BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Louisiana Tech cut a 15-point first-half deficit to three with two and a half minutes to play in the fourth quarter, but WKU didn’t allow the Lady Techsters to get any closer. LA Tech would fall 69-61 on Thursday afternoon inside E.A. Diddle Arena.
Louisiana Tech (11-7, 4-3 CUSA) traded baskets with WKU (13-5, 4-2) early until the Lady Toppers used a 14-1 run to take a 19-5 lead halfway through the opening quarter. Jianna Morris found her mark and five points over the final three minutes to help the Lady Techsters close the gap to 21-16 at the end of one.
“I’m proud of the way our group fought back today after a tough start to the game,” Lady Techster head coach Brooke Stoehr said. “We settled in defensively after the first 5:00 and started to string some stops together. (Morris) kept us in it and was attacking and aggressive all game. She played with the confidence and command of the basketball she’s proven to have. Jordan was aggressive offensively and rebounded the ball well. They try to force you to play frenetically on the offensive end. We needed to be more poised with the basketball. We had too many turnovers that took away opportunities to score, and it’s hard to win on the road when you do that.
“Our group rebounded the ball well today and was able to string some stops together to get it to a one possession game in the fourth. We have to be that much more disciplined in those situations to not settle offensively for what shots they want us to take and instead hunt the quality shots where we have an advantage. We didn’t play through the paint enough today and missed some opportunities. This group will learn and grow from this experience. We have to turn the page quickly and get ready for Middle Tennessee.”
Jordan Marshall would pull Tech within three 4 minutes into the second. From there, the Lady Toppers would go on a 12-0 run to take their biggest lead of the game at 39-24 with three minutes to go before halftime. LA Tech would close the half on an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to seven.
The third quarter would be back-and-forth before WKU scored the final six points of the stanza.
With WKU up 58-48, LA Tech started to work their way back into the game. A jumper by Averi Aaron at the five-minute mark cut the deficit to 58-55 and forced WKU to use a timeout. Aaron would make it a one-possession game again at the 3:27 mark, and a Marshall putback at 2:24 made it a three-point game for the final time.
Louisiana Tech shot 35.6 percent from the field, 19 from behind the arc, and 75 from the charity stripe. Morris led the Lady Techsters with 17 points, connecting on 4-8 from deep. Marshall finished with her fourth double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Paris Bradley extended her double-figure scoring output to six games.
WKU finished 44.1 percent from the field, 30.4 from long range, and 71.4 from the line. Destiny Salary led four Lady Toppers in double figures with 17 points. Alexis Mead had 13 points, and Josie Gilvin and Zsofia Telegdy had 12 apiece.
Louisiana Tech’s road trip continues Saturday with a trip to Middle Tennessee. Tipoff is scheduled for noon in the Murphy Center on ESPN+.
Grambling State earned a 64-57 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff Thursday night in a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup at H.O. Clemmons Arena in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
With this win, Grambling improved to 6-11 overall (3-3 SWAC), while Arkansas-Pine Bluff dropped to 2-14 overall (0-6 SWAC).
The Tigers and Golden Lions were evenly matched through the first half, ending the first quarter tied at 15 with Grambling holding a slim 33-31 lead at halftime.
Grambling gained momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Arkansas-Pine Bluff 20-15 to establish a seven-point lead heading into the final period.
Kahia Warmsley led the charge for Grambling, scoring a game-high 18 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Lydia Freeman added eight points to go along with nine rebounds.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff was led by D’Arrah Allen, who tallied 19 points and pulled down four rebounds to go with three assists. Stephanie Okowi contributed a double double with ten points and 11 rebounds.
Despite their best efforts, the Golden Lions couldn’t overcome Grambling’s dominance on the boards, where the Tigers held a 47-43 edge.
Grambling capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 14 points off offensive rebounds. The Tigers defensive effort was also noteworthy, holding Arkansas-Pine Bluff to 34.6% shooting from the field and forcing crucial turnovers late in the game.
Claire Raley (left) and Alexis Gilio (right) were both named to the CUSA preseason all-conference team.
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech softball placed two players on the 2025 Conference USA Preseason All-Conference Team, as center fielder Alexis Gilio and third baseman Claire Raley were selected, announced by the league office on Thursday afternoon.
Gilio, a senior from Colorado, returns for her second season as a Bulldog after earning First-Team All-CUSA and NFCA Second-Team All-Midwest Region honors in 2024. The BYU transfer started in 53 games last season and led the Bulldogs with a .383 batting average and 64 hits. Gilio’s 64 hits rank 10th in LA Tech softball history for a single season, while her .383 batting average is the sixth best in program history.
The speedy center fielder registered five doubles, and one triple, while recording 22 RBI, 71 total bases, 30 runs, 19 walks and 14 steals. Gilio had a team-high 21 multi-hit games, while recording three multi-RBI games. Her .383 average ranked fourth in the CUSA, while her 14th stolen bases was the fifth most in the league. Gilio showed her athleticism in the field, robbing would be home runs against Jax State and Ole Miss.
Raley returns for her second season as a Bulldog after starting in all 54 games at third base while being named to the All-CUSA Second Team. The Utah State transfer played every inning in 2024 and finished with a .278 batting average to go along with 49 hits, four triples, four home runs, 16 RBI, 33 runs and 73 total bases. Her 33 runs and 73 RBI led the Bulldogs, while her four triples are tied for ninth most in a single season in program history. The California native registered 11 multi-hit games and three multi-RBI games.
The Bulldogs were picked to finish fourth in the CUSA with 71 total votes. Liberty is picked to finish first with 99 votes, followed by WKU (83) and New Mexico State (82). LA Tech sits in front of Jax State (56).
