That was the situation facing the Lincoln Parish Library (LPL) Board of Control’s Events Center Committee as it met Tuesday night in the George Byrnside Conference Room at the LPL.
Much of the discussion centered on developing policies to recommend to the full LPL Board of Control regarding the use of newly acquired kitchen equipment at the Events Center, including food warmers and a commercial oven.
By the end of the meeting, however, there were more questions than answers.
The LPL Events Center recently purchased an industrial convection oven, four 5-foot warmers and two cases of trays that caterers will be able to use during events.
Those purchases were made at the recommendation of Lincoln Parish Police Juror Chris “Moose” Garriga, a restaurant owner and caterer. During a previous Lincoln Parish Police Jury meeting — when the LPPJ approved the LPL Board’s request to amend regulations allowing alcohol to be served in the building — Garriga said such equipment could increase rental use of the facility.
Now, the LPL Board of Control is working to establish policies governing that equipment.
The oven has not yet been installed in the Events Center kitchen. LPL Director Jeremy Bolom said no bids for installation have been received.
Bolom added that additional electrical work is needed, as using two warmers in the same area has caused circuits to trip.
The board also must approve the purchase of additional warming shelves before individual trays can be fully utilized. Each warmer has space for eight shelves, meaning 16 shelves are needed.
Currently, the Events Center does not have enough. Bolom said the facility has one case of shelf trays, with 12 trays per case, meaning at least four more are needed for full use of each warmer.
The kitchen also has a linoleum floor that Events Center Director Kacie Richard said must be taped down. The committee advised Richard and Bolom to obtain estimates to replace the flooring with the concrete foundation underneath.
A significant portion of the nearly hour-long meeting focused on how to address trash being left in the parking lot outside the Events Center.
The committee discussed adding more garbage cans to the front of the LPL/Events Center building but expressed concern that placing cans in the parking area could lead to damage from vehicles.
Members also discussed potential issues involving noise from DJs or concerts during events such as proms being held at the same time as quieter gatherings.
“I’m not there a lot on weekends because I work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” Richard said. “So the board has to tell me if I’m the person who has to tell people putting on a prom or an event like that we need to turn the DJs and music down.”
Committee Chair Bill Jones asked Richard to check with city officials on how similar situations are handled at events held at City Hall.
All of those matters will be presented to the full LPL Board of Control at its May meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. May 21.
Few flowers define the Southern landscape as clearly as the camellia.
Blooming in the quiet months when most of the garden lies bare, the camellia stands apart—its glossy green leaves framing blooms of white, pink, and deep red that seem almost too perfect to be real. Each flower unfolds with a kind of deliberate grace, layered petals arranged with a precision that has fascinated gardeners for generations.
In contrast to the many flowers that fade quickly in the heat, the camellia thrives in the cool of winter and early spring, bringing color when it is least expected. Its blooms do not simply wilt—they fall whole, dropping intact from the plant as if placed gently on the ground. For many, that alone sets it apart.
Across the South, camellias have long been a point of pride, carefully cultivated and shared among neighbors. Cuttings are passed from yard to yard, names are remembered, and certain plants become tied to families and places just as much as homes and traditions.
Interest in camellias—particularly among men—had been building in Ruston for years. As early as 1947, a meeting of the Cosmos Club, a Ruston women’s organization, included a presentation noting the growing appeal of the camellia among male enthusiasts. The speaker noted the camellia was becoming something of a “men’s flower,” pointing out more men’s clubs than women’s clubs had attended a recent convention of the Louisiana Camellia Society.
By 1950, that interest had begun to take organized form. Ruston had established a men’s camellia club with Hollis Hearne serving as president. That same year, Stewart Hunt of Ruston received a blue ribbon for a camellia he entered in a show hosted by the Shreveport Men’s Camellia Club, evidence local growers were already participating in a broader network of enthusiasts across the region.
By the 1950s, camellias had become a visible part of Ruston’s landscape. Thriving in the shade of the towering oak trees surrounding many of the city’s homes, they were well suited to the local environment. Vendors such as Driggers Nursery on Cooktown Road, Ridgdill Nursery on Highway 80 east of town, and Townsend’s Garden Center offered camellias for sale to homeowners eager to add the prized blooms to their yards. Camellias were not inexpensive, often costing more than other popular greenery of the time, such as azaleas, pyracantha, and Buford holly, making them something of an investment.
Men’s camellia clubs were not unique to Ruston. Similar organizations had taken root in cities such as Shreveport, New Orleans, and Bogalusa, reflecting a broader statewide enthusiasm for the flower.
By 1961, however, interest in the Ruston club had apparently waned. That March, Hollis Hearne issued a call for men interested in forming—or perhaps reviving—a camellia club to gather at city hall. The response marked a second renaissance of the club as the Ruston Men’s Camellia Society. Hearne was again elected president, with Nick Medica serving as vice president and Charles H. Edwards, Jr. as secretary-treasurer.
The club moved quickly from organization to activity.
By December of that same year, the Ruston group hosted the Louisiana Camellia Society. According to Louisiana Tech professor John G. Wright, the society’s board of directors met in Ruston on December 8 at Lincoln Courts, followed by a supper attended by state officers, directors, past presidents, and local members.
That evening an open meeting was held at the Louisiana Tech Little Theater. The program featured a panel discussion composed of camellia experts from the state board, with Nick Medica, now president, representing the Ruston club. The purpose of the gathering, Wright noted, was to stimulate further interest in the growing of camellias.
Visitors from Alexandria, Shreveport, Monroe, El Dorado, and other surrounding areas attended, underscoring both the popularity of the camellia and Ruston’s place within that wider network of enthusiasts.
The club remained active for years afterward. By 1977, it was hosting its 18th annual camellia show, with Lincoln Bank sponsoring the event at the Ruston Civic Center for several years. The show invited the public to view exhibits and share in the beauty of blooms grown by local members.
Hollis Hearne, who had led the club’s revival in 1961, was still listed among its members. Others associated with the show included Dudley Cowan, serving as president, along with Pat Pierce, Dr. Wallace Herbert, Skip Daugherty, and Roy Ezell.
