A Ruston woman was arrested April 23 following an investigation on McDonald Avenue, according to authorities.
A Ruston Police Department report says the arrest occurred at about 8:37 p.m. at a residence in the 700 block of McDonald Avenue.
Police identified the suspect as Nakisha Evans, 48, of Ruston.
According to the report, officers were conducting an investigation of a hit and run crash that occurred April 17. The vehicle involved was identified as a 2009 Chevrolet Impala registered to Evans.
Officers made contact with Evans and advised her of the investigation. The report states Evans confirmed her daughter had been driving the vehicle.
Officers requested proof of insurance and a driver’s license, but Evans refused to provide the documents. Officers then attempted to place Evans under arrest.
According to police, Evans pulled away and began walking away from officers. When officers followed, Evans fell to the ground and then kicked an officer in the chest.
Evans was then taken into custody and transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
She was booked on charges of interfering with a law enforcement investigation, resisting an officer, battery of a police officer, and a bench warrant for failure to appear in court on a suspended driver’s license charge.
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 fellow Farmerville High School graduate who sits beside me at Bible Study Fellowship fairly shouted the words. Maybe it’s because she used to be a cheerleader.
But more likely, it was just because she feels so strongly about what we had been studying for the past few weeks – the book of Nehemiah. I had reported earlier to our class in more softened tones: “Nehemiah is my hero.”
This Old Testament book is one of only eight that we’ve studied this year during “People of the Promise: Exile & Return,” but it has had the most impact on me. I’ve confessed this before here, so my longtime readers won’t be surprised: I had never read the book of Nehemiah until this year.
And because it’s not a book of prophecy, I wasn’t even familiar with select verses from there, as we sometimes are from other prophetic books. The most widely known verse from this gem of a book is probably Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
So what caused me and my high school cohort to have such strong feelings about Nehemiah? You could say it’s the theme of the book – restoration. It presents the tale of the Israelite captives as they rebuild Jerusalem’s wall and begin to rebuild their lives.
The book of Nehemiah tells how Nehemiah, serving in Persia, learns that Jerusalem is still in ruins and feels compelled to act. With royal support, he returns to lead the rebuilding of the city’s decimated walls, organizing families and overcoming steady opposition, completing the work in just 52 amazing days.
Along the way, he also confronts internal problems – injustice, discouragement and spiritual drift. The story ultimately becomes as much about renewing the people’s hearts, seen in their return to God’s Law and covenant, as it is about restoring the city itself.
As we studied, we noticed several things:
– Nehemiah prayed, planned and then acted – Before ever approaching the king, Nehemiah wept, fasted and prayed (Nehemiah 1:4), then carefully planned his request and inspection of the walls (2:4–8, 2:11–15).
– The work belonged to everyone – Families, priests and merchants all took part, building side by side despite ridicule and threats from surrounding enemies – and despite the fact that some people refused to participate (3:1-32; 4:1-3).
– They built with vigilance – With opposition mounting, the workers labored with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other, ready at any moment (4:16-18).
– Spiritual renewal mattered as much as physical rebuilding – After the wall was completed, the people gathered to hear the Law, respond with conviction and renew their covenant with God (8:1-12; 9:38).
– Restoration didn’t “stick” automatically – When Nehemiah had to return to Persia and later came back, he found the people slipping into old habits, which required bold reforms to restore proper worship and justice (13:4-11, 13:15-30).
And that may be one of the most striking lessons of all.
Rebuilding the wall took 52 days. Rebuilding the people took much longer.
In fact, it was an ongoing process. When Nehemiah returned and found the temple misused and the people drifting, he didn’t shrug and say, “Well, we tried.” He acted – decisively, even forcefully – to set things right.
It’s a scene that, for me, brings to mind another moment centuries later, when Jesus entered the temple and drove out what didn’t belong there.
Maybe that’s part of why the book resonates so deeply and why my friend and I have come to love Nehemiah so much.
It reminds us that restoration is not a one-time event. It’s something we return to over and over – rebuilding, renewing and, when necessary, making room again for what truly belongs.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
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If you’ve ever had so much earwax that you started wondering whether your head was secretly manufacturing candles for a side hustle, then friend, you are in good company. Recently I found myself in that exact predicament—both ears so clogged that even Granny’s Home Remedy (which usually involves olive oil, prayer, and a level of confidence not supported by medical science) didn’t make a dent. My hearing was so bad I kept asking people to repeat themselves, and they kept repeating themselves louder, and eventually everyone was shouting like we were reenacting the Battle of Jericho.
Finally, I surrendered and went to an ENT. The procedure was swift, humbling, and—let’s be honest—deeply satisfying. Suddenly the world was crisp again. Birds chirped. Paper rustled. I could hear my own footsteps.
But as I walked out of the office, ears squeaky clean and ego slightly bruised, I wondered: if our physical ears can get that stopped up, what about our spiritual ones?
