I played baseball until I was 18 years old. I taught and coached baseball for over twenty years after playing. Now, I watch it with great interest and high standards.
Baseball teaches so many life lessons and could just be the perfect game for learning so many life lessons. I have learned and experienced these life lessons in a very real way from several vantage points as noted above.
As I refer to baseball, you can substitute softball in every instance.
Life Lesson #1: You are going to fail at some point and that’s ok
The best hitters in baseball only get a hit every third at-bat. Every player will make an error at some point. Every pitcher will give up hits and runs. It’s a game full of failure.
Life can be full of failures as well. The key with failure is to learn and move forward. Sometimes you just keep trying. Sometimes you try a different approach. Failing doesn’t mean you are a failure.
I fail regularly in the business that I am doing today. I learn, adapt, and keep pressing on. I learned that approach in baseball!
Life Lesson #2: Life’s not fair, accept it and move on
In baseball, there are going to be bad calls. Umpires aren’t perfect. I have umpired, and I was not perfect. The key with bad calls is to quickly accept it and move forward. Too many players and coaches allow one bad call to negatively impact performance going forward.
Life will be full of “bad calls” and unfair circumstances. If you get caught up in overreacting to unfair situations, you are going to be miserable, and it will impact your future performance.
I have experienced my share of unfairness and have learned to accept and move forward. Complaining and feeling sorry for myself is a waste of time. I learned that approach from baseball.
Life Lesson #3: We need to learn to be good teammates
Only nine players are on the field at a time. Those players who are not in the game play a valuable role for their team. They encourage, see things that can help their team, stay ready to play when called upon, and often play a vital role in game preparation.
Connecting with others, working well with others, and elevating the performance of others in your work environment or service areas are vital attributes for all of us. Those attributes are critical for every organization to be successful!
I recall teaching young players the value of being a good teammate at every practice and during every game. Every player I coached would have the opportunity to start and play one complete game and be a sub in the following game. It didn’t matter how talented they were; everyone needed to learn both aspects of being a teammate – in the game and from the dugout.
My primary business focus is to develop leaders to build effective teams. There is increasing demand as many are recognizing that teambuilding is an intentional focus and is lacking in so many instances.
Life Lesson # 4: You have to finish what you start
There’s no clock for a baseball game. You have to get 27 outs (assuming 9 inning games). The game’s not over until the last out is made. I have experienced and witnessed some incredible comebacks.
Learning to never give up, never quit, and to finish what you start are keys for all of us to learn. Those lessons serve all of us well.
I can surely say that I learned perseverance from baseball.
Baseball just might be the perfect game for life lessons!
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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Temple Baptist Church member and A.E. Phillips student Campbell Hodge was named the 2026 National Pinewood Derby Car Champion, which was held during the Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando.
Hodge, the son of Sam and Kelly Hodge, earned his spot in the national event after winning his age division at the Louisiana Royal Ambassadors (RA) Congress this spring in Alexandria. The Royal Ambassador program is a missions discipleship program for boys in grades 1-6 and is sponsored by the Woman’s Missionary Union through the SBC.
The National Pinewood Derby featured 14 competitors from across the country. Participants raced their handcrafted cars eight times — twice on each of the four lanes — with the averages of those times determining the final standings.
“Every spring, all of the churches and their dads meet in Alexandria, and they spend the night and do a lot of outdoor activities,” Kelly Hodge said. “One of the main events is the Pinewood Derby car race. Campbell’s built a couple of cars, and he and Sam have gotten the hang of it. (For nationals), they decided to build a new one to race, and they were together researching. It was very scientific, and Sam is an engineer. So they were looking at things like weight balance, the design, how to cut the car, all those things.”
This win for Campbell was actually the third win for the state of Louisiana in the national races.
“Campbell was pretty pumped because we didn’t know how his car was going to race,” Kelly said. “When his car won first in every heat, we were just in complete shock, and it was just a sweet time for Campbell.”
Kelly added that the entire experience was a great encouragement for all who participated.
“It was a competition, yes, but they were truly all cheering for each other,” she said. “When they were announcing the winners, they were just truly excited for one another. We loved seeing everybody cheer each other on.”
And even more, Kelly said it was a great family moment as well.
“Campbell was just so happy to represent his church and the state,” she said. “And one of the things that meant the most to him was getting to do this with his dad. Sam is an RA leader, and this was something extra special they were able to share together.”
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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.
Thursday, June 18 10 a.m.: LSU Ag Center Play Street at Lincoln Parish Library Events Center 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall; Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting,please notify Richartd Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121) 2 p.m.: Tween Time : Mushroom Lanterns (Lincoln Parish Library) 4 p.m.: Teen Time : Tiny Tin Library (Lincoln Parish Library) 5 p.m.: Library Board of Control Meeting (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Video-Led Tai Chi class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 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 & Bites Book Club; registration required 318-513-5510 (Lincoln Parish Library at Utility Brewing Co.)
Friday, June 19 Juneteenth 8 a.m.: Juneteenth car show (Downtown Grambling) 5 p.m.: Juneteenth parade (Downtown Grambling) 6 p.m.: Juneteenth fish fry (Grambling) Dusk: Fireworks (Grambling Park)
Saturday, June 20 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 3-5:30 p.m.: Ruston Juneteenth Celebration (Thomas Assembly Center) 7-11 p.m.: Juneteenth Gala (Black and Gold Room, 403 Main Street, Grambling)
Monday, June 22 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 4 p.m.: Storytime : Pigs (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 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, June 23 6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.) 10 a.m.: Storytime : Pigs (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 10 a.m.: Summer Movie Series “Zootopia 2” (Dixie Theatre) 2 p.m.: Crafternoon : Toilet Paper Sheep Painting (Lincoln Parish Library) 4 p.m.: Teen Time : Balloon Animals and more! (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Video-Led Exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Wednesday, June 24 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 a.m.: Groundbreaking for Russ Town Crossing (1211 Gaines Ave.) 12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
Thursday, June 25 10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Power Water District Power Building apartments (300 E. Mississippi Ave.) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall; Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting,please notify Richartd Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121) 2 p.m.: Tween Time : Bristle Bots (Lincoln Parish Library) 4 p.m.: Teen Time : Retro Video Games (Lincoln Parish Library) 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal provided by 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry to be served at St . Benedict Church, Main Street in Grambling. All are welcome 6 p.m.: Video-Led Tai Chi class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Willy Wonka, Jr.” (Dixie Theatre)
Friday, June 26 10 a.m.: Open house for Fox Nesbit (500 Dan Reneau Dr.) 2 p.m.: Briarhill Farms at Lincoln Parish Library Events Center 3:30-5:30 p.m.: Summer DND Campaign for Teens & Tweens (Lincoln Parish Library) Please call 318-513-5518 for important information about participation. 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Willy Wonka, Jr.” (Dixie Theatre)
Saturday, June 27 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Willy Wonka, Jr.” (Dixie Theatre)
Sunday, June 28 2 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Willy Wonka, Jr.” (Dixie Theatre)
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Louisiana Tech softball players Elena Heng and Gracie Flores earned Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-Louisiana honors while six Bulldogs were recognized for academic achievement by College Sports Communicators.