By 1980, membership in the club had dwindled to around ten men. A brief resurgence came in 1987, when the Monroe camellia club disbanded and several of its members joined the Ruston group. But by 1990, with long-time members aging or passing away and little interest in the hobby among younger generations, the club gradually faded from view.
Such events reflected more than an interest in gardening. They spoke to a time when community life was built around shared interests, and when even a flower could bring people together for fellowship, learning, and friendly competition.
Though the club itself has disappeared, its legacy remains. Camellias still bloom in yards across Ruston and Lincoln Parish, quiet reminders of a time when the arrival of winter flowers was enough to draw a community together.
In Ruston, as in much of the South, the camellia was more than a flower.
A Ruston man was arrested on a felony charge involving a juvenile following an investigation by the Ruston Police Department, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
Bernardo Cervantes, 24, of Ruston, was arrested shortly after midnight on April 26 at a residence on Indiana Avenue.
According to the report, officers were dispatched around 12:25 a.m. to an Indiana Avenue residence after a request from the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office to attempt to locate a 14-year-old female who had reportedly run away with a 24-year-old male.
Officers made contact with Cervantes and the juvenile. Both were transported to the Ruston Police Department for questioning, with the juvenile separated from Cervantes.
The report states the juvenile told officers she had engaged in consensual sexual relations with Cervantes in Webster Parish. She said he later attempted nonconsensual sex with her in Lincoln Parish. Cervantes initially denied the allegations but later admitted to consensual sexual relations in Claiborne Parish, according to the report.
Following interviews with Cervantes and the juvenile, officers arrested Cervantes for felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. He was transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
Bail was set at $65,000.
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.
Director of Programming Averie Manuel, sitting on top of one of the houses cans collected during Greek Week.
Courtesy of Louisiana Tech Panhellenic Council
What started as a simple idea to add a new activity to Greek Week at Louisiana Tech University turned into an extraordinary act of service, resulting in more than 53,000 canned goods donated to help fight hunger across northeast Louisiana.
Several months ago, Greek adviser Craig Moss met with Greek Council leaders to begin planning the university’s annual Greek Week. Looking to bring something new to the tradition, Moss proposed adding flag football to the sorority competition — but with a meaningful twist. Instead of a typical entry fee, participants would donate canned goods.
Moss said the goal was to emphasize purpose beyond competition.
“He wanted the men and women to know and understand we are working for something bigger than ourselves,” organizers said.
The idea quickly gained traction. Panhellenic Greek Week Chair Averie Manuel and Panhellenic President Sofia Zubiate expanded on the concept, introducing a competitive element: Sororities would earn points based on the number of cans they collected throughout the week’s events.
That addition ignited a surge of enthusiasm across sorority life.
Members from Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Delta, Phi Mu and Sigma Kappa embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. What followed was a remarkable display of teamwork and determination. Students cleared shelves at local grocery stores and even traveled to nearby cities such as Minden, Monroe and Shreveport to gather more donations.
The friendly rivalry quickly turned into something much larger.
By the end of Greek Week, the sororities had collected 53,095 canned goods for the Northeast Louisiana Food Bank, far exceeding expectations and setting a new standard for future service efforts.
Manuel and Zubiate, along with Greek Week chairs from each sorority, coordinated the effort and helped channel the competitive energy into meaningful impact.
Moss praised the students for their dedication and compassion.
“These ladies are absolutely phenomenal,” he said. “Their hearts, compassion, willingness to serve, the selflessness — and then you throw in a little competition — I am in awe of them.”
The success of this year’s Greek Week highlights the powerful combination of community service and student leadership, demonstrating how a simple idea can grow into a movement that makes a real difference.
Ruston Community Theatre has unveiled its upcoming season, featuring six can’t-miss productions that promise to entertain, inspire, and delight audiences of all ages.
What began as a humble, community-driven effort in 1977 has grown into a cornerstone of the local performing arts scene, thanks to the unwavering dedication of passionate board members, the loyal support of patrons and sponsors, and the vision of leaders who have guided RCT through decades of growth and achievement.
Blending beloved classics with fresh, exciting titles, RCT’s 49th season is poised to offer something for everyone—and plenty of reasons to take a seat and enjoy the show. The season promises not to disappoint, with four mainstage productions and two junior productions.
Kicking off the season is the darkly comedic musical The Addams Family. Then, return to Bedford Falls for the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life. After the new year, set sail for the first junior cast production—a farcical rendition of Treasure Island: A New Adventure. Originally planned for 2020 and ultimately canceled due to the pandemic, the suspenseful Wait Until Dark is slated for next spring. The summer of 2027 will bring the junior musical—Disney’s hit High School Musical: On Stage. The season will close with a musical adaptation of the classic movie Meet Me in St. Louis.
2026–2027 Main Season
The Addams Family (October 8–11, 2026) – The creepy and kooky Addams family takes the stage in a comical feast that embraces the quirkiness that holds families together. In this musical adaptation, Wednesday Addams, princess of darkness, has fallen in love with a sweet, handsome, and normal boy! As Wednesday wrestles with upholding her family’s spooky legacy or trying something new, the family prepares for a “meet the parents” dinner where normal and paranormal collide. The show features a script by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. It will be directed by Tami Alexander and produced in partnership with Origin Bank.
It’s a Wonderful Life (December 10–13, 2026) – Based on the Frank Capra film, which has become a holiday tradition for many, this stage adaptation by James W. Rodgers faithfully adheres to the source material. George Bailey, an average, hard-working family man and upstanding citizen, has repeatedly denied himself for the needs of others. When a banking error leaves him in deep debt, he contemplates taking his own life as his only escape. His redemption comes by way of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, who shows him a glimpse of what the world would be like if he had never been born. This show will be directed by Steele Moegle and produced in partnership with Andy Halbrook at Edward Jones Investments.
Wait Until Dark (April 8–11, 2027) – As Susan Hendrix learns to cope as a blind woman, having lost her sight a year earlier, she finds herself in a game of cat and mouse with three suspicious men. With only an adolescent girl as an ally, she plans to outwit her foes by the cunning use of darkness to gain the upper hand. The play is written by Frederick Knott and will be directed by Mary Watkins.
