Special to the LPJ

RUSTON, La. (AP) — The second annual Kiwanis Community Prayer Breakfast brought residents from across Ruston and Lincoln Parish together Thursday morning for a gathering centered on faith, unity and service.

Held at the Ruston Sports Complex, the event highlighted a shared commitment to community and spiritual reflection, with organizers emphasizing the importance of coming together to support children and families.

This year’s theme — “God’s people are meant to live together in community and that togetherness begins with Jesus” — guided the program, encouraging attendees to reflect on the role of faith in building stronger connections and fostering service.

The breakfast is rooted in the mission of Kiwanis International, which focuses on serving children around the world. Local organizers said the event underscores the idea that meaningful change begins when communities unite with a common purpose.

More than 30 sponsors supported the breakfast, alongside contributions from local restaurants that donated food for attendees. Organizers said the turnout and support reflect a growing desire in Ruston to invest in community-focused initiatives.

Funds and awareness raised through Kiwanis efforts benefit several youth-centered programs and organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club, MedCamps, the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, the BackPack Program and 5 Loaves: 2 Fish Ministry.

Tracy Houck, a Kiwanis member and organizer, said the event serves as a reminder of what can be accomplished when people come together in faith.

“This event is about bringing our community together and sharing the love of Christ,” Houck said. “When we unite in purpose and faith, we can truly make a difference in the lives of our children and our community.”

Houck added that he was appreciative of Springs Pastor George Lee IV for his help in planning and execution of the event.

Ruston Kiwanis President Richard Hamilton said the breakfast offers a meaningful opportunity for individuals to engage in service and make a lasting impact.

The annual gathering builds on the inaugural 2025 event, which focused on unity and drew a wide range of community members to pray for children and the well-being of the area. Organizers said this year’s expanded participation signals continued growth and a deepening commitment to faith-based service in Ruston.

As the event concluded, organizers expressed appreciation for the community’s support and said they hope to continue growing the tradition in the years ahead.

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Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

The Louisiana Tech University Schools of Music and Theatre will present their Spring Quarter production of The Pajama Game, written by George Abbott and Richard Bissell, with music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross.

Directed by Andrew Dylan Ray, performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30, through Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Howard Auditorium at the Howard Center for the Performing Arts. The production marks the first musical staged in Howard Auditorium in 16 years.

“The Schools of Music and Theatre have a long and rich history of collaborating and jointly producing musicals in the Howard Center for the Performing Arts,” said Mark Guinn, director of the School of Theatre.  “From the School of Performing Arts, established in 1988, to the distinct Schools of Music and Theatre, established in 2019, the programs have produced high production value operettas, revues, original musical plays, and Broadway musicals. Always focusing on the spirit of collaboration and the growth and development of the young artists, craftsmen, designers, and performers. The Pajama Game is the reboot of this rich and storied tradition, fostering new interdisciplinary partnerships, producing large-scale musicals in the Howard Center for the Performing Arts.”

According to the official synopsis:

“Conditions at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory are anything but peaceful as sparks fly between new superintendent, Sid Sorokin, and Babe Williams, leader of the union grievance committee. Their stormy relationship comes to a head when the workers strike for a 7 ¹⁄2 cent pay increase, setting off not only a conflict between management and labor, but a battle of the sexes as well.”

Tickets are available at: https://app.arts-people.com/?show=285893

For more information, please contact the Louisiana Tech University Theatre Office at 318.257.3942.

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THE PAJAMA GAME is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. (www.mtishows.com) The Pajama Game is licensed by Music Theatre International.

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Courtesy of Louisiana State Police

On Monday, April 13, 2026, the Grambling State University Police Department (GSUPD) initiated an investigation into a complaint alleging misconduct by a GSUPD reserve officer following a traffic stop.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations Monroe Field Office (LSP MFO) were contacted by GSUPD regarding the allegations. After reviewing the evidence, Detectives determined that 50-year-old Martin Reed used his position of authority to coerce an elderly individual into selling items at a significantly reduced price.

As a result of the investigation, LSP MFO Detectives obtained an arrest warrant through the 3rd Judicial District Court charging Reed with two counts of abuse of office and one count of exploitation of an elderly person.

