By T. Scott Boatright

Ruston’s City Council made a pair of key moves concerning Phase 2 of the Tarbutton Road-to-Grambling North Service Road Project during its May meeting Monday evening at City Hall.

The council approved an ordinance to annex approximately 115.5 acres of land into Ruston’s corporate limits for development of Phase 2 of the project. It also authorized the city to enter into an entity-state agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development related to the same project.

The council agreed to annex six parcels of land that will be used to develop the new service road, along with additional land for potential business development along the corridor.

“Each of the owners of the six parcels was approached with the annexation paperwork, and all agreed to sign the petitions. Those petitions have been certified by the registrar of voters and the Lincoln Parish tax assessor,” said City Attorney Bill Carter. “The proposed zoning of these properties will be designated as B-4 highway business, which is typical for a high-intensity business district.”

Public Works Director John Freeman said the agreement with DOTD will help fund the approximately one-mile section of road that will fall under the jurisdiction of the city of Ruston following annexation.

“Federal funds have been appropriated to finance a portion of the project under the administration of the Louisiana Department of Transportation,” Freeman said. “As always, when we are spending federal dollars, we enter into an entity-state agreement that spells out the do’s and don’ts — the whats and wherefores.”

The council also passed a resolution authorizing the city to enter into a contract related to the 2026 Road Project Phase I, awarding the low bid of $2,038,430 to Amethyst Construction of West Monroe, with a contract time of 135 days.

Streets included in the overlay project are Magnolia Drive, Saratoga Street, Lee Avenue, East Louisiana Avenue, East Texas Avenue, South Bonner Street, East Mississippi Avenue and Bernard Street.

Also approved was authorization for the city to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Lincoln Museum and Historical Society for the city to pay utility costs for the Lincoln Parish Museum, which average $2,000 annually.

The council also approved a resolution outlining actions the city will take regarding the Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Environmental Audit Report to maintain compliance and prevent effluent violations under requirements of the Louisiana Water Discharge Permit System.

After the resolution was approved, Freeman told the council the city had “finally” attained an A rating for its drinking water.

“That’s a tough thing to do,” Mayor Ronny Walker said.

The council also approved a resolution authorizing Walker to execute any agreements and documents with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s Office of Multimodal Commerce related to planned work at Ruston Regional Airport.

New housing developments are also planned after the council approved preliminary plats for Country Club Estates and Pelican Pointe Unit 3, which will create 121 new housing lots.

Also approved were developmental plats for Twin Lakes 2022, Lakeview Place 2022 and Ruston Holdings LLC Development.

The council also authorized the start of the condemnation process for properties located at 1207 Jones St. and 2001 Beech St.

City Treasurer Julie Keen announced the city received its 11th consecutive unqualified (clean) audit report for 2025. The council then approved ordinances levying 2026 property taxes on all taxable property within the city.

---

---

Special to the LPJ

RUSTON, La. — The Lincoln Parish School Board is inviting the public to come meet with Assistant Superintendent John Young at the STEM Building on the campus of Ruston Junior High tonight from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. as he will be the candidate interviewed at the formal session to follow.

At 6 p.m., the May 2026 session will be also held at the STEM Center. See full agenda attached below by clicking the link.

---

---

A Ruston man was arrested April 29 after officers executed a search warrant at a residence on North Chatham Road, according to an affidavit filed by the Ruston Police Department.

Antavion Bass, 22, was arrested at the residence following the recovery of drugs.

RPD located suspected marijuana, ecstasy, oxycodone and gabapentin inside a bedroom identified as belonging to Antavion Bass, according to the affidavit.

---

Officers found loose marijuana buds, a plastic bag containing marijuana, and a container holding multiple bags with a total weight of approximately 164.33 grams. Pills identified as oxycodone, gabapentin and suspected ecstasy were also recovered. Bass was also in possession of over $2,500 at the time of his arrest.

The affidavit states Bass was advised of his rights and acknowledged having marijuana in the residence.

Bass was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of MDMA (ecstasy) with intent to distribute, possession of oxycodone, and possession of a legend drug (gabapentin).

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

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

---

by Tim Smith

 

My wife, Mary, bless her heart, proudly declares herself to be “indoorsy”.  She just can’t understand why I seek adventures like running marathons, racing motorcycles, or skydiving. As I think back to younger days, I can see now that there were signs.

There definitely were signs.

I cannot recall exactly how I was approached about photographing the First Baptist Church of Arcadia. The church was undertaking a promotional project and needed black and white photographs of the building. I agreed, and I recall making deliberate efforts to capture shots from every conceivable angle and perspective. I couldn’t help but notice that the town water tower stood directly across from the church’s front entrance.

