After years of choosing to remain focused on disaster response rather than responding to repeated false statements, Cajun Navy 2016 has filed a defamation lawsuit seeking to protect its reputation and the volunteers who have served under its name.
Founded in the aftermath of Louisiana’s historic 2016 floods, Cajun Navy 2016 has spent the past decade deploying volunteers across Louisiana and throughout the United States to assist communities following hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other disasters.
The organization has coordinated water rescues, search and rescue operations, supply distribution, and long-term recovery efforts while relying almost entirely on the trust and generosity of volunteers and donors.
Members of the Cajun Navy 2016 came to Lincoln Parish in April of 2019 to help with tree removal and cleanup following the EF3 tornado that decimated Ruston and surrounding areas.
The lawsuit, filed in the 19th Judicial District Court, names United Cajun Navy, its president, Todd Terrell, and its vice president, Brian Thrasher, as defendants. It alleges a multi-year campaign of false and defamatory statements that has damaged Cajun Navy 2016’s reputation and interfered with its disaster relief mission.
The lawsuit does not challenge the work of other disaster relief organizations. Instead, it alleges that repeated false statements about Cajun Navy 2016 crossed the line from protected criticism into defamation.
Cajun Navy 2016 contends the defendants repeatedly published false and misleading statements through social media and other public channels, questioning the organization’s legitimacy, integrity, and disaster response efforts.
According to the petition, those statements harmed the nonprofit’s reputation, discouraged volunteers and donors, and interfered with its ability to serve communities affected by natural disasters.
“When floodwaters rise, families don’t have time to sort through competing claims on social media. They need to know who is actually showing up. Our reputation is one of the most important tools we have when lives are on the line,” said Jon Bridgers, CEO and founder of Cajun Navy 2016. “We’ve ignored this for years because helping people has always been more important than arguing online. But there comes a point when staying quiet actually hurts the people we’re trying to help.”
The petition alleges that the defendants’ statements went beyond criticism and instead constituted a deliberate effort to mislead the public, discourage volunteers and donors, and interfere with Cajun Navy 2016’s ongoing disaster response operations. The organization argues that false information during disasters creates unnecessary confusion at a time when the public should be focused on helping affected communities recover.
“We didn’t choose this path lightly. For years, we’ve stayed focused on serving others. Unfortunately, the false statements have continued, and protecting our reputation has become necessary to protect our mission,” Bridgers added. “The demand for disaster response continues to grow across our country. There is room for every organization willing to answer the call and serve those in need. We believe those efforts should be measured by the lives we help, not by attempts to discredit others who have chosen the same mission.”
The lawsuit seeks damages authorized under Louisiana law, together with injunctive and declaratory relief to prevent further defamatory conduct. Because the matter is now before the court, Cajun Navy 2016 will not comment further on the litigation and will remain focused on serving communities affected by disasters.
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An extensive multi-agency manhunt concluded Friday afternoon with the capture of an escapee who walked away from a Union Parish Police Jury road department work site on Prentice Pardue Rd in Downsville.
At approximately 1030AM, the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified that Brook McKenzie Simpson, 36, had walked away from a trustee work detail on Prentice Pardue Road in the Point Community of Downsville. Simpson, a Union Parish Detention Center inmate, was working as a trustee assigned to the Union Parish Police Jury road department, who was working on a road improvement project. According to investigators, Simpson told his supervisor he needed to use the restroom before walking into a wooded area and failing to return.
UPSO deputies immediately responded and established a perimeter around the area. An extensive search involving numerous law enforcement officers from multiple agencies was quickly initiated. The Union Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness was contacted, and a Wireless Emergency Alert was issued to cell phones throughout the area with Simpson’s description. The Sheriff’s Office also distributed Simpson’s description through its social media platforms.
Search efforts included the deployment of the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office drone, K-9 teams, and specialized tracking K-9s from the David Wade Correctional Center. Additional UPSO deputies were requested, including the UPSO Reserve Division. Throughout the operation, deputies investigated numerous tips from citizens reporting possible sightings of Simpson. Each lead was quickly checked and cleared as the search continued.
Shortly after 4PM, Simpson was located in a wooded area, more than a mile from where he disappeared. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Union Parish Detention Center, where he was booked on additional charges related to his escape.
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Louisiana Probation and Parole, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division, UPSO Reserve Division, Downsville Police Department, David Wade Correctional Center Tracking Team, Union Parish Detention Center, FBI, West Monroe Police Department, Union Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and all the citizens who reported possible sightings. Despite very hot temperatures, the teamwork and cooperation among numerous law enforcement officers from multiple agencies throughout the more than five-hour search ultimately brought the operation to a successful conclusion.
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Every day I see something on social media that makes me smile.
And every day I see something that makes me cringe.
