by Wesley Harris

Long before Lincoln High became a memory carried by alumni, it was a place where African American children in Ruston learned, competed, sang, prayed, graduated, and imagined futures segregation tried to limit.

Older residents still speak of the Lincoln High Bears with pride. They remember teachers who expected excellence, classmates who became family, ball games that drew the community together, and a school that stood for far more than its classrooms. Lincoln High produced athletes, teachers, public officials, ministers, business owners, military veterans, and community leaders whose influence reached well beyond the campus.

But the story of black education in Ruston did not begin with Lincoln High School.

Its roots reach back to 1885, when Ruston was barely a year old. The town had formed after the railroad came through in 1884, bringing workers, families, merchants, and new opportunities to a settlement along the tracks. African American families were part of that movement into the new town, and within Ruston’s first years, they began building a school tradition for their children.

Through a series of names, structures, and locations, that history traces the persistence of African American education in Ruston: a tradition begun by citizens, rebuilt after fire, supported by community donations, and remembered generations later.

The first school was established in 1885 by African American citizens in and around Ruston, with help and encouragement from white supporters. A later historical account credits J. H. Mays Sr. with furnishing much of the money in those early years. The school was chartered in 1891, with a stated purpose of providing moral, literary, and industrial education.

The school was a two-story frame building located at the corner of West Line Avenue and the Rock Island railroad tracks, on what is now the southwest corner of the Neighborhood Walmart property. It became known as Ruston Normal Colored High School. The term “normal” referred to teacher training, an important mission at a time when African American schools needed trained educators and when educational opportunities for children were limited by segregation.

Students studied basic academic subjects, but the curriculum also reflected the educational ideas of the period. It included music, domestic science, hat making and fancy needlework for girls, and manual training and agriculture for boys. Students who completed the course of study and passed examinations could receive a diploma.

Segregation did not merely separate students by race. It shaped the length of the school year, the condition of classrooms, the books available to children, and the burden to provide what public systems often denied. Every dollar raised, every classroom repaired, and every term completed represented a community insisting its children deserved more.

Ruston’s early African American school reflected those limits, but it also demonstrated the determination of the community. The 1910–11 catalogue divided the school year of just eight months into three terms: October through December, January through March, and April through May. Even with those limitations, the school became an important educational institution for black children in Ruston and Lincoln Parish.

One historical account points to two reasons for the school’s early success: the leadership of Principal Israel S. Powell and the desire of black citizens for education. Powell served as principal for 15 years before leaving in 1915 to teach at Leland College. Other early principals included Professor Hamilton, G. S. Hawk, S. B. Belton, and Ira A. Lewis.

For about three decades, Ruston Normal Colored High School stood among the few schools in Louisiana offering African American youth training above the elementary grades. Its graduates entered teaching and other forms of community life. Its existence also showed African American citizens in Ruston were willing to organize, support, and sustain education even when the public system did not provide equal facilities.

By 1922, the school building was worn out and in need of replacement. The same year, a fire completely destroyed the aging structure.

The blaze could have ended the school’s progress. Instead, classes continued in churches and fraternal halls while plans moved forward for a new building. The community response shows the institution was more than a building.

The replacement connected Ruston to one of the most significant African American school-building movements in the South: the Rosenwald school program.

Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, partnered with Booker T. Washington, head of Tuskegee Institute, to improve educational facilities for African American children in the segregated South. The Rosenwald Fund helped build thousands of schools for black children, but the program was not simply a charity project. It depended on local participation and matching support.

The Rosenwald program helped fund construction of about a dozen schools in Lincoln Parish, in communities like China Grove, Hopewell, Liberty Hill, and Zion Hill.

The model required contributions from multiple sources. Local African American communities raised money through donations, fundraisers, labor, materials, and personal sacrifice. Public school boards also had to contribute. In many places, white citizens contributed smaller amounts. The result was a school-building program that combined national philanthropy with local effort.

The cost to build, equip, and operate the Ruston Rosenwald school for its first four years was $20,790. Julius Rosenwald contributed $2,100. The Lincoln Parish School Board provided $14,690. African American citizens donated $3,400. White citizens contributed $600.

The new school was a two-story, four-classroom brick building at the southwest corner of Oakdale Street and Vaughn Avenue. It opened in 1924 with six teachers. By 1928, it had grown to ten teachers. The growth shows demand for black education in Ruston was increasing and the new building quickly became a center of educational activity.

It opened as Washington School, apparently taking its name from the neighborhood, Washington Heights. At some point, the Washington name was dropped, and the school became known as the Ruston Negro School, and later, as Lincoln High School.

The shifting names can make the history difficult to follow, but they also reveal the school’s long journey through private support, public school recognition, Rosenwald-era construction, expansion, desegregation, and later reuse.

The leadership of the school also changed over time. Mrs. Ira A. Lewis is credited with helping develop the institution from a privately supported school into one supported by the parish school system. After her death in October 1936, later principals included J. K. Haynes, J. H. Owens, Eddie Davenport, Aubrey Land, and Alonzo Davis.

In 1950, a 26-room brick veneer structure was completed on a five-acre tract between Arlington and Mayberry Streets. This is the building most former students remember as Lincoln High School.

Lincoln Elementary was built on the site of the old Washington school at Oakdale and Vaughn. In 2017, when it was being used as a Head Start school, the elementary building was completely destroyed by fire.