Fourth-year head coach Josh Taylor will aim to guide the Bulldogs to their fourth consecutive 30+ win season after finishing 32-22 last season and earning his second CUSA Coach of the Year award. The Bulldogs will open their season with five games in Puerto Vallarta College Challenge in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Feb. 6-8.
A graveside funeral service for Owen Maxwell “Max” Canady, age 91 of Simsboro, LA, will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Antioch Cemetery in Simsboro with Rev. Jason Walsworth officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA. Visitation is scheduled from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, prior to the graveside service, at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston.
Owen Maxwell Canady was born February 13, 1933 in Onslow, NC. He passed away peacefully, Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Arcadia, LA. He is preceded in death by his parents, O.K., and Eunice Canady; five sisters and 1 brother, all from the Virginia area; and a son, Ricky Canady of Ruston.
Mr. Canady is survived by his children: Cindy and her husband Chuck East of Monroe, LA, Patti and her husband Lorman Smith of Ruston, LA, and Scott Canady and his wife Chanda of Jonesboro, LA.; grandchildren: Chris Weems, Carly Smith, Skyler Canady (Courtney), Zachary Smith, Sladen Canady (Cassidy), and Saxton Canady; great-grandchildren: Madison Weems, Brintley Weems, Sailor Canady, Cali Mae Canady, and Shiloh Canady; great-great-grandchildren: Everleigh Potier, and Grayson Eddy.
Max served in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, LA. After his military service, he worked as a self-employed salesman. Max had a great love for the game of baseball. He coached numerous kids from Virginia, and Mississippi to Ruston, LA. He coached in both the Little League and Dixie Majors. If he was not coaching or watching, he was videoing the sport. Max also played racquetball; he competed in racquetball tournaments well into his later years.
The family would like to thank the staff at Leslie Lakes Retirement Center in Arcadia, LA for the care they have provided for their father.
Pallbearers for Mr. Canady’s service are: Chris Weems, Skyler Canady, Sladen Canady, Saxton Canady, Zachary Smith, and Lorman Smith.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Antioch Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 284, Simsboro, LA 71275. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit: http://www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com
Varice Dade Friday 10/31/1930 — Saturday 01/18/2025 Visitation: Friday 01/31/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 02/01/2025 12:00pm, Zion Traveler Baptist Church, 1201 Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston Interment: Saturday 02/01/2025, Macedonia # 2 Church Cemetery, Sibley Road, Choudrant
Annie R. Atkins Friday 12/05/1941 — Thursday 01/16/2025 Family Gathering: Friday 01/24/2025 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Friday 01/24/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 01/25/2025 11:00am, 521 Mt. Olive Church Road, Grambling Interment: Saturday 01/25/2025 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
Karen LaVerne Bozeman August 4, 1954 – January 19, 2025 Visitation: Friday, January 24, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Gateway Tabernacle, 22690 US Highway 96 South, Kirbyville, TX Funeral Service: Friday, January 24, 2025, 12:00 PM, Gateway Tabernacle, 22690 US Highway 96 South, Kirbyville, TX Cemetery Committal: Friday, January 24, 2025, 1:30 PM, Antioch Cemetery, 18540 FM 1004, Buna, TX
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Sometimes a canceled flight can lead to a special day.
That was true Wednesday for the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters and their entire staff: originally scheduled to fly out of Shreveport and arrive in Nashville later in the day, the winter weather forced the connecting flight out of Houston to be canceled.
Call in the big bus, and the switch from airline to ground gave the team the chance to visit with A.E. Phillips Middle School Teacher Lauren Pipes and her five-year-old son Reed, who is undergoing his planned final stint of treatment at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis.
And the best part: neither the team nor Reed had any idea about the impromptu rendezvous, giving him a terrific surprise on a sub-freezing afternoon on the concrete basketball court.
”It’s so exciting here,” Lauren said. “He had no idea. We follow this team — we watch every (Louisiana Tech basketball) game on his tablets, women’s and men’s. He loves, loves, loves the Stoehr’s. This is going to be something he’s going to remember for a long time.”
For nearly an hour, the players and staff hooped with Reed, who showed off his dribbling, shooting and defensive skills to the team.
”Reed has such a great spirit about him,” Lady Techster Head Coach Brooke Stoehr said. “It was special to be able to surprise him and watch him shoot hoops with our team. We have some amazing young women in our program, and they’ve been inspired by his toughness and attitude throughout his treatments. He loves basketball and cheers for our team whether he’s in Ruston at the games or watching from his iPad. We wanted to be able to provide an opportunity for him to just play and give him an escape from his treatment and normal routine.”
Lauren shared her appreciation for the team’s rallying around her son and for making the visit.
“The team sends videos of encouragement to him all the time,” Lauren said. “Brooke has worn his shirt to a game. They’ve just been a nice little bright spot. And basketball has been the thing that he’s gravitated toward since he’s been diagnosed. So it’s been amazing.”
Reed and the rest of the Pipes family are hopeful that this will be the final round of treatment he will need at St. Jude’s and can complete any more treatment near home.
”Fingers crossed, we’ll be going home the first of February,” Lauren said. “We still have a long way to go, but we can do all the rest in Shreveport, hopefully.”
And for the Lady Techster squad, the day was a reminder that what they do off the court is more impactful than what they do on it— highlighted by Wednesday.
”Our mission within our program is to love and serve others well,” Stoehr said. “My hope is we recognize how fortunate and blessed we are to have the health and opportunities we’ve been given. We have an extraordinary opportunity to impact those around us if we choose to. Part of being a great teammate is giving of yourself to lift others up or help them be successful. Sometimes it’s simply showing up for each other, providing a smile, or helping someone fight through some adversity. I think we’ve all gained a greater perspective and been inspired as we’ve watched Reed’s resilience through his illness. I believe he’s had a far greater impact on us than we have had on him.”
