On Sunday, April 26, the peaceful setting of Lincoln Parish Park will transform into a daylong sanctuary of movement, mindfulness, and connection during “Yoga at the Park,” hosted by Blue Sky Yoga. From 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., participants are invited to step outside the studio and into nature for a full schedule of classes designed to nurture both body and mind.
The event builds on the momentum of a successful fall gathering, bringing back the same welcoming spirit that has become a hallmark of Blue Sky Yoga. With offerings that span gentle meditation to energizing flow, the day is intentionally designed so that “there is something for everyone,” whether you’re a seasoned yogi or simply curious to try something new.
The morning begins at 9:30 a.m. with meditation led by Andy Davidson, offering a quiet, grounding start to the day. At 11 a.m., Laura Mitcham leads “Yoga for Everybody,” a class focused on accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that participants of all levels feel comfortable and supported. Midday continues with Pilates at 12:30 p.m. with Kasey Baum, followed by a 1:30 p.m. flow class with Donna Wood that invites participants to build strength and move with intention.
As the afternoon unfolds, the schedule shifts toward both energy and ease. At 2:45 p.m., Dianne Maroney Grigsby leads Chair Cardio, a creative and approachable option that blends movement and fun in a way that meets participants where they are. At 3:45 p.m., Capree Bramel offers a Yin class, encouraging stillness, deep stretching, and reflection. The day concludes at 4:30 p.m. with a sound bath led by Emily Foster, allowing attendees to fully relax and absorb the calming atmosphere of the park.
Beyond the classes themselves, Yoga at the Park emphasizes community. Attendees are encouraged to bring a yoga mat and a beach towel, water, and even a packed lunch—or contribute to a shared table of food. It’s a chance not only to practice, but to connect, recharge, and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds Ruston.
For an investment of $30, or $20 for students, you can take part in one or all of the day’s events. Pre-registration is not required for Yoga at the Park, but for those who do want to register in advance, visit https://blue-sky-yoga.net/events/.
With fresh air, experienced instructors, and a full day of thoughtfully curated sessions, Yoga at the Park offers a simple invitation: come as you are, and leave feeling stronger, calmer, and more connected.
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The City of Ruston announces, weather permitting, that Bular Street will be closed to traffic at its intersection with E. Kentucky Avenue.
The closure will begin at 7:00am on Monday, April 20th and shall remain closed through Wednesday, April 22nd. This closure is necessary to allow for paving operations associated with the E. Kentucky Avenue Project.
The City of Ruston regrets any inconvenience this necessary work may cause residents and motorists. We appreciate your patience, and any questions can be received by the Public Works Department at (318) 242-7703.
The City of Ruston announces, weather permitting, that Center St will be closed to traffic from E. Maryland Ave. to E. Georgia Ave. beginning at 8:00am on Monday, April 20th and shall remain closed until further notice.
This closure is necessary to allow for sewer repairs.
The City of Ruston regrets any inconvenience this necessary work may cause residents and motorists. We appreciate your patience, and any questions can be received by the Public Works Department at (318) 242-7703.
RUSTON — Ruston High is moving on in the Division I Non-select playoffs — and only needed two games in the series to advance.
After the Bearcats built a commanding early lead Saturday, they then held off a determined rally from New Iberia for a 13-8 victory and clinched the first-round series to advancing to next week’s matchup at No. 4 seed Zachary.
Ruston (24-12) appeared to be in complete control after scoring eight runs in the first two innings, but New Iberia refused to go quietly and forced the Bearcats to battle deep into the afternoon.
“Sometimes baseball gives you a game that’s not pretty, or it is ugly, and there’s no such thing as an ugly win,” Ruston head coach Bryan Beck said. “We’ll take it any way we can get it.”
The Bearcats wasted little time grabbing momentum — led by senior Jackson Lee getting a triple to lead off on the first pitch he saw.
Ruston scored first in the top of the opening inning when junior Sam Hartwell singled to right field to bring home a run. Senior Jackson Burroughs later reached on catcher’s interference to force in another score, and senior Kenden Freeman capped the inning with an RBI single to make it 3-0.
The Bearcats added five more runs in the second inning to stretch the advantage to 8-0. Hartwell drew a bases-loaded walk, senior Nolan Parnell ripped a two-run double, a wild pitch plated another run and Ruston added one more on a steal of home.
That quick start had the Bearcats eyeing an early finish, but Beck said his team learned quickly that playoff games have a way of changing.
“As soon as we scored eight in the first two innings, really our dugout and everybody just thought this is over,” Beck said. “This thing’s going to be over in three innings. And it’s not. Those guys continued to fight.”
New Iberia answered with steady offensive pressure, collecting 10 hits and drawing seven walks to keep chipping away at the deficit.
Ruston also had to navigate a staff day on the mound.
Sophomore starter Max Pyles worked one and two-thirds innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out two. The Bearcats then turned to the bullpen, where Lee delivered one of the key outings of the game with one and two-thirds scoreless innings, allowing no hits while striking out two.
“We fought on the mound all day,” Beck said. “It was not our best performance on the mound. Max Pyles got the start and was fighting his tail off.
“We had an entire bullpen ready to go. In a playoff setting, you don’t have the luxury of being patient like you might in a regular-season game.”
Beck said the constant pitching changes were also part of preparing for the next challenge.
“We need to see young guys getting matchups because we’re fixing to play a really good Zachary team,” Beck said. “Those guys got experience and got some work, and that can help us moving forward.”
Offensively, Ruston again showed the lineup depth that has made the Bearcats dangerous throughout the season.
Parnell led the way with three RBIs while going 2-for-3. Hartwell and Lander Smith each added two hits, while Hudson Wood worked three walks.
Ruston also stayed aggressive on the bases, stealing eight bases in the game. Parnell and Wood each had multiple steals.
“When we are seeing the ball in our lineup, we can put a lot of pressure on you,” Beck said. “Lander Smith is a really critical piece for our lineup in the bottom because he flips it over with his on-base percentage.
“(Senior) Kenden Freeman’s down there hiding in the eight-hole getting a lot of fastballs. Then you put speed and athleticism on top of that, and it creates pressure.”
The Bearcats also flashed their versatility defensively and throughout the roster when a pair of Bearcat brothers put together a web gem for the third out in the bottom of the sixth. As the Yellowjackets appeared to be stringing together a rally, brothers George and Lander Smith combined at home plate to pick off a runner stealing home in an acrobatic play where big brother Lander tossed the ball back to his little brother George for the put out following senior Yellowjacket Coy Peltier narrowly advoiding a tag en route to home plate.
