By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

 

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Sam Burns tees off in his fifth Masters this morning at 8:19 to begin the 2026 majors season after his best across the board performance in golf’s big four tournaments last season.

Burns, 29, was one of less than two dozen golfers to make the cut in all four major championships in 2025, highlighted by a tie for seventh at the U.S. Open and 19^th at the PGA Championship.

The Choudrant resident, who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club, tied for 45^th at Augusta last April. He had a best Masters finish of T29 at the 2023 event, when he opened with his best round at Augusta National, a 68, and finished the tournament at 1-over par.

Burns, a Shreveport native and Calvary Baptist graduate, ranks 13^th on the PGA Tour this year in shots gained putting and 17^th in driving distance, two aspects of the game that are vital in this week’s tournament.

But his career average score at Augusta National is 73.67, almost 2-over.

This season, Burns has made four of seven cuts and earned $1.25 million. If he makes the cut this week, it will bump his official career earnings over $36 million – he’s sitting at $35,985,076 entering today.

Burns will play with 2022 British Open champion Cameron Smith and Jake Knapp in the first two rounds. Knapp has won $2.4 million this season by making six of seven cuts.

After this morning’s early tee time, they go off Friday at 11:27.

Burns has three top 10 finishes in his last 10 stars and five top 10s in his last 20 tournaments. He is 35^th in the FedEx Cup standings for 2026 and 33^rd in the Official World Golf Rankings. He finished seventh in the 2025 FedEx Cup and made his second Ryder Cup appearance for the USA.

TV coverage today and Friday is on Golf Channel “Live from The Masters” from 7 a.m.-2 p.m., with Prime Video providing streaming tournament coverage from noon-2 and ESPN from 2-6:30. Extensive coverage is available at masters.com.

 

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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The April 2026 session for the Lincoln Parish School board will be held today at Cypress Springs Elementary School at 12 p.m.

See agenda below:

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On the evening of Sunday, March 29, a quarterfinal game was played in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament between UConn and Duke.  If you have watched any highlights of the tournament, you have no doubt seen the incredible comeback that UConn made to win that game.  In fact, the last ten seconds of that game will no doubt be one to remember for years to come.

However, it’s not the last 10 seconds that are the most impactful to me.  In fact, the most impactful moment in that game isn’t just for basketball fans.

Duke was in total control of that game through the first half.  Early in the second half, Duke was ahead by 19 points.  UConn was not playing well to say the least. 

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However, there was a timeout several minutes into the second half and UConn was down 16 points at the time.  During the time out, UConn’s coach, Dan Hurley, could be heard telling his team, “I can feel it.  The momentum is starting to change.”

I don’t know that the momentum was really changing, but Hurley wanted his team to believe it.  He needed them to believe to create hope and spark action.  I don’t know if we will ever know if Hurley saw something that I didn’t see, but it doesn’t matter.  The only thing that mattered was that his team believed it.

Leadership, to a great degree, is transferring belief to another. 

Belief is essential for hope.  Belief is the foundation for conviction.  Belief guides us to identity, purpose, and impact.

I’m not a fan of Coach Hurley at all.  I don’t like his coaching style, his language, or his conduct toward officials, but I can’t argue with his success, and I can’t say enough about his approach to a positive mindset.

When we believe and create hope, we focus on the possible and the positive. 

It’s so easy to get caught up in the negative.  When we focus on life’s trials, adversity, and disappointments, we can easily spiral in that direction.  When we focus on disappointment, we see more disappointment. 

We see what we look for!

However, when we reset and change our mindset, we can see hope even in the midst of disappointment.  When we look for the positive, we will see differently.

Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”.

The world is full of doubt, darkness, and disappointment.  However, we can choose hope, optimism, and joy. 

A good day is not necessarily one free from adversity or disappointment, but rather one that finds a way to have a good day anyway.  It’s about mindset, perspective, and choice.

As Coach Hurley showed us, it starts with one person sharing a belief. 

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.

A Tennessee man was arrested in Ruston last week after drugs were found in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

Nathan A. McCorkhill, 30, of Rocky Top, Tennessee, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia on April 2.

McCorkhill was stopped by a Louisiana state trooper on East California Avenue for blocking the roadway and improper backing. During a pat down for weapons, the trooper found a syringe in McCorkhill’s front left pants pocket.

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During a search of the vehicle, the trooper found a glass smoking pipe used for consuming methamphetamine, several small bottles of liquid saline and cotton balls, and a bag containing a baggie of suspected methamphetamine and more drug paraphernalia.

In addition to the drug charges, McCorkhill was cited for improper stopping in the roadway and improper backing.

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.

Courtesy of Louisiana State Police

On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Force Investigation Unit were requested to investigate a shooting incident following a multi-parish pursuit involving Troopers and multiple agencies.

The incident occurred on Louisiana Highway 28 near Dewey Wills WMA Road. Investigators are working to process the scene, gather further information, and determine all agencies involved.

