Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech University College of Business freshmen used technology and AI to turn ideas into marketable businesses in a matter of hours during Freshman Night on September 10.

The evening centered on the Whopathon, an interactive workshop powered by Whop, a digital commerce platform that enables entrepreneurs to launch and manage online businesses. Marking Whop’s first workshop at this scale, students moved from idea to execution in real time by developing a business concept, building a website, setting prices, and considering how to attract their first customers.

“Entrepreneurship is about more than starting a company,” said Jessica George, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “The skills practiced during the Whopathon, including communication, critical thinking, and adaptability, are skills students will use regardless of their career paths. Our goal was to show students that innovation is accessible to everyone and that learning often happens through experience.”

The event provided freshman Marketing major Jaxon Bufkin immediate value for an existing business.

“I came to the event with an exterior window cleaning business,” Bufkin said. “During the Whopathon, I learned to create a website and reach a bigger customer base. I also learned about integrating AI into my business. AI helped me build my website, and I learned how to use tap-to-pay technology to accept payments from customers.”

While some students arrived with existing business ideas, others explored entrepreneurship for the first time and discovered how accessible the process could be.

“I didn’t think I would start a business on my first day of school, but this was a fun and engaging way to learn,” said Lexi Shackelford, a freshman Marketing major. “I had not built a website before this, but it felt achievable and a lot easier than I thought it would be. I think it’s realistic to start a business this way.”

Before students launched their own ventures, they heard from Louisiana Tech alumnus Marlon Watts, co-founder and CEO of WRLDINVSN, who shared his journey of transforming an initial run of a dozen t-shirts into a seven-figure apparel brand. Watts shared insights on the challenges and opportunities that come with building a business from the ground up.

“It’s inspiring for me to come back and connect with students that are in the same position I once was,” said Watts. “One of the core beliefs at WRLDINVSN is that everyone is an entrepreneur. I would tell students interested in entrepreneurship to hop off the porch and don’t be afraid to try something. Believe in yourself and trust your vision.”

The evening also provided students an opportunity to connect with classmates while beginning to leverage innovation and technology, a mindset that has become a hallmark of the College of Business experience.

“This is exactly the kind of experience we want our students to have from the moment they enter the College of Business,” said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business. “We place an emphasis on technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship thoughout our curriculum, and the Whopathon brought those priorities together. Our freshmen were using AI to turn an idea into something they could actually take to market. That ability to use emerging technology to identify opportunities, solve problems, and create value is central to how we want our students to think.”

Freshman Night marks the beginning of a calendar of programming to reinforce the College’s mission to graduate business and academic leaders who are innovative, entrepreneurially minded, and analytically and technologically skilled for a globally competitive marketplace.

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By Kyle Roberts

When Dave Anderson arrived at Ruston High School in 1991, no Bearcat had won an individual state title at the state track and field meet in 14 years.

Two decades and multiple state championships later, the man whose name now hangs over the Bearcats’ track is headed to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

Anderson will be inducted with the LHSAA Hall of Fame class of 2027 in April, becoming the third Ruston High coach to earn the honor, joining L.J. “Hoss” Garrett (1980) and Chick Childress (1990).

“As a high school coach in the state of Louisiana, it’s the most prestigious award you can be given,” Anderson said. “It’s something you don’t aspire to. It’s probably more a sign that people appreciate the work done. I was given a lot of opportunities along the way, and I tried to make the most of my opportunities and to make sure that we left a mark everywhere we went.”

Anderson learned of the honor while driving to Ruston last week.

“Prior to 1991, no Bearcat had won a state championship in any event, boy or girl, at the state track and field meet since 1977,” Anderson said. “Really, until 1990, when we won the state championship at Neville in cross country, no north Louisiana team had won a state title.”

The turnaround came quickly. In Anderson’s first season, Ruston won the outdoor track and field state championship — the first Class 5A title ever awarded, as the classification was created that year.

“There were a lot of cultural shifts,” Anderson said. “I think the expectations were raised. That immediately brought a bunch of street cred. Success breeds success, so they say, and we were out of the blocks pretty hard, and we tried to just keep that momentum for the next 20 years.”

That momentum produced one of the most decorated runs in Louisiana high school athletics. From 1991 to 2011, Ruston’s track and field and cross country programs won 55 district championships, 21 regional championships and nine state championships, along with 16 state runner-up finishes and five national championships. Bearcat athletes captured 180 individual state titles, set 16 LHSAA state records and earned more than 200 all-state honors, and nine of Anderson’s former track and football athletes went on to play in the NFL.

Across his career, Anderson’s teams won 30 state championships and finished as runner-up 32 times in Louisiana, Arkansas and Oregon. His athletes set 16 LHSAA state composite or Class 5A records, won nine national championships and represented the United States in five foreign countries. Ruston was the top-finishing public school in the state’s highest classification at the state cross country championships 15 times.

Anderson was a two-time National Federation of State High School Associations finalist for national track and field coach of the year, in 1992 and 2004, and was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s track and field coach of the year four times. He served as president of the Louisiana Track and Field Coaches Association from 1996 to 1999 and received the association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.

He was inducted into the Ark-La-Tex Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Bossier High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021. That same year, Ruston High dedicated the Dave Anderson Track and Field Complex in his honor.

Anderson also made his mark as an athlete, setting the Northeast Louisiana University school record in the 10,000 meters and the Bossier High School record in the 2-mile.
Anderson was quick to share the credit.

