Graveside services for Earnestine Hunt are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Thursday, February 26, 2025 in Salem Cemetery near Dubach with Bro. Gene Reeves officiating. Services are under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.
Earnestine was born February 14, 1940 in Homer to Earnest Moses Hunt and Dorothy Ione Murry Hunt and passed away February 23, 2026 at her home near Dubach. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Frank Singleton.
Earnestine loved to fish and watch her birds from her porch. She retired from New Arcadia Mart after years of having a daycare center in Arcadia. Every child she helped raise had a special place in her heart. They were her babies. Earnestine loved her grandkids and great grandchildren with all of her heart. Her little fur baby, Gyspy, was her baby girl.
Earnestine is survived by her daughter, Sheri Ladner (Ricky Peterson) of Bernice, LA; grandson Beau Ryan Caver of Broussard, LA, granddaughter April Caver Picou (Phillip) of Simsboro, LA and great-grandchildren Colton and Bella; nieces Tanya Franklin of Dubach, LA and Kym Hunt (Samantha and Shelbie Hunt). She is also survived by sisters in laws Linda Singleton Wade (Gary) of Dubach, LA and Peggy Singleton Byrd (Jack) of Minden, LA; brothers in laws Lavelle Singleton (Renee) of Hilly, LA, Jerry Singleton (Cindy) of Homer, LA and Tommy Singleton (Bonnie) of Ruston, LA.
A special thanks to Cheryl Ann Baxter for being such a good friend to her, and Linda “Liz” Wade for keeping her entertained riding her on the golf cart and loving her so much. These ladies were very special to Earnestine. Also, thank you to Tonya Franklin, we could not have done it without you constantly being by mama’s side and taking care of her. She loved you beyond measure.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston.
Allen Gene McClain, Jr. Monday 12/01/1952 — Sunday 02/15/2026
Brigitte Watson Fitzgerald March 25, 1956 – February 21, 2026 Visitation: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Memorial Service: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel
Rose May Cranford November 30, 1935 – February 20, 2026 Visitation: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Mineral Springs Baptist Church, 118 Pea Ridge Road, Dubach Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 10:00 AM, Mineral Springs Baptist Church, 118 Pea Ridge Road, Dubach
Katherine Dorena “Doe” Wilson Clark February 23, 1948 – February 15, 2026 Visitation: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Feazel Chapel at First Baptist Church West Monroe, 311 Mill St., West Monroe Celebration of Life: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 2:00 PM, Feazel Chapel at First Baptist Church West Monroe, 311 Mill St., West Monroe
Construction continues on the Cooktown Bridge which will include three roundabouts. (photo by Malcolm Butler)
by Malcolm Butler
As work continues on the construction of the new Cooktown Bridge, Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said he continues to field questions pertaining to the three roundabouts that will be part of the $40 million project.
Curiosity. Concern. Confusion.
Whatever the reason, the talk of roundabouts has people … well, talking.
The three roundabouts — circular, one-way intersections designed to improve traffic safety and flow by requiring vehicles to move counterclockwise around a central island — will be a first in Ruston, two on the north side of the bridge and one on the south.
According to national statistics and Walker, there will be numerous benefits, including safety.
“When the DOTD started talking about roundabouts, I started doing research on them,” said Walker. “They are much more efficient. They move traffic better. And if you have an accident on one of them, the average repair cost for a roundabout accident is much less then getting t-boned at an intersection. Everything is moving slower.
According to national statistics, roundabouts reduce fatal accidents by up to 90 percent and injury crashes by 75 percent compared to traditional intersections, due to slower speeds and fewer conflict points. Although the speed limit on Tech Drive is 35 miles per hour, with the recent additions of new businesses such as Starbucks, 7 Brew, and Dillas Quesadillas on the stretch south of Cooktown Bridge, accidents have become more common.
“The one roundabout (on the south side) will help with traffic,” said Walker. “The one issue that I have is the traffic that comes from Temple Baptist (Church) … we need a roundabout there. I’d rather the (DOTD) put two on the south side instead of the north side.”
However, the financial implications of putting the second on the south side is much higher then the north side, according to Walker.
Walker also said roundabouts are part of the wave of the future when it comes to transportation.
“One of the reason they are constructing roundabouts all over the country is one day we are going to have autonomous cars all of the country,” said Walker. “Autonomous cars work very well on roundabouts. They are not as efficient with red lights.”
So why two on the north side and just one on the south?
“It’s very simple,” said Walker. “It’s economics. The DOTD had X amount of dollars to spend and to be able to get the fourth roundabout … it would break the budget. We hope there is some movement where they could add a fourth one, but I just don’t know. We, as a city, have looked into doing a fourth one.”
