Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Volleyball

After spending the first seven matches of the season away from home, Louisiana Tech volleyball is back in the Thomas Assembly Center this week to host the Bulldog Bash.  The 3-day event will feature four teams – LA Tech, ULM, Houston Christian, and Jackson State – with five total matches played.

Tech hosts Jackson State tonight at 6:30 p.m. followed by ULM (Friday at 6:30 p.m.) and Houston Christian (Saturday at 11 a.m.). All three matches can be seen on ESPN+. Admission is free.

LA Tech (3-4) went 1-2 this past weekend down in New Orleans at the Green Wave Classic, shutting out Southern 3-0 before falling to host Tulane 3-0 and Lamar 3-1. Carla Esquer (22 kills), Zari Gillispie (19 kills), and Jailen Hurley (18 kills) led the offensive attack for the Bulldogs at the event. The freshman Gillispie had a team-best .368 hitting percentage with 19 kills on 38 total attacks.

Freshman Sydnee Carter had a team-best 45 assists at the Green Wave Classic, 20 of which came in the matchup against Lamar (her second match of 20+ assists). She also had a season-high 14 digs to record her first career double-double.   

Libero/defensive specialist Riley Steubing has been a steady presence on defense, tallying double-digit digs in four of the last five matches. The junior registered a career-high 28 digs against ULM and has a team-best 105 digs this season.

ULM heads to Ruston with a 5-2 mark on the season.  The Warhawks are on a three-match winning streak with victories over Alcorn State, McNeese, and Northwestern State. 

Offensively, ULM has a .172 hitting percentage and is anchored by outside hitter Aniya Hall who has a team-best 93 kills (average of 3.72 per set).  Their primary setter is Mogan Howard who has 140 assists on the season as well as a team-high 21 service aces.

LA Tech owns a 28-10 advantage over ULM. This will be the second time the Bulldogs and Warhawks face off this season. The two met in Hammond at the Southeastern Showdown with ULM coming back from 0-2 down to win in five sets. LA Tech is 13-3 all-time against ULM at home with last meeting in the TAC being a 3-2 victory in 2022.

After opening the season with five straight losses, Houston Christian has won back-to-back matches against Bethune-Cookman and Texas Southern (both 3-0 victories). 

The Huskies are hitting .163 as a team with most of their kills coming from Allana Archie (59) and Katy Barger (45).  Peyton Fadal and Madison Hess handle the setter position, combining for 181 assists. 

LA Tech trails in the all-time series with HCU, 2-5. The Huskies have won four last straight, including a pair of matchups during the 2021 season. This will only be the second time LA Tech hosts HCU with the first meeting in the TAC being a 3-1 victory in 2008 (was the first ever meeting between the two programs).

Jackson State is still in search for its first win of the season, having dropped all five matches.  Two of the five have gone the distance with five-set losses to LA Tech and Southeastern. 

Offensively, the Tigers have a .140 hitting percentage with outside hitters Jayden James and Hope Briggs tallying 53 and 51 kills, respectively.  Defensively, JSU has three players with double-digit blocks this season.

LA Tech leads the all-time series against Jackson State, 15-1. The Bulldogs have won 11 straight over the Tigers, including a five-set victory in the season opener.  LA Tech is a perfect 4-0 against JSU at home with the last such meeting taking place in 2018.

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Soccer

The Bulldogs (1-6-1) return to Ruston for the first time in five matches to host the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (1-4-2) at The Mack tonight at 7 p.m. CT. This will be the first time the two sides take the pitch together in 14 seasons.

The contest can be seen on ESPN+.

SFA leads the series 4-2-1 with the two programs tying1-1 in the last meeting on Sept. 9, 2011.

LA Tech is coming off a down stretch going 0-5 on their first road trip of the season, being outscored by a combined 13-0. The ‘Dogs’ stretch of five matches without a goal tie for the third-longest streak in program history and is the second time in as many seasons the Bulldogs have suffered such a sequence.

The Bulldogs are unbeaten at home against the Lumberjacks in their three all-time meetings in Ruston. Tech defeated SFA, 2-1, in 2006 before posting a 2-0 clean sheet two seasons later. In 2011, the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw following a double overtime period.

Stephen F. Austin enters Thursday’s contest with a 1-4-2 record under first-year head coach Ashley Whittemore. This is her second stint with SFA after she spent a season as an assistant for UTSA following her first departure from Nacogdoches, helping lead the Roadrunners to a Conference USA Tournament title and an appearance in the NCAA tournament.

While she was an assistant for SFA, Whittemore saw the Lumberjacks to a pair of runner-up appearances in the Southland Conference Tournament in 2018 and 2019 before being crowned champions in 2020. She also helped lead the program to a divisional title in SFA’s first season as members of the Western Athletic Conference while also finishing as tournament semifinalists.

Taylor Dodson is the lone multi-goal scorer for the Lumberjacks this season while SFA has six separate goal contributors thus far. Alexis Miller and Brielle Buchanan each have dished two assists to combine for four of the team’s seven.

