A Ruston man was arrested last week when Lincoln Parish deputies took him into custody on outstanding warrants and then found drugs on him.
Michael K. Horton, 34, was arrested on outstanding warrants from Third District Court on April 17.
Deputies went to an East Georgia Avenue location in Ruston to serve the warrant. During Horton’s arrest, a deputy found a small bottle of an over-the-counter medication that instead contained 1.5 units of buprenorphine, a Schedule III opioid.
Horton was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of buprenorphine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and warrants charging him with violation of a protective order, and probation violation.
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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If you are going down the interstate and the low fuel light pops on, you automatically start looking for an upcoming exit with a gas station.
Similarly, if you are traveling and get hungry, you look for an exit with food availability.
Where’s the off-ramp though when you are emotionally exhausted or mentally drained? Where’s the flashing light when we are struggling through uncertainty, dealing with disappointment, or searching for significance?
Those issues are just as real as the vehicle needing gas and our bodies needing food. However, the solution to those issues is often more complex.
While good friends, wise counsel, and prayer are all vital elements that play a role, let me suggest three key foundational elements as a starting point.
Identity: What do you want to be known for?
When we can clearly articulate who we are, we are less susceptible to allowing others to define us. When we are comfortable with identity, we are more grounded in our convictions, beliefs, and standards. With a firm foundation of identity, we can better withstand the challenges of life.
2nd Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation”.
My identity is wrapped in three focus areas: follower of Jesus, coach, and athlete.
Those three areas embody what I want to be known for, what others should see in me, and where I emphasize my daily habits. My days are focused on seeking to follow my Savior, to impact others, and to invest physically and mentally to be better each day.
Purpose: What are you pursuing?
Purpose is an ongoing endeavor that should never stop. So many consider a goal as being a purpose with an end game. Goals are great, but they are just mile markers along the way. Purpose has no finish line.
Purpose outlives achievements and accomplishments. Purpose is an ongoing process to “make it better”, to have more impact, or to reach one’s potential.
My purpose for the last few years is found in Matthew 5:16: “To let my light shine before others, so that they may see good works and give glory to God”.
You can see where my identity aligns with that purpose to provide meaning to each day regardless of the circumstances encountered.
Mindset: What will you choose?
Life is full of choices. We make many choices every day that we give little or no thought to in the moment, and there are huge choices that shape the direction of our life. There are also quite a few choices somewhere between those extremes that impact the quality of our life!
We can choose bitter or better when things don’t go our way. We can choose to be crushed by disappointment or to dust ourselves off and press on. We can be controlled by the uncertainty of tomorrow or focus on the day at hand.
Life will not seem fair, it will be hard, and the future is full of uncertainty. Those are real things to accept. However, our lives will ultimately be shaped not by the degree of difficulty, but rather by the choices we make.
Philippians 3:13-14 “But one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on…”.
Those three items: Identity, purpose, and mindset can be foundational elements to a fulfilling life. That life won’t necessarily look like anyone else’s. It will be uniquely designed for you and your personal fulfillment.
John 10:10 Jesus stated, “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly”.
Invest some time with those three key questions. You might discover just how special you are and find the fulfillment you are searching for in life. You are just one decision, one choice, one habit away from a new life!
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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The Mayor of the Town of Winnsboro was Tuesday by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation for Medicaid fraud in a $75,000 benefits scheme.
Based on a referral from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) agents investigated allegations of government benefits fraud by 50-year-old Alice Wallace of Winnsboro in Franklin Parish.
LBI found Wallace fraudulently received Medicaid benefits for herself and a dependent between 2021 and 2026. Wallace did not report to LDH a change in household income, failed to disclose her marital status, and intentionally misrepresented the availability of health insurance provided through her employers.
Agents found Wallace failed to notify LDH that she was employed from 2021 through 2022, where she received a salary and was offered health coverage insurance. From 2022 through 2026, Wallace was employed by the Town of Winnsboro as the elected mayor, and did not report to LDH that employment, income, or availability of medical health coverage as required.
