After much reflection, I wish to announce that I will retire from my position as Ruston City Judge at the conclusion of my current term on December 31, 2026.
Serving the people of Ruston and the residents of Lincoln Parish has been one of the great honors of my life. For the past 27 years, the citizens of this community have placed their trust and confidence in me, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve.
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the many employees of the Ruston City Court who have worked beside me over the years. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving the public have been essential to the work of the Court, and I am thankful for their loyalty and service.
I also wish to thank the City Marshals and their deputies, whose valued and competent service has played an important role in the administration of justice in our court.
My gratitude also goes to the city leadership with whom I have had the privilege of working. I especially want to acknowledge Mayor Dan Hollingsworth and his administration, as well as our current Mayor Ronny Walker, along with the many City Council members who have served during my time in office. Their cooperation and support have helped ensure that our court served the people of Ruston effectively.
It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve during what I believe has been a golden age of prosperity and growth for our city, parish, and local universities.
Thank you again to the people of Ruston and Lincoln Parish for allowing me the opportunity to serve. I will always be grateful for the trust you placed in me.
Dr. V. Elaine Thompson, associate professor of History and undergraduate coordinator for the School of Human Inquiry at Louisiana Tech University, has received the Garnie W. McGinty Lifetime Meritorious Service Award from the Louisiana Historical Association (LHA).
The prize honors Dr. Garnie McGinty, a longtime professor of History at Louisiana Tech University, and is the organization’s highest honor. The honor is awarded annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to scholarship in Louisiana history, to the historical profession in Louisiana, and/or to the Association.
Dr. Samuel Shepherd, professor emeritus at Centenary College of Louisiana, praised Thompson’s lifelong dedication in his nomination of her for the award.
“Louisiana history has radiated through Dr. Thompson’s entire life,” Shepherd said. “Her passion about the state’s past has been matched by her extensive knowledge and deep understanding of it. She has enriched the minds of students and scholars, as well as the general public, and stimulated them to discover more about Louisiana and its people. She richly deserves her McGinty honor.”
Thompson’s honor completes a trio of distinctions within the LHA, as she has also served as president and been elected to the Company of Fellows.
“It has been my privilege to serve the members of the LHA, my colleagues, and my students during the past two decades,” Thompson said. “ I’m honored and delighted to be recognized for my efforts, and I look forward to many more years of diligent work in researching, teaching, and promoting Louisiana history. I’m so grateful to the Louisiana Historical Association and to the McGinty Trust for this award.”
Thompson has been a member of the Louisiana Tech faculty since 2004.
Carrie Sellers (2nd from left) along with her daughter, Karli, son, Parker, and husband, Donny, during a Mad Dash 5k event sponsored by the Louisiana Cancer Foundation.
by Malcolm Butler
Carrie Sellers remembers one particular lunch break a few years ago.
Vividly.
It was a lunch break that may have saved her life.
Sellers, mother of Louisiana Tech junior softball student athlete Karli, had signed up for a routine cancer screening at her church. It included a mammogram.
“A week later, I received a call from the Louisiana Cancer Foundation telling me that I needed a biopsy based on a finding from the mammogram,” said Carrie.
That biopsy confirmed Carrie had a lobular carcinoma in situ, a non-invasive condition where abnormal cells grow in the breast’s milk glands. Although it is not cancer, it acts as a significant indicator for a 5-12 times higher lifetime risk of developing invasive breast cancer in either breast.
It was a potential life-saving moment.
“Due to the screening, the cancer cells were caught very early which prevented me from needing additional treatment,” said Carrie.
Since her journey, Sellers has been very active partnering with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation in helping raise money and spread awareness of the benefits of these types of screenings. Carrie and her family and friends have been active through the MadDash5k.com, an annual event that helps with spreading awareness and raising funds.
As part of her passion for the cause, Sellers has been instrumental in coordinating an effort this weekend that will include a partnership with Tech Athletics, Bulldog Softball, the Louisiana Tech School of Nursing, and the Louisiana Cancer Foundation that will provide a free skin cancer screening opportunity Saturday.
From 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, anyone wishing to participate can do so on a first come, first serve basis at the Origin Bank Soccer and Softball Complex — home of the Bulldog Softball program.
Dr. Creighton Chandler, a local retired dermatologist who partners with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation, will be on hand to conduct the screenings at no cost to individuals.
Louisiana Tech Athletics will also provide free admittance into the Bulldogs softball game against Missouri State (first pitch 2 p.m.) to anyone who participates in the free screening.
Upon arrival at the facility, interested individuals should simply notify ticket takers at the front gates their interest in participating in the screenings. You will be directed on where to go within the facility.