Hmmm.

I wondered whether the town of Arcadia would permit me to climb to the top of the tower and photograph the church from there. What was I thinking?

Ever since I was twelve years old, my summer employment had been painting houses alongside my father. I had spent several years climbing and hanging from extension ladders. While OSHA had been established by then, its regulations had not yet reached Bienville Parish. The previous summer, my father and I had painted the Cypress Springs Baptist Church in Sailes, Louisiana—a 150-year-old white wooden structure that still stands today, and where my dad was the pastor. We had a 32-foot ladder, but it fell short of reaching the gable on the church’s rear wall. Our solution? We positioned my father’s 1968 Ford pickup and placed the ladder in the truck bed, but that still proved insufficient. We returned home and retrieved our homemade ping-pong table, placing it in the truck bed as well.

Better, but still a bit too short. What was I thinking?

The next approach required some creative engineering. I decided to wire my paint brush to a broom handle. Our equipment was decidedly low-tech—state-of-the-art by 1940s standards, one might say, only this 1979. For instance, we took the wire bail handle from a gallon paint can, bent it into an “S” shape, and used it to suspend another paint can from the extension ladder’s rungs. Using a paint brush attached to a 4½-foot handle would prove challenging.

With everything assembled—truck, table, ladder, brush, and paint can with S-shaped bail—I positioned myself at the base of the ladder and looked upward. The fully extended 32-foot ladder had a pronounced bow in the middle, which I estimated at over a foot of deflection to one side. It resembled a banana. Well, I thought, it should work.

But first things first.

Nestled securely in the gable peak of the church was a substantial Louisiana red wasp nest—perhaps 10 inches in diameter and densely populated with these formidable creatures. What to do?

Back to creative problem-solving. The time-tested method (circa 1940s) for addressing such an obstacle involved a coffee can full of kerosene, or gasoline, and a willingness to abandon fear and caution. For those unfamiliar with this technique, the procedure is straightforward: climb to the top of the ladder, douse the nest with kerosene, and descend the ladder as rapidly as possible. I should note that descending a 32-foot ladder with a significant bow while moving at speed presents its own challenges.

Success is measured by getting stung only a little and managing not to fall and die.

Then you must climb the ladder again and dislodge the nest with your 4½-foot paint brush. You never eliminate all the wasps; they remain airborne and deliver additional stings.

Now you can finally paint?  Not quite. With dozens of wasps still circling the evicted nest site, I take a standard paint brush and a can of paint and ascend the ladder once more.

We were using a quality exterior oil paint—none of the newfangled water-based latex products on this 150-year-old structure. With my head on a swivel, as the wasps attacked, I defended myself with my paint-covered brush. A tiny amount of oil paint is sufficient to disable a wasp, sending it spiraling earthward with a fresh coat of white paint. Only after dispatching a dozen or more of these aerial adversaries did I finally attend to painting the gable.

The result was not my finest work, but it was adequately covered. More importantly, I had survived and earned my $3 per hour.  Before anyone gets bent out of shape about how my dad could make me do this, he didn’t.  I did it because I knew if I didn’t, he would.  I was 18 years old, weighed a hundred and nothing, and I could climb like a squirrel. He weighed over 200 and I wasn’t about to let him climb that ladder. He had two sons, so one was surely expendable, but I always figured it was the other one. (sorry Gary)

As I stood contemplating the water tower, the thought occurred to me: I can do that.

I proceeded to city hall and asked the police chief whether I might climb the tower to photograph the church. In what I can only describe as a lapse in judgment and a dereliction of duty, he granted permission. “OK,” he said. What was he thinking?

My constant companion and I, along with our cameras, approached the tower. My friend Mike James, camera in hand to document the endeavor, never once tried to talk me out of this poorly planned adventure. Perhaps he reasoned that if things went badly awry, his photographs might achieve a measure of fame. Documenting the tragedy.

Upon reaching the base of the tower where the ladder to the upper walkway begins, I observed that the ascent was not a conventional ladder but rather a zigzag pattern of bracing extending all the way to the top. So be it.

My experience with ladders and youthful invincibility, and perceived immortality, carried me to the top, where I discovered that the ladder providing access to the walkway consisted of steel rungs approximately 3/8 inch in diameter—roughly the thickness of a pencil. I decided to quit thinking.

Now facing that last part of the climb, I realized that I would need to lean backward and essentially hang from these pencil-thin rungs to proceed upward. This was unsettling.