Meet Me in St. Louis (July 22–25, 2027) – Based on the nostalgic film, this stage musical adaptation won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 1990. Return to the simpler times of the early 1900s, when everyone is eagerly awaiting the opening of the 1904 World’s Fair. The show spans the course of a year in the lives of the Smith family as they experience romance, new opportunities, and sudden change. The family’s routine life is drastically shaken when the father announces plans to move to New York. As the seasons change, the family leans on one another and rediscovers the value of love and familial bonds. The musical features well-known, warm songs by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, with a book by Hugh Wheeler. The production is directed by Dee Alexander and produced in partnership with the Chumley family.
2026–2027 Junior Shows
Treasure Island: A New Adventure (February 18–21, 2027) – Grab your eye patch and peg leg for a swashbuckling adventure across the seven seas to claim the treasure of Skull Island. This playful, comedic take on the classic story follows young Jim Hawkins as he embarks on a fortune-seeking quest after discovering a treasure map. With plenty of puns and pirate antics, this adaptation by A.J. Allegra, James Bartelle, and Alex Marinez Wallace will certainly shiver your timbers! This show is produced in partnership with Century Next Bank and directed by Tami Alexander.
High School Musical: On Stage (June 24–27, 2027) – Everyone remembers the cliques of high school. But when basketball captain and archetypal jock Troy Bolton discovers his love of singing and decides to audition for the spring musical with brainy mathlete Gabriella, the blending of social circles sends shockwaves through the school. There’s no going back to the “status quo” once everyone learns to embrace their hidden passions, regardless of social labels. Based on the smash Disney Channel movie sensation, this stage adaptation features a script by David Simpatico and music by various composers. The show will be directed by Steele Moegle and produced in partnership with Jonesboro State Bank.
From laughter to suspense to show-stopping musical numbers, this season truly has it all! Ruston Community Theatre continues its tradition of bringing exceptional, family-friendly entertainment to the stage—so grab your seats and plan to experience every show. Season memberships go on sale later this year, with details coming soon. Follow RCT on social media and join the mailing list to stay in the know. Start marking those calendars—an unforgettable 49th season awaits!
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 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office
On March 31, 2026, DeMontre Robinson of Haynesville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to racketeering charges as head of a drug trafficking organization that operated in Claiborne Parish for the past seven years.
His plea follows guilty pleas from other co-conspirators, including Ashley Morgan, Cheryl Bragg, John Michael Jackson, Corey Scott, Jelisha Warren, Desmond Mattox, Nicholas Willis, Falante Hill, Yul McGee, Orillian Guidry of Los Angeles, California, Fernando Grider, Alonzo Jackson, Jamie Rockett, Dedarion Robinson, and Donnell Mitchell. Demontre Robinson pleaded guilty as charged, and the judge accepted the 23-year, hard labor sentence recommended by the State, none of which was suspended.
In late 2024, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with the Louisiana State Police’s Drug Enforcement Task Force, became aware of large quantities of methamphetamines, marijuana, and cocaine being shipped from California and Texas to Claiborne Parish for local distribution. The State Police Task Force joined with CPSO in executing warrants for real-time wiretaps of Robinson’s two cell phone numbers.
Law enforcement officers worked tirelessly to intercept and catalog more than 15,000 cell phone calls during the 60 days the wiretap warrant remained in effect. Through these calls, as well as many controlled buys of narcotics, law enforcement was able to identify exactly how the drug trafficking organization conducted its operations, who ran the organization, where it received its drugs from, and how it distributed the narcotics it sold locally.
On January 31, 2025, after months of intensive investigation, over 350 officers from all over the state of Louisiana descended upon Claiborne Parish to aid the Louisiana State Police and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office with simultaneously striking multiple homes where the drug trafficking organization operated.
On that day, the members of Robinson’s criminal organization were arrested and charged with crimes ranging from racketeering to possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and attempted murder. District Attorney Danny Newell tasked Colvin and Brown to lead the prosecution, rather than the Attorney General’s office. Colvin and Brown presented the cases to a grand jury who returned indictments against all, and the prosecution commenced.
According to Cary Brown, “This was the largest drug trafficking organization in operation anywhere around Claiborne Parish. We are very pleased with the plea arrangement and jail time that Robinson received.”
Jim Colvin added that, “30 years ago, my wife and I chose to make Claiborne Parish our home. Robinson’s organization was responsible for putting a significant amount of drugs onto the streets of our town and neighboring communities, harming Claiborne Parish families. This threat is now over.”
Pounds of methamphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, and promethazine were seized during the investigation. Additionally, approximately $5,000 in cash, seven guns, and twelve vehicles were seized. To date, 14 members of the Robinson drug trafficking organization have pleaded guilty as charged and have agreed to a combined 155 years at hard labor jail sentences, all of which are to be served without suspension.
Newell, Brown, and Colvin credit the tireless effort of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, the United States Postal Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. All of them devoted so much of their time and effort investigating this case and providing to the District Attorneys’ office the evidence needed to successfully prosecute this complicated and far-reaching case, as well as the contributions of Cliff Stryder, whose assistance in this prosecution was invaluable.
Finally, a special thanks on behalf of the citizens of Claiborne Parish to the over 350 law enforcement officers that successfully served and executed the arrest warrants without injury to anyone.
A Ruston man was arrested Friday night following a hit-and-run crash that left multiple people injured, according to an affidavit filed by Ruston Police.
Police identified the suspect as Jeffrey M. Williamson, 58. Officers were dispatched around 10:03 p.m. to the South Service Road near Willow Glen Drive regarding a crash involving at least three vehicles.
According to the report, officers arrived to find one of the vehicles had struck two others, causing minor injuries to some occupants and more significant injuries to others. Several individuals required medical attention and were transported for treatment.
Investigators determined Williams, one of the drivers involved, had fled the scene on foot before police arrived. Witness statements and evidence at the scene indicated Williamson had been operating the vehicle responsible for the crash.
Police later located Williamson in a nearby wooded area. The affidavit states officers observed signs of impairment, including slurred speech, unsteady balance, and the odor of alcohol. Williamson allegedly admitted to being involved in the crash but claimed he left the scene due to fear.
Authorities also discovered Williamson had an active warrant for failure to appear in Ruston City Court on a driving under suspension charge..
Williamson was taken into custody and transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. He refused to submit to a breath test.
