The Lincoln Parish Journal is providing our local schools with an opportunity to submit nuggets from what’s going on at their respective schools in order to get more information out on their students, