No. 20 seed Choudrant used a fast start and a dominant performance from Addison Worley to roll past No. 13 seed Doyline 20-2 on Thursday in the first round of the Class B playoffs.
Worley powered the Lady Aggies at the plate, hitting two home runs and driving in four runs. She homered in the second and fifth innings as part of a big offensive day for Choudrant.
The Lady Aggies broke the game open early, scoring six runs in the first inning. Choudrant capitalized on multiple Doyline errors and added a two-run single from Brylea Diffey to take control.
Choudrant extended its lead with four runs in the second inning. Worley’s two-run home run highlighted the frame, while Katelynn Winstead and Lynlee Garrett each drove in a run on groundouts.
The Lady Aggies added seven more runs in the fifth inning to put the game away. Garrett delivered a two-run single, Diffey added an RBI groundout, and Worley capped the inning with a three-run homer.
In the circle, Worley earned the win, allowing three hits and two unearned runs over five innings. She struck out nine and walked one, including an immaculate inning in the second when she struck out the side on nine pitches.
Choudrant finished with 13 hits in the game. Garrett and Worley each drove in four runs, while Kelsee Guillotte and Kennedi Otwell recorded multiple hits. Briley McGuire added two walks as the Lady Aggies drew five walks overall.
For Doyline, Kanyion Bartlett and Karmadie Bartlett each drove in a run. Lanie Gates, Bartlett and Sariyah Gill recorded one hit apiece, with Gates also stealing two bases.
Sariyah Gill took the loss for Doyline, allowing 20 runs — six earned — on 13 hits over five innings, with one strikeout and five walks.
The Aggies will now advance to face No. 4 seed Anacoco next week. Date and time are TBD.
The Cedar Creek boys golf team captured the team title at the Front 9 Tour North Louisiana Division ll-lV Spring Championship at Huntington Golf Club in Shreveport Wednesday.
Head coach Gene Vandenlangenberg’s squad shot a 38-over-par to take the team title by eight strokes over runner-up Sterlington (+46). North DeSoto (+47), Calvary Baptist (+49) and Glenbrook (+62) rounded out the top five in the 13-team event.
Choudrant (+80) finished seventh.
Creek was led by George Pullin (t3rd, 78), Cameron Temple (t5th, 79), Alex Roebuck (t9th, 80), Sawyer Barham (t13th, 82), and Paxton Burney (t17th, 83) in the tournament.
Other Cougar competitors included James Pullin (t37th, 89), Jase Martin (t40th, 91) and Campbell Woodard (t43rd, 92).
Cedar Creek plays in the district tournament April 21 at Frenchman’s Bend before competing at Regionals for Division IV April 29 at Huntington Golf Club. The state tournament is May 4 and 5 at Farm d’Allie Golf Club in Carencro.
Carson Carrico (t13th, 82), Jackson Ambrose (t29th, 87), Brayden Pye (t43rd, 92), Cooper Johnson (56th, 96), Kahless Carnahan (t72nd, 103) led the Aggies.
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.
Friday, April 17 1 p.m.: GSU softball 1 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Adala Health (902 S. Vienna St., Ruston) 4 p.m.: Family Fun Friday (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: LA Tech softball 6 p.m.: GSU baseball 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Murder on the Nile”
Saturday, April 18 USSSA Softball: St. Jude Classic (Ruston Sports Complex) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market Noon: GSU softball 2 p.m.: GSU softball 2 p.m.: LA Tech softball 3 p.m.: GSU baseball 6-9 p.m.: India Night (For tickets, call 682-321-9914 or 318-957-9298) (Louisiana Tech) 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Murder on the Nile”
Sunday, April 19 USSSA Softball: St. Jude Classic (Ruston Sports Complex) 11 a.m.: LA Tech softball Noon: GSU baseball 2 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Murder on the Nile”
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)
Tuesday, April 21 6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.) 10 a.m.: Storytime (Lincoln Parish Library)
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 11:30 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
Sunday, April 26 1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
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Louisiana Tech will host a busy weekend of home events, highlighted by a Conference USA softball series against Sam Houston and the Jim Mize Invitational for the track and field teams in Ruston.