The new bridge is being constructed just to the west of the existing one, which was built in the early 1960s. The DOTD has a four-year timeline to complete the project.
“The contractor (JB James) believes it will be shorter than four years,” said Walker. “And as fast as they are moving, I think they will beat that timeline.”
There has also been discussion about constructing a roundabout on Tech Drive just north of the Marbury Center that could be a grand entrance into Louisiana Tech.
Roundabout #1 (furthest north of I-20 and Cooktown Bridge) — will be utilized by motorists to access the frontage road going both east and west.
Roundabout #2 (just north of I-20 and Cooktown Bridge; just south of Roundabout #1) — will be utilized by motorists existing I-20 east as well as motorists entering I-20 west.
Roundabout #3 (just south of I-20 and Cooktown Bridge) — will be utilized by motorists exiting I-20 west and motorists entering I-20 west.
A map of what the new Cooktown Bridge and three roundabouts will look like once construction is complete on the project. Work on what will be the entrance onto the new frontage road west continues.
RUSTON, La. — It was a busy special session Monday afternoon as a new board member was unanimously approved to finish out a former board member’s term along with the timeline for the superintendent search process.
Patricia Mims-Brooks will now serve out the remainder of Lynda Henderson’s term in District 9 after a unanimous vote by all present board members.
“It’s been my life’s work to serve children,” Mims-Brooks said following the session. “I did it when I was in Dallas with the Urban League of Greater Dallas, and currently, I serve on Teach One, Lead One for Ruston High School students — teaching them how to be better people in the world.”
Mims-Brooks and her husband Troy own Brooks Insurance Brokers and help seniors navigate Medicare.
“I am very happy to have the pleasure of welcoming Patricia Mims-Brooks join this board,” LPSB President Gregg Phillips said after the meeting. “She brings with her both a business background as well as experience in working on a school board in Texas, among other passions she has with volunteering time working with students.
“I have great confidence in her filling Mrs. Lynda Henderson’s spot on this board as she serves this School Board representing District 9.”
Henderson resigned in this month’s session to finish out her husband Joe’s term on the Lincoln Parish Police Jury after his passing last month.
“I’m very excited for Ms. Brooks to join,” Dr. Danielle Williams of District 1 said. “First of all, the respect we have for Ms. Henderson as a board member — we wanted to honor her wishes when she presented Ms. Brooks to us as far as education experience and pass for students. It was a no-brainer.”
Following the vote, the remainder and large chunk of the session was devoted to the search process for the new superintendent following Ricky Durrett’s announcement that he will retire on June 30, 2026.
Attorney Jon Guice reviewed the state law regarding the search process, which requires an ad to be run three times in consecutive weeks. Guice’s recommendation including running an advertisement in the LPSB’s journal of record, The Ruston Daily Leader, on Sunday, March 8, first, followed by an advertisement in a larger paper such as the Shreveport Times or Monroe New-Star on Sunday, March 15, and then one final time in the RDL on Sunday March 22. The advertisement will also be run on the Louisiana School Board Association’s website, the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents & Administrators website and the Louisiana Department of Education website.
The application period will officially close on April 3, 2026, and all applications received will go to a new Post Office Box that cannot be opened until April 7. No new applicants will be considered following that date.
“The reason we send the applications to a post office box is to, number one, make sure nothing gets lost,” Guice said. “Number two, we’re all humans. If somebody at the front desk is taking applications, they may (leak out) that so-and-so applied for the job, and nobody else is going to want to apply. If they’re locked up in a Post Office box, you don’t know who’s applied. There’s no pressure on someone not to apply because somebody else has. So we send them all to that Post Office Box, we get them at one time, and we vet them at one time.
“This board will get a list of everybody that applies. You’ll also get a copy of the letter from the (third-party) school district where it says they have reviewed the people who are qualified and certified.”
All of the applicants will then be sent to a third-party school board to verify that the applicants have the proper certifications. Once they have been verified, the board will then choose which applicants will be interviewed at the April 9, 2026, session at Cypress Springs Elementary at 12 p.m.
The approved timeline would allow the board to make a hire at the end of April should it choose to allow some crossover time with Durrett before his official retirement.
Williams also proposed a town hall component during the timeline for the public to meet applicants, which will be set at the April board meeting along with a selection date.
The school board will meet again on Tuesday, March 3, at noon at Choudrant Elementary School.
RUSTON, La. — The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana will host its fourth annual pickleball tournament at Squire Creek Country Club on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The event brings together players of all skill levels for a day of friendly competition designed to raise crucial funds for the organization’s local youth development programs.
Registration opens Feb. 11 and runs through April 1. The entry fee is $30 per player, with a $15 fee for an additional division (men’s, women’s and mixed doubles).