One subject was shot and has been pronounced dead. No law enforcement personnel were harmed during the incident. This is an active investigation; further information will be released when it becomes available.

Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. You may anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

 

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LPJ Sports Report

Simsboro falls to Quitman in one-run contest

QUITMAN — In a tightly contested pitchers’ duel, Simsboro came up just short Tuesday night, falling 3-2 to Quitman despite a strong outing on the mound from Noah Thomas.

Thomas delivered one of his most efficient performances of the season, working six innings while allowing just four hits and three runs — only two earned — while striking out seven and walking one. The right-hander kept Simsboro within striking distance throughout, but Quitman managed to capitalize on a handful of key moments.

Quitman struck first in the second inning when Asher Rhodes delivered an RBI single to take a 1-0 lead.

Simsboro answered in the top of the third, taking advantage of a Quitman miscue. A defensive error allowed two runs to score, giving the Tigers a 2-1 advantage despite managing just one hit through the first three innings.

The lead didn’t last long. Quitman responded in the bottom half of the third with an RBI groundout from Maddox Duck to even the score at 2-2. An inning later, Cail King provided what proved to be the difference, driving in a run on a groundout to give Quitman a 3-2 lead.

From there, both pitching staffs took control. Quitman’s Hudson Pullig went the distance, holding Simsboro to four hits and two unearned runs over seven innings while striking out four and walking two.

Simsboro scattered four hits on the night, with Maximus Lee, Chris Harrell, Chris Stevens, and Thomas each recording one. The Tigers were clean defensively, committing no errors, and Stevens led the way with eight chances in the field.

Quitman also finished with four hits, getting one apiece from Rhodes, Zach Smudricks, Kace West, and Tucker Barnett. Aggressive base running played a key role, as Quitman swiped five bases to help generate offense in a game where runs were hard to come by.

Simsboro will look to bounce back when it travels to Southwood on Monday.

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Weston pulls away early, hands Choudrant 10-0 road loss

WESTON — Choudrant ran into an early surge from Weston on Tuesday and couldn’t recover, falling 10-0 to the Wolves in a district matchup.

Weston broke the game open in the bottom of the second inning, capitalizing on a mix of timely hitting and Aggie miscues. Liam Weaver delivered an RBI single to center, and two Choudrant errors along with a walk by Drew Browning helped plate multiple runs as Weston grabbed control early.

The Wolves added to their lead in the third inning behind a Dawson Griffin single and another Aggie error, extending the advantage and putting Choudrant in a difficult position the rest of the night.

Weaver set the tone on the mound for Weston, tossing five shutout innings while allowing just three hits. The left-hander struck out three and walked one in an efficient outing.

Cash Camp took the loss for Choudrant, striking out five over three innings but allowing seven runs — only two earned — as defensive miscues proved costly.

Offensively, the Aggies managed three hits, with Rhett James, Cam Bagwell, and Josh Sellers each collecting one.

Weston finished with a balanced attack, as Colton Blundell, Browning, Weaver, Griffin, and Easton Borders each recorded a hit. Browning and Griffin led the way with two RBIs apiece, while the Wolves also showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks.

Defensively, Weston played a clean game without an error, with Jase Borders leading the team in chances.

Choudrant will look to bounce back Friday when it travels to Caldwell Parish.

Cedar Creek Arms Combine for Shutout in 4-0 Win Over St. Mary

RUSTON — Cedar Creek leaned on dominant pitching and timely hitting Tuesday night, shutting out St. Mary 4-0 behind a combined effort from Connor Yates and Brett Bell.

Yates set the tone with a strong start, working six scoreless innings while allowing just two hits. The right-hander struck out seven and walked two, keeping St. Mary off balance throughout his outing. Bell came on in relief and closed the door, recording the final out to secure the shutout.

The Cougars broke through in the top of the sixth inning after a scoreless battle early. Kade Luker delivered the key hit, singling to bring home the game’s first run. Cedar Creek added to its lead later in the inning to create separation.

Offensively, Luker led the way from the top of the lineup, going 2-for-4 to pace Cedar Creek’s attack. The Cougars played a clean game defensively, committing no errors, with Bell leading the team with eight chances in the field.

St. Mary managed just two hits in the contest, with Johnson and Nelson accounting for both.

With the win, Cedar Creek continues to build momentum and will look to carry it into Saturday’s road matchup at Captain Shreve.