Williamson was booked for first offense DWI, hit and run driving, vehicular negligent injuring, driving under suspension, careless operation, possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle, and the City Court warrant.
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.
In a cute and interesting way of admitting how he dukes it out daily with his ego, our funny friend said, “You know, I’m not much, but I’m all I think about.”
Laugh every time that crosses my feeble mind. So true of me. What an impressive bundle of ego and selfishness. I’m not much, but I’m all I think about.
Such is the human condition. We are born selfish, waited on hand and foot. Now and then, a minor miracle takes place and some of us get better. At least a little better. Maybe for a time, maybe for a lifetime.
With graduation looming, a good rule for this spring’s class, for any class, for any of us still enrolled in this School of Life, would be the opposite of anything close to a grandiose attitude.
A great graduation gift would be Golden . . . “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That kind of a deal.
Sounds trite, right? But so do reminders like, “Say please!” and “Wash your hands before dinner” and “Remember to say your prayers.” (When all else fails, call on the classics, right?
Say you’re sorry and mean it. Clean up your own backyard. Keep short accounts with others. “. . . in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
If I were giving the commencement address today — we would both be shocked. All we know for sure is it would be short. Extremely. Any commencement speaker could do worse than offer these four pieces of encouragement. Be kind. Get cleaned up. Spend time with your Creator.Treat others as you wish to be treated.
So pick up the rhythm guitar for a change. Let someone else have the mic. God can work a spotlight. He knows when to put it on you. In the meantime, enjoy his applause for you and his delight in you when you ask, “How can I help make the road less long for someone today?”
Christ really does want to make us a little more like Himself each day and to educate us in the School of Him. Why? Because of what he did to save us from ourselves, to show us the joy in him available when we move away from me-centeredhearts and closer to the One who lives for “the least of these.”
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.
Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Wednesday, April 29 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 11:30 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Russ Town Crossing (1211 Gaines Ave.) 12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
Thursday, April 30 6:30 a.m.: Community Prayer Breakfast (Ruston Sports Complex, 2001 Champions Way) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 2 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Shelter Insurance with Jessie Smith (829 E. Georgia Ave., Ste. 1) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6 p.m.: LA Tech softball 6 p.m.: Tween Time (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Teen Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
Friday, May 1 2 p.m.: LA Tech softball 6 p.m.: GSU baseball
Saturday, May 2 USSSA Softball (Ruston Sports Complex) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Grambling State University Decision Day Party and Community Resource Fair (Grambling State University Campus) 2 p.m.: LA Tech softball 3 p.m.: GSU baseball
Monday, May 4 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, May 5 6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.) 6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (Lincoln Parish STEM Center, 525 Tarbutton Rd.) 6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Wednesday, May 6 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, May 7 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal sponsored by Halff Associates with 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry at the Ruston Housing Authority office at 901 MLK Dr. Ruston. We’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo with fajitas! Everyone is welcome. 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
Saturday, May 9 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 7:30 p.m.: Bull Riding Ruston Ramble (Lincoln Expo Center; for more information, call 318-372-4793)
Sunday, May 10 Mother’s Day
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.
Louisiana Tech Men’s Basketball head coach Talvin Hester announced Tuesday the addition of eight newcomers to the Bulldog program.
ETHAN BLACKMON Lewisville, Texas | Forward | 6-7 | 240 Blackmon comes to LA Tech after a productive three-year career at Northeastern State where he totaled 1,063 points and 534 rebounds across 76 games. He registered 13 double-doubles and 58 double-digit scoring performances while shooting 55.0 percent from the field.
Despite his junior season being cut short, Blackmon averaged 13.6 points and a team-high 8.0 rebounds per game, including three 20-10 outings. As a sophomore, he earned Third Team All-MIAA honors after averaging 16.5 points and 7.7 rebounds, tallying 10 games of 20+ points, including a season-high 30 against Nebraska-Kearney. He was also a key contributor off the bench as a freshman, averaging 11.6 points and 5.7 boards per contest.
“We are excited about the addition of Ethan to our program. His combination of size and skill make him special. We look forward to his arrival in Ruston.”
JAY TYLER Glen Allan, Mississippi | Guard | 6-0 | 175 Tyler arrives after two seasons at Jones College where he helped lead the Bobcats to a 54-14 record, a MACCC regular season title, and two Region 23 championships.
He totaled 724 career points and emerged as a star this past season, averaging 17.9 points and 5.5 assists per game while earning First Team All-MACCC, First Team All-Region, and Region 23 Tournament MVP honors.
“Jay is a proven winner. He does a lot on the court to impact winning, making plays for his teammates, rebounding, making shots, and being a leader. He is a great addition to our program, institution and community.”
IZUCHUKWU EMELIFE League City, Texas | Forward | 6-7 | 240 Emelife redshirted at Lamar before building an impressive prep resume at Clear Spring High School, where he scored over 1,000 career points and set seven school records as a senior.
He averaged 14.0 points on 64 percent shooting while posting 26 double-doubles. He also averaged 12.9 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game, ranking first in Texas 6A. As a result, he was named District defensive Player of the Year and was a First Team All-Galveston County selection.
“We are excited to have Izu join us. With his size, he will bring a post presence and toughness to our program. We are looking forward to his arrival.”
LINWOOD ROWE Fayetteville, North Carolina | Forward | 6-7 | 200 Rowe spent his sophomore season at Brunswick Community College, helping the Dolphins capture the NJCAA Region 10 district title, defeating No. 1 seed Gaston College to advance to the national tournament.
Ranked as the 97th best junior college player in the country per JucoRecruiting, he earned Second Team All-Region 10 honors after averaging 13.6 points while shooting 63.0 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from three. He also averaged 5.9 rebounds per contest. His freshman season was spent at Kentucky Christian where he played in six games for the Knights.
“We are excited to welcome Linwood to our Bulldog Family. His competitive nature and grit are what makes him special. We are looking forward to his presence on and off the floor here in Ruston.”
DEVEN BATES Jackson, Mississippi | Guard | 6-3 | 190 Bates joins the Bulldogs after a dominant sophomore season at Pensacola State College where he averaged 20.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, earning First Team All-Panhandle Conference and Division I All-FCSAA honors.