Jesus once said, “People have eyes but do not see, and ears but do not hear.” I used to think He was being poetic. Now I think He may have been talking about spiritual cerumen—holy earwax, if you will.
Earwax doesn’t show up all at once. It builds slowly, quietly, sneakily—like dust bunnies or church committee meetings. One day you’re hearing fine, and the next you’re saying “Huh?” so often people think it’s your new spiritual gift.
Spiritual wax works the same way.
A little pride here.
A little resentment there.
A dash of busyness, a sprinkle of distraction, a generous scoop of “I’ll pray later.”
Before long, the still, small voice of God sounds like it’s coming from the bottom of a well. And just like physical wax, spiritual wax is rarely solved by home remedies. We try:
The Cotton Swab Method: “I’ll fix this myself.”
The Essential Oil Method: “I bought something expensive; surely that counts as spiritual growth.”
The Denial Method: “I’m fine. Everyone else is mumbling.”
But none of these clear the blockage. They just push it deeper.
After my ENT adventure, I learned that the best ear hygiene is simple: keep things clear, avoid sticking junk in there, and let the ear do what it was designed to do.
Spiritually, the same principles apply.
1. Stop sticking things in your ears. You know the things—noise, hurry, outrage, comparison, doomscrolling, and the occasional YouTube prophet who predicted the end of the world last Tuesday. None of these help you hear God.
2. Let the Spirit do the cleaning. Just as the ear naturally moves wax outward, the Holy Spirit gently brings our blockages to the surface—if we give Him space. Prayer, silence, Scripture, worship: these are the warm drops that soften the buildup.
3. Get professional help when needed. Sometimes the blockage is too deep for DIY spirituality. That’s when we need pastors, counselors, trusted friends, or a good old-fashioned cometoJesus moment.
When the ENT finished, I was amazed at how loud the world was. I had forgotten what clarity sounded like.
When God clears our spiritual ears, the same thing happens. Suddenly Scripture speaks. Prayer feels alive. Worship vibrates in the bones. Conviction is gentle but unmistakable. And the voice of God—steady, loving, persistent—sounds like it’s been waiting patiently the whole time.
Maybe Jesus wasn’t scolding when He said people had ears but didn’t hear. Maybe He was diagnosing. Maybe He was inviting us to the Great Physician’s office for a little spiritual irrigation. And who knows—maybe when our ears are finally clear, we’ll hear Him say, “Welcome back. I’ve been talking to you this whole time.”
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.
Tuesday, April 28 6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.) 10 a.m.: Storytime (Lincoln Parish Library) 4 p.m.: Crafternoon (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Video-led exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library) 6 p.m.: Adult Craft Night (Registration required by calling 318-513-5510) 6-9 p.m.: LA Tech Tri Delta pancake dinner fundraiser for St. Jude (Ruston Farmers Market)
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) 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
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After playing instrumental roles in Louisiana Tech’s sweep of Liberty this past weekend, LA Tech softball’s Gracie Flores was named Conference USA Player of the Week, while Bryannah Campos earned Pitcher of the Week honors, the league announced Monday afternoon.
Flores led the Bulldogs at the plate, batting .500 with five hits and five RBI along with three walks and two runs. The redshirt sophomore started all three games at designated player and recorded at least one hit in each contest.
She registered two hits and three RBI in Saturday’s win and added two hits and two RBI in Sunday’s victory after collecting one hit on Friday. On Sunday, Flores delivered a one-out, two-RBI single in the fifth inning to score Tech’s first runs as the Bulldogs plated eight unanswered to secure the series sweep.
It marks her first career CUSA weekly honor. Flores leads the team with a .400 batting average this season and is currently riding a 15-game hit streak. She has logged 32 hits, 15 RBI and 13 runs.
Campos was key in relief, earning two wins while pitching at least four innings in all three games. The left-hander threw 12.2 innings with a 2.21 ERA across three appearances, allowing six hits and four runs while striking out six.
She tossed 4.1 innings in Friday’s game, allowing one run on two hits with three strikeouts. Campos then earned the win Saturday with four scoreless innings, surrendering two hits in Tech’s 10-0 shutout. On Sunday, she entered with the Bulldogs trailing 4-0 and worked the final 4.1 innings to secure the sweep and her second win of the weekend, allowing three runs on two hits while fanning three.
This marks Campos’ second CUSA weekly honor as she was named Freshman of the Week earlier this season. Campos moved to 7-3 this season after the two wins. She has pitched 76 innings and has a 3.59 ERA with 45 strikeouts. Campos is 4-0 in CUS play.
Graveside service for Carl Eugene Sproule, age 65 of Choudrant, Louisiana will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Choudrant, Louisiana. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston, Louisiana.