By 1968, Lincoln High served grades 9 through 12 and had Principal Alonzo Davis, 25 teachers, two lunchroom workers, one maid, one custodian, and approximately 500 students. But its time was coming to an end as integration meant closing and consolidating many Lincoln Parish schools for the 1969-70 school year.

For students who attended Lincoln High before integration, the school was more than a place of instruction. It was the center of school pride, athletics, music, clubs, graduation ceremonies, friendships, and community identity. The Bears represented not only a school mascot but also a shared experience among generations of students who came of age during segregation.

Use of the Lincoln High building continued for special programs, but alumni and families, the memory of the school remained tied to the era when it graduated American students.

At each stage of its existence, the institution reflected the realities of its time. From the corner of West Line Avenue and the Rock Island tracks in 1885 to the brick Rosenwald school on Oakdale in 1922 and the later Lincoln campus, each place represents a chapter in Ruston’s black educational history. Together, they tell a story of persistence, sacrifice, and a community insisting its children deserved more.

Wealth Hospitality Group is pleased to announce the planned development of a new 115-room StudioRes by Marriott in Ruston, further expanding its growing hospitality portfolio and bringing Marriott’s newest extended-stay brand to one of North Louisiana’s fastest-growing markets. 

The hotel will be located at 200 S Service Rd. E. Ruston and will be a sister hotel to Home2/Tru, which is opening at the end of this month. Construction is expected to begin at the end of this year with a 12-month construction timeline.

Designed for travelers seeking longer stays without sacrificing comfort, StudioRes by Marriott offers modern accommodations with flexible living spaces and essential amenities tailored to today’s business travelers, project-based professionals, healthcare workers, relocating families, and extended-stay guests. 

The new property will feature 115 thoughtfully designed guest studios, in-room kitchen facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, guest laundry services, pet-friendly accommodations, and flexible extended-stay options for both business and leisure travelers 

Ruston continues to experience strong economic growth driven by education, healthcare, manufacturing, and business development. The addition of StudioRes by Marriott will help meet increasing demand for high-quality extended-stay lodging while supporting the area’s continued expansions. 

“We are excited to bring StudioRes by Marriott to Ruston and continue investing in communities experiencing meaningful growth,” said Chico Patel, CEO of Wealth Hospitality Group. “This development reflects our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences while creating long-term value for our guests, partners, and the communities we serve.” 

By T. Scott Boatright

With only two aldermen present and no quorum available, the Grambling City Council still met Thursday at City Hall, using the time to preview the upcoming Juneteenth celebration while also hearing reports and comments from a trio of guest speakers.

Council members Jerry Lewis and Cathy Giles were present for the meeting while three other aldermen — Davaria Ponton, John Brown and Delores Smith — were absent.

That meant tabling two orders of new business on the agenda — approving a resolution to adopt 2026 millage rates and authorizing Mayor Alvin Bradley to sign an Institute for Building Technology contract — until next month’s meeting.

Larry Walters, certified building official and floodplain manager for ITBS, was the first guest speaker and talked about what his company will do for Grambling once the contract is authorized to be signed, with services including accessibility code services, building inspections, building permits, fire code and inspection, floodplain management, plan reviews, planning and zoning, property maintenance and stormwater services.

The other two guest speakers were Brent Norris of SWYFT Broadband Infrastructure GUMBO 2.0 Project and Nick Salsubury, who previewed the unveiling of a Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick Northeast Louisiana Trail Monument from noon-2 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Park in the midst of Grambling’s Juneteenth celebration.

Grambling’s Juneteenth Opening Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. today at City Hall, with the annual Juneteenth Pageant scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Floyd Sandle Theatre inside the Conrad Hutchinson Performing Arts Center on the Grambling State University campus.

Saturday will bring Grambling’s annual Juneteenth Fishing Tournament at Memorial Park followed by the Northeast Louisiana Trail Monument unveiling.

A Poetry Contest will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at City Hall and will be followed by a Living History — Remembering the Past and Inspiring the Future program.

Grambling’s Chamber of Commerce will present “Building Grambling Together Community, Culture and Legacy” Juneteenth Conversation Under The Tent starting at 6 p.m. Saturday at City Hall.

The annual Juneteenth Bakeoff is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall and will be followed by a Tracing Our Past, Celebrating Our Future program at noon.

A citywide Bible study will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Christ Temple Baptist Church while a Health and Wellness Fair will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at City Hall.

Juneteenth itself — June 19 — will begin with a 45/45 Freedom Run starting at 4 a.m. on the GSU campus with a Car Show revving up at 8 a.m. at the Grambling Christian Center.

A vendor marketplace will open at 9 a.m. on Main Street on June 19 with the annual event parade rolling down Main Street starting at 5 p.m., to be followed by a fish fry sale at 6 p.m., and line dancing beginning at 7 p.m.

Grand marshals for the parade will be Melba Woodard, the oldest member of Grambling’s Woodward family, the Lincoln Preparatory School state championship boys basketball team and representatives from Autism Awareness.

The day’s events will wrap up at dusk with a fireworks display at Memorial Park.

And Grambling’s Juneteenth celebration will wrap up starting at 7 p.m. June 20 with the annual Juneteenth Gala on the GSU campus.

More information on Grambling’s Juneteenth Celebration can be found online at Grambling Juneteenth Heritage Festival.

Menette Evans-Black gave a Public Works report during the meeting, saying that Phase 6 and Phase 7 of Grambling’s water valve installation project are underway and that 27 valves have been installed so far.

Evans-Black said the next phase will begin after the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Ruston woman Monday after she allegedly returned to a residence she was prohibited from entering.