Beck pointed to players moving around the diamond and younger contributors gaining valuable postseason reps.
“We played musical chairs on the infield,” Beck said. “We feel good about our depth. We feel good about our pitching depth. We just have to stay focused and have really good intent when it comes to finishing games.”
Saturday’s win also likely marked the final home game for a senior class Beck praised for helping elevate expectations inside the program. The seniors include Lander Smith, Lee, Burroughs, Parnell, Freeman, Michael Brisco and Hudson Wood.
“Man, I just can’t say enough about them,” Beck said. “They’re an incredibly veteran-led group who are really close.
“They know how to handle being loose and relaxed and still handle their business. This year’s group expects to go down to Zachary and win a series. They know it’s going to be tough, but they expect that.”
Now the Bearcats will head south with that confidence — and with their season still very much alive.
Game 1 is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. at Zachary High School.
NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) — While No. 26 Ruston High saw a hard-fought road playoff game slip away Friday as No. 7 Natchitoches Central rallied for an 8-6 walk-off victory in extra innings, Lady Bearcats Head Coach Lauren Garvie said the performance showed the promise of a young roster.
“We did fight, and I’m very proud of this young team,” Garvie said.
Trailing 6-5 entering the bottom of the eighth, Natchitoches Central got the final swing it needed when Maggie Massia launched a three-run home run to center field, ending the game and handing Ruston a tough defeat.
Ruston had moved in front in the top of the inning when senior Akeriah Jones crushed her third home run of the night, a solo shot to left field that gave the Lady Bearcats a 6-5 advantage.
Jones delivered one of the top individual performances of the season, going 4-for-4 with three home runs, three RBIs and three runs scored. She homered in the third, fifth and eighth innings to power Ruston’s 15-hit attack.
“Akeirah’s performance speaks for itself, and we all wish we had another year to watch her in Bearcat red,” Garvie said.
Ruston struck first in the opening inning when freshman Mackenzie Roach connected on a solo homer to left field for a 1-0 lead.
After Jones tied the game in the third with her first homer of the night, Natchitoches Central answered in the bottom half when Sarah Beth Terrell hit a home run to center field to put the Lady Chiefs ahead 3-2.
Ruston regained the lead in the fifth inning as Jones blasted another solo homer and freshman Rylee Fobbs followed with an RBI single to make it 5-4.
Fobbs came through again in the seventh, hitting a solo homer to center field to tie the game at 5-all and help force extra innings.
Roach started in the circle for Ruston, allowing five runs on five hits over four innings while walking five. Natchitoches Central starter Ehren Guidroz worked 4 1/3 innings, allowing 10 hits and four runs while striking out seven.
Fobbs, Jaleigh Martin and freshman Z. Jones each had multiple hits for Ruston.
Garvie said the roster makeup gives reason for optimism despite the difficult ending.
“That field consisted of almost an entire underclassmen infield, most of them freshmen, with the exception of third base being a junior, two seniors and a sophomore in the outfield, along with a freshman DP who came up big in a pressure situation,” Garvie said. “That alone speaks volumes and gives a picture of what the future of this program will be.”
“To our seniors, we all hugged and we are so excited for their futures,” Garvie said. “The longest-running senior in this program right now is Sage Tolar, and I cannot brag enough about the growth she has gone through these past four years.”
Though the loss ended the season on a painful note, Garvie believes it also marked the beginning of something bigger.
“These girls are going to be and are great,” Garvie said. “Last night was a tough loss, but it just starts a great future.”
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.
Monday, April 20 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 5:30 p.m.: Ruston Planning and Zoning meeting (Ruston City Hall) 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Wednesday, April 22 Earth 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 23 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: International Food Festival (St. Benedict Catholic Church, Grambling) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal hosted by 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry (Dubach Community Center, corner of 167 North and Smith Street — All are welcome) 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)
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
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Bradi Gallaway set the LA Tech single season freshman home run record with her 11th in a Sunday win over Sam Houston. (Photo by Josh McDaniel)
Courtesy of LA Tech and GSU Athletic Communications
Tech Baseball takes road series at Kennesaw State
Louisiana Tech claimed its third straight Conference USA series victory by taking two of three games from Kennesaw State over the weekend at Mickey Dunn Stadium, capped by a 4-3 win Sunday.
The Bulldogs (24-17, 11-7 CUSA) opened the series Friday with a 6-3 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games before the Owls snapped the run with a 6-5 decision Saturday. Louisiana Tech rebounded in Sunday’s rubber match to secure the series.
On Friday, the Bulldogs jumped out early and never relinquished the lead.
Colton Coates tripled with two outs in the first inning before Eli Berch drove him home for a 1-0 lead. After Kennesaw State answered with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the inning, Tech responded with four runs in the second.
Wesley Scott scored on Hayden Gustavson’s RBI single before Colby Lunsford added another RBI hit. A wild pitch brought home another run and Trey Hawsey followed with an RBI single to push the advantage to 5-1.
Starting pitcher Declan Dahl dominated on the mound, striking out 13 batters over five innings. The outing marked the most strikeouts by a Bulldog since Ryan Jennings fanned 14 against Rice in 2022.
Tech added another run in the third when Gustavson drove in Scott, while Thomas Allen shut the door in relief with five strikeouts over the final 2 1/3 innings.
The Bulldogs’ pitching staff combined for 20 strikeouts in the opener.
Saturday’s middle game proved far more dramatic, featuring seven lead changes and three ties.
Kennesaw State scored first in the second inning, but Matt Houston answered with a leadoff home run in the third to tie the game at 1-1.
The Owls regained the lead before Colby Lunsford’s two-run homer in the fifth gave Louisiana Tech a 3-2 advantage. Kennesaw State answered immediately with a two-run shot of its own to move back in front.
The Bulldogs rallied again in the seventh. After loading the bases, Coates drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly before a wild pitch allowed Lunsford to score and put Tech ahead 5-4.
The lead was short-lived as the Owls tied the game with a solo home run in the bottom of the inning and then took the lead for good in the eighth on a triple and sacrifice fly.
Despite outhitting Kennesaw State 10-8, Louisiana Tech suffered its first loss of the season when recording more hits than its opponent.
The Bulldogs bounced back Sunday behind strong pitching and timely hitting.
Neither team recorded a hit through the first two innings before Tech broke through in the third. Lunsford singled to start the rally, and Hawsey launched a two-run home run over the right-field wall to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead.