Heng and Flores were both named second-team selections on the LSWA All-Louisiana Team, which is selected by a panel of the state’s softball sports information directors and media members.
Heng earned second-team honors as an outfielder despite being named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year and winning her second consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove Award as the nation’s top defensive center fielder.
The Bossier City native started all 56 games in center field and posted a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with seven outfield assists and 141 putouts. At the plate, she batted .326 with 56 hits, 35 runs scored, 10 RBIs and 12 stolen bases while recording 16 multi-hit games.
The honor marked Heng’s second All-Louisiana selection after earning first-team recognition in 2025.
Flores was named a second-team utility player after appearing in 41 games with 28 starts. The redshirt sophomore started 15 games at third base, 12 at designated player and one at second base.
Flores led the Bulldogs with a .423 batting average while totaling 44 hits, 19 RBIs and 11 runs scored. She recorded 13 multi-hit games and produced a 21-game hitting streak, the longest by a Louisiana Tech player since at least 2000.
The two All-Louisiana selections increased Louisiana Tech softball’s all-time total to 116 LSWA honorees.
In the classroom, Louisiana Tech bowling placed five athletes on the CSC Academic All-District Women’s At-Large Team. Honorees included Arianna Araujo, Frances Davila, Rachel Ong, Jenna Stretch and Kylee Trexler.
The group helped lead the Bulldogs to a 79-36 record, including 44 ranked victories during the regular season, a third-place finish at the Conference USA Championships and a runner-up finish at the NCAA Regional Championships in Arlington, Texas. The regional appearance marked the sixth consecutive season Louisiana Tech advanced to NCAA regional competition.
Stretch earned National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association First Team All-America honors and was also named a National Tenpin Coaches Association Third Team All-American along with Trexler.
All five bowlers were named to the CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll, while Stretch, Trexler, Ong and Araujo also earned CUSA Academic Medalist honors. Stretch was additionally named to the CUSA All-Academic Team.
Ong and Trexler each earned CSC Academic All-District recognition for the second consecutive year.
Louisiana Tech golfer Abel Derksen was also named to the CSC Academic All-District Men’s At-Large Team.
A business administration major with a 3.79 GPA, Derksen competed in 10 events during his first season as a Bulldog after transferring from Washington. He posted a 73.96 stroke average while recording 90 birdies and one eagle.
Derksen registered nine rounds at or below par, tied for third on the team, and carded a season-low 67 in the third round of the Linger Longer Invitational. He was also named a 2026 CUSA Academic Medalist and earned a spot on the 2026 CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
Janet Darl Hoffman age 90, entered her rest in heaven on June 15, 2026. A visitation and service will be held at Evergreen Baptist Church in Bernice, LA on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Service will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Janet was a graduate of Baylor University and earned a master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to being a minister’s wife, Mrs. Hoffman was a school teacher, speaker for women’s meetings and a writer of books and curriculum for children’s Sunday School and Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) mission’s magazines. She enjoyed sewing clothes for her family and she also enjoyed cross-stitching. With a lifelong passion for missions, she eventually served as President of Louisiana WMU, then Recording Secretary of National WMU, and served as President for Southern Baptist WMU for five years.
Preceding her in death was her lifelong sweetheart of 63 years, Rev. Harvey W. Hoffman, Jr., and her parents, Scott and Bobbie Thompson. Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Mrs. Shelda H. Reeves and her husband Dennis of Bullard, TX, Rev. Bill Hoffman and his wife Terri of St. Joe, AR, and Rev. Jeff Hoffman and his wife Angela of Hornbeck, LA; grandchildren: Ms. Darla H. O’Brien of Shreveport, LA, Mr. James Cook and his wife Monica of Austin, TX, Mrs. Lauren H. Jennings and her husband Aaron of St. Joe, AR, and Dr. Madison H. Thrower and her husband Chase of Mobile, AL; four great-grandsons: Joseph Cooke, Noah Cooke, Benjamin Cooke, and Charlie Cooke of Austin, TX; and one great-granddaughter, Haddie Jennings of St. Joe, AR.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jeremy Skeeles, John Skeeles, Ronnie Hamilton, Aaron Jennings, Sam Terrell, and Chase Thrower.
In order to perpetuate missions’ education and missionary support to the next generation, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to the following: JOY Fund of Women’s Missionary Union Foundation, P.O. Box 11346, Birmingham, AL 35282-8564.
Graveside services for Melba Jean Arie McDowell, 88, of Ruston, LA, will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Choudrant, LA. A visitation will be held prior to the service on June 20, 2026, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston from 12:30 to 1:30 PM.
Melba was a very loving person to her family and friends and the Ruston Community. She worked for many years in food service industry till her retirement in 2015.
She loved the Lord, and served at Bible Baptist Church, then at Central Baptist Church, and then at Alpine Nursing and Rehab Center Church Services. She was truly a blessing to everyone she met and will be missed deeply by her family and friends.
Melba is preceded in death by her parents Henry G. And Ruby Lee Arie; husband, Thomas Ray McDowell; daughter, Marsha Kay McDowell; son, Richard Glenn McDowell; grandson, Mathew Aaron McDowell; great grandson, Gabriel McDowell; and brother, Bobby Wayne Brewer.
Left to cherish her memory are her children; Gordan Ray McDowell, Kathy Morrow, Nancy Keen and husband Lane; sister, Ann Phillips and husband Marty.
Jack Thompson Sunday 11/14/1948 — Wednesday 06/10/2026 Life Celebration: Thursday 06/18/2026 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Thursday 06/18/2026 Following Service, Pleasant Hill Church Cemetery, Jonesboro
Bernard White Saturday 02/06/1954 — Friday 06/12/2026 Visitation: Tuesday 06/23/2026 3:00pm to 7:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Graveside: Wednesday 06/24/2026 1:00pm, Mt. Zion Church Cemetery, 113 California Plant Road, Dubach
Melba Jean Arie McDowell September 25, 1937 – June 15, 2026 Visitation: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 12:30PM – 1:30PM, Kilpatrick Funeral Home Graveside Services: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 2:00PM, Pleasant Grove Cemetery, 1366 Pleasant Grove Road, Choudrant
Janet Hoffman July 12, 1935 – June 15, 2026 Visitation: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Evergreen Baptist Church, 1380 Evergreen Rd, Bernice Funeral Service: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 11:00 AM, Evergreen Baptist Church, 1380 Evergreen Rd, Bernice Cemetery Committal: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 12:00 PM, Evergreen Baptist Church Cemetery, 1380 Evergreen Rd, Bernice
The Buc-ee’s travel center under construction in Ruston remains on track for a 2027 opening as city officials prepare to advance the next phase of development surrounding the project.
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said he recently spoke with the site’s construction supervisor and was told the project remains on schedule.
“I actually talked to the supervisor Friday afternoon and he said, yes, they’re still tracking on April 2027,” Walker said.
Walker also said the Ruston Board of Aldermen is expected to approve annexations during its July 6 meeting, allowing the city to move forward with Phase 2 of the development surrounding the travel center.
“In our July 6 meeting, we will approve the annexations so that we move forward Phase 2,” Walker said.
The annexation will allow the city to continue planning additional commercial development around the Buc-ee’s project. Walker has said numerous times that Buc-ee’s won’t start unveiling what additional businesses will follow the story until closer to the store’s opening.
Walker said another segment of roadway construction tied to the overall development should begin soon as infrastructure work continues in the area.
The Ruston location will be the first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana. Company officials have previously said the travel center will encompass approximately 74,000 square feet and feature 120 fuel pumps.
During the project’s groundbreaking ceremony last October, Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III said the store will offer Buc-ee’s signature Texas barbecue, brisket and jerky while also incorporating Louisiana favorites such as boudin.
The project is expected to create more than 200 jobs and serve as a catalyst for additional commercial growth along the Interstate 20 corridor.
Walker has viewed Buc-ee’s as more than a standalone travel center, anticipating it will help attract additional retail, restaurant and commercial development to the surrounding area.
As work continues toward the anticipated April 2027 opening, city officials are also focused on preparing the surrounding infrastructure needed to support future growth generated by what is expected to be one of the largest commercial developments in Lincoln Parish history.
Pictured is Grambling’s 2026 Juneteenth Bakeoff winner Armenda Sims-Shaw (center) being honored by Grambling City Council members Cathy Giles (left) and Karen Ludley (right) along with Mayor Alvin Bradley holding a prize apron in the background. (Courtesy photo)
By T. Scott Boatright
Lincoln Parish’s Juneteenth celebration is fully underway, with a pair of events being held Tuesday in Grambling.
Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth (short for “June 19th”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed.
Grambling’s annual Juneteenth Bakeoff was held Tuesday at City Hall and will be followed by a “Tracing Our Past, Celebrating Our Future” program at noon.
Armenda Sims-Shaw was presented with a Juneteenth Bakeoff apron for winning that event with her peach cobbler that captured first place.
The “Tracing Our Past, Celebrating Our Future” program featured a genealogy program themed “Discover Your Roots, Honor Your Legacy” that included audience participation along with an hourlong Mix and Mingle session that featured a sampling of food dishes that were used to compete in the Juneteenth Bakeoff.
Ruston’s Juneteenth Celebration will be held on Saturday inside the Thomas Assembly Center on the Louisiana Tech campus that will showcase soulful gospel performances by Vashawn Mitchell and Marvin Sapp, with Pastor CeJay serving as guest MC.
The first-ever Juneteenth celebration in Ruston was held in 2021 at Railroad Park.
Stemming from a community collaboration effort of the Real Change in Ruston task force, it was a way to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrate the surrounding community.
Real Change in Ruston is a holistic approach to real community development with community partners working together to develop real change for those underserved and underrepresented in our area.
The event will also feature vendors selling various foods and wares as well as a performance by the Unity Choir, where singers come together to honor heritage, share in purpose, and uplift the community through song along with an Independent Artist Showcase.
Tickets for the Ruston celebration will cost $10 with children 5 years old and younger being admitted free of charge. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. with performances and events beginning at 3 p.m.
This year is the first Ruston Juneteenth Celebration slated to be held indoors.
A little westward in Grambling, a citywide Bible Study will begin at 6 p.m. today at Christ Temple Baptist Church while a Health and Wellness Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at City Hall.
Also on Thursday, Grambling State University’s Digital Library and Learning Commons invites students, faculty, staff and the broader community to attend Juneteenth at the Digital Library.
The event, featuring film, creativity and reflection celebrating freedom, heritage and culture, will begin at 11 a.m. with the presentation of “Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom” followed by a 2 p.m. screening of “Miss Juneteenth.”
GSU’s celebration will conclude from 5 to 7 p.m. with a program titled “Cultural Canvas: Painting with a Purpose” that will be limited to 50 participants.
Juneteenth itself — June 19 — will begin on Friday with a 45/45 Freedom Run starting at 8 a.m. on the GSU campus with a Car Show also revving up at 8 a.m. at the Grambling Christian Center.
A vendor marketplace will open at 9 a.m. on Main Street on June 19 with the annual event parade rolling down Main Street starting at 5 p.m., to be followed by a fish fry sale at 6 p.m., and line dancing beginning at 7 p.m.
Grand Marshals for the parade will be Melba Woodard, the oldest member of Grambling’s Woodward family; the Lincoln Preparatory School state championship boys basketball team; and representatives from Autism Awareness.
The day’s events will wrap up at dusk with a fireworks display at Memorial Park.
Grambling’s Juneteenth celebration will wrap up starting at 7 p.m. Saturday with the annual Juneteenth Gala on the GSU campus.
More information on Grambling’s Juneteenth Celebration can be found online at Grambling Juneteenth Heritage Festival.
Three men have been arrested following an extensive investigation into several recent Ruston vehicle burglaries and the theft of two pickup trucks.
“Our investigators have worked tirelessly to identify the people responsible for the recent series of stolen vehicles and vehicle burglaries,” said Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson. “Their dedication has led to significant progress in these cases, and they have done a fantastic job.”
RPD Lt. Kayla Loyd said Jakiem Jackson, 21, of Ruston; Jaden Shelbon, 17; and German Locks, 18, of Farmerville, have been taken into custody on numerous charges as the investigation has progressed.
Two vehicles were stolen and several other vehicles burglarized over the weekend of June 7. Loyd said a pickup truck was stolen from Tech Farm Road and then apparently used in the theft of a second truck on Mimosa Drive off Cooktown Road.
According to the owner of the Dodge truck stolen on Mimosa Drive, the vehicle contained a Glock pistol, a .410 shotgun, a wallet and power tools. The keys had been left in the truck taken from Tech Farm Road.
Loyd said four vehicle burglaries occurred in northwest Ruston on Mimosa Drive and Church Street. A video provided to police showed the Tech Farm Road truck in the vicinity of the second vehicle theft and the vehicle burglaries.
On the afternoon of June 15, Ruston Police patrol officers conducted a traffic stop after observing a traffic violation. During the stop, an officer noticed the driver, identified as Jackson, exhibiting signs of nervous behavior. After speaking with the driver, consent was granted to search the vehicle. During the search, the officer immediately saw a handgun inside the vehicle.