“I’m very thankful and grateful for the opportunity to be a Bearcat and to pour into the lives of the student-athletes there,” Anderson said. “This isn’t a single person’s award. There were a lot of people that contributed along the way, starting with the people across the dinner table. My family supported me and sacrificed a lot so that I could try to build the program that I did.”

Anderson pointed to the Garrett family — the reason he helped create the Hoss Garrett Relays in 1993 — as well as then-Lincoln Parish Superintendent Gerald Cobb and then-Ruston High Principal Danny Garbarino.

“There are so many people in the community to be thankful for,” Anderson said. “I’m just thankful for their belief in me to give me the chance, and I tried to make the most of my opportunity.”

Cobb was inducted into the LHSAA Hall of Fame as an administrator in 2015. Ruston’s other inductees include athletes Tommy Hinton (2007), Brad Laird (2010), Dan Childress (2011), Johnny Robinson (2020) and Bert Jones (2021).

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(This ran in the Webster Parish Journal on Monday, September 28. With Minden Medical Center being owned and operated by Allegiance Health Management — the same entity that owns NLMC — we felt this was worthy to run in the LPJ).

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On September 25, 2026, six members of the Minden Medical Center Board of Governors submitted their resignations from the Board. I, Dr. Melissa Madden, Chairman of the Board of Governors, am among those who have resigned.

This decision was not made lightly. Each of us has a deep commitment to Minden Medical Center, its patients, its employees, its medical staff, and the community we serve. However, we have reached a point where we do not believe we can continue to serve on the Board while also being placed in a position where our participation could be viewed as a stamp of approval for decisions made by the Allegiance corporate office.

Our concerns are specifically related to corporate-level financial and operational decisions and the impact those decisions are having on Minden Medical Center. We believe there must be transparency and accountability regarding the financial condition of the hospital, the obligations being incurred, and the resources that are available to provide care to the people of this community.

We want to make one point absolutely clear: Our concerns are not directed at the employees or local management team of Minden Medical Center.

The employees of Minden Medical Center have continued to provide excellent care to patients despite the financial strain and challenges they have experienced. Physicians, nurses, clinical staff, support personnel, and local management have continued to show dedication to their patients and to this community. We are deeply appreciative of their efforts.

Our decision to resign should therefore not be interpreted as criticism of the people working inside the hospital. Quite the opposite. We believe the employees deserve the resources, support, stability, and accountability necessary to allow them to continue providing the level of care that the people of Webster Parish deserve.

We also believe that the people of this community deserve transparency regarding the financial decisions affecting their local hospital.

Remaining on the Board while being unable to support or endorse those corporate-level decisions would not, in our view, be consistent with our responsibilities as Board members. We therefore believe that resigning is the appropriate course of action.

We hope these resignations will prompt meaningful examination of the financial and governance issues surrounding Allegiance Health Corporation and Minden Medical Center. Our ultimate concern is the future of the hospital and the ability of its dedicated employees and medical staff to continue providing quality healthcare to the community.

Dr. Melissa Madden, Chairman, 

Ryan Barnett Vice Chair 

Larry Gipson 

Allen Mosley 

Gray Kitchens 

Bill Coleman 

Minden Medical Center Board of Governors

Resigned September 25, 2026

Statement issued on behalf of the six members who resigned from the Minden Medical Center Board of Governors on September 25, 2026.

Melissa Madden 

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A Grambling State University police response to a dormitory disturbance ended with a student facing a marijuana distribution charge early Thursday, according to an arrest affidavit.

Dwayne Ross Jr., 19, of Los Angeles, was arrested by Grambling State police at 1 a.m. Sept. 24 at Holland Hall.

Officers went to a room in the dorm about a disturbance and made contact with Ross. While speaking with him to find out who was involved, an officer noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the dorm.

When asked for identification, Ross went to his room, where the odor grew stronger and the air appeared cloudy. Officers began to search the room.

After being read his Miranda rights, Ross admitted smoking marijuana in the room before officers arrived. Under his bed, officers found a black box with a strong odor of marijuana coming from it. Inside were several silicone bags of suspected marijuana and cash in $20, $10, $5 and $1 bills. Clear Ziploc bags were also found in the room.

Ross claimed the marijuana was his but said it was for personal use. Based on the suspected marijuana being separated into individual bags of about 3.5 grams each, along with the Ziploc bags and the mix of cash, the officer believed Ross was involved in distribution.

Ross was taken to the university police department for processing and booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law in a drug-free zone and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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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For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

Congratulations to Zoe Collum, this week’s pickem contest winner sponsored by Karl Malone Toyota! Zoe went 15-0!

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Lincoln Parish Journal readers have an opportunity each week to win FREE money in the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em presented by Johnson Physical Therapy, Ruston Athletic Supply, and The Rental Association.

And the best part is it’s FREE … just like your subscription to the LPJ.

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The Lincoln Parish Journal wants to thank Karl Malone Toyota, Johnson Physical Therapy, Ruston Athletic Supply, and The Rental Association for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s College Football Pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Dubach Air and Heat, Ginn’s Autobody, Hart Designs, Charlie’s Carpet Cleaning, Tommy’s Tees, Mike Smith Law Office, Smoothie King of Ruston, CoreTechs, and Jeremy Hebert at Edward Jones for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest. 

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Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $150 in cash … with the potential to make it $300 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).

The Lincoln Parish Journal is holding the 5th Annual Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by The Rental Association, Ruston Athletic Supply, and Johnson Physical Therapy.