Nevertheless, I managed to climb onto the 5-rung ladder and reach the walkway. Only then did I examine the welds securing the ladder to the tower. They should have been robust welds to the angle-iron, but the welder had fastened both sides using only a BB-sized drop of weld material, which had become rusty and corroded significantly over time. These welds did not inspire confidence, but instead only faith and hope.

What was I thinking?

Looking down from the top, I could see a few people had stopped to see the spectacle.

Since we are all here today, you know those welds held. I can attest that the descent was equally harrowing.

I obtained the photographs of the church. A drone would have been invaluable, but such technology lay four decades in the future.

My photographs did not bring me wealth or fame, and because those welds did not fail, Mike’s photographs remained similarly obscure, and the other people also left, probably a little disappointed that nothing really exciting happened.  NASCAR is always more fun when they wreck.

Some risks are genuinely worthwhile; others, decidedly less so.

Terrible ideas make for great stories.

 

---

---

Two individuals were arrested April 29 in connection with a reported armed robbery on the Grambling State University campus, according to affidavits filed by university police.

GSU Police reported officers were dispatched at about 11 a.m. to investigate a robbery that occurred the previous evening near Mary McLeod Bethune Hall.

The victim told officers he was approached by three individuals at about 6 p.m. April 28. According to an arrest affidavit, one suspect displayed a handgun while another took the victim’s iPhone XR, vape devices and approximately $5. The victim reported being choked during the encounter.

---

One suspect, identified as Daejohn James, 19, of Grambling, was located in a dorm room at Robert B. Knott Hall. The victim identified James as the person who took the phone. The affidavit states James admitted grabbing the phone from the ground while another suspect was choking the victim.

A second suspect, Byron Williams, 20, of Long Beach, Calif., was located at another campus residence hall. The victim identified Williams as being involved in the incident. According to the affidavit, Williams admitted to being present and participating in the robbery.

Both individuals were charged with simple robbery and transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

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

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

---

If you grew up in the 1960s, you probably remember a time when home appliances were built like tanks, weighed like tractors, and behaved like mischievous cousins who couldn’t be trusted. Ours certainly did. We had a refrigerator with only one big outer door, and inside that door—like a frosty little secret—was the freezer compartment. It was the kind of setup that made sense only to engineers who had never met actual children.

The top hinge of that refrigerator had screws that were, shall we say, “spiritually backslidden.” They were stripped, worn, and holding on by the power of prayer alone. If you opened the door too quickly or too wide, the hinge would give up entirely, leaving the entire refrigerator door hanging by the bottom hinge like a drunk uncle leaning on a lamppost.

And when that happened, it made a noise. A loud noise. A noise that said, “Someone is trying to sneak a popsicle.”

---

My mother, who possessed the hearing of a bat and the reflexes of a ninja, would shout from the other room, “Fix the door!” And we kids would scramble like we were disarming a bomb. Because in the 60s, you didn’t sneak snacks. You attempted them. And you were usually caught.

The tea pitcher lived in that refrigerator too, which meant that even the simple act of getting a drink of tea required the stealth of a Navy SEAL. The door could be opened quietly, but children in the 60s were not careful. We were loud, clumsy, sugar-motivated creatures who believed we were invisible as long as we whispered.

Looking back, that refrigerator door was more than a household hazard. It was a spiritual formation tool. It taught us patience, discipline, and the consequences of lukewarm commitment. Because if you approached that door casually—halfheartedly, carelessly—it betrayed you. Every time.

And isn’t that a picture of the Christian life?

Revelation talks about being hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Lukewarm is what happens when we try to follow Jesus casually, quietly, or only when we think no one is watching. Lukewarm faith is refrigerator door faith: it looks sturdy from the outside, but the hinges are loose, the screws are stripped, and the whole thing falls apart the moment life swings too wide.

But when we approach our faith with intention—with reverence, steadiness, and a little holy fear—we discover that the door holds. The hinges strengthen. The whole thing works the way it was meant to.

That old refrigerator is long gone, but the lesson remains: a life of faith can’t be sneaked into or stumbled through. It must be opened with purpose.

And if you ever doubt that, just remember: God hears everything. Even the sound of a kid trying to steal a popsicle.

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.

---

The opinions in this letter do not necessarily reflect those of the publishing staff of the Lincoln Parish Journal.

The Ruston Voters League strongly condemns the ongoing assault on the Voting Rights Act and the dangerous implications of the opinion rendered in Callais vs. Louisiana. At a time when voter access should be protected and expanded, we are instead witnessing calculated efforts to weaken and manipulate the democratic process.