As the officer attempted to walk toward Jackson to ask him about the handgun, Jackson fled on foot. Following a brief foot pursuit, Jackson was apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.
The firearm recovered from the vehicle was entered into law enforcement databases and determined to have been stolen during a vehicle burglary that occurred May 20 on Willow Glen Drive in Ruston.
As a result of the recovery of the stolen firearm, investigators obtained and executed search warrants at Jackson’s primary residence and an additional residence with assistance from the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office. During the execution of the search warrants, investigators recovered an additional firearm, a handgun magazine and various other items.
Additionally, a residential burglary occurred May 25 at Twin Lakes Apartments on West Alabama Avenue. Investigators identified two individuals involved in the burglary and subsequently obtained arrest warrants.
On June 6, Shelbon was arrested on a warrant related to the residential burglary after being identified as an occupant of a vehicle stopped by Louisiana State Police.
Further investigation identified Locks as another suspect in the residential burglary. Investigators also developed information indicating Locks was involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with a juvenile and may have been connected to a recent series of vehicle burglaries and vehicle thefts in the area.
Investigators with the Ruston Police Criminal Investigations Division, assisted by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office and Union Parish Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at Locks’ residence in Farmerville. During the search, investigators recovered numerous items reported stolen during recent Ruston vehicle burglaries, as well as property taken from one of the recently stolen vehicles. Among the recovered items was a firearm that was stolen during a vehicle burglary on Pennington Lane.
The Ruston Police Department continues to actively investigate the recent vehicle burglaries and auto thefts, Loyd said. Additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.
Jackson was taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and booked on two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of possession of a stolen firearm, one count of resisting an officer and additional traffic charges.
Shelbon was booked into the Union Parish Detention Center and then transferred to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, where he was booked on one count of simple burglary of an immovable.
Locks was booked into the Union Parish Detention Center for possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance, illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a stolen firearm. He will eventually be transferred to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and booked on charges of simple burglary of an immovable and carnal knowledge of a juvenile.
“We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office and Union Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this case and their help in working together to keep our community safe,” Loyd said.
“Strong partnerships and cooperation among agencies are essential to public safety, and this collaborative effort reflects the level of service and commitment our community deserves,” Watson said.
Watson asked for the public’s help in curtailing crimes like these.
“We would also like to remind everyone of the importance of securing your vehicles and practicing responsible firearm ownership,” Watson said. “Unlocked vehicles can become easy targets for criminals, and firearms left unsecured inside vehicles may be stolen and later used in the commission of other crimes. Taking a few simple precautions can help prevent these incidents and protect our community.”
Previous reports from RPD indicated some of the vehicle burglaries and vehicle thefts connected to this case involved unlocked vehicles and vehicles with the keys left inside.
Anyone with information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact the Ruston Police Department Criminal Investigations Division 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.
Theodore Callier, GSU’s Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs, is pictured speaking at led NSPAA’s 30th Annual National Conference and Technical Assistance Workshop. (Photos by Jim Thorns)
Courtesy of GSU Communications
Theodore Callier, Grambling State University’s Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs and president of the National Sponsored Programs Administrators Alliance, led NSPAA’s 30th Annual National Conference and Technical Assistance Workshop June 1–5 at Caesars New Orleans.
The event brought together representatives from 53 colleges and universities, along with federal agency partners, sponsors and research administration professionals focused on strengthening sponsored programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minority-serving institutions.
The 2026 gathering opened with pre-conference sessions June 1–2, followed by the main conference and technical assistance workshop June 3–5. This year marked NSPAA’s 30th year of convening research administrators, institutional leaders and funding partners for training, collaboration and technical assistance.
Grambling State had a strong presence throughout the week. President Martin Lemelle, Jr. delivered remarks during the opening reception, GR2 served as a conference sponsor and GSU team members facilitated panel discussions during the event. In total, seven Grambling State staff members attended or participated.
The conference was supported by 10 major sponsors and included participation from federal agencies, including NASA, the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health. The Quality Education for Minorities Network also served as a sponsor and facilitated meetings with former federal program officers, giving attendees access to guidance on funding strategies, proposal development and building institutional research capacity.
“It is significant that, for this conference, we partnered with an organization with a strong history and dedication to advancing the HBCU research community,” Callier said. “One-on-one and small group engagements with the HEROES team provided an enhanced experience for attendees and practical guidance they can take back to their institutions.
Programming included one-on-one consultations, small group sessions, interactive roundtables, best-practice presentations and technical assistance workshops. Sessions focused on helping institutions strengthen sponsored programs operations, improve competitiveness for external funding and support faculty and staff engaged in research and grant development.
The event also featured national leaders, including luncheon speaker Emily M. Dickens, J.D., chief administrative officer for SHRM, and plenary speaker Victor Santos of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Callier said the annual gathering continues to play an important role in helping HBCUs and minority-serving institutions expand their research enterprise.
“Research administrators are essential to helping institutions compete for funding, manage sponsored programs and create new opportunities for faculty, staff and students,” Callier said. “NSPAA provides a space for professionals to learn from one another, connect with federal partners and return to their campuses with tools that can strengthen their work.”
The next NSPAA National Conference and Technical Assistance Workshop will be held June 8–11, 2027, in Savannah, Georgia.
Through his leadership at NSPAA and Grambling State, Callier continues to support efforts that expand research capacity, strengthen institutional partnerships and position HBCUs for greater success in securing federal and major grant funding.
A Ferriday man was arrested June 14 following a theft investigation at the Walmart Supercenter on North Service Road in Ruston linked to other thefts statewide.
According to an arrest affidavit, Dexter Franchon Miles, 59, was spotted by Ruston Police after a call reporting shoplifters and taken to the Walmart asset protection office. Walmart personnel identified him as a suspect in a retail theft investigation.
The affidavit states Miles initially denied stealing items from Walmart. Asset protection personnel told police Miles had been identified through another theft investigation at a Walmart in West Monroe and was connected to multiple thefts at Walmart locations in
Louisiana. The affidavit states the reported value of merchandise associated with those incidents exceeded $12,000.
According to the affidavit, asset protection personnel provided receipts and photographs of merchandise allegedly taken from Walmart stores, along with documentation showing Miles had been banned from Walmart properties. The affidavit states Miles acknowledged the items shown in the receipts were easily resold and said the merchandise came from Walmart locations near Interstate exits to make resale easier.
After Miles was arrested, police conducted a search and found a small white pill container in his left front shorts pocket. The affidavit states a search of the container at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center revealed a white substance inside a pill bottle. Miles reportedly told authorities the substance was crack cocaine.
Miles was booked on charges of organized retail theft, entering and remaining after being forbidden, and possession of crack cocaine.