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

Thursday, April  9
9:30 a.m.: Piney Hills Quilt Guild meeting (Grace Methodist Church)
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
Noon: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (Cypress Springs Elementary School)
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal hosted by 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry (Ruston Housing Authority Maryland Plaza location, 615 N. Farmerville Street. All are welcome.)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
6 p.m.: Tween Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Teen Time  (Lincoln Parish Library)

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Friday, April 10
1 p.m.: GSU softball
6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
6 p.m.: LA Tech softball
6 p.m.: GSU baseball

Saturday, April 11
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
Noon: GSU softball
2 p.m.: GSU softball
2 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
2 p.m.: LA Tech softball
3 p.m.: GSU baseball

Sunday, April 12
11 a.m. LA Tech softball
1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
1 p.m.: GSU baseball

Monday, April 13
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)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)

Tuesday, April 14
10 a.m.: Storytime  (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m.: Crafternoon  (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-led exercise class  (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.)
7 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Police Jury meeting (Lincoln Parish Courthouse)

Wednesday, April 15
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, April 16
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4 p.m.: Tween Time  (Lincoln Parish Library)
5 p.m.: Library Board of Control meeting  (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Climbing Everest with guest speaker John Kyte  (Lincoln Parish Library)
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 and Bites Book Club (Lincoln Parish Library; registration required by calling 318-513-5510)

Friday, April 17
1 p.m.: GSU softball
1 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Adala Health (902 S. Vienna St., Ruston)
4 p.m.: Family Fun Friday  (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: LA Tech softball
6 p.m.: GSU baseball

Saturday, April 18
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
Noon: GSU softball
2 p.m.: GSU softball
2 p.m.: LA Tech softball
3 p.m.: GSU baseball
6-8 p.m.: India Night (For tickets, call 682-321-9914 or 318-957-9298) (Louisiana Tech)

Sunday, April 19
11 a.m.: LA Tech softball
Noon: GSU baseball

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.

LPJ Sports Report

RUSTON — Ruston High had a solid showing on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association 5A All-State teams with junior Ahmad Hudson earning 5A Outstanding Player and sophomore Darren Ford named to the All-State team.

A 6-foot-8 junior forward, Hudson was named the LSWA Class 5A Outstanding Player after leading the Bearcats to the state title game. He averaged 19.7 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game while earning his third consecutive first-team All-State selection. He was also previously named the Gatorade’s 2026 Louisiana Player of the Year.

Hudson was joined on the All-State first team by Ford,  who averaged 20.7 points per game, giving Ruston two of the five first-team selections in Class 5A.

Ruston also placed two additional players on the All-State list as junior KeShun Malcolm earned honorable mention recognition, while junior Kearra Wilson represented the Lady Bearcats on the girls honorable mention team.

See full teams below.

Boys

First Team

Player, School, Ht., Cl., Pts.

Ian Edmond, Zachary, 6-1, Jr., 19.7

Darren Ford, Ruston, 6-2, So., 20.7

Ahmad Hudson, Ruston, 6-8, Jr., 19.7

Autrail Manning, John Curtis, 6-1, Sr., 14.2

Aaron Miles, St. Augustine, 5-8, Jr., 18.0

Second Team

Player, School, Ht., Cl., Pts.

Jarvell Bordelon, Alexandria, 6-1, Sr., 16.7

Jace Conrad, Central, 6-2, Sr., Central, 16.8

Jadell Demery, Natchitoches Central, 6-4, Sr., 18.3

Kahlil Fisher, Karr, 6-3, Jr., 17.6

Jeremy Williams, Denham Springs, 6-1, Jr., 15.0

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: Ahmad Hudson, Ruston

COACH OF THE YEAR: Jonathan McClinton, Zachary

Honorable mention

Jayden Austin, Neville; Jordan Bedford, Covington; Jerry Birdlow, Slidell; Ja’Vardes Brazile, St. Augustine; Braylon Carter, Barbe; Jude Chamberlain, Catholic; Cole Doucet, Sulphur; Kaden Downing, Hahnville; Hudson Gautreaux, Thibodaux; Da’Sean Golmond, Denham Springs; Kingston Jarrell, Woodlawn-Baton Rouge; Jace Johnson, Terrebonne; LeSean Jones, Covington; Ethan Kimmie, Zachary; Zach LaGraize, Jesuit; Noah McDaniel, Brother Martin; KeShun Malcolm, Ruston; Thomas Molette, Bonnabel; Ronald Navarre, Rummel; Amod Randolph, Thibodaux; DJ Schonberg, St. Amant; Jayden Simmons, Scotlandville; Tyrie Spencer, Northshore; Jonnie Walker, John Curtis; Trevez Walker, Destrehan; Justin Ward, H.L. Bourgeois; Kevin White, Airline; Roger Williams, Northshore.

Girls

First Team

Player, School, Ht., Cl., Pts.

Alanna Benoit, Mandeville, 5-9, Sr., 23.7

Rhian Comery, Prairieville, 5-11, Sr., 22.9

Kyndal Graham, Huntington, 5-5, Sr., 22.5

Ava Raymond, Zachary, 5-10, Sr., 17.4

Bailey Timmons, John Curtis, 5-7, Sr., 14.0

Second Team

Player, School, Ht., Cl., Pts.