If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!

Anyone is eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $150 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 15 selected college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Ruston Athletic Supply, Johnson Physical Therapy, and The Rental Association will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with Week 1 games.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning.  It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.

All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $150 each week!

2026 WINNERS

Week 1: Michael Davis

Week 2: Patrick Taylor

Week 3: Lance Colvin

Week 4: Zoe Collum

Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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Join the Pearce Lumber family on Saturday, October 3, from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. for fun, food, fellowship, and prizes as they celebrate 90 years.

by Wesley Harris

For a family business to succeed through two or three generations is an accomplishment. For one to reach 90 years with a fifth generation now learning the business is something remarkable. 

Pearce Lumber Company has done it by building more than a lumber business. It has built generations of relationships with the contractors, homeowners, and do-it-yourselfers who have turned to Pearce for quality products, knowledgeable service, and practical advice.

The Ruston business is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2026, marking nine decades since T.J. Pearce turned his experience in the lumber business into one of the region’s longest-running family businesses.

The story, however, begins a decade earlier.

T.J. Pearce moved his wife and six children to Ruston in 1926, in part so his children could attend Louisiana Tech, where he had studied years earlier. Pearce operated a sawmill on West California Avenue before opening the retail lumberyard near an old mule barn in 1936. The company traces its official beginning to that 1936 venture.

It was a business built around lumber, but it quickly became about something more—helping customers build.

An advertisement from 1942 described T.J. Pearce Lumber Co. as a complete building supply store, carrying paint, builders’ hardware, lumber, shingles, roofing, insulation, and other materials. The company also invited customers to consult its staff about FHA home loans, homebuilding, repairs, and remodeling.

Even then, the sales pitch emphasized something still familiar at Pearce Lumber today—experience and service.

The 1942 advertisement told customers that years spent buying, merchandising, and building allowed the store to help them avoid costly mistakes. Cheap materials, it cautioned, were not always economical, while some expensive products were no better than less costly alternatives. Pearce offered customers the benefit of that experience when choosing materials.

A family business from the beginning

The Pearce family and the lumberyard grew up together.

T.J. Pearce’s sons Reeves and Jacob worked at the business as teenagers and Louisiana Tech students. After graduating from Tech and serving in World War II, both returned to Ruston and the family lumberyard. In the 1950s, the company was incorporated as T.J. Pearce & Co., Inc., with Reeves and Jacob eventually taking control.

When T.J. Pearce Sr. died in 1975 at age 85, his obituary noted he had lived in Ruston for 50 years. Pearce had attended Louisiana Industrial Institute—the institution that became Louisiana Tech University—from 1908 to 1910. He was also a charter member of Temple Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and treasurer for 25 years.

The family connection continued into a third generation.

In 1981, Reeves Pearce’s son Jim and Jacob’s son-in-law Cary Alsup began working full time in the business. Five years later, ownership passed to Jim and Cary. Reeves and Jacob continued working part time and helping customers with their projects.

Jim Pearce grew up working in the lumberyard before graduating from Louisiana Tech. Cary Alsup, a Pineville native, also attended Tech and married Marty Pearce Alsup. Jim’s wife, Sherri, serves as the company’s bookkeeper, a role previously handled for decades by T.J.’s daughter, LaVerne Abernathy.

A fourth generation eventually joined them. Daniel Alsup, a Louisiana Tech graduate, entered contractor sales, while Ben Alsup, an LSU graduate, became involved in sales and purchasing. Daniel’s wife, Leaia, also works in the store, one of six family members now helping meet customers’ every need. Now, with Caver Alsup joining the business, a fifth generation is carrying the Pearce Lumber tradition forward.

The connection between the Pearce family and Louisiana Tech has stretched almost from the beginning. T.J. Pearce came to Ruston partly to provide educational opportunities for his children; decades later, Tech graduates among his descendants are still operating the company he founded. Fittingly, a Louisiana Tech residence hall now stands on the site of the original Pearce Lumber location. 

Changing with Ruston

Pearce Lumber has hardly remained frozen in 1936.

The company outgrew its longtime 408 West California Avenue location and, in June 2016, moved to a new facility on eight acres at 1032 Burgessville Road, just off La. Highway  33. Even a piece of the old location made the move: beams from the old mule barn were incorporated into the new building.

Its inventory has expanded along with the building industry and the needs of its customers. Today, the business supplies lumber and building materials for projects ranging from remodeling jobs to new construction. It also carries consumer and outdoor brands and operates as a local Ace Hardware store, giving customers access to thousands of items.

Much has changed in 90 years, from building methods and materials to the needs of customers. Pearce Lumber has changed with them, while holding on to the qualities that built the business in the first place.

The 1942 advertisement stressed quality materials, competitive costs, a complete inventory, and knowledgeable service. That same approach remains at the heart of Pearce Lumber: quality products backed by local employees who can help customers determine what they need and how to get the job done.

That local connection extends beyond the sales counter. When volunteers with Dubach Legends were restoring Dubach’s historic baseball field in 2023 and sought help obtaining lumber, Pearce Lumber donated the needed material. Organizer Randy Rogers recalled contacting the company and receiving a two-word response from Ben Alsup: “I’m in.”

Celebrating 90 years

Through five generations, the Pearce family continued building on the foundation T.J. Pearce laid in 1936. The basic ideas behind its success have endured.

Jim Pearce says, “We supply everything you need to make your dreams come true.” And he believes it.