Governor Landry’s proposed response is not only reckless—it is wasteful and harmful. His actions would squander taxpayer dollars by disrupting an election process already underway. Thousands of citizens have already cast their mail-in ballots in good faith. To now introduce uncertainty and potential interference is an insult to those voters and a blatant disregard for responsible governance.

Let us be clear: this will create chaos. It will confuse voters. And most troubling, it will discourage participation—especially among seniors, working-class citizens, and marginalized communities who already face barriers to voting. When people begin to question whether their vote will count, democracy itself is weakened.

We are also calling out members of the Republican Legislature: stop blindly following political talking points that undermine the rights of the people you were elected to serve. Stop embracing the divisive and misleading rhetoric coming from Governor Landry and Donald Trump. Louisiana deserves leadership—not loyalty to political “kool-aid” that erodes public trust and damages our democratic institutions.

This is bigger than politics. This is about right and wrong. This is about whether we honor the voices of our citizens or silence them through confusion, suppression, and neglect.

We urge every citizen to take action now. Contact your legislators and demand that they protect the integrity of our elections. Speak out in your communities, attend public meetings, and refuse to be silent while voting rights are threatened. Most importantly, remain engaged and committed to participating in every election—because the most powerful response to suppression is participation.

The Ruston Voters League will not be silent. We stand firmly in defense of free, fair, and accessible elections—and we call on all leaders of conscience to do the same.

Respectfully,
Veda B. Emerson, President
Ruston Voters League

---

LPJ Sports Report

MONROE, La. — Ruston High School’s tennis program capped its season with its strongest performance in more than 10 years at the Division II state tournament held this past weekend in Monroe.

The Bearcats’ boys team tied for fifth place overall, while the Lady Bearcats finished fourth in the team standings, highlighting a deep and balanced showing across both singles and doubles competition.

Ruston placed multiple doubles teams among the top finishers. The duos of Carson Williams and Reeves Kilpatrick, Millie Keen and Mabry Doucet, and Alyssa Langiulli and Eva Allen each advanced to the round of 32. Roan Sutherland and Hoss Flournoy pushed deeper into the bracket, finishing in the top 16.

Libby Morgan and Bess Black delivered one of the top performances for Ruston in doubles, advancing to the quarterfinals to finish among the top eight teams in the state.

In singles play, Leighton Brumley and Micah Blount both reached the round of 16. Jake Hawkins advanced to the quarterfinals, securing a top-eight finish.

Lillian Fendley led the Lady Bearcats with the deepest run of the tournament, reaching the semifinals and finishing among the top four competitors in Division II.

Ruston head coach David Poe credited the team’s success to consistent effort throughout the season.

“The results show how hard these kids have worked,” Poe said. “Great effort yields great results. I’m so proud of my team.”

The overall results underscore continued growth for the Ruston program, which placed multiple athletes in the later rounds and recorded its best combined team finish in over a decade.

---

---

---

Click the three bars in the bottom corner and select “With Radar” to see current precipitation and storms in your area.

---

---

Loading
crossword puzzle. One moment please.

---

---

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, May 5
6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.)
10 a.m.: Storytime : Tacos (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m.: Crafternoon : Taco Cards (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m : Video-Led Exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
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 a.m.: Library Technology Basics for Adults (Lincoln Parish Library)
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 p.m.: Tween Time : Maracas (Lincoln Parish Library)
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.
5-7 p.m.: Fetch Art Show (111 E. Mississippi Ave., Ruston)
6 p.m.: Teen Time :  Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Lincoln Parish Library)
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

Monday, May 11
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
6 p.m.: AI for Real Life (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups/Creative Potluck (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)

Tuesday, May 12
6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.)
10 a.m.: Storytime : Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Lincoln Parish Library)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Hamburgers for Hunger fundraiser for 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry at the Ruston First Baptist Church parking lot (corner of Trenton and Texas). Tickets are $10 and available from board members and Origin Bank locations in downtown Ruston and on N. Trenton St. Tickets will also be available on site.
4 p.m.: Crafternoon : Cherry Blossom Bubble Wrap Paintings (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-Led Exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
7 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Police Jury meeting (Lincoln Parish Courthouse)

Wednesday, May 13
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 14
9:30 a.m.: Piney Hills Quilt Guild meeting (Grace Methodist Church)
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4 p.m.: Tween Time : Chinese Drum Craft (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Teen Time : Trivia Night (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
6 p.m.: La Tech baseball

Friday, May 15
4 p.m.: Family Fun Friday : Movie Night: Moana 2 (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball

Saturday, May 16
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball

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

---

By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — Ruston High has placed 16 players on the 2025 All-District 2-5A baseball team, highlighted by senior Jackson Lee earning District Player of the Year honors and 10 Bearcats being named to the first team.