Cedar Creek captured its second state title in the last three years.
by Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek captured it’s second Louisiana High School Athletic Association Division V Boys Powerlifting title in three years on Wednesday.
The Cougars captured the team title with 91 points, thanks to four individual state champions and six podium finishers. Sacred Heart Ville Platte was the state runner-up.
“I’m so dang proud of our boys,” said Creek head coach Jacob Angevine. “They came in with one thing on their minds and that was to win. They’ve worked so hard for this after coming in third last year. I’m so happy for them.”
The day was highlighted by the Cougars claiming individual state titles in four different weight classes, including Wyatt Gremillion (181-pound class), Carter Lewis (198-pound class), Logan Amidon (220-pound class), and Blake Robinson (275-pound class).
Gremillion won his weight class by 155 pounds over the state runner-up Grahm Roy (Catholic Point Coupee) with a three-lift total of 1,530 pounds. Lewis dominated the 198-pound class with a three-lift total of 1,780 pounds, defeating the nearest competitor by 495 pounds (St. Frederick’s Dreher Moreland).
Lewis was named the Most Outstanding Lifter on the heavy platform.
Amidon recorded a three-lift total of 1,475 pounds to claim the 220-pound weight class, edging St. Mary’s Catholic’s Thomas Hardee by 85 pounds. Robinson won the 275-pound class in the closest race of any of the classifications. His total of 1,450 pounds was 15 pounds better than state runner-up Jaxon Bolen (First Baptist Christian School).
“It was surreal, being able to win as a team and just feel that feeling is unmatched,” said Robinson. “We all had one common goal in mind. And we achieved it. Being able to preform under the hands of God and my heavenly brother makes it 100 times better. This team is special, and we accomplished every single thing we put our mind to this year. People will always remember this team.”
Asa Singleton (2nd in 132-pound Class) recorded a three-lift total of 925 pounds to finish second while Kaden Williams (3rd in Super Heavyweight) recorded a total of 1,335 pounds.
The Cedar Creek girls will compete for the Division V state title today.
As I wrap up this column, I am sitting in a hotel room in Memphis, Tennessee, preparing to speak to a group of business leaders on communication skills and running a profitable business. The irony of the topic is amazing given my recent reading focus.
I have been thinking about a few verses in the New Testament as we approach what many refer to as Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Matthew 16:24-25 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever would save his life, will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Now there is a lot packed into those two verses.
To be a follower of Jesus (come after me):
Deny self – in other words do not be self-serving, self-seeking, internally focused
Take up cross – symbol of death to self and further intensifies the focus on Jesus
Follow me – Do what Jesus would do, go where Jesus would go – Be like Him
While that’s plenty to pursue, the next verse is what really struck me as I started preparing for this conference.
Matthew 16:26 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”
There’s that word “profit.”
I am conducting a seminar on communication skills and running a profitable business, and yet there is that verse questioning the value of “profit.”
I work with various types of organizations. Some are referred to as “for profit” organizations in that they are tax paying entities established to generate profits for their owners or stockholders. Others are “non-profit” entities, most of which are exempt from taxes, that are established to fulfill a designated purpose (normally serving others in some capacity).
There’s the paradox: Profit or Purpose – Income or Impact
While there appears to be a clear distinction between the two types of organizations, it doesn’t have to be that way. Profit and purpose can coexist. It really comes down to “Priority”!
Non-profit organizations normally have a clear purpose that drives them. They still need funding though to execute their mission. Those that do well have a solid plan to pursue profitable funding, but the focus remains on purpose. The priority is clear!
The “for profit” world is where the disconnect occurs. While many of these organizations have an eloquently worded mission statement on their boardroom wall or website, it has no relevance on the operation. The board of directors generally aren’t asking how the mission is being accomplished at the shareholders meeting. They are talking about profits, not purpose.
Can purpose be the priority within an organization that is designed to make a profit? Can purpose be the priority for a family needing profits to pay the bills?
It’s not a question of what we do, but why we do it. We can pursue excellence, serve others, and generate profits while we pursue a purpose beyond ourselves.
It’s an open-handed generosity to make an impact rather than a tight-fisted clinching of the earnings. It’s growth tied to impact, not an inflated ego. It’s elevating others and stewarding the financial blessing well rather than storing up treasures on earth.
Profit or Purpose – The answer lies in PRIORITY!
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.
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A Dubach man has been taken into custody on multiple felony charges involving child pornography and is currently being held at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, arrested John Raymond Houck, 37, as part of an ongoing investigation into several serious criminal offenses.
Houck was first arrested on March 20 and charged with one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile. As investigators continued to develop evidence, additional charges were filed on March 23 and 25. Charges now include 20 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, crime against nature (sexual abuse of an animal), indecent behavior with juveniles, and obstruction of justice.