Louisiana Tech University is entering a groundbreaking partnership with Archem, LLC, a Shreveport-based leader in advanced fuel solutions for aerospace applications.
The collaboration, which combines cutting-edge research, specialized equipment, and industry partnerships, is set to expand innovation in aerospace engineering while providing invaluable opportunities for students and faculty alike. The partnership emphasizes teamwork across multiple stakeholders, including faculty in Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science, the University’s Innovation Enterprise, and Barksdale Air Force Base, as well as the Ruston Regional Airport.
“Louisiana Tech’s commitment to advancing aerospace innovation aligns perfectly with Archem’s mission to push the boundaries of fuel performance and efficiency,” said Alex Burke, CEO of Archem, LLC. “This partnership demonstrates the power of combining academic research with industry expertise to deliver transformative solutions for the commercial industry and Department of Defense and beyond.”
As part of the partnership, Louisiana Tech will receive a custom-designed jet engine test platform. This mobile facility, developed with Onyx Aerospace—a commercial and government defense contractor—includes fuel management systems, controls, data systems, and sensors to measure performance. Students will gain hands-on experience by working with faculty and industry professionals to explore the future of advanced fuels and propulsion systems. The partnership highlights the University’s role in bringing together academia, industry, and government to solve challenges in aerospace engineering.
“This partnership is a testament to the strength of collaboration,” said Donna Johnson, Chief Innovation Officer at Louisiana Tech. “It not only advances critical research for the aerospace industry but also prepares our students for impactful careers in engineering and technology.”
The partnership also strengthens ties with Barksdale Air Force Base, where the R&D focus supports innovation for the U.S. Air Force. The research will evaluate the feasibility and performance of advanced fuel technologies in military and commercial applications, providing critical data for future deployment.
“We’re excited to be part of an initiative that not only benefits the aerospace industry but also builds capacity for innovation here in Louisiana,” added Burke.
The project leverages Louisiana Tech’s strong ties to the Ruston community, with Ruston Regional Airport serving as a key logistical partner. It also aligns with the state’s vision for economic and technological growth, further cementing the region’s reputation as a leader in aerospace and defense innovation.
The Mellon Foundation has awarded a $500,000 grant to support the “Voices of Grambling: Scaling Digital Equity Projects,” an initiative aimed at enhancing the understanding and interpretation of African American history through advanced digital technology.
This funding will allow for the expansion of the experiential learning lab and the creation of a sustainable version 2.0 of the “Voices of Grambling” immersive virtual-reality experience, which overlays oral histories and primary sources onto a digital reconstruction of the historic 1967 campus protest at Grambling State University (GSU).
Dr. Edward Holt, the project leader and head of the History Department at GSU, along with Yanise Days and Dr. Brian McGowan, who is heading the effort at the University of Arkansas, will lead the project.
“The ‘Voices of Grambling’ initiative was created following two tragedies: the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of our old University Library. The library and the pandemic represent the loss of knowledge of the past through the physical materials and the individuals who remembered it. Rather than allow information about the history of GSU and Northern Louisiana to continue to disappear, we started this project as a means to preserve the history of GSU, the city of Grambling, and Northern Louisiana, while providing high-quality experiential learning opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Holt.
Importantly, the digital library that has been constructed serves as a foundation for this preservation work, ensuring that further stories about Grambling State University and the region do not vanish when no one remains to remember them. The new Digital Library and Learning Commons opened in August 2024.
In 1967, students at GSU protested as part of the larger Black campus movement, which advocated for changes in living conditions and intellectual offerings at the university, such as more comprehensive teaching of African American history and culture. This movement resulted in challenges to academic freedom, including the expulsion of students and the firing of faculty. While the Black campus movement is well-documented in larger urban settings, there has been little focus on these movements in rural areas. This project will incorporate previously recorded oral histories and facilitate the discovery, recording, and editing of new participants’ accounts of these events. The initiative aims to create a timeline through these oral histories, combined with available lawsuit depositions.
The project aims to produce several key deliverables, including an interactive VR Immersive Environment of the 1967 campus protest, two workshops focused on digital equity and Black freedom movements, a public lecture series around the themes of the project, two national conference presentations, and twelve student internships to assist in the development of the above work.
“The project thrives due to its use of student-centered experiential learning to work on real historical problems. Students work side-by-side with faculty to conduct research, render 3D models, and code the immersive experience,” Dr. Holt said.
The “Voices of Grambling” project is a multi-phase initiative that has received previous funding from various organizations, including the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). These contributions have been critical in establishing the groundwork for the current grant.
“Grants from the LEH, SSRC, NEH, and Lepage Center were essential to our project as they allowed us to build the intellectual and material capacity to do this work,” Dr. Holt said.
Digital equity is a vital component of this project, aiming to provide equitable access to digital technologies and interdisciplinary training for historically underrepresented groups. The initiative seeks to ensure that marginalized voices are included in the historical record and empowered through community-based relationships.
“Equity is at the core of Grambling’s motto, ‘Where everybody is somebody,’ and the ‘Voices of Grambling’ embodies this through our dual aims of belonging in community partnerships and knowledge of digital technologies,” said Dr. Holt. The initiative seeks to ensure that marginalized voices are included in the historical record and empowered through community-based relationships.
The twelve student internships included in the project are designed to provide valuable skills and experiences.