Asia Bell, Zachary, 6-1, So., 12.6

Erynn Felton, Neville, 5-6, Sr., 11.0

Prai’ Nelson, Denham Springs, 5-9, Sr., 19.0

Madyson Parker, Slidell, 5-8, So., 17.2

Janyiah Williams, John Curtis, 5-9, So., 18.0

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: Ava Raymond, Zachary

COACH OF THE YEAR: Kristen Twillie, Slidell

Honorable mention:

Jayla Albert, John Curtis; Allayah Aubert, Liberty; Molly Avrard, Chapelle; Skylar Branch, Haughton; Shiloh Brokenberry, Captain Shreve; Jayla Carmouche, Acadiana; Urijah Carmouche, Southside; A’myja Clark, Terrebonne; McKenna Cooley, Ouachita; Kaylie Dupree, Huntington; Jaelynn Elliott, Slidell; Joy Fisher, Neville; Trista Gallien, Slidell; Harmony Howard, Destrehan; Maryah Joseph, Riverdale; Akayla McMooian, Salmen; Kennedy Mahoney, Terrebonne; Davelyn Richard, Barbe; Kendal Thomas, Salmen; Deon’ce Theriot, Thibodaux; Kendal Thomas, Salmen; Jayla Thompson, H.L. Bourgeois; Skylar Washington, Scotlandville; Kameya West-Robinson, Neville; Londyn White, Terrebonne; Lauren Williams, Sam Houston; Markayla Williams, West Monroe; Kearra Wilson, Ruston.

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Rhoda Holtzclaw 
December 30, 1940  –  April 6, 2026 
Visitation: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 1:00PM – 2:00PM, Kilpatrick Funeral Homes 
Service: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 2:00PM, Kilpatrick Funeral Homes 
Final Resting Place: Sibley Cemetery, 2091 Hwy 145, Choudrant 

Kira LaSean Norman  
June 27, 1967 – April 5, 2026  

Anestha Marsha Young   
Tuesday 01/08/1946 — Sunday 03/29/2026    
Memorial Service: Saturday 04/11/2026 11:00am, China Grove Baptist Church, 406 Vernon Street, Ruston   
Private Burial   

Linda Faye Armstrong   
Thursday 03/05/1964 — Friday 04/03/2026    
Visitation: Thursday 04/09/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home   
Celebration of Life: Friday 04/10/2026 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home   
Interment: Friday 04/10/2026, Hopewell Cemetery, Dubach 

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LPJ Sports Report

RUSTON — Ruston High had a solid showing on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association 5A All-State teams with junior Ahmad Hudson earning 5A Outstanding Player and sophomore Darren Ford named to the All-State team.

A 6-foot-8 junior forward, Hudson was named the LSWA Class 5A Outstanding Player after leading the Bearcats to the state title game. He averaged 19.7 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game while earning his third consecutive first-team All-State selection. He was also previously named the Gatorade’s 2026 Louisiana Player of the Year.

Hudson was joined on the All-State first team by Ford,  who averaged 20.7 points per game, giving Ruston two of the five first-team selections in Class 5A.

Ruston also placed two additional players on the All-State list as junior KeShun Malcolm earned honorable mention recognition, while junior Kearra Wilson represented the Lady Bearcats on the girls honorable mention team.

See full teams below.

Boys

First Team

Player, School, Ht., Cl., Pts.

Ian Edmond, Zachary, 6-1, Jr., 19.7

Darren Ford, Ruston, 6-2, So., 20.7

Ahmad Hudson, Ruston, 6-8, Jr., 19.7

Autrail Manning, John Curtis, 6-1, Sr., 14.2

Aaron Miles, St. Augustine, 5-8, Jr., 18.0

Second Team

Player, School, Ht., Cl., Pts.

Jarvell Bordelon, Alexandria, 6-1, Sr., 16.7

Jace Conrad, Central, 6-2, Sr., Central, 16.8

Jadell Demery, Natchitoches Central, 6-4, Sr., 18.3

Kahlil Fisher, Karr, 6-3, Jr., 17.6

Jeremy Williams, Denham Springs, 6-1, Jr., 15.0

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: Ahmad Hudson, Ruston

COACH OF THE YEAR: Jonathan McClinton, Zachary

Honorable mention

Jayden Austin, Neville; Jordan Bedford, Covington; Jerry Birdlow, Slidell; Ja’Vardes Brazile, St. Augustine; Braylon Carter, Barbe; Jude Chamberlain, Catholic; Cole Doucet, Sulphur; Kaden Downing, Hahnville; Hudson Gautreaux, Thibodaux; Da’Sean Golmond, Denham Springs; Kingston Jarrell, Woodlawn-Baton Rouge; Jace Johnson, Terrebonne; LeSean Jones, Covington; Ethan Kimmie, Zachary; Zach LaGraize, Jesuit; Noah McDaniel, Brother Martin; KeShun Malcolm, Ruston; Thomas Molette, Bonnabel; Ronald Navarre, Rummel; Amod Randolph, Thibodaux; DJ Schonberg, St. Amant; Jayden Simmons, Scotlandville; Tyrie Spencer, Northshore; Jonnie Walker, John Curtis; Trevez Walker, Destrehan; Justin Ward, H.L. Bourgeois; Kevin White, Airline; Roger Williams, Northshore.