I’m not trying to be judgmental, but Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and whatever new platform has popped up this week have changed the way we live. Sometimes it’s for the better.
Too often, though, I think it’s for the worse.
I spend a lot of time around college student-athletes. Almost three decades worth of time. And one thing I’ve noticed is how much different today’s athletes are forced to navigate than those from a generation ago.
Yes, they deal with the same pressures of school, competition and growing up.
But now they do it under a microscope.
Every game is analyzed. Every mistake is replayed. Every opinion is shared. Sometimes before they even make it back to the locker room.
Social media didn’t create every mental health challenge facing young people today. That would be far too simple an explanation.
But I have a hard time believing it isn’t a major contributor.
When I started working in college athletics, mental health wasn’t discussed the way it is today. That doesn’t mean those struggles didn’t exist. They certainly did. But young people weren’t carrying around a device that allowed hundreds or thousands of people to instantly criticize them, compare themselves to others or constantly seek approval through likes and comments.
That’s a heavy burden for anyone, much less an 18- or 19-year-old still trying to figure out who they are.
The truth is, though, this isn’t just a young people’s problem.
Sometimes I think adults are even worse.
We’ve become a society that feels compelled to share everything. What we had for dinner. What we bought. Where we went. What we think about every political issue, every referee’s call, every coach’s decision and every person we’ve never actually met.
Somewhere along the way, we stopped believing every thought needed to stay inside our own heads. Even worse, social media has made us comfortable saying things we would never say face to face. Just scroll through the comments after a college team loses a game.
These days everyone is an expert. Regardless of the topic, we all seem to know how to do it better than the other person. Sports. Education. Business. Politics.
That’s one of the great ironies of social media. It has given everyone a microphone but hasn’t required anyone to have experience.
Don’t get me wrong. Social media isn’t all bad.
I’m a Facebook guy. Sometimes Instagram. No TikTok account for this guy. Maybe that’s because I’m showing my age.
I enjoy seeing pictures of old friends, keeping up with people I don’t get to see very often and celebrating the good things happening in their lives. Those are wonderful uses of these platforms.
But I’ve also found myself unfollowing or unfriending more people than ever before. Not because we disagree.
Reasonable people can disagree. In fact, healthy disagreement is a good thing. It challenges us to think, to learn and sometimes even to change our minds.
There’s nothing wrong with having an opinion. There’s nothing wrong with sharing one, either.
But maybe we’ve reached the point where we should all pause before hitting “Post” and ask ourselves a simple question: Does this really need to be said? Or, at least, is there a better way — a less confrontational way — to say it?
Sometimes the answer is yes.
Sometimes the better answer is to keep scrolling.
There’s an old saying: “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”
I sometimes wonder if that advice has ever been more relevant than it is in the age of social media.
Opinions are important. Strong convictions are part of who we are. But if our opinions always come wrapped in insults and finger-pointing, maybe we’re not trying to persuade anyone anymore. Maybe we’re just trying to win an argument.
What’s not healthy is feeling the need to criticize everything and everyone. Somewhere along the way, we’ve confused having an opinion with believing we’re obligated to share every opinion.
The people who created these platforms did exactly what they intended to do. They got us hooked. And before I point fingers at everyone else, I have to point one back at myself.
Every week my phone sends me one of those screen time reports telling me how many hours a day I’ve spent staring at it. Every week I look at the number and think, “There’s no way that’s right.”
Then I realize it probably is.
Honestly, it’s a little scary. If nothing else, it’s proof that we took the bait — hook, line and sinker.
The platforms are designed to keep us scrolling. That’s their business model. But at some point, we have to decide whether we’re going to let an algorithm determine how we spend our time, our attention and, ultimately, our lives.
Maybe before we hit “Post,” we should spend a little more time looking in the mirror and a little less time looking at everyone else.
The City of Ruston announces, weather permitting, Dixie St. between Bittersweet Ave. and Mimosa Dr., will be closed beginning July 27, 2026, at 6am until further notice.
This closure is necessary to allow for culvert repair(s).
The City of Ruston regrets any inconvenience this necessary work may cause residents and motorists. We appreciate your patience, and any questions can be received by the Public Works Department at (318) 242-7703.
The City of Ruston announces, weather permitting, Sunset Blvd. from Sandy Lane to E. Maryland Ave., will be closed beginning July 27, 2026, at 8am until further notice.
This closure is necessary to allow contractor to replace sewer mains for the overlay project.
The City of Ruston regrets any inconvenience this necessary work may cause residents and motorists. We appreciate your patience, and any questions can be received by the Public Works Department at (318) 242-7703.
RUSTON, La. — Both Louisiana Tech’s and Ruston High School’s volleyball teams is being recognized for work in the classroom as well as on the court and earned 2026 AVCA Team Academic Awards from the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
The Lady Bearcats also earned the additional distinction of AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll, placing the program among the top 20 percent of GPAs nationally in its division.