Houck is also being held for probation violation.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are continuing to evaluate evidence and follow up on all leads to ensure a comprehensive case is prepared for prosecution.
Sheriff Williams expressed appreciation to the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office, for their assistance in this investigation. “Strong interagency cooperation is critical to the success of our efforts to keep our communities and the State of Louisiana safe,” said Sheriff Williams.
Houck’s bail was set at $700,000.
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.
Police at Grambling State University arrested a local man last week for stalking after a complaint by a female student.
Shabach Amuwah, 20, was arrested on March 20 after investigation of a student’s complaint that she feared for her safety after a man entered her dormitory room twice over the course of several days.
On March 17, the student said an unidentified man had entered her dorm room without permission. She said she feared for her safety due to the suspect’s actions.
During the investigation, GSU Police identified the man as Shabach Amuwah, according to an officer’s report. He was interviewed and said that he had been given a room number to meet a friend there. When asked the name of the friend, he recanted his statement and said he had entered the room because the door was open.
Amuwah said he did not know the female student but had seen her previously. He was told by police that the student was afraid of him and did not want any further contact and not to return.
However, on March 20, Amuwah returned to the victim’s room. She notified police who responded and placed him under arrest for stalking. He was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
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.
Sometimes — maybe at the best times — life simply just happens.
And that’s how it happened as Choudrant High School principal Chris Jones was thinking about his search for a new cross country coach for Aggie distance runners..
And then it happened — Jones was driving down the road and passed Joseph Wohlers getting in a running session.
As he passed Wohlers running, Jones realized that he had just seen the coach he’s been searching for and soon asked Joseph Wohlers to become Choudrant’s cross country coach.
Wohlers, a former distance specialist for the Mississippi State track and field team, said it was an offer he couldn’t refuse.
Wohlers replaces former Choudrant cross country coach Mason Hixson, who has decided to step away from his coaching role due to family obligations.
“We’ve been knowing this was coming for a little while now and I was just trying to find the right person,” Jones said, “I was driving down the road the other day and I saw Joseph come running by and I realized, there he is. He lives across the street from the school. It was just fortuitous that he was running down the street and I saw him.
“So, we reached out to him and he’s all on board and is excited. He wants to make a difference in these kids’ lives. He said the most influential person for him growing up was his high school cross country coach and he is ready to step into that role here.”
Wohlers admits that he didn’t expect a vehicle passing him while running on a road would end up presenting a coaching opportunity.
“I had never considered coaching,” Wohlers said. “I was really surprised. I’ve known Chris a little bit here and there, but for him to ask me to coach was really surprising. But it’s a great honor that he asked me.”
“Coach Hixon has done a great job the past five or six years at Choudrant and when he told me he was not going to be able to coach anymore I knew I was going to have a hard time finding the right person. We did not get in a rush to fill the position because we wanted to find the right person to invest in our students. I knew Joseph and his family. His wife went to Choudrant and ran cross country for us. I was driving through the village and I saw him running down the road and thought that is exactly who I am going to get to coach our cross country team.
“Joseph is a great guy with a ton of experience as an athlete,” Jones said. “He ran in an SEC program and he is young and eager to compete. After talking with him and the other coaches we all feel like he is going to be a great addition to the Choudrant athletics program. He has the knowledge to get our kids prepared to compete at the state level.”
As a high school athlete, Wohlers attended American Christian Academy where he helped his team win seven state championships from 2016-2018.
He was a six-time All-State honoree and a member of the 4x400m relay team that set a state record.
Wohlers credits the coach of that high school team for inspiring him to accept Jones’ offer to take over the Choudrant cross country program.
“His name is Charles Tiller,” Wohlers said. “He owned some small businesses on the side as well. He was basically a role model for everyone on the team. He showed us that with hard work and dedication you can really go far in life.
“He was always there for us when we had tough life questions — someone we could always call on. He set a great example on the track, on the course or off the course.”
Wohlers is married to Choudrant High School graduate Alayna Batterton Wohlers, a former CHS cross country runner herself who later attended Louisiana Tech.
“We met at a wedding,” Wohlers said. “I was part of the groom’s party and she was part of the bridal party. And the rest is history.”
Wohlers has a private business doing especially content renovations where his company works to restore homes that have been damaged by fire or that have suffered water damage.
“We go in and take out the electronics, documents, textiles and artwork and we restore them,” Wohlers said.
Being an experienced distance runner himself, Wohlers feels he knows what his athletes at Choudrant will be feeling and how to get the best out of them.