Logan Heausler leads the team with 14 shots and is tied for the most with Buchanan with seven on target. Heausler is also one of three players with at least 10 shots alongside Buchanan and Miller.

The back line for SFA is on a hot stretch right now, not having allowed a goal in their previous three contests. Following a 5-1 loss at Texas State, the Lumberjacks notched their first win of the year over UTEP, 1-0, in El Paso before etching in back-to-back clean sheets in front of the home crowd against Texas A&M and Houston.
 

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech Men’s Basketball head coach Talvin Hester announced the Bulldogs’ non-conference slate for the 2025-26 season, an 11-game schedule that will combine with 20 Conference USA matchups.

The campaign tips off on Nov. 4 when LA Tech travels west to face Nevada in Reno. The Bulldogs’ home opener follows five days later, welcoming Lyon College to the Thomas Assembly Center on Nov. 9.

LA Tech stays home to face Jackson State on Nov. 15 before making a road trip to Indiana State on Nov. 19. The Bulldogs and Sycamores will turn around and face off against one another in Ruston on Nov. 26 as part of a multi-team event in the TAC. As part of the event over Thanksgiving weekend, LA Tech will also face Alcorn State on Nov. 29.

The month of December begins with a trip to Statesboro, Georgia on Dec. 3 to face Georgia Southern before returning home to battle Ecclesia on Dec. 7. That is followed by a rivalry matchup with UL-Lafayette on Dec. 13.

The non-conference slate rounds out at Tulane on Dec. 17 and a home contest versus Dallas Christian on Dec. 22.

The first of 20 CUSA games will take place on Dec. 29 versus UTEP in the TAC. The Bulldogs will face every league team twice except for WKU and New Mexico State, which LA Tech will only face once.

Tip-off times and broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

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David Edward Hedgepeth peacefully passed away on September 7, 2025, in Ruston, Louisiana, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 69. David was born on April 7, 1956, in Long Beach, CA, to William David and Barbara Gwin Hedgepeth.

 Over 40 years ago, David opened David Hedgepeth Interiors. With the eye of an artist David would bring his unique style to all his clients. David served his community and the city of Ruston. He served as a member of Ruston City Council, was a board member on Ruston Civic Symphony, Lincoln Parish Museum and the Dixie Center of the Arts. David also served as Co-Chairman with Lue Charles Napper and Judy Burt on Queen Dixie Gem, Dixie Gem Teen and Princess Peach.

 The Church of the Redeemer was a major part of David’s life. He was a stalwart and reliable volunteer for many, many projects spanning more than 30 years. David served on the Vestry more than once, he was licensed and served as a Eucharistic Minister, he was a regular member of the Men of the Church, and he taught Sunday School. He was on two Search Committees during our quests for a new Rector, and the predictable beauty of the Redeemer altar on Sundays and other special occasions was often the result of David’s floral artistry.

One of David’s most noteworthy duties was serving as Batter Boy with Lue Charles Napper making gallons and gallons of perfect pancake batter at the Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, where his expertise was unquestioned and his jovial attitude regularly brought a smile and a laugh to an otherwise hectic situation.

 David was preceded in death by his parents, William David and Barbara Gwin Hedgepeth, grandparents Fred and Sarah Duggan, David Edward Hedgepeth, John and Hattie Gwin.

David is survived by his companion and best friend, Melinda Maxwell, his son William Hedgepeth (Malea) and their children MacKenizie and David James “DJ” Hedgepeth, his daughter Gwin Hedgepeth and her children Levi, Eden and Wren Boydstun and Noah Lockwood. Brother John Hedgepeth (Sherrill) and sister Sarah Hedgepeth. Melinda’s children Mary Cathryn (Peter) Benyo, their children Andrew, Mary Parker and Herris, Ben (Rebecca) Pullin and their children Hallie, Kendall, and Grant.  

Visitation will be at Haskell Hall The Church of the Redeemer on Friday, September 12,, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The Funeral Service will be 10:30 A. M. Saturday, September13, 2025, at The Church of the Redeemer, 504 Tech Drive, Ruston, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston, LA.

David asked, in lieu of flowers, to make donations to The Church of the Redeemer organ fund.

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Funeral services for Wade C. Hampton, Jr. will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Emmanuel Baptist Church under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.    Officiating the service will be Bro. Paul Watts and John Roebuck.   Interment will follow at Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens.   A visitation will be held prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Wade was born October 1, 1944, in Delhi, Louisiana.   He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist church and was a Decon-Decon EMERITUS as well as a Sunday School Teacher.   He loved to garden and was a Master Gardener.