From its earliest days, Pearce Lumber has invited customers to rely on its experience and exceptional service. Ninety years later, that promise remains.

And after five generations, Pearce Lumber is still helping Ruston build.

The above content is a paid advertorial.

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by Ann Taylor

Launched in 2018, the Ruston Butterfly Garden is now mature, in full bloom and more impressive than many anticipated. To celebrate, the North Central Louisiana Master Gardeners (NCLAMG) will host an early-evening seminar, “Ruston Butterfly Garden: A Plethora of Butterflies,” on Oct. 1, 2026, from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. at the garden located at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and North Vienna Street.

The Butterfly Garden came about when Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker approached some NCLAMG members during the spring of 2018 with a request to discuss ways to beautify the city-owned corner. In March 2018, a cooperative endeavor agreement between the city and the Master Gardeners was signed, and the enthusiasm for the project was evident in the community. As the Master Gardeners began promoting the butterfly garden idea, they began receiving donations from residents and garden clubs. They knew more funds would be needed. Johnnie Hogan was instrumental in fundraising, and thanks to her efforts, we were awarded several mini-grants from the local Walmart. The remaining funding for the $25,000 project came from the Master Gardeners through their annual plant sales.

Momentum built each year as more funding became available for development of the garden. First, the city of Ruston hired Twin Oakes of Ruston to install the flower beds and the irrigation system. Next, Master Gardeners purchased plants for the flower beds, which also get weeded, fertilized, mulched and replanted each season. Brick pavers were placed in the center of the garden to serve as a foundation for the future pavilion. The local Lowe’s partnered with NCLAMG to install the black iron fence that encompasses the pavilion and flower beds.

Signage was developed to educate attendees on the life cycle of butterflies. Graphic designer Mieke Moller donated the designs for the signs, and Master Gardeners contracted with Rapid Signs of Ruston for printing.

Then the site was ready for a pavilion. Rather than a typical gazebo, the Master Gardeners asked Kevin J. Singh, director of the Community Design Activism Center (CDAC) and professor of architecture in the School of Design at Louisiana Tech, along with his students, to come up with potential designs for the pavilion. The students presented five designs to the Master Gardeners, and one plan was selected — the plan is an artistic take on butterfly wings.

For construction of the pavilion, Conway Boone Construction, a Ruston company, was chosen to build the structure. Hart Designs, another Ruston business, was chosen to create the butterfly mounted on the top of the pavilion.

Since 2018, Master Gardener presidents Kathy Davis, Liz Allison, Donna White, Claire Carroll and Peggy Grau led members in building and sustaining the Butterfly Garden. Since completion of the construction in 2022, Master Gardeners continue with seasonal planting, weeding, fertilizing and mulching. Mature trees and shrubs enhance the plantings of perennial and annual flowers. Like the rest of us, Master Gardeners have struggled to maintain the garden during these drought years. We continue to search out the best plants that will survive this new reality.

But still, the butterflies love it! While most people think summer is the only time butterflies are active, you can count on significant butterfly activity from spring through fall. Come enjoy the Butterfly Garden and learn from Master Gardeners about this downtown treasure. Parking is limited on-site for this evening event, so additional parking will be available at the b1BANK next door. The event will begin promptly at 5:15, so don’t be late!

If you can’t make this seminar, the Butterfly Garden is open every day, year-round, and there is no fee to visit. There are numerous informative signs that will help you understand the life cycle of butterflies and lots more.

Special thanks for the information in this snippet go to Dora Ann Hatch, Jeanette Hinckley and Peggy Grau, plus all the Master Gardeners who work in and support this beautiful garden. 

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She woke in the middle of the night and asked the nursing home attendant to get her two chairs.

“I’ve got company coming,” she told the nurse.

Mrs. Verna lived 89 years. One of nine children, she left her home in DeSoto Parish in the ’20s for college, met an oilfield worker, quit school, and had three children.

The family moved to 410 Jefferson St. in Mansfield in the mid-30s, and there she lived for 60 years. Her husband didn’t live there long at all. She bought his half of the house for about $300 and raised the children herself, and that’s hard today but they tell me it was harder in the ’30s and ’40s for a woman with half a college education and no car.

Sewing and cutting hair and working as a sales lady and loving her children hard, she got the babies raised. She never got the car. No telling how many times she walked to town, to work, to the grocery store. No telling how many times one of her many friends passed by and gave her a ride.

They sang her praises Saturday morning in Beulah Baptist Church, a church at its core unchanged since she walked the aisle there as a little girl. It has aluminum siding now. Beige shag. But it’s still the same. Fifteen or so pews deep. Plate-glass windows, stained red. Still small, still a pulpit front and center. Behind that a cozy choir loft, behind that a baptistry, and behind that a painting of a river, peaceful and blue, its banks alive and green.

Not long ago she visited the new funeral home in town. She didn’t like it. “This isn’t home,” she told her daughter. “I want to go home.”

So back to Beulah Baptist, back home, surrounded by pines and off an unstriped road in the Lula Community, friends and children and grandchildren came to say goodbye. 

How Great Thou Art. Amazing Grace. It Is Well With My Soul. Quietly in the packed little church the music blended in the air and settled over her friends and the truth of it all set in. Perfect songs for the moment, for more reasons than one. “Part of Mama’s orders,” her daughter said, and everyone chuckled and grinned and some exchanged smiling glances, there at the funeral for Mrs. Verna.