Ruston head coach Mandy Cauley said the honor speaks to the character of her players.
“This is a national level academic achievement,” Cauley said. “Our girls put so much into athletics, but also academics. This reflects how well rounded these young ladies are. Their efforts on and off the court are exemplary. I am beyond proud.”
To qualify for the award, the Lady Bearcats had to maintain a year-long team grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, a standard the program met while also competing through a full volleyball season.
The Bulldogs had four CSC All-Academic nods and one CUSA All-Academic recipient last season in their first year under head coach Scott Mattera. The team had 3.58, 3.40 and 3.53 GPA’s across the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters, respectively.
Ruston and Tech join 1,432 collegiate and high school programs nationwide honored by the AVCA this year, but the Honor Roll distinction sets the Lady Bearcats apart further, reserved for teams whose GPAs rank in the top 20% within their respective division.
AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon credited coaches and players across the sport for prioritizing academics alongside athletics.
“We are grateful for the dedication of the coaches and players who make both classroom and on-court success the lifeblood of their programs,” Gordon said.
The recognition adds to a growing list of achievements for Ruston athletics this year and reinforces a standard Cauley has emphasized with her program: success away from the court matters as much as what happens between the lines.
Cedar Creek’s success isn’t limited to the baseball diamond.
The Cougars have been recognized with the 2025-26 ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award, presented by the American Baseball Coaches Association, after posting an impressive 3.7 cumulative team GPA during the academic year.
The award recognizes high school and college baseball programs led by ABCA-member coaches that achieve a cumulative team GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This year, more than 800 programs nationwide earned the distinction, including more than 320 high schools.
The academic honor comes on the heels of another successful season on the field. The Cougars won more than 20 games during the 2025 season and advanced to the Select School Division IV state semifinals.
“Being a student-athlete always has its challenges with balancing academics with practices and games,” said head coach Chad Yates. “As a coaching staff we challenge our team to not only give their best efforts on the field but in the classroom as well. We are super proud of our team and their commitment to the classroom.”
Cedar Creek’s 3.7 team GPA reflects the program’s emphasis on achieving excellence both in the classroom and on the field, highlighting the commitment of Cougar student-athletes to academic achievement.
The ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award was established in 2016 to honor programs that demonstrate a dedication to academic achievement while maintaining high standards of athletic competition.
Founded in 1945, the American Baseball Coaches Association is the primary professional organization for amateur baseball coaches in the United States and includes members from high schools, colleges and professional baseball.
Cedar Creek’s recognition places the Cougars among an elite group of programs across the country that have excelled academically while competing at a high level on the baseball field.
Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Monday, July 27 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 4 p.m.: Storytime : Fruit (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, July 28 6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.) 10 a.m.: Storytime : Fruit (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 2 p.m.: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries with Special Guests: BABY ALLIGATORS (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 4 p.m.: Teen Time : Plant Pattern Bookmarks (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Video-Led Exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 6 p.m.: Adult Craft Night: Flower Mandala Garden Stake; registration required 318-513-5510 (Lincoln Parish Library)
Wednesday, July 29 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
Thursday, July 30 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) 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Picnic in the Park (Railroad Park) 2 p.m.: Tween Time : Watermelon Slime (Lincoln Parish Library) 4 p.m.: Teen Time : Jigsaw Puzzle Craft (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)
Friday, July 31 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Friends of the Library Book Sale (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 10 a.m.: PAWS for NELA Therapy Dogs at Lincoln Parish Library 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. 4 p.m.: Teens End of Summer Reading Party (Lincoln Parish Library)
Saturday, Aug. 1 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Friends of the Library Book Sale (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Sunday, Aug. 2 1-4 p.m.: Friends of the Library Book Sale (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Monday, Aug. 3 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome Noon to 6 p.m.: Friends of the Library Book Sale (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 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, Aug. 4 6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.) 6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (Lincoln Parish School Board office)
Wednesday, Aug. 5 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
Thursday, Aug. 6 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) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
Saturday, Aug. 8 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
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.
John Ed McKinney April 15, 1938 – July 22, 2026 Service: Monday, July 27, 2026, 10:00AM, Kilpatrick Funeral Home Final Resting Place: Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens, 1270 Highway 544, Ruston
Joel Clemons Tuesday 07/03/1945 — Saturday 07/18/2026 Funeral Service: Monday 07/27/2026 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Monday 07/27/2026 Following Service, Pleasant Grove Cemetery, 446 Bowden Road, Ruston (Clay)
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office is searching for an inmate who escaped custody in Downsville on Friday.
According to officials, Brook McKenzie Simpson, a white male who was last seen wearing blue jeans and an orange shirt, walked away from a work release site on Prentice Pardue Rd in Downsville.