He is preceded in death by his parents Wade C Hampton, Sr. and Beatrice Wells Hampton, his siblings Troy D. Hampton, Iris Mayberry, and Barbara Bernard.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 58 years Frances Hampton; his children Robert Wade Hampton, Steven Hampton and wife Summer, Kristi McMahan and husband Rob, Jordan Fenn and husband Josh; grandchildren Cole Ryan, Hayden Ryan, Mason Ryan, Dusty Aaron, Maddox Hampton, Willow Fenn, Kennedy Fenn, Haigen Fenn,  Emily Ryan, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Serving as Pallbearers will be John Jinks, Maddox Hampton, Dusty Aaron, Mason Ryan, Cole Ryan and Hayden Ryan.  Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are the Deacons of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Memorials be made to Daycare and Pre School at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1200 Farmerville Highway, Ruston, LA  71270

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Wade C. Hampton, Jr. 
October 1, 1944  –  September 8, 2025 
Visitation: Saturday, September 13, 2025, 2:00PM – 3:00PM, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1200 Farmerville Highway, Ruston 
Service: Saturday, September 13, 2025L 3:00PM, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1200 Farmerville Highway, Ruston 
Final Resting Place: Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens, 1270 Highway 544, Ruston 

David Hedgepeth 
April 7, 1956  –  September 7, 2025 
Visitation: Friday, September 12, 2025, 4:00PM – 7:00PM, The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 504 Tech Drive, Ruston 
Celebration of Life: Saturday, September 13, 2025: 10:30AM, The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 504 Tech Drive, Ruston 

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By T. Scott Boatright

The process of potentially allowing alcohol during events at the Lincoln Parish Library Events Center took another step forward Tuesday as the Lincoln Parish Police Jury approved a motion to discuss a request by the LPL Board of Control during next month’s LPPJ meeting.

But the vote wasn’t unanimous as it went 7-4 in favor of approving the LPL Board’s request to consider amending its Code of Ordinances that currently prohibit the consumption of alcohol on parish property.

That request for a potential ordinance change is being made because the LPL Board feels the library is losing significant potential Events Center revenue because the serving of alcoholic beverages by groups renting out space there is currently not allowed.

During a Public Property and Buildings Committee meeting held before Tuesday’s main LPPJ meeting, Parish Administrator Courtney Hall asked the Jurors if they were comfortable with the proposed LPL Board’s policies that could potentially allow alcohol use at the Events Center if regulations are amended.

“I’m not,” LPPJ Vice President Greg “Big Coach” Williams said.

Williams ended up being one of the four Jurors voting nay in favor of adding a discussion of potentially amending its Code of Ordinances to the agenda of next month’s Police Jury meeting along with fellow jurors with President Glenn Scriber, Karen Ludley and Diane Richards.

Juror Joe Henderson is ill and did not attend the meeting.

During the committee, Lincoln Parish Library Board of Control Events Center Committee Chair Bill Jones, who put together the request, made his pitch to the LPPJ, saying the he had fellow attorney James Buckley, who serves as counsel for the Police Jury, review the proposed new policies and that Buckley said he had no problem with the way the policy changes were worded.

“It’s about substantial revenue,” Jones said. “We researched it. We checked with the city (of Ruston), and we have the benefit of the city’s experience. They’ve been doing it for years at the (Ruston) Civic Center and the Old Historic Library. So, we essentially copied their rules.

“The two essential elements that we have are, No. 1, if you serve alcoholic beverages at the Events Center, you must have licensed security personnel, which would be off-duty Sheriff’s Office personnel or if they’re not available, off-duty city of Ruston officers, and we have rules about the number of those personnel per event attendees. The other really important element is that if you’re going to serve alcoholic beverages at the Events Center, they have to be served by a licensed caterer. Not the 30-minute online course.”

Williams asked Jones if he really thought allowing alcohol to be served at the Events Center would bring in substantial revenue.

“We think so,” Jones said. “We know from the city and Convention and Visitors Bureau, from their own experience, that we lose a number of wedding receptions, we lose a number of business conventions because those are usually after-hours, not calling them “happy hours,” but socializing events.”

When Juror Chris Garriga asked Jones if the number of security personnel proposed for the Events Center was the same as what the city of Ruston uses for such events, Jones said the Library Board’s proposal was more specific.

“We’ve got one (officer) per 100 (attendees),” Jones said. “It’s about the same.”

Garriga also asked if Jones knew how much more revenue could be brought into the library than money per year the facility currently brings in through rentals.

“Are you hoping to double that,?” Garriga asked.

Jones said a projection has not been made yet.

For a brief period, the LPPJ also recessed its main meeting and reconvened as a Board of Review to hear appeals of property taxes for the upcoming year.

The LPPJ breezed through the Board of Review because no appeals of property taxes were made.

“We don’t have any appeals this year, thank the Lord,” said Parish Tax Assessor Billy Mac McBride.

The LPPJ also announced a public meeting to consider ordering and calling an election to authorize renewal of ad valorem taxes for road construction and maintenance.

That meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 14 at the start of that month’s LPPJ meeting.

“The election probably won’t be until April,” Hall said. “But timing-wise we’ve got to get out in front of it. The Secretary of State has all these procedures that need to be done to call the election before the end of the year.”

Also authorized by the Police Jury was assignment of a mineral lease.