She was tougher than a little bit because she had to be. Maybe a little bossy. When her grandsons cleaned her home the day she moved to the nursing home, they found a pair of slingshots. She’d given them to two grandboys one day, but when a window was shattered, she confiscated them. Didn’t throw them away, though; maybe she was planning on giving the boys their slingshots back.

“I guess,” said a guilty grandson, “that 38 years of punishment is enough.”

More smiles at the funeral.

Tough she was. And so the boys were surprised that day cleaning her home when they found some letters from her college days and references to their grandmama as “Possum,” a class clown, a cutup, always into something, always good company.

And so, under the blue autumn sky on a Saturday morning, grandsons placed boutonnieres on her casket and walked back out through the gate of the little cemetery by the church. They said goodbye to their grandmama, who was busy elsewhere, busy saying hello.

Her company had come.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

On Monday, September 28, 2026, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 126 at Waterbind Road. The crash claimed the life of a 15-year-old passenger.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2013 Nissan Frontier was traveling west on Louisiana Highway 126. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan ran off the left side of the road, overturned, and struck a tree.

The right rear passenger, who was unrestrained, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The driver and front seat passenger, who were properly restrained, received minor injuries. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chances of being severely injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries during crashes.

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by Malcolm Butler

Cedar Creek has released its 2026-27 varsity basketball schedules as the Cougars and Lady Cougars prepare for the upcoming season.

The annual Brickhouse Bash team introduction event is set for November 17 before the regular season begins for both, including a number of tournaments and non-district contests leading into district play in late January.

The Lady Cougars enter the season following a 22-9 campaign that ended with a 69-29 loss to eventual state champion Southern Lab in the Select School Division IV state semifinals.

It marked the second straight trip to the state semifinals for coach Katie Hall’s program after Cedar Creek advanced to the state championship game in 2024-25.

Hall will have a roster that includes seven seniors, including returning starters in Kennedy Hall, Mary Grace Hawkins, and Alivia Lee.

“I’m really excited about this upcoming season,” Hall said. “This senior group is especially meaningful to me because we’ve been together since they were in seventh grade — with some of them, even longer than that.

“They’re a great group of young ladies who have grown into tremendous leaders, not only for our basketball program but on our campus. I’m excited to watch them enjoy their senior year and see how they lead this team.”

The Lady Cougars will play in the OCS tournament Nov. 23-25 and the Quitman Tournament Dec. 3-4 before Cedar Creek hosts the Neill Killgore Tournament Dec. 10-12. One of the highlights of the girls schedule will be a trip to Orlando, Florida, for games Dec. 27-31.

The Cougars will take a much younger roster into the season under coach Todd Martinez, who enters his second season at Cedar Creek.

Rhett Bridges is the lone senior on the 16-player roster and will serve as team captain. Juniors Luke Easley and Bridger Reynolds are the only other upperclassmen.

“This group is a lot of fun to be around and works very hard,” Martinez said. “We have a young team with outstanding leadership from our only senior, Rhett Bridges. Rhett’s game has really gone to another level through the spring and summer.

“Having junior Luke Easley back from injury this season is huge for us. Jase Martin and Fletcher Boyet have also had really good fall camps. We are looking to take a big step forward this season.”

The Cougars will play at Sterlington during Thanksgiving week and will join the Lady Cougars in the Quitman, Neill Killgore and St. Frederick tournaments.

District play begins Jan. 29 when Cedar Creek hosts Glenbrook. The Cougars and Lady Cougars will then travel to Arcadia and Haynesville before hosting Lincoln Prep on Feb. 9 and Plain Dealing on Feb. 12. The Plain Dealing games will also serve as Senior Night.

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KIWANIS CLUB

The Kiwanis Club of Ruston meets every Thursday at noon at Trinity Methodist Church. The first Thursday of the month is a business meeting, while the remainder of the weeks are devoted to our speakers.

Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting, but please notify Richard Hamilton of your attendance at 318-518-2121.

This week’s speaker is: No meeting this week

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one Child and one Community at a time.

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LINCOLN ROTARY CLUB

Lincoln Rotary Club is a service organization dedicated to making a positive impact in Ruston, Lincoln Parish, and communities around the world. As part of Rotary International, whose mission is to provide service, promote integrity, and advance goodwill and peace, Lincoln Rotary members are committed to addressing local needs through hands-on projects, partnerships, and community engagement.

Lincoln Rotary meets on Friday mornings at 7:00 a.m. This week they will meet at the Rolling Hills Ministries Book Store, located at 1103 Farmerville Hwy, Ruston, LA 71270. Visitors and prospective members are always welcome to attend and learn more about Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.”

Each weekly meeting features a guest speaker who shares insights on topics impacting our community, region, and beyond.

This week’s speaker is: Dr Aimee Blackham with Wavelength Psychological

For more information about the Lincoln Rotary Club, membership opportunities, or upcoming service projects, contact via the club’s social media pages.

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RUSTON ROTARY

Ruston Rotary is the oldest Rotary Club in Lincoln Parish, with over 80 years of service to the Ruston community since its charter on February 13, 1943. It meets weekly for fellowship, food and insight, as well as to implement community projects. Their projects include scholarships for graduating high school seniors, dictionaries for third-graders, Christmas gifts for local nursing homes, and fans for the elderly.

It hosts monthly recognition for Lincoln Parish Students of the Month, and it presents the Bill Best Humanitarian Award annually to a deserving Lincoln Parish resident. It also provides camp opportunities for local students to RYLA, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.  

