Reed Pipes is heading to the NBA All-Star game in Los Angeles thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
by Hanna Singh
One strong little boy from Ruston is getting his dream come true.
Reed Pipes, a 6-year-old boy basketball fan with Leukemia, is getting his wish to attend the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
At 4 years old, Reed was diagnosed with Leukemia. This upcoming weekend will be exactly two years since his diagnosis. Although it has been a tough battle for the Pipes family, they are grateful for the ongoing support that they have received from their community.
Only a few weeks ago, Reed received a package in the mail from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He opened it to reveal a custom Topps basketball card with his own face and name, along with a message on the back reading “Your Wish is Being Granted! Fanatics, Make-A-Wish, and NBA are sending you to the 2026 All-Star Weekend. See you in Los Angeles!”
Reed’s Father, Trey Pipes, expressed how he felt about the opportunity.
“We are very excited for Reed to get to experience this,” Trey said. “Especially considering how much joy the NBA has brought him the last couple of years.”
During Reed’s time spent in the St. Jude hospital, he was able to attend several Memphis Grizzlies games, where he became a big fan of the team. Despite going through many difficult challenges for a young boy, Reed found joy in things like basketball.
Throughout his time doing treatment, Reed has found support in many organizations in his community, such as the Lady Techsters and Coach Stoehr, TriDelta at LA Tech, TKE at LA Tech, and AE Phillips. His family and community have surrounded him in love and support, ensuring that he won’t ever have to go on this journey alone.
Reed’s mother, Lauren Pipes, highlighted how others have supported Reed and his family during the last 2 years.
“Reed’s Leukemia diagnosis has been one of the hardest things we’ve ever been through,” Lauren said. “But even though we’re having to walk this road, I’m thankful for the support we have received from the community of Ruston. From the Lady Techsters to TriDelta, the support has been unbelievable. And now, Reed getting to live out his wish trip from Make-A-Wish is just amazing.”
Reed and his family leave this Thursday for Los Angeles to experience the All-Star Weekend. From the celebrity game to the slam-dunk contest, there will be lots to see for this little NBA fan. With support from his family, community and organizations like Make-A-Wish, Reed is able to take on these challenges knowing he isn’t on his own. He is doing better each and every day.
A utility truck navigates the ice on West Alabama during the recent ice storm.
by Malcolm Butler
Communication. Cooperation. Community.
Those were three of the overreaching themes that were repeated during Monday morning’s Lincoln Parish “After Action Review” meeting that included representatives from police, fire/ambulance, municipalities, public works, police jury, city councils and the state DOTD.
The 90-minute review led by Lincoln Parish Director of Homeland Security and Preparedness Kip Franklin served a purpose of talking about what was done right and what could be done differently during future winter storms.
And while all parties involved agreed that there are plenty of areas for improvement in the future, they also agreed that the joint effort by local and state agencies, local businesses, utility workers, and even individuals was heartwarming to see during the challenging week.
“I appreciate what everyone did during this storm,” said Franklin. “Lincoln Parish was blessed considering some of our neighboring parishes. This is a no fault discussion. We aren’t placing blame on anyone. Every incident has its challenges, I think overall, everyone worked together to accomplish what needed to be done.
“I want to thank all the parish first response agencies, the police jury, the municipalities, the parish DOTD, state police, national guard, and parish citizens who stepped up to help out during this storm.”
Topics ranged from transportation to communication to logistics to public safety and others during the meeting held the Lincoln Parish Public Safety Complex.
“We want to develop an improvement plan based on what we hear today,” said Franklin.
Transportation was one of the main focuses.
Bridget Skinner with the DOTD who oversees Lincoln Parish said that it took help from various entities to tackle the clearing of the roads in District 4 and other areas.
“We responded the best we could,” said Skinner. “The National Guard was a big help. I don’t know that we could have (cleared I-20) without the wreckers pulling trucks and getting them going. The (Lincoln Parish) Police Jury was an immense help in clearing state routes off the interstate.
“We could not handle state routes while we were fighting the interstate. It would have been Tuesday or Wednesday before we could have gotten to state routes. We we appreciate the parish police jury for picking up the slack, especially on Highway 167, Highway 33 and Highway 80.”
Police Jury spokesman Kevin Klepzig talked about the LPPJ gameplan when it came to helping clear roads.
“We focused on roads with the higher traffic count,” said Klepzig. “But we focused on other facts such as bus traffic for the school board. We had two private contractors engaged with three graders that helped out. Those contractors worked Hwy 80 and 167, and our crews helped with 167 and then went from there.”
LPPJ President Glenn Scriber boasted about the communication it took throughout the week-long event.
“Organization is everything,” said Scriber. “I was so pleased with our staff and our jury working with the parish. We had a plan every single day on where to go. Compliments to the (DOTD). It was basically a verbal agreement that they gave us the okay to help. I was really pleased with the organization and everyone working together. It was a team effort.”
John Freeman with the City of Ruston said their focus was trying to keep people off the roads in order to help limit unnecessary issues.
“The utility outages were due to traffic accidents with people who really had no business being on the roads,” said Freeman. “That was early in the storm. This was more of a transportation event for us and not a utility event that we were preparing for. I think everyone was a quick study and redirected their resources to adapt what we were experiencing.”