Simpson is 36 and is described as 5’10” tall, weighing 155. He is clean shaven and his hair was pulled back into a ponytail.
Simpson is known to frequent the Downsville as he is from there. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Residents in the area are urged to remain alert, secure their homes and vehicles, and avoid approaching Simpson if he is spotted.
Anyone who sees Simpson or has information about his whereabouts is urged to immediately call 911 or contact the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 368-3124. You may also submit a tip anonymously on UPSO’s mobile app, referencing case 26070057.
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office is searching for an inmate who escaped custody in Downsville on Friday.
According to officials, Brook McKenzie Simpson, a white male who was last seen wearing blue jeans and an orange shirt, walked away from a work release site on Prentice Pardue Rd in Downsville.
Simpson is 36 and is described as 5’10” tall, weighing 155. He is clean shaven and his hair was pulled back into a ponytail.
Simpson is known to frequent the Downsville as he is from there. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Residents in the area are urged to remain alert, secure their homes and vehicles, and avoid approaching Simpson if he is spotted.
Anyone who sees Simpson or has information about his whereabouts is urged to immediately call 911 or contact the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 368-3124. You may also submit a tip anonymously on UPSO’s mobile app, referencing case 26070057.
Rebar is visible in the southbound inner lane on Cooktown Bridge.
by Malcolm Butler
With exposed rebar visible in one travel lane and fresh patches appearing on the bridge deck, the condition of Ruston’s aging Cooktown Bridge has become increasingly difficult for motorists to ignore.
As construction continues on its replacement, many drivers have begun asking the same question: Will the 65-year-old bridge safely carry traffic until the new span opens?
According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the answer is yes.
While acknowledging the bridge requires ongoing maintenance as construction progresses, DOTD officials say they have no concerns at this time that the bridge will not remain in service until its replacement is completed.
“No, not at this time,” DOTD Public Information Officer Erin Buchanan said when asked whether the department is concerned the existing bridge will survive the next few years before the new one opens.
The existing Cooktown Bridge, built in 1961, is being replaced as part of an approximately $39 million state-funded project that includes construction of a new bridge immediately west of the current structure along with three roundabouts and other roadway improvements.
The project carries a four-year construction contract extending into 2029, although Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker has previously said he remains optimistic the bridge could be completed sometime in 2028.
In the meantime, DOTD said maintaining the existing bridge remains part of the project.
“During a construction project, the contractor is required to maintain from the beginning to end of their contract,” Buchanan said. “We’ve already had the contractor, JB James Construction, patch numerous locations shortly after the project began and will be doing that again soon.”
The bridge’s age is evident in several locations.
In the southbound travel lane currently open to traffic, motorists are driving across a section where reinforcing steel, commonly known as rebar, is exposed in the bridge deck. Buchanan said DOTD has already directed the contractor to patch numerous deteriorating areas since construction began, with additional repairs planned in the near future as crews continue maintaining the structure.
The bridge currently carries traffic in only one lane in each direction while crews continue constructing the replacement bridge and begin work associated with the future roundabouts.
Despite the lane reduction, DOTD said traffic volume itself is not placing additional stress on the bridge.
“The traffic volume is appropriate for the structure,” Buchanan said.
According to DOTD, approximately 17,550 vehicles cross the Cooktown Bridge each day in both directions. However, while the overall traffic volume has remained similar, does concentrating all traffic into one lane in each direction change the way the bridge is monitored or maintained during construction?
The department also said it has discussed contingency plans should an unexpected problem develop before construction is complete.
“Yes,” Buchanan said when asked whether DOTD has considered possible closure scenarios. “Most ‘scenarios’ could be repaired and the bridge reopened shortly.”
She cited a hole forming in the bridge deck as one example of a problem that could be repaired without permanently closing the structure.
“Example: A hole that forms in the deck could be patched,” Buchanan said. “We will continue to monitor the condition of the existing bridge and proceed with any necessary repairs.”
Buchanan said decisions involving any necessary repairs or potential temporary closures would be made jointly by DOTD and the project’s contractor.
“The City of Ruston technically has no jurisdiction over the roadway, but we would remain in communication with city officials so they are aware of the situation,” she said.
Construction began last fall and the project includes replacing the aging bridge, constructing three roundabouts and improving nearby roadways designed to better handle current traffic volumes and accommodate future growth.
But for now, Lincoln Parish residents are concerned about the present.
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Granting approval for Mayor Alvin Bradley to search for and hire a new administrative assistant was the most pressing order of business during a special-called meeting Thursday evening in Grambling.
Bradley explained the need as the request began being discussed.
“I am making a personal request that (the City Council) give me approval to start a search to hire somebody because of Ms. Charlene Gray’s position,” Bradley said. “Ms. Gray has been out for a few weeks now. She’s had surgery and it looks like it may take a while for her to recover from that surgery, so I need somebody in the office. I needed it, like, yesterday. So I’m requesting that the council give me permission to find someone and make a hire.”