The Rotary motto is Service above Self. Come be part of Ruston Rotary and help create a lasting impact by giving back to the community with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.

Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.

Ruston Rotary meets every Wednesday at noon at the Historic Fire Station at 200 East Mississippi in Ruston, and lunch is provided at each meeting. Stop in for a meeting one week to find out more about membership with our organization.

This week’s speaker is: Jerry Fielder, President and CEO of Willis Knighton Health

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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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. 

Wednesday, Sept. 30
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, Oct. 1
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 Richard Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121)
1 p.m.: Ruston Duplicate Bridge Club meeting (Presbyterian Church, 212 N. Bonner St.)
5:15 p.m.: A Plethora of Butterflies class (Downtown Ruston Butterfly Garden, corner of East Georgia and North Vienna Streets)
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 High football

Friday, Oct. 2
5-8 p.m.: Ruston Junior High Fall Festival (RJHS; $1 per person; Cash only; tickets are .25 cents; individuals under age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
6-8:30 p.m.: Pumpkins in the Park (Railroad Park)
7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep football

Saturday, Oct. 3
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Board Game Day (Depot)
2 p.m.: GSU football (Homecoming)
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech football

Monday, Oct. 5
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
5:30 p.m.: Ruston City Council meeting (Ruston City Hall)
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-8 p.m.: Almira Bradford Winans Art Exhibit (University Hall, LA Tech)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)

Tuesday, Oct. 6
6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.)
Noon: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (Dubach Elementary School)

Wednesday, Oct 7
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, Oct. 8
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 Richard Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121)
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal sponsored by Halff Associates and 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry to be served at the Ruston Housing Authority office at 615 North Farmerville St. All are welcome!
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 “The Addams Family” (Dixie Theatre)

Friday, Oct. 9
10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Heirloom Ruston (205 N. Trenton St.)
7 p.m.: RHS football
7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep football
7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “The Addams Family” (Dixie Theatre)

Saturday, Oct. 10
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
4 p.m.: GSU football
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech football
7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “The Addams Family” (Dixie Theatre)

Sunday, Oct. 11
2 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “The Addams Family” (Dixie Theatre)

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For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech’s Oskari Schuvalow holed his 138-yard second shot for an eagle on the par-4 18th hole to win a playoff and capture the individual title Tuesday at the Argent Financial Classic at Squire Creek Country Club.

The dramatic finish capped a strong three days for Schuvalow and helped the Bulldogs finish third in the 14-team field at their home tournament.

Schuvalow finished the 54-hole event at 10-under-par 206, becoming the first Louisiana Tech golfer to win the Argent Financial Classic since Sam Murphy captured the title in 2021.

After finishing regulation tied for the lead, Schuvalow returned to No. 18 for the playoff. His approach from 138 yards found the bottom of the cup, ending the playoff without Schuvalow ever needing to pull out his putter.

“Very proud of the third-place team finish,” Louisiana Tech coach Keenan Hickton said. “I am thrilled for Oskari. He is one of the best putters I’ve ever coached. But when it mattered most, he did not even need the putter for the playoff hole.”

Schuvalow fired a final-round 68, going bogey-free while recording four birdies and two eagles. He made birdies at Nos. 1 and 5 before eagling the par-5 ninth to make the turn at 4 under for the round. He added back-to-back birdies at Nos. 12 and 13 on the back nine.

“He drove the ball so well all tournament, setting up his putts,” Hickton said. “I am happy for his accomplishment and happy the team earned some confidence in our strong finish.”

Louisiana Tech finished third at 13 under, trailing tournament champion Troy at 18 under and runner-up North Texas at 15 under.

Morton Bailey gave the Bulldogs a second top-10 finisher, tying for ninth at 4-under 212. Bailey shot a final-round 73, closing with consecutive birdies at Nos. 17 and 18. He recorded 13 birdies during the tournament.

Reda El Hali tied for 23rd at even-par 216 after shooting a 1-under 71 Tuesday. He made three straight birdies at Nos. 13, 14 and 15. Abel Derksen also carded a final-round 71 to finish at 2-over 218, while Aidan Tudor shot a 73 and finished at 7-over 223.

Louisiana Tech’s B team finished 13th at 32-over 896. Gray Kingrea provided the low round of the day for the group with a 2-under 70, moving up 16 spots on the leaderboard to finish tied for 34th at 4-over 220.

“Credit to Troy and North Texas — they are well-established golf programs and their teams played great golf this week,” Hickton said.

Louisiana Tech returns to action Sunday through Tuesday at the Trinity Forest Invitational in Dallas.

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Ervin Livingston, Jr
Saturday 10/26/1946 – Wednesday 09/23/2026
Celebration of Life: Wednesday 09/30/2026 10:00am at King’s Funeral Home
Burial: Wednesday 09/30/2026, Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 210 Mt. Harmony Church Road, Ruston

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by Malcolm Butler

Ronny Walker knows the importance of the next Louisiana Tech University president.

Not only for the institution, but for the City of Ruston as well.

“The university is the economic driver of this city and this parish,” the Ruston mayor said Monday afternoon. “And I think the entire north region of our state.”

With Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson set to retire at the end of the calendar year because of health concerns, the University of Louisiana System will soon begin the process of identifying the 16th president in Tech’s history.

And Walker wants Ruston to have a voice in that process.

Walker said he spoke with UL System President Rick Gallot over the weekend about the upcoming search and stressed the importance of the selection to both Louisiana Tech and the community.