Grambling Mayor Alvin Bradley also boasted about the support his community received.
“Hats off to the police jury and the DOTD for stepping up,” said Bradley. “We had some state roads that I informed our representative Greg Williams needed work. They sent the graders out and hit 150 and 149. We were very appreciative of that. We got the word out and our citizens stayed in the majority of time. We dodged a bullet. Hats off to everyone who played a part.”
Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff Landon Hunt said their office had 5,600 calls come in to the administrative line during the five days along with 515 “911” calls. There were 417 incidents and 135 transports of essential personnel.
“I just want to brag on all of our deputies, city police, city fire … when something like this happens, it makes you appreciate how important all of these men and women are,” said Hunt. “I think the main difference I saw between this storm and the last one was communication between all of the agencies. We saw a huge difference in response time.”
Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson spoke to his departments involvement.
“We had lots of call and most of ours were reactive,” said Watson. “Our biggest problem were the 18 wheelers. We spent hours and hours directing traffic because of 18 wheelers that got off the interstate and didn’t have anywhere to go. I can’t tell you how many man hours we spent just dealing with tractor trailers.
“Having the National Guard available to clear the interstate and get those trucks moving was so huge. Only one wrecker service couldn’t respond to all of them. The National Guard did a fantastic job.”
Watson also spoke to the teamwork with the LPSO.
“We were in constant contact asking if they needed anything or them asking if we needed anything,” said Watson. “It went really well. And of course the city public works communicating with us everyday made a big difference.”
The Ruston Police Department had over 300 calls during the storm, an “uptick” from its norm.
Ruston Fire Chief Joe Dan Martin spoke to operations on their end.
“I thought the dispatch on both ends went great,” said Martin. “We didn’t have any problems with that. I think this is one of the smoothest disasters that we have ever had. When I first started we were reactive, and now we have become much more proactive.”
RFD spokesman David Wells said they fielded 83 calls, a 25 percent increase in emergency calls compared to the daily average, and were involved in transporting patients for dialysis treatments. He said one of the positives was the lack of power outages which drastically lowered the probability of house fires.
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker put a bow on the overall tone of the meeting, talking about community.
“I have never seen this parish work together like it did this event,” said Walker. “I really appreciate what everyone did working together. We learn from each one of these events and we continue to learn how to take care of things better.”
Police arrested a man Tuesday night after he allegedly shot another man in southeast Ruston.
Brandious Lamar Maryland, Jr., 23, of Ruston, was arrested for attempted second degree murder on February 10, according to Lieutenant Kayla Loyd, Ruston Police spokesperson.
At about 6:00 p.m., Ruston Police responded to the 800 block of Second Avenue regarding a reported gunshot victim. When officers arrived, they located a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately administered life-saving measures until Ruston Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and took over. The victim was transported to Northern Louisiana Medical Center.
Investigators talked to the victim at the hospital and obtained a statement. He was later flown to Shreveport for further treatment.
At about 6:20 p.m., another man with a gunshot wound entered the Northern Louisiana Medical Center’s emergency room with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators responded to the hospital and obtained a statement from Brandious Maryland.
The investigation revealed Maryland had shot the victim found at the scene.
Maryland was treated and released from the hospital and taken into custody and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
The investigation remains ongoing, according to Loyd. A press released noted the Ruston Police Department would like to thank members of the public for their assistance and encourages anyone with additional information or video related to this incident to contact the department at 318-255-4141.
Cedar Creek School had a strong showing at the statewide Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Career Development Conference held in Baton Rouge early this week.
A total of 40 Cedar Creek students competed against more than 500 others at the conference with 25 placing in the top 6 as finalists, and 14 of those placing in the top 3, qualifying them for the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in April.
“We could not be prouder of our students who attended the DECA Career Development Conference,” said Hope Merchant, one of the school’s DECA sponsors. “They represented Cedar Creek with excellence and professionalism, and seeing their hard work and determination come to life makes me and Caty (Simmons) both so proud as their sponsors.”
The students had to either take a test and present a role play scenario to a judge, or they had to write up to a 20-page business plan or marketing campaign and present it to a judge at the conference.
“They continue to stand out year after year by not only their achievements at the awards ceremony, but with their behavior and professionalism,” said Merchant. “They all made our school proud!”
DECA is an international student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. The organization helps students develop practical business skills while building confidence and leadership experience.
Students compete at district, state, and international levels in events such as role-plays, case studies, business plans, and presentations. Beyond competition, DECA also emphasizes networking, professionalism, and college and career preparation.