Coates later tripled and scored on Berch’s RBI single as Louisiana Tech built a 3-0 cushion.
Landon Fontenot delivered a career-high five no-hit innings in his start, striking out seven while issuing five walks. Luke Nichols carried the no-hit bid into the seventh before Kennesaw State recorded its first hit on a leadoff triple.
The Owls eventually tied the game in the eighth with a two-run homer, but Louisiana Tech answered in the ninth.
Scott singled to lead off the inning and later scored the go-ahead run when Coates lifted a sacrifice fly to right field.
In the bottom of the ninth, Scott preserved the victory with a diving catch in left field that stranded the tying run on base.
The series win marked Louisiana Tech’s third straight CUSA series victory and continued a strong stretch in league play, with the Bulldogs winning seven of their last nine conference games.
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Bulldog Softball salvages final game of Sam Houston series
Louisiana Tech salvaged the finale of its three-game Conference USA series against Sam Houston with a 6-3 victory Sunday, avoiding a sweep after dropping the first two contests at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.
The Bulldogs moved to 23-23 overall and 9-12 in conference play, while Sam Houston claimed the series behind wins of 6-1 on Friday and 7-4 on Saturday.
In Sunday’s finale, Louisiana Tech used a strong extra-base hitting performance to outlast the Bearkats. The Bulldogs tallied eight hits, six of which went for extra bases, including four doubles, a triple and a home run. Jina Baffuto and Alannah Rogers each recorded two hits, while Baffuto and Bradi Gallaway drove in three runs apiece.
Sam Houston struck first on a solo home run in the opening inning, but Louisiana Tech answered in the bottom half and never trailed again. The Bulldogs broke the game open in the fourth inning, scoring three runs highlighted by a two-run home run from Gallaway. Baffuto added a two-run double in the sixth to provide insurance.
Ruby Fidge earned the win in relief, allowing one run over three innings, while Bryannah Campos closed out the game despite a late push from the Bearkats.
The series opened Friday with a tightly contested matchup before Sam Houston pulled away late for a 6-1 win. The game was tied through five innings after Rogers led off the bottom of the first with a solo home run. However, the Bearkats scored five runs over the final two innings, including a go-ahead rally in the sixth and a two-run homer later in the frame to seize control.
Allie Floyd took the loss despite a strong outing, allowing four runs while striking out seven over 5.2 innings.
On Saturday, Sam Houston jumped out early and maintained control in a 7-4 victory. The Bearkats capitalized on defensive miscues to score three runs in the first inning and added three more in the second to build a 6-1 lead.
Louisiana Tech responded with four runs across the first three innings to cut the deficit to two, highlighted by RBI contributions from Elena Heng, Rosalie Dufresne, Rogers and Gracie Flores. However, the Bulldogs managed just one hit over the final four innings as Sam Houston’s pitching staff limited scoring opportunities down the stretch.
Laney Johnson took the loss in game two after allowing six runs, four earned, in 1.1 innings of work.
Despite the series loss, Louisiana Tech closed the weekend on a positive note with Sunday’s win and will look to build momentum heading into its next Conference USA matchup.
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Tigers sweep Prairie View in baseball
Grambling State swept Prairie View A&M in a three-game Southwestern Athletic Conference series over the weekend at Wilbert Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park.
The Tigers (14-24, 11-7 SWAC) opened the series with a 12-2 win on Friday, then followed with an 8-6 victory on Saturday and a 7-6 win later that day to complete the sweep. Prairie View A&M finished the weekend 7-31 overall and 3-15 in conference play.
Grambling State broke Friday’s opener open late, scoring eight runs over the final two innings to pull away for a 12-2 win. Locked in a tight game through six innings, the Tigers used a five-run seventh and a three-run eighth to take control. Keyon Guillory went the distance, allowing two runs on nine hits with three strikeouts to earn the win.
Trey Bridges highlighted the offense with a home run, while Chris Marcellus added two hits and two RBIs. Julio Vasquez and Cameron Hill also contributed RBIs as Grambling finished with 10 hits and capitalized on defensive miscues.
PVAMU struck first in the opener and got a strong individual performance from Tyvon Moore, who went 3-for-4.
In Saturday’s first game, Grambling again took advantage of Prairie View errors and used a key late push to secure an 8-6 win. After PVAMU tied the game at 6-6 in the eighth, the Tigers responded immediately as Charles Ashe III delivered a sacrifice fly to put Grambling back in front.
Hampton Phillips earned the win in relief, while Rafael Capistran closed out the ninth for his second save. Dillon Braxton went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and three stolen bases, while Chris Marcellus added two hits. PVAMU’s Michael Walker led the Panthers, finishing 3-for-4 with two doubles, two runs and an RBI.
In the series finale, Grambling again used a decisive seventh inning to rally for a 7-6 win. Trailing 5-4 entering the bottom of the seventh, the Tigers scored three runs to regain control, highlighted by a two-run single from Nicholas Jackson Jr. and an RBI single by Ryan Davis.
Braxton paced the offense again, going 2-for-2 with three RBIs, while Jackson Jr. added two hits and two RBIs. Trevor Esparza worked 5.2 innings in the start before Capistran earned the win in relief.
Prairie View briefly led in the finale after scoring in the seventh, but Grambling answered immediately and held on behind Capistran’s late relief work.
The sweep marked a strong weekend for the Tigers, who continued their surge in SWAC play behind timely hitting, aggressive baserunning and late-inning execution.
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GSU takes finale against Southern
Southern won two out of three over Grambling State over the weekend at the GSU Softball Complex, with Southern sweeping a Friday doubleheader and the Tigers responding with a 2-1 win on Saturday morning.
Southern took both games of Friday’s doubleheader, winning 8-1 and 8-2 behind strong offensive performances from Ariel Burton and timely hitting throughout the lineup. Burton combined to go 6-for-8 on the day with seven RBIs, including a five-RBI effort in the opener and a two-run home run in Game 2. Asia George also scored three runs in the nightcap as Southern capitalized on early scoring opportunities and Grambling defensive miscues. The Tigers produced 10 hits in Game 2, led by three from Ahsunte’ Specks, but could not overcome Southern’s early leads.
Grambling State bounced back in Saturday’s finale, edging Southern 2-1 in a pitcher’s duel. The Tigers struck first in the fourth inning when Z’Natria Evans reached on a fielder’s choice, allowing Jada Carhee to score. Southern tied the game in the fifth on an RBI single from Asia George, but Grambling responded in the bottom half when Tavia Leadon delivered a run-scoring groundout to bring home Malaysia Ponder.