“I just stressed the importance of the fact that Tech was the economic driver of our city,” Walker said. “I flat out said I’d love to be a part of that search committee.”

Walker, who worked at Louisiana Tech as a fundraiser in the athletics department two decades ago, has pushed for a stronger relationship between the university and city since first running for mayor 12 years ago.

“I ran 12 years ago on the fact that we didn’t need to be a town that just got lucky and had a college in it,” Walker said. “We needed to be a college town.”

It’s a relationship Walker believes has grown significantly during his time in office.

He pointed to Tech Pointe II as one example, with the city investing $1 million in the project on Louisiana Tech’s Enterprise Campus.

“All you have to look at are the things that we’ve done partnering with the university,” Walker said. “Show me one other city in the state that has put $1 million into a building that we knew would create jobs. That was Tech Pointe II.”

And then there are others to point to.

“Look at Radiance Technologies,” Walker said. “That came about because of a partnership between the university and the city. We got state money, we got federal money. But the piece that people forget about that was the city is donating the land to the Louisiana Tech Foundation.”

Walker believes that project could provide a blueprint for similar partnerships moving forward.

“We’ve been actively involved in a lot of different things going on at the university and will continue to be,” he said.

And Walker believes the next president needs to understand and embrace that relationship.

“Someone who understands that you have a college that is literally in downtown of a city and how those two relate together moving forward,” Walker said.

Walker said he and Henderson have discussed additional ways the city can assist Louisiana Tech, including potential projects that remain under consideration.

But for Walker, understanding the relationship between the city and university is only part of what he hopes to see in Tech’s next president. He also wants someone who understands Louisiana Tech.

“I think it needs to be someone who understands what Louisiana Tech actually represents,” Walker said. “We’re not LSU. We’re not ULL. We’re not some of the other schools or universities in the state. We are a very unique university that has continually shown that we can produce some incredible students and faculty that have done some incredible research.”

Henderson’s departure will also be personal for Walker and his wife, Kay.

Walker said he and Henderson have become close friends during Henderson’s time in Ruston, while Kay Walker and Henderson’s wife, Tonia, have also developed a close relationship.

“To me, they were the perfect match for our city and our school,” Walker said. “Can somebody else be just as good? Sure, I’m sure somebody could, but just look at what’s happened with our university since he’s been here.”

Walker pointed to Louisiana Tech’s enrollment numbers and student success during Henderson’s tenure, including graduation and retention rates.

“They have been incredibly involved and invested in the university and the city,” Walker said.

Soon the process of finding Henderson’s successor will begin. For Walker, whoever becomes Louisiana Tech’s 16th president will inherit more than a university.

He or she will inherit a relationship with a city that Walker believes has become increasingly intertwined with Tech during his 12 years in office. And he wants that relationship to continue growing.

After all, it goes back to the same philosophy he brought with him into the mayor’s office more than a decade ago.

“We need to be a college town,” Walker said.

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by Wesley Harris

An impressive crowd of several thousand locals and visitors turned out Saturday for the 37th annual Louisiana Chicken Festival in Dubach.

For all accounts, the street festival was deemed a success.

“It was perfect!” one visitor wrote in a social media post.

DRABO, the Dubach Restoration and Beautification Organization, has sponsored the festival since 1989 in tribute to the local poultry production industry.

The festivities kicked off at 9:00 a.m. with a brief opening ceremony, followed by a parade consisting of nearly 100 entries.

The procession wound through downtown, with queens from a pageant held earlier this month riding high on decorated vehicles. Candidates for political office trotted alongside floats carrying church and school groups. Even a floppy-eared basset hound who appeared to be driving an old-timey pickup truck brought up the rear.

Main and Hico Streets were packed with vendors selling food and refreshments, artwork, crafts, and other items. A lemonade stand was particularly popular in the heat, although partly cloudy skies helped keep temperatures reasonable.

Tamales, tortas, and tacos, as well as burgers and barbecue, gave festivalgoers plenty of choices for lunch. 

Among the activities were a drumstick eating contest, hula hoop contest, and “strut, cackle, and crow” events. And no truly Southern gathering is complete without a cakewalk.

Justin Thompson, a social media influencer who documented the event, said his favorite part was meeting so many people.

“I saw so many smiling faces, more than I’ve seen in Dubach in a long time. From the hula hoop contest and all the other contests in front of the DRABO tent to the Elvis impersonator put on by Dubach Legends, there was always something going on.”

Heath Humble, a candidate for police chief, said he enjoyed participating in the parade.

“I had an especially fun time at the festival . . . throwing candy out to the children and meeting so many wonderful people,” Humble said.

In a written statement, DRABO said, “We sincerely thank everyone who came out and supported the Louisiana Chicken Festival! Your support and participation are what makes this tradition so special.

“We strive to make the festival better each year and are truly grateful to everyone who helps make it possible. We look forward to seeing you next year!”

“Days like that remind you just how special this little town and the people in it really are,” Thompson concluded.

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A search warrant served by narcotics agents at a Ruston home Monday morning led to multiple drug distribution charges and a weapons charge, according to an arrest affidavit.

Gregory Kenneth Young, 56, of Ruston, was arrested at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 28 by the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team.

LPNET agents served the warrant as part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking by Young. He was detained away from the home and brought back to it. His wife was at the home when agents served the warrant.