At about 10:30 a.m. on June 8, deputies went to a Heard Road residence regarding a trespassing complaint. The woman said Page E. Rushing, 34, was inside the home.

Rushing had been forbidden to return to the residence by a deputy following a 2025 domestic abuse arrest.

When asked why she was at the residence, Rushing told deputies she was off probation and could be there.

The homeowner said Rushing came to the home the previous night with alcohol and had been refusing to leave. She wanted Rushing arrested for trespassing.

Rushing was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for criminal trespass.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

by Doug Ireland, Journal Sports

Sam Burns is on his game.

He shares the first-round lead at the RBC Canadian Open after an opening 6-under-par 64, after battling for the win into the final hole last week at The Memorial, finishing in fourth.

The Choudrant resident was firing at the flags all afternoon at TPC Toronto and needed just 27 feet of putts, while his ball striking was almost flawless. He found 12 of 14 fairways and hit 14 of 18 greens in regulation.

Thursday’s afternoon tee time gets swapped for an early start today: at 6:44 a.m. CT with Wyndham Clark and Kristoffer Reitan — who have wins on Tour over the last six weeks.

“The morning has different challenges. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily easier or harder,” Burns said. “Typically, in the morning there’s moisture on the golf ball, which is a different challenge in itself. The golf course plays a little bit longer. The rough is thicker usually just with the moisture. Sometimes it can play easier, sometimes more difficult.”

A morning rain Thursday made the course demanding more from the short game, which plays into Burns’ strength. The PGA Tour’s putting leader last season, Burns ranks fourth this season.

“There’s always a few kind of key putts you have throughout a round, whether it’s to keep the momentum going or save a shot here or there,” he said in a media session afterward.

He is atop the leader board with Brooks Koepka, Eric Cole, Sahith Theegala, and Emiliano Grillo beginning today’s second round, which will be covered on Golf Channel in the afternoon. Burns’ round today will be available at ESPN+. Weekend TV coverage is split between Golf Channel (noon-2 p.m.) followed by CBS.

Burns nearly won on this course last year, falling in a four-hole playoff to Ryan Fox. A week later, he held the U.S. Open lead through most of the final two rounds and into the back nine on a rain-soaked Sunday.

He began Thursday’s round with three birdies on the first six holes. He carded five birdies on the back nine, overcoming one bogey on each side.

The Shreveport native, 29, downplayed an affinity for the course based on his play a year ago and Thursday.

“At the end of the day, regardless of where you’re playing, I think you just have to go execute,” Burns said. “It’s nice to have some good memories maybe before the tournament starts, but you know, when you tee it up, you have to be able to execute and hit the shots that the golf course requires.”

The former two-time LSU All-American, who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club, said his playoff loss to Fox wasn’t on his mind.

“Honestly for me, there wasn’t really any negative,” Burns said. “I started the day pretty far back and played a really good round of golf and was able to sneak into a playoff. I had a chance to hole that putt (a 5-footer to win) and didn’t, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. So I really just kind of took the positives. I feel like my game was in a good spot, and try to do the same again this year.”

LINCOLN ROTARY CLUB FUNDRAISER LUNCHEON

2026 LA TECH FOOTBALL KICKOFF

PRESENTED BY LOTS (LEGACY OUTPATIENT THERAPY SERVICES)

_____________________

Join us for a special community fundraising event featuring insights into the upcoming Louisiana Tech football season. Head coach Sonny Cumbie will provide his outlook on the season, including schedule highlights, new recruits, and team expectations.

_____________________

Location: Davison Athletic Center, Ruston, LA 71270

Date: Thursday, July 28, 2026

_____________________

Event Schedule:

11:00 AM – Doors Open/ Networking Hour

12:00 PM – Lunch buffet begins with program to follow

1:00 PM – Event Concludes

_____________________

Tickets:

Table for 8: $800

All proceeds go towards Lincoln Parish service projects.

_____________________

To reserve a table:

Levi Songer – Lsonger@argentmineral.com; 318-251-5739

Johnny Maxwell – Jmaxwell@origin.bank; 318-254-7408

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the community and kick off football season with Louisiana Tech!

Ruston Police arrested a local man for aggravated assault with a firearm after a confrontation at a West Alabama Avenue apartment complex.

Rodney Patton, Jr., 32, of Ruston, was arrested on June 6 after officers responded to the Twin Lakes Apartments regarding a man with a gun. A caller reported a man was waving a gun around outside and there were children present.

Patton was spotted but initially ignored an officer’s commands to stop. Patton went up some stairs and the officer saw him bend over, and heard what he believed was a metal gun drop on the step.

An officer recovered the pistol, according to a report. Patton told police he was at the apartment complex to confront someone he believed stole firearms from his vehicle. He denied brandishing the pistol.

Patton was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

By Kyle Roberts

THIBODAUX, La. — Former Ruston High standout RJ Brown will continue his baseball career at the Division I level after committing to Nicholls State this past week following two successful seasons at Hinds Community College.

Brown, a catcher who developed into one of Hinds’ most productive players over the last two years, said the opportunity to join the Colonels represents the realization of a longtime dream.

“I feel like it’s a really great opportunity,” Brown said. “I really appreciate the opportunity. Growing up, you always want to play college baseball and not only college baseball, you want to play Division I baseball. Just getting the opportunity to keep playing and play at that level, I’m extremely excited and extremely blessed.”

Brown said several factors made Nicholls State the right fit for the next chapter of his career.