The Cedar Creek competitors who were finalists (Top 6), included:
• Georgia Dugdale- Community Giving Project (Going Gold for Breck) • Jade Cook- Community Giving Project (Going Gold for Breck) • Sophie Mariano- Community Giving Project (Going Gold for Breck) • Hayden Durrett- Financial Services Team Decision Making • Trigger Woodard- Financial Services Team Decision Making • William Myers- Food Marketing Series • Julianne Bush- Retail Merchandising Series • Clara Yates- Marketing Communications Team Decision Making • Lauren Pearce- Marketing Communications Team Decision Making • Jake Terry- Principles of Business • Jillian Ramsey- Professional Selling
The Creek students who finished in the top 3 and qualified for the upcoming International Career Development Conference, include:
• Carter Lewis- Business Finance Series- 1st Place • Carter Perry- Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making- 1st Place • Jack Robbins- Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making- 1st Place • Katherine Worthey- Community Giving Project (Powerpuff Football Fundraiser)- 1st Place • Mallory Waller- Community Giving Project (Powerpuff Football Fundraiser)-1st Place • Ruybe Walsworth – Community Giving Project (Powerpuff Football Fundraiser)- 1st Place • Anderson Godlewski-Integrated Marketing Campaign (Cedartown)- 2nd Place • Britton Bennett- Integrated Marketing Campaign (Cedartown)- 2nd Place • Emma Phillips- Integrated Marketing Campaign(Cedartown)- 2nd Place • Rex Freling-Marketing Communications Series- 1st Place • Andrew Shirley- Principles of Business- 2nd Place • Preslee Prince- Professional Selling- 2nd Place • Maggie Newman- Sports & Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making, 2nd Place • Mary Claire Temple- Sports & Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making, 2nd Place
Cedar Creek also had 12 students who were recognized for their high scores on the state DECA exam. Those who earned the Achievement Testing Award, include: Britton Bennett, Joanie Cannon, Rex Freling, Anderson Godlewski, Carter Lewis, Maggie Newman, Carter Perry, Jack Robbins, Andrew Shirley, Mary Claire Temple, Jake Terry, and Clara Yates.
The DECA chapter at Cedar Creek also earned a number of awards, including:
The Lincoln Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is holding a SKYWARN Storm Spotter Training seminar on Tuesday, February 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.
This is free and open to the public and will be held at the Lincoln Parish Public Safety Complex at 161 Road Camp Road in Ruston.
“This gives local citizens or anyone interested a chance to learn how to be a Storm Spotter or just to learn more about severe weather,” said LP Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Kip Franklin.
Grambling Police arrested a woman for inappropriate behavior with a minor after the victim reported her conduct.
Officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a Grambling residence on February 9. They interviewed the reported victim who appeared upset and who asked for a ride away from the residence.
The man said he and his girlfriend, Anquanetta Chandler, 37, of Grambling, got into a verbal altercation. He said he dialed 911 in fear for his life after she said she was calling her brothers on him. The man said he and Candler had been in a relationship since October 2025 when he was 16 years old. He reportedly made a statement to officers that “Man, take her to jail, she knew I was 17.”
According to an officer’s report, after Candler was advised of her rights, she admitted to being in a relationship with the victim since October 2025. She said the man told her he was 21 years old. Candler admitted to having sex with the victim, thinking he was 21.
According to Louisiana law, lack of knowledge of a victim’s true age is not a defense against a charge of indecent behavior with a juvenile.
Candler was arrested for indecent behavior with a juvenile and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
Later in the day, Candler was also booked on a number of Grambling warrants for six counts of disturbing the peace, one count of damage to property, and one count of speeding.
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.
Years ago, I started to branch out of managing the financial aspect of a paper mill to engage more with the operating side of the business. The mill manager at the time thought it would be a great idea for me to be the night manager during our annual operations outage.
The key responsibilities for the ten-day assignment:
Work from 6PM to 6AM each day
Provide safety leadership to ensure all the 500+ people worked safely
Ensure all the maintenance and capital projects stayed on schedule
The assignment was very straightforward, easy to understand, and incredibly hard to execute.
There were over twenty-five “jobs” going on each night. There were numerous contractors and employees performing non-routine tasks. We were not running machines but were making major repairs and installations in a very tight timeline.
The first two nights were miserable. I walked miles monitoring projects, making adjustments, redirecting resources, and trying my best not to fail. I was playing not to lose and the twelve-hour shifts made for a very long night.
I couldn’t take that approach for eight more nights.
I went in an hour early on that third night, sat in the cafeteria, and came up with a different approach. This approach is one that I have now taught others for years in various aspects of work and life.
Block Management (with a PLUS focus):
I divided the night into twelve blocks of time
Near the top of every hour, I would decide where I would invest the next 55 minutes
I would intentionally attack the biggest need within that block of time
I would then regroup, adapt, and plan the next hour
My goals were no longer to avoid failure, but to make a positive impact in that block
The night became manageable (blocks of time) and the focus turned to positive impact (not negative avoidance).
Over the years, I have shared this approach with supervisors managing a crew on a long shift, individuals going through prolonged medical treatment, athletic teams facing a long season/tough game, or others facing overwhelming circumstances.
I recall using a similar approach when I was studying for the CPA exam (evenings after work) years earlier. Breaking down an overwhelming obstacle into manageable pieces and pursuing positive (PLUS) actions within those blocks of time is the approach.
Is there something in your life right now that seems overwhelming?
Do you find yourself focused on avoiding a negative rather than pursuing a positive?
Could a PLUS focused block management approach help you?
Doug equips leaders to make organizations better. He has two leadership books available on all online platforms. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build an authentic team, contact Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Just a friendly reminder about the new notification system that keeps you informed about emergencies, weather updates, and local events in Lincoln Parish.
Participants found this extremely useful during the recent winter storm and you will too!
If you haven’t signed up yet, make sure you do so to stay in the know. Your safety matters to us, so don’t miss out on important updates!
Click the link to sign up for alerts: www.lincalerts.org Stay safe and informed!
Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Thursday, Feb. 12 9:30 a.m.: Piney Hills Quilt Guild meeting (Grace Methodist Church) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 4 p.m.: Tween Time: Circuit Valentine’s Day Cards (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Teen Time: K-Pop and Karaoke Night (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Music performance by Denene Stringfellow, roots of African-American music (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 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.: 12th annual Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Awards (Ruston Civic Center)
Friday, Feb. 13 4 p.m.: LA Tech baseball 4 p.m.: French Immersion Craft (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Winter Hygge concert featuring Rachel Grider, Soprano, and Bradley Thompson, piano (Lincoln Parish Museum)
Saturday, Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day 8:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market Noon: LA Tech baseball 1 p.m.: Lady Techster basketball 3 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Sunday, Feb. 15 1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Monday, Feb. 16 President’s Day 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 5:30 p.m.: Ruston Planning and Zoning 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)
Wednesday, Feb. 18 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: State of Education Luncheon (Davison Athletic Complex, LA Tech) 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.: LA Tech baseball 6:30 p.m.: LA Tech men’s basketball
Thursday, Feb. 19 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 2 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating The Scullery Laundromat (413 W. Alabama Ave.) 4 p.m.: Tween Time: Mardi Gras Masks (Lincoln Parish Library) 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal of baked chicken, twice-baked potatoes and more provided by LaTech Culinary Class and sponsored by 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry. Pick up at the Choudrant location of Origin Bank. All are welcome. 5 p.m.: Library Board of Control meeting (Lincoln Parish Library) 5:30-8 p.m.: Ruston Art Ramble (Downtown Ruston) 6 p.m.: Teen time: Bwa Masks craft (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6 p.m.: LA Tech softball 6:30 p.m.: Books and Bites Book Club; registration required; call 318-513-5510 ( (Lincoln Parish Library at The Local)
Friday, Feb. 20 4 p.m.: Family Fun Friday: Tommy Terrific, magician (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: LA Tech softball
Saturday, Feb. 21 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 10 a.m.: Master Gardeners present Bulbs and Blooms (Lincoln Parish Library) 2 p.m.: LA Tech softball 7-9 p.m.: Java N Jazz (The MARC, 504 E. Georgia Ave.)
Sunday, Feb. 22 Noon: LA Tech softball
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Louisiana Tech hosts FIU in a Pink Out at the Thomas Assembly Center tonight, the first repeat matchup of conference play for the Lady Techsters.
Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game can be seen on ESPN+.
Louisiana Tech is 19-4 against FIU in the all-time series, defeating the Panthers 74-59 in Miami this past January.
Tech (17-5, 10-1 CUSA) currently sits in first place in the Conference USA standings and boasts one of the nation’s longest winning streaks at 10 games, it’s longest in 15 years. The Lady Techsters defeated New Mexico State in Las Cruces Saturday afternoon 77-58.
Alexia Weaver boasted a career performance in the win, hitting 5-of-6 three-pointers in scoring 20 points plus adding a career-high seven steals, the most by a Techsters since Kierra Anthony in 2019. Weaver has been one of the best three point shooters in the conference during league play. The junior from Louisville is shooting 55.6 percent from behind the arc, the highest mark of any player in league play.
Louisiana Tech is having a historic season sharing the rock. Currently 24th in the country, the Lady Techsters are averaging 17.4 assists per game, their highest mark of the 21st century. In conference play, LA Tech ups its average to 18.6, a mark that would sit top 10 in the country.
Louisiana Tech is on pace to be the only women’s basketball team in Conference USA history to average 75.0 points per game while holding the opposing team to less than 60.0 points per game.
FIU (14-8, 7-3) is coming to Ruston fresh off their first 2-0 home stand, defeating WKU and Middle Tennessee in Miami.
Parris Atkins and Rhema Collins shared the scoring title, pouring in 15 points apiece in the Panther victory. Atkins and Collins continue to be two of the best scorers in the league. Collins, an Ole Miss transfer, averages a league best 18.3 points per game as well as 9.9 rebounds per game and 1.7 blocks per game, both also league bests. Atkins is third in points with 17.3 points per game, failing to score in double figures only once this season.
Louisiana Tech softball improved to 5-0 on Wednesday evening, defeating No. 25 Southeastern 6-1 at North Oak Park.
Coming off an undefeated weekend, Tech carried its momentum into its first of six games this week, knocking off a ranked Southeastern team that earned its first-ever program ranking Tuesday. The Bulldogs used a complete game performance from Allie Floyd in the circle, a career day from Jina Baffuto at the plate and a solid defensive effort to best the Lions.
“Complete team win,” said head coach Josh Taylor. “Pitching, defense and timely hitting is always a winning formula. Floyd was in command the entire game, our defense made plays when they needed to. Baffuto came up big for us with a two run home run, and we had contributions from everyone on the roster. Great team win!”
Floyd went the distance (7.0 innings) to earn her first win of the season, allowing one run on five hits with one walk and five strikeouts. Baffuto and Allie Furr led the Bulldogs with two hits apiece, while Baffuto drove in a game and career-high three runs.
LA Tech jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning as Baffuto placed a bloop single in shallow right-center, driving in Torres who got on after getting hit. A Bradi Gallaway walk and Brooks single would allow Torres to reach scoring position.