“I think that what makes it so addictive for me and other runners is that ‘runner’s high’ and that competitive side of it, where you’re always pushing yourself past what you came in thinking what you could have done. That part where you get done with the race and you look back at your time and you realize that you just set a personal record — there’s no better feeling in the world than that.”
Wohlers also accepted the Choudrant coaching job as a way to tribute Tillman.
“I hope to be at least half the coach he was for me, honestly,” Wohlers said. “I hope to be that kind of role model for my runners — someone that if they want to take it to the next level they can come to me and ask me what I think about this program. If I know the coach or what the culture of that program is.
“That’s one of the biggest things — I want to be a role model for them. I think that if you can give something back to the kids, at the end of the day you can affect the future. And if I can affect the future in any positive way or manner, I think that’s a huge plus.”
Jones feels Wohlers is the right person to guide Choudrant’s cross country into a bright future.
“Joseph is a great guy with a ton of experience as an athlete,” Jones said. “He ran in an SEC program and he is young and eager to compete. After talking with him and the other coaches we all feel like he is going to be a great addition to the Choudrant athletics program. He has the knowledge to get our kids prepared to compete at the state level.”
And Wohlers feels Jones passing him on that road he was running on is a matter of simply being in the right place at the right time for both.
“It’s extremely exciting,” Wohlers said. “My wife and in-laws speak very highly of the school and the district. To get the opportunity to be part of what in my opinion is a very prestigious school, with a lot of potential — it’s very exciting for me to sign on with them. My wife was actually a part of the (Choudrant) cross country team at one point, and she loved it. So I’m excited.”
Pictured is Joseph Wohlers with his wife Alayna Batterton Wohlers. (Courtesy photo)
Cedar Creek and Choudrant High golfers peppered the top 10 in the final individual rankings while the Cougars and Aggies finished one-two at the Jackson Parish Tournament.
Creek’s George Pullin captured the individual title with a nine-hole total of 38 as the Cougars finished with a tournament team total of 14-over-par 158 to best the second place Aggies (31-over par 175).
Quitman (186), West Ouachita (196) and Darbonne Woods (215) rounded out the five-team event.
In addition to Pullin’s round, other Cougar competitors included Alex Roebuck (3rd, 39), Jase Martin (4th, 40), Campbell Woodard (6th, 41), Sawyer Barham (9th, 43), Cameron Temple (11th, 43), James Pullin (16th, 46), Paxton Burney (19th, 49), and Bretton Williams (35th, 58).
The Aggies were led by Carson Carrico (5th, 41), Jackson Ambrose (10th, 43), Kahless Carnahan (14th, 45), Cooper Johnson (15th, 46), Brayden Pye (26th, 52), and Sawyer Cunningham (27th, 52).
Bearcats rally late, edge Loyola behind Lee’s big night
SHREVEPORT — The Ruston Bearcats erased a four-run deficit and pushed across the go-ahead run in the sixth inning to claim an 8-7 comeback victory over Loyola College Prep on Monday.
Ruston (15-8) trailed 7-3 before mounting its rally, finally taking its first lead of the night when Nolan Parnell delivered an RBI single in the sixth to break a 7-7 tie.
“Man, it was a tough one… down 7-3 in the ballgame, and our kids just battled their tails off,” Ruston head coach Bryan Beck said. “I just challenged them in the fifth inning to keep grinding and keep fighting for each other, and that’s exactly what they did.”
Loyola struck first in the second inning on a sacrifice fly by Cole Pryor, but Ruston answered in the third when senior captain Jackson Lee blasted a solo home run to right field — the first of his high school career — to even the score at 1-1.
The Flyers responded with a four-run third inning to build a 5-1 advantage, highlighted by a two-run groundout from Caden Pryor, an RBI double by Jake Black and a run scoring on an error.
Ruston chipped away in the fifth, tying the game at 7-7 behind RBI contributions from Kenden Freeman, Aiden Adams and Dalen Powell before setting up Parnell’s go-ahead hit an inning later.
“We didn’t lead that game until the seventh inning… you’re down the whole game, really,” Beck said. “They just battled back and battled back.”
Lee played a pivotal role in the comeback, contributing both at the plate and on the mound. In addition to his home run, he collected two hits and earned the win in relief, tossing 3 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit.
“Man, Jackson Lee, our senior captain — what can you say about him?” Beck said. “He hits his first home run of the season, first of his career, hits a triple, and then comes in and gives us scoreless innings on the mound and gets the win. That’s what we’ve got to have down the stretch.”
Ruston finished with 10 hits, with Parnell, Powell and Lee each recording two. Powell drove in two runs, including a key late hit that helped fuel the rally.
Beck also highlighted the contributions of younger players, including sophomore Aiden Adams, who recorded his first hit of the season, and Powell, who delivered in a key moment.