Girls

First Team

Player, School, Ht., Cl., Pts.

Alanna Benoit, Mandeville, 5-9, Sr., 23.7

Rhian Comery, Prairieville, 5-11, Sr., 22.9

Kyndal Graham, Huntington, 5-5, Sr., 22.5

Ava Raymond, Zachary, 5-10, Sr., 17.4

Bailey Timmons, John Curtis, 5-7, Sr., 14.0

Second Team

Player, School, Ht., Cl., Pts.

Asia Bell, Zachary, 6-1, So., 12.6

Erynn Felton, Neville, 5-6, Sr., 11.0

Prai’ Nelson, Denham Springs, 5-9, Sr., 19.0

Madyson Parker, Slidell, 5-8, So., 17.2

Janyiah Williams, John Curtis, 5-9, So., 18.0

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: Ava Raymond, Zachary

COACH OF THE YEAR: Kristen Twillie, Slidell

Honorable mention:

Jayla Albert, John Curtis; Allayah Aubert, Liberty; Molly Avrard, Chapelle; Skylar Branch, Haughton; Shiloh Brokenberry, Captain Shreve; Jayla Carmouche, Acadiana; Urijah Carmouche, Southside; A’myja Clark, Terrebonne; McKenna Cooley, Ouachita; Kaylie Dupree, Huntington; Jaelynn Elliott, Slidell; Joy Fisher, Neville; Trista Gallien, Slidell; Harmony Howard, Destrehan; Maryah Joseph, Riverdale; Akayla McMooian, Salmen; Kennedy Mahoney, Terrebonne; Davelyn Richard, Barbe; Kendal Thomas, Salmen; Deon’ce Theriot, Thibodaux; Kendal Thomas, Salmen; Jayla Thompson, H.L. Bourgeois; Skylar Washington, Scotlandville; Kameya West-Robinson, Neville; Londyn White, Terrebonne; Lauren Williams, Sam Houston; Markayla Williams, West Monroe; Kearra Wilson, Ruston.

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By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON — The Lincoln Parish School Board has reached a key milestone in its search for a new superintendent, with the application period officially closing April 3 and the next phase of the process now underway.

School board president Gregg Phillips said the district followed a structured and transparent process to secure and review applications. All submissions were directed to a designated post office box, which remained sealed until April 7.

“The deadline to apply ended last Friday,” Phillips said. “As agreed, I, along with (LPSB Vice President) Donna Doss and two representatives from the Central Office, drove to the post office. There we met with our legal representative and opened the box in front of everyone. We felt this was the most transparent way to do it.”

The board will retain the original application materials, while copies were provided to legal counsel.

The use of a post office box was intended to protect the integrity of the process and ensure confidentiality for applicants. By keeping submissions secured and unopened until the deadline passed, officials aimed to prevent leaks and encourage a broader pool of candidates.

All applications will now be forwarded to a third-party school system for verification of credentials and certifications. Once that review is complete, the board will receive a list of qualified applicants.

The Lincoln Parish School Board is scheduled to meet Thursday at noon at Cypress Springs Elementary for its regular monthly meeting and will publicly release applicant information.

The board will then schedule the interview process for the announced qualified candidates.

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by Malcolm Butler

According to a document filed in the United States District Court Western Division of Louisiana (Monroe Division) on March 31 (see below), the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System on behalf of Louisiana Tech will begin mediation with Conference USA today.

This is a facilitated negotiation — a mutual step in the right direction — as both sides look to find an agreeable and fair financial compensation that Louisiana Tech would pay Conference USA upon its departure on July 1, 2026.

The ULS filed a lawsuit against Conference USA on behalf of Louisiana Tech in early March before then filing an amended lawsuit in mid-March. 

According to the recent filing, the two parties agreed on March 20 to discuss possible mediation and then agreed to it on March 26, with the date set for today. 

In arbitration, both parties are bound to the decision of the arbitrator (or judge), while in mediation, neither side is legally bound to a decision or recommendation by the mediator.

Louisiana Tech accepted the Sun Belt Conference’s invitation last July and immediately notified Conference USA of its intentions to depart the league on the last day of June, 2026. 

However, the two sides have not been able to agree to financial terms. 

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Courtesy of Louisiana State Police

On Monday, April 6, 2026, shortly after 6:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Hwy 34, just north of Louisiana Highway 810. The crash claimed the life of 20-year-old Jason Taylor of Chatham.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2024 Kawasaki Motorcycle, driven by Taylor, was traveling east on Louisiana Highway 34. At the same time, a 2025 Kenworth Tractor, pulling a wood chip trailer, was traveling west on Louisiana Highway 34. For reasons still under investigation, the Kawasaki veered left, crossed over the centerline, and struck the Kenworth head-on in the westbound lane of Louisiana Highway 34.

Taylor, who was wearing a DOT-approved helmet, died at the scene. The driver of the Kenworth was properly restrained and uninjured. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers urge all motorists to prioritize safety on the roads. Avoid driving while distracted or impaired at all costs, as these choices pose severe threats to yourself and others sharing the road. Stay focused, alert, and responsible whenever you get behind the wheel. Your commitment to safety is a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being of everyone in our community.