The Bulldogs increased their lead to three in the top of the fourth after adding runs on a throwing error and a Flores RBI fielder’s choice. Gallaway singled to start the frame and Brooks reached third to start the frame and would both come around to score.
SLU scored its lone run in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI groundout that was setup by a double and a wild pitch.
A three-run sixth made it 6-1 in favor of LA Tech, highlighted by a a two-run home run from Baffuto — the first of her collegiate career — that drove in Rosalie Dufresne, who was hit by a pitch. The Bulldogs added their final run on a Reagan Marchant single up the middle that plated Elena Heng who reached on a fielder’s choice.
Floyd worked around an early walk in the seventh to pick up the final three outs and secure the top 25 complete game victory in the circle, her third over a Top 25 team in her career.
Tech improved to 52-18 all-time against Southestern.
Tech will compete in the Mardi Gras Mambo this weekend in Youngsville, including a pair of games Friday against New Mexico and Eastern Illinois.
Louisiana Tech head football coach Sonny Cumbie has announced the promotion of Nathan Young as the program’s new offensive coordinator. Young replaces Tony Franklin who recently announced his retirement.
“We are excited to announce the promotion of Nathan Young to Offensive Coordinator,” stated Cumbie. “Nathan is one of the smartest, and most creative football coaches I have had the opportunity to work with. He is ready for this opportunity to lead our offense in this new expanded role. His impact in our run game this past season was seen, and we will build off that and continue to play winning football on offense. With the players and coaches returning, we’re excited about what 2026 will bring for the Bulldogs!”
In addition to serving as the offensive line coach for the past four seasons (2022-25), Young was the co-offensive coordinator in 2024, including the final eight games as the team’s primary play caller.
In 2025, Young’s offensive line paved the way for four 300-yard rushing games, including a season-high 426 yards against Sam Houston, the most by a Bulldog team in a single game since 1991. Tech registered three games with five or more rushing scores with six against Sam Houston and five scores on the ground versus Liberty and Missouri State.
The Bulldogs had the second-best rushing attack in Conference USA at 195.4 yards per game, which ranked 24th nationally. LA Tech recorded seven individual 100-yard rushing performances, including four by quarterbacks, something that had been accomplished just once in program history prior to the 2025 season.
“The appointment of Nathan Young as offensive coordinator will assure that the improvements on offense will continue to build off a top 25 rushing attack we established in 2025 as well as the No. 2 scoring offense in the conference against league opponents,” said Tony Franklin. “Nathan is a brilliant football mind who played a huge role in the revitalization of the offense in 2025, and he will be one of college football’s best young coordinators. I am excited to watch him and coach Luke Olson lead LA Tech to many Sunbelt Conference wins and championships as together they will make a dynamic duo of two of the top coordinators in the game.”
The 2024 season saw Young take over as the play caller for the final eight games of the regular season after being handed the reins to the offensive prior to the Middle Tennessee State game. In his first game as offensive coordinator, Young and the Bulldogs posted a season-high 551 yards, accumulating a season-best 329 yards through the air with six scores, along with a season-high 222 rushing yards.
The Bulldog offense registered six 100+ yard rushing performances with Young as a play caller and seven total for the season. Young’s offensive line, anchored by All-CUSA honorable mention guard Bert Hale, helped pass block for an offensive unit that ranked fourth in CUSA with 223.4 pass yards per game.
In 2023, he tutored a Bulldog offensive line that protected the quarterback position in the passing offense, which ranked third in Conference USA at 260.9 yards per game while registering four 300-yard passing games. Behind excellent run-blocking, the Bulldogs eclipsed the 100-yard mark in rushing seven times, highlighted by a 357-yard rushing performance in a win over Northwestern State. As a team, the ‘Dogs averaged 384.7 yards of total offense per game while ranking third in CUSA in first downs gained with 243.
Under Young’s guidance in 2022, the Bulldog offensive line paved the way for seven 100+ yard rushing games. His linemen helped pave the way for a passing game that ranked 32nd nationally at 267.2 yards per game. Four offensive linemen earned Honorable Mention All-CUSA honors.
Young came to Ruston after serving as the offensive line coach at Stephen F. Austin for three seasons. Prior to SFA, he spent two years at San Antonio’s Madison High School (2017-18) after coaching nine seasons at his alma mater, Abilene Christian (2008-16).
He was a two-time First Team NCAA Division II All-American as a player at ACU in 2006 and 2007 and was named the Lonestar Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year both seasons. Young was inducted into the Abilene Christian Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.
Ruby Alice Knowles Rainbolt was born on April 29, 1935, in Dubach, Louisiana to William Theodore “Ted” Knowles and Betty Ruth Knowles (née Day).
Ruby spent her early life in Dubach, where she was raised and later met Robert Russell Rainbolt while attending Louisiana Tech University. The two were married in 1956, and she thereafter was known as Ruby Knowles Rainbolt. They shared many years together until his passing in 2015.
She was known to many in her family and in her hometown of Monroe as “The Mary Kay Lady,” a role she embraced with pride and through which she built lasting friendships and connections in the community.
She is survived by her two sons, Russell Rainbolt, and Richard Rainbolt, and by her brother, Terry Knowles.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Russell”; her sisters, Penny Ford and Joyce Walker; and her brothers, Billy Knowles and Ted Knowles.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Fellowship Baptist Church in Dubach, Louisiana, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Fellowship Cemetery, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes.