“Really exciting to see our sophomores continue to contribute for us,” Beck said. “We want to keep getting those guys opportunities, and this was a big step for them.”
Loyola was led by Pryor, who went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while both teams were aggressive on the bases — Loyola swiped five bags and Ruston added four steals.
For Beck, the significance of the win extended beyond the final score.
“It’s a really big win for us to get on the bus and go over there on a Monday and play a 5 o’clock game against a really good opponent,” he said. “I can’t say enough about how tough our kids are.”
Ruston returns home Thursday to open a district series against ASH on Ruston Junior High recognition night.
Simsboro erupts for 18-run first inning in rout of Downsville
SIMSBORO — Simsboro put the game away before Downsville could settle in Monday, sending 22 batters to the plate in an 18-run first inning and rolling to an 18-0 victory.
The Tigers scored all 18 runs in the opening frame, taking advantage of timely hitting and patient at-bats. Chris Harrell started the outburst with an RBI walk, Braylon Gipson followed with an RBI single and Trevor Cook and David Cedotal each drew bases-loaded walks.
Kaid Barmore added a two-run single, Levi Adkins followed with another two-run single and Harrell later cleared the bases with a two-run triple as Simsboro kept the line moving. Gipson capped the inning with a two-run double as the Tigers built a commanding lead.
Cedotal handled the rest on the mound. He threw three hitless innings, struck out seven and walked three to earn the win.
Simsboro finished with nine hits and 11 walks. Gipson and Barmore each had two hits and drove in three runs. Stevens drew two walks, and the Tigers backed Cedotal with an error-free defensive effort. Stevens led the way in the field with seven chances.
Choudrant claims win over Simsboro in Lincoln Parish Matchup
By T. Scott Boatright
Baseball is a game of momentum-building moments, as Choudrant High School proved Tuesday night on Tony Antley Field.
The Aggies broke open a tie game with three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning before pitcher Braden Bagwell held off Simsboro in the top of the seventh inning to earn a 5-2 complete game over the Tigers.
Choudrant’s big moment came when left fielder Rhett James led off the bottom half of the fourth with an extra base hit he stretched into a triple with a headfirst slide into third base.
But the Tigers and pitcher Noah Thomas followed by trying to build a little momentum of their own as Thomas struck out the next two Aggie batters and gave Simsboro a chance to escape the jam with the game still tied.
But Choudrant then loaded the bases as Braden Bagwell walked before Cam Bagwell reached first on what would have been a strikeout, but the catcher dropped the ball and Cam Bagwell beat the throw to first.
Then another big moment happened for the Aggies as Gavin Hall slapped a ball into short right field. The Simsboro right fielder tried to make a spectacular diving catch for the ball but didn’t come up with it as James and both Bagwells all crossed home plate to put Choudrant on top by three runs at 5-2.
“You hit a popup down the right field line that just lands in a perfect spot,” said Tigers coach Scott Hiers. “Gavin generally, from what I’ve seen and I know of him, is just a straight up pull hitter. And for him to hit one there, where we’re playing in the gap a little bit,
“The ball was just out of reach. We’re in a tie game without that. It’s just one of those things. It’s just baseball.”
Simsboro had one final chance in the top of the seventh inning, and when Levin Adkins reached first on a walk, it seemed like the Tigers might get the chance to find a momentum-building moment of their own.
But the next SHS hit a fielder’s choice ball with Choudrant shortstop Cam Bagwell fired the ball to second base to put Adkins out before doing the same thing again as fourth Tiger came to bat to put a notch in Choudrant’s win column
Simsboro fell to 15-6 with the loss.
“We still feel good about the season and should pick up a couple of wins on Thursday and Friday that should help with our (power) point totals,” Hiers said. “You just can’t just win every ballgame. I guess LSU-Shreveport proved that wrong last year, but that’s not normal. That’s the exception.
“All you can do is give yourself a chance to win. And we gave ourselves a chance to win tonight but it just didn’t happen. Noah pitched well. I thought we really hit the ball pretty well. They just made some amazing defensive plays. It may be odd for the opposing coach to say he’s proud of the other team, but I kept saying, ‘Wow, that was a great play!’
“My kids are disappointed, but they’ll get over it — in about 30 minutes.”
Thomas struck out six Aggies while giving up eight hits on the night.
Simsboro’s two runs came in the top of the first and third innings while the Aggies plated one run in each bottom half of those innings.
Choudrant had to play the game without head coach Joel Antley, who was suspended for one game after appearing to record a big win at Quitman Friday night.
But what looked like a win became a loss after it was determined that the Choudrant pitcher had violated the pitching-count rule by four pitches within a specific time period, with the Aggies ending up with a loss and Antley receiving a one-game suspension.