The City Council, with the exception of the absent John Brown, unanimously approved Bradley’s request.
Before the meeting began, a public hearing was held concerning amending an ordinance to correctly name the parcel owner of the property at 7455 Highway 80.
No one from the public made any comments during that public hearing.
During the meeting itself, the City Council approved amending that ordinance. That amendment changes the owner of the property from Elliott and Monica Jones to Councilwoman Cathy Holmes-Giles.
The vote was 3-1, with Holmes-Giles abstaining because amending the ordinance involves her.
Also approved was a request from Councilman Jerry Lewis, former fire chief/consultant of the Grambling Fire Department, former Lincoln Parish director of homeland security and former longtime member of the Ruston Fire Department.
That request was to hire Roxanne Jackson as a full-time registered firefighter.
“Miss Jackson has been with the Grambling Fire Department before she left,” Lewis said. “She has gotten at least three or four certifications.
“We’re trying to get her back into the fire department because what all those certifications do is help us on our (fire) rating. Anybody with those certifications helps tremendously as far as our manpower and our (fire) rating as far as our firefighting is concerned, so I’m recommending her tonight as a full-time hire for the Grambling Fire Department.”
Lewis’ motion passed 4-0.
Also hired was new full-time revenue specialist Terri Nichols.
“Ms. Nichols was interviewed by myself and a couple more people from the office and comes with experience in the water department in both Jonesboro and Winnfield,” Bradley said. “So I’m recommending that we hire Ms. Terri Nichols as a new full-time revenue specialist.
“We have one employee who could be out for six weeks, so this is a needed hire.”
Bradley’s request also passed 4-0.
Hired on a part-time basis as Grambling’s Main Street director was Raevyn Saint Val Lor.
“Main Street is one of the programs the city of Grambling has adopted and she’ll be working as director part time,” Bradley said.
Grambling’s Main Street program is part of the Louisiana Main Street initiative and is an economic program focused on historic preservation to help cities revitalize commercial districts by using core tenets including organization, promotion, design and economic vitality.
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Grambling State University’s Leisure Studies Program continues to hold a distinctive place in higher education as the only program in Louisiana accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).
Housed in the Department of Kinesiology, Sport and Leisure Studies, the program is accredited through 2031. In a June 30, 2026, letter, COAPRT notified Grambling State University that the program’s 2026 Annual Progress Report met all requirements, supporting the program’s continued accreditation standing.
COAPRT accreditation is a national standard of academic quality for programs preparing students for careers in parks, recreation, tourism, leisure services, and related professions. For Grambling State students, the accreditation demonstrates that the program meets established standards in curriculum, student learning outcomes, assessment, continuous improvement, and professional preparation.
“At Grambling State University, academic excellence is not simply a goal; it is a standard we work every day to uphold,” said President Martin Lemelle, Jr. “The continued COAPRT accreditation of our Leisure Studies Program speaks to the quality of our faculty, the strength of our academic programs, and our commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers that serve communities and improve quality of life. We are especially proud that Grambling State remains home to Louisiana’s only COAPRT-accredited program.”
The Leisure Studies Program prepares students for careers in recreation management, community programming, tourism, sport and leisure services, parks and recreation, and related fields. Through coursework, experiential learning, and professional development, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to lead programs and services that promote wellness, engagement, and community development.
Dr. Obadiah J.K. Simmons, Jr., head and director of the Department of Kinesiology, Sport and Leisure Studies and director of the Sport Administration Graduate Program, said the program’s accreditation standing is an important point of pride for Grambling State and for students pursuing careers in the field.
“This continued accreditation demonstrates the strength and relevance of Grambling State University’s Leisure Studies Program,” Simmons said. “Our faculty remain committed to preparing students who are knowledgeable, service-minded, and ready to lead in recreation, parks, tourism, sport, and leisure-related professions. Being the only COAPRT-accredited program in Louisiana is a distinction we value and a responsibility we take seriously.”
“Accreditation matters because it provides an external measure of quality and accountability,” said Dr. Connie Walton, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “The continued recognition of the Leisure Studies Program speaks to the dedication of Dr. Simmons, the faculty, and the department’s ongoing work to support student success and strengthen academic programs that meet workforce and community needs.”
As Grambling State University marks 125 years of academic excellence, the continued COAPRT accreditation of the Leisure Studies Program adds to the University’s legacy of preparing students to lead, serve, and make an impact in Louisiana and beyond.
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Grace Tucker poses in front of a recent mural she completed at A.E. Phillips Laboratory School. See more of her murals below. (Courtesy Photo)
By Malcolm Butler
Grace Tucker has a different perspective on life after college than most recent graduates.