“I feel like they’re building something special down there,” Brown said. “I feel like they have a great coaching staff, and I just feel like I’ll fit in good down there.”

While his academic plans are still being finalized, Brown said nursing is currently his top choice of study. If that path is not available, he is considering pursuing a degree in biology or kinesiology.

Brown heads to Thibodaux after putting together an impressive career at Hinds, where he established himself as one of the program’s most reliable players both offensively and defensively.

In an interview last month, Hinds head coach Dan Rives said Brown’s value extends far beyond what may immediately stand out on a stat sheet.

“RJ’s a guy that, the more you see him, the more you appreciate him,” Rives said. “If you go watch him in a showcase, he’s going to stand out because he’s got tools.”

Rives pointed to Brown’s defensive performance against elite competition as evidence of his ability behind the plate.

“His best two throws this year throwing out runners were against the number one team in the country, and they were in the same inning,” Rives said. “His pop times were very good. He’s got the ability to catch and throw, which is the primary objective at that position.”

Brown also made a major impact at the plate, hitting better than .300 with 10 home runs while showing a disciplined approach.

“He hit over .300, he hit 10 home runs and barely struck out for us,” Rives said. “He’s got the ability to hit off good pitching and be able to do that on a consistent basis.”

Rives believes Brown’s offensive development could create opportunities for him beyond catcher at the Division I level.

“With his bat the way that it is now, he’s not just a catcher,” Rives said. “He could potentially play on a corner. He could potentially play a corner spot in the outfield and do everything he could to try to keep his bat in the lineup.”

Brown joins a Nicholls program he believes is on the rise and will look to continue the progression that began at Ruston High and flourished during his two seasons at Hinds. For Brown, the move represents another step toward achieving the goals he set for himself as a young baseball player.

“I’m super excited for this opportunity,” Brown said.

By Brad Dison

Who Shot Tom?

On Christmas Eve in 1870, a group of people, including about 16 prominent citizens of Hamilton, Ohio, gathered in a gambling room on the second floor of “the American Saloon,” an “aristocratic” drinking saloon on High Street directly opposite the Butler County courthouse.  Some of the men were playing casino at one table and others, including Thomas “Tom” Myers, were playing a game called faro at another table.  Suddenly, a gunshot rang out.  With the exception of E.D. Banister and Peter Schwab who were in the fervor of the game of casino and Tom who was seated at the faro table, the men began running from the room.  Tom stood up, leaned against the wall, and fired his pistol.  The bullet from Tom’s pistol struck the ceiling just above the faro table.  Mr. Bannister fled from the room and Mr. Schwab slunk to the floor for his own protection.  Tom fired another shot which struck the opposite wall.  Once sure that Tom was unable to fire his pistol again, Peter approached him and realized Tom had been shot in the abdomen.  Peter tried only briefly to get Tom to tell him who had shot him before he ran to get help.  Peter soon returned with Dr. Huber, who had been in the room but had fled when he heard gunshots.  Dr. Huber also tried to get Tom to explain who had shot him, but Tom was unable to speak.  Dr. Huber located a gunshot wound on Tom’s upper abdomen which had severed a main artery.  Within moments, 29-year-old Tom died. 

Immediately following the affray, all of the witnesses said that Tom “must have either did it himself or had it done.”  Based on the testimony of a young boy, Tom’s brother Joseph swore out a warrant for five men including Deputy Marshal Ich Sheely and Thomas McGehan.  Before the coroner’s jury, none of the witnesses could identify who shot Tom, but all said that Thomas McGehan had not been in the room before the shooting began.  When the accused men learned of the warrant, they turned themselves in.  In January 1871, the five men were indicted on the charge of first-degree murder.  Clement Vallandigham was one of the four defense attorneys in the trial which began on June 6, 1871.  The trial was long because over 120 witnesses had been called to testify.      

At about 9 p.m. on June 15, 1871, Clement Vallandigham and fellow defense attorney Andrew McBurney were in their hotel room discussing the case.  Clement was sure that Tom had shot himself and decided to show Andrew how Tom could have done it.  Clement pulled a pistol from his pocket, turned it towards himself, and pulled the trigger.  To his surprise, the pistol discharged.  The bullet struck Clement in almost exactly the same place Tom’s bullet had struck him.  The wound was fatal.  In trying to defend Thomas McGehan by explaining how Tom Myers had killed himself, Clement Vallandigham accidently killed himself too.  Based at least in part on Clement’s unfortunate accident, the jury found Thomas McGehan not guilty.    

Sources:

1.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, December 27, 1870, p.8.

2.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, January 31, 1871, p.8.

3.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, February 15, 1871, p.8.

4.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 6, 1871, p.8.

5.     The Evening Post (Cleveland, Ohio), June 17, 1871, p.2.

6.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 19, 1871, p.1.

7.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, December 28, 1871, p.8.

8.     “Thomas S. Myers,” Find A Grave, accessed May 25, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/106977757/thomas-s-myers.

9.     “Clement Laird Vallandigham,” Find A Grave, accessed May 25, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/2526/clement-laird-vallandigham.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com. 