First-team selections for Ruston included junior pitchers Tyler Roach and Peyton Nations, senior infielders Jackson Burroughs and Nolan Parnell, catcher Lander Smith, outfielders Lee and junior JP Moak, junior designated hitter Sam Hartwell and senior utility players Hudson Wood and Kenden Freeman.

Lee led the way offensively, hitting .500 with a .575 on-base percentage, including four triples and a home run. Hartwell also batted .500 with a .588 on-base percentage, adding four doubles, a triple and nine RBIs. Smith hit .421 with a .578 on-base percentage, while Moak posted a .462 average with a .588 on-base percentage and 11 RBIs.

On the mound, Roach went 3-0 with a 0.00 ERA, allowing just eight hits and four walks while striking out 19. Nations recorded a 0.75 ERA with 10 strikeouts.

Burroughs hit .320 with a .487 on-base percentage, one home run and six runs scored, while Parnell batted .321 with a .475 on-base percentage, one home run and eight RBIs. Wood added a .348 average with four doubles.

Ruston’s second-team selections were sophomore pitcher Max Pyles, sophomore outfielder Dalen Powell and utility players Michael Brisco (senior) and Dillon Williams (junior). Pyles finished with a 3.41 ERA, while Brisco was recognized as a courtesy runner and Williams earned honors for his work at second base and shortstop.

Freshman Tristan Nassar (pitcher), junior Colt Lary (pitcher) and sophomore Aidan Adams (DH) received honorable mention recognition.

Ruston head coach Bryan Beck said the recognition reflects the team’s depth and senior leadership.

“On behalf of our coaching staff, we are very proud of all of our players who represent Ruston High and our baseball team on the District 2-5A all-district list,” Beck said.

Beck also praised Lee’s top honor.

“Couldn’t be more proud for Jackson Lee receiving the District Player of the Year award. He earned that, and certainly the district coaches got that one right,” Beck said.

Beck noted the impact of the senior class, which saw every senior earn either first- or second-team recognition.

“Every senior on our team was represented either in first-team or second-team honors, and that just tells you what kind of group these seniors were,” Beck said. “This group will certainly be missed but never forgotten.”

---

---

Funeral services celebrating the life of Sonda Womack, 83, of Chatham, Louisiana will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Chatham Community Methodist Church with Rev. Lynn Malone, Rev. Lala Ball, and Rev. Russell Rhodes officiating. Interment will follow immediately after at Chatham Cemetery, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe.

The visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Chatham Community Methodist Church.

Sonda Ann Roberts Womack, age 83, of Chatham, Louisiana, passed away on April 30, 2026, in Chatham, surrounded by her three sons and their wives.

She was born November 27, 1942, in Chatham, Louisiana, to W. R. and Aline Johnson Roberts, the seventh of ten children.

Sonda devoted her life in service to her Lord, her family, and her community. She faithfully served the Lord through her gift of music, playing the piano and organ for various congregations over a span of 73 years. She also served her community as Postmaster of the Chatham Post Office for over 25 years and gave her time generously to the Crossroads Mission in Chatham.

At home, she expressed that same devotion in quieter but no less meaningful ways caring for her family and creating a place where they were always welcome.

She was preceded in death by her parents; all nine of her siblings; her husband, Tommy L. Womack; one great-grandson, Kobyn Malone; and the father of her three sons, Terry Malone.

She is survived by her three sons and two step-daughters: Ben Malone and wife Kellie of Madisonville, Louisiana; Lynn Malone and wife Vanessa of Minden, Louisiana; and Shawn Malone and wife Toni of Chatham, Louisiana, step-daughters, Jan Blythe and husband Jim of La Belle, Florida, and Nan Cole and husband Steve of Shreveport, LA. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Two sisters-in-law, Lynette Roberts and Sandy Roberts, also survive.

The pallbearers will be Adam Malone, Josh Malone, Kade Malone, Taylor McCarty, Matthew Ingram, Michael Lites, Ryder Malone, and Mitchell Malone.

The honorary pallbearers will be Jason Roberts, Don Reinhart, and Ronnie Hightower.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Chatham Community Church or the Zoar Cemetery Association, c/o Peoples Bank in Chatham, LA.