Erin Gibbs made the lead stand, throwing a complete game and allowing one run on six hits while stranding seven runners. Carhee led Grambling offensively with a 2-for-2 performance and a run scored. Southern out-hit Grambling 6-3 but left multiple runners on base as Gibbs worked out of key jams late.
The split left Southern in control of the Friday doubleheader while Grambling salvaged the weekend finale behind strong pitching and timely execution.
Graveside service for James Shults, age 75 of Ruston, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 17, 2026 in Forest Lawn Cemetery with Rev. Joseph Fowler officiating. Services are under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
James Earl Shults, a man whose personality truly filled every room he entered, passed away on April 15, 2026. A devoted husband, father, and “consummate entertainer”, James leaves behind a legacy of faith, laughter, and an endless supply of stories.
Born on February 17, 1951 in Odessa, Texas to the late JL and Recia Jo Shults, James was raised in the heart of West Texas surrounded by a large, close-knit family. He often shared fond memories of family fishing trips, card games, and camping excursions – most notably the scouting trips to the Colorado Mountains led by his father.
James was a proud graduate of Odessa High School class of 1969. He cherished his lifelong friendships from those years and remained an active part of his classmates’ lives, regularly attending reunions and maintaining long-standing bonds. Though drafted shortly after high school, he was spared from service due to a severe allergy to ants – a twist of fate that led him toward his next chapters in ministry and industry.
In 1971, James felt a calling to the ministry and attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri for two years before returning to Odessa. He soon found his stride in the West Texas oil fields, beginning his career driving a commercial truck for Baroid. His talent for connection and business eventually led him to Tretoilite. His career took him to Singapore for three years, where he established himself as a top salesman of oilfield chemicals. Upon returning to the states, James settled in Bevil Oaks, Texas where his civic-minded nature led him to serve as a town Mayor. in 1989, he moved to Ruston, Louisiana, where he eventually retired in 2013 as an account manager for Baker Hughes.
It was in Ruston, in the singles class at Temple Baptist Church, that James met Barbara Thomas. They were married in Valentine’s Day in 1997 and were happily married for almost three decades. James’s faith was his north star. Raised in the church, he then raised his family with those same values, serving throughout his life as a teacher and eagerly participating in mission trips. He was a long-time member of Cook Baptist Church, with whom He and Barbara shared meaningful travels. They enjoyed traveling the United States, from Alaska to Montana, frequently visiting family across the country. James was a legendary joke-teller with an incredible memory; he could hear a punchline once and re-tell it perfectly for years to come.
James was preceded in death by his parents, JL and Recia Jo Shults; sister, Recia; and his brother, John. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Thomas Shults; sons, Jamison Shults and Justin Shults and wife Laurie; daughter-in-law, Heather Thomas Kimmel and husband Cory; his cherished grandchildren: Olivia Shults, Makenna Shults, Phenix Shults, Katherine Shults, William Shults, Bennett Shults, Cade Kimmel, Emma Kimmel, Seth Kimmel, and Eli Kimmel; brother, Larry Shults; and a host of extended family members and friends.
James felt sure of his salvation and eagerly awaits his loved ones in Heaven.
RUSTON — Ruston High is moving on in the Division I Non-select playoffs — and only needed two games in the series to advance.
After the Bearcats built a commanding early lead Saturday, they then held off a determined rally from New Iberia for a 13-8 victory and clinched the first-round series to advancing to next week’s matchup at No. 4 seed Zachary.
Ruston (24-12) appeared to be in complete control after scoring eight runs in the first two innings, but New Iberia refused to go quietly and forced the Bearcats to battle deep into the afternoon.
“Sometimes baseball gives you a game that’s not pretty, or it is ugly, and there’s no such thing as an ugly win,” Ruston head coach Bryan Beck said. “We’ll take it any way we can get it.”
The Bearcats wasted little time grabbing momentum — led by senior Jackson Lee getting a triple to lead off on the first pitch he saw.
Ruston scored first in the top of the opening inning when junior Sam Hartwell singled to right field to bring home a run. Senior Jackson Burroughs later reached on catcher’s interference to force in another score, and senior Kenden Freeman capped the inning with an RBI single to make it 3-0.
The Bearcats added five more runs in the second inning to stretch the advantage to 8-0. Hartwell drew a bases-loaded walk, senior Nolan Parnell ripped a two-run double, a wild pitch plated another run and Ruston added one more on a steal of home.
That quick start had the Bearcats eyeing an early finish, but Beck said his team learned quickly that playoff games have a way of changing.
“As soon as we scored eight in the first two innings, really our dugout and everybody just thought this is over,” Beck said. “This thing’s going to be over in three innings. And it’s not. Those guys continued to fight.”
New Iberia answered with steady offensive pressure, collecting 10 hits and drawing seven walks to keep chipping away at the deficit.
Ruston also had to navigate a staff day on the mound.
Sophomore starter Max Pyles worked one and two-thirds innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out two. The Bearcats then turned to the bullpen, where Lee delivered one of the key outings of the game with one and two-thirds scoreless innings, allowing no hits while striking out two.
“We fought on the mound all day,” Beck said. “It was not our best performance on the mound. Max Pyles got the start and was fighting his tail off.
“We had an entire bullpen ready to go. In a playoff setting, you don’t have the luxury of being patient like you might in a regular-season game.”
Beck said the constant pitching changes were also part of preparing for the next challenge.
“We need to see young guys getting matchups because we’re fixing to play a really good Zachary team,” Beck said. “Those guys got experience and got some work, and that can help us moving forward.”
Offensively, Ruston again showed the lineup depth that has made the Bearcats dangerous throughout the season.
Parnell led the way with three RBIs while going 2-for-3. Hartwell and Lander Smith each added two hits, while Hudson Wood worked three walks.
Ruston also stayed aggressive on the bases, stealing eight bases in the game. Parnell and Wood each had multiple steals.
“When we are seeing the ball in our lineup, we can put a lot of pressure on you,” Beck said. “Lander Smith is a really critical piece for our lineup in the bottom because he flips it over with his on-base percentage.
“(Senior) Kenden Freeman’s down there hiding in the eight-hole getting a lot of fastballs. Then you put speed and athleticism on top of that, and it creates pressure.”