In fact, the 22-year-old’s mindset is downright atypical when asked what’s next following her graduation from Louisiana Tech University in May.
“My goal in life is to never use my degree,” Grace said with a laugh.
Wait, what?
Grace doesn’t mean that as a knock on her mass communication education. Rather, it’s simply an honest reflection of the dream she’s been chasing for years.
“I want to be a full-time artist,” said Grace, who grew up on a farm in Horatio, Arkansas — a town of 920. “That’s always been the dream. The communications degree was important, but my goal has always been to make a living creating art.”
For Grace, earning a degree wasn’t the destination. It was simply another step toward the dream she has been chasing for years.
After transferring to Tech following one year at Ouachita Baptist University, she initially pursued studio art before realizing she wanted to spend more time creating the kind of work she loved rather than producing assignments for grades.
“I realized I was spending all of my time making art for classes instead of making the art I actually wanted to make,” Grace said. “I wanted more time to build my portfolio and paint murals.”
Instead, she switched her major to mass communication, allowing her to continue pursuing her artistic goals while earning a college degree.
“My parents always told me, ‘Get your degree. You can do whatever you want after that,'” Grace said. “I wanted to honor that because they’ve supported me so much. The communications degree was my way of keeping that promise while still chasing my dream.”
That dream has already begun taking shape.
From downtown Ruston to classrooms at A.E. Phillips Laboratory School, churches and businesses, Grace’s colorful murals have become part of the landscape of Lincoln Parish. Last summer, that dream carried her across the country to Oregon, where she completed another large-scale mural project.
Along the way, she has discovered that murals are about much more than paint.
“I really enjoy making things lighthearted and joyful,” Grace said. “I want people to enjoy looking at them. You don’t have to pay money to go into a museum to experience art. A mural is something everyone gets to enjoy.”
Grace admits her artwork hasn’t always reflected the bright colors and cheerful themes that have become her trademark.
“Part of what got me into art in high school was that… high school’s hard on everybody, but I was real sad in high school, angry, you know, real emotional,” Grace said. “I was using art all the time to express how I was feeling.”
She said much of her early work was “very sad, very depressing, very dark.”
Today, however, her philosophy has changed.
“Even though life is tough, I’m always trying to bring positivity,” Grace said.
Whitney Causey, a professor in Louisiana Tech’s School of Design, remembers Grace volunteering her own time to help paint one of Tech’s early mural projects at MedCamps of Louisiana even though she wasn’t enrolled in the class.
“She was really interested in doing murals,” Causey said. “She volunteered her time and came out on days when some of the other students weren’t able to be there. She was donating her time and trying to learn from the process.
“She’s a really driven person. If something piques her interest, she goes for it, and she’s not scared to ask for help and learn from someone else. That’s everything I ask for in a student.”
A perfectionist in some ways.
“She was always seeking outside advice and wanting feedback on her own work and mural designs,” said Causey. “That’s just a rare find in students nowadays.
“It takes extreme self-discipline and a drive to put yourself and your artwork out there constantly. You’ve got to get face time with people in the community so they learn your name and think about you when they think about art.”
That advice may explain what happened next.
“I knew in the summer of 2025 that I wanted to paint something in Ruston,” said Grace. “I wanted to get my name out here somehow.”
Rather than waiting for an opportunity to find her, Grace went looking for one.
“I would be skateboarding around campus, and I kept skating past the studio,” said Grace. “You could just see through the windows, and there was all this artwork inside. I kept skating past and skating past. Finally I said, ‘I just need to go in there. I don’t know what this place is.'”
Local artist Loretta Owens remembers the day Grace walked into her downtown gallery after repeatedly driving past the building and noticing a large blank exterior wall.
“She just came in off the street,” Owens recalled. “She told me she liked to do murals and had been looking at that wall. She asked if I’d ever thought about putting a mural on it.”
Owens had thought about adding a mural for years but had never found the right artist. Grace came prepared.
“She said, ‘I’ll draw you up some things. You can tell me what you’re interested in, and if you don’t like what I do, you can tell me,'” Owens said.
That straightforward approach immediately impressed the longtime artist.
“I really thought she was a gifted young woman, and she works hard,” Owens said.
The two collaborated on a design celebrating Ruston’s history and Louisiana Tech. During the process, Owens suggested the mural needed more color. Rather than resisting the feedback, Grace embraced it.
“She went back out there and added some more color,” Owens said. “She worked hard on it. She did the correct preparation of the wall, and that’s just as important as what you put on it if you want it to last.”
As Grace’s portfolio continued to grow, so did the variety of projects she was entrusted to complete.
A few of those brought her to A.E. Phillips Laboratory School, where most recently third-grade teacher Alli Smith had only a rough concept for a classroom mural.