On April 30, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Reed surrendered to LSP MFO Detectives and LSP Troop F Troopers. He was taken into custody without incident and processed into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

Louisiana State Police will serve as the lead investigating agency. This investigation remains active and ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.

Chief Rodney Demery issued the following statement: “Grambling State University Police Department is committed to the safety and security of students and visitors who travel through our campus. We investigate all allegations of misconduct thoroughly. We value our relationships with our adjacent departments and our partnership with the Louisiana State Police. Together, we strengthen our ability to effectively respond to serve our communities.”

The Louisiana State Police online reporting system is available to the public through a convenient, anonymous, and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. The form can be accessed by visiting www.lsp.org and clicking on the “Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity” link.

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The Ruston Police Department has announced an arrest in connection with a February shooting on Groveland Avenue that left one person injured.

Tavarion Bass, 21, of Ruston, was arrested April 29 and booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for attempted second degree murder.

RPD officers responded to the 800 block of Groveland Avenue after reports of multiple gunshots on February 27. They discovered dozens of shell casings at the scene. Around the same time, dispatch received notification a gunshot victim had arrived at Northern Louisiana Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

During the initial investigation, officers located an abandoned truck containing an AR-style pistol without a serial number in the bed. The firearm and vehicle were seized as evidence. As the case developed, investigators conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle believed to be connected to the shooting and interviewed several individuals. Information gathered through those interviews and community cooperation ultimately led to the identification of Bass.

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Authorities executed a search warrant at Bass’s residence on April 29, detaining three individuals for questioning. A secondary residence associated with Bass was also searched, where investigators recovered numerous firearm magazines and ammunition.

During the initial search, narcotics were discovered, resulting in additional charges against Antavion Bass, 22. He was arrested and booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of MDMA (ecstasy) with intent to distribute, possession of oxycodone, and possession of a legend drug (gabapentin).

Police Chief Eric Watson expressed appreciation for the community’s assistance, noting that cooperation played a key role in advancing the investigation.

“Our investigators are working hard to establish trust in the community,” Watson said. “Success in these types of investigations goes a long way in demonstrating this trust. We appreciate everyone who made this possible as well as the tireless efforts of our investigators and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office in this case.”

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Ruston Police Department at 318-255-4141.

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.

RUSTON, LA – Century Next Bank representatives Hunter Battles, Jessica Slaughter and Nate Trisler presented a $5,000 donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana on April 14. The check presentation took place at the Memorial Club, where they were joined by local Club members to celebrate the bank’s ongoing commitment to local youth development.

“Century Next Bank donates to Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana because the organization is committed to youth in our community. The services they provide and the relationships they build enhance our community’s well-being,” said Jessica Slaughter, VP LA Engagement and Marketing Officer at Century Next Bank. “As a community bank, we are committed to making a difference in the areas we serve, so partnering with nonprofits who make a difference, like Boys & Girls Clubs, is a perfect fit.”

The donation will directly impact Club kids and their families across North Louisiana.

“The support we receive from community minded leaders like Century Next Bank is the reason we get to open our doors to local kids,” said Janet Wilson, Director of Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana. “This $5,000 investment ensures that we can continue providing a safe, consistent environment for the kids we serve. We are so thankful for the bank’s continued belief in our organization and our Club kids.”

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A traffic stop on Interstate 20 resulted in the arrest of a Bienville Parish driver after he was reportedly clocked traveling over 100 miles per hour.

Katravian Davis, 19, of Bienville, was arrested April 24 at about 11:29 p.m.

According to a Ruston Police report, an officer was stationary on the shoulder of I-20 westbound near Mile Post 88 when he observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Radar indicated the vehicle was traveling approximately 116 miles per hour in a posted 70 mph zone.

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The officer attempted to catch up to the vehicle, which continued westbound at a high speed, passing other vehicles and weaving through traffic while making several quick lane changes.

According to the report, the officer observed the vehicle appear to slow briefly before accelerating again, behavior the officer described as an apparent attempt to evade. The vehicle eventually pulled over, allowing the officer to initiate a stop.

A driver’s license check revealed Davis’s license was suspended.