The Bearcats also flashed their versatility defensively and throughout the roster when a pair of Bearcat brothers put together a web gem for the third out in the bottom of the sixth. As the Yellowjackets appeared to be stringing together a rally, brothers George and Lander Smith combined at home plate to pick off a runner stealing home in an acrobatic play where big brother Lander tossed the ball back to his little brother George for the put out following senior Yellowjacket Coy Peltier narrowly advoiding a tag en route to home plate.
Beck pointed to players moving around the diamond and younger contributors gaining valuable postseason reps.
“We played musical chairs on the infield,” Beck said. “We feel good about our depth. We feel good about our pitching depth. We just have to stay focused and have really good intent when it comes to finishing games.”
Saturday’s win also likely marked the final home game for a senior class Beck praised for helping elevate expectations inside the program. The seniors include Lander Smith, Lee, Burroughs, Parnell, Freeman, Michael Brisco and Hudson Wood.
“Man, I just can’t say enough about them,” Beck said. “They’re an incredibly veteran-led group who are really close.
“They know how to handle being loose and relaxed and still handle their business. This year’s group expects to go down to Zachary and win a series. They know it’s going to be tough, but they expect that.”
Now the Bearcats will head south with that confidence — and with their season still very much alive.
Game date and time not set yet for No. 13 Ruston at No. 4 Zachary.
Explosive first inning puts ‘Cats in driver’s seat
RUSTON — No. 13 Ruston High (23-12) wasted little time setting the tone Friday night, exploding for 10 runs in the first inning and rolling past No. 20 New Iberia 13-3 in Game 1 of its opening-round playoff series.
The Bearcats pounded out 15 hits and used aggressive baserunning throughout the night, stealing eight bases while putting constant pressure on the Yellowjackets.
Junior Sam Hartwell led the offensive barrage, going 3-for-4 with three hits and driving in key runs. Hartwell doubled home two runs during Ruston’s massive first inning, then added singles in both the opening frame and third inning.
Junior Hudson Wood also doubled in a run during the first inning, while Lander Smith delivered a two-run single. Senior Jackson Lee added a sacrifice fly, junior JP Moak singled in a run and senior Nolan Parnell capped the inning with an RBI double as Ruston built a commanding 10-1 advantage.
Ruston coach Bryan Beck said the Bearcats believed a fast start could be critical against a visiting team making the long trip north.
“We talked about in our scout report meeting. We felt like we could jump out on these guys,” Beck said. “They’re traveling up here and hadn’t been in this atmosphere in a while. We felt really good about putting some runs up.
“We didn’t know it’d end up being a 10 spot, but in high school baseball, when you put up 10 in an inning, it deflates the other team pretty quick.”
New Iberia answered with a run in the top of the first on an RBI single by Nathan Leblanc, but Ruston stayed in control the rest of the night.
Parnell added another RBI double in the third inning as the Bearcats extended the lead to 11-3.
Junior Tyler Roach earned the win on the mound for Ruston, working five innings while allowing four hits and three runs, only one earned. The right-hander struck out eight and walked three.
“I thought Tyler didn’t have his best stuff tonight. He was amped up at first,” Beck said. “But he fought through his outing to stay in the ball game. You’ve got to do that sometimes as a pitcher. It’s not just perfect every time.
“I’m really proud of the way our kids responded.”
Senior Kenden Freeman, Hartwell and Parnell each finished with three hits for Ruston, while Moak and Wood added multi-hit games. Sophomore Dalen Powell stole two bases as the Bearcats repeatedly showcased aggressiveness on the base paths.
“If we can steal on the battery, that’s what we’re going to do,” Beck said. “It puts a lot of pressure on high school pitchers and teams and coaches and everybody else.”
Ruston can clinch the best-of-three series Saturday in New Iberia and avoid a deciding Game 3 should the Bearcats get the game two win scheduled for 11 a.m. tomorrow morning.
“We need to enjoy this, but we don’t need to drag this out tomorrow,” Beck said. “We want to win. We want to play with the mindset that tomorrow is a one-game playoff and be done with it.”
Late Homer Lifts Natchitoches Central Past Ruston in Extra-Inning Thriller
NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) — No. 26 Ruston High (13-15) saw a hard-fought road playoff game slip away Friday as No. 7 Natchitoches Central rallied for an 8-6 walk-off victory in eight innings despite the Lady Bearcats collecting over a dozen hits.
Trailing 6-5 entering the bottom of the eighth, Natchitoches Central got the final swing it needed when Maggie Massia launched a three-run home run to center field, ending the game and handing the Lady Bearcats a tough loss.
Ruston appeared poised to steal the win after senior Akeriah Jones crushed her third home run of the night in the top of the eighth, a solo shot to left field that gave the Lady Bearcats a 6-5 advantage.
Jones turned in a monster performance at the plate, going 4-for-4 with three home runs, three RBIs and three runs scored. She homered in the third, fifth and eighth innings to lead Ruston’s 15-hit attack.
Ruston struck first in the opening inning when freshman Mackenzie Roach connected on a solo homer to left field for a 1-0 lead.
Natchitoches Central answered in the third inning. After Jones tied the game with her first homer of the night in the top half, Sarah Beth Terrell responded with a home run to center field in the bottom of the inning to put the Lady Chiefs ahead 3-2.
Ruston regained momentum in the fifth. Jones blasted another solo homer and freshman Rylee Fobbs followed with an RBI single as the Lady Bearcats moved in front 5-4.
Fobbs delivered again in the seventh inning, hitting a solo homer to center field to tie the game at 5-all and eventually send the contest into extra innings.
Roach started in the circle for Ruston, allowing five runs on five hits over four innings while walking five. Natchitoches Central starter Ehren Guidroz worked 4 1/3 innings, allowing 10 hits and four runs while striking out seven.
Fobbs, freshman Jaleigh Martin and sophomore Z Jones each had multiple hits for Ruston.
Massia and Terrell drove in three runs apiece for Natchitoches Central, while Terrell added two hits. The Lady Chiefs also showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks and playing error-free defense.
Despite the loss, Ruston’s offense showed punch, finishing with 15 hits in one of its most competitive outings of the season.
Some of the most important places in Ruston never made it into history books.
They were part of the rhythm of everyday life; until one day, they weren’t. And yet, years later, those who remember them still talk about them as if they closed just last week.
If you grew up in Ruston, you don’t need an address to remember where things used to be.