“We are incredibly excited for our fourth annual tournament,” said Janet Wilson, Director of Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana. “This event is a fantastic way to bring our community together, have some fun and directly support our mission of enabling all young people to reach their full potential”
A Ruston man was arrested last week following a traffic stop for a license plate that did not match the vehicle.
Gabriel Aaron Brown, 24, was arrested Feb. 18 on outstanding warrants, traffic charges and possession of cocaine after he was stopped in south Ruston.
An officer on patrol spotted the Dodge Ram truck on Mills Avenue at about 4 a.m. The officer knew the license plate displayed did not match the vehicle.
Brown was stopped and asked about the plate. According to the officer’s report, Brown said the vehicle was given to him by a family member.
A records check showed Brown was wanted on three outstanding warrants. For failure to appear in Ruston City Court.
Brown was arrested and in a search of the vehicle, officers found two small bags of suspected cocaine. A check of the vehicle identification number the showed the license plate did not belong on the vehicle. Brown was unable to show current liability insurance on the vehicle.
Brown was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of cocaine, switched license plate, no liability insurance, and warrants for failure to appear in court on charges of speeding, failure to register vehicle, and no liability insurance.
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.
Two armed men in possession of drugs were arrested on the Grambling State University campus last week.
Armoni Kevontae Douglas, 19, of Monroe, and Donavin Newton 18, of Ruston, were arrested Feb. 18 after they were stopped by a campus police officer and both allegedly admitted they were carrying firearms.
A GSU officer spotted the two near Bethune Hall and saw they appeared to be smoking, which is against the university smoke-free campus policy
When they were stopped at about 7:30 p.m., they both admitted they were not students. When asked if they were armed, Newton said he had a weapon in his waistband while Douglas said his was in his backpack.
A Glock .45 pistol was taken from Newton’s waistband and an AR-15 style pistol from the backpack.
The backpack also included over 14 grams of marijuana packaged in separate plastic baggies and a digital scale.
Douglas was in possession of $1,542 in cash. A records check showed he was wanted by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office. The AR-15 pistol found in his backpack was confirmed to be stolen.
Newton was booked at Lincoln Parish Detention Center for illegal carrying of a weapon and possession of a firearm in a firearm free-school zone.
Douglas was booked for illegal carrying of a weapon, possession of a firearm in a firearm free-school zone, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also booked on Lincoln Parish warrants for illegal possession of stolen things, possession of a controlled substance within intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance in the presence of a person under 17, 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 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Caroline James scores two of her 11 points in the Lady Cougars 58-8 win over Opelousas Catholic Monday. (photo by Darrell James)
by Malcolm Butler
Easy.
No other way to put it.
Cedar Creek had little trouble advancing to the Select School Division IV quarterfinals as the No. 4 seed Lady Cougars coasted past No. 13 seed Opelousas Catholic 58-8 Monday night at The Brickhouse.
Creek will now face No. 21 seed St. Mary’s on Thursday at 6 p.m. after the Tigers pulled off a 65-60 overtime upset win over No. 5 seed St. Edmund.
The Lady Cougars scored the first 25 points of the game Monday night as the Vikings were outmatched in every way and at every position.
Creek head coach Katie Hall was pleased with her team’s performance in the win.
“We had a great crowd,” said Hall. “It was amazing. When we play like this, it’s fun. Everyone was clicking on all cylinders. That’s the level we have to play at the rest of the way. We need that same energy, and intensity, and focus.”
Senior Avery Ryan scored the first two buckets of the game, forcing a Opelousas Catholic timeout with 4:51 to play in the opening quarter. It didn’t work.
The Lady Cougars came out of the timeout and proceeded to outscore the Vikings 16-0 the rest of the first quarter to hold a 20-0 lead after one. Ryan scored 10 points in the first eight minutes while Kennedy Hall added five points, including one of the Lady Cougars two three-pointers in the stanza.
Things did not improve for the visitors in the second quarter as Ryan hit a reverse layup and was fouled, converting the three-point play. Another Ryan bucket upped the advantage to 25-0 before Opelousas Catholic’s Camille Francis banked home a three-pointer with 4:50 to play in the half for the only points of the opening two quarters.
Caroline James scored seven of her 11 points over the final four minutes of the second quarter and Mary Grace Hawkins layup as the first half horn sounded gave Creek a 39-3 halftime lead.
“There are some things we have to clean up, but I was pleased with our effort,” said Hall. “It was a fun game to watch.”
With the entire second half being played with a running clock due to the 35-plus point lead, the Lady Cougars utilized much of their bench over the final two quarters, while also keeping some of the starters on the floor.