The 10th best player in junior college per JucoRecruiting scored double figures in all 30 games, including 17 contests with 20+ points, and ranked among the nation’s leaders in scoring. The two-way playmaker also tallied 72 steals for an average of 2.4 per game, ranking 21st in the nation. He spent his freshman season at Copiah-Lincoln Community College where he earned First Team All-MACCC honors after averaging 23.1 points per game, which ranked top five in the country.
“Deven is a dynamic guard that can play on or off the ball. Along with his ability to score, he affects the game by making plays and rebounds well from the guard position. We are excited to have him be a part of the Bulldog Family.”
IYRAN FRANCIS JR. Quincy, Florida | Forward | 6-7 | 200 Francis played his freshman season at Gulf Coast State, helping lead the Commodores to a 28-8 record and an NJCAA Final Four appearance.
Named to the 2026 Fab 50 Juco Freshmen by JucoRecruiting, he averaged 9.0 points and 9.4 rebounds per game while shooting 66.8 percent from the field and ranking among the national leaders in offensive rebounds with 165 (average of 4.6 offensive rebounds per game ranked fourth in the nation). He also added 42 blocks and 42 steals.
“Iyran is a fierce competitor that impacts winning in multiple ways. His high motor and ability to rebound is second to none. Iyran resembles what we want as a student-athlete here at Louisiana Tech and we cannot wait to get him on campus.”
JAMES SANDERSON Dallas, Texas | Guard | 6-2 | 165 Sanderson prepped at New Hampton School where he was ranked among the top point guards in New Hampshire and New England. He averaged 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds per game as a senior.
“We are excited about adding James to our program. He brings a strong combination of talent, poise, and leadership that will positively impact our team and the university. He understands the game, makes good decisions, and naturally elevates the players around him. We are looking forward to his arrival on campus.”
KYRAN TILLEY Louisville, Kentucky | Guard | 6-1 | 175 Tilley spent two seasons at Central Missouri, earning MIAA Freshman of the Year honors and later Third Team All-MIAA and All-Defensive Team recognition as a sophomore.
He averaged 12.7 points per game this past season while helping lead the Mules to a 24-10 record and NCAA-II Regional semifinal appearance. He also totaled 124 assists and a team-high 54 steals. As a freshman, he averaged 10.4 points per contest while leading the team in free-throw percentage (86.3) and assists (67).
“Kyran brings a strong blend of toughness and a winning pedigree that will positively impact our team. He has been a winner at every level and competes with a purpose that elevates those around him. We are looking forward to getting him on campus and continuing his development.”
Zoie Epps was named the 2026 CUSA Player of the Year.
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech’s standout season on the courts was further recognized by Conference USA, highlighted by Zoie Epps being named the league’s Player of the Year to headline four Bulldogs earning postseason honors.
Epps capped a dominant junior campaign by also earning First Team All-Conference recognition in both singles and doubles, partnering with Isabella Walker on the latter. Walker added to the program’s accolades by being named to the CUSA All-Freshman Team, while the duo of Alice Brook and Maria Tsironi secured Second Team All-Conference honors in doubles.
Epps’ spring was nothing short of historic. Playing every dual match at the No. 1 position, she compiled an 18-1 singles record, tying for the most wins in CUSA while posting a league-best 94.7 winning percentage. She closed the season on a 15-match winning streak and went a perfect 7-0 against conference opponents without dropping a single set. In total, Epps won 38 of 40 completed sets and allowed five or fewer games in 15 of her 18 victories.
Her efforts propelled LA Tech to a 17-4 overall record, a national ranking of No. 64 (tied for the highest in program history), and the program’s first-ever No. 1 seed in the CUSA Championship.
Walker made an immediate impact in her freshman campaign, finishing with a 15-2 dual singles record, including an impressive 11-1 mark at the No. 6 position. Her 88.2 winning percentage ranked second in the conference, trailing only Epps. Walker recorded wins over five CUSA opponents and captured 31 of 40 completed sets, while delivering a team-high four clinching points.
In doubles play, Epps and Walker formed one of the league’s top tandems, going 12-5 from the No. 1 position. The pair ranked among the top four in total wins in CUSA and won eight of their final 10 matches. Nationally ranked for nine consecutive weeks, they climbed as high as No. 50 and earned CUSA Doubles Team of the Week honors three times.
Brook and Tsironi also delivered a strong season at the No. 2 doubles spot, posting an 11-7 record. The pair tied for the fifth-most victories in the conference and played a key role in helping the Bulldogs secure 14 doubles points during the spring. They went a perfect 5-0 against CUSA opponents in the regular season and were named Doubles Team of the Week to close out the regular season.
Outstanding Singles Player of the Championship Maria Turchetto, Liberty
Outstanding Doubles Team of the Championship Maria Turchetto & Yoanna Radulova, Liberty
Coach of the Year Dash Connell, Liberty
All-Conference Singles-First Team Katerina Mandelikova, FIU Zoie Epps, Louisiana Tech Maria Turchetto, Liberty Maryia Hrynashka, Delaware Amelia Gorman, Delaware Irene Artigas, Jacksonville State Daniella O’Neill, Liberty Navya Vadlamudi, Delaware
All-Conference Singles-Second Team Ema Baraniakova, Kennesaw State Milana Tsulygina, Liberty Sae Kaneko, Jacksonville State Virginia Madueño, WKU Aleksandra Simeva, FIU Paulina Jurkowska, Delaware Hanna Vinahradava, Delaware Vittoria Baccino, FIU
All-Conference Doubles-First Team Zoie Epps / Isabella Walker, Louisiana Tech Maryia Hrynashka / Paulina Jurkowska, Delaware Maria Turchetto / Yoanna Radulova, Liberty Katerina Mandelikova / Viktorie Hazmukova, FIU
All-Conference Doubles-Second Team Ema Baraniakova / Sofia Madrid, Kennesaw State Daniella O’Neill / Milana Tsulygina, Liberty Amelia Gorman / Navya Vadlamudi, Delaware Alice Brook / Maria Tsironi, Louisiana Tech
CUSA All-Freshman Team Milana Tsulygina, Liberty Sae Kaneko, Jacksonville State Isabella Walker, Louisiana Tech Virginia Madueño, WKU Maria Ivankovic, Kennesaw State Anamaria Kurtiskashvili, Sam Houston
A Graveside service for Billy Troy Jones, Sr., age 91, of Dubach, LA will be 3:00 PM Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Unionville/Colvin Memorial Cemetery in Dubach, LA. Bro. Jeff Roberts will be officiating the service under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston, LA. A visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, April 29th from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.