Downtown had its anchors, like Morgan & Lindsey, Lewis’ Department Store, and Cupp’s Drug Store. It also had its gathering spots. The Post Office Café was one of those places where people didn’t just eat lunch, they lingered over long conversations with coffee and chocolate pie. It was a given you’d run into someone you knew before you even made it to a table.
A few miles away, Dairy-Etta served a similar purpose for a different crowd. It was simple, familiar, and dependable, a converted trailer cooking up burgers eight for a dollar. Then six for dollar, then four, until the national chains overwhelmed the Baileys’ small operation.
On U.S. Highway 80, before Interstate 20 redirected the flow of traffic, gas stations were more than places to fill up. They were part of the journey. Attendants pumped the gas and checked the oil for locals, vacationers, and traveling businessmen. Dozens of those stations lined the road through Ruston, catching motorists moving east and west across the country. When the interstate came, the traffic moved with it, and most of those stations quietly faded into memory.
On Bonner Street, the old Coca-Cola bottling plant stood as a reminder of a time when even global brands felt local. The magical Coke formula was mixed to exacting specifications at the foot of the railroad bridge. Bottles were filled, capped, and distributed right here in Ruston. For many, the building wasn’t just a business, it was a landmark, a place that tied the town to something bigger while still feeling distinctly its own.
Then there were the places that didn’t need advertising. Hood’s Restaurant, the teen hangout for decades. The original Dawg House a few blocks down Georgia Avenue, possibly the first place in Ruston to serve pizza. The Log Cabin Grocery on North Trenton Street—part grocery, part meeting place, and entirely familiar. Before the 7-Elevens and Handee Marts, people stopped in Log Cabin on the way home for milk and bread. Like so many small stores, it served a purpose beyond what was written on the door.
And on the campus of Louisiana Tech, long before high-rise dormitories and today’s new housing rose in its place, the old baseball field provided unforgettable memories. Fans parked in the two middle lanes of Tech Drive—hard to imagine today—and for a few hours at a time, everything else in town seemed to pause. Today, the field is gone, replaced twice since then but those who remember it can still picture exactly where it sat.
What all these places had in common was not size or significance in a formal sense. It was presence. They were part of people’s routines, woven so tightly into daily life no one thought to document them as if they would always be there.
Many of these places will be forgotten when the oldest of our generations is no longer around. It won’t be long until no one is left who has a personal memory of Hood’s or the P.O. Café or Spencer’s Grocery up on the hill overlooking Ruston High.
Because even though the buildings are gone or changed, the way people remember them hasn’t. In Ruston, directions are still given by what used to be there, conversations still circle back to familiar names, and the past lingers just beneath the surface of the present.
Some history is written down. The rest lives in memory, at least for a time.
Pictured is Edward Teal from Louisiana Tech (far) right) talking with the Lincoln Parish Library Board of Control during Thursday’s meeting. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
Approving a deal with Louisiana Tech University to bolster workforce numbers and discussing an upcoming planned $500,000 renovation were the primary orders of business Thursday as the Lincoln Parish Library Board of Control held its April meeting inside the George Byrnside Conference Room at the LPL.
Edward Teal, a training specialist for Louisiana Tech’s Financial Aid Operations, appeared before the board to discuss Tech’s offer to make the library a community agency working with the university’s federal work-study program.
Library Director Jeremy Bolom explained how the offer came about.
“Edward called me and said he was looking for some more opportunities to get work for student workers in the Louisiana Tech Federal Work Study Program,” Bolom said. “And he said checking with the library was one of the first things on his list, so he called and sent me over the paperwork.
“Then I got that paperwork approved by (the Lincoln Parish Police Jury) so that it could bid it if we wanted to do it and that everything was kosher to go. We can get work-study students to work for us in whatever capacity we see fit — we create the job descriptions.”
Bolom said the next steps are filling out a form to become a community agency for Tech’s federal work-study program.
“The students will have to demonstrate a certain level of need so that these will be students really needing (financial) aid to get them through college,” Teal said. “We usually award around 400 students with federal work-study funding each year. I think this year we’re roughly at 300 right now.
“I know the last couple of years we’ve worked with the DA’s Office. They’ve been our main community service employer off campus. With the program at Tech we do have to spend a certain percentage of our federal funds through these community service agencies, so it’s kind of a win-win for everyone because we have to spend the money with a certain percentage having to be through community service.”
Teal pointed out that Louisiana Tech will be responsible for 100% of the involved students’ wages as well as workers’ compensation.
“A lot of times when I talk to agencies about this program, they literally think it sounds too good to be true,” Teal said.
Teal said students work up to 20 hours per week to abide by university work-study policy and that students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0.
“The only responsibility for the library would be keeping up with time sheets for each work-study student employee,” Teal said. “I can supply you with the format; the library just has to keep track of the hours and send them to me every two weeks.”
LPL Board Chair Bill Jones pointed out that the library will need help moving furniture and other materials around as renovation work puts in new flooring for the LPL, asking if that could fall under work-study specifications.
“With the types of jobs that fall under work-study programs, unfortunately, there’s not a lot of guidance as to what technically qualifies,” Teal said. “I can’t technically give a black-and-white answer, but I’ll try.
“Generally, work-study work is basically administrative-type duties, but the Lambright Center at Tech is one of our biggest employers with workers moving equipment and that type of thing, so I don’t think it would be a problem. It would just be important that the job description I receive for that kind of work be worded so that the student is receiving some type of professional development.”
Teal said the number of students needed by the library should not be a problem.
As far as library renovations, architect Mike Walpole, Bolom and Jones have come up with a four-phase plan set for work to begin on Nov. 2 and hopefully be completed by Feb. 8.
“I’m really excited about this,” Jones said. “This will be the first renovation work since the new library opened in 2004. And I want to compliment this board. This renovation work is possible because this board for the last five or six years, and the library’s staff led by Jeremy, have exercised sensible budget control. Because of that we’re in a position where we can do this work.
“And it’s not a minor project. It’s substantial.”
Jones said the renovations will be all inside the library and will not involve the Events Center.
“We’re going to have new flooring, all new painting and all new (LED) lights,” Jones said. “And there will also be some rearranging of areas.”
Jones said the bidding process for the work will be held in September.
“There’s going to be disruption to the library,” Jones said. “The library will remain open during the first three phases but closed during Phase 4, which will be work on the foyer.”
Jones said he hopes that final Phase 4 work will be completed in one week.
“Phase 1 is the flooring and will take four weeks,” Jones said. “Phase 2 will be work on the Children’s Section and Chautauqua Gallery and will take around four weeks to complete. Phase 3 will take a couple of weeks but will keep the same flooring.