LBI’s investigation revealed Wallace and her dependent continuously utilized Medicaid program benefits from 2021 through 2026, while she received a salary that made her ineligible to receive benefits from the State and the LDH programs. The LDH Medicaid Fraud Division found that Wallace fraudulently received benefits for a combined loss of claims of approximately $75,000.
LBI obtained an arrest warrant for Wallace through the 19th Judicial District Court for six counts of government benefits fraud.
Wallace was arrested for knowingly concealing and failing to disclose material facts affecting her and her dependents’ continued eligibility to receive benefits from the Louisiana Department of Health Medicaid program. Those six counts pertain to the years of 2021 through 2026, in which Wallace was known to be employed, received an income, failed to disclose that income as required, and continued to receive benefits.
Attorney General Liz Murrill said, “It doesn’t matter who you are—if you defraud the hardworking taxpayers of Louisiana, you’re going to jail.” LBI is a unit of the Office of the Attorney General.
Wallace surrendered to LBI agents on April 21 and was booked into the East Baton Rouge Prison.
Bail has not been set and the investigation is ongoing.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Thursday, April 23 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.: Tween/Teen Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
Friday, April 24 6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Saturday, April 25 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Master Gardeners spring plant sale (The Bridge Community Center, 2301 N. Trenton St.) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 2 p.m.: LA Tech baseball 3 p.m.: Fake African Wedding celebrating GSU’s Inaugural International Week (Frederick C. Hobdy Assembly Center; call 318-274-6556 for more information)
Sunday, April 26 1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Monday, April 27 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 5:30 p.m.: Ruston City Council meeting (Ruston City Hall) 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Tuesday, April 28 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) 6 p.m.: Video-led exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Adult Craft Night (Registration required by calling 318-513-5510) 6-9 p.m.: LA Tech Tri Delta pancake dinner fundraiser for St. Jude (Ruston Farmers Market)
Wednesday, April 29 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 11:30 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Russ Town Crossing (1211 Gaines Ave.) 12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
Thursday, April 30 6:30 a.m.: Community Prayer Breakfast (Ruston Sports Complex, 2001 Champions Way) 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 Shelter Insurance with Jessie Smith (829 E. Georgia Ave., Ste. 1) 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 p.m.: Tween Time (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Teen Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
Friday, May 1 2 p.m.: LA Tech softball 6 p.m.: GSU baseball
Saturday, May 2 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 2 p.m.: LA Tech softball 3 p.m.: GSU baseball
Sunday, May 3 1 p.m.: GSU baseball
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Head coach Matt Lodge and Louisiana Tech have announced the signing of Maithé Dermez out of Belgium.
Dermez signs as a central back and defending midfielder, set to graduate this spring from Sint Godelieve Instituut Lennik. Native of Pajottegem and born in Halle, Belgium, Dermez brings high-level experience after spending time in her home country’s national league.
“We are really excited to add a center back of Maithé’s caliber,” Lodge said. “She plays at a very high level in Belgium, and will bring a high level of play to Ruston. She is calm and composed on the ball, and mature in her defending.”
She was a member of RSC Anderlecht, who is a member of the Belgium Women’s Super League. Dermez began her career with RSCA on their women’s U14 team and played through until making the U21 team. She chose Louisiana Tech for the “combination of high-level soccer and high-level academics.”
Dermez is the daughter of David and Els Dermez-Peetermans, and has one sister, Camille.
RUSTON, La. — The Ruston High School boys golf team earned a trip to the regional tournament in dramatic fashion Tuesday, defeating Airline in a sudden-death playoff after the teams finished tied at the District 1-5A tournament at Querbes Golf Course in Shreveport.
Ruston secured one of four regional qualifying spots after matching Airline at 22-over-par through the top four scorers. The Bearcats then prevailed on the third playoff hole to claim advancement, thanks to senior Drew Bowling’s heroics in extra-play.