---

---

Tamara Gayle Pilgreen 
July 8, 1959 – April 30, 2026 
Visitation: Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Service: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 10:00 AM, Owens Memorial Chapel 
Cemetery Committal: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 11:30 AM, Shiloh Cemetery  

---

---

A Louisiana Tech student, still a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, is actively involved in its fundraising efforts through her sorority and plans to assist with the Monroe St. Jude Dream Home project this summer.

Lilyana Reyna, of Bossier City, hopes area residents will understand the urgency she feels about supporting the Memphis-based hospital. The 20-year-old is currently a sophomore biology pre-med major and member of Tri Delta sorority.

“I was referred to St. Jude during my sophomore year of high school,” Lilyana said, “because doctors were concerned I might have a form of chronic leukemia. Thankfully, it was ruled out.”

---

But while she was there, doctors diagnosed her with a rare mast cell genetic condition – hereditary alpha tryptasemia. Mast cells are part of the immune system’s first line of defense, helping the body respond to infections and toxins. The condition can cause the body to overreact in ways that go beyond typical allergies and can increase the risk of developing cancer in the future.

“Although I will always be sick,” Lilyana said, “it is because of them that I can live my life to my fullest.”

Lilyana began treatment at age 16 and continues to be monitored by St. Jude physicians. One of her most lasting memories came during her first meeting with a doctor at the hospital.

“She (the doctor) could immediately tell that I was not doing well, but she was going to do everything she could to help me live my life again,” Lilyana said. “After nearly a year of getting no answers and feeling worse each day, I will never forget how relieved I felt hearing those words.”

That experience helped shape Lilyana’s future goals. “That moment is why I strive to become a doctor one day,” she said.

Lilyana said St. Jude’s support extended well beyond medical care.

“We never had to worry about the cost of my biopsies, infusions or treatments, which took a huge weight off my family during an already stressful time,” she explained. “Beyond that, their team was incredibly hands-on and genuinely cared about us – not just as patients, but as people.”

Today, she remains connected to the hospital not only through her ongoing care but also through her leadership role with Tri Delta sorority at Louisiana Tech, where she serves as director of philanthropy.

“We host events throughout the year that raise thousands of dollars,” she said, noting activities such as Delta House of Pancakes, Sincerely Yours and 5K in a Day. “Keeping my sorority sisters as involved as possible with this incredible hospital is so incredibly rewarding.”

She also has the opportunity to visit the St. Jude campus in Memphis with fellow members, giving them a firsthand look at how their efforts make a difference.

This summer, Lilyana plans to help with the Open Houses scheduled as part of the Monroe St. Jude Dream Home project, continuing the work that has become deeply personal to her.

“I want potential St. Jude Dream Home ticket buyers to know that their support truly makes a difference for kids like me,” she said. “Every ticket helps give other children the same care, dedication and hope that has meant so much to me.”

Her story underscores why the Monroe St. Jude Dream Home project remains such an important fundraiser for the hospital.

The 9,000 tickets for the Monroe Dream Home will remain on sale until sold out, with the next big prize drawings listed as follows: Bonus Prize deadline, May 8 – 2026 Mazda3 Sedan Select, courtesy of Dream Day Foundation; and Last-Chance Prize deadline, June 5 – Generac home standby generator, courtesy of Albritton Service Co. The drawing for the house itself will be June 16.

Tickets are $100 each. To purchase, call 1-800-592-1582 or visit dreamhome.org.

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.

---

CHOUDRANT, La. — Choudrant High School recognized dozens of seniors Friday morning during its annual Military and Academic Signing Ceremony, celebrating both service commitments and collegiate academic achievements inside the school’s new gym.

The ceremony began at 8 a.m. with military honorees, followed by the academic signing at 9:15 a.m.

Three students — Deacon Bergeron, Jonah Bryan and Joshua Sellers — were recognized for committing to military service, continuing what school leaders described as a longstanding tradition in the community.

“Choudrant High School has a pretty deep relationship with the armed services,” Principal Chris Jones said. “When you look back every year, we know we’re going to have a few students go into the Army, the National Guard or the Navy. It’s a tradition that ties back to the values of this community.”

Jones emphasized the generational impact of military service in Choudrant, noting that many students follow in the footsteps of parents and grandparents.

“Service runs really deep in this community,” Jones said. “There’s a sense of pride in the country, and this is an opportunity for us to spotlight these students today.”

The larger portion of the morning honored academic signees — students committing to continue their education at colleges and universities across the region and beyond.