The Bulldogs open a three-game softball series against the Bearkats today at 6 p.m. at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field. The series continues Saturday at 2 p.m. and concludes Sunday at 11 a.m., with all three games streamed on ESPN+.
Louisiana Tech (22-21, 8-10 CUSA) enters the weekend after dropping two of three games to FIU, despite outhitting the Panthers 29-27 in the series. The Bulldogs recorded at least 10 hits in both Friday’s loss and Saturday’s win.
Allie Furr and Gracie Flores paced the offense last weekend with five hits apiece, while Reagan Marchant added four hits — all solo home runs — and a team-high six RBIs. Marchant leads the team with 41 RBIs on the season and is tied for the Conference USA lead with 15 home runs. Furr leads the team with 52 hits, followed closely by Elena Heng with 50.
Freshman Bradi Gallaway continues to contribute offensively, totaling 10 home runs this season, tied for the most by a freshman in program history. Flores enters the weekend on a nine-game hitting streak, batting .500 over that span.
In the circle, Laney Johnson improved to 6-3 with a win over FIU, while Bryannah Campos secured her second save of the season. Allie Floyd leads the pitching staff with a 9-13 record and 90 strikeouts.
Sam Houston (27-19, 11-7 CUSA) has won five of its six conference series this season and holds series victories over UTEP, New Mexico State, Kennesaw State, Middle Tennessee and Missouri State. The Bearkats are batting .291 as a team and have outscored opponents 237-197.
Sophia Lundstrom leads Sam Houston with a .406 batting average, while Veronica Harrison ranks among the conference leaders with 15 home runs and 41 RBIs. In the circle, Tiffany Sanchez leads the staff with a 10-6 record and 85 strikeouts.
Louisiana Tech holds a 21-15 advantage in the all-time series, though Sam Houston won two of three meetings last season in Huntsville.
Meanwhile, the Louisiana Tech men’s and women’s track and field teams will host the Jim Mize Invitational today at the Jim Mize Track and Field Complex. Field events begin at 9 a.m., with running events set for noon.
The Bulldogs are coming off a strong showing at the Pepsi Florida Relays earlier this month, highlighted by a dominant performance in the women’s 4×400-meter relay. The team of Osaretin Joy Usenbor, Jamara Patterson, Tyhra Charles and Nia Wiley captured first place with a time of 3 minutes, 30.13 seconds — the second-fastest outdoor mark in program history and currently ranked 11th nationally.
Patterson also placed third in the 400 meters with a time of 51.74 seconds, marking the second-fastest time in program history. She now holds four of the top five outdoor 400-meter times in school history.
According to the latest U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association rankings, Louisiana Tech’s men’s 100-meter squad is ranked 14th nationally and leads Conference USA. The women’s 400-meter group is ranked eighth in the country, with Patterson also ranked 10th individually.
Both events give Louisiana Tech an opportunity to build momentum as conference play and postseason competition approach.
Grambling State has adjusted multiple athletic event schedules this weekend due to anticipated inclement weather in the area.
The Tigers’ annual spring football game, originally set for later in the day, will now kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.
Weather concerns have also led to changes for Grambling State’s softball and baseball schedules.
The Lady Tigers will open their Southwestern Athletic Conference series against Southern with a doubleheader beginning at noon Friday. The series finale is now scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday.
On the baseball diamond, Grambling State will maintain its 6 p.m. first pitch Friday against Prairie View A&M at Wilbert Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park. However, Saturday’s game, initially slated for 6 p.m., has been moved up to 11 a.m.
If Saturday’s contest is interrupted by weather and cannot be completed, it will resume Sunday, followed by the series finale.
All schedule changes were made in anticipation of potentially severe weather expected to impact the region over the weekend.
Top-seeded Louisiana Tech delivered a dominant performance Thursday morning, blanking No. 9 seed Sam Houston, 4-0, to advance to the semifinals of the Conference USA Women’s Tennis Championship at the Adams Tennis Complex.