Friday, June 12
9:30 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Ruston Parks Inclusive Play Communication Boards (2800 Kavanaugh Rd., Ruston)
2 p.m.: American Chemical Society 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.
6 p.m.: Juneteenth Pageant (TH Harris Auditorium, Reed St., Grambling)

Friday, June 12
9:30 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Ruston Parks Inclusive Play Communication Boards (2800 Kavanaugh Rd., Ruston)
2 p.m.: American Chemical Society 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.
6 p.m.: Juneteenth Pageant (TH Harris Auditorium, Reed St., Grambling)

Saturday, June 13
8:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.)
Noon: Historic Landmark unveiling (City Park Pavilion, 119 Park St., Grambling)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market

Sunday, June 14
2 p.m.: Junior Auxiliary Interest meeting (Lincoln Parish Library, George Byrnside Conference Room)

Monday, June 15
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
4 p.m.: Storytime : Special Guest: LA Center for the Blind (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
5:30 p.m.:Ruston Planning and Zoning 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, June 16
6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.)
10 a.m.: Storytime : Special Guest: LA Center for the Blind (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
10:30 a.m.: Summer movie series: “Wall-E” (Dixie Theatre)
2 p.m.: Crafternoon : Butterfly Suncatchers (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m.: Teen Time :  Seed Bomb Pollinators (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-Led Exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
6 p.m.: Louisiana Orphan Trains: The Untold Stories presented by the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum (Lincoln Parish Library)

Wednesday, June 17
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
2 p.m.: CPR Class for Kids (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)

Thursday, June 18
10 a.m.: LSU Ag Center Play Street at Lincoln Parish Library Events Center
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall; Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting,please notify Richartd Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121))
2 p.m.: Tween Time : Mushroom Lanterns (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m.: Teen Time :  Tiny Tin Library (Lincoln Parish Library)
5 p.m.: Library Board of Control Meeting (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-Led Tai Chi class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
6:30 p.m.: Books & Bites Book Club; registration required 318-513-5510 (Lincoln Parish Library at Utility Brewing Co.)

Friday, June 19
Juneteenth
8 a.m.: Juneteenth car show (Downtown Grambling)
5 p.m.: Juneteenth parade (Downtown Grambling)
6 p.m.: Juneteenth fish fry (Grambling)
Dusk: Fireworks (Grambling Park)

Saturday, June 20
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
3-5:30 p.m.: Ruston Juneteenth Celebration (Thomas Assembly Center)
7-11 p.m.: Juneteenth Gala (Black and Gold Room, 403 Main Street, Grambling)

Funeral services for Lillian Broughton, age 92 of Ruston, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, June 15, 2026 at Owens Memorial Chapel with Bro. Chris Craig officiating. Burial will follow in Harmony Chapel Cemetery in Hico, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.

Lillian Broughton was born December 25, 1933 in Bernice, LA to John and Martha Deason Stokes and she entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 in Ruston, LA. While her family mourns her loss, they rejoice in knowing that her faith has become sight and that she is now at peace with the Lord she faithfully served throughout her life. 

Lillian faithfully attended First Baptist Church Ruston and her love for God was the foundation of her life. She found strength, comfort, and guidance in her daily Bible reading, and her faith was evident in the way she lived her life. She found great joy in sewing, expressing care through every stitch. Lillian treasured traveling with her friends and family, creating lasting memories with her loved ones.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Prentiss Broughton; and her daughter, Cherly Cook. She is survived by her daughters, Jerri Queen, and Jeani (Betty) Cero and husband Casey; grandchildren, Gene Cobb, Sharla Kelley, Wade Carroll, Chris Hanna, and Lane Austin; brother, Lloyd Stokes; several great grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends.

Justina Ike 
Sunday 02/10/1991 — Saturday 05/30/2026  
Celebration of Life: Friday 06/12/2026 11:00am, Bethany Baptist Church, 441 Bethany Church Rd., Quitman 
Interment: Friday 06/12/2026 Following Service, Collier Cemetery, Chatham 

Karen Bryan Emerson  
January 9, 1953  –  June 8, 2026  
Visitation : Friday, June 12, 2026, 10:00AM – 11:00AM, Jonesboro Methodist Church, 402 4th Street, Jonesboro  
Service: Friday, June 12, 2026, 11:00AM, Jonesboro Methodist Church, 402 4th Street, Jonesboro  
Final Resting Place: Siloam Springs Church Cemetery, 809 Siloam Church Road, Jonesboro  

DeShawndo Williams  
Friday 10/29/1993 — Thursday 05/21/2026   
Funeral Service: Saturday 06/13/2026 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home  
Interment: Saturday 06/13/2026 Following Service, Bonner Cemetery, Ruston  

Willie G. Williams  
Saturday 06/03/1961– Monday 06/08/2026  
Funeral Service: Friday 06/12/2026 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home  
Interment: Friday 06/12/2026 Following Service, Fellowship Church Cemetery, Highway 507, Simsboro 

By Tim Smith

Malcolm Butler called Darrell James a man of few words, but he was talking only of the spoken word.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Darrell has “spoken” millions and millions of words.

For more than a generation, young athletes in Lincoln Parish have had their stories told through the photography of Darrell James. If you have kept up with local sports and read stories in the Ruston Daily Leader, and more recently in the Lincoln Parish Journal, then you have seen his photographic work.

When I sat down with Darrell to talk about his life of photography, I expected to hear the story of a photographer and his craft, but instead I heard a story of love.

It is rare today to meet a man who genuinely loves what he does, but Darrell is that man. How do I know this? Well, for one thing, he certainly isn’t in it for the money. When I asked him about photography revenue, he just softly laughed and said that it sometimes covered some of the expense, but mostly he spent far more than he earned.

So I asked him, “Why do you do it?”

His face broke into a big smile, and he said, “It is what I like to do.”

