by Wesley Harris
New Living Word School on West Barnett Springs Avenue had to demolish its gymnasium after it was smashed by the January ice storm. While state officials haven’t given a dollar amount of the region’s damages, it has to be in the millions. In addition to the replacement cost of utility lines, farmers and ranchers reported severe losses, including collapsed barns, sheds, and poultry houses. Numerous Ruston businesses and home were also affected.
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With Buc-ee’s foundation poured and warm weather upon us, we should be significant progress in Ruston’s most watched construction project. It’s a major milestone in any development when builders are no longer working in mud every day.
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Lincoln Parish voters will go to the polls on May 16 and June 27 to consider U.S. Senate candidates, other races, and local referendums. Of note is a parish road tax renewal to be considered on May 16 and a proposed consolidation of Lincoln Parish school taxes on June 27. Educate yourself now on the issues and the candidates.
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The state Office of Motor Vehicles has relocated to 405 East Georgia Avenue. Everyone’s favorite public agency is now in the old parish health unit location.
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Ruston Parks & Recreation (RPAR) recently stocked 500 pounds of rainbow trout in the lake at Mayfield Park. The fish are ready to catch. Many years ago, the state record for white perch was held by a monster caught in the park lake (then known as Woodland Park) in 1950.
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Barksdale Federal Credit Union is building a new facility on North Trenton Street across from the Hampton Inn.
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The burn ban continues in Lincoln and surrounding parishes with no significant rainfall in this week’s forecast. The state has already experienced several destructive wildfires this month.
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There’s an ongoing, quiet tension: people want growth—new businesses, more options—but not at the cost of what makes Ruston, Ruston. So far, the balance is holding.
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