LA Tech (17-3) set the tone early in doubles, earning decisive wins on courts one and three to claim the opening point. The Bulldogs carried that momentum into singles, securing straight-set victories on courts one, three, and six to complete the shutout of Sam Houston (9-13).
“I thought today we had a good start in doubles,” said head coach Amy Sargeant. “We came out very decisive and aggressive. We had good energy from start to finish. That set the tone early going into singles where we went up quick on three courts with 6-0 sets. From there, it was just a matter of closing it out. Excited about our opportunity (Friday).”
The duo of June Vigneron and Mio Kozaki struck first on court three, jumping out to a 3-0 lead and cruising to a 6-2 win. Shortly after, the 70th-ranked pair of Zoie Epps and Isabella Walker built a 3-1 advantage on court one and never looked back, matching the 6-2 result to secure the doubles point.
In singles play, LA Tech wasted no time extending its lead. The Bulldogs dominated early, posting 6-0 first-set victories on courts one, three, and six. All three matches were tested in the second set, but each Bulldog responded.
Walker was first to finish at the No. 6 position. After Isabella Garza evened the second set at 3-3, the freshman closed strong, winning three straight games to secure a 6-0, 6-3 victory and a 2-0 team lead.
Epps followed a similar path on court one. With the second set tied at 3-3, the junior took control down the stretch, winning 6-0, 6-3 over Nayuma Subba to push the advantage to 3-0.
Needing one more point to clinch, Maria Tsironi delivered at No. 3. The sophomore capped the match with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 win over Christine Jevicky, sealing the 4-0 decision.
Approval of the Long-Range Transportation Plan for Lincoln Parish was one of the main items accomplished during Tuesday night’s Lincoln Parish Police Jury meeting.
By a vote of 9-0, the jury formally adopted a resolution approving the plan (Lynda Henderson, Greg Williams and Diane Richards were absent from Tuesday night’s meeting).
For the past year, the Lincoln Parish Police Jury, City of Ruston, and Hunt, Guillot & Associates have been teaming up on a process to develop a new Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for the parish.
The goals of a new LRTP are:
to provide a safe and secure transportation system
to maintain a high-quality and dependable transportation system
to support economic development and regional competitiveness
to improve connectivity and mobility across Lincoln Parish
Other agenda items Tuesday included an update from Wesley Johnson of E&P Consulting Services, LLC on new tax laws involving adjudicated property. Johnson provided additional options during her 10-minute presentation, while stating that what the LPPJ was currently doing was still within its right.
The LPPJ opted for additional discussion before voting on whether to adopt a new ordinance that would include some of the new options.
Other items included:
Bobby Jackson was appointed to the Waterworks District 3 Board for a 5-year term.
The jury went into executive session for 15 minutes to hear a “Crochet Litigation Update.”
Prior to the main meeting, the Public Works Committee chaired by Milton Melton met and proceeded with the following items:
Authorized a changer order (the second) in the amount of $20,916.00 for the Lincoln Parish Detention Center HVAC project
Authorized substantial completion for the LP Detention Center HVAC project
Awarded a bid to Womack & Sons for $881,843 for Wastewater Treatment & Collection System renovations dealing with the collection side, rebuilding lift stations and replacing piping
Awarded a bid to BLD Services, LLC of $550,610 for Wastewater Treatment & Collection System renovations, dealing with storm water intrusion, running cameras through the system searching for problems and then repairing said problems.
Awarded the annual bid for asphalt materials for the capitol improvements program to Asphalt Products Unlimited
During the public comments portion of the meeting, Lincoln Parish resident Dennis Woods spoke about concerns of the progress of replacing a portion of Longstraw Road which at one time led to St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church.
The road was “disrupted” in 2020 when the City of Ruston purchased land by the airport and then annexed it for the extension of the Ruston Airport runway.
Although there is still access to the church from another road, Woods respectfully addressed frustration with the fact that a new road hasn’t been built to replace Longstraw, citing issues with safety as well as difficulties finding the church.
“It’s been a couple of years, and we haven’t heard anything back from the board,” said Woods. “We have been waiting patiently. I wanted to see if you could get something done; some type of roadway back down to the church.”