“Due to the Mellon funding, we have been able to increase the number of student interns and will recruit from departments throughout the two universities (Art, Engineering, Computer Science, History, etc.) in order to create interdisciplinary teams that represent what students might encounter in the workforce,” Dr. Holt said.
Looking ahead, the leaders of the project are optimistic about its long-term impact.
“I have always considered the history department and the ‘Voices of Grambling’ initiative a hidden gem on campus,” said Dr. Holt. “With the Mellon funding, we hope to position ourselves as a point of pride for the University to not only attract students to our campus but enable them to thrive in the workforce upon graduation.” The project aims to document research and experiences that contribute to national conversations on African American history, campus protests, and social justice.
The grant will enable the continuation of workshops, lecture series, and research dissemination, fostering a greater understanding of these critical issues.
“Over the last couple of years, we have brought nearly twenty-five speakers to campus in order to connect the work that we are doing with national conversations,” Dr. Holt said. “This grant allows us to continue that work of telling our story through our digital model of the 1967 campus protest.”
For Dr. Holt, the “Voices of Grambling” initiative represents a significant step towards preserving and amplifying the voices of historically marginalized communities, particularly in the context of African American history and digital equity.
“With the support of the Mellon Foundation, this project not only aims to enhance educational opportunities for students but also seeks to engage and empower local communities,” said Dr. Holt. “Through collaborative efforts and innovative technology, the initiative aspires to create a more inclusive narrative that reflects the rich history of Grambling State University and its surrounding areas.”
Saline man Ron Hagar went missing December and his remains were found in the Savannah River on January 5. (photo courtesy of Facebook)
Courtesy of Bienville Parish Journal (Written by Misty Watson)
The remains of a man found in the Savannah River have been identified as that of Ron Hagar.
Hagar, 73, of Saline, was last seen near Dubberly on Dec. 21. Chatham County Police Department Public Information Officer Betsy Nolen said Hagar’s remains were found in the river on Sunday, Jan. 5, near Ursula Island around 10:30 a.m.
Nolen said autopsy results are still pending, and no cause of death or whether foul play is suspected is known at this time.
“As soon as we can release more information, we will do so on our social media,” she said.
Hagar was once instrumental in the cleanup of millions of pounds of munitions at Camp Minden, belonging to the Camp Minden Citizens Advisory Group. He worked with local leaders and others overseeing the cleanup. He was also vocal against a pipeline proposed to cross state wetlands, belonging to an environmental activist group protesting its construction.
Three men were arrested in Grambling last week after they were allegedly involved in a fight that left a bystander injured.
Grambling Police responded to the TA Express station at the Grambling I-20 interchange regarding several men fighting inside the store on Jan. 16. Officers found a victim whose foot was bleeding heavily. The man said three men were fighting inside the store and one of the men grabbed a fire extinguisher and struck him several times. The three men then left in a dark brown Chevrolet Impala.
The Grambling Fire Department responded to the scene to check on the victim’s injuries.
GPD’s police chief spotted a vehicle matching the description at the Chevron station in Grambling. Upon questioning the man in the car, Jalen J. Jackson, 31, of Jonesboro, admitted he and his cousins were involved in the incident at the TA Express.
Jackson was identified from surveillance video as the suspect who used the fire extinguisher to attack the victim.
Johnny R. Simmons, 37, of Monroe, and Deaundre M. Davis, 31, of Ruston, went to the Grambling Police Department, where they were questioned and arrested for simple battery and disturbing the peace by fighting.
Jackson‘s bail was set at $10,000. Bail for Davis and Simmons was set at $1,500.
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.
Letters to the editor are a longstanding tradition in journalism, providing a platform for readers to share their opinions, perspectives, and concerns on a wide range of issues. These letters, published by newspapers and other media outlets, represent the voices of the public rather than the editorial stance of the publication.
By design, letters to the editor are opinion pieces. They allow individuals to express their thoughts on current events, policies, or community matters, often sparking meaningful discussions. News outlets retain the right to decide which letters to publish, ensuring submissions align with their guidelines while maintaining a respectful and constructive dialogue.
The practice of publishing letters to the editor reflects a fundamental principle of democracy: free speech. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees individuals the right to express their opinions without fear of censorship or reprisal. This principle is essential to a free press and open society.
Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s Founding Fathers and a staunch advocate for free expression, once remarked, “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” His words underscore the importance of fostering spaces for diverse viewpoints, even those that challenge prevailing norms.
For newspapers and readers alike, letters to the editor serve as a testament to the power of open dialogue and civic engagement. By encouraging public participation, these letters strengthen the democratic fabric of society, reminding us of the vital role free speech plays in shaping informed communities.
To participate in this tradition, readers are encouraged to submit their letters following the publication’s guidelines. Your voice matters, and letters to the editor provide an opportunity to make it heard.
Submit a Letter to the Editor via email to: LPJNewsLA@gmail.com.
Ruston Police arrested a local man last week after he was allegedly involved in a domestic abuse incident.
Ronald D. Gray, 43, of Ruston, was arrested January 17 after officers responded to a West Barnett Springs Avenue apartment regarding a domestic battery and property damage report.
As officers were responding to the call, they were told Gray had run away from the scene. An officer responding to the calls spotted Gray near the intersection of Maple Street and West Alabama Ave. Gray reportedly ran from officers, but was apprehended through use of a Taser.
The victim told officers she and Gray had been in a relationship off and on for several years. She said Gray had knocked on her door and she had opened it expecting it to be someone else. The woman said Gray shoved his food stamp card into her hand, but she threw it back outside, thinking Gray would leave the residence. Instead as she attempted to close the door, Gray forced his way inside. She attempted to call police on her cell phone, but Gray allegedly knocked it out of her hand, causing it to break.