Bowling led the Bearcat scorers with a +4 on the day (75) to tie 11th individually, followed by Jackson Murray, Miles Bennett and Charlie Rogers, who all shot +6 (77) to tie for 17th. Ruston’s +22 scoring total was good enough to tie Airline for fourth overall, as Byrd finished at the top with a +12 as a team.
The district field included Byrd, West Monroe, Alexandria Senior High, Airline, Neville, Benton, Natchitoches Central, Captain Shreve, Northwood, Pineville, Haughton and Parkway.
Coach Kyle Thorne said Ruston overcame a difficult start and changing weather conditions to stay in contention.
“We started off kind of rough,” Thorne said. “A couple guys had some early bogies and some early double bogies, but later on we started hitting our stride.”
Rain during the round also created challenges with ball flight and green speeds, but Ruston remained in the hunt until scores were finalized.
Tournament results initially appeared to leave Ruston outside the top five before a scoring correction changed the standings. After a scorecard entry was corrected, Ruston was moved into a tie with Airline, sending the teams to a playoff and set up a marquee matchup between Ruston’s Bowling and Airline standout Hudson Greene, who had fired a tournament-best 62 on the par-71 course.
The first two playoff holes were halved with pars as both golfers traded steady play under pressure.
On the third extra hole, both players missed the green and were forced to chip close. Bowling left himself a lengthy putt and rolled in a 20-footer for par, placing the pressure squarely on Greene. Greene narrowly missed his attempt, giving Ruston the victory and a berth in regionals.
Thorne praised Bowling’s poise in the deciding moments.
“I’m extremely proud of our guys,” Thorne said. “They’ve worked hard all year. They’ve bought into our practices and making sure we’re doing the details right, working on things we can work on. I’m extremely proud of our guys and through our grit and Drew Bowling for being a clutch performer there at the end for us. Overall, these guys earned it.”
Ruston will compete in the regional tournament Monday, April 27, at Links on the Bayou in Alexandria.
RUSTON, La. — Ruston High School captured the Division II, Region I girls tennis championship Tuesday, repeating as regional champion behind a deep lineup that produced one individual title, two runner-up finishes and multiple semifinalists and quarterfinalists.
Junior Lillian Fendley led the way by winning the singles championship, while Ruston also earned runner-up finishes from doubles team Bess Black and Libby Morgan, along with boys singles player Jake Hawkins.
Coach David Poe said the title was the result of season-long effort across the roster.
“Proud is an understatement,” Poe said. “They did amazing but that’s no surprise. They’ve fought hard all year. They earned some of the top spots and proved they were worthy of them.”
Ruston advanced several entries deep into the bracket, showcasing the depth that helped secure the team championship.
Reaching the semifinals were doubles team Roan Sutherland and Hoss Flournoy, along with freshman singles player Leighton Brumley.
Quarterfinal appearances came from doubles teams Millie Keen and Mabry Doucet, Alyssa Langiulli and Eva Allen, Carson Williams and Reeves Kilpatrick, and senior singles player Micah Blount.
Poe said repeating as regional champions required contributions throughout the lineup.
“My girls are back-to-back regional champions,” Poe said. “It took every one of them to achieve that.” He also praised Hawkins, who returned from an earlier injury to finish second in boys singles.
“Jake had an injury earlier in the season and we weren’t even sure he would be able to play,” Poe said. “He came back and worked extra hard and was the boys singles runner-up after playing one of his best games.”
Ruston now turns its attention to the state tournament.
“Everyone works hard and it paid off,” Poe said. “I can’t wait to see how they do at state.”