Davis was taken into custody and transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, where he was booked on charges of reckless operation and driving under suspension.

Bail was set at $1,600.

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.

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When Michael and his team begin a search, they use their K-9 dogs to track a scent to the water’s edge.  Once a dog alerts on a spot, Michael unleashes Splash at that location.  Splash swims around, blows bubbles, and then tastes the bubbles.  He continues this bubble tasting routine always in search of a stronger scent which can lead him to the source, usually the remains of a missing person.  Once he finds the source, he alerts by making a squeaking sound.  Then, he leads divers to the location.  As of February of 2026, Splash has been deployed on 27 missions nationwide and has had six confirmed finds.  Now two years old, Splash has grown from a pup to an adult dog, but he is different than the dogs you and I keep as pets.  This dog named Splash is a full grown Asian small-clawed otter.

Sources:

1.     “Explore Peace River,” Florida State Parks, accessed April 19, 2026, https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/explore-peace-river.

2.     “Peace River Search and Rescue, Inc.” prsar.org, accessed April 19, 2026, https://www.prsar.org/.

3.     “Otter trained in water search rescue has 6 confirmed finds,” WQAD News 8, February 8, 2026, accessed April 19, 2026, https://youtu.be/g8VwkMTmpV8?si=UbcV3dxtkogSLkeG.

4.     Caroline Fanning, “Where Dogs Can’t Sniff, This Otter Dives In,” Reader’s Digest, February/March 2026, p.12.

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.

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Click the three bars in the bottom corner and select “With Radar” to see current precipitation and storms in your area.

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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, May 1
2 p.m.: LA Tech softball
6 p.m.: GSU baseball

Saturday, May 2
USSSA Softball (Ruston Sports Complex)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Grambling State University Decision Day Party and Community Resource Fair (Grambling State University Campus)
2 p.m.: LA Tech softball
3 p.m.: GSU baseball

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Sunday, May 3
USSSA Softball (Ruston Sports Complex)
1 p.m.: GSU baseball

Monday, May 4
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, May 5
6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.)
10 a.m.: Storytime : Tacos (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m.: Crafternoon : Taco Cards (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m : Video-Led Exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (Lincoln Parish STEM Center, 525 Tarbutton Rd.)
6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball

Wednesday, May 6
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11 a.m.: Library Technology Basics for Adults (Lincoln Parish Library)
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, May 7
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4 p.m.: Tween Time : Maracas (Lincoln Parish Library)
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal sponsored by Halff Associates with 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry at the Ruston Housing Authority office at 901 MLK Dr. Ruston. We’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo with fajitas! Everyone is welcome.
6 p.m.: Teen Time :  Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)

Saturday, May 9
8:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
7:30 p.m.: Bull Riding Ruston Ramble (Lincoln Expo Center; for more information, call 318-372-4793)

Sunday, May 10
Mother’s Day

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.

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech secured a Conference USA series win with a pair of shutout victories over UTEP in a Thursday doubleheader, defeating the Miners 5-0 and 3-0 at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.

The Bulldogs (28-23, 14-12 CUSA) moved the series up a day to avoid forecasted storms and responded with dominant pitching performances, combining to hold UTEP scoreless across 14 innings.

Louisiana Tech head coach Josh Taylor credited his team’s all-around performance following the doubleheader sweep.

“I saw pitching and defense,” Taylor said. “Our pitchers were incredible. Anytime you throw two shutouts, if they don’t score and we do, we win. That’s the goal. It was a true staff outing today, and defensively we played really well. When you combine that with timely hitting, that’s the formula for success.”

In the opener, Allie Floyd earned her 10th win of the season after allowing just two hits over four scoreless innings while striking out six and issuing no walks. Bryannah Campos closed out the final three innings to record the save, allowing no runs and striking out one.

Louisiana Tech outhit UTEP 6-4 in Game 1, with Allie Furr and Alannah Rogers leading the way with two hits each. Furr, Gracie Flores, Bradi Gallaway, Rosalie Dufresne and Jina Baffuto each drove in a run.