Flowers are welcomed; however, if you prefer, memorials may be made to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, Monroe, Louisiana.
A devout Christian, Ruby now rests in the presence of her Heavenly Father, whom she loved and faithfully served: “Absent from the body, present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8
Hope Michelle-Lynn Crawford July 27, 2009 – February 1, 2026
Willie Mae Frazier December 14, 1939 – February 8, 2026 Graveside service: Thursday, February 12, 2026, 2:00 PM, Choudrant Memorial Cemetery, Choudrant
Revell Jackson Saturday 08/27/1932 — Sunday 02/01/2026 Visitation: Friday 02/20/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 02/21/2026 11:00am, Countyline Baptist Church, 7246 Highway 146, Ruston Interment : Saturday 02/21/2026 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Hwy. 80 West, Grambling
Miss Milan Scott Thursday 08/29/2019 — Friday 02/06/2026 Visitation: Friday 02/13/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 02/14/2026 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 02/14/2026 Following Service, George Washington Carver Memorial Park, Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston
Frank Stringfellow Friday 09/26/1952 — Monday 02/02/2026 Visitation: Thursday 02/12/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Life Celebration: Friday 02/13/2026 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Friday 02/13/2026, Ebenezer Cemetery, Parish Road 214, Ruston
Pictured is Lincoln Parish Homeland Security Director Kip Franklin talking to the Police Jury during Tuesday night’s meeting. (Photo by T. Scott Boatrigh)
By T. Scott Boatright
Acting to be able to bring in any possible disaster recovery funding in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern and authorizing The Riley Co. of Louisiana, Inc. to move forward toward a new construction and demolition cell at the Lincoln Parish Landfill were primary orders of business for the Lincoln Parish Police Jury during Tuesday’s February meeting inside the Lincoln Parish Courthouse.
The approval of authorizing Lincoln Parish Administrator Courtney Hall to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with agencies impacted by Winter Storm Fern for disaster recovery support services came after a 20-minute in-depth report from parish Homeland Security Director Kip Franklin describing the ice storm’s impact on Lincoln Parish and how authorities handled the situation.
And while recommending that the LPPJ approved the MOU for any potential funding support, Franklin and Hall both said the parish came out fortunate considering the circumstances.
“We dodged a bullet,” Hall said.
Franklin agreed.
“Lincoln Parish was very-well blessed considering the parishes east of us,” Franklin said. “The southern part of the parish from Riser Road on down received the most damage with fallen timber and power outages, some lasting as long as six or seven days.”
Hall also thanked public road crews for their work during the event, with Franklin adding that the parish had five road graders working to remove ice during the storm.
Franklin said Lincoln Parish allowed Jackson Parish to borrow a mobile generator to get the North Hodge water system back up and running.
Hall also described damage done to sections of the roof (two 25’ by 75’ sections) at the North Louisiana Exposition Center, even though the majority of the existing roof seems to be in good condition, as well as some minor damage at the Lincoln Parish Health Unit.
Franklin said that emergency protective measures is the only category for funding assistance that has already been opened.
“We don’t know if that stays open or what else is going to be opened up,” Franklin said. “That damage at the Expo (Center), if they don’t open up (funding from) the facilities category, won’t be eligible. There has to be a minimum of $4,100 of damage to qualify. From there, anything above that is eligible. Right now, they would get 75% of that back.
“GOSEP’s (the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness) trying to work with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to get this extended to where it would be a 90/10 (%) cost share or for the first 30 days, 100% could be possible.”
Before the actual full-LPPJ meeting began, Bob Myers gave a report to the LPPJ’s Solid Waste & Recycling committee concerning plans to create a new C&D cell at the landfill, which he said will give at least 30 if not up to 40 years of continued use to the landfill.
With the LPPJ authorizing The Riley Co. for permit renewal and construction oversight for that project, Myers said the timing of converting to a new Cell B could happen around the end of the year.
“We anticipate this can be completed, submitted and approved prior to the end of the year, which means Cell A will play out at about the same time we get Cell B online,” Myers said. “So we’ll move from using Cell A to using Cell B if the timing of that works out just right.
Myers said the plans approved by the Police Jury during the meeting call for an onsite technician to be part of the project through completion.
“We’re proposing to have a field technician on site during the construction process,” Myers said. “This is to ensure that the contractor installs the project like the plans and specifications call for. The onsite technician will do the soil testing to make sure not only the material (clay) that’s brought in meets the specifications, is compacted properly, and that it meets the thicknesses that are required. We’ll do three different surveys of the site.
“One is a preconstruction survey before the job starts, one’s a survey after all the excavation is done to prepare the subgrade, and the third is an as-built survey to show we have the right amount of clay. All that information goes into the construction certification report that will be submitted to the (Department of Environmental Quality).”
The LPPJ also approved an award request for qualifications for engineering services related to Mt. Olive Water Emerging Contaminants funding through the Environmental Protection Agency.
Parish Treasurer Michael Sutton said the high scorer to receive that project (bid) was Shuler Consulting Company.
“Pending application and approval, we would present a contract for services to Shuler at the next (LPPJ) meeting,” Sutton said.