“We simply sign an agreement to continue payments we’ve been receiving,” Hall said. “This particular parcel is at Ken’s Landing. It’s about 3 1/2 or 3 3/4 acres, so it’s not a very big parcel. The current agreement is with XTO, and it looks like they’re assigning it to Exxon-Mobile.”

The LPPJ also approved moving the date of its November meeting to Nov. 10, the second Monday of the month, because of the Veteran’s Day holiday on Nov. 11, and announcing an upcoming Board and Commission vacancy for the Lincoln Health Foundation because Jo Tatum’s term expires at the end of the month.

 

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By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — The Lincoln Parish School Board met for its September 2025 session at Ruston Junior High Tuesday at noon, and passed a host of proposal presented ranging from the 2025-26 budget to a property purchase adjacent to Ruston High.

Following the invocation and pledge, Ruston Junior High School Principal Keshia Douglas address the board to welcome everyone to the meeting.

“On behalf of everyone at Ruston Junior High, I want to warmly welcome everyone to our campus and for being here today,” Douglas said. “We are proud to be the home of the Bearkits, where we strive each day to be kind, intelligent, talented, and successful. I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of our board members for their continued support in helping our students reach mastery level.”

The board first heard a presentation from Chief Financial Officer Juanita Duke regarding the proposed 2025-26 budget. See below for specifics:

		General Fund	Special Revenue Funds	Total
Beginning Fund Balance		$ 43,004,877	$ 24,478,540	$ 67,483,417
	Revenues	$70,616,000	$35,192,293	$5,828,626
	Expenditures	– ($64,795,653)	-($64,795,653)	– ($92,906,009)
	Other Sources	$5,688,626	$140,000	$5,828,626
	Other Uses	-($6,435,374)	– ($6,435,374)	– ($13,405,120)
	Excess (Deficiency)	$4,539,227	$786,563	$5,325,790
Ending Fund Balance		$ 47,544,104	$ 25,265,103	$ 72,809,207

“We have a good budget with the number (of enrolled students) up this year,” Lincoln Parish Superintendent Ricky Durrett said. “We did have to add a few teachers late, so that is reflected in there. And as always, we want to try to be as responsible with the money that the taxpayers give us to use to the best of our abilities. I think keeping our classroom sizes small is one of our big goals, especially in Kindergarten through second grade. But also as we move up, we’re trying to offer kids everything they need for as far as graduation from high schoo. We appreciate Ms. Duke and her staff and all they do to put all those numbers together and make it work for us.”

The board then voted to purchase the property at 911 James Street, right next to Ruston High, for the appraised value of $180,000.

The board also voted to enter into an agreement with Property Casualty Alliance of Louisiana for an interlocal agreement to help bring down premiums and deductibles for potential damage and disasters to school properties in the parish. Lincoln Parish School Board President Gregg Phillips praised the agreement and spoke about how it would save the parish money.

“This is a big deal to us because two years ago, due to negative pressure on the insurance market, we had to reduce the amount of coverage that we had covering the district buildings overall,” Phillips said. “We reduced it down to about $100 million. And that was with a three percent deductible, hundred million dollars catastrophic coverage. So that was the most that we could afford and the premium was well in excess of a million dollars a year for that. Well, this year, because of some work with our insurance providers, they were able to find us a collaboration of other school districts to go in together — that’s my terminology for it.

“We’re able now to secure about $327 million of insurance with a lower deductible of two percent rather than three percent with the savings of about 23 percent, which gets our premium down to about $858,000 versus well over a million per year. It’s a great number to be well below $1 million a year for insurance. And so we were very grateful for that. It gives us broader coverage as far as the amount of dollars we have to cover our buildings, in case of a, God forbid, a tornado that wipes out multiple school buildings, or things like that.”

Back in May of 2024, the board gave approval for the administration to solicit third party administration services to manage all parts of its cafeteria plan benefits administration. The board Tuesday voted to enter a joint partnership with Gallagher Benefits Services and Pelican Benefit Advisors to begin on January 1, 2026.

Finally, the board voted to renew Medicare Advantage Plan with Part D benefits with UnitedHealthcare to go into effect on January 1, 2026, as well.

Three members of the school board were absent: Donna Doss (District 4), Lynda Henderson (District 9), Dr. Danielle Williams (District 1).

The school board is scheduled to meet again Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. at the LPSB office.

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A Simsboro man was arrested last week after he allegedly assaulted an off-duty deputy sheriff and his family with a gun.

Richard Brown, Jr., 28, was arrested for three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and obstruction of a public passage on Sept. 2.

The Bienville Parish deputy said he was on his way home with his two young daughters on Girl Scout Road when a white Mercedes sedan came to a sudden stop in front of him. A man exited the passenger side of the vehicle with a handgun in one hand and a bag in the other.

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The deputy said the man began to posture in an aggressive manner, and shout at the deputy in an agitated manner. The deputy said his daughters began to scream when they saw the gun and he was in fear for their safety.