Like most of us who take pictures for more than just family birthdays and vacations, Darrell’s life of photography started early. He said that he probably still has every camera he ever owned. His love of photography would lead him to take photography classes at Louisiana Tech in the mid-1970s (we have Dean Dablow in common), and it would be at Tech that this adventure into sports photography would emerge.

Louisiana Tech established its first women’s athletic program in 1974, that’s when the Lady Techsters basketball team started playing. And a young student named Darrell James began bringing his camera to those games in Memorial Gymnasium.

“The lighting wasn’t great and my camera wasn’t very fast, and remember, we were using film back then,” recalled Darrell.

Younger readers will want to go ask someone much older what camera film is.

…We’ll wait.

Using film for photography was a whole different world from the digital technology of today. Images were not correctable with computer software. Film rolls were either 24 or 36 exposures (individual pictures). Cameras did not have automatic settings for exposure or focus. You had to use the manual settings for focus, aperture and shutter speed, and have them set correctly for each shot.

Film requires chemical development and printing to produce an image, and you realistically had only a guess as to what you had captured until that development took place later. A competent photographer would get maybe five or six good shots from a single roll of film.

A photographer today will capture up to a thousand images in a single game and be able to preview each one, if needed, and make adjustments. In short, your iPhone is a far superior camera to any a professional wielded in the 1970s or 1980s.

Photography then required education, training and talent.

Darrell had all of those.

As we talked, Darrell slowly shook his head and admitted, “I still learn new stuff all the time.”

Even with the technology today, one thing still makes all the difference — talent!

You combine that with the love and devotion for the craft that Darrell possesses, and you have the recipe for a lifetime of photographic success.

It was about 30 years ago that Darrell found himself on the campus of Cedar Creek School. He became a fan of Cedar Creek sports, especially softball, and began bringing his camera to games.

Cedar Creek softball coach Julie Riser remembers.

“I’m pretty sure Mr. Darrell was taking pictures when I was playing, at least my senior year,” said Riser. “And since I’ve been coaching, he is always here, even at summer games.”

Darrell made himself indispensable by his dependability, consistency and the true quality of his work.

“We are so busy coaching and managing the games, especially important or championship games, that it is impossible for us to enjoy the moment,” Riser reflected. “But when it is over, I have always been able to see the photos and relive and enjoy the games. He has given me that, and it is priceless.”

Longtime Cedar Creek football and baseball coach Ben Haddox remembers Darrell always being on the sidelines.

“He is the keeper of the sports archive of Cedar Creek for more than 20 years,” said Haddox. “In some ways, invisible, always in the background, but always there.”

Riser and Haddox both talk of how James became part of the sports program at Cedar Creek. He provided coaches with images of each player every year in the form of collages celebrating the season. He even created slideshows for every athletic banquet featuring shots of each player on the teams.

He is still doing this today and has no plan to stop.

You might not know it, since he rarely misses a game or event, but Darrell James has a day job. Darrell provides engineering-related services to Riley Company of Louisiana. Retirement will come someday, but retirement will just give him more time to devote to what he loves — his life with the camera and an endless number of games.

James was already photographing games at Louisiana Tech when he met Malcolm Butler.

Malcolm says that he can’t remember what his job title was when he met DJ — he’s had a few — but eventually Malcolm became senior associate athletic director for strategic communications at Louisiana Tech.

“During my time at Louisiana Tech, Darrell was an invaluable part of our team,” said Butler. “Although I didn’t know Darrell in 1999 when I started at Tech, he was always at games with his camera. Over time we became friends, and I have great respect for him.”

Butler and James built a working relationship, but also became good friends.

“I would dare say he has taken more photos of young athletes in Lincoln Parish than anyone outside of the late, great Buddy Davis,” said Butler. “He is the silent assassin with his camera. He is a man of very few words, but countless images. We are blessed to have him give his time and talent to our area.”

It was Malcolm who asked me if I would write a story about Darrell James for the Lincoln Parish Journal, and I jumped at the chance.

Even though Darrell, forever humble, said, “I can’t imagine what you would have to write about.”

You see, Darrell is one of my heroes and a bit of a mentor. I, too, took to the sidelines to shoot games at Louisiana Tech and Cedar Creek. I knew I could learn a lot from a man like Darrell, and I am sure he tired of my questions. But true to his nature, he was always patient and always helpful.

I also now call Darrell James my friend.

Butler summed up the reason for requesting the story pretty well.

“Darrell is a photographic historian,” said Butler. “He has documented thousands of sporting events throughout Lincoln Parish, from Little League to middle school to high school to college. His ability and willingness to capture moments through his lens has been invaluable to our area, and he doesn’t get enough credit for it.

“He is a phenomenal photographer. He has won a number of awards over the years for some of his photos. He has an eye and a gift and a talent for capturing moments.”

I asked my friend if he had a single experience or game that was most special in his memories. He sort of cocked his head to the side to contemplate the question. His expression was as if I were asking a father to choose his favorite child.

I knew then that even if he had an answer for my question, the real answer was that he loved them all.

He spoke with emotion of the 2014 high school baseball and softball championship tournaments in which Cedar Creek won state titles in both sports. I could see in his eyes that he was reliving the experience as he spoke.

“That was pretty special,” said Darrell.

He recalled getting to travel with the Louisiana Tech football team and how much he enjoyed the experience, noting, with a chuckle, that he was disappointed he didn’t get to go to Hawaii.

In a world of average professionals and overpaid celebrities and athletes, what the world needs is more people like Darrell James. He will be embarrassed by these words, proving the truth in them.