In other business, the LPPJ adopted an annual resolution for Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act Compliance for the federal Offsystem Bridge program as well as making three reappointments — Daryl Johnson to Waterworks District No. 2 on a five-year term, TaDarren Jackson as the Grambling State University representative to the Lincoln Parish Communications District on a four-year term, and Paula Griswold to the Greater Ward One Waterworks District on a five-year term.
After spending the majority of his life living in the deep south — minus a stint as a child living in Seattle and Baltimore when is father, Roger, was playing in the NFL — John is now headed to The Forest City.
Cleveland, Ohio.
The former Ruston Bearcat and Louisiana Tech Bulldog will serve as the Chief of Staff on Todd Monken’s staff with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns after a three-decade career coaching on the high school, junior college, and Division I level.
John joked that he needed some cold gear now.
My wife, Paige, said, ‘John, do you have all your jackets?’,” said John, who is already in Cleveland. “I said, ‘Paige, I have like two. I have two jackets.’ So I brought what I got and that ain’t enough.”
Gear won’t be an issue, though.
“I went to my locker today and it was full of sweatshirts and jackets so they are taking care of me,” said John.
To say John is fulfilling a dream is an understatement. He addressed this Thursday when he informed his players at Starkville (Miss.) High School of his opportunity to work at the highest level.
“I told our players (at Starkville High School) that your dreams don’t stop at 18 or 21 years old,” said John. “As you get older whatever profession you get in … you are always going to dream and have aspirations of getting to the top of whatever profession that is.
“For me to get an opportunity to do this at 53 (years old) and fulfill a lifetime dream, well it’s special. For Coach Monken to think that I can bring some value to the organization, it is a dream come true.”
John has football in his blood. The son of 10-year-veteran NFL wide receiver Roger Carr, John grew up around the game, living in Baltimore, Seattle and San Diego during his father’s career.
The Carrs then moved back to north Louisiana following Rogers playing career, where he served on the coaching staff’s at both ULM and Louisiana Tech.
It’s at the time that John lettered for the Ruston Bearcats under legendary Hall of Fame coach Jimmy “Chick” Childress, helping lead the program to the 1988 and 1990 Class 4A state titles. He was a three-year letterwinner at Louisiana Tech (1993-95) before beginning his coaching career.
It’s then that his path first crossed with Monken.
“When I was a young coach at West Monroe (High School), Todd was the wide receivers coach at Louisiana Tech,” said John. “I had aspirations of getting into college coaching and of course I was a receivers guy too. So I would go over to Ruston and watch them practice and talk to Coach Monken. We got to know each other a little bit then.”
Monken then moved on to Oklahoma State and LSU while John eventually became a head coach at Ouachita Parish High School (2005-2012).
“He would come in and recruit,” said John. “So I got to know him even better.”
Eventually, Monken was hired as the head coach at Southern Miss where he hired John initially as his Director of Football Operations before earning a promotion to assistant coach.
“We hit it off,” said John. “We got along great. Our wives are great friends. His son and my daughter grew up together and are real good friends. We have traveled together over the years and vacationed together with our families. So our relationship has grown. So for him to trust me at age 53 … I just can’t put into words what this means.”
Following his stint in Hattiesburg, John has served as the offensive coordinator at Jones Junior College (2016-17), wide receivers coach at Troy University (2019-2021), wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at ULM (2022-2023), head coach at Clinton (Miss.) High School (2024), and head coach at Starkville High School (2025).
And every step of the way, John has worked towards his present day opportunity with the Browns.
So what does Chief of Staff involve in the NFL?
“For Coach Monken to be the head coach and the play caller, there are a lot of different things pulling at him,” said John. “My role is to carry his voice and make sure his message is sent to the rest of our staff. That includes everything from our daily schedule to our yearly calendar to things that we have going on. It’s making sure we stay on task.”
What about on the field?
“Everybody in the football part of it will have some type of task, whether it’s football research, scouting opponents, watching trends in pro and college football and coming up with ideas, things that you feel like you can help with game-planning part of it,” said John.
“When when get on field it’s kind of all-hands-on-deck mentality wherever we are needed.”
Regardless of the scope of responsibilities, John Carr has the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong goal … new wardrobe and all.
Curtis Hawkins has officially announced his candidacy for re‑election as Ruston City Marshal, reaffirming his commitment to serving the citizens of Ruston and the communities throughout Lincoln Parish.
Hawkins has served as Ruston City Marshal since 2021. Starting his law enforcement career in 1991 and retiring as a Lieutenant with the Ruston Police Department, Hawkins brought decades of law enforcement experience to the role. As Marshal, he serves as the executive officer of the Ruston City Court, helping carry out court orders, supporting public safety, and ensuring essential court operations are conducted efficiently and professionally across Lincoln Parish.
“It is truly a privilege to serve the people of Ruston and the surrounding communities that make up Lincoln Parish,” Hawkins said. “This office exists to support the judicial process and to serve our community with integrity, fairness, and respect.”
The Ruston City Marshal’s Office plays a vital role in assisting the court system and the public. The office is responsible for serving civil papers and warrants, providing courtroom security, assisting with evictions and repossessions, managing bonds and fines, and maintaining accurate records in accordance with state law. The office’s work helps ensure court proceedings and related services operate effectively for citizens and businesses throughout the parish.