Although Woods said he knew that the new road was part of the long-range transportation plan, he requested the ability to separate it from that in order to get something done sooner.
“I know when you ask for a lot of money for bigger projects, it’s hard to get that,” said Woods. “But this is (not as much). We aren’t asking for anything special. This is about correcting a wrong. When you cut off a road from a church, it’s like cutting off a road from a hospital.”
Woods also addressed concerns about it impacting a nearby volunteer fire station.
“We just want you to get us something so people can get to the church,” said Woods.
District 3 representative Dan Lord agreed that a fix needs to occur, but he addressed the concerns and tried to explain the challenges involved.
“We do understand,” said Lord. “We have processes we have to go through. We have the long-range transportation (plan). There are processes we have to go through. There is more to it than just getting a little bit of money or a lot of money.
“Since we now have (the transportation plan approved), we can start to work on (getting funding). We don’t have (the money) to go build the road. We understand your frustration.”
Part of the long-range transportation plan includes a southeast Ruston loop that would include a “fix” for the issue with Longstraw Road. The idea of spending what is believed to be in excess of $1 million for a temporary road that would then possibly be replaced with the loop project isn’t deemed fiscally responsible.
“This is a process. It takes time, and it takes money,” said Kevin Klepzig, Director of Operations for the LPPJ. “We don’t want to be irresponsible with the public’s money and spend it twice for two different roads that lead to the same destination.”
In other public comments, Elizabeth Hunt spoke about concerns about the “small plastic advertising signs scattered around the parish”.
“I personally think these signs make the area look unprofessional,” said Hunt. “I think a solution would be to make a designated area for these signs to promote business within our community.”
Louisiana National Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Russell A. Woodard, Jr. to its Board of Directors, effective May 1, 2026. Woodard brings a wealth of experience in law and business, further strengthening the bank’s commitment to strategic growth, community engagement, and sound governance.
Russell A. Woodard, Jr. is a business trial attorney in Ruston, Louisiana, with a diverse civil litigation practice serving clients across North Louisiana. He graduated from Ruston High School in 2004, earned his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in 2008, and received his Juris Doctor from the LSU Law Center in 2011. In law school, he finished first in both legal writing and appellate advocacy, was a semi-finalist in moot court, and a finalist in trial advocacy.
Since entering practice, he has built a broad civil clientele with a focus on commercial and construction disputes, trying nearly 100 cases to judgment or verdict over his 15-year career. He is admitted to practice in all Louisiana state and federal courts and has argued numerous appeals across the state’s appellate circuits. He has also appeared before the Louisiana Supreme Court and is admitted to—and has practiced before—the Supreme Court of the United States.
In 2018, his peers elected him to represent Northeast Louisiana in the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. While actively practicing law, he independently completed the American Bankers Association’s curriculum to become a “Certified Business and Commercial Lender.”
“We are excited to welcome Russell to our Board of Directors,” said Brian Woodard, President/CEO of Louisiana National Bank. “His expertise and passion for community-focused banking align perfectly with our mission. We are confident that his insight will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve our customers.”
As a board member, Woodard will help guide the bank’s strategic direction, ensure strong governance practices, and support its ongoing efforts to deliver exceptional financial services to individuals and businesses across the region.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve on the Board of Directors of LNB,” said Russell Woodard. “I am committed to helping the bank properly serve its customers and its trade area, while proudly contributing to the existing Uncommon legacy.”
He is officed in Ruston, resides in Choudrant, and has been actively involved in coaching youth sports for more than 15 years. He and his wife, Gabrielle, are the proud parents of two sons, Colt and Waylon.
RUSTON, La. — A coalition of regional and local partners has launched a pilot program in Lincoln Parish designed to help small businesses improve their online presence and reach more customers in an increasingly digital marketplace.
The Local Business Visibility Program, introduced this month, brings together Donnie Bell Design and North Louisiana Business Solutions with support from Louisiana Tech University, Louisiana Economic Development, Jonesboro State Bank, the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Ruston.