“I am not one to run up the score, but we needed to get our players reps,” said Hall, whose team hadn’t played in nine days. “I felt for Opelousas Catholic. They just couldn’t get shots to fall. But we needed to do what we needed to do in order to get better and get ready for what is coming up.”
The second half was highlighted by Hawkins’ buzzer-beating 30-foot three-pointer to close the third quarter as Creek outscored the Vikings 19-5 in the final two quarters.
Ryan led Creek with 18 points, while Hawkins added 13, James netted 11 and Hall added seven.
Hall’s team now faces an upstart St. Mary’s team that has pulled upsets over No. 12 Central Catholic (48-35) and No. 5 St. Edmund (65-60). St. Mary’s entered the playoffs with an 8-16 record before pulling off the two road wins.
St. Mary’s has lost to two other District 1-1A foes in Jonesboro Hodge (67-44) and Plain Dealing (48-45).
Senior Reese Brown led Choudrant with 15 points Monday night against Anacoco.(Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
Eighth-seeded Choudrant had a chance late. But ninth-seeded Anacoco got more chances and made the most of them.
It all came down to rebounding and second-chance opportunities, and that was the advantage the taller Lady Indians used to hold on for a 51-48 win over the Lady Aggies in second-round action of the Class B girls basketball playoffs Monday night inside the CHS Gym.
In a game that stayed tight from start to finish, Anacoco forced Choudrant to foul late and then connected on enough of their free throws to earn the three-point win in a game that seemed more like a chess match the final four minutes than the previous 20 minutes of play.
That furious finish began with a Choudrant layup by senior Reese Brown that knotted the contest at 47-47 with 3:52 remaining.
It took more than three minutes and timeouts by both teams before the Lady Indians finally added points to the scoreboard on a pair of made free throws by Ava Davis to put Anacoco on top 49-47 with 49.1 seconds left on the clock.
Choudrant’s Brown added a free throw of her own with 37.9 seconds remaining to make it a one-point game and Choudrant got another chance shortly after making a steal but getting called on a charging foul on the other end.
Anacoco added another free throw with 8.9 seconds remaining to push its lead to 50-48, but after CHS coach Brandy Roberson called her final timeout with 5.5 seconds left on the clock, the Lady Aggies failed to handle the halfcourt inbounds pass and had to foul Davis, who made the second of her two free throw attempts with 2.7 seconds remaining for Anacoco’s final point of the game.
“We have a sideline play called ‘Aggie’ and it’s just a screen down and Sadie (Jones) pops out and we hit the corner,” Roberson said. “Normally Reese flashes to the rim but we really just wanted her to flash the defender’s face right there to hit the three. Kami (Young) didn’t get in formation because her man came back and it kind of threw everybody off. We kind of freaked out there for a second and I was out of timeouts. I originally wanted to do our down-screen and up but we were afraid we weren’t going to be able to have time to screen and cut out.”
The Lady Indians took advantage of a height advantage, especially in the form of sophomore Emma Hyatt, who scored a game-high 17 points playing in the post.
“I think we played amazing defense, but (Anacoco) definitely got a lot of second-chance points and shot a lot of 3s, so there were a lot of long rebounds, and we just weren’t in position for that.,” Roberson said. “And then (Hyatt) can score inside. I knew with them playing four out (offensively) we needed to front her from over the top and with a backside helper, but when that happens, we have a really bad mismatch for the rebound on the inside, and then it puts us out of position.
“And that happened a lot tonight. But I didn’t know how else to guard her and she was really good. They’d get it in to her or over the top (to her) and she just grabbed it and scored it. But I do think we played amazingly on defense on the perimeter. I thought we did a really good job of getting over those screens on the handoff and keeping our hands in their face.”
Brown led Choudrant with 15 points while Hannah Bryan added 14 and Jones chipped in with 11.
“Hannah played the game of her life tonight,” Roberson said. “She played awesome on both ends.”
After the contest, Roberson was thankful to her seniors who played their last high school hoops games — Brown, Jones, Alyssa Bell and Piper Jackson.
“I just told them thank you for everything they’ve done for the program — their sacrifices, their discipline, their leadership. They may not see all of it, the benefit of all of it, but they’re the main reason we had the season we had.”
Roberson also pointed out the future her team has with a trio of sophomores who have now experienced a pair of competitive playoff games the past two seasons in Bryan, Young and Kat Hernandez.
“They’re performing and they play the style I like to play, which is fast,” Roberson said. “A lot of people don’t like to play fast and like to sit back in a zone, but then in the playoffs that’s what you see. Everybody’s pressing you, everybody’s physical. And they handle that pretty well. I have a few freshmen coming in that I think can play that style, too.