The woman said Gray struck her three times, once on the right side of her neck and twice on her right cheek. Officer saw a scratch on the woman’s right forearm and on the back of her neck. When a friend came out of another room, Gray left the apartment.
Gray told olice he was at the residence to confront the woman because he believed she was stealing his Social Security and food stamp money. He said he entered the apartment because she allowed him inside and that he never struck the her. He could not explain how she acquired her injuries.
In a related call, an officer responded to a Larson Street residence where a man said his neighbor informed him Gray had thrown an object into his windshield, causing damage. The officer viewed surveillance video of the incident. A neighbor said he saw Gray walking away from the victim’s vehicle.
Gray was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for domestic abuse battery, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, resisting an officer, and two counts of criminal damage the property. His bail amount was set at $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.
There was once a farmer that had an old mule named Betsy. Betsy was up in age but still worked hard with the farmer six days a week. The farmer and Betsy both rested on Sunday.
One Sunday, the farmer and Betsy were out enjoying a warm spring day when Betsy wandered into an area behind the barn and accidentally slid down into an old water well that was almost ten feet deep.
Old Betsy was stunned, scared, and starting to make noises that old mules make when they slide into a well on a Sunday. The old farmer heard Betsy and soon discovered what happened. He didn’t know what to do. There was no way he could pull Betsy out. He wasn’t sure how bad she might be hurt.
After a few minutes, Betsy stopped making noises. Everything was quiet. The farmer assumed that Betsy had passed. He slowly walked to the barn to get his shovel. He would bury Betsy in that old well.
As he started to shovel, the dirt hit old Betsy’s back. The old mule was still alive and not injured at all. She shook the dirt off her back and lifted her hooves to step up over the dirt. This process was repeated each time the old farmer put a shovel full of dirt into the well.
After about thirty minutes of steady shoveling, the farmer looked down into the well and saw Betsy shaking the dirt off and stepping up. She was now about five feet from the surface. The farmer went back to shoveling and old Betsy just kept shaking it off and stepping up. This process continued until old Betsy stepped out of the well.
There’s a great lesson from old Betsy. Negative comments, discouraging outcomes, uncertain futures, and unfair decisions can have huge impacts on many of us. We can become debilitated, disillusioned, and depressed. Tough times can shut many of us down.
Can we take a lesson from old Betsy and learn to both shake it off and step up? Old Betsy didn’t like the dirt on her, so she got it off and stepped up over it. She didn’t let the dirt bury her. In fact, the dirt intended to bury her was the key to her getting out of that well! The very thing intended to bury her was her answer to life! The key was the response.
The obstacles that you currently face may also be opportunities. Opportunities for you to take that next step forward. Consider these thoughts:
Hard doesn’t mean you aren’t good at it! Don’t stop pursuing something important to you when it gets hard!
Don’t believe everything you think! Sometimes, our mind takes us places that we don’t need to go.
Your deepest pit may be the springboard for your highest platform. The tougher the challenge, the more rewarding the solution.
Don’t sit too long in despair. No one thinks themselves into feeling better. Do something. Get moving. Anything is better than nothing.
Struggling is not failing. Quitting is failing.
Where do you need to shake it off and step up? It’s not enough to just shake it off and hold on to bitterness, anger, or jealousy. You must step up too. Step up and leave those negative feelings behind.
Let’s take a lesson from old Betsy and move toward living an abundant life!
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.
Ruston’s Fabian Stringfellow (with ball) led the Bearcats with 14 points, is pictured pushing the ball up the court. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
The game clock gave Ruston High School basketball team its biggest problem Wednesday night, not Northwood High School.
In fact, the Falcons didn’t present much trouble at all for the Bearcats.
With the teams facing off in a game featuring a portable scoreboard set up on the scorer’s table due to clock malfunction with the main scoreboard, Ruston took control early on and raced to a 59-16 win over Northwood inside the RHS main gym
Ruston’s Joran Parker stopped and popped a 3-pointer 30 seconds into the contest before Northwood countered with a pair of free throws to cut the Bearcats’ lead to one point.
But a dunk from sophomore post player Ahmad Hudson a minute later stretched the Bearcats’ advantage to three points at 5-2 at the 6:23 mark of the opening stanza.
That’s as close as the Falcons would get the remainder of the contest as the Bearcats built a 14-4 lead by the end of the opening stanza and 32-8 at halftime.
Ruston capped off its strong second quarter with a dunk by Aidan Anding, another 3-pointer by Parker and a putback dunk by Hudson accounting for all the points scored in the final 2:44 of the first half.
But despite his team’s solid offensive play, assistant coach Corey Dean, filling in for head coach Marcus Jackson, said the Bearcats’ winning effort against the Falcons was all about defense.
“We changed defense a lot tonight,” Deans said. “We’re working to play multiple defenses because I think that will help us out in district play. And when someone starts scoring on a different defense we’re trying, we’ll switch back to our base defense, which is man-to-man.”
Deans looked to his bench in the second half with Ruston leading 48-13 by the end of the third quarter and with a running clock in the fourth.
“The good thing about us is that all 10 guys have started multiple games for us this year, so I don’t look at them as starters or reserves,” Deans said. “Zheric Hill has started for us the last two weeks. Zetarrion (Sutton) came back for us today. That gives us depth. But Hill has made a seamless transition back to (being a) starter.”
Fabian Stringfellow topped Ruston with 14 points on the night while Parker added 12 for the Bearcats.
“Those two guys were key pieces to Ruston’s success last season,” Deans said. “Those guys are getting the hang of a new coach and a new system and hopefully that can continue by playing well on Friday (at Neville).”