Bill was born December 27, 1934, in Point, LA and passed away on April 26, 2026, in Ruston, LA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Ecile Jones; his wife, Malda Jean Jones; and his brother, Bob Jones.
He was a longtime member of New Prospect Church before joining Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ruston, LA. Bill was a carpenter by trade and loved building small bird houses.
Bill is survived by his daughters, Dianne Murphy (Rick) of Center, TX and Susan Roberts (Jeff) of Dubach, LA; son, Billy Jones, Jr. (Deborah) of Ruston, LA; grandchildren, Ashley Davis (Dusty) of Ruston, Dakota Murphy (Rachel) of Spring, TX, Chance Roberts (Whitney) of Dallas, TX, Samantha Conn (James) of Ruston; and brother, Bruce Jones (Joan) of Monticello, AR. Five great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Pallbearers will be Rick Murphy, Dakota Murphy, Billy Jones, Stan Jones, Dusty Davis, and Chance Roberts.
Jerry Glen Weeks was born in Goldonna, Louisiana on Thursday, July 6, 1939, and passed from this life on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 86 years of age.
Jerry was a man who loved deeply and lived fully. He devoted more than 65 years to the lumber industry, where his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and persistence earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike. He was not only a successful businessman but also a trusted friend to many within the industry.
Long before the age of social media, Jerry had a gift for staying connected. With a simple phone call, he kept close ties with friends, family, and clients, reaching out well before emails and text messages became commonplace. He spoke his mind with honesty and stood firmly behind his words, a reflection of his integrity and character. His regular calls, often just to check in or offer a kind word, became a cherished part of many lives. In recent months, those familiar conversations have been deeply missed, a quiet yet powerful reminder of the genuine care and love he shared so generously with others.
Above all, Jerry received his greatest joy and gratification from his family. He treasured his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each of whom brought pleasure and happiness to his life. He was always more than willing to inform you of their hard work and accomplishments if you had time to listen.
A man of faith, Jerry was a member of New Chapel Hill Baptist Church, where he loved his church family and served his Lord and Savior with faithfulness.
Jerry is survived by his son, Greg Weeks and wife Rhonda of Austin, Texas; three grandchildren, Christopher Weeks and wife Tiffany of Austin, Texas; Haley Dever and husband Zack of Truckee, California; and Hannah Schulman of Dallas, Texas; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Piper and Paysen Weeks, Remy and Georgia Dever, and Logan and Lennon Schulman. He is also survived by his sister, Karen Shirley and husband Kevin, of Winnfield, Louisiana; along with a host of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his son, Randy Weeks; grandson, Brian Weeks; his parents, Delton and Grace Taylor Weeks; and his brothers, Eugene Weeks and Ray Weeks.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the management and staff of The Haven at San Gabriel, as well as Matthew Smith and the staff of Serenity Hospice, for the compassionate and excellent care during his stay.
A service celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel, 209 North Bonner St., Ruston, LA, Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 2:00pm, in Ruston, Louisiana, with Dr. Clovis Sturdivant officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 12:30pm until time of service. Interment will follow at Cook Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston.
Serving as pallbearers are Christopher Weeks, Greg Weeks, Kevin Shirley, Stedman Weeks, Kale Shirley, and Vernon Weeks.
Carl Eugene Sproule October 9, 1960 – April 24, 2026 Visitation: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Graveside service: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 10:00 AM, Alabama Presbyterian Church, 2091 LA-145, Choudrant
Marsha “Kim” Billberry December 6, 1956 – April 25, 2026 Visitation: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Mineral Springs Baptist Church, 118 Pea Ridge Road, Dubach Funeral service: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 2:00 PM, Mineral Springs Baptist Church, 118 Pea Ridge Road, Dubach Cemetery Committal: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 3:00 PM, Mineral Springs Cemetery, Highway 822, Dubach
Ronnie Reynolds, Sr. July 8, 1950 – April 26, 2026 Visitation: Friday, May 01, 2026, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home Funeral Service: Friday, May 01, 2026, 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Cemetery Committal: Friday, May 01, 2026, 3:30 PM, Corinth Cemetery, 4327 HWY 545, Dubach
Philip Milton Soileau March 30, 1968 – April 25, 2026 Service: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 2:00PM, First Baptist Church of Ruston, 200 S. Trenton St, Ruston Final Resting Place: Vienna Cemetery, Hwy 167, North Vienna
Gaile Clary December 21, 1936 – April 22, 2026 Visitation: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 9:00AM – 10:30AM, St. Thomas Aquanis Catholic Church, 813 Carey Avenue, Ruston Rosary: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 10:30AM, St. Thomas Aquanis Catholic Church, 813 Carey Avenue, Ruston Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 11:00AM, St. Thomas Aquanis Catholic Church, 813 Carey Avenue, Ruston
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office and other participating law enforcement agencies kicked off the Spring 2026 Special Olympics with the annual Torch Run across Lincoln Parish.
Officers from various departments ran from Dubach Town Hall to the finish line at Jim Mize Stadium to begin the opening ceremony.
Carrying the “Flame of Hope” officers ran to raise awareness and donations for Special Olympics athletes on the morning of the event. Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Iris Winston explained why the officers run for the cause each year.
“Participating in the Torch Run is a great way for us to help raise awareness and funds for those individuals with intellectual disabilities,” Winston said. “It also helps bring together our local law enforcement agencies and gives us an opportunity to work together to accomplish a common goal.”
Each year, the Special Olympics offers an opportunity to students around with parish with intellectual disabilities to participate in games, challenges and sporting events with assistance from local volunteers. The event allows these students to practice skills and enjoy hands-on experiences with other children their age. Event Coordinator, Lacey Deal, highlighted the importance of providing these kinds of opportunities to special needs students.