He is simply a man who found something he loved and became great at doing it — always with dedication and commitment and service far beyond what was ever asked of him.

Yes, this is a love story.

A man, a camera and a community.

Are there any more like Darrell James in our future?

I hope and pray that there are.

___________________

TO SEE SOME OF DARRELL’S PHOTOGRAPHY, CLICK HERE.

by Caleb Seney

This week, MedCamps of Louisiana is proud to host Camp Rolling Thunder, a residential summer camp session serving children ages 6–16 living with Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and other orthopedic conditions. The session is being held June 7–12 at Camp Alabama, located in Sibley, north of Choudrant, in Lincoln Parish.

Thirty-five campers from across Louisiana and the surrounding region are spending the week enjoying the traditional camp experience while building confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships in a safe, supportive environment designed to meet their unique needs.

Throughout the week, campers will participate in a variety of exciting activities including horseback riding provided by the O.W.L. Center, canoeing, paddle boating, ziplining, swimming, archery, karaoke, and a dance night. These experiences give campers the opportunity to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Jeff and Nicola Smith, of Ruston, have been sending their son Kaden to Camp Rolling Thunder for many years.  When asked what MedCamps means to them Jeff replied, “For Kaden, MedCamps is the most anticipated week all year. It’s a chance for him to escape the boundaries of his life, experience new things, make new friends, and quite literally, live his best life through all the inclusive activities that they offer.”  Kaden, age sixteen, lives with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy.

Jeff added, “Despite the staff making it look easy, as parents of a child with special needs, we know the logistical and physical challenges that this presents with Kaden. Numerous counselors, nurses, and staffers are seamlessly working together ensuring that all his needs are met. And they do it with love in their hearts and a smile on their face. MedCamps is truly, a special place.”

Camp Rolling Thunder is one of many specialized camp sessions offered by MedCamps of Louisiana. Since 1987, MedCamps of Louisiana has been dedicated to improving the health and wellness of people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities through unique recreational and educational camping experiences. MedCamps provides medically supported programs that allow children to enjoy the fun and adventure of camp while receiving the accommodations and care they need.

One of the most remarkable aspects of MedCamps is that all residential camp programs are provided completely free of charge to campers and their families. While families pay nothing to attend, it costs MedCamps an average of $1,500 per camper to provide a week-long camp experience. These camps are made possible through the generosity of individual donors, corporate sponsors, grant partners, and fundraising events held throughout the year.

As Camp Rolling Thunder continues throughout the week MedCamps extends its sincere gratitude to the many volunteers, healthcare professionals, community partners, and donors whose support makes it possible. Their dedication ensures that every camper has the opportunity to experience the joy, friendship, and personal growth that camp provides.

For more information about MedCamps of Louisiana, including camper eligibility, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support the mission, visit MedCamps.org.

By T. Scott Boatright

The Ruston Fire Department on Friday received the 2026 Louisiana EMS Fire/EMS Service of the Year Award at the Louisiana EMS Education Conference & Expo at the Shreveport Convention Center.

“This award is a reflection of the commitment and teamwork of our entire department,” the RFD said on social media. “We are thankful for the support of our community, our partners and everyone who helps us fulfill our mission each day.”

The Ruston Fire Department (RFD) operates as a dual agency, meaning it serves as the city’s fire department and provides emergency Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance services with 31 paramedics out of a total 51-person career roster.

Ruston was represented by a six-member team at the event — Driver/Paramedic Abigail Henkel, Capt./Paramedic Michael Summerville, Driver/Paramedic Taylor Foster, Firefighter/Paramedic Bradley Newcombe, Capt. Paramedic Cade Griswold and Firefighter/Paramedic Student Hayden Phillips.

RFD Director of Emergency Medical Services Davis Wells said that earning the title began with the work they do daily before being nominated by their peers.

“It was based on nominations, and then there was a committee that gathered information and then used a grading system based off those nominations,” Wells said. “There were multiple basic awards given out, like Instructor of the Year, Fire and EMS Service of the Year. I wasn’t there, but I’m sure that they were broken up into Public and Private Service of the Year categories, and that’s how the departments are funded — public or private.”

Wells admitted being honored by fellow firefighters and EMS personnel from across the state, along with the public the RFD serves, was meaningful.

“We’re greatly appreciative to the officials that put on the conference to recognize our agency for providing the level of services for the people who need us and call us when they do.

“Getting some recognition from our working peers around the state is great and it shows us that we’re doing the right things and are on the right path,” Wells said. “And those are wonderful feelings to have.”

Wells added that specific thought went into choosing the members of the six-person group representing the RFD.

“We looked for a group of individuals who all were a different group of people that were a good representation of different levels within the department as far as their experience and levels of service to EMS,” Wells said. “When they were there at the conference, there was a skills competition they participated in against other attendees of the conference. And they had educational classes. It seemed like they all had a good time.”

Ruston Fire Department’s 60-plus full-time members operate out of three stations. These members provide fire protection, full-transport Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Services, hazardous materials response, vehicle extrication, water rescue and fire prevention education.

The RFD has a Class 1 rating with the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana. A rating of 10 means no fire protection, and a rating of 1 is the best fire protection, which translates into lower homeowner and business insurance rates.

LPJ Sports Report

VERO BEACH, Fla. — Ruston High School dual-sport superstar Dalen Powell recently competed alongside some of the nation’s top young baseball talent after participating in the 2026 MLB Breakthrough Series held June 6-8 at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida.