“So, we’re just going to keep hopefully adding some depth on the bench, move people in and out and try to run everybody down. I thought we did a pretty good job of that tonight. We had to move back to halfcourt tonight because Anacoco is really fast, but we adjusted quickly and obviously did what we needed to do to win it, but it just didn’t happen that way.”
I did not put my sense of humor away for Lent. Honestly, I’m not sure I could if I tried. My sense of humor has a mind of its own and occasionally needs to be told, “Hush now, we’re in church.” I once preached a funeral with the “Exit” sign burned out over the doors we’d be leaving through. My brain, unhelpfully, started processing the symbolism — we all exit eventually — and before I knew it, my mouth was dangerously close to sharing that observation with the grieving family. That’s when I realized: for Lent, I may fast from many things, but my sense of humor is apparently not one of them.
And speaking of Lent, that little moment of funeral foolishness reminded me how this season always brings out our quirks, our questions, and our well intentioned attempts at spiritual discipline. Many congregations observe Lenten practices, and you can usually spot us by the annual question: “So… what are you giving up for Lent?” Some of my Roman Catholic friends give up meat on Fridays, which has sparked many a conversation — and, fun fact, is the reason McDonald’s invented the fish sandwich. Stick with these Ponderings long enough and you’ll be ready for Jeopardy!
Which brings me to one of my favorite Lenten stories.
John Smith was the only Protestant to move into a large Catholic neighborhood. On the first Friday of Lent, John was outside grilling a big, juicy steak. Meanwhile, all his neighbors were dutifully eating cold tuna fish. This went on every Friday. Finally, the Catholic men decided something had to be done — John was tempting them beyond what any human should endure.
So they set out to convert him.
They talked with him, brought him to church, and the priest sprinkled water over him saying, “You were born a Baptist, you were raised a Baptist, and now you are a Catholic.” The men rejoiced. Their Lenten temptations were over.
Until the next year.
The first Friday of Lent rolled around, and just as the neighborhood sat down to their tuna, the unmistakable aroma of steak drifted through the air. They rushed to John’s yard, ready to remind him of his new commitments.
And there he stood, sprinkling water over his steak, saying, “You were born a cow, you were raised a cow, and now you are a fish.”
It’s funny — and it’s also a gentle reminder. It’s not what our neighbors call us that defines us. It’s not even what we call ourselves. Our actions, our habits, our quiet choices — those speak louder than our reputations or our labels.
Lent invites us into that quieter truth. Not the showy kind, not the “look what I’m giving up” kind, but the kind that shapes us from the inside out.
This Lent is Jesus shaping your heart and your journey to Easter?
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Four area high school boys teams earned postseason play as the LHSAA released the brackets today.
No. 2 Ruston, First Round Bye, Non-Select, Division I. The Ruston Bearcats (20-3) finished the season strong on a nine-game win streak to secure the 2026 District 2-5A title, the No. 2 overall seed in the postseason and a first-round bye. The Bearcats will host the winner of No. 15 Mandeville and No. 18 Barbe sometime next week.
No. 1 Lincoln Prep, First Round Bye, Select, Division IV. The Panthers once again position themselves well for a run into the postseason after a 26-3 season and a District Championship. Lincoln Prep will host the winner of No. 16 Northwood-Lena and No. 17 Block.
No. 11 Choudrant (bye) at No. 6 Stanley, Class B: The Aggies earned a first round bye but will travel to face No. 6 seed Stanley in the second round. Choudrant (21-11) captured the district title and will face Stanley (21-6), who finished as the runnerup in District 3B to No. 12 seed Negreet. Game date and time is TBD.
No. 13 Simsboro vs. No. 20 Weston, Class B: The Tigers will host Weston in the first round of the Class B playoffs. Simsboro (12-14) earned the seed and home game and will face a Weston squad that is 11-20 in District 1B. The Tigers defeated Weston 64-50 on the road on January 29. Game date and time is TBD.