“The Special Olympics is so many things for this community. I teach my students that you can tell a lot about a community by how they show love to their most special residents,” Deal said. “Our special needs students may not be the athletes scoring a touchdown on Friday nights or traveling to youth sporting events on the weekend, but they bring a light to our community that no other group can.
“The Special Olympics is the event that is all for them. Their time to shine. Our community does such an amazing job of stepping up for these special athletes. It’s not an easy day to organize, but I would do it over and over again to see the smiles on their faces.”
The event was truly a team effort to put on. The event was supported by several organizations and local businesses, and assisted by volunteers from Louisiana Tech, Lincoln Parish schools, and many other community groups. Buddy Ball volunteer Rebakah Long, shared her reason for supporting and showing up for the Special Olympics.
“When I taught special education at Glen view, bringing our students to the Special Olympics was a highlight of every year,” Long said. “Since I stopped teaching to stay home with my kids, I missed being a part of that community. I began volunteering with Buddy Ball several years ago and heard the Special Olympics could use more volunteers. Now I never miss it. It’s an opportunity to come together as a community who cares for the lives and rights of our disabled family, friends and neighbors, and to celebrate their victories. Their joy is our joy.”
Students played the day away with throwing and running challenges, games and hands-on activities. They enjoyed a free lunch and a morning of getting outside, getting active and having fun. With the support of the local community, businesses and law enforcement, the Special Olympics can continue to provide a day of fun and athletics for students who may not always get to be a part of the team.
RUSTON, La. — Blink, and it’s already spring football time for the Bearcats.
For Ruston High Head Coach Jerrod Baugh, there’s no question: it’s one of his favorite days circled on the calendar.
“Best day of the year,” Baugh said. “You’ve got to have a first day sometime.”
That first day looked different in some ways from the finished product Ruston hopes to become by the fall. The Bearcats welcomed a wave of incoming freshmen and younger players, many of whom were participating in their first varsity-level practice setting.
“It’s a whole different deal,” Baugh said. “All the incoming freshmen are out here, so there’s a lot of people and a lot of people that don’t know the routine. But I’ll tell you what, I thought that everybody got adjusted and it was a pretty good day. It was productive.”
Like most first spring practices, the emphasis was less about polish and more about organization, tempo and learning how to function within the structure of a Ruston practice — and within a program that knows how to be a state champion contender.
The Bearcats began with a pre-practice segment designed to maximize repetitions and help players settle in. Baugh said multiple groups rotated simultaneously on offense and defense, focusing on alignments, formations and responsibilities.
“We came out and did a little pre-practice to give everybody an opportunity,” Baugh said. “There were about three or four groups running on offense and on defense doing some pre-alignment stuff.”
That work had been introduced during athletic periods, but Monday marked the first time the entire roster worked together in one setting.
“It was good to get everybody out here and get lined up to formations and offense run plays,” Baugh said. “Really one last walkthrough type deal before we hit the gas.”
From there, Ruston moved into situational football, an area Baugh has long emphasized as a cornerstone of the program’s identity. The Bearcats worked running game scenarios, short-yardage situations and later transitioned into more passing and long-yardage situations.
Baugh said first-day nerves are common, especially when younger players are trying to remember assignments while processing game scenarios.
“Nobody notices what the down and distance is to start with, just because everybody’s nervous and they’re focused on lining up and what am I supposed to do,” Baugh said. “But as it goes along, if you do it enough times, then once they get comfortable with alignment and what I’m supposed to do, then they can start paying attention to the down and distance and what we need to do.”
One of the more challenging situations of the afternoon put the offense in a difficult spot: first-and-10 from its own 2-yard line.
“The goal there is to get you a couple of first downs, at least where you can punt it and change the field position,” Baugh said.
He liked what he saw from the first unit, which drove the ball away from danger and flipped the field.
“I thought the first group did a good job,” he said. “They drove the ball down the field and got it to the other end. That’s a building point offensively. Defensively, you can’t have that.”
Those moments, Baugh said, create coaching opportunities on both sides of the ball. Ruston planned to spend Tuesday reviewing film as a team before breaking into position groups to correct mistakes and prepare for the next set of practice situations.
“They’ll spend some time team-wise, offense and defense, and then they’ll split up positionally and talk about things specific to their position,” Baugh said. “Hopefully they’ll take the coaching from there and then bring it out tomorrow.”
Ruston also enters spring with notable continuity on the coaching staff and marked the return of associate head coach Kyle Williams, while various middle school coaches also helped Monday because of the large number of participants.
“That’s good,” Baugh said. “They know a lot of the younger guys a little bit better than some of the high school coaches. The kids are comfortable with all the guys that are out here.”
Even with a new roster, Monday’s opening practice carried reminders of the groups that came before it — including a senior class that saw a trip to the Super Dome for four straight years. Baugh praised last year’s team for exceeding expectations and preserving the standard of the program.
“I think everybody was talking about last year being a rebuilding year,” Baugh said. “Nobody expected us to win all the games we won, didn’t expect us to win our district, and then make the run that we did.”
Baugh said that class proved Ruston’s success is rooted in culture as much as star power.
“What a great indication of where our football program is,” Baugh said, “that you don’t have to have five-star Division-I athletes in every class for our football program to stay at the level that it’s staying at.”
He called the departed seniors a hard-working group that led younger players and reinforced expectations daily.
“They really kept the standard, what the standard is around here,” Baugh said. “Very proud of that group.”
Now, the next group has begun its turn. Monday’s practice may have been only the first day of spring ball, but for Ruston, it was also the first day of building what come next — and knowing the standard has been set.
RUSTON, La. — North Louisiana is expected to face another round of unsettled weather Tuesday into early Wednesday, with forecasters warning that severe thunderstorms could bring large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.
The greatest threat in North Louisiana is expected mainly Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night, with the highest risk generally along and north of the Interstate 20 corridor. That includes communities such as Ruston, Shreveport, Monroe and surrounding areas.
Forecasters said severe weather could develop across much of the ArkLaTex region, but North Louisiana residents should be prepared for the possibility of very large hail, wind gusts strong enough to damage trees and power lines, isolated flooding and tornadoes. A strong tornado cannot be ruled out.