Hudson chipped in with nine points for Ruston while blocking numerous Northwood shot attempts and Sutton and CJ Malone added five each.
Deans said that the Bearcats (14-10 overall and 2-0 in District 2-5A) are leaning toward thinking big in that upcoming game at Neville.
“Defending and winning the boards will be key,” Deans said. “Hopefully we can go to a bigger lineup trying to get more offensive boards. We used Zheric and Ahmad on the floor at the same time last week. Tonight it just helped out with our rotation to have them playing at opposite times.
“But rotating Zheric, Ahmad and Mason Delaney trying to keep two on the floor together will be key.”
Gioia Tatum led the Lady Bearcats with 15 points on Wednesday night against Northwood. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
The Ruston High School girls basketball team got off to a strong Wednesday at home against Northwood.
But the ending wasn’t so strong as the Lady Falcons battled battled back to defeat the Lady Bearcats 52-41 inside the RHS main gym
Ruston built as much as a nine-point lead early on and stood on top 15-8 at the end of the opening stanza.
Slowly but surely Northwood chipped away at the RHS lead in the second quarter, tying the contest at 16-16 on a short jumper by Aly Brewer with 4:57 remaining in the first half.
Northwood moved out in front at 19-17 on a 3-point shot at the 4:16 mark of the second quarter and never relinquished the lead from there, going into the locker rooms at halftime up 25-22.
The Lady Falcons outscored Ruston 10-5 in the third quarter to build a 35-37 advantage heading into the final eight minutes of play and then opened the fourth stanza with a 9-0 run to build a 44-27 lead with 5:42 remaining.
Ruston’s Gioia Tatum hit a 3-pointer from above the key with 3:05 left on the clock to cut Northwood’s lead to 46-45 and then pulled within nine at 46-37 on free throws by Samiya Lewis, but that’s as close as Ruston would get the rest of the way as the Lady Falcons continuing their physical play from start to finish with both teams sent to the locker room right after the final buzzer sounded after nearly skirmishing on court.
“We started out playing strong,” Cooper said. “We were executing the game play. I know Gioia had a really good night knocking down 3s. Gioia and Bailee (Harrison) did a good job defensively stepping over and taking those charges.
“Their best player was going to try to get to the paint and create layups, we knew that going in, and Samiya and Jasmine (Sunnerford) did a good job of stepping up and applying that defensive pressure to her. We held their best player to zero points.”
Tatum led RHS with 15 points — all on 3-pointers — while Kiersynce McNeal added eight.
Cooper said once her Lady Bearcats lost their rhythm in the second quarter, they never managed to find it again,
“We got comfortable once we built the lead,” Cooper said. “We got comfortable, and once we gave the lead up we couldn’t take the game back, Down the stretch it came down to simple mental mistakes that cost us the game.”
Next up for the Lady Bearcats (8-10 and 2-1 in 2-5A) will be a district game at Neville on Friday.
The detective was dead. On August 6, 1975, the New York Times published a front-page obituary for one of the most famous private detectives in history. Before becoming a private investigator, he had been a high-ranking detective in the Belgian police force. In 1904, he was forced to flee his home because of the invasion, occupation, torture, and mass murder of Belgian citizens by German troops during World War I in what is now referred to as the Rape of Belgium. The detective became a refugee and fled to a town called Styles St. Mary in Essex, England. Despite being a man of small stature—he stood only about 5 feet 4 inches tall—the detective was proud, always impeccably dressed, and very clever.
Shortly after his arrival in England, a wealthy, elderly lady was murdered in her home in the same small town in which he had settled. A friend of the murdered lady knew of the detective’s police background and asked him to help. The Scotland Yard detective allowed the former police detective into the home just to see if there was anything he could offer. Within a short time, the Belgian refugee had solved the crime, earned the respect and friendship of the Scotland Yard detective, and began his career as a private detective. For decades, the private detective had worked independently and with Scotland Yard to solve crimes.
The private detective, now aged, wheelchair bound because of arthritis, and suffering from a weak heart, was working a murder case in the small town where his private detective career began, Styles St. Mary. The private detective linked four other unsolved murders to the one he was investigating. Through meticulous investigation, the private detective learned the identity of the murderer and wrote it down in a detailed letter to an acquaintance. He went to bed that night without taking his amyl nitrite heart medicine and died during the night from a heart attack.
The New York Times reported that the detective’s age was unknown. Although elderly, the proud detective concealed his age with false hair and makeup. Even his being wheelchair bound was a ploy to help him gain information in what was to be his last case. The former Belgian police detective, the refugee who escaped the atrocities of the Germans, the private detective who purportedly died as a result of a heart attack while solving his last case, was murdered. He was murdered by his own creator. The private detective was the creation of the most successful novelist of all time, outsold only by Shakespeare and the Bible. The private detective’s name was Hercule Poirot. He was murdered by Dame Agatha Christie just months before her own death. The obituary published on the front page of the New York Times on August 6, 1975, was the first instance in which the newspaper had printed an obituary for a fictional character.
Source:
1. The New York Times, August 6, 1975, p.1.
2. Agatha Christie, The Mysterious Affair at Styles (New York: John Lane, 1920).
3. Agatha Christie, Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case (London: Collins Crime Club, 1975).
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Louisiana Tech begins a three-game home stand on tonight with a nationally televised matchup versus WKU inside the Thomas Assembly Center on Karl Malone Court.
Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. and the game can be heard on the LA Tech Sports Network on 107.5 FM with Malcolm Butler and Jack Thigpen providing a call of the action.