“They put a whooping on us a couple of weeks ago and beat us 10-0 over at their place,” said Aggies assistant coach Steve Wooley. “So, this was about us getting back to the way we play baseball. Our kids were ready to play. Braden Bagwell, man, what a performance on the mound (giving up only five hits). I don’t know what his stats are, but he had a heckuva game to hold them to two runs.
“And Gavin Hall at third base was phenomenal. I don’t know how many plays he ate up playing over there, but he played lights out over there. He was fantastic.
“Rhett James hitting in the seven hole ends up hitting a single, a double and a triple. That was a phenomenal performance by him. We made a few baserunning mistakes but the kids ran aggressively and got us into position to score. And Gavin’s popup to right field ended up scoring three runs, and that was the difference in the ballgame.”
Choudrant, now 9-11, is next scheduled to play at Downsville on Tuesday while Simsboro will play host to Castor on Thursday.
Cedar Creek Rebounds From Tough Loss With Explosive Win Over Jonesboro-Hodge
Cedar Creek (15-2) experienced both ends of the spectrum this week, bouncing back from a lopsided loss with an emphatic offensive outburst less than 24 hours later.
The Cougars fell 10-0 to Ouachita Christian on Tuesday, undone by a decisive seven-run fourth inning. Ouachita Christian set the tone early with a solo home run in the first and gradually built a 3-0 lead before breaking the game open in the fourth. Cedar Creek managed just three hits in the contest, with Connor Yates, Ryan Coleman and Jax Doiron each recording one. Noah Smith took the loss on the mound, allowing seven runs (one earned) over 3⅓ innings.
Cedar Creek didn’t wait long to respond.
On Wednesday, the Cougars erupted for 26 runs in a dominant win over Jonesboro-Hodge, highlighted by a historic first inning. Cedar Creek sent wave after wave to the plate, scoring 20 runs in the opening frame behind a mix of patience and power.
Kade Luker led the charge with five RBIs on three hits, including a bases-clearing triple and a two-run double in the first inning alone. The Cougars drew 15 walks as a team and were hit by multiple pitches, consistently applying pressure throughout the lineup.
Carter Nichols, Ryan Coleman, Noah Smith and others contributed to the offensive surge as Cedar Creek added six more runs in the second inning to cap the rout.
On the mound, Coleman started and combined with Drew Wade to keep Jonesboro-Hodge hitless in the shortened contest.
The split result showcased Cedar Creek’s resilience—shaking off a difficult loss with one of its most explosive performances of the season. The Cougars return to action Thursday against Haynesville.
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, March 26 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 4 p.m.: Tween Time (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Teen Time (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
Friday, March 27 1 p.m.: Grambling State softball 2-5 p.m.: Dogs in Downtown: Makers Market (Downtown Ruston) 4 p.m.: Family Fun Friday: Women’s History Month Bingo (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball 6 p.m.: LA Tech softball
Saturday, March 28 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 10 am. – 11 a.m. No Kings Rally – Railroad Park, 101 E. Park Ave, Ruston, LA 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Board Game Meet Up (Lincoln Parish Library) 10 a.m.: Master Gardeners present “The Cutting Garden: A Bounty of Blooms” (Jack Beard Room, Lincoln Parish Library) Noon: Grambling State softball 2 p.m.: LA Tech baseball 2 p.m.: LA Tech softball 2 p.m.: Grambling State softball
Sunday, March 29 11 a.m.: LA Tech softball 1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Monday, March 30 9 a.m.: Preparing to Vote: Understanding Louisiana’s Closed Party Primary (Lincoln Parish Library) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Tuesday, March 31 6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.) 10 a.m.: Storytime (Lincoln Parish Library) 4 p.m.: Crafternoon (Lincoln Parish Library) 4 p.m.: LA Tech baseball 6 p.m.: Video-led exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Adult Craft Night (Lincoln Parish Library; registration required by calling 318-513-5510)
Wednesday, April 1 April Fools Day 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
Thursday, April 2 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Book signing with local author Kathy Crowder (Rolling Hills Ministry Books and Coffee, 1103 Farmerville Hwy., Ruston) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6 p.m.: GSU baseball
Friday, April 3 Good Friday 3 p.m.: GSU baseball 3-6 p.m.: Self-guided Good Friday tour experiencing Jesus’s steps (Temple Baptist Church, Family Life Center Gym)
Saturday, April 4 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 1 p.m.: GSU baseball
Sunday, April 5 Easter
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No. 6 Louisiana Tech bowling team earned a national seed in the NCAA Regional Tournament, as the Bulldogs were announced as the No. 4 seed on Wednesday afternoon. Tech will head to Arlington, Texas, for the regional at the International Training and Research Center on April 3-4 as the top team in its region.