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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Andritz-Western Pneumatics has expanded its Ruston manufacturing operations through a $1.4 million capital investment that will enhance production capabilities, create 15 new jobs, and retain 35 existing positions.
The expansion includes the installation of a new state-of-the-art laser cutter, which became operational in May 2026, and the addition of a new overhead crane scheduled for installation in July 2026. Together, these investments will improve manufacturing efficiency, strengthen material handling capabilities, and position the facility for continued growth.
The project was completed without the use of state or local incentives, reflecting the company’s confidence in its Ruston operations and the skilled workforce available in North Louisiana. North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) worked alongside company leadership throughout the project, providing workforce training connections and assistance with permitting questions and local coordination.
“This investment represents a significant step forward for our Ruston operations, reinforcing our commitment to the facility through the addition of advanced cutting technology and enhanced material handling capabilities,” said Jose Briones, Plant Manager of Andritz-Western Pneumatics. “The new equipment will streamline production processes, reduce lead times, and enhance workplace safety while positioning us to meet increasing customer demand with greater precision and efficiency. We appreciate the guidance and connections NLEP has provided throughout this expansion and look forward to continuing to build on this momentum together.”
The addition of advanced manufacturing equipment also expands capabilities available to manufacturers throughout the region.
“Companies across North Louisiana that need precision cutting and quick turnaround times can now look to Andritz-Western Pneumatics as a local partner committed to delivering exceptional service and support,” Briones added.
The expansion highlights the importance of supporting existing employers as they grow and invest in North Louisiana communities. Existing industry expansions remain one of the most effective drivers of new job creation and long-term economic growth.
“We are thankful to have great companies like Andritz-Western Pneumatics in our community and state. Companies like Andritz-Western Pneumatics and their investments are the driving force for growing incredible cities,” said Ronny Walker, Mayor of Ruston.
“We are excited to see Andritz-Western Pneumatics continue to invest in its future here. This project highlights the value of strong industry partnerships and the opportunities that come from supporting business growth and workforce development,” said Elizabeth Turnley, President and CEO of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.
“When companies already operating in our region choose to grow, it speaks volumes about the strength of our workforce, our communities, and our business climate,” said Justyn Dixon, President and CEO of North Louisiana Economic Partnership. “We’re proud to have worked alongside the Andritz-Western Pneumatics team throughout this expansion and congratulate them on this significant investment in their Ruston facility. These new capabilities, additional jobs, and continued commitment to North Louisiana are a win for the company, the community, and our region’s manufacturing sector.”
This investment underscores Andritz-Western Pneumatics’ ongoing commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and community development while further strengthening Ruston’s position as a regional manufacturing hub. As the company continues investing in both advanced technology and its workforce, the expansion serves as another example of the growth opportunities available throughout North Louisiana’s manufacturing sector.
JJ Marshall (left) and his buddy Teddy Allen (right)
By RON HIGGINS
Written for the LSWA
The most forthright advice a college-aged John James “J.J.” Marshall received about pursuing a sportswriting career came from a crusty veteran scribe.
“The hours are terrible, you’ll never make any money,” Bill McIntyre, a transplanted Massachusettsan who was a staple on the Shreveport Times staff for 44 years, told Marshall.
That’s undeniably true. Forget the timecard. Sportswriters work until the job gets done. Most of them wouldn’t know how to act if they came close to earning six figures annually.
Shreveport native Marshall eventually ignored McIntyre’s warning. Not just once, but to the third power.
There’s the writer J.J., whose style flows so smoothly that he makes a 3,000-word story seem like a short read.
“He’s just a natural,” vows Nico Van Thyn, a former Shreveport Journal sports editor.
There’s the radio host J.J., who teams with older brother Ben for “SportsTalk with J.J. and Bonzai Ben,” the longest-running radio sports talk in Louisiana.
“Their listeners always know what to expect, but somehow always receive the unexpected with J.J. and Ben,” says Shreveport native Tim Brando, a nationally known college football and basketball play-by-play voice on various networks for more than four decades. “That’s what we call great radio.”
There’s the teacher J.J., who has been the media director since 1992 at his high school alma mater Loyola College Prep (formerly Shreveport Jesuit).
“His mindset for projects and the way he envisioned things really resonated with me,” says Will Rabun, a Loyola Class of 2022 graduate who recently accepted a job in Tyler, Texas, after graduating in May with a University of Arkansas journalism degree. “J.J. is not only the best teacher I’ve ever had, but also the best role model.”
For most of his 46-year career, all spent where he was born and raised, the 66-year-old Marshall balanced handling at least two of his journalistic ventures.
But as he reached Social Security age, he now spins three award-winning plates as a must-read writer, an entertaining sports radio talk show host and a nurturing educator.
Such a triple-threat talent is recognized by his colleagues, who voted Marshall as one of two winners of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame 2026 Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. He’ll join the rest of the 12-member Class of ’26 honorees at the annual LSHOF induction ceremony in the Natchitoches Event Center.
For participation information on the Induction Celebration June 25-27, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.
There’s no secret why Marshall gets better with age.
“If I didn’t have the vehicle to tell stories, that’s when you might as well just put me in the old folks’ home, because I’ll have nothing else to do,” he says.
***
Sportswriting chose Marshall long before he finally reciprocated the love and started collecting awards for the last 4½ decades.
It stretches from him and long-time friend Teddy Allen co-writing the 1987 Associated Press Sports Editors national best feature winner to capturing the Louisiana Sports Writers Association 2023 Story of the Year.
“J.J. is more competitive than most of us,” says Allen, a 2022 DSA Hall of Fame winner who worked for several Louisiana newspapers starting with the Journal. “He’s fun and entertaining on the radio. But when he writes, he’s serious business.
“He’s like ‘Nobody is going to tell this story better than I can.’ Sometimes I think he writes in full uniform, a cup, eye black and the whole deal.”
It began with elementary school-aged J.J., perusing the newspaper sports agate page.
“I really was more of an information junkie,” Marshall recalls. “I didn’t have any great prose, but writing sports seemed like a natural thing for me.”
Marshall was already into his high school playing career in football and baseball when then-Shreveport Times prep editor Van Thyn assigned the high school sophomore to cover an area high school basketball tournament for three nights.
It resulted in his first-ever byline.
“I have no memory whatsoever of who scored points, and the lede was probably crappy,” Marshall says, “But the next day when I saw my name by John Marshall at the top of the story, it was one of the greatest thrills in my life. I thought, `This is something I need to do the rest of my life.’”
Yet after he quarterbacked then-Jesuit to a 14-0 record and a state championship in 1976 in which he threw a game-winning screen pass for the game’s only TD, he enrolled at Louisiana Tech as an accounting major.
Why? Because of McIntyre’s aforementioned warning shot.
Marshall wandered through his first year in college, staring at his accounting professors as if they were speaking in tongues.