Powell, a standout dual-sport athlete for the Bearcats in football and baseball, was selected to attend the prestigious showcase for players in the 2027 and 2028 graduating classes. The event is a joint initiative between Major League Baseball and USA Baseball focused on developing players both on and off the field.

“It meant a lot,” Powell said. “It was very fun to get out there and get some other competition that was also high-level players. I also learned a lot.”

Established in 2008, the Breakthrough Series provides athletes with elite instruction, gameplay opportunities, scout evaluations, seminars, mentorship and video coverage while also giving players exposure in front of collegiate coaches and professional scouts. USA Baseball covers all expenses for participants selected to attend.

Powell said one of the biggest takeaways from the event was the opportunity to learn from coaches and players from across the country.

“The environment was great,” Powell said. “I met a lot of new people. I learned a lot of small things in baseball that a lot of people don’t teach.”

During the three-day event, Powell and the other participants played one game each day while also taking part in instructional activities and development sessions from active MLB players.

The showcase is part of MLB and USA Baseball’s diversity pipeline initiatives, which also include the DREAM Series and Elite Development Invitational. Players in those programs may receive additional development and instructional opportunities throughout the year.

Powell said the experience further motivated him as he continues pursuing both football and baseball at Ruston High School.

“I’m hoping to play at the collegiate level for both football and baseball,” Powell said.

Powell’s selection to the national showcase continues Ruston High School’s tradition of producing athletes who compete on major stages while representing the school at a high level both athletically and personally.

A Choudrant woman was arrested Monday on outstanding warrants when she called the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office requesting deputies regarding a disturbance.

Deputies responded to a Haney Smith Road residence on June 8 where they talked with Brittany Stauffer, 40, who said she was in the process of trying to evict her boyfriend from her house.

A records check show that Stauffer was wanted on warrants charging her with felony simple burglary and misdemeanor theft.

The boyfriend denied pushing Stauffer as she alleged.

Stauffer was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

A state trooper arrested a man for his second DWI offense early Sunday morning.

Michael A. Pritchard, 23, of Olla, La., was seen driving a Ford Fusion on East Georgia Avenue at about 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning. A trooper saw him come to a complete stop at a flashing yellow traffic signal at E. Georgia and North Bonner Street. After Pritchard proceeded through the intersection, he failed to stay in his lane, crossing over the double yellow line into the opposing lane.

Troopers detected signs of impairment, noting in a report that Richard was unsteady on his feet, had thick slurred speech, glassy eyes, and a strong odor of alcoholic beverage.

After he performed poorly on failed sobriety tests, Richard was arrested and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. A breath test was administered showing Pritchard’s blood alcohol content to be .202g%, more than twice the Louisiana legal limit. A records check showed Pritchard had been arrested for DWI first offense in March 2025 and his driver’s license was under suspension due to that arrest.

He was booked for second offense DWI, driving under suspension, improper stop at a traffic signal, improper lane usage, and open container. Bail was sent in $2,500.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

Growing up, I never picked up on things quickly.  However, if it was something that I was really interested in doing well, I could work at it and develop well.  Through repetition, I developed into a solid athlete in various sports.  I could hit a baseball, throw a football, and shoot a basketball. 

Other things that I seldom had the opportunity to invest in with a repetitive focus didn’t go nearly as well.  Let’s say I learned to play to my strengths at an early age.

I took that same approach with the CPA exam and several early jobs.  I just worked harder to offset any talent that I lacked. 

However, it all came to a head in my early 30’s.  I applied for the top financial position at the paper mill.  It was a long shot, but why not.

The hiring manager was an engineer and probably didn’t think I had much to offer.  He told me I was 11 on his list of candidates, and that he didn’t even know the other ten.  He was obviously not very impressed.

Have you ever been there before?

Adversity hits you right in the face, and you must decide what to do.

• We could quit, not try, and just give up.
• We could complain about life not being fair and fall into a “victim” mentality
• We could choose something different and just change directions.
• We would press on trusting God for guidance as we navigate uncertainty

In chapter 3 of Philippians, Paul talks about forgetting the past, straining forward to what lies ahead, and pressing on toward the goal.  If anyone had a past to limit his future impact, it was Paul.  However, he set that past aside and met adversity head on as he moved forward on his mission through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Adversity is not a bad thing.  It challenges our resolve, our commitment, and our steadfastness.  Talent doesn’t overcome adversity; perseverance does. 

Adversity will come in many forms and come when you least expect it or need it.  It comes in the form of job challenges, relationship issues, health concerns, financial stress, and more.  It leads to uncertainty, unpleasant thoughts, and uncomfortable situations.

Adversity also builds endurance, character, dependence (on God through prayer), community (through mutual support), and strength.  We only get stronger by picking up heavy things.  If you want to grow, you will need to experience challenges.

If you are facing adversity today, don’t panic.  It’s a normal part of life.  We don’t seek it out, but we can overcome it.

• Remember past experiences where you overcome adversity – builds confidence
• Seek support from others – build a community around you to lift you up
• Next step – don’t tackle the entire issue, just take the next step (manageable mindset)
• Play to your strengths – do what you do well
• Trust – in God’s divine direction for you

I wound up getting that job.  The “grinder” in me went through that interview process tackling one session at a time, one question at time, and eventually got that job offer.  The obstacle in front of me became an opportunity. 

When obstacles become opportunities, you have a healthy perspective and a healthy mindset!

Doug equips leaders to make organizations better.  He has two leadership books available on all online platforms.  Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build an authentic team, contact Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.

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.