The deputy said he sped past the Mercedes and called the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office to report the situation. The deputy dropped his daughters off and circulated the area and located the vehicle in Arcadia. The driver of the vehicle identified the assailant as Brown who had noticed a truck behind him. Brown allegedly said he knew the vehicle belonged to the Bienville Sheriff’s Office and that the police were following him. He demanded that the driver stop the vehicle so he could confront the deputy.

Meanwhile, Lincoln Parish deputies located Brown in another vehicle near his residence and placed him under arrest. Brown denied producing a handgun, but said that he knew the deputy was following him earlier.

Brown was taken to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center for an evaluation and then booked at 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.

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CLICK HERE TO PLAY: WEEK 2

Lincoln Parish Journal readers have an opportunity each week to win FREE money in the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em presented by Johnson Physical Therapy, FanBase of Ruston, and Martin Presence.

And the best part is it’s FREE … just like your subscription to the LPJ.

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The Lincoln Parish Journal wants to thank Karl Malone Toyota, Johnson Physical Therapy, FanBase of Ruston, and Martin Presence for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s College Football Pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Dubach Air and Heat, Ginn’s Autobody, Hart Designs, Tanyard Creek, Charlie’s Carpet Cleaning, Hod Rod BBQ, Louisiana Orchard Realty, Ruston Athletic Supply, Walker and Co., Lulu Pearl, Rusty’s Jambalaya, Greaux the Good, Tommy’s Tees, and RightFiber for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest. 

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Another week. Another winner.

Don Sutton was this week’s winner of the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy, and she walked away with $150.

Congratulations, Don!!

Now, are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $150 in cash … with the potential to make it $300 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).

The Lincoln Parish Journal is holding the 4th Annual Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy.

If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!

Anyone is eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $150 cash prize (maybe $300).  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 15 selected college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by FanBase of Ruston, Martin Presence, and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with Week 1 games (August 30).

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m.  It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.

All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $150 each week!

Week 1: Faith Moss

Week 2: Don Sutton

Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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The door to harmony is open.

Southern A’Chord, Ruston’s new women’s a cappella community chorus, is inviting women to step inside and sing.

Area vocalists will have that chance during the group’s fall membership drive, set for Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston, 212 N. Bonner – the chorus’s regular rehearsal time and location.

No pre-registration is needed. “Guests can simply walk in and join the music,” Director Candice Bassett, of Grayson, said.

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Visitors will get a firsthand look at how the chorus works, including warmups, vocal techniques and rehearsal flow, and they’ll have the chance to sing with the group as well. Those who become members now can prepare to be part of the ensemble’s holiday performances.

Even if visitors can’t stay for the entire rehearsal, Bassett encourages people to drop in, listen and meet the members. Interested singers who cannot attend this event are welcome at any other upcoming rehearsal.

Southern A’Chord launched in the fall of 2024 with a Welcome Night, and this marks the first major recruitment effort since then. Made up of 16 women from across North Louisiana, the ensemble embraces singers of all backgrounds who want to grow musically in a supportive, service-minded environment. Their repertoire includes pop, gospel, patriotic and holiday selections.

“Whether you’ve sung for years or are just starting out, there’s a place for you here,” Bassett said.

What’s more, the chorus is made up of all voice types – from high to low. Especially needed at this time are voices in the alto range that can carry the harmony-rich baritone part.

A well-received community performance – “Southern A’Chord: Songs of Summer” – was presented July 31.

To learn more about membership or to book a performance, visit southernachordchorus.org, check out the Southern A’Chord Chorus Facebook page, or contact President Judy Sisson at jasisson@comcast.net or membership chair Sallie Rose Hollis at sallierose@mail.com.

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.

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Quick 2-minute drill on Louisiana Tech football:

• For Tech football fans, Saturday’s game against New Mexico State, 6:30 p.m. kick in Ruston’s Aillet Stadium, should complete enough sample size to give them a fightin’-man’s chance of deciding whether the Dogs have a good chance of winning their swan song (unofficially) in Conference USA — or not. …
• From what we’ve seen of Tech’s veteran defense so far — the Dogs blanked Southeastern, 24-0, and lost to LSU, 23-7 — you’d think the Bulldogs would be in every game from here on out, favored in each one except maybe Liberty and probably Washington State, and should finish no worse than the middle of the pack. Which isn’t terrible. But which most definitely IS …