Organizers say the initiative focuses on improving local search marketing, a strategy that helps businesses appear in online search results when nearby customers are actively looking for products or services.
“At its core, the program is about helping small businesses be found online,” said Donnie Bell of Donnie Bell Design. “Our clients have consistently asked for practical and affordable digital marketing solutions. We listened to those needs and built this system around real-world challenges.”
The program begins with a hands-on workshop and continues with the rollout of AI-powered tools and 75 days of coaching and support. Organizers say the approach combines education with practical implementation, allowing participants to strengthen their digital presence while simplifying complex marketing processes.
Joe Osborne of North Louisiana Business Solutions said the program addresses a gap many small business owners face when trying to compete online.
“In today’s digital world, small businesses don’t just compete on Main Street — they compete online,” Osborne said. “Too often, business owners don’t know where to begin. This program gives them a clear path to getting found by local customers.”
Kathy Wyatt, director of enterprise development and the Technology Business Development Center at Louisiana Tech University, said the initiative also includes financial support opportunities through partnerships with state and local organizations.
“With support from Louisiana Economic Development and Jonesboro State Bank, some participants may have nearly the entire cost covered, while others may receive significant assistance,” Wyatt said. “It’s been exciting to see the community come together to support local businesses in this way.”
Two training sessions are scheduled at the Historic Fire Station in downtown Ruston, located at 200 E. Mississippi Ave. The first session will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on April 21, followed by a second session from 8 to 10 a.m. on April 23.
Organizers say the program could expand across North Louisiana if the pilot proves successful. They encourage Lincoln Parish business owners to apply and participate, calling the initiative an investment in the long-term growth of the region’s small business community.
Pafford EMS made a significant donation to the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO) in an effort to enhance emergency preparedness in the Lincoln Parish Community. The donation included life-saving equipment and training that will allow officers to better assist citizens during emergencies before medical personnel arrives.
Pafford donated 49 medical bags along with 49 CAT tourniquets and BVM’s to the Lincoln Parish Sherrif’s Office. They also made a pledge to offer First Aid and AED training in upcoming months to further prepare officers for emergency situations.
Pafford Director of Operations, Alex Pafford, highlighted the importance of providing this equipment to the officers.
“Our law enforcement partners are often the very first to arrive at a crisis,” Pafford said. “Equipping the Lincoln Parish Sherrif’s deputies with these medical bags, tourniquets and BVM’s is about giving them the immediate capability to save lives before an ambulance even gets there. Pafford is incredibly proud to support Lincoln Parish, and we’re excited to follow this up with hands-on CPR and First Aid training in the coming months.”
The medical bags will be placed in all LPSO marked patrol units alongside recently purchased AED’s. With training, the officers will learn how to provide first aid and CPR during a medical emergency.
LPSO Chief Deputy, Landon Hunt, explained how the equipment and training will enhance safety within the community.
“We are extremely grateful to Mr. Greg Pafford and Pafford EMS for their generous donation of these first aid/medical kits,” Hunt said. “This lifesaving equipment will greatly benefit our community, as our deputies are often the first to arrive on scene. They will now have the tools they need to provide critical aid when every minute counts.”
With the addition of this equipment and upcoming training, the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office will be better positioned to provide lifesaving care on the spot. The donation from Pafford EMS and the efforts from the LPSO ensure a commitment to public safety and emergency readiness when it matters most.
I remember struggling with one of the big life questions for years.
The question was – God, what is your will for my life?
I started asking this question somewhere in my high school years and continued searching for that answer into my mid-20s. As with many of those big life questions, I bet many have asked that question at some point in their life as well.
Looking back at those years and my asking that question, I have much more clarity today. The clarity relates to my motive for asking the question as much as it does the answer.
My desire to find the answer to that big life question had much more to do with me than God. Here’s why:
I was convinced that knowing God’s will for my life would lead to success, comfort, peace, and fulfillment. Furthermore, I thought knowing God’s will would alleviate uncertainty, anxiety, and worrisome situations.
