facebook page before you try to go to said business … it still may be closed and just not on this list.
Advanced Audiology & Hearing Aids
Allegiance Medical Clinic of Ruston
Allegiance Medical Clinic
Allegiance Medical Clinic Northside Family Practice
Angels Touch Massage
Art House, The
Bayou Kubota
Beau Vines
Bethel Daycare (and Tuesday)
Boys and Girls Club of North Louisiana (until schools reopen)
C Studio Salon
Cedar Creek School
Century Next Bank
Chase Bank
Choudrant Appliance
Christian Community Action
City of Ruston
Classic Designs
Coastal Care
Counter Culture
Courtesy Chevrolet GMC
Courtesy Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Due South Nutrition
Dr. Patrick Stuckey
DripBar, The
Durrett Law and Title
Edward Jones (Jeremy Hebert)
Elevate 768
Fanbase of Ruston
Fashion, The
Finishing Touches Flooring
Firm Foundation Pediatric Therapy
Five Below
Gibsland Bank and Trust
GNC
Goldie Boutique
Grambling State University
Green Clinic
Gregg Phillips State Farm
Hot Rod Bar-B-Q
Jesse Smith Shelter Insurance
Jim Taylor Ford
Joe’s Tire Service
Johnson Physical Therapy
Just Like You
Kiddie Kouture
LG Dance Studio
Lauren Roebuck Design
Lincoln Community Health Center
Lincoln Flooring
Lincoln Parish Courthouse
Lincoln Parish Health Unit
Lincoln Parish Schools
Lincoln Preparatory School
Log Cabin Grill
Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs
Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech Clinic
Louisiana National Bank
Louisiana Pain Clinic
Masterpiece Behavior Services
Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix, & Hixson
O’Neal’s Farm and Garden
Origin Bank locations
Pack and Mail Ruston
Peach Tree Dental
Polaris of Ruston
Ponchatoulas
Pure White Janitorial Services
Rocketfast Car Wash
Ruston Apothecare
Ruston Brick
Ruston Glass & Mirror
Ruston Wellness & Compounding
Sexton Animal Clinic
Simply Chic Boutique (and Tuesday)
Skip Russell State Farm
Smith Chiropractic Center
Southern AgCredit
SpeeDee Oil Change
Taylor Feed
TNT
Tommy’s Tees
Trenton Dental
Uptown Downtown
Village of Choudrant
Volentine’s Barbarshop (and Tuesday)
Willis Knighton Cardiology (& Tuesday)
Willis Knighton Family Medicine
Winnsboro State Bank
Below are some of the Lincoln Parish Journal photos from Saturday and Sunday’s icy conditions around the parish. We wish everyone a very safe Monday!