Carl was born on October 9, 1960, in Orange, California and passed away Friday, April 24, 2026 in West Monroe, Louisiana. Growing up in a Marine Corps family, Carl spent much of his early life moving from place to place, shaping his independent spirit and sense of adventure. Despite the many moves, California and Hawaii always held a special place in his heart. In his younger years, he embraced life with energy and creativity—spending his days surfing the waves, skateboarding, running track, fishing, and even finding joy in making pottery. Those early passions reflected a free-spirited nature and love for both movement and craftsmanship that stayed with him throughout his life.
He went on to build a career as a dedicated floor installer, which began in California alongside his good friend Whitey. Carl took great pride in his work and in the life, he provided for his family. After settling in Louisiana, he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He became an avid hunter and fisherman, finding peace and joy in the woods and on the water. Those who knew him will remember how much he loved spending time in nature.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, William Davis Sproule and Esta May Decker Sproule; his older brother, William “Butch” Sproule II; and his daughter-in-law, Amber Dettenheim Young.
He is survived by his wife, Melinda Sproule; his children, Johnathan Young, David Young, Carly Sproule, and Wesley Sproule (Michelle); brother, James Sproule (Diane); nephews, Jeremy Sproule (Melissa) and George Joseph Sproule; and his wonderful grandchildren, Braden Young, Jace Young, Kamryn Young, Daisy Sproule, William Sproule, and Dahlia Sproule. He also leaves behind extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Carl will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his love for the outdoors, and his unmistakable jokester personality—always ready with a quick remark, a playful tease, or a story that could make those around him laugh. His legacy lives on through his family and the many memories they shared.
Funeral services for Marsha “Kim” Billberry, age 69 of Dubach, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Mineral Springs Baptist Church with Bro. Barry Joyner officiating. Burial will follow in Mineral Springs Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Marsha “Kim” Billberry, a woman of strength, faith, and vibrant spirit, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026 surrounded by the love she so freely gave throughout her life. She was truly a go-getter from the very beginning. Raised in a close-knit community by her parents and grandparents, Kim spent her early years riding horses and winning numerous barrel racing competitions. She was deeply involved in her family’s local rodeo arena, working alongside her parents and building a strong foundation of hard work and determination.
Kim’s talent extended far beyond the arena. As a gifted athlete, she was selected to play in the Red Head semi-professional basketball league, where she showed great promise. Though her future there was bright, her heart led her home – to the place she loved most and to “your father”, as she would always say. She returned home, married the love of her life, Tony “Blu” Billberry, and together they built a life centered on love, family, and hard work. Kim was a devoted mother to her children and spent many years working with Willamette Industries and JD Crawford Agency. She also co-owned “Foxy Lady” in Ruston, where at the time she encouraged others to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
In her late 30’s, Kim boldly returned to college at Louisiana Tech University, earning a degree in education with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Algebra. She went on to teach Algebra at Ruston Junior High for many years, where she found her true calling. Kim had a special gift for connecting with her students and a deep passion for helping them succeed in Algebra. Teaching was more than a job – it was her heart.
After retiring from teaching, Kim returned home once again to help build and support her husband’s oil and gas business from the ground up. Together they created a legacy of perseverance and dedication.
Kim’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of Mineral Springs Baptist Church, where she served in many roles, including as a beloved Youth Director. In her latter years, she became a steadfast prayer warrior, faithfully lifting up her church, her community, and many, many families and friends. She had a deep love for missions and travel – especially traveling to the beaches of Florida. Summers were never complete without long, sun-filled days by the ocean, from dawn until dusk, with coolers packed and memories waiting to be made.
Kim was also an avid athlete in her own right, playing co-ed softball and church league volleyball, always bringing energy and joy to everything she did. She was also a lifelong Elvis fan, often jokingly loving him “more than her husband” at times. Music filled her home, and many joyful nights were spent dancing with her husband, while her children and grandchildren watched close by, celebrating life in the simplest, most beautiful ways.
Kim loved her grandchildren fiercely and found great purpose in living out Gods work on this earth. Her life was a reflection of love, strength, joy, and unwavering faith. She will be clearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Kim was preceded in death by her husband, Tony “Blu” Billberry and her parents Robert and Jack Howard. She is survived by her daughter, Heather Billberry; son, Heath Billberry and wife Lindsey; her cherished grandchildren: Tucker Billberry, Talan Billberry, Brock Browder, Tinsley Billberry, and Tatum Billberry; brother, Rodney Howard and his wife Tish; brother-in-law’s, Will Billberry and wife Sue and Philip Billberry and wife Jackie; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until time of service, Wednesday at Mineral Springs Baptist Church.
Philip Milton Soileau March 30, 1968 – April 25, 2026 Visitation: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 5:00PM – 7:00PM, First Baptist Church of Ruston, 200 S. Trenton St, Ruston 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
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