“I gave kind of a very amateur mock-up of what I thought my students would like, and Grace took my little idea and turned it into something bigger than I ever imagined,” Smith said.
Smith said Grace’s creativity extended far beyond simply recreating the sketch she was given.
“She took our school colors and different elements from the school that I hadn’t even thought about or never dreamed of, and she just brought it to life,” Smith said.
For Grace, every mural eventually becomes part of someone else’s story. One project, in particular, changed her perspective. After traveling to Klamath, Oregon to paint a mural last summer, she realized there was a good chance she might never see it again.
“When I was putting the last touches on it and taking pictures, it really hit me that I may never see this piece of artwork ever again,” said Grace. “All I have are the pictures I took. That was really bittersweet. I was thinking about that whenever I was flying back, that it was one final goodbye.”
Instead of feeling disappointed, she found the thought surprisingly meaningful.
“That is my mark that I left, and I hope it brings joy to people,” said Grace. “That was the whole point — that it educates people a little bit and shows them what Klamath has to offer. And then I just had to say goodbye.”
The mural would remain long after she had left, becoming part of that community’s story just as her work has become part of Lincoln Parish.
“I want people to feel happy when they see my work,” she said. “If I can brighten someone’s day just by painting a wall, that’s a pretty amazing thing.”
Those interested in following Grace’s work or inquiring about a mural project can reach her by email at gracetucker.art@gmail.com, follow her on Instagram at @ggpaintbigwalls, or find her on Facebook under Grace Tucker.
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Grace’s mural on the exterior wall of one of Loretta Owen’s buildings in Ruston. The first of two murals that Grace did at A.E. Phillips Laboratory School, this one in the multi-purpose room.The second mural at AEP, this one in Alli Smith’s third grade classroom.A Christmas mural Grace painted on the windows of a downtown Ruston business last Christmas. Grace painted this mural at First Baptist Church Calhoun. Grace’s mural in Klamath, Oregon.
A Bossier City man was arrested on DWI and other charges early Sunday after Louisiana State Police say he briefly tried to evade a trooper during a traffic stop and was found carrying a fake Arkansas driver’s license.
Peyton M. Wilhite, 19, of Bossier City, was arrested July 19 by Louisiana State Police.
According to an arrest affidavit, a trooper observed a gray Chevrolet Silverado traveling west on West Alabama Avenue just before 1 a.m. when the vehicle made a sharp left turn onto Western Street and accelerated quickly toward the center of the roadway. At the end of Western Street, the vehicle turned sharply again without signaling, heading east on West Mississippi Avenue.
The trooper activated emergency lights, and the vehicle stopped on West Mississippi Avenue. The affidavit states the driver quickly exited the right rear passenger door in an apparent attempt to evade the trooper before being ordered to approach, which he did.
During the stop, the trooper reported smelling alcohol on Wilhite’s breath. Wilhite performed poorly on field sobriety testing, according to the affidavit, and was placed under arrest, handcuffed and checked for weapons. He was advised of his Miranda rights.
The vehicle was parked and locked at the West Mississippi Avenue address. Wilhite was transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for chemical testing, which he refused, according to the affidavit.
Wilhite was booked on charges of first-offense DWI, failure to signal a turn, improper lane usage and possession of a fake Arkansas driver’s license. Bond was set at $1,500 on the DWI count; he was released on his own recognizance on the remaining charges.
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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A confrontation over a truck’s dead battery and jumper cables escalated into a gun being drawn during a dispute at a Caney Lane residence, leading to a Grayson man’s arrest on a felony charge.
Tristan Baum, 25, of Grayson, was arrested July 20 by the Ruston Police Department.
According to an arrest affidavit, officers were dispatched to a residence on Caney Lane in reference to a disturbance. The resident told officers he arrived home and found his ex-girlfriend, identified in the affidavit as a witness, in his front yard with Baum, who were moving the witness’s belongings out of the residence.
The resident said he noticed his truck had been repositioned and connected with jumper cables to a vehicle the witness and Baum were using. He told officers he became upset, walked up to the two vehicles and ripped the jumper cables off both trucks, and said he told the pair he would beat someone up. The resident stated Baum then pulled out a pistol and held him at gunpoint.
The witness told officers she went inside the residence when the resident arrived and heard arguing outside before stepping back out and seeing Baum pointing the gun at the resident. She said she told Baum to put the gun down. The witness stated the resident’s threats were directed at property and the situation in general, not at any specific person, and that she did not feel her safety or anyone else’s was in danger from the resident.
Baum told officers he and the witness had moved the resident’s truck to jump-start their vehicle after its battery died. He said the resident arrived and first went to the passenger side of the vehicle, speaking aggressively though Baum could not make out what he was saying. Baum said the resident then walked around to the driver’s side and began approaching him, saying he wanted to beat him up. Baum stated he told the resident he had a gun and to stop advancing, but the resident kept walking toward him. Fearing for his safety, Baum said he drew the gun and pointed it at the resident, who then stopped. Baum said he put the gun back in his waistband and called police.