LA Tech (13-6, 2-4) was unable to get a road win this past week, narrowly falling to Kennesaw State by a score of 78-76. Down seven with 2:22 to go, the Bulldogs pulled to within one and had a couple of chances to tie the game but ended up dropping their fourth consecutive conference game on the road.
The matchup versus KSU marked the 200th Conference USA game for LA Tech who joined the league during the 2013-14 season. The Bulldogs own a 128-72 record (64.0) in league contests, which is the fourth-best winning percentage in conference history behind only Cincinnati, Memphis, and Old Dominion.
Having played four of their first six league games on the road (those opponents are a combined 32-2 at home this season), the Bulldogs look to protect home court where they are 7-1 this season and 82-18 all-time in CUSA games.
Daniel Batcho is currently the only player in college basketball to be averaging at least 18 points, six rebounds, and two blocks per game. He led the Bulldogs in scoring for the eighth time this season, recording 23 points versus the Owls.
Sean Newman Jr. is nearly averaging a double-double at 9.9 points and 9.3 assists per game, which ranks second in the country along with his total of 177 assists behind only Ryan Nembhard of Gonzaga. Just 19 games into the season, he has already cracked the top 10 for most assists in program history ranking ninth. He dished out seven assists against KSU, marking the 16th time this season with at least seven dimes in a game.
WKU (11-7, 2-3) had a great close to the non-conference season, winning six of its last seven with the lone loss coming at Michigan. That momentum continued into Conference USA play as the Hilltoppers took down Liberty in Lynchburg, overcoming a 14-point second half deficit to win, 71-70, and hand the Flames their first home loss of the year. WKU has struggled a bit since then though, dropping three of its last four league games with losses to FUI, Jacksonville State, and a 71-57 loss this past Saturday to rival Middle Tennessee.
WKU, who had the highest scoring offense in CUSA last season, continued that trend this year. During non-conference, the Hilltoppers averaged 80.6 points per game. However, in their five league games so far, WKU is averaging just 69.2 points per game while shooting 38.1 percent from the field and 28.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Some of that has had to do with the loss of forward Babacar Faye who has missed their last eight games due to injury. Prior to injury, he was second on the team in scoring (15.2 points per game) and first in rebounding (7.8 boards per contest). Even so, the Hilltoppers continue to rank top five in the country in tempo.
LA Tech and WKU are tied, 22-22, in the all-time series that began back in 1928. After spending 10 seasons as league foes in the Sun Belt Conference (1991-01), the Bulldogs and Hilltoppers are entering their 11th season together as league foes in CUSA.
Since becoming league foes again, it has been a highly competitive series with LA Tech owning a slim 9-7 edge (11 of the last 15 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less or in overtime — three OT games). The two teams split last season’s series with both victories coming on the road.
Louisiana Tech football will host a special National Signing Day Live recap show on Wednesday, February 5 at 6:00 p.m. at the Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux in Shreveport.
Bulldog fans are invited to join head coach Sonny Cumbie at the Shreveport Walk-On’s location for a social hour from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. followed by a breakdown of the 2025 signing class at 6:00 p.m. along with the 2025 football schedule.
“We’re excited to get back over to Shreveport for our National Signing Day Live show,” stated Cumbie. “The support we had from our fans during the bowl game in Shreveport was incredible, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone again as we discuss this outstanding signing class.
“It’s also a great opportunity to introduce our new offensive coordinator, Tony Franklin, and defensive coordinator, Luke Olson. This is going to be a special night for Louisiana Tech football.”
Fans will also hear from newly appointed offensive coordinator Tony Franklin and defensive coordinator Luke Olson.
The event will be live streamed on the Louisiana Tech Athletics YouTube page beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Funeral services for Karen Laverne Jordan Bozeman, age 70 of Dubach, LA, will be held at 12:00 PM, Friday, January 24, 2025, at Gateway Tabernacle in Kirbyville, TX with Rev. Kevin Cox and Rev. Danny Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in the Antioch Cemetery in Buna, TX, under the direction of Adams E.E. Stringer Funeral Home in Kirbyville, TX. Visitation is scheduled from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM prior to the service at Gateway Tabernacle. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
A memorial service is scheduled for 6:00 PM, Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Kings Court United Pentecostal Church, 2401 S. Service Rd. W., Ruston, LA 71270. Church member and friends who are unable to travel to Texas are invited to attend this service.
Mrs. Bozeman was born August 4, 1954 to Glenn and Laverne Jordan. She passed away at her home, Sunday, January 19, 2025. She is preceded in death by her mother, LaVerne Jordan; her brother, Samuel Jordan; and her daughter, Sabrina Bozeman.
Karen is survived by her husband of 47 years, Sammy Bozeman; her son, Reggie Bozeman and his wife Mary; her father and stepmother, Glenn and Mary Jordan; her brothers, Gary Jordan and his wife Rhonda, Phillip Jordan and his wife Annette, and Mark Jordan; her sister, Rhonda and her husband Anthony Page; two grandchildren, Lucas and Olivia Bozeman; along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.
At an early age, Karen loved music. She began to help lead worship in her father’s church when there was no one else to play. Soon she was able to play anything with keys: piano, organ, and even the accordion. Little did she know that this was the Lord’s doing, as she would marry an evangelist by the name of Sammy Bozeman. They traveled the country together ministering in 33 states and even ministered in 3 countries as well. Life finally slowed down as they became Pastors, but she still loved to travel and she always enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Her favorite time of the year was always the holidays, but Christmas held a special place in her heart, where she would decorate the entire house inside and out, and do not forget all of the Christmas trees that would be up. Her whole life, she loved the work of the Lord and epitomized the scripture, “Whatsoever your hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might;…”. She was the quintessential minister’s wife helping in any way that was needed to fulfill the work of God. She will be missed by all who knew her and loved her.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: The Karen Bozeman Project, Kings Court United Pentecostal Church, P.O. Box 2576, Ruston, LA 71273-2576.