Grant Stephen Glover October 7, 1960 – April 18, 2026 Visitation: Friday, April 24, 2026, 10:00AM – 11:00AM, First Baptist Church of Ruston, 200 S. Trenton St, Ruston Service: Friday, April 24, 2026, 11:00AM, First Baptist Church of Ruston, 200 S. Trenton St, Ruston
Nancy Delafosse Sunday 11/09/1941 — Saturday 04/18/2026 Visitation: Saturday 04/25/2026 8:00am to 11:00am, St. Benedict Catholic Church, 471 Main Street, Grambling Celebration of Life: Saturday 04/25/2026 11:00am, St. Benedict Catholic Church, 471 Main Street, Grambling Interment: Saturday 04/25/2026 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
James Earl Shults February 17, 1951 – April 15, 2026 Graveside service: Friday, April 17, 2026, 2:00 PM, Forest Lawn Cemetery, 2500 West California Ave, Ruston
Odessa Regina Buckner Sunday 12/31/1950 — Saturday 04/18/2026 Family Gathering: Friday 04/24/2026 4:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Saturday 04/25/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Sunday 04/26/2026 11:30am, Mt. Zion Baptist Church #2, 113 California Plant Road, Dubach Interment: Sunday 04/26/2026 Following Service, Mt. Zion Baptist Church #2 Cemetery, 113 California Plant Road, Dubach
Tina Y Davis Friday 11/29/1963 — Saturday 04/04/2026 Memorial Service: Saturday 04/25/2026 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home Private Burial
Bryant Edward Mitchell Monday 01/04/1982 — Saturday 04/11/2026 Visitation: Thursday 04/23/2026 12:00pm to 4:00pm, Abundant Life Evangelistic Ministries, 150 Guice Road, Winnsboro Wake: Thursday 04/23/2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm, Abundant Life Evangelistic Ministries, 150 Guice Road, Winnsboro Celebration of Life: Friday 04/24/2026 12:00pm, Morehouse Baptist Association Building, 8420 Collinston Road, Bastrop Interment: Friday 04/24/2026, H B Adams Cemetery, Kammelle Street, Bastrop
Mayor Ronny Walker announced today that he will run for a fourth term as the leader of the City of Ruston.
Standing on the stage at Railroad Park overlooking a revitalized downtown Ruston and accompanied by his wife, Kay, Walker spoke of his love for the city and his desire to serve a fourth term.
“The main reason I am running is that I love this job,” said Walker. “(Former mayor) Dan Hollingsworth told me when I was elected that it would be the greatest job that I ever had. And he was exactly right.”
The Meridian, Mississippi, native was elected in 2014 and re-elected in both 2018 and 2022. He defeated Bill Elmore in 2014 and has run unopposed each of the past two elections.
Walker’s predecessor (Dan Hollingsworth) also served four terms before retiring from office. Walker will turn 75 this year.
During Walker’s tenure as mayor, the city of Ruston has seen significant economic growth and infrastructure improvements with more on the way in the very near future.
“A city is no different then a business,” said Walker. “You are either rolling or you are failing. I feel like we have our city now in the position of growth, only because of the citizens of Ruston voting in Moving Ruston Forward in 2016. That has propelled our city to be the envy of many many cities across the state and the nation.”
During the past 12 years, some of the top accomplishments for the city under Walker’s tenure include:
Moving Ruston Forward – a three-quarters cent sales tax that has led to in excess of $250 million in infrastructure work that has led to growth in new businesses
Partnership with Louisiana Tech University – has led to bridging the gap between the university campus and downtown Ruston
Improvement in relationship with state and federal leaders and entities which has led to over $70 million in grants
Addition of the Ruston Sports Complex, one of the premier multi-sport facilities in the south, that attracts thousands of families to Ruston each year and that provides topnotch facilities for local youngsters
The election will take place this fall.
“In 2014, I ran on a platform that contained four main points,” said Walker. “The first was to grow our city. A city is just like any other business. You are either growing or you are dying.”
Walker provided a couple of illustrations on how the city has grown during his tenure as mayor.
In 2015, the city of Ruston’s revenue was $59 million while today it is $94 million per year. The expenses in 2015 was $55 million while present day it is $71 million.