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.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 10 a.m.: Storytime: Going to the Moon with storytime guest Rev. Dele (Lincoln Parish Library) 4 p.m.: Crafternoon: Moving Rocket Ships (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Memories of the Movement: Remembering Our Civil Rights Legacy panel discussion (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 6 p.m.: Adult Craft Night: Agamorgraph Black History Art Celebration; registration required by calling 318-513-5510 (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Wednesday, Feb. 25 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) 3 p.m.: GSU softball
Thursday, Feb. 26 10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating The UPS Store (1735 Farmerville Hwy., Suite 12) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 4 p.m.: GSU men’s basketball 4 p.m.: Tween Time: Alma Thomas paintings (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Teen Time: Volunteer Opportunity (Lincoln Parish Library) 6-8 p.m.: 2026 BFA senior class from Louisiana Tech University’s School of Design will debut Introspective Narratives, a dynamic collaborative exhibition opening (Lincoln Parish Museum) 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 men’s basketball
Friday, Feb. 27 3:30 p.m.: LA Tech softball 6 p.m.: LA Tech softball 6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Saturday, Feb. 28 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Inaugural Black Expo (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 2 p.m.: LA Tech men’s basketball 4 p.m.: LA Tech baseball 6 p.m.: LA Tech softball 6:30 p.m.: GSU men’s basketball
Sunday, March 1 Noon: LA Tech softball 1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Monday, March 2 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, March 3 Noon: Lincoln Parish School Board Meeting (Choudrant Elementary School) 6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Wednesday, March 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 p.m.: GSU softball 6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Thursday, March 5 9 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Chase Bank (297 North Service Rd., Ruston) 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 to be served at the Ruston Housing Authority Community Room at 901 MLK Dr. Sponsored by 5 Loaves 3 Fish Ministry. All are invited. 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 Techster basketball 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “The Stinky Cheese Man”
Friday, March 6 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “The Stinky Cheese Man”
Saturday, March 7 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Find Your Voice: Empowering Women through Song (Presbyterian Church of Ruston Fellowship Hall) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Third annual Geektogether (Lincoln Parish Library and LPL Events Center) 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “The Stinky Cheese Man”
Sunday, March 8 2 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “The Stinky Cheese Man”
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 Diamond ‘Dogs (7-1) are set to host the Northwestern State Demons (5-3) tonight at 6 p.m. at JC Love Field at Pat Patterson Park. This will be the first time the two clubs have met since 2024 and will be the 142nd all-time meeting.
Today’s contest is the first of three occasions the ‘Dogs and NSU take the field together in 2026, with Tech traveling to Natchitoches on Tuesday, April 7 and concluding the season series on Tuesday, May 5 at JC Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.
Tonight’s contest can be seen on ESPN+.
The Bulldogs are coming off a 3-0 sweep at the Grind City Classic in Memphis this past weekend, opening with a massive 6-0 shutout win over Ohio State on Friday for Tech’s first nine-inning shutout since the 2024 season with a 12-0 shutout over Creighton.
The ‘Dogs followed up with an 8-5 win over Memphis on Saturday and concluded the weekend with a 9-3 win against the Buckeyes, marking two Power 4 wins in a single season for the first time since 2022 for Tech. Declan Dahl and Hudson Rowan combined for 11 shutout innings this weekend with both pitchers improving to 2-0 on the year.
Brooks Roberson was effective in his start in the weekend finale, allowing two earned runs while scattering four hits and three walks across 5.1 innings of work while picking up six strikeouts.
Hawsey, who was named Conference USA’s Hitter of the Week Monday afternoon, batted .636 during the weekend in Memphis with two doubles, a homer, five runs scored, five RBI and an OPS of 1.758.
Colby Lunsford carries an eight-game hitting streak into Tuesday’s game with a league-high .483 average and is second in CUSA with a 1.069 slugging percentage and a 1.640 OPS. The ULM transfer also leads the conference with 14 hits and is top 10 in runs scored (12), on-base percentage (.571), RBIs (10) and doubles (5).
The Bulldog third baseman also ranks in the NCAA Division I Top 25 in doubles (8th), base hits (22nd), home runs (14th), slugging percentage (18th) and is also 27th with runs scored and holds a top-70 batting average in the country.
The last time the ‘Dogs and Demons faced each other dates back to 2024, when NSU won a midweek clash in Natchitoches, 11-5, before getting swept by Tech in Ruston in a three-game weekend series. The first two games of the weekend saw tightly-contested matchups, with Tech winning 11-9 and 7-5 before showcasing the offense in a dominant 15-5 run-rule victory in eight innings in the series finale.
Tech has won six of the last 10 games played against the Demons on their home field, suffering their last home loss to NSU during the 2023 season, 10-7 in an 11-inning thriller. However, their previous 10 overall matchups have been split at five wins each.
Northwestern State is coming off a series loss to Central Arkansas, winning just one of their four games in Conway, Arkansas last weekend. The Bears won the series opener, 5-4, and the first of Saturday’s doubleheader, 3-2.
The Demons secured a 5-2 victory in the second doubleheader contest but failed to even the series on Sunday, falling to UCA by a score of 13-5.
Brock Davis and Thomas Marsala III are tied for the team lead with 12 bases hits, nine runs and three homers. Davis leads the team with a .387 average, 1.255 OPS, .742 slugging percentage and a .513 on-base percentage. Davis, a freshman from Hammond, picked up his second multi-hit game and first four-hit performance in the second game at UCA with two runs scored and a homer.
Colin Rains, along with Davis, are the only two Demon hitters with an average above .350 entering the week. NSU has just four stolen bases on five attempts, with two being swiped by Brooks Leonard and the remaining two belonging to Joe Siervo.