The Bulldogs took control early, scoring in the first inning as Furr led off with a double and later scored on Gallaway’s RBI double. Tech extended the lead to 3-0 in the second behind RBI hits from Furr and Flores.

After Floyd retired the first nine batters she faced, UTEP managed two singles in the fourth but could not capitalize. Tech added two insurance runs in the fifth, highlighted by a sacrifice fly from Baffuto and a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch that brought in another run.

Campos retired the side in order in both the sixth and seventh innings to secure the win.

In Game 2, Laney Johnson improved to 8-4 after tossing four scoreless innings, allowing four hits. Ruby Fidge earned her second save of the season, striking out three over the final three innings.

Flores paced the Bulldogs offensively, going 3-for-3 with three doubles and an RBI. Reagan Marchant drove in two runs, including a solo home run — her 17th of the season — in the fourth inning.

Tech struck early again as Furr doubled to open the game and later scored on Flores’ RBI double. Flores came home on a sacrifice fly by Marchant to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead in the first inning.

After a quiet stretch through the middle innings, Marchant’s home run extended the lead to 3-0. It was Marchant’s league-leading 17th home run of the season, her 14th vs CUSA teams setting a single season conference record.

Fidge preserved the shutout, working around two hits, a walk and an error over the final three frames.

The two teams will close out the series Saturday at 11 a.m. 

 

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Visitation for Dorothy “Dot” Brantley, age 76 of Quitman, LA will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Monday, May 4, 2026 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.  A private burial will follow at Gayla Traina Memorial Cemetery in Jonesboro, LA.

Dot was born on August 21, 1949 to Ray and Vanell Guthrie in Weston, LA and passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 after a brief illness.  Dot previously worked at Commercial Union Insurance in Ruston, LA.  She enjoyed working there and made many friends throughout the years.  She also loved bluegrass music and listening in on jam sessions with family and friends.  For the past few years, she had lived at Ridgecrest Community Care Center in West Monroe, LA.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Rita Guthrie Moore; and brother-in-law, Tommy Moore. She is survived by nephews, Brad Kimbell and wife, Alicia and Daniel Kimbell and wife, Kendal; great-nephews and great-niece: Gaige Kimbell, Logan Kimbell, Tylar Kimbell, Bryce Kimbell, and Forman Kimbell; special friends and beloved caretakers:  Casey and Rachael Spillers and children and Brad and Emily Humphrey and daughter, Caroline; and a host of other family and friends.

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A grave side service for Gregory Patton Farrar, of Dubach, LA. will be 2:00pm Monday, May 4, at Lisbon United Methodist Church Cemetery in Lisbon, LA.  Rev. Bob Deich will be officiating the service.

Greg was born June 26, 1956, in El Dorado, AR and passed away on April 25, 2026, in Houston, TX.

He graduated from Sam Houston State in Huntsville, TX. with a MS Degree in Criminology. After he graduated he received a commission from the Army as a second Lieutenant.

He spent a devoted career in the military and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. His life work was primarily in the Pentagon and the surrounding Washington DC area.

He is preceded in death by his parents John (JM) and Maggie Faye Farrar. Greg is survived by his brother John H. Farrar (Johnny) and his wife Ida and their daughter Kaye Faye Farrar from Longview, TX.

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Jerry Glen Weeks 
July 6, 1939  –  April 27, 2026 
Celebration of Life Service: Sunday, May 3, 2026, 2:00PM, Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel 
Final Resting Place: Cook Cemetery, 1997 Cooktown Road, Ruston 

Terry Ray LaFiette 
February 21, 1966 – April 27, 2026 
Visitation: Friday, May 01, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 
Funeral: Friday, May 01, 2026, 10:00 AM, Owens Memorial Chapel 
Cemetery Committal: Friday, May 01, 2026, 11:00 AM, Forest Lawn Cemetery, 2500 West California Ave, Ruston 

Ronnie Reynolds, Sr.  
July 8, 1950 – April 26, 2026  
Visitation: Friday, May 01, 2026, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home  
Funeral Service: Friday, May 01, 2026, 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel  
Cemetery Committal: Friday, May 01, 2026, 3:30 PM, Corinth Cemetery, 4327 HWY 545, Dubach   

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