Varice Dade Friday 10/31/1930 — Saturday 01/18/2025 Visitation: Friday 01/31/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 02/01/2025 12:00pm, Zion Traveler Baptist Church, 1201 Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston Interment: Saturday 02/01/2025, Macedonia # 2 Church Cemetery, Sibley Road, Choudrant
Annie R. Atkins Friday 12/05/1941 — Thursday 01/16/2025 Family Gathering: Friday 01/24/2025 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Friday 01/24/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 01/25/2025 11:00am, 521 Mt. Olive Church Road, Grambling Interment: Saturday 01/25/2025 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
Jerry B. Williams Wednesday 02/16/1949 — Saturday 01/18/2025 Memorial Service: Thursday 01/23/2025 10:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Thursday 01/23/2025 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
Karen LaVerne Bozeman August 4, 1954 – January 19, 2025 Visitation: Friday, January 24, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Gateway Tabernacle, 22690 US Highway 96 South, Kirbyville, TX Funeral Service: Friday, January 24, 2025, 12:00 PM, Gateway Tabernacle, 22690 US Highway 96 South, Kirbyville, TX Cemetery Committal: Friday, January 24, 2025, 1:30 PM, Antioch Cemetery, 18540 FM 1004, Buna, TX
The City of Ruston is searching for a new police chief after Steve Rogers announced his impending retirement.
Rogers, who has been RPD chief for approximately 17 years, told a number in local law enforcement late in 2024 that his retirement will be official February 21, according to sources. Others privately told the Lincoln Parish Journal they were caught unaware the process was already in motion when testing for the job was posted by civil service.
Rogers confirmed to the Lincoln Parish Journal Tuesday that it was time to retire, joking, “I’m getting old” and that it was time to spend more time with his grandchildren.
Since the job is a competitive civil service position, those interested in the position must take and pass a written examination to be placed on an eligibility list. Testing is administered by the Louisiana Municipal Police and Fire Civil Service System.
The website for the system posted an announcement of testing for Ruston chief of police on November 20. The posting, which provided a link to the application, closed December 20.
In the past when the police chief position was vacant, the written test was scheduled a few weeks after the application period closed. Once the test is administered, the city typically has received test scores within 30 days.
Mayor Ronny Walker said Tuesday he is awaiting the test scores, but noted state office closures because of weather might delay them. Once the scores are received, he will interview candidates.
“We hope to have someone in place before [Rogers] retires,” Walker said, but noted the process can’t proceed until the test scores are received.
“If we have to name an interim [chief], that’s what we will do,” Walker said.
“We hope all of them pass the test,” the mayor said of the applicants.
The local civil service board must also approve the applicants as meeting minimum qualifications for the job, Walker said.
Walker said he will interview candidates, but the hiring decision is made by a vote of the city council.
The Journal has learned approximately eight internal and external candidates took the exam. At least one external candidate is a former RPD officer.
When asked what he might be looking for in a new chief, Walker said, “In today’s world, you don’t have many people applying to be police officers. We need someone who is willing to think outside the box totally when it comes to recruiting.”
Walker said Ruston is a great city with decent salaries for police officers so the police department should be an attractive prospect for individuals seeking a law enforcement position.
The mayor also cited the need for the new chief to be someone whose past experiences show he or she has the ability to lead RPD.
“I’m also looking for someone who can think outside the box when it comes to how we police in today’s world,” he said. “Let’s face it, 2025 is totally different from 1995.”
Rogers said, “I’ve been chief 17 years, been with the city 20 years, and in policing for 37 years,” noting he had been contemplating the decision for some time.
When asked about his future plans, Rogers said, “Take it easy, visit with my grandkids, do things time wouldn’t allow me to do before.”
Scott Boatright and Malcolm Butler contributed to this report.
Ruston native Max Causey (far right) will be a part of the officiating crew calling Super Bowl LIX.
by Malcolm Butler
Ruston native and former Louisiana Tech quarterback Max Causey will be living a dream during Super Bowl LIX.
The third-year NFL official was selected to be a part of the Super Bowl LIX officiating crew and will serve as the down judge.
Causey just recently finished his third NFL regular season and most recently was part of the officiating crew for the Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions playoff game last weekend in Detroit.
On Tuesday, the NFL announced the Causey will join Mike Morton (Umpire), Mark Stewart (Line Judge), Mearl Robinson (Field Judge), Boris Cheek (Side Judge), Jonah Monroe (Back Judge) and Kevin Brown (Replay Official) as the crew that will wear the striped shirts in the 59th Super Bowl.
The game is set for Sunday, February 9 with a 5:30 p.m. kickoff at the Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans which will pit the winner of Buffalo vs. Kansas City against the winner of Philadelphia and Washington.
NFL officials are not allowed to conduct interviews with media members during the season per NFL rules so Causey was unable to talk following Tuesday’s news.
“For whatever reason, God has chosen to bless me and allowed a position to open up,” said Causey during the May of 2022 interview after learning of the news. “It’s a huge honor.”
Causey, who prepped at West Monroe High School before signing at Louisiana Tech and lettering for the Bulldogs for four seasons, started officiating high school games in 2006.
He joined the college ranks when he was assigned one Conference USA game in 2012 and then six more in 2013. He began to work a full Conference USA schedule in 2014 before he eventually moved to the PAC-12 in 2020.
Now just three year’s after joining the professional ranks, Causey will be calling the biggest NFL game of the year in his home state of Louisiana.