Louisiana Tech University drew the largest group of signees, including Jackson Ambrose, Braden Bagwell, Austin Barmore, Karson Bell, Bailey Brown, Reese Brown, Jonah Bryan, Kahless Carnahan, Carson Carrico, Ivy Collinsworth, Hagen Davis, Lynlee Garrett, Piper Jackson, Cooper Johnson, Marlee Jones, Sadie Jones, Audrey Martin, Sophia McVay, Kamryn Rhodes, Jackson Smith and Everett Thorn.

The University of Louisiana-Monroe will welcome Brylea Diffey, Kamryn Green, Caroline May, Briley McGuire and Emily Snyder.

Benton Case signed with the United States Naval Academy, Judah Sharpton will attend LSU, and Madeline Chreene and Jenny Nichols signed with the University of Arkansas.

Jones said the academic signing ceremony was created about five to six years ago to give students recognition comparable to athletic signees.

“There’s always opportunities to honor athletes, and we don’t always put as much emphasis on academics,” Jones said. “This was an area where we felt like we could really honor these kids for the hard work they’ve put in for 12 or 13 years.”

The event has since become a point of pride for the school and community, highlighting students who may not always receive public recognition.

“A lot of times it’s kids who don’t get their names written in the paper,” Jones said. “This is something we’ve really hung our hat on.”

With family members, faculty and classmates in attendance, Friday’s ceremony underscored both the academic success and service-minded culture that define Choudrant High School’s graduating class.

---

---

---

---

The City of Ruston announces, weather permitting, that E. Line Avenue, between Edgewood Street and Cedar Street, will be closed to thru traffic beginning at 7:00am on Monday, May 4th and shall remain closed for approximately two weeks.

This closure is necessary to allow the City’s contractor to conduct construction activities associated with
the E. Line Cross Drain Project.

The City of Ruston regrets any inconvenience this necessary work may cause residents and motorists. We appreciate your patience, and any questions can be received by the Public Works Department at (318) 242-7703.

---

---

Ruston Police have arrested a suspect in connection with recent burglaries targeting businesses along near downtown Ruston, as well as a prior incident on Farmerville Highway.

James Simpson Jr., 23, of Simsboro, was identified by investigators and has been booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on three counts of simple burglary.

The investigation began in the early morning hours of April 26, when officers responded to a reported burglary in the 800 block of North Trenton Street. An individual had forced entry into the business, stealing multiple items including cell phones and gaming systems.

Investigators later determined two of the stolen items had been pawned in Haughton. Surveillance footage obtained from the pawn shop was compared to video from the burglary scene, confirming the same individual was responsible for both the break-in and pawning the stolen goods.

---

As the investigation progressed, detectives identified Simpson and linked him to an additional burglary that occurred in November 2025 on Farmerville Highway. Authorities also identified a vehicle associated with the suspect.

On April 30, officers responded to another burglary in the 900 block of South Vienna Street, where forced entry was again used to gain access. With suspect and vehicle information in hand, officers later located Simpson traveling on Highway 167 South and conducted a traffic stop after observing a violation.

In a search of Simpson’s vehicle, officers recovered tools believed to have been used in the burglaries, including a tire iron and a hammer, along with two cell phones. One of the phones was confirmed to have been stolen during the North Trenton burglary.

Simpson was transported to the Ruston Police Department for questioning, where he reportedly admitted to committing all three burglaries. Following the interview, Simpson was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of several stolen cell phones and a firearm reported stolen in a separate vehicle burglary in Lincoln Parish.

Police Chief Eric Watson praised the efforts of investigators and patrol officers, noting their work in connecting multiple cases demonstrates the department’s investigative capabilities.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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

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

---

Courtesy of Louisiana State Police

On Friday, May 1, 2026, shortly after 11:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on Louisiana Highway 15 just north of Louisiana Highway 549. The crash claimed the life of 33-year-old Deairio Loggins of Bernice.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2012 Nissan Altima, driven by Loggins, was traveling south on Louisiana Highway 15. At the same time, a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was traveling north on Louisiana Highway 15. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan traveled off the right side of the road. Loggins attempted to regain control by steering left, but overcorrected, causing the vehicle to cross over the southbound lane and enter the northbound lane directly into the path of the Chevrolet. As a result, the Chevrolet struck the Nissan in the northbound lane of Louisiana Highway 15.

Loggins, who was unrestrained, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet, who was properly restrained, suffered moderate injuries and was transferred to an area hospital for treatment. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chances of being severely injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, remain buckled up at all times. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries during crashes. 

---

---

LPJ Sports Report

RUSTON, La. — Ruston High School closed out a standout 2026 track and field season with a strong showing at the Region 1-5A Championships, adding to a spring that featured multiple team titles, school records and state-leading performances.