“The big change is in the net position of our city,” said Walker. “In 2015, it was $116 million and today it is $256 million. So this city has grown over the last 11 years mainly because of Moving Ruston Forward.”
When asked what his goal for the next four years would be, Walker
“To finish a lot of the projects that we have going on right now,” said Walker. “There will always be project whenever I do decide not to run, but we have some really important ones that I would like to see through to completion.”
One in a series on unsolved cases in Ruston and Lincoln Parish
by Wesley Harris
Case No. 6
Name: Cheryl Williams
Type of Case: Missing Person
Date: July 2004 Status: Remains missing; foul play suspected
In July 2004, Cheryl Williams of Simsboro vanished without explanation. From the beginning, investigators with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office believed her disappearance was not voluntary. She simply did not walk away and leave her daughter and an ailing mother. Something had happened.
Early in the investigation, attention turned to a man known to Williams. According to family members, the two were connected through her struggles with substance abuse. They described a relationship in which the man allowed her to stay at his home at times, but they insist the connection was not romantic—at least not from her perspective.
Investigators conducted multiple searches, including at the suspect’s home and surrounding areas. Despite those efforts, no physical evidence was recovered to support an arrest. The case stalled, joining the ranks of other local, unsolved disappearances in the past two decades.
Former LPSO investigator Kenneth Wesley, who passed away in 2023, devoted significant time and effort to the case, continuing to pursue leads long after the initial investigation slowed. He prepared and distributed fliers, led the searches for evidence, questioned scores of Lincoln Parish residents who might know something.
Kenneth Wesley remained convinced answers existed and the case could be solved with the right piece of information.
The case troubled him because he was confident an arrest was just one tip away.
Family members later said the suspect had expressed an infatuation with Williams, claiming he loved her and wanted to marry her, despite her being married. That dynamic raised concerns early in the investigation and placed him at the center of law enforcement scrutiny. But years passed without a satisfying conclusion to the case.
Still, it was never forgotten.
In 2019, the Louisiana State Police joined the investigation. LSP detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Lonnie Frazier Jr., then 70, of Ruston, on a charge of second degree murder.
“From the beginning, we always knew he had something to do with it,” Lari Talbert, sister of Cheryl Williams said at the time of Frazier’s arrest.
But the development did not bring resolution. Prosecutors determined the evidence was woefully insufficient to proceed and Frazier was released. The case remains open, now solely in the hands of the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Williams’ daughter, Alexis Harrell, was just 12 years old when her mother disappeared. She has spoken about the emotional toll of growing up without answers. “I went through depression…just full of anger, suppressing everything over not knowing.”
Family members have come to believe Williams is no longer alive, but they continue to hold onto faith that the truth will eventually come to light. For them, the passage of time has not lessened the need for answers.
More than twenty years later, Cheryl Williams remains missing. No one has been held accountable. Investigators continue to consider the case open, and foul play is still strongly suspected.
The passage of time has not diminished the importance of the case. If anything, it has underscored it.
Someone knows what happened in July 2004.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Lt. Matt Henderson at the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-251-5111 or Crime Stoppers at 318-255-1111.
Louisiana Tech celebrated its eighth annual Giving Day in March, receiving 897 gifts from students, faculty and staff, alumni, parents, corporate partners, and friends who together raised more than $1.25 million for the University.
“This Giving Day showed we have engaged donors that are eager to invest in Louisiana Tech’s future,” said William Dearmon, Louisiana Tech’s chief development officer. “I’m encouraged by the level of participation this year, as this sustained support enables the University to achieve its strategic goals while elevating the experience of our students and entire campus community.”
This year’s Giving Day centered around empowering endless opportunities for students, with gifts made to support initiatives across campus, including Athletics, Prescott Memorial Library, and the Band of Pride. Collectively, these contributions support transformational learning, fuel innovation, and enhance campus environments to help our students thrive.