During the search, agents found about 379 grams of suspected marijuana in various packaging and quantities, about 74 grams of suspected methamphetamine and about 5 grams of suspected cocaine.

Young and his wife were taken to LPNET for an interview. During the interview, Young told agents all of the narcotics and the handgun belonged to him.

Young was also arrested on two outstanding LPNET distribution warrants.

He was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on these charges:

• two counts of distribution of Schedule I drugs (marijuana)
• distribution of Schedule II drugs (methamphetamine)
• possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs (marijuana)
• two counts of possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs (methamphetamine and cocaine)
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance
• violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law in a drug-free zone

Bonds set on the charges total $70,000.

According to a media release sent by the Lincoln Parish Schools communications department Monday, Young is a former teacher at Ruston Junior High School. In the statement, the Lincoln Parish School District said Young resigned effective immediately. The district also said that, according to the Sheriff’s Office, nothing so far indicates any activity related to the charges took place on school property. The district said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement.

The statement also stated that Young is the brother of Lincoln Parish Schools Superintendent John Young. According to the statement, the superintendent has recused himself from all matters related to the case “to ensure the district’s response is handled fairly, transparently and without any conflict of interest.”

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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For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

“I’ve been encouraged for some time to consider the Ruston City Court Judge’s position when it became open,” Smith said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to serve because my years of experience as a prosecutor have prepared me for this role.”

Smith currently serves as the lead assistant district attorney responsible for managing the misdemeanor and juvenile dockets for Lincoln Parish and has prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases.  He is well prepared for the type of cases that come before the City Court.

Smith is the only candidate for this position who has prosecutorial experience. That experience has allowed him to work closely with law enforcement officers, court personnel, victims, defendants, attorneys, and families.  It has also given him firsthand experience with court accountability, opportunities to help turn young lives around, and results that positively affect the public safety of the community.  Mike is committed to serving the residents of Lincoln Parish in a full time capacity if elected.

“Accountability and second chances are not opposites,” Smith said. “We can hold people responsible for their actions while also connecting those who genuinely need help with mentorship, substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and other resources. Helping people become productive members of society benefits the entire community.”

“City Court is where the justice system meets everyday life,” Smith said. “People deserve a court that is fair, respectful, and consistent. The judge’s responsibility is to apply the law with sound judgment, common sense, and fairness to everyone.”

In addition to his work as a prosecutor, Smith maintains a civil law practice, where he has handled disputes, negotiations, and other civil matters.

Smith also has experience managing a real estate business.  His background in the courtroom, business, and community gives him a broad understanding of the responsibilities of the City Court Judge.

Smith said the administrative responsibilities of the City Court Judge are also important. In addition to presiding over cases, the judge oversees the City Clerk’s Office and its employees. Smith said operating his law practice and a real estate business has given him experience managing employees, supervising operations, and making business decisions.

Smith praised retiring Judge Danny Tatum for his service and financial stewardship of the court.

If elected, Smith said he wants to preserve the court’s financial stability while making measured improvements where appropriate, including upgrading technology so that agencies can work better together, reduce unnecessary paperwork and red tape, and avoid unnecessary delays.

A lifelong member of the Ruston community, Smith is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Billy Smith.  He comes from a family with deep roots in both medicine and public service. His father is one of six brothers, five of whom became physicians. The sixth became a lawyer and served as a judge.

“I credit my family for teaching me to value hard work, personal responsibility, and service to others,” Smith said.

He and his wife, Danielle, a licensed attorney, are raising their three sons in Ruston. Smith is a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Ruston and has been involved with Rotary, Kiwanis, Teach 1 to Lead One, the Boys & Girls Club, United Way, DART, and local school athletic programs.

Smith said he would be honored to serve the people of Lincoln Parish as a full-time Ruston City Court Judge.

The above information has been provided by a political campaign. Unless otherwise noted, the Lincoln Parish Journal publishing staff does not endorse specific candidates or ballot measures.

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LANE & ROAD CLOSURES: I-20 at LA 544 (Tech Dr/Cooktown Rd) Interchange

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists of upcoming nighttime lane and road closures that are a part of the LA 544 (Tech Drive) Overpass Replacement project in Ruston:

Beginning at 8 pm on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the existing LA 544 (Tech Drive) overpass will be closed to traffic from the South Service Rd. to Woodward Ave. and will remain closed until 6 am Wednesday, September 30, 2026. During this same time frame there will also be a lane closure along I-20 Eastbound between the Tarbutton interchange and the US 167 interchange.

Beginning at 8 pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the existing LA 544 (Tech Drive) overpass will again be closed to traffic from the South Service Rd. to Woodward Ave. and will remain closed until 6 am Friday, October 2, 2026. During this same time frame there will also be a lane closure on I-20 Westbound between the US 167 interchange and the Tarbutton interchange.

These closures are necessary to allow the Contractor to set girders for the new LA 544 (Tech Drive) overpass. In order to conduct this work safely, I-20 traffic will be reduced to one lane Eastbound and Westbound. Traffic will then be diverted onto newly constructed diversion roads, then back onto their respective lanes on I-20.

Alternate Route:

*Detour for LA 544 SB will be Woodward Ave., Baldwin St., and South Service Rd.

*Detour for LA 544 NB will be South Service Rd., Baldwin St., and Woodward Ave.

Restrictions/Permits: N/A

Safety Reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking or biking near an active work zone.

Call 511 or visit www.511la.org for additional information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-800-ROAD-511 (1-800-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MYDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.

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