Baum was placed in restraints and transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, where he was booked on one count of aggravated assault with a firearm.
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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(Photo by Wes Harris, information pulled from www.hmdb.org)
DUBACH, La. — The history of Dubach is closely tied to Louisiana’s timber industry, and one home in the heart of the village stands as a reminder of the community’s lumber roots.
A Louisiana historical marker commemorates the Dubach House, a residence built in 1901 by lumberman Fred Dubach, whose name would become synonymous with the village that grew around his thriving timber operation.
According to the marker, Dubach, a native of Wisconsin, established one of the largest lumber companies in the South in 1899. As the business expanded, the town of Dubach quickly developed around the lumber mill, creating jobs and attracting families to the area.
The home constructed by Dubach in 1901 served as a symbol of the community’s early prosperity and the economic impact of the timber industry in North Louisiana.
The marker notes that both the Dubach Lumber Company and the home were later sold to businessman T.L. James, who lived in the residence until 1921. The house entered a new chapter in 1936 when it became the home of the Trammel family.
Recognized for its historical significance, the Dubach House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The historical marker was erected in 1976 by the Lincoln Parish American Bicentennial Committee and highlights the home’s importance to the history of industry, settlement and economic development in Lincoln Parish.
Located along Louisiana Highway 151, just east of U.S. Highway 167 in Dubach, the house stands as a lasting reminder of the timber boom that helped shape the village and much of North Louisiana during the early 20th century.
Marker Inscription:
“Built 1901 by Fred Dubach of Wisconsin. He established one of largest lumber companies in South here, 1899. Town soon developed. Dubach Lumber Co. and home later sold to T. L. James who lived here until 1921. House owned and occupied by Trammel family since 1936. On National Register.”
On Thursday, July 23, 2026, shortly after 4:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on Cooper Lake Road, just north of Bernie Turner Road. The crash claimed the life of 46-year-old Pamela Reynolds of Bastrop.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Reynolds was traveling south on Cooper Lake Road in a 2024 Toyota Corolla. For reasons still under investigation, Reynolds ran off the left side of the road and struck a tree.
Reynolds, who was unrestrained, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers urge drivers to always make safe decisions behind the wheel: never drive impaired, always wear a seat belt, and avoid distractions. Taking a few extra seconds to buckle up or slow down can be the difference between life and death.
In the early months of 1915, New York policemen knew unsavory characters had been living rent free in the dilapidated and seemingly abandoned building across the street from their station house in Brooklyn. Finally, in late April, construction workers began demolishing the old building. Only then did the policemen realize the scope of their problem. As each floor was systematically disassembled, the unwelcome tenants just moved closer to street level. The tenants that left the building took up residence in adjoining buildings or lived in the street. They even began occupying the police station itself. When policemen chased one away, it seemed that two or three more would take its place. The New York Times reported, “Policemen who have faced all kinds of danger unflinchingly do not hesitate to say that it makes them feel decidedly uncomfortable.” That was an understatement. The problem with the unwelcome tenants was out of control. It affected all of the policemen in one way or another. Some were unable to eat properly. Others were unable to get a good night’s sleep. Their work performance waned. The whole area was going to pot. The problem was not relegated to a single station house. Other New York police station houses including Morrisania Police Station, Alexander Avenue station, and West 152d Street station were facing similar crises.
In May 1915, the New York City Police Department added more than 100 new officers from a certain local tribe whose sole purpose was to rid their areas of the unwanted tenants by any means necessary. A team of new officers at the Morrisania Police Station was led by an officer named Peter whom that station’s Lieutenant Peter Brady had adopted and named after himself years earlier. In some cases, the police department filled the position by using the local homeless population, which solved two problems at the same time. At the Alexander Avenue station, one new officer was not only homeless but nameless as well. At the time of the New Yok Times’s report, the other officers at the Alexander Avenue station were trying to come up with a name for him. One of the new officers at the Brooklyn Station who was described as being large and battle-scarred took the “by any means necessary” portion of his orders to heart. The New York Times reported, “No count was kept of the number of [them] which [he] dispatched, but those he failed to slay he routed completely from the station house, so terrifying them that, according to the police, [none] since has had the temerity to show his nose in the place.” With the help of the new officers, the crisis of the New York Police Department was resolved. Why have you not heard of this murdering cop or his fellow officers who certainly performed similar atrocities against the unwelcome tenants? They were from, as the New York Times reported, the “Feline Tribe.” Those police officers and the unwelcome tenants were respectively… cats and rats.
Source: New York Times, May 7, 1915, p. 23.
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