By T. Scott Boatright
The primary order of business at Monday’s Ruston City Council meeting was authorizing a resolution for the city to acquire property and institute expropriation actions necessary for construction and completion of Phase 2 of the Interstate 20 Frontage Road project from Tarbutton Road to Louisiana Highway 149.
But the most impactful moment came before the meeting itself as a visibly emotional Mayor Ronny Walker read a proclamation declaring Aug. 21 of each year Ruston Day of Hope.
Walker read the proclamation aloud before presenting it to Daniel and Rebecca Smart, parents of the late Lillian Smart, who died Aug. 22 after battling a rare brain infection.
Lillian Smart’s birthday was Aug. 21.
“Whereas the strength and character of the city of Ruston were demonstrated with the compassion, generosity and support the citizens showed to each other, particularly to children experiencing times of illness, hardship, loss and need,” Walker said, his voice choking with emotion. “And every child facing a difficult time deserves to know that he or she is seen, valued, supported and surrounded by a community that cares. The story of Lillian Smart, whose birthday is Aug. 21, inspired individuals, families and businesses and organizations throughout the Ruston community to come together in an extraordinary demonstration of compassion, generosity and support, and the community response inspired by them demonstrated the profound impact that can occur when a community rallies around a child during a difficult season.
“The city of Ruston is carrying that spirit forward to encourage compassion and support for all children and families facing illness, loss and difficult circumstances, and Aug. 21 of each year for the citizens of Ruston to transform compassion into action and bring hope to children throughout our community. Now therefore be it resolved that Ronny Walker, mayor of the city of Ruston, Louisiana, and its Board of Aldermen, do hereby recognize and proclaim Aug. 21 of each year Ruston Day of Hope.”
After the meeting began, the first order of business was approval of the resolution for Phase 2 of the frontage road project, which will extend the service road being built next to the Buc-ee’s Travel Center under construction off Tarbutton Road.
“This resolution authorizes the city to acquire specified parcels in connection with Phase 2 of the Frontage Road Project,” City Attorney Bill Carter said as he explained the resolution. “As you know, we have acquired the property necessary for the first segment of that project, which was Phase 1-A, which is currently under construction. This is the second segment of the three segments involved traversing from Tarbutton (Road) to La. 149 in Grambling. This segment extends to 1-A west of the Buc-ee’s development, extends 3,400 feet to the west end of the city limits through property that was recently annexed by the city.”
Ruston’s Board of Aldermen also introduced two proposed ordinances that will be discussed and voted on at a later meeting.
The first would grant a nonexclusive limited franchise to Entergy LLC to provide electric service to designated developments within the city of Ruston.
The second would establish the dates, times and locations of regular Board of Aldermen meetings for the 2027 calendar year.
The board also passed two resolutions authorizing the sale of surplus movable property, including old transformers and scrap metal materials.