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• … kissing-your-sister territory. Nothing against my sisters, who I love. It’s just that “middle of the pack” and “3 wins in a whole year” and all that is SO yesteryear. Tech fans and anyone with a heart who has watched the past four seasons would rather eat a bowl of horse triggies, whatever that is, than to go through THAT again. So what’s it gonna be, Top Dog or “Thank You For Playing”? 
• College football’s lack of preseason games (a blessing and a curse) makes it hard to tell, especially so this year with Tech, because you figured in July the Dogs would be 1-1 now, which they are, HOWEVER …
• Tech beat Southeastern but Southeastern is an FCS program; Tech lost at LSU, a “good” loss if there is such a thing, a 38-point underdog losing by 16 on the road in that iconic stadium — although not an iconic atmosphere, not Saturday night, thanks to a Tech defense that gave the Tigers all they wanted and the fans nothing they wanted, which is why about 40,000 of them left at halftime. This is how good the defense was in giving up just 23 points:
• LSU had the ball almost 37 minutes;
• Tech punted to end eight straight possessions, forcing the defense, its collective tongue hanging down like a necktie, to trot back out;
• Held the Tigers to three field goals and two touchdowns in five red zone trips, handy considering the time of possession and Tech’s number of punts AND penalty yardage, a brutal 140 yards. Makes you wonder how the defense did it, and whether or not they just might be THAT good. Consider that no Dogs left to follow last year’s defensive coordinator, Jeremiah Johnson, to Coastal Carolina. The Dogs that stay together, bite and fight together, or something like that. Some of us love defense, so Saturday night was like Christmas to me.
• Final LSU thingy: LSU rushed for 128 yards — but 91 of those came on two plays. That leaves 37 yards on 32 carries. Stifling. Tech has numbers up front, all-star linebackers, and vets, speed, and a freakish athlete or two in the secondary…
• True, the Tech offense never made it past Krotz Springs. BUT…
• No turnovers for the second straight game, and,
• Starting center Landon Nelson was sidelined with a bad tummy but Roy Brackins III, a sophomore playing in the shadow of Woodlawn, his Baton Rouge high school, and Jonathan Denis, a first year Dog, played well in his absence against a millions-of-dollars-defensive-line, and,
• Tech converted a fourth-and-1, YES!, which was a nightmare down many times last year when Tech had no short yardage personality or confidence.
• Remember, Tech won just five games last year BUT …
• Lost on a Hail/Hell Mary (to league champ Jacksonville State), missed a chip shot field goal that would have won a game at the buzzer, and screwed up a handoff exchange inside the 5-yard-line to alter the outcome of another game. Tech beat last year’s CUSA runner-up (Western Kentucky) on the road. So …
• Maybe the football gods will decide otherwise this year. Or …
• Maybe Tech will decide otherwise. Maybe everyone’s tired of “almost” this and “Hail Mary” that and “I just got called for another unsportsmanlike penalty so why do the coaches keep playing me because I have GOT to be the most selfish player ever” and all like that. Maybe …
• Tech covers the 10-point spread against New Mexico State. Star QB Diego Pavia, who left with his spectacular name for Vandy, is long gone, but former Fresno State slinger Logan Fife is competent and has a compelling mustache — tip of the hat — that demands double coverage, even when he’s not on the field. It’s some solid facial hair, is what we’re saying. The Aggie linebackers are good too, but …
• Tech’s offense is not going to see a defense better than the one it faced in Tiger Stadium. If it can oil its krotzed springs and get going, just put a few first downs together …
• Maybe this could be a fun team to watch. Maybe a winning team. Maybe a TEAM team. Maybe …
• Tech could kiss the conference and say goodbye, like a champ.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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.

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Chevron U-PAK-IT Tech Drive in Ruston, LA has always been more than just a gas station. It is a place where great service and caring for the community still matter. Right now, they are showing their appreciation with limited-time specials on two of the most popular daily essentials: fountain drinks and coffee.

For a limited time, customers can enjoy the best fountain drinks in town for only 99¢ any size and Community Coffee for just $1.69 any size. That’s a full dollar off the regular price, making it easier than ever to stay refreshed and energized while on the go.

Owner Keith Brasuell says it best in only a few words: “You matter, we care and these special offers are just one way that we can say thank you for choosing us everyday.”

And of course, Chevron U-PAK-IT Tech Drive is still your one-stop destination for more than just drinks. Whether you’re fueling up your tank with Chevron gasoline, grabbing fresh food like Daylight Donuts or hot dogs, or picking up travel essentials, you’ll find everything you need in one convenient spot.

But the heart of this promotion is about giving back to the people who keep Ruston moving. With deals on cold fountain drinks and hot Community Coffee, there’s no better reason to stop in, fuel up, and refuel yourself.

So whether you call Ruston home or are just passing through, make Chevron U-PAK-IT Tech Drive your destination. Don’t miss this thank-you offer, because great service, great value, and great community still matter every single day.

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Class 5A

School, 1st rec, points, Prev. rank

1. Karr (10) 1-0 120 1
2. Catholic-Baton Rouge 1-0 108 2
3. Ruston 1-0 100 3
4. Neville 1-0 88 4
5. Central 1-0 75 T5
6. St. Augustine 1-0 64 8
7. Alexandria 1-0 51 9
8. John Curtis 1-0 50 10
9. Destrehan 0-1 40 T5
10. Zachary 1-0 29 NR

Others receiving votes: Carencro 12, West Monroe 10, Acadiana 7, Brother Martin 5, Terrebonne 5, Evangel Christian 4, Jesuit 4, Airline 3, Archbishop Rummel 2, Ouachita 2, St. Paul’s 2, Holy Cross 1.