While there is some level of truth in some of those assumptions above, I was focused on me and how I would benefit. I wanted a straight line in life. I wanted a direct path to success in every facet. I didn’t want obstacles, stumbling blocks, and detours.
I wanted to know, so I could write my plan in ink and move forward with certainty. Hard work should be rewarded. Doing the right thing should be recognized. Knowing God’s will for my life should provide that certainty.
As you can tell, my problem asking that question was the emphasis placed on “my life” not “God’s will”.
I now realize that “hard” doesn’t mean “wrong”, that uncertainty builds dependence (on God), and that true peace is not dependent on circumstances. I also realize that I am not in control and don’t have control over many outcomes, no matter how hard I work.
For most of us life will not be a straight line, and we had better use a pencil with an eraser when making plans. Uncertainty is part of life, and it’s ok!
The more I get to know God, the more my focus changes. Sure, I still wrestle with decisions and pray for guidance, but the motives are different. The most fulfilling outcomes are often found in the toughest challenge. The more uncertainty, the more dependent (on God) I find myself. The more I need guidance, the closer I walk with God.
Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart”.
I wonder if we found the answer to that BIG question.
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 terrain was unforgiving from the start, a dense tangle of loblolly and sweetgum pressing close on either side. The canopy was a cathedral of shadows and threats looming over our every step. The air was thick, alive even with the kind of humidity that doesn’t so much surround you as hold you hostage, settling into your clothes and hair like a bad smell.
Vindictive vines, armed with thorns seemingly engineered for the destruction of exposed ankles, suggested the forest had posted a “KEEP OUT” to visitors. Poison ivy colonized the trail with the confidence of a thing that has never been successfully argued with. Squirrels chittered at our presence, deeply suspicious of our passing.
Fire ants established fortifications along our approach. Mounds rose from the earth like concentrated fury, radiating warnings of pain.
Mosquitoes congregated in organized formations. Whether this was coordinated behavior or simply the statistical outcome of their sheer number was unclear, and practically speaking, irrelevant. The miserable effect was the same.
We pressed on.
The summit came without announcement. A gentle clearing. A sign. A geocache box that had been visited recently enough to contain a stub of pencil and a slightly damp notebook with a handful of names in it. Several of them from Texas. One an elderly gentleman named Gerald who noted only the date and a single word: Nice.
535 feet above sea level. We had done it! We made it to “the roof of Louisiana.” The highway was just audible from our perch.
In a state so thoroughly committed to sea level that its one geographic outlier is basically a rounding error, any solid ground above 500 feet feels exotic. Driskill Mountain, while not technically a mountain, rose to prominence in our state by simply declining to sink along with everything around it. Bravo good chap.
James Christopher Driskill, a Georgia native, bought 324 acres in Louisiana in 1859 looking for farmland. The mountain just happened to come with it.
When Jimmie Davis and his band played “You Are My Sunshine” at the summit before becoming governor of Louisiana five years later, it helped put the hill on the map, with its summit nearly the same height as an early New Orleans skyscraper.
The families that own the property kindly leave the peak open for the public to visit. The trail is actually a nice, under a mile walk, but it’s more fun to pretend like it is a perilous trek.
If you haven’t been to Bienville Parish to see it, you should consider making a light outing of it one day. While the real depth of our state may be more horizontal than vertical (unless you count the salt domes and gas wells), Louisiana is a fine ‘ole gal at any elevation, and our “mountain” is the icing on top.
A Simsboro man was arrested Monday after he allegedly violated a protective order by harassing a neighbor.
Sarnell M. Baldwin, 32, was arrested April 13 after Lincoln Parish deputies responded to a Hwy. 80 residence in Simsboro regarding the protective order.
A woman told deputies that Baldwin had been harassing her by repeatedly driving by her home while she was waiting for her ride. She said he honks at her when she is walking through the neighborhood and repeatedly drives by her.
Baldwin is subject to a protective order to stay away from the woman.
Baldwin was located by deputies at his residence in the same neighborhood as the victim. He said he was aware of the protective order. When asked about driving in front of her home, he said he had to go to work. The deputy noted in a report that there are two ways to exit the neighborhood and Baldwin chose the exit that takes him by the woman’s house.