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The City of Ruston announces that, weather permitting, smoke testing will begin on April 8, 2026, in the sewer systems along Abby Ln, Redwood St, Creekwood St, Tanglewood Dr, Lovers Ln, Woodhaven Rd, and adjacent areas (see map above).

This testing is necessary to allow the City of Ruston to assess the current condition of their sewer system. Testing is anticipated to last approximately three weeks. The smoke used during this testing is non-toxic and leaves no residual.

Please be aware that smoke may enter a home or business if plumbing facilities of that structure are defective or improperly installed. Should you have any questions please contact the City of Ruston Public Works Department at (318) 242-7703.

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That’s why Key Marketing Solutions is the key to unlocking your business’ full potential. Through their marketing consulting, brand management, and target marketing services, the team at Key Marketing Solutions is committed to providing a service tailored to your unique business needs.

Through strategic conversations, Key Marketing Solutions helps business owners identify who their real target audience is and what problems they are solving. After creating a strategic playbook, the marketing team is able to create and execute an initiative or campaign to promote your business.

Key Marketing Solutions CEO DeRon Talley believes in beginning with a conversation about strategy. By starting with strategy, Key Marketing Solutions can identify what areas a business can be supported in. This allows his team to open up opportunities for a company to use based on what goals they have.

“Businesses were created to solve problems”, Talley explains. “We want to help our clients understand, what problem do you solve and who do you solve it for?”

Beginning 10 years ago, Key Marketing Solutions pioneered the digital marketing industry of Northeast Louisiana with the value of providing quality services that small businesses and nonprofits needed. They made a name for themselves by meeting the need of assisting businesses with new website development and social media presence. Today, Key Marketing Solutions offers a unique value approach through personal connections and long-standing community reputation. This allows them to negotiate on a level that best represents their clients. With a team of all North Louisiana talent, clients can trust that Key Marketing Solutions provides a service rooted in local expertise and knowledge.

Key Marketing Solutions’ business model focuses on serving their clients first. Rather than outsourcing, they invest in technology and equipment to provide more in-house services and options for their client base. Paired with a team of skilled professionals, Key Marketing Solutions offer an array of services including strategic development, web design, content and social media management, photography and videography, target marketing and media buying assistance, and many forms of training and consulting. 

What truly makes Key Marketing Solutions stand out is how they make each client a priority by limiting their client base to one business per industry. By investing the time and energy to build a strategy based on each client’s needs and wants, they can pivot between strategies for different types of industries. This flexibility allows Key Marketing Solutions to serve one client in each type of business well, while simultaneously making connections within a wide range of industries. 

While identifying market growth in different fields, the team at Key Marketing Solutions are focused on staying ahead of the trends and communicating development to their clients. Part of their education involves redefining outdated marketing terminology. In an age where new business professionals are leaning towards digital marketing, the definition of traditional and non-traditional marketing has changed.

“Social media is the new traditional,” Talley says. “The new non-traditional marketing is the power the of partnerships. Working business to business.”

This is where Key Marketing Solutions’ large network becomes an asset to their clients. Through referrals and business-to-business marketing, they empower their clients through connections that stimulate business growth and development.

So how does this model reflect in their client’s success? Talley explains this with a 3 step process of giving businesses the resources to grow, identify what is improving, and continue to sustain that development.

“Teach, train, trust,” Talley said. “I do it with my team and with my clients. When we are able to show them play-by-play what we are doing and what the results are, they make their own decision on whether they want to continue working with us.  And when they see how the results speak for themselves, why wouldn’t they? That’s our retention model with our clients.”

To talk about strategy and find out how Key Marketing Solutions can improve your marketing approach, contact DeRon Talley at (318) 460-0654 or visit patienceiskey.co for more information. Unlock your business potential today!

This is a paid advertorial.

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Ruston Police arrested a local man last week after he allegedly stole $2,000 from an acquaintance’s car.

Cayden Zacheaus Cole, 17, of Ruston, was arrested April 3 for felony theft after a woman reported money had been stolen out of her car.

A witness accompanying the victim gave officers Cole’s name. The victim said she did not know Cole, but that he had been a front seat passenger of her vehicle. When she stopped to deal with a crying child in the backseat, Cole had opportunities to take the money from the center console. He exited the vehicle while the victim was comforting the child. He said he was going to The Annex apartment complex.

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The victim said after she dealt with a child, she got back in the front seat and found the money was missing. She and the witness saw Cole running into The Annex complex.

Officers were unable to locate Cole at The Annex but were able to contact family members who arranged to bring Cole to the police department for questioning.

During questioning, Cole changed the story numerous times. However, while he did not confess to stealing the money, he did admit to possessing the stolen money at some point.

Cole was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for theft a property valued over $1,000.

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.

“Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’

‘Neither,’ he replied, ‘but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.’ Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”

The commander of the Lord’s army replied, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did so.” — Joshua 5:13-15 (NIV)

Great week for fans of spring and sport. The Final Four was decided Monday night (hat tip to former Louisiana Tech assistant and now Michigan head coach and national champion Dusty May), the Masters will be decided this week (holla!), and big-league baseball is just beginning. Collegiate spring sports are in full bloom.

Sensory overload.

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And everyone is trying to come in second, right? Every crowd chants like pigs in slop, “We’re No. 2! We’re No. 2!”

Aaaaaaand … of course not.

We want to be No. 1. And that’s good. No one practices to lose or to finish second.

But in the divine realm, it’s a bit of a different ballgame. The only way to win is to submit to second place.

Joshua did, and it won for God and for him and for the Israelites the Battle of Jericho. 

The text from Joshua 5 is on the eve of the Battle. Joshua has replaced the late Moses as leader of the Israelites. The gates of Jericho are securely barred. Joshua is not secure at all, until God shows up. And God shows up because Joshua was spiritually prepared.

In 1840, Scottish preacher Robert Murray McCheyne wrote this to a missionary friend: “It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.”

Joshua was a holy minister. When he asked the man before him — Joshua is about to discover the man is a pre-incarnation appearance of Christ — if he is “for us or our enemies?” the man replies, “Neither, but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”

First of all, the man says he is here to fight a Divine Battle. Not the Israelites’ battle or the battle for the people of Jericho, but His battle. To paraphrase, I think what he is saying is, “I’m on my side and I’m in charge. Whose side are you on?”

Whoa …

To clarify, the man says he is the commander of the army of the Lord. And then Joshua knew what the outcome would be, because this was the commander he’d been following all along.

God fights for his own holiness and purposes. If we want to be on the winning team, we have to get our shoes off by taking time to be holy and respecting the ground the leader is standing on.

Like Joshua, we can love second place, even embrace it, when in first place is the commander of the army of the Lord.

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.

We’ve all heard the words, “You need to stop and smell the roses.” That actually means we need to take the time to enjoy the moment. We need to be mentally present. Some of the best times in our lives are not always moments of fireworks going off. 

Sometimes it’s those less important events that provide just as much joy. Today, I’ll go over a few events in my life that I truly cherish, along with some I regret. 

There was one moment of regret during my Little League days. Even though I played all sports, I was also a dedicated Boy Scout. Being a scout during the 1970s was very common for a young boy. 

But the one regret I have is the fact that I was one project away from becoming an Eagle Scout and never completed it. This is the highest achievement a scout can earn. It means a lot to become an Eagle Scout and looks good on a job resume. It gets the attention of an employer looking to hire you as it shows your ability to commit to a task and follow through. 

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I’ll admit that my baseball career, which was more important to me at that time, got in the way of my accomplishing the goal of receiving an Eagle Scout badge. 

One event that’s given me a lifetime of both pride and joy was being a member of the 1978 Class 3A Texas state baseball championship team. Any time you can share the experience of winning a state title, especially with your closest friends, it just means more. 

I can remember our head coach giving us a post-game speech after winning the state title. He said that this victory would mean more to us later in life than it did that day. How right he was!

That Texas state title whet my appetite for another one the next year. But nothing is harder than defending a state championship and regretfully we came up one game short of a repeat trip to the state tournament.

Another joy also comes with some regret. The day I got drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1983 brought so much joy. But after two seasons of playing in their minor league system, it was very apparent I had zero chance to make it to the major league level with the Expos. 

Montreal at the time had three Major League Baseball All-Stars in their outfield with Tim Rains, Andre Dawson and Warren Cromartie. It may have been the best outfield in the big leagues at that time. There was no room to move up in the organization unless one of these three got hurt or traded. My regret after leaving the Expos is turning down a Double A contract from the San Francisco Giants that would have extended my baseball career. 

While sports have been a huge part of my life, nothing has given me as much competitive  joy as bass fishing. As a kid growing up on a ranch, there was no shortage of stock ponds to fish. I basically learned on my own, along with reading Bassmaster Magazine stories on how to catch bass. 

I have spent hundreds of days fishing the banks of five different stock ponds loaded with good bass. I was always so proud to bring a stringer full of bass back home for a good fish fry.

Tournament bass fishing has given me much joy over the past 36 years especially with all the friends I have met and shared so many good times while fishing tournament trails and fishing some of the best lakes in the country.

Another joy in my life has been the creation of the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show. This was a brainstorm of mine back in 2007 that I felt was much needed. Nineteen years later, the show is still going strong! Each week for 52 weeks out of the year I get to talk about issues related to God’s great outdoors. My relationship with my two other co-hosts, Gary McCoy and Mike Echols, makes doing the program so enjoyable. 

But my greatest joy came the day I signed a scholarship to continue my athletic career/education to Northwestern State University where I met Sherrie, my wife of 44 years. We then celebrated the births of our three children Brittany, Meredith and Brandon. 