Storm coverage becomes more uncertain later Tuesday night into early Wednesday, especially from 10 p.m. Tuesday until 3 a.m. Wednesday. That time frame includes portions of northwest and north-central Louisiana south of I-20, where additional storms may redevelop.
Officials urged residents to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings overnight, including weather radios, smartphone alerts and local media updates. Residents are also encouraged to review shelter plans in case tornado warnings are issued.
The active pattern follows earlier rounds of severe weather across the region and could continue to produce rapidly changing conditions through midweek.
A local man is facing charges following a Tuesday night disturbance.
Daniel Cordis King, 40, of Simsboro, was taken into custody on April 21 by Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s deputies after he allegedly entered a woman’s residence and pursued another man with an aluminum baseball bat.
Deputies were responding to an unwanted person call at a U.S.80 residence in Choudrant when they reported encountering King and the victim walking east along the highway. King was holding a bat at the time, according to a deputy’s report.
According to the report, the victim said he had been at his girlfriend’s home preparing a bath when he heard a disturbance elsewhere in the house. After getting dressed and stepping out of the bathroom, he claimed King forced his way past the woman and began attacking him.
The victim told deputies he did not know King. He said King knocked him to the ground and placed him in a chokehold. After breaking free, the victim said he grabbed a nearby baseball bat and struck King in the head.
Authorities say King then took possession of the bat and chased the victim toward the Dollar General.
The woman at the home reportedly corroborated the victim’s account and told deputies King appeared intoxicated. She said she repeatedly asked him to leave prior to the altercation.
When the fight broke out, she stated she grabbed her 3-year-old son and retreated to another room. She also indicated she did not see where the baseball bat came from.
King was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for simple battery and home invasion.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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A coalition of media, civic, and advocacy organizations is presenting the “To The People, For The People” 2026 Democratic Roadshow, a statewide series of candidate debates, forums, and town halls designed to connect Louisiana voters directly with Democratic candidates for federal office ahead of the May 16 primary election.
The roadshow will feature events in communities across the state, giving voters opportunities to hear from candidates for U.S. Senate and Congress, engage the issues shaping their lives, and take part in a more visible and substantive primary season.
The current schedule includes a stop in Ruston on April 29.
Organizing partners include The Bayou Progressive, 10,000 Women Louisiana, Louisiana Indivisible, Sierra Club Delta Chapter, and the Louisiana NAACP, among others.
“Too often, voters across Louisiana do not get enough meaningful opportunities to hear directly from candidates, especially in primary elections,” said Melissa Flournoy, board chair of 10,000 Women Louisiana. “This roadshow is about changing that. It is about meeting people where they are, creating real opportunities for engagement, and making sure these races are taken seriously across our state.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Democratic voters to get to hear from the candidates directly ahead of Louisiana’s first closed primaries in a generation,” said Quentin Anthony Anderson, publisher of The Bayou Progressive. “We are honored to be a part of this collective effort to help educate voters this election cycle and are committed to using our platform to boost voter participation this spring.”
With many Louisiana voters still unaware that the primary election is set for May 16, organizers say the roadshow is intended both to raise awareness and to build momentum around races that too often receive limited public attention.
The longtime local high school and college basketball coach decided to hire Custom Curbing to add a concrete landscape border along his flower beds in his front and side yards.
“Ann and I saw a picture of Custom Curbing in a Lincoln Parish Journal advertisement a couple of years ago and really liked how it looked,” said Jack. “We called Aaron Cash, he came to our house and suggested options and colors we could use. After discussing this with Aaron we decided to install Custom Curbing around our flower beds.”
And according to Jack, he sure is happy he did.
“We love the way it looks,” said Jack. “It really enhances the appearance of our front yard. The curbing also makes weed eating around the flower beds so much easier.
“Aaron and his crew were friendly, very professional, easy to work with and did a wonderful job installing the curbing. I highly recommend Aaron and Custom Curbing. I think anyone will be highly satisfied with how it adds to the appearance of their yard.”
Jan Grigsby was another happy customer. Grigsby had her flower beds done by Custom Curbing in 2023.
“I saw it from one of my neighbor’s houses, and I loved it,” said Jan. “It has defined my yard. I can’t tell you how many people have come by and said, ‘Your yard looks so good.’ It has really defined my yard. I also got him to do my backyard. It has really made all the difference.”
Custom Curbing is owned by Aaron Cash and is based out of West Monroe. The company has been around for almost three decades and is making a splash in Lincoln Parish.
“Basically, we put really nice borders around flower beds,” said Aaron. “The business was established in 1996, so we have been serving northeast Louisiana for almost 30 years. It’s like adding a beautiful frame around your landscape. Our longtime slogan is ‘Frame Your Landscaping.’”
Aaron said much of the business comes from neighbors seeing the finished product at other neighbors’ houses. And based on his clientele’s satisfaction, it’s understandable.
“They are so great,” said Linda Tuten, another satisfied customer, in regard to Cash and his Custom Curbing team. “They are some hard-working guys. They came in and really got after it. They are so polite. They clean up after the job is over. They don’t leave a mess. They are so professional and friendly.”
The hits just keep on coming.
“I am so pleased,” said Jan. “When I go outside, I look at it and just smile. They did such a super job. So many people have said, ‘Oh, Jan. Your yard looks so much better.’ And Aaron and his guys were so pleasant to work with during the process.”
Aaron said that at the end of the day, it’s all about the client being happy with the finished product.
“We typically stick with earth tones; tans, and browns, and greys and charcoals,” said Aaron. “We want to use colors that will be in style for years to come. Typically, that is earth tones. I see what their needs are and give them my advice on what would look better and how to alleviate some problems such as beds washing out or the grass encroaching in the beds.
“We also remove lots of dangerous metal edging that has become rusty and jagged and replace it with our concrete border system. We figure out the best designs and go from there.”
According to Aaron, a “typical” job costs between $1,200 and $1,500, but the price can vary depending on style/color of curb, amount of ground prep, drainage work, root work, travel distance, number of areas, etc.
An average job can be completed within a day.
“We have had multiple people comment on our yard, saying how great it looks,” said Linda. “We highly recommend them anytime anyone asks.”
For more information, individuals can call 318-598-YARD or click on the CONTACT link on the website.