“We are grateful that the Alumni Association was one area that donors chose to support. This year, our Board of Directors stepped up to provide a matching gift program, and with the help of our alumni and friends, we raised more than $30,000 to support our engagement efforts,” said Dr. Heath Tims, CEO of the Louisiana Tech Alumni Association. “Financial contributions are just one of the many ways our alumni give back. They also contribute through service, advocacy, and engagement, all of which help shape the future of our University.”
Giving Day reflects the commitment of the Tech Family to invest in student success and Louisiana Tech’s vision to be the exemplar public institution in scholarship, teaching, and experiential learning.
To see more about Giving Day, including successful match challenges and the donor wall, visit LouisianaTechGivingDay.org
Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Karl Malone Toyota of Ruston and Gulf States Toyota to enhance workforce development opportunities within the Automotive Technician Program on the West Monroe Campus.
This collaboration creates a direct pipeline from education to employment by equipping students with the hands-on skills and industry experience needed to succeed as professional automotive technicians. Gulf States Toyota and Karl Malone Toyota of Ruston will donate parts and equipment to support student training, helping LDCC build certified technicians ready for employment at Toyota dealerships region wide.
Karl Malone, owner of Karl Malone Toyota of Ruston, emphasized the importance of investing in local talent. “We believe in growing our own workforce right here in Louisiana,” Malone stated. “By partnering with LDCC, we’re helping students gain real skills on real equipment, so they can step into our dealerships ready to succeed on day one.”
Building on this shared commitment to student success and workforce readiness, LDCC leadership highlighted the broader impact of the partnership.
“This partnership represents exactly what workforce development should look like: education and industry working hand-in-hand to create opportunity,” Dr. Hoggard said. “With the support of Karl Malone Toyota of Ruston and Gulf States Toyota, we’re creating clear pathways for our automotive students to transition into high-demand careers.”
Because of key employer partners like Karl Malone Toyota of Ruston and Gulf States Toyota, automotive students can look forward to an enhanced educational experience as well as expanded career pathways after graduation. This initiative reinforces LDCC’s commitment to aligning academic programs with industry needs while strengthening the regional workforce pipeline across Northeast Louisiana.
GRAMBLING, La. (AP) — State officials, campus leaders and students will gather today at Grambling State University to launch an “Arrive Alive” transportation safety campaign aimed at discouraging impaired driving and increasing seat belt use among college students.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. today at the Favrot Student Union on campus and is being organized by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, UMOJA Inc., and the university.
Officials said the initiative is designed to provide transportation safety education throughout the school year while encouraging students to make responsible choices behind the wheel.
Speakers are expected to include representatives from the highway safety commission, Louisiana State Police Troop F, Grambling State administrators, campus police, student leaders and community partners.
As part of the campaign, students recently participated in a video collaboration to create public service announcements focused on transportation safety. Organizers said the student-produced videos highlight the consequences of unsafe driving behaviors and stress the importance of sober, distraction-free driving and regular seat belt use.
The videos are expected to be shared through campus platforms, social media and community outlets to broaden the campaign’s reach beyond the university.
Organizers said the program is intended to be more than a one-day event, combining student engagement, campus partnerships and community outreach to reinforce safe driving habits year-round.
Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional death for people ages 15 to 24 in the United States, according to campaign organizers.
Data from the LSU Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety show that from 2023 through 2025, Louisiana recorded 511 fatalities and 3,083 suspected serious injuries involving people in that age group.
In northeast Louisiana, officials said there were 46 fatalities and 207 suspected serious injuries during the same period, accounting for 13% of statewide fatalities and 19% of serious injuries. Lincoln Parish was listed among the affected areas.
“This campaign is about empowering young people to take ownership of their safety and the safety of their peers,” Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman said in a statement.
“By engaging students to create these messages, we’re not only raising awareness — we’re building a culture of responsibility where making smart, sober decisions behind the wheel becomes the norm.”
Organizers said the campaign’s message to students is simple: make smart choices, look out for one another and always arrive alive.