Class 4A

School, 1st rec, points, Prev. rank

1. Franklin Parish (7) 1-0 114 T1
2. Franklinton (1) 1-0 100 5
3. St. Thomas More 0-1 93 T1
4. North DeSoto (1) 1-0 91 6
5. E.D. White 0-1 76 3
6. Teurlings Catholic (1) 1-0 59 NR
7. Archbishop Shaw 0-1 57 4
8. Lakeshore 1-0 48 9
9. Westgate 1-0 45 NR
10. Plaquemine 0-1 30 7

Others receiving votes: Lutcher 18, Cecilia 15, St. Charles 15, Iowa 13.

Class 3A

School, 1st rec, points, Prev. rank

1. St. James (7) 1-0 116 1
2. Sterlington (1) 1-0 107 2
3. University (1) 1-0 102 3
4. Madison Prep (1) 1-0 83 6
5. Church Point 1-0 76 5
6. Jewel Sumner 1-0 57 8
7. John F. Kennedy 1-0 55 9
8. Amite 0-1 48 4
9. Bunkie 1-0 43 NR
10. Lake Charles College Prep 0-1 33 7

Others receiving votes: Jena 29, Erath 12, Jennings 10, Iota 4, Northwest 3, De La Salle 2.

Class 2A

School, 1st rec, points, Prev. rank

1. Lafayette Christian Academy (6) 1-0 112 T1
2. Dunham (3) 1-0 111 T1
3. Ouachita Christian 1-0 98 3
4. Catholic-New Iberia (1) 1-0 93 4
5. Calvary Baptist 1-0 81 6
6. Notre Dame 1-0 67 8
7. South Plaquemines 1-0 53 10
8. Union Parish 0-1 48 5
9. Newman 0-1 22 7
10. Lafayette Renaissance Charter 1-0 21 NR

Others receiving votes: Oak Grove 20, Episcopal-Baton Rouge 16, Ferriday 15, Kinder 8, Mangham 6, Northlake Christian 4, East Feliciana 2.

Class 1A

School, 1st rec, points, Prev. rank

1. Haynesville (10) 1-0 120 1
2. Covenant Christian 1-0 98 4
3. Opelousas Catholic 1-0 95 5
4. Vermilion Catholic 0-1 90 2
5. Kentwood 0-1 76 3
6. Ascension Catholic 1-0 70 8
7. Jeanerette 1-0 50 NR
8. Southern Lab 0-1 48 6
9. Hamilton Christian 1-0 44 10
10. Riverside 0-1 35 9

Others receiving votes: Logansport 21, Westminster-Lafayette 15, General Trass 4, North Iberville 3, West St. John 1.

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Courtesy of Louisiana State Police

On Monday, September 8, 2025, shortly after 4:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 133 just south of Lovelady Road. The crash claimed the life of 50-year-old Philip Gill of Gonzales.

The initial investigation revealed that Gill was driving a 2016 Ford F550 south on Louisiana Highway 133. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford traveled off the left side of the road, struck a tree, and overturned.

Gill, who was properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The front seat passenger, who was also properly restrained, received minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to remind motorists to slow down, buckle up, and lessen their distractions. Crash forces do not care who you are or what you drive. The faster you drive, the greater the risk of serious injury or death; not wearing a seat belt dramatically increases that risk.

 

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

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

Wednesday, Sept. 10
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)

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Thursday, Sept. 11
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)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep football
7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “The Odd Couple” (Dixie Theatre)

Friday, Sept. 12
7 p.m.: Cedar Creek football
7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “The Odd Couple” (Dixie Theatre)

Saturday, Sept. 13
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
1 p.m.: Movie showing of “28 Days” by Second Chances Addiction Recovery Center (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Grambling State v. KY State
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech v. New Mexico State
7 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “The Odd Couple” (Dixie Theatre)

Sunday, Sept. 14
2 p.m.: Ruston Community Theatre presents “The Odd Couple” (Dixie Theatre)

Monday, Sept. 15
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
5:30 p.m.: Ruston Planning and Zoning 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)

Wednesday, Sept. 17
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, Sept. 18
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
5-6 p.m.: Free meal hosted by 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry (Grambling Housing Authority, 300 BT Woodard Circle)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
6-9 p.m.: Louisiana Tech’s Union Board Fall Fling (Centennial Plaza)

Friday, Sept. 19
7 p.m.: Ruston High football
7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep football

Saturday, Sept. 20
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
6 p.m.: Grambling State v. East Texas A&M
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech v. Southern Miss

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.

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Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications

Grambling State University announced today that it has been selected as one of 19 institutions nationwide to receive the NCAA’s 2025 Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) grant.

The award will provide significant resources to enhance academic support for Grambling State student-athletes, helping ensure their success in the classroom and beyond.

The AASP grant is designed to help under-resourced Division I institutions create sustainable improvements in academic performance. With the funding, Grambling State plans to expand tutoring and mentoring services, improve technology for academic use, and provide additional staff development to better serve student-athletes.