This marks the sixth consecutive season LA Tech has qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
The Bulldogs will be paired with Bryant, Wichita State and Newman. LA Tech (77-34) will open the two-day event against Bryant (58-32).
LA Tech is coming off a third-place finish in the Conference USA Championship Tournament. Tech has recorded 44 ranked wins this season while registering seven top-five finishes.
Tech is one of eight Conference USA programs have earned a spot in the 2026 National Collegiate Bowling Championship Regionals.
Louisiana Tech Volleyball head coach Scott Mattera unveiled the Bulldogs’ spring schedule Wednesday, continuing the team’s offseason training.
The first spring scrimmage is set for Saturday, April 11 as LA Tech will host a round robin against Northwestern State, Ouachita Baptist, and Mississippi College inside the Thomas Assembly Center.
It will be side-by-side courts with the first matches starting at 11 a.m. CT. The event is free and open to the public.
“We are really proud of the work we put in last year on and off the court,” said Mattera. “We have seen significant improvements in all areas – most importantly in our cultural foundation as evidenced by our massive team GPA increase. We have got a great group of returners and a couple of really talented freshmen joining us for the spring and then the rest of the 2026 class will join us in the fall.”
Next is a trip to Commerce, Texas to play at East Texas A&M as well as a neutral site contest versus UT Arlington on Saturday April 18 starting at 11 a.m. CT. The spring training period will then wrap up on Thursday, April 23 with a community event at the Ruston Sports Complex featuring a matchup versus Grambling State followed immediately by a free clinic for kids in 3rd-7th grade.
The open practice/scrimmage against the Lady Tigers will be from 6-7:30 p.m. CT with the clinic running from 7:30-8:30 p.m. CT.
The Bulldogs are carrying a roster of 12 in the spring quarter offseason training with 10 returners and two early enrolled freshmen.
Russell Allen Farrar was born at home on May 11, 1941, in Lillie, Louisiana and left this earth to live in the Kingdom of Heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 23, 2026. Allen was the son of James Dell Farrar and Mattie Smith Farrar. He was the seventh child out of eight children. Allen attended Bernice High School and graduated in May of 1959. After graduation he began working at the Ludlow Corporation in Homer, Louisiana. In 1965, he enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard until 1971. In 1969, he married the love of his life Mildred “Vernette” Pennington. They were married for 48 years until her death on December 17, 2017. After her death, we said dad was like a duck in the desert, not quite sure what to do with himself. During her illness, he was her primary caretaker and what he did not know, he learned. We are so proud of you dad for the love and care you showed her during that time. He retired from Ludlow to begin being a full-time farmer. He owned and operated his own farm from 1970 until 2002. He loved raising cattle and bailing hay. He worked at Lake D’Arbonne State Park in Farmerville, Louisiana from 2002 until July 2012. He retired from officially working in 2013 and began his other job of making sure the “honey do list” that mom created was completed. But really, they both loved working in the yard, sitting on the porch swinging and trying to solve the world’s problems with a good cup of coffee. Now, they are both free of these earthly worries, sipping coffee and enjoying the most beautiful views that heaven has to offer.
To know dad was to love him. He was the best dad in the world and we would choose him over and over again. He had the kindest heart and would do anything he could to help you. Allen lived in Lillie, Louisiana all of his life until August 2009. All of their children had moved to West Monroe, Louisiana. So, being good parents, they followed them there to be closer to them. He was a proud member of First Baptist Church of Ruston, Louisiana and really enjoyed his Sunday School Class. Allen liked John Wayne movies, Elvis Presley’s singing, and his two favorite places to eat, Port-Au-Prince and Log Cabin. He liked working outside and could fix almost anything.
He is preceded in death by his wife Mildred “Vernette” Pennington Farrar, his parents James Dell Farrar and Mattie Smith Farrar, his four sisters – Wilba Farrar, Lottie Waite, Ruegon Dial, Joan Farris, his three brothers – James Burroughs Farrar, Lee Odis Farrar and Connie Farrar, and his grandson Ayden Russell Farrar. Oh, to be there when this sweet reunion happened, I can only imagine.
Left to cherish his memories are his children: Paula Farrar (Jeff), Heather Strang (Scott), Melanie Thornhill, and Rusty Farrar (Tressa). His grandchildren: Rachael Treadway, Kinsley Treadway, Vivien Strang, Ashley Patton, Landon Patton, Molly Thornhill, Ian Stutzman (Lindsay) and Gracyn Farrar. Great grandchildren: Mallory Jo and one on the way.