And carries them close to his heart;…” Isaiah 40:11
Heartbreaking deal, Shreveport being in the national news this week for tragic reasons.
A father killing his own children, anychildren …
And the ages of the little ones …
3
5
5
6
6
7
10
11
Small numbers that shout of a significance and loss too big to bear.
Besides practical help, we can offer only prayers and compassion and hope to grieving families and to those riding the ripple effects of the crimes — first responders, teachers, caregivers, the little friends. So many shocked in a community that needs courage and mercy and a heart for each other.
I overheard a warm soul this week remind some friends that love requires action, and that it is possible that each of us can be the answer to someone’s prayer.
We have all heard that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and that he saves those who are crushed in spirit. May he grant that we seek today to know him, because more trouble is coming.
At some point, you have either faced or will face heartbreaking trouble, the kind of trouble healed only by means supernatural. The Suffering Servant, a man of sorrows, asks that we be humble enough to rely on his strength daily, to count on his comfort in a world in which we are not at home.
None of us are built for a world in which little brothers and sisters are murdered, where the difference between the weight of tragedy and the sun rising on another beautiful spring Sunday is such a thin, thin line. This is the kind of world that needs – that requires – not just a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. Not a motto or a pep talk. Not just “thoughts and prayers.” This is the kind of world that needs a Savior.
Jesus knew sorrow. He knew loss. And he told us, plainly, that in this world there would be sorrow. But …
A man known to Ruston Police as a habitual shoplifter was arrested again last week after a store reported he had stolen merchandise and left the scene walking.
Dontrell Traman Williams, 36, formerly of Avondale, was arrested on April 18 after officers spotted him on Celebrity Drive in possession of stolen items from the store.
At about 2:30 p.m., a store on the North I-20 Service Road reported staff recognized Williams and saw him leave the store with merchandise.
Officers found Williams in possession of a backpack and several Febreze plug-in scent boosters stolen at the store. He was also questioned regarding a shoplifting complaint at a store on South Vienna Street earlier. Williams had been seen on video taking several items as well as a shopping cart from the store, leaving a backpack behind.
That backpack, which was also stolen, contained a criminal summons Williams had been issued previously.
While Williams was being taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, he made the statement that he did not believe it was theft if it was taken from a business.
William had been previously barred from the Service Road store. Ruston Police have arrested him at least four times in 2026.
He was booked for two counts of theft by shoplifting and entering premises after being forbidden. Bail was set at $7,500.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Following up on a call of a suspicious person, the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Choudrant woman last week on drug charges.
McKenna Elise Williams, 40, was arrested on April 17 on Pleasant Grove Road after a resident reported suspicious behavior.
The caller reported to the sheriff’s office that a woman had followed her daughter off the school bus down their driveway, asking for water. Later in the evening, the caller saw the same woman near the road, who asked for a flashlight.
A deputy located the woman and knew her identity from previous encounters. A records check confirmed an active warrant for Williams for failure to appear in District Court for criminal trespass.
After Williams was arrested, a deputy found a glass smoking pipe containing suspected methamphetamine and a methamphetamine “rock” in her pocket.
Williams was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and the District Court warrant.
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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Cedar Creek ran away with the district title on Tuesday at Frenchman’s Bend.
by Malcolm Butler
Freshman George Pullin and junior Alex Roebuck finished one-two to lead Cedar Creek to the district title Tuesday at Frenchman’s Bend.
Pullin fired a 71 while Roebuck shot a 72 to lead the Cougars to a team total of 299, edging runner-up Castor by 28 strokes.
“I am not surprised that this group played well today,” said Creek head coach Gene Vandenlangenberg. “There is a competitive spirit within this team. They challenge and encourage each other every day at practice. Today their hard work paid off. We are looking forward to competing at Regionals next week.”
In addition to George Pullin and Roebuck’s performances on the course, Cameron Temple (6th, 77), Jase Martin (79, 8th), and James Pullin (83) also represented the Cougars.