Taylor Stewart, Grambling State’s Associate AD for External Operations and the lead author of the grant proposal, highlighted the transformational nature of this award.

“This grant is an investment in the academic journey of our student-athletes,” said Stewart. “Our goal is to remove barriers to success by strengthening the support systems that guide them from their first year on campus through graduation. The NCAA’s commitment allows us to build infrastructure that not only helps our students today but creates a sustainable model for future generations.”

Dr. Trayvean Scott, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, emphasized the significance of the award in advancing both academic and athletic excellence.

“At Grambling, we are committed to developing the whole student-athlete,” said Scott. “This funding strengthens the bridge between athletics and academics, ensuring that our students are prepared for life after graduation. It reflects our mission to equip them with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to lead in their professions and communities.”

Grambling’s selection underscores the university’s ongoing dedication to academic excellence and holistic student development. By focusing on enhanced learning resources, individualized academic support, and mental health and well-being initiatives, the university aims to foster higher graduation rates and improved career readiness for its student-athletes.

As part of the award, Grambling State representatives will participate in the NCAA’s annual AASP Summit later this month in Indianapolis, where they will collaborate with peer institutions to share strategies and maximize the impact of the grant.

With this recognition, Grambling State continues its tradition of innovation and leadership in higher education and athletics, reinforcing its mission to prepare student-athletes for success both on the field and in life.

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech shot five under for a second straight day, propelling them into a tie for seventh on a picturesque Tuesday in the final round of the Argent Financial Classic.

Starting off hole one for the first time this event, LA Tech got off to a sluggish start as the Bulldogs were a combined five over through the first seven holes. However, a flip was switched as they played holes 8-12 at 10 under, which was the key to the ‘Dogs moving up two spots to finish at 10 under (288-283-283=854) at Squire Creek Country Club.

“I am proud of the effort all week by the guys,” said head coach Matt Terry. “This team has the right attitude and mindset to continue to get better. They are already itching to get back to work tomorrow. Extremely excited for what this future holds.”

Contributing to that strong stretch around the turn was Morton Bailey. The sophomore, who shot 67 in round two, was one over through seven holes before finding his groove. He would make six birdies plus a hole out for eagle out of the front bunker on the Par 5 No. 17 to shoot one stroke better at 66 (-6), resetting his career-best round and finishing tied for 15th as an individual (211).

Riley Hnatyshyn put together his best round of the tournament, shooting two under 70. The senior made birdie on all four Par 5s plus a birdie on the Par 3 No. 12 to help finish at one under and in a tie for 33rd.

Isaac Adams played steady golf, carding three birdies and three bogeys to go along with 12 pars to shoot Even (72) for the day and Even for the tournament. The fourth scorecard used was that of Abel Derksen who shot 75 (+3).

Also finishing tied for 15th with Bailey was teammate Oskari Schuvalow. The junior nearly put together a bogey-free round with his only blemish on the Par 5 No. 17. Otherwise, it was three birdies on the back and a finishing birdie on the Par 5 No. 9 to shoot three under (69) and finish at five under (211).

Also playing as individuals were Gray Kingrea and Seth Campbell who both shot 74 (+2).

Houston, who was six shots back of the leader going into round three, ran away with the team title, setting the home event record for lowest round (-23) and lowest 54-hole total (-32). The Cougars’ Hudson Weidel defeated UL-Lafayette’s Malan Potgeiter in a playoff, holing out for eagle on the Par 4 No. 1. The duo tied at 13 under to share the individual title.

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Funeral services for Cynthia “Cindy” Dean, age 72 of Choudrant, LA, will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Owens Memorial Chapel with Rev. Dale Oden officiating. Burial will follow in Tulip Cemetery in Athens, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Cindy was born August 8, 1953 in Hazelhurst, MS to Clell Dean and Mary Beasley Myers and passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025 in Ruston. She graduated from Rayville High School and went to Louisiana Technical College and earned an Associate Degree. Cindy enjoyed riding with Donnie in their convertible. She enjoyed traveling and going on vacations. Cindy liked going to car shows where she enjoyed looking at old cars. In her free time, you could find Cindy doing crossword puzzles or watching game shows on television.  A member of First Baptist Church Choudrant, Cindy loved her family, being with her friends, and most importantly she loved The Lord.

Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Clell Dean Myers and Mary Lucille Beasley Myers; brother, Mark David Myers; uncle, Don Myers; and aunt, Ruby Lynn Myers. Left to cherish her memories are her husband of 43 years, Donnie Dean and son, Marcus Dean.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mike Holtzclaw, Steve Herron, Jeff Posey, Doug Emory, Gary Carlisle, and Junior Dowing.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until service time Wednesday at Owens Memorial Chapel.

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Shannon Dale Murphy 
February 23, 1972  –  September 6, 2025 

Cynthia “Cindy” Dean 
August 8, 1953 – September 6, 2025 
Visitation: Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Owens Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Service: Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 10:00 AM, Owens Memorial Chapel  

Charles Arnold McCorkle 
December 30, 1939 – September 6, 2025 

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