At the regional meet, the Bearcats finished third overall and the Lady Bearcats placed fourth in a 23-team field, advancing several athletes to the LHSAA Class 5A State Championships.

Ruston’s season-long success was evident from the start.

The Lady Bearcats captured first-place finishes at the Benton Invitational, Neville Van Leigh Relays, WOHS Mac’s Fresh Market Relays and Quitman Invitational, while adding runner-up finishes at West Monroe and the District 2-5A Championships.

The Bearcats claimed titles at Neville, WOHS and Quitman, while finishing second at Benton, West Monroe and district, and third at Sterlington.

That consistency carried into regionals, where Ruston produced multiple event champions and state qualifiers.

The Lady Bearcats’ 4×800-meter relay team of Maddy Parkman, Madison Morris, Eden Dawsey and Hallie Hebert continued its dominant season with a first-place finish in 9 minutes, 38.46 seconds, after setting a school record and posting the state’s top time earlier this spring.

T’Avion Clark added a regional title in the girls 400-meter dash, winning in 55.57 seconds. Clark previously recorded the fastest time in Louisiana this season at 55.10 and was a key contributor across multiple sprint and relay events.

Ruston also saw several athletes secure state-qualifying finishes with top-three performances.

Joshua Daulton placed second in the boys 1,600 meters (4:30), while Hebert finished third in the girls 1,600 (5:29). Al-Amin “AJ” Wilson took third in the boys 3,200 (9:36).

In the field events, Ahmad Hudson finished third in the high jump (6-2) and added a third-place finish in discus (144-3). Journi Douglas placed second in discus (125-9) and third in shot put (35-3).

Ruston’s relay teams also delivered key performances. The girls 4×400 relay of Mattison Russell, Megan Modest, Clark and Dawsey placed second in 3:56.34, while the boys 4×800 relay of Wyatt Hancock, Taylor Roller, Cooper Slate and Preston Parker finished third in 8:10.

The regional success followed a season filled with elite performances across all event groups.

Earlier in the year, Ruston’s girls 4×800 relay set a school record (9:35.94) and established the top time in the state. The boys 4×200 (1:26.29) and 4×400 (3:18.00) relay teams also posted state-leading marks.

Individually, Kemondrick Hunter broke the school record in the boys 200 meters (21.30), while D’Joryen Jenkins captured the District 2-5A title in the same event and ran 10.65 in the 100.

Distance runners anchored the team’s depth, with Dawsey winning district titles in the 800 and 1,600, Daulton claiming the 1,600, and Wilson and Addie Brister sweeping the 3,200 titles.

Coach Dustin Cochran credited the group’s consistency.

“It’s been a great season for the distance group as a whole,” Cochran said. “We’ve been able to run fast individually and as a group. I feel like this group has really taken on the challenge of performing at their best week in and week out.”

In the throws, Douglas highlighted a consistent group that produced points throughout the season, including a school-record throw of 139 feet, 6 inches in discus. Hunter Warrick led the boys in javelin with a mark of 193-1.

Coach Tripp Marcus praised the unit’s contributions.

“The girls group has been especially consistent in scoring points for our team,” Marcus said. “All of these girls have qualified for regionals and will be pushing for a spot at the state meet.”

Ruston qualified 41 athletes to regionals, a reflection of the program’s depth.

“Our boys and girls sprint/hurdle/jump groups have been electric all year,” coach Trey Smith said. “When you’re talking about state-leading times, school records, and multiple district champions, that’s a testament to their work ethic and competitiveness.”

With momentum from regionals, Ruston now turns its attention to the Class 5A state meet, scheduled for May 9 at LSU.

“I feel like we are heading into the next round with confidence and momentum,” Smith said. “This group is fast, focused, and ready to compete.”

---

---

---

by Malcolm Butler

After postseason playoff berths, the Choudrant softball team was well-represented on the All-District 2B team released this week.

The Lady Aggies (10-18) boasted four first team honorees and one second team honoree after advancing to the second round of the Class B state playoffs. 

Choudrant standouts Addison Worley (P/SS), Kelsee Guillotte (OF), Emery Boggs (C), and Briley McGuire (OF) all earned a spot on the all-district first team while Kennedi Otwell (SS/P) was named second team. 

The Lady Aggies defeated Doyline 20-2 in the first round of the playoffs before falling 5-1 to No. 4 seed Anacoco in the second round.

Family Christian Community School (FCCS) took home the MVP and Coach of the Year honors with Ali-Kate Walker and coach Reed Caldwell. 

---

---