It all came to a head at the start of the first quarter of Marshall’s sophomore year. Or more specifically, Oct. 2, 1978.
“Same day Bucky Dent hit a game-winning homer for the Yankees in the East Division title playoff over the Red Sox,” Marshall remembers in typical sportswriter fashion, associating a historical sports moment with a personal life event.
It’s also the day Marshall’s quantitative analysis teacher handed him a test.
“I looked at page one, and I looked at page two, and then page three,” Marshall says. “After about five minutes, I sat there and realized two things.
“One, if I have to pass this test to pass this class, there is no way, no matter how much I apply myself, that I’ll pass this class. The second thing was, and more importantly, the Yankees and Red Sox were in that playoff game that I had to see.”
Marshall calmly strolled to the front of the classroom. Handed the teacher his blank test. And kept walking.
“Mr. Marshall. . .” the teacher sputtered, hoping for an explanation of his student’s immediate surrender.
“I’m good, I’m out, we’ll see you later,” Marshall said without a backwards glance.
He made a beeline across the Tech campus quadrangle.
“I walked into Keeny Hall, the journalism building,” Marshall recalls with a laugh, “and said, `How do I sign up?’”
***
The late Wiley Hilburn, chairman of Tech’s journalism department for 41 years until his retirement, became Marshall’s valued mentor.
“He took an interest in me like nobody ever really had,” Marshall says fondly. “For some reason, he recognized that I might have something.”
It was Hilburn who finagled a Shreveport Journal internship for Marshall in the summer of 1979.
He was surrounded by veteran journalists whose stories were written with perspective, personality, enthusiasm and creativity.
“These guys weren’t writing AP-style stories,” Marshall says. “A little light went off for me.”
In search of developing a writing style, Marshall began reading a variety of sportswriters. None resonated more than Gary Smith, often considered the greatest magazine writer in American history during his 30-year career for Inside Sports and Sports Illustrated.
Smith’s exquisite long-form style was once described as “an excavation of a sports figure’s soul.”
“I wanted to write like this guy,” Marshall emphasizes. “He didn’t use big words. He just told great stories.”
Marshall channeled some of Smith’s literary panache as he graduated from Louisiana Tech in May 1981. Two days after graduation, he was covering the Class AA minor league Shreveport Captains as a full-time writer for the Journal.
It was obvious that Marshall quickly found a writing style tapping into just about every human emotion.
“You couldn’t teach the creativity J.J. had,” Van Thyn says.
After Van Thyn left for another job, Marshall served as the Journal’s executive sports editor from 1988 until it ceased publication in 1991. He labored for the Gannett-owned Times for two years and wasn’t particularly thrilled with the company’s philosophy that every story should be a quick 12-inch read.
Ultimately, he didn’t hesitate when he had a chance to bet on himself.
***
It all started at 151 Leo Street in the Broadmoor subdivision of Shreveport, where a former World War II prisoner of war and his wife raised sons Ben and John.
The boys’ world in the 1960s and ‘70s was filled with backyard whiffle ball, driveway basketball and firing footballs at each other. They would discuss sports from sunrise until lights out.
Who knew two brothers, forever passionately debating which team is better or what player is overpaid, would turn it into a radio sports talk show for 34 years at several different Shreveport stations?
“We’ve been fired four or five times,” chuckles Ben, 71, who’s a retired attorney. “We’re like roaches. You can’t kill us.”
In May 1993, when Ben was subbing on J.J.’s show while he was on assignment, he used his airtime to verbally blast the Times for publishing what he believed was a substandard product.
The next day, Times editor Judy Christie confronted J.J. When he confirmed he had a radio show that solicited advertisers, Christie gave him an ultimatum.
Choose one profession. Resign from the Times or quit the radio show.
“I came out of her office, typed my resignation effective immediately, and handed it to her,” Marshall wistfully says. “I was out the door thinking `I guess I’ll make this radio thing work.’”
The show concept has never changed. It’s just two brothers throwing verbal jabs with occasional uppercuts mixed with laughter.
“There’s John James, the credible journalist amassing four decades and there’s Ben, a one-man filibuster,” Brando says. “It’s never taken long realizing the two grew up here, love it, but always address our community foibles when it comes to sports issues. It’s refreshing.”
Marshall’s radio career has coincided with his job as Loyola Prep’s media director/instructor. It’s where he’s learned a new medium of storytelling.
“I get the creative kids,” Marshall says. “That’s led me into producing several documentaries involving Loyola. I’m a very much an amateur documentarian.”
Marshall had the portfolio to work for the most highly regarded newspapers or sports magazines in America during his career. But marriage and raising a family with three kids – daughter Jordan and sons J.J. Jr. and Matthew – took precedent.
Ben points out his younger brother “has lived in the same zip code (71105) all his life.”
Never leaving the Port City has been just fine with J.J.
“God leads you to grow where you’re planted,” he believes. “I’ve been planted here the whole time. The stories I know about are here. I can’t really imagine doing it anywhere else.”
“In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha; she was always doing good and helping the poor.” – Acts 9:36
Last week momma wrote to tell me about her day, which included visiting our friend at the retirement home and baking three Italian crème cakes for somebody, I can’t remember who or how many.
Later it was another note that mentioned baking a cake for the Vacation Bible School teachers; my sister was on her way to check on her mother-in-law, whose husband was sick.
And I got in the mail my monthly newsletter from my uncle and aunt, stats and detailed updates about their ministry to the elderly and shut-in.
I don’t know what I was doing while they were up to all that. Cracking jokes and drinking coffee, most likely. Probably not doing anything of eternal value. Nothing like what Tabitha was doing, as recorded in Acts.
Tabitha was bona fide.
Tabitha was a disciple. She did not lead worship, or singing, or teach Bible study or serve on a committee. She might have done those things, but the way the text in Acts is worded, it leads me to believe she was “support personnel,” a behind-the-scenes force, stealthy to the masses, very visible to the wounded.
When she died, “widows stood around crying and showing him (Peter) the robes and other clothing that (Tabitha) had made while she was still with them.” (Acts 9: 39 NIV) Tabitha sowed the good seeds by sewing. By baking. Helping. Sweeping up.
At Peter’s request, God raised this valuable Jesus follower from the dead. “This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.” (Acts 9: 42 NIV)
It all matters. Sort of like baseball. Sort of like all sports. Sort of like living. The smallest things.
A broom. A mop. Needle and thread. A female disciple of 2,000 years ago, a cook and a seamstress, a maid and a patient ear, was no small fry. And neither are you. Your hands are those of Christ’s. Your hands serve his brothers and sisters, his Father’s sons and daughters.
In the kitchen and in the pulpit, in the laundry room or in the choir loft, we are never more like Christ than we when serve.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
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Tuesday, June 16 update: Ruston High Head Coach Jerrod Baugh confirmed Tuesday that the Bearcats will host the West Point High School Green Wave in lieu of an originally planned bye week. Currently, it is a commitment for one year for the two teams to play.