The Demons are projected to start left-handed pitcher Jacob LeBlanc on the mound, who holds a 0.00 ERA and a 1-0 record so far this season. He’s made two appearances so far with 3.2 innings pitched, with three full innings in his first appearance of the season against UT Arlington. He allowed just three hits and struck out a batter en route to his first career victory.
Rosie “Rose” Mae Volentine Cranford, 90, fondly known as Mrs. Cranford, Aunt Rose, and Mamaw, passed away in her home on February 20 2026 in Ruston, La. Rose was born on November 30, 1935 in Brownsboro, Tx. to Perry and Elnora Volentine.
A 1953 Bienville High School graduate and lifelong basketball enthusiast, Rose cheered the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters with season tickets alongside her husband, Malvin, especially during Kim Mulkey’s playing years. One of her deepest joys came from watching her two sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play sports.
For nearly 37 years, she rose early to help Malvin run Cranford’s Grocery, showcasing her tireless work ethic. She proudly tended her yard and flowers, mowing with a push mower well into her later years. A talented seamstress, Rose crafted countless quilts and Christmas tree skirts for loved ones and gladly taught others her craft. In 1981, the addition of a large in-ground pool became a beloved community spot. Her open door welcomed all, and she loved seeing everyone enjoy time together. Halloween was a special holiday in her home filled with a joyful, never scary, open house with homemade soup, pizzas, and trick-or-treaters of all kinds.
Rose’s faith sustained her; she was a member of Southside Baptist Church, then attended both Temple and Life Church and later enjoyed services on TV and her iPad when attending in person became difficult.
Rose is proceeded in death by her parents, Perry and Elnora Volentine; her husbands, George T. “Malvin” Cranford and Glynn Hunt; her sisters, Jimmie (Tony) Jones and Doris (Woodard) Christian; sisters-in-law, Mandy Volentine and Artie Beth (Billy) Anderson; and brothers-in-law Ross Land and Harry Roberts.
She is survived by her sons, Steve Cranford and Mike (Dari) Cranford: grandchildren: Annie (Cade) Leggett, T.J. (Holli) Cranford, Natalee (Tristen) Bounds, Steven Cranford, Morgan (Michael) Mueller, Tanner Cranford, and Riley (Kenny) Piper; great-grandchildren: Lilley, Makenley, and Lawson Leggett, Treston and Trace Tucker, Emma and Thomas Cranford, Parker Bounds, Charlotte and Emmett Mueller, and Maisy Piper; brothers: Alton (Barbara) Volentine, Dale Volentine, and Phillip (Pam) Volentine; sisters: Nelda (John) Alexander, Gale Land, and Ruby (Donnie) Hodges; sister-in-law Becky Roberts; brother-in-law Jimmy (Linda) Cranford, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Above all, her family was her world, and she poured endless time and pride into them. Rose’s generous heart, warm hospitality, and boundless love touched everyone she met. Her beautiful smile and ready laugh will always be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 AM, Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Mineral Springs Baptist Church in Dubach, La. with Bro. Barry Joyner officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel funeral home. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM, Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Mineral Springs Baptist Church. To leave an online memorial message, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.
Gilmer Paul Hingle, 79, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026. He was a cherished father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, and his presence will be deeply missed.
Gilmer was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on July 19, 1946. He graduated Istrouma High School, completed undergraduate studies at Southeastern University, and proudly obtained his law degree from Louisiana State University School of Law. He formerly practiced law in Monroe, Louisiana where he lived for most of his adult life. He famously married Delilah deBlieux twice (first secretly in Mississippi and then several months later in Louisiana before family and friends); a fact that did not become known to their parents until their divorce (which only had to happen once). Together, they had one daughter.
Gilmer is survived by his “bouncing baby girl”, daughter Stephanie Hingle, her husband, Rob Pooley, and grandson, Cole Pooley, of Los Angeles, California, his siblings Myrna Hingle Matherne of Livonia, Thomas Barry Hingle of Baton Rouge and Walter Hingle of Prairieville, and a lovely family of nieces, nephews and cousins from coast to coast. He was preceded in death by his father, Kriss Joseph Hingle, his mother, Marguerite Gendron Hingle, and his siblings, Ronald Hingle and Novalyn Hingle Uggen.
Gilmer was a loyal and cherished friend to those closest to him, many of whom were by his side throughout his illness.
Gilmer lived a life of adventure, traveling across the world, scuba diving and spearfishing in exotic locales, horseback riding and avidly hunting dove, duck and turkey in the wetlands of Louisiana with his best friend and their dogs. He loved everything about guns … shooting them, collecting them, the history of them … and would spend days on end at the Autry Museum in California talking to the docents about them. He also loved LSU football and baseball and chocolate chip cookies (especially when dunked in milk).