Meanwhile, the Choudrant Aggies finished fourth to secure the school’s first ever regional bid in just the second year of sporting a varsity boys program.
“Despite having a senior heavy roster, our guys are fairly inexperienced with less than a year experience for most,” said Choudrant head coach William Bandy. “The guys have worked very hard to improve both their physical skills and mental toughness. Being only their second year as a Varsity team, I am proud of their progress and love for one another.”
Senior Carson Carrico led Choudrant and finished seventh overall with a 78 as the Aggies recorded a team total of 346, trailing only Creek, Castor (327), and Glenbrook (335) while edging Quitman (349), Faith Family Christian (377), and Haynesville (383).
“Every player I spoke to on the course today wanted to know how their teammates were doing and wanted me to pass on words of encouragement from them,” said Bandy. “It was a total team effort.”
Jackson Ambrose (85), Kahlas Carnahan (90), Cooper Johnson (93) and Braden Pye (117) helped lead the Aggies to the historic performance.
Regionals will be April 29 at Huntington Golf Club.
The Choudrant Aggies finished fourth and earned the school’s first ever Regional appearance in boys golf.
Ava Lantrip went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate to lead No. 12 seed Cedar Creek to an 8-5 road win over No. 5 seed Central Private in the second round of the Select School Division IV playoffs on Tuesday.
The Lady Cougars blew open a 1-1 game with a seven-run fifth inning.
“We came ready to play and were confident the whole game,” said head coach Julie Riser. “Kendall Ramsey pitched a great game. We got some timely hits and did a great job of scoring runners on the bases.”
Lantrip recorded singles in the fourth and fifth innings and added a double in the sixth to pace the Lady Cougars’ offense.
Central Private struck first in the bottom of the third on a groundout by Raegan Harrell, but Cedar Creek answered in the fourth when Anna Claire Fitzgerald’s groundout tied the game at 1.
The Lady Cougars broke things open in the fifth, erupting for seven runs on five hits to take control. Hydi Boyd delivered the biggest hit of the inning with a two-run double as Cedar Creek built an 8-1 advantage.
Ramsey earned the win in the circle, allowing four runs — three earned — on six hits over 5 2/3 innings while striking out five and walking none. Lantrip came on in relief to help secure the victory.
Fitzgerald drove in three runs to lead Cedar Creek, while Sadee Williams drew four walks as part of a patient offensive approach that produced six free passes.
Central Private mounted a late push but could not overcome the deficit. Avery Brown led the Redhawks with two RBIs, and Aubrey Lane Watts paced the team with two hits.
Bree Crawford took the loss, allowing four runs — one earned — on two hits over six innings while striking out six and walking three.
Creek advances to face No. 4 seed Ascension Catholic in the quarterfinals.
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Anacoco 5, Choudrant 1
No. 20 seed Choudrant dropped a 5-1 decision to No. 4 seed Anacoco on Tuesday as the Lady Indians used early runs and timely hitting to secure the win.
Anacoco took control in the opening inning, capitalizing on a Choudrant error that led to two runs. The Lady Indians added to their lead in the second when Ava Davis delivered an RBI single to center field, extending the advantage to 3-1.
Oni Duran provided additional insurance in the third, blasting a solo home run to center to push the lead to four.
Choudrant managed its lone run but was limited offensively despite drawing seven walks. Kelsee Guillotte led the Lady Aggies at the plate, going 2-for-4, while Brylea Diffey recorded the team’s only RBI. Katelynn Winstead added two walks as part of Choudrant’s patient approach.
Addison Worley took the loss in the circle for Choudrant, allowing five runs — two earned — on nine hits over six innings while striking out one and walking one.
Anacoco was paced offensively by Davis and Duran, who each collected two hits. Davis, Duran and Emilee D’Amico each drove in a run for the Lady Indians, who also turned a double play defensively.
Duran started in the circle for Anacoco, allowing one run on no hits over 1 1/3 innings with three strikeouts and four walks.