Services for Allen will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Bernice, LA. Officiating the service will be Dr. Chris Craig and Brother Phillip Farris. Interment will follow at Union Grove Cemetery in Lillie, LA. A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM, Friday, March 27, 2026, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston, LA.
Pallbearers are Gary Farrar, Ricky Farrar, Mike Farris, J.D. Farris, Adam Farris, and Jason Holmes. Honorary Pallbearers will be his over 70+ Men’s Sunday School Class.
Special thanks to Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe, LA, UMMC in Jackson, MS, and Ouachita Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Monroe, Louisiana with special thanks going out to Brandi Brasher NP, Nurse Brandy, Nurse Kesha, and his two favorite CNA’s Breonna Marks and Nekeshia Plater. You ladies are special and we love you! Brandi Brasher, you are the backbone of that facility, and you are amazing!
Mary Ann Woods October 31, 1931 – March 23, 2026 Visitation: Friday, March 27, 2026, 11:30AM – 1:00PM, Trinity Methodist Church, 1000 Woodward Avenue Service: Friday, March 27, 2026, 1:00PM, Trinity Methodist Church, 1000 Woodward Avenue Final Resting Place: Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens, 1270 Highway 544, Ruston
Russell Allen Farrar May 11, 1941 – March 23, 2026 Visitation: Friday, March 27, 2026, 5:00PM – 7:00PM, Kilpatrick Funeral Homes Service: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 2:00PM, First Baptist Church Bernice, 502 Cherry Street, Bernice Final Resting Place: Union Grove, 650 Bud Farrar Rd, Lillie
Martha Jean Jones Edmiston July 17, 1939 – March 21, 2026 Final Resting Place: Mount Zion Cemetery, Mount Zion Rd, Clay
Terry Wayne Lee Monday 01/01/1962 — Friday 03/20/2026 Visitation: Friday 03/27/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 03/28/2026 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 03/28/2026 Following Service, Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Bowden Road, Ruston (Clay)
Preston Olive “P.O.” Jones, Jr. May 29, 1961 – March 21, 2026 Visitation: Thursday, March 26, 2026, 10:00AM – 11:00AM, Cane Creek Primitive Baptist Church, 1019 Cane Creek Rd., Rives, TN Graveside: Thursday, March 26, 2026, 11:00AM, Cane Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, 1019 Cane Creek Church Rd., Rives, TN
Courtesy of Louisiana Tech University Communications
Louisiana Tech University has announced its 2026 Winter Quarter president’s and dean’s honor lists.
Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.
To be eligible for the dean’s honor list, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).
Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.
Honor students are listed below by the hometown they have entered in their Workday Student profile, with all Louisiana students listed first by parish.
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.
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 Louisiana Secretary of State has released the Inactive Voter List for Lincoln Parish.
If your name is listed, your address cannot be confirmed, but you are still eligible to vote if you follow one of the four options below:
WHY IT MATTERS Inactive voters risk removal after two regularly scheduled federal general elections.
CHECK THE LIST. PROTECT YOUR VOTE. Click the link below — enter your name — click Search. Inactive Voters Search: https://share.google/kURASFFFkXEjlKRHX If your name appears, you are on the inactive voter list.
ACT NOW TO REMOVE NAME FROM INACTIVE LIST!
If you receive the form to confirm your address, MAIL IT TODAY!
A Choudrant man was arrested on drug charges in Ruston Sunday after he was observed acting suspiciously around a parked vehicle.
Benton Bernard Bullard, 52, was arrested on March 22 on several drug charges after Ruston Police investigated the situation.
An officer initially saw Bullard approach a Honda Civic parked on the sidewalk on South Farmerville Street. According to the officer’s report, Bullard walked to the rear of the vehicle and opened the trunk and removed several bags and walked away.
Another officer approached Bullard, who said the vehicle did not belong to him. During the course of the conversation, Bullard admitted having a crack pipe in his pocket.
During a search, a suspected crack cocaine rock was found in one of the bags Bullard had. A smoking pipe containing suspected narcotic residue was found on the ground where Bullard was standing. A pill was also located on Bullard believed to be methocarbamol.
Bullard was arrested and booked for possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a legend drug.
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.
An Arcadia man was arrested in Lincoln Parish last week after he was stopped for speeding and was found to be wanted on warrants for failure to appear in court.
Frank Bernard Womack, 25, was stopped on March 20 on U.S. Highway 80 for speeding 81 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone.
The Lincoln Parish deputy who stopped Womack conducted a records check which indicated the man’s driver’s license was under suspension.
The check also showed Womack was wanted on warrants for failure to appear in Ruston City Court on charges of driving under suspension and no liability insurance.
Womack was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for speeding, driving under suspension, and the two City Court warrants.
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.