To this day, raising of these three blessings has been my greatest accomplishment and one that has ZERO regrets!

Each of us has so many events or situations over the course of a lifetime that we can look back on with either joy or regret. As life continues to give us both good and bad times, just the fact that we are still waking up every day means we have so much joy to look forward to, and hopefully no regrets.  

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.

Ouachita 8, Ruston 3 (Tuesday)

Ruston High could not overcome a big second inning by Ouachita Parish as the Bearcats dropped an 8-3 decision to the Lions on Tuesday at Ouachita Parish High School.

Ruston grabbed the early lead in the top of the first when Sage Tolar drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home the game’s first run.

Ouachita Parish quickly swung momentum in the bottom of the second, erupting for six runs to take control. The Lions did most of their damage with one swing as Taylor Madison blasted a grand slam to left field, turning a one-run deficit into a 6-1 advantage.

The Bearcats trimmed the deficit with two runs later in the contest, but the early hole proved too much to overcome.

Jones paced Ruston offensively with two RBIs, finishing 1-for-4 at the plate. Rylee Fobbs, Tolar, Akeriah Jones and Mackenzie Roach each added a hit for the Bearcats.

Ruston also showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks. Tolar and Aubrey Stoehr led the way with two walks apiece.

Skylar Bowers took the loss for Ruston after allowing six runs, five earned, on two hits in 1 2/3 innings of work. Roach provided a strong effort in relief, tossing 4 1/3 innings while allowing two unearned runs on three hits. She struck out six and walked one.

Madison earned the win for Ouachita Parish after allowing three runs on one hit over three innings, striking out three and issuing six walks.

At the plate, Madison finished 1-for-4 with four RBIs to lead the Lions. Aja Williams, Natalie Stokes, Journee Williams and Alayjha Matthews each added a hit for Ouachita Parish, which also turned a double play.

Ruston will return to action Thursday when it travels to face West Monroe.

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Oak Grove 7, Cedar Creek 3 (Tuesday)

Cedar Creek suffered a heartbreaking 7-3 extra-inning loss to Oak Grove on Tuesday, as the Lady Tigers walked it off with a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth at Oak Grove High School.

The game was tied 3-3 entering the final frame when Ellie Ray delivered the decisive blow, launching a grand slam to center field to end the contest.

Cedar Creek jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning. Hydi Boyd drove in the Lady Cougars’ first run with an RBI single, and an Oak Grove error allowed two more runs to score for a 3-0 advantage.

Oak Grove chipped away and eventually evened the score in the bottom of the fifth when Caroline Bradley homered to center field to make it 3-3.

The score remained deadlocked until the ninth, when Ray’s game-winning blast sealed the victory for the Lady Tigers.

Boyd led Cedar Creek with one RBI, finishing 1-for-4 at the plate. Presley Wall paced the Lady Cougars offensively with three hits in four at-bats from the leadoff spot, while Ava Lantrip added two hits and took the loss in relief.

Lantrip pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing four runs, three earned, on three hits while striking out four and walking two. Kendall Ramsey started in the circle for Cedar Creek and worked 4 2/3 innings, surrendering three runs on six hits with two strikeouts and no walks.

Kinley Cox earned the complete-game win for Oak Grove, allowing three runs, one earned, on eight hits over nine innings. She struck out 11 and walked two.

Ray finished 2-for-5 with four RBIs to lead Oak Grove, while Kensington Waters and Ella Moody also recorded two hits apiece. The Lady Tigers also turned two double plays.

Cedar Creek returns to action Tuesday against Ouachita Parish.

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Lakeside 5, Choudrant 2 (Tuesday)

Choudrant was unable to keep pace with Lakeside on Tuesday, falling 5-2 to the Warriors.

Lakeside struck first in the opening inning when Raleah Harris belted a solo inside-the-park home run for a 1-0 lead.

The Warriors added to their advantage in the second, pushing across two more runs on RBI doubles from Ella Wood and Rhea Waller to make it 3-0.

Lakeside stretched the lead to 5-0 in the third inning as Meredith Robinson and Waller each drew RBI walks.

Choudrant managed two runs but could not rally any closer.

Katelynn Winstead and Kennedi Otwell each drove in a run for the Lady Aggies. Winstead, Kelsee Guillotte, Briley McGuire and Otwell accounted for Choudrant’s four hits.

Otwell took the loss in the circle, allowing five runs on five hits over three innings while striking out one and walking four.

Lakeside pitcher Ella Wood earned the complete-game win, scattering four hits and allowing two runs, one earned, over seven innings. She struck out eight and walked one.

Waller led the Warriors with two RBIs from the No. 9 spot in the lineup, finishing 1-for-2. Emily Jones, Harris and Wood each collected two hits for Lakeside, while Jones also stole three bases. Teal Austin drew two walks as the Warriors finished with five free passes.

Choudrant played clean defense without committing an error and turned one double play. Emery Boggs led the way defensively with eight chances.

The Lady Aggies return to action Thursday at West Ouachita.

 

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