Over the course of his tenure, Hawkins has emphasized professionalism, accountability, and responsive service to the community. He credits the success of the office to the dedication and teamwork of the deputies and staff members who serve alongside him each day.
“Our office has worked diligently to provide dependable service and to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to us by the court and the public,” Hawkins said. “I am proud of the collaborative effort of our team and grateful for the trust the community has placed in us. We look forward to continuing the important work that supports our courts and serves the people of Lincoln Parish.”
Hawkins said his campaign will focus on maintaining strong partnerships with local agencies, continuing efficient and transparent operations, and ensuring the Marshal’s Office remains accessible and service‑oriented for residents.
The election for Ruston City Marshal is scheduled for later in 2026.
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Two West Monroe men were arrested on drug charges in Ruston last week after their vehicle was stopped for going the wrong way on a one-way street.
Zachary Murphy, 20, and Devon McMillan, 35, were arrested on February 5 after a Ruston Police officer saw their Ford Explorer traveling the wrong way on the North Service Road.
Murphy told officers he had a suspended driver’s license. A records check showed he was wanted on two arrest warrants for failure to appear in Ruston City Court.
During a search of the vehicle, a tool pouch was found inside the dash of the vehicle. A glass and metal pipe containing suspected methamphetamine was found in the pouch.
McMillan, a passenger in the vehicle, was found to be in possession of a small amount of suspected methamphetamine that was found inside his phone case.
Both men were arrested and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. McMillan was booked for possession of methamphetamine.
During booking, detention center staff found something in Murphy’s esophagus through use of an x-ray. The staff believed it was some type of narcotic. Murphy then admitted to swallowing a plastic bag containing methamphetamine residue.
Murphy was taken to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center emergency room where treatment was administered for Murphy to pass the plastic baggie.
Murphy was booked for possession of methamphetamine, obstruction of justice, possession of drug paraphernalia, and the two failure to appear warrants on charges of driving under suspension and speeding.
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.
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Ruston High School wrestling wrapped up its first-ever appearance at the LHSAA State Wrestling Championships on Friday, sending nine athletes to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
“This being our first year as a program, I don’t know that many people gave us much of a chance. To see how competitive we were and how close some of those losses were, I’m ecstatic about the future,” Ruston High Head Coach Jeremy Hebert said. “I’m incredibly proud of Robert Stevens for stepping into wrestling for the first time as a senior and finishing his career with a state appearance and a win. That says a lot about his work ethic and toughness. Our kids showed that Ruston wrestling belongs. This is just the beginning.”
On the boys’ side, freshman Luke Pendergrass (138), sophomores Cort Jarvis (150), Jailyn Williams (215), Isaiah Clinton (285), and senior Robert Stevens (190) represented the Bearcats. Williams opened the tournament with the first boys’ state win in program history and finished 1–2 on the day. Stevens capped off his lone season of wrestling with a state appearance and a win, also finishing 1–2.
The girls’ team made history of its own as juniors Laini Holloway (100), Robyn Harris (120), Josie Bishop (126), and Brynn Hightower (145) competed at state. Holloway recorded the first-ever win in Ruston High girls wrestling history, finishing 2–2 and just outside the consolation semifinals. Hightower also went 2–2, falling one match short of advancing to day two.
All Bearcat victories at the state tournament came by pin.
Season Summary & Looking Ahead
Ruston High wrestling completed its inaugural season with multiple state qualifiers, historic first wins on both the boys’ and girls’ sides, and a foundation firmly in place for future success. The Bearcats will host a spring wrestling combine and instructional sessions before school lets out for summer, while the club team will continue practicing and competing as the official Louisiana Folkstyle club season begins next weekend.
Jailyn Williams on first ever Bearcat win at state tournament
“Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” Esther 2:17 (NIV)
In Sunday school it was brought to my attention that this thing about the king ordering pretty women from all over the land to come try out for “queen” was almost like a sex-trafficking deal.
And I suppose it was. Just about everything in the book of Esther makes you a bit uncomfortable, all but the beauty and attitude and faithful actions of Esther, who must have been drop-dead gorgeous outside and in, and Mordecai, a guy who knew how to seize the moment, trust his Creator, and play his cards right.
Otherwise you have a drunken and boastful king, whose name was Ahasuerus, although some called him Xerxes, which might have been why he drank so much. But probably it was because he was fretting over the Greeks and also because he was upset that his wife, the actual queen, wouldn’t come to be shown off in front of his buddies when they were all three sheets to the wind.
Then you’ve got Hegai, who ran the harem and didn’t know the God of Israel, but he sure knew a young girl with a lovely figure and disposition when he saw it.
And batting cleanup, the rotten-to-the-core Haman, who wanted to exterminate a whole race of people just because he despised one man, and his reason for that wasn’t worth a hill of beans.
But God can use a drunken king, a wide-eyed harem lord, and a spiteful, hate-filled barn rat to accomplish His purposes. And in the book of Esther, it is a young Jewish girl and her faithful uncle who God positions to save the day. And when He made the call, they answered.
I read a quote this week from A.B. Simpson, founder of the Christian Missionary Alliance: “God is preparing his heroes and when the opportunity comes, He can fit them into their places in a moment, and the world will wonder where they came from.”
Make note of your position . . . and keep getting your practice swings in.
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