Gilmer instilled a love of travel, adventure and animals in his daughter and a love of blue Corvettes in his grandson. We hope you’ll share with us your own adventures with Gilmer and join us to wish him well on his next one.
A Celebration of Life for Gilmer will be held at 11:00 AM on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel located at 1200 Lamy Lane, Monroe, La. 71201. A Visitation will be held prior to the celebration from 10:30 till 11:00 AM.
Brigitte Watson Fitzgerald March 25, 1956 – February 21, 2026 Visitation: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Memorial Service: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel
Rose May Cranford November 30, 1935 – February 20, 2026 Visitation: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Mineral Springs Baptist Church, 118 Pea Ridge Road, Dubach Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 10:00 AM, Mineral Springs Baptist Church, 118 Pea Ridge Road, Dubach
Katherine Dorena “Doe” Wilson Clark February 23, 1948 – February 15, 2026 Visitation: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Feazel Chapel at First Baptist Church West Monroe, 311 Mill St., West Monroe Celebration of Life: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 2:00 PM, Feazel Chapel at First Baptist Church West Monroe, 311 Mill St., West Monroe
Four area high school boys teams earned postseason play as the LHSAA released the brackets today.
No. 2 Ruston, First Round Bye, Non-Select, Division I. The Ruston Bearcats (20-3) finished the season strong on a nine-game win streak to secure the 2026 District 2-5A title, the No. 2 overall seed in the postseason and a first-round bye. The Bearcats will host the winner of No. 15 Mandeville and No. 18 Barbe sometime next week.
No. 1 Lincoln Prep, First Round Bye, Select, Division IV. The Panthers once again position themselves well for a run into the postseason after a 26-3 season and a District Championship. Lincoln Prep will host the winner of No. 16 Northwood-Lena and No. 17 Block.
No. 11 Choudrant (bye) at No. 6 Stanley, Class B: The Aggies earned a first round bye but will travel to face No. 6 seed Stanley in the second round. Choudrant (21-11) captured the district title and will face Stanley (21-6), who finished as the runnerup in District 3B to No. 12 seed Negreet. Game date and time is TBD.
No. 13 Simsboro vs. No. 20 Weston, Class B: The Tigers will host Weston in the first round of the Class B playoffs. Simsboro (12-14) earned the seed and home game and will face a Weston squad that is 11-20 in District 1B. The Tigers defeated Weston 64-50 on the road on January 29. Game date and time is TBD.
RUSTON, La. — The Lincoln Parish School Board has called a special session for this afternoon to fill the vacant seat in District 9 and to approve the search process for the new superintendent.
Earlier this month, long-time LPSB member Lynda Henderson of District 9 resigned her seat to serve on the Lincoln Parish Police Jury following the passing of her husband Joe Henderson, who had filled the seat since first being elected in 1992.
In the same meeting, LPSB Superintendent announced his retirement from his position effective June 30, 2026.
Prior to the special session, there will be a finance committee meeting to continue discussions of a sales tax plan that the school board is considering putting forward for a public vote in the near future.
Ruston Police Officer Matthew Reed has been named Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Ruston Kiwanis Club.
The award was presented to Reed at the annual banquet of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Each law enforcement agency in Lincoln Parish can nominate one officer for the annual award. Reed was one of several community leaders honored at the February 12 event.
Reed joined the Ruston Police Department after serving as a patrol deputy and K-9 handler for the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Chief Eric Watson said Reed, “has demonstrated a level of dedication to the field of law enforcement and the community that far exceeds the standard call of duty. His work embodies the core principles of community-oriented policing: transparency, proactive problem-solving, and the cultivation of deep-rooted trust.”
Watson complimented Reed, noting his contributions “are best exemplified by his proactive self-initiated enforcement activities.” In 2025, Reed participated RPD’s directed patrol unit, DWI task force, and volunteered for numerous special details.
Reed made Ruston safer in 2025 by effecting 82 arrests and responding to 1,970 calls for service, Watson said.
“Matthew Reed always maintains a professional demeanor and presents himself with a positive attitude,” Watson said. “As a field training officer, he takes great pride in assisting new officers with developing their skills.”
Reed’s ability to deal with the public in a professional manner is one of his most impressive abilities, Chief Watson said.
“Matthew has the ability to use innovative methods of communication to gain information from suspects as well as cooperating citizens. This is a skill that sometimes takes an officer years to develop.”
Watson said the award sponsored by the Ruston Kiwanis Club recognizes Reed “as a valuable resource for the Ruston Police Department. His humble dedication to duty sets a new benchmark for professional excellence within this department.”
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