“And Phase 4 is the foyer and restrooms, and we will have to close for that.”
The 2026 Ruston High School Senior Talented Art Show is scheduled for Saturday, April 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Gilbert Center Gallery, 301 N Trenton St, Suite 3, in Downtown Ruston.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Now in its fourth year, the annual exhibition is hosted by Creative Exchange in collaboration with the Ruston High School Talented Art Program — and marks the first time the show will be held in the Gilbert Center Gallery, bringing the student showcase into a professional gallery setting in the heart of Downtown Ruston.
Fifteen graduating seniors will exhibit original works representing years of focused artistic development: Thalia Aguirre-Ramos, Raylee Barmore, Libby Blake, Carlaja Bradford, Ashton Brazzel, Margot Budds, Dolly Garcia Miranda, Kennedy Jones, Amaya Major, Emiley Shryock, Caroline Simmons, Audrey Smith, Reagan Talley, Kimora Thompson, and Cielo Vidal.
The partnership between Creative Exchange and the Ruston High Talented Art Department begins each fall with a field trip to the Gilbert Center, where students take part in a hands-on workshop and hear from Dylan Sanders — Co-Owner of Creative Exchange and Director of the Gilbert Center — on topics like getting work exhibition-ready and pricing artwork for sale. Talented Art seniors spend the remainder of the year preparing pieces that culminate in the April exhibition.
“We’re incredibly proud of this partnership with Ruston High. The talent and dedication these students bring to their work never fails to impress, and the community always shows up for them — this is regularly one of our most highly attended exhibitions,” said Sanders.
The 2026 Ruston High School Senior Talented Art Show is free and open to the public. The community is invited to celebrate these emerging artists on Saturday, April 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Gilbert Center Gallery.
Nearly 300 people lined up for some free buttery popcorn at the Gem Theater in Dubach last Tuesday night as a preview of the parish’s newest entertainment venue.
by Wesley Harris
Ruston’s still counting down to Buc-ee’s—because nothing says progress like 120 more gas pumps and the promise of Beaver Nuggets
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Ruston earned the #2 spot for “Best Historic Small Town” and #6 for “Best Small College Town” in the USA TODAY 10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards! Granbury, Texas won best historic small town. Love the charm and history of its courthouse square. Ruston is well endowed with charm and history but doesn’t have Granbury’s courthouse with its French Second Empire architecture.
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During the month of the March, the inmate litter crew operated by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office collected 11,400 pounds of litter from 98 miles of parish road. You don’t have to be on the inmate crew to do your part to help keep Lincoln Parish clean.
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Speaking of litter, many citizens turned out for “Love the Boot Week” to help clean up our state. Just remember—loving Louisiana isn’t a one-week commitment.
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The Delta Biscuit Company tells us their new restaurant at 201 North Vienna will open in August or September after a major renovation of Ruston’s 1910 post office building. You will be impressed.
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Nearly 300 people lined up for some free buttery popcorn at the Gem Theater in Dubach last Tuesday night as a preview of the parish’s newest entertainment venue. Owners Eric and Suzanne Hanna were stunned by the turnout and popped every kernel of the 16 pounds of corn on hand. Grand opening is expected mid-May.
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Those seeking political office missed a great opportunity to shake hands and kiss babies at the Gem Theater popcorn party. No movie showing so plenty of visiting and gossiping going on under the neon sign that night.
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On April 23 at 10:00 a.m., the City of Ruston will dedicate a new sign marking the Huckleberry Trails Marie Riggs Park, renamed last year in honor of the former Ruston City Councilwoman who spearheaded its creation.
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We know gas prices are high, but spare a thought for the folks changing those signs—$3.59, $3.72, $4.02, $3.95—you have to wonder if they ever get a break.
A Ruston woman is facing charges after allegedly striking a Grambling State University police officer with her vehicle while attempting to flee campus.
GSU Police arrested Phylicia Allen, 25, on April 14 after an incident the previous evening where a campus officer checking out a suspicious vehicle was struck by that vehicle as it fled the campus.
Just before 9:00 p.m. on April 13, a GSU officer approached a Dodge Charger backed into a parking space at Knott Hall. The officer saw smoke coming from the vehicle.
As the officer exited his patrol car, the driver accelerated suddenly, striking him with the front passenger side of the vehicle before fleeing.
Investigation of the incident identified Phylicia Allen as the driver. Ruston Police accompanied GSU officers to a Greenwood Drive residence where Allen and a Dodge Charger were located. Officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
Allen told police damage on the front of her vehicle was already there.
Allen was taken to the GSU Police station where she admitted she had been driving the vehicle parked at Knott Hall. She allegedly told officers she was rolling a gram of marijuana at the time. She said three others were in the car with her.
Allen said she fled because she does not attend GSU but added she did not realize she had struck the officer.
Allen was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for hit and run driving and aggravated battery of a peace officer. Bail was set at $30,000.
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.
RUSTON, La. — The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana hosted its annual pickleball tournament at Squire Creek Country Club on Saturday, April 11 Now in its fourth year, the event has become a tradition that unites local players and philanthropic leaders around the shared goal of empowering local youth and their families.
The funds raised by the tournament will directly impact programming, facilities, meals and educational support for North Louisiana Club kids. “This tournament would not be possible without the incredible community backing from sponsors, players, our board of directors and Club Blue,” said Janet Wilson, director of development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana. “We are so grateful to everyone who stepped onto the court today and everyone who made this event so special.”
The division winners and finalists are:
Mixed Advanced: Kortney Deveny and Shane Bridges (Champions); Claudia Oravcova and Binh Nguyen (Finalists)
Mixed Intermediate: Jennifer Tran and Dylan Windsor (Champions); Laura Flynn and Steven Flynn (Finalists)
Women’s Intermediate: Hillary Pardon and Lizzy Autrey (Champions); Alexis Smith-Allen and Brooke Jenkins (Finalists)
Men’s Advanced: Lonnie Menzina and Shane Bridges (Champions); Shawn Hobbs and Eric Ferguson (Finalists)
Men’s Intermediate: Michael Haney and Micah Haney (Champions); Ethan Lizenby and Adam Medina (Finalists)
Ruston Police arrested a local man for DWI and threatening a police officer after he was stopped in connection with the investigation of a disturbance that had just occurred at a convenience store.