“We weren’t really actively looking for an additional game but this will be a great opportunity to play a storied program from Mississippi,” Baugh said. “They are used to winning a lot of games and championships, so it will be another tough week for us and great preparation for the start of district. This is a one-year deal for now. This is the last year of their two-year realignment cycle. We will revisit the possibility of continuing playing after our seasons are completed this year.”
The Green Wave will come to James Field at Hoss Garrett Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 1, for a 7 p.m. kickoff. West Point has been a powerhouse in Mississippi high school football at the 5A level with multiple state championships in the last decade — the most recent in 2024.
See original release below.
RUSTON, La. — Ruston High released its 2026 football schedule this past week that includes two state champions on the slate and five regular season home games.
“With the level of competition that we have scheduled, we better plan to be intentional about how we are preparing during the offseason, spring practice, and summer workouts,” Ruston High Head Coach Jerrod Baugh said. “We will find out weekly where we are and what things we need to continue to improve on.
After talking on Evangel in the 2026 Bayou Jamb, the Bearcats will kickoff the regular season on Friday, Sept. 4, with the 101st meeting with Neville at James Field at Hoss Garrett Stadium — a rivalry that has been played at least once a season since before World War II.
Ruston will then host Longview on Friday, Sept. 11, in an out-of-state matchup for the third year in a row. The ‘Cats will then hit the road to New Orleans to take on Edna Karr, a perennial power house that just won another Select, Division I state championship. The venue is still to be determined, though the Super Dome is still a possibility.
Rounding out non-district play, the Bearcats will then host Catholic on Friday, Sept. 25, before having a rare regular season bye on Friday, Oct. 2.
“The bye week should be at a good point in the season so that we can really evaluate any changes or modifications that need to be made,” Baugh said.
The Bearcats will then open District 2-5A play on Friday, Oct. 9, at Ouachita, the 2025 Non-Select, Division I champion, before hosting District 2-5A newcomer Peabody on Friday, Oct. 16, who replaced Neville in the district.
It will then be back-to-back matchups with Central Louisiana teams when Ruston goes to Alexandria on Friday, Oct. 23, and then back home for Pineville on Friday, Oct. 30.
The ‘Cats will conclude the 2026 regular season with a road trip to West Monroe on Friday, Nov. 6.
RUSTON, La. — Showtime Track Club continued its successful inaugural summer season with a series of strong performances at the Zachary Wings Elite 3rd Annual Mayor’s Cup on June 6 and the River Cities Lawrence Word Classic on June 13, collecting multiple event titles, podium finishes and personal records against athletes from across the region.
The club’s distance runners once again led the way.
Dallas Smith won the 800-meter run at both meets, posting a time of 2 minutes, 31.69 seconds at Zachary before improving to 2:28.77 at River Cities. The 12-year-old also claimed victories in the River Cities 1,500 meters (5:26.33) and 400 meters (1:02.81).
Noah Millien, 13, also enjoyed a standout stretch, winning the 800 meters at both meets in 2:11.87 and 2:10.17, respectively. Millien added a victory in the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:51.88 and finished second in the 400 meters with a personal-best mark of 55.86.
Additional distance contributions came from Jack McGehee, who placed third in the 800 meters and second in the 1,500 meters at River Cities, and Ezekiel Wilson, who finished fifth in the 800 meters and third in the 1,500 meters. Elias Ford delivered one of the top performances of the meet, placing third in the 800 meters before winning the 3,000 meters in 11:50.85.
On the girls’ side, Butter McGehee earned a runner-up finish in the 800 meters and also competed in the 400 meters, while Harper Pilgreen continued her development with a solid effort in the 800 meters at the Mayor’s Cup.
The club’s sprint group also showed significant improvement over the two-meet span.
Brant Youngblood, 15, posted times of 12.61 in the 100 meters, 25.29 in the 200 meters and 58.88 in the 400 meters at Zachary before lowering his 100-meter time to 12.11 at River Cities. He also earned a third-place finish in the 400 meters with a time of 59.19.
Kindal Atwood improved from 14.66 to 14.03 in the 100 meters over the two meets and recorded a 29.96 in the 200 meters. Kate Klepzig also posted season improvements, lowering her 100-meter time from 14.90 to 14.83 and running a season-best 31.59 in the 200 meters.
One of the club’s most versatile performances came from Maddie Lu McGehee at the River Cities meet. McGehee won the 100-meter hurdles in 19.28 seconds, captured the javelin title with a throw of 60 feet, 8 inches, and claimed first place in the triple jump at 29-1.75 while also competing in the 400 meters.
The throws group continued to produce strong results behind Doris Hearn. Hearn earned three third-place finishes at the Mayor’s Cup in the discus, javelin and shot put. She followed that effort with a second-place finish in the discus at River Cities with a throw of 36-3 while also taking third in both the shot put and javelin.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the effort our athletes have shown over these last two meets,” Showtime Track Club coach Morgan Smith said. “We’re seeing athletes improve every week, challenge themselves in new events, and compete with tremendous confidence. Dallas and Noah continue to lead the way in the distance events, our sprinters are making big strides, and athletes like Maddie Lu and Doris are showing great versatility and consistency.
“More importantly, our athletes are learning how to compete, support one another, and represent Showtime Track Club the right way. The future is very bright for this group.”
With multiple event champions, numerous podium finishes and continued personal-best performances, Showtime Track Club enters the next phase of its summer schedule with momentum.
The club will compete next at the AAU Region 11 Qualifier in Hammond from June 18-20. The meet will feature many of the top youth athletes from Louisiana and Mississippi competing for berths in the AAU Junior Olympic Games later this summer in Des Moines.
“Our athletes have worked extremely hard all summer, and now they have the chance to compete on one of the biggest stages in youth track and field,” Smith said. “The goal is to continue improving, compete with confidence, and give ourselves an opportunity to qualify for the Junior Olympics. Regardless of the outcome, we’re proud of how far this group has come in our first season as a club.”
Smith added that the organization is excited to see its athletes pursue personal bests, podium finishes and the opportunity to represent Lincoln Parish on the national stage.
Several Ruston High School track and field athletes were recognized among the state’s best this week as the Louisiana Sports Writers Association released its 2026 All-State Outdoor Track and Field teams.
Leading the way for the Bearcats was junior T’Avion Clark, who earned Second Team All-State honors in the girls 400-meter dash after posting a season-best time of 54.67 seconds. Clark finished behind only Jaleyia Woods of Woodlawn-Baton Rouge, who claimed the state’s top honor in the event.
Ruston also landed an individual selection in the girls discus as Journi Douglas earned Third Team All-State recognition with a throw of 134 feet, 4 inches.