Baldwin was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for violation of the protective order.
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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The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in an investigation involving sexual crimes involving a juvenile.
In April 2026, Union Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives received information regarding possible inappropriate sexual conduct between a juvenile and Blade Dawson Langley, 24, of Farmerville. UPSO investigators began an investigation and obtained a search warrant for Langley’s cell phone.
Following the execution of the search warrant on the cell phone, investigators located evidence indicating attempts to delete apps, images, and video content. A forensic review of the device revealed a significant amount of explicit content, along with internet search activity and browsing history consistent with illegal sexual material involving minors.
UPSO investigators recovered multiple videos depicting juveniles that appeared to have been recorded without consent, in private settings. Further investigation revealed that Langley had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a juvenile under the age of 10. At the time of this crime, Langley was 21 years old.
On April 15, 2026, Langley was taken into custody and booked into the Union Parish Detention Center. He is charged with Video Voyeurism (12 cts.), Creation of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Molestation of a Juvenile, and Obstruction of Justice.
Langley’s bond was set at $520,000. This case remains under investigation.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
A trifecta of area high school teams earned postseason berths Wednesday as Ruston High, Cedar Creek and Choudrant will all advance to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association playoffs in their respective divisions.
Cedar Creek earned the highest seed of the parish schools as the Lady Cougars enter the Select School Division IV playoff as the No. 12 seed and will host No. 21 Delta Charter today at 5 p.m.
Creek (18-13) played a tough in-season slate that included six of their 13 losses coming against Class 5A opponents, including an 8-3 loss to Ouachita Tuesday in the regular season finale.
Delta Charter (12-16) won its final three games of the regular season, including a 17-1 victory over Rayville Sunday.
The winner of the contest will then face No. 5 seed Central Private.
Ruston High enters the Non-Select School Division IV playoffs as the No. 26 seed and will go on the road Friday to face No. 7 seed Natchitoches Central. First pitch is 6 p.m.
The Bearcats (13-14) won their final three games of the season, including a 5-4 win over Byrd High School on Tuesday. Ruston lost to Natchitoches Central 12-3 way back on February 23.
Natchitoches Central (25-6) boasts a six-game winning streak heading into the match-up.
The winner will play the winner of No. 10 Live Oak vs. No. 23 Prairieview.
Choudrant is the No. 20 seed in the Class B playoffs and will travel to face No. 13 Doyline today at 4:30 p.m.
The Aggies (9-17) dropped their final three games of the regular season, including a 3-0 loss to Class 4A West Ouachita in the finale.
Doyline (16-6) bring a three-game winning streak into the contest, including a 13-12 win over Class 4A Loyola Prep.
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 16 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 1 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Adala Health (902 S. Vienna St.) 4 p.m.: Tween Time (Lincoln Parish Library) 5 p.m.: Library Board of Control meeting (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Climbing Everest with guest speaker John Kyte (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6:30 p.m.: Books and Bites Book Club (Lincoln Parish Library; registration required by calling 318-513-5510) 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Murder on the Nile”
Friday, April 17 1 p.m.: GSU softball 1 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Adala Health (902 S. Vienna St., Ruston) 4 p.m.: Family Fun Friday (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: LA Tech softball 6 p.m.: GSU baseball 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Murder on the Nile”
Saturday, April 18 USSSA Softball: St. Jude Classic (Ruston Sports Complex) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market Noon: GSU softball 2 p.m.: GSU softball 2 p.m.: LA Tech softball 3 p.m.: GSU baseball 6-9 p.m.: India Night (For tickets, call 682-321-9914 or 318-957-9298) (Louisiana Tech) 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Murder on the Nile”
Sunday, April 19 USSSA Softball: St. Jude Classic (Ruston Sports Complex) 11 a.m.: LA Tech softball Noon: GSU baseball 2 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Murder on the Nile”
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)
Tuesday, April 21 6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.) 10 a.m.: Storytime (Lincoln Parish Library)
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 11:30 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
Sunday, April 26 1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
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