Robert William Sharp, IV, 46, was arrested April 9 after a report of a disturbance involving an intoxicated man was received from a local convenience store. The store said the man fell down in the store and his speech was so slurred he couldn’t be understood. The man left in a brown Cadillac SUV.
An officer spotted Sharp’s Cadillac and stopped him on Abby Lane. Sharp told officers he had been drinking a lot of vodka, and he had at least three or four drinks in his system.
Officers attempted to administer field sobriety tests, but Sharp struggled for about a minute to follow simple instructions to put his feet together. When he did put his feet together, he fell over and caught himself before he hit the ground.
As an officer attempted to administer another test, Sharp said he was refusing to complete the test. He was placed under arrest and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
At the detention center, Sharp was given the opportunity to provide a breath sample for analysis. He began using extremely inappropriate language and describing other inmates, according to an arrest report. He also stated to the arresting officer “I will ****** end you,” which the officer perceived as a threat.
Sharp said his father was an attorney and that he’s worth over $3 million and stated, “You do not know who you are ****** with.” Instead of cooperating with the breath test, Sharp constantly taunted the officer in attempting to get a reaction. He refused to provide the breath sample and was booked for her first offense DWI, improper lane usage, disturbing the peace by intoxicated the public, and threatening a public officer.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
John P. Thompson changed our world yet most of us have never heard of him. At some point in our lives, each of us has used his inventions. It would be hard to find a home in America which does not contain multiples of John’s inventions. They are so commonplace that they often go unnoticed.
Little is known about John Thompson, but he was born in 1857 in Iowa. After working various jobs including laborer, bank teller, and room furnisher in a couple of different states, he eventually settled in Portland, Oregon. While there, he worked as an auto mechanic. John used a hand tool to tighten fasteners to the cars he worked on, but the tool kept slipping off the fastener. This resulted in skinned knuckles and damage to the cars. Finally, John’s frustration had reached its limit. He decided to create a new tool and fastener that when used together would not slip. No one knows how long John worked on his inventions or how many attempts it took before he created his “cruciform groove” tool and fastener, but in the summer of 1932, John filed for patents for his two inventions. On May 9, 1933, the United States Patent Office granted patent numbers 1,908,080 and 1,908,081 for John’s fastener and tool respectively. For reasons that remain unclear, in the patents John assigned or transferred his rights to his inventions to Henry Frank. The connection between John and Henry has never been proven, but many people believe that Henry purchased or funded John’s patents.
Rather than investing the money to create and sell the tool and fasteners himself, Henry created a company to franchise the products. Companies which produced them paid Henry’s company a hefty royalty. In 1936, Cadillac became the first industrial customer to use John’s inventions for its 1937-year model cars. The new tool and fasteners increased production and lowered costs. Word quickly spread and within a short time the other automobile companies as well as railroad and aviation manufacturers adopted John’s cruciform groove inventions. In September 1940, John died impoverished and largely forgotten, but Henry became wealthy. John’s cruciform groove inventions could have been known as the Thompson screw and Thompson screwdriver, but because he transferred the patents to Henry, we know them by his last name. We have all used Henry Frank…Phillips screws and Phillips screwdrivers.
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.
Anslee Woods (center) is congratulated at home after hitting a solo home run Thursday night. (Photo by Darrell James)
by Malcolm Butler
Anslee Woods homered and drove in three runs and Ava Lantrip drove in two more and went the distance in the circle to lead No. 12 seed Cedar Creek to a 7-2 win over No. 21 Delta Charter Thursday night in the first round of the Select School Division IV playoffs.
The Lady Cougars (19-13) now advance to face No. 5 seed Central Private next week in a second round road contest. Date and time are TBA.
Creek held a slim 3-2 advantage with two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning when Woods drove the first pitch she saw down the left field line for the solo home run.
The Lady Cougars then registered three straight run-scoring hits with two outs in the bottom of the sixth to blow the game open.
“I was waiting on that big inning all game,” said head coach Julie Riser. “The insurance (runs) were big for us. We knew the top of their order was coming up in the seventh. The strike zone was tight, and when you have to put it over the plate, they are going to have to hit it and we are going to hit it.
“I’m just glad we were able to string some hits together and we were able to score some more runs.”
Woods proved to be a catalyst offensively for Cedar Creek. The freshman rightfielder singled to centerfield with one out in the first inning to give the Lady Cougars a 2-0 advantage after Lantrip’s RBI grounder to second plated the first run.
Creek had a chance to increase its lead but a defensive gem by Storm shortstop Ally Atwood on a flare to shallow left field off the bat of Cadence Spangler resulted in a double play to end the threat.
Leading 2-1 in the bottom of the third inning, Woods came through again, lining a pitch to left field for a sacrifice fly, scoring Hydi Boyd from third base.
“Anslee had a really good weekend, but when we played Ouachita Tuesday, she struggled,” said Riser. “It becomes such a mental game this time of the year. Sometimes you just have to let (the failures) go, and sometimes that’s hard for those girls to do.
“She hit really well yesterday in practice, and she came today with a great mindset of she could do it. She was on time all three times she came to the plate.”
Delta Charter’s defense once again made a run-scoring play to end the third as a line drive up the middle off the bat of Anna Claire Fitzgerald was caught by Atwood, who stepped on the second base bag to turn another double play.
Delta Charter (12-17) cut the deficit to 3-2 in the top of the fifth inning on a two-out RBI double to right centerfield before Wood’s solo shot upped the lead back to two runs for the Lady Cougars.
The bottom of the sixth proved to be the big frame. Molly Boyd doubled to left field with one out, and then after Kendall Ramsey flew out to centerfield for the second out, the Lady Cougars came through with some clutch two-out hits.
Presley Wall singled to centerfield to plate Molly Boyd and then Hydi Boyd followed with an RBI double to right centerfield. Lantrip finished the trifecta of run-scoring hits with an RBI single up the middle as the lead ballooned to 7-2.
Lantrip allowed a one-out single in the top of the seventh before retiring the final two batters to seal the victory. She allowed two runs — one earned — on five hits and three walks while striking out six in the complete-game win.
“She has thrown complete games a couple of times,” said Riser. “I wasn’t ever really worried about her today.”
Wall (2-3, 2 runs, RBI), Hydi Boyd (1-3, 2 runs, RBI), Lantrip (2-4, run, 2 RBI), and Woods (2-3, run, 3 RBI) led Cedar Creek at the plate.
Ava Taylor took the loss for Delta Charter, allowing seven runs — six earned — on 10 hits, two walks and one strikeout.