In addition to the individual accolades, Ruston’s relay teams received widespread recognition for their performances during the 2026 season.
The boys 4×200-meter relay team of Jaquincy Bryant, Josiah Morgan, Kemondrick Hunter, and D’Joryen Jenkins earned Second Team All-State honors after recording a time of 1 minute, 26.29 seconds, trailing only Catholic-Baton Rouge in the statewide rankings.
The boys 4×400 relay team of Jenkins, Bryant, Hunter, and Jamaurious Anderson was named Third Team All-State after posting a time of 3:18.00.
On the girls side, Ruston earned Third Team recognition in both the 4×400 and 4×800 relays.
The Lady Bearcats’ 4×400 of relay team of Clark, Mattison Russell, Megan Modest, Eden Dawsey posted a season-best time of 3:51.59 to finish among the state’s elite relay squads, while the 4×800 relay team of Dawsey, Maddy Parkman, Madison Morris, and Hallie Hebert turned in a time of 9:35.94 to secure All-State honors.
The selections cap another successful season for the Ruston High track and field program, which consistently competed among the state’s top Class 5A programs throughout the spring.
The Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s All-State teams recognize the top performers in each event across all classifications based on results from the 2026 outdoor season.
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.
Wednesday, June 17 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) 2 p.m.: CPR Class for Kids (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Thursday, June 18 10 a.m.: LSU Ag Center Play Street at Lincoln Parish Library Events Center 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall; Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting,please notify Richartd Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121) 2 p.m.: Tween Time : Mushroom Lanterns (Lincoln Parish Library) 4 p.m.: Teen Time : Tiny Tin Library (Lincoln Parish Library) 5 p.m.: Library Board of Control Meeting (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Video-Led Tai Chi class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 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 & Bites Book Club; registration required 318-513-5510 (Lincoln Parish Library at Utility Brewing Co.)
Friday, June 19 Juneteenth 8 a.m.: Juneteenth car show (Downtown Grambling) 5 p.m.: Juneteenth parade (Downtown Grambling) 6 p.m.: Juneteenth fish fry (Grambling) Dusk: Fireworks (Grambling Park)
Saturday, June 20 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 3-5:30 p.m.: Ruston Juneteenth Celebration (Thomas Assembly Center) 7-11 p.m.: Juneteenth Gala (Black and Gold Room, 403 Main Street, Grambling)
Monday, June 22 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 4 p.m.: Storytime : Pigs (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 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, June 23 6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.) 10 a.m.: Storytime : Pigs (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 10 a.m.: Summer Movie Series “Zootopia 2” (Dixie Theatre) 2 p.m.: Crafternoon : Toilet Paper Sheep Painting (Lincoln Parish Library) 4 p.m.: Teen Time : Balloon Animals and more! (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Video-Led Exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Wednesday, June 24 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 a.m.: Groundbreaking for Russ Town Crossing (1211 Gaines Ave.) 12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
Thursday, June 25 10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Power Water District Power Building apartments (300 E. Mississippi Ave.) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall; Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting,please notify Richartd Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121) 2 p.m.: Tween Time : Bristle Bots (Lincoln Parish Library) 4 p.m.: Teen Time : Retro Video Games (Lincoln Parish Library) 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal provided by 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry to be served at St . Benedict Church, Main Street in Grambling. All are welcome 6 p.m.: Video-Led Tai Chi class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Willy Wonka, Jr.” (Dixie Theatre)
Friday, June 26 10 a.m.: Open house for Fox Nesbit (500 Dan Reneau Dr.) 2 p.m.: Briarhill Farms at Lincoln Parish Library Events Center 3:30-5:30 p.m.: Summer DND Campaign for Teens & Tweens (Lincoln Parish Library) Please call 318-513-5518 for important information about participation. 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Willy Wonka, Jr.” (Dixie Theatre)
Saturday, June 27 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Willy Wonka, Jr.” (Dixie Theatre)
Sunday, June 28 2 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Willy Wonka, Jr.” (Dixie Theatre)
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Music, food, family fun at free Hall of Fame Rockin’ River Fest Friday, June 26
Friday night is just right for some midsummer magic under the moonlight, free for all, during next weekend’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.
Specifically, it’s going to happen next Friday evening into night, June 26, on the Rue Beauport stage bordering Cane River Lake smack dab in the middle of the City of Lights’ historic and beautiful downtown district. It’s the free Rockin’ Riverfest party presented by Rapides Regional Medical Center and Louisiana Propane Dealers.
The showcase act is Blue Crab Redemption, a Louisiana bred and fed alt blues/rock band whose major influences include Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder and The Eagles. Their sound is a raw, classic vibe from ghosts of legends past blended with the soulful influences of the modern rock era.
The opener is Connor Martin, a country artist passionate about creating music that inspires and connects. Recently, Martin has opened for Easton Corbin, Tyler Farr, Parker McCollum, and Keith Urban.
Good times will abound during the riverfront concert, which runs from 6 p.m. to 10:30. One of the highlights: at 9:15, the Hall’s impressive Class of 2026 will be introduced on stage, and celebrated with a 10-minute fireworks show set to sports-themed music over Cane River Lake. Then the music cranks up again for another hour of festivities.
And yes, you read correctly. It’s free to attend.
There will be food and beverage vendors – Girlines Home Cooking, Soulful Wings, Summer Snow To Go and for the grown-ups, Maggio’s, on the riverfront, and of course, Front Street’s always fun watering holes/restaurants are just a few steps away.
MOVE Sport and Spine will set up their sharp-looking apparel line for sale, and Hall of Fame gear will also be available.
It’s family friendly. A free interactive kids zone presented by the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans will include basketball, football, baseball games and inflatables for all ages to enjoy. NSU athletes will be on hand to help the kids have all the fun, and give away some basketballs.
If you want to beat the summer heat and enjoy a tasty collection of Louisiana foods and specialty refreshments, hurry and visit LaSportsHall.com to snap up some of the fast-disappearing $100 tickets to the VIP Taste of Tailgating presented by Hancock Whitney.
That party runs from 7-10 p.m. in the air-conditioned comfort of Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room that will provide exclusive access to the 12-member 2026 Induction Class.
Join the fun and celebrate some of Louisiana’s sports greats, for free, on Friday evening, June 26, in downtown Natchitoches.
Rockin’ River Fest is one of three free events during the Induction Celebration, starting with the free Welcome Reception Thursday evening, June 25, from 5-7 in the Hall of Fame museum. It’s not a dress-up event, just a come eat and meet the inductees and check out the world-class museum at no charge. The other free event is the Saturday morning June 27 Saints & Pelicans LSHOF Junior Training Camp for kids. Advance registration is necessary at LaSportsHall.com.
For information on all seven events during the June 25-27 Class of 2026 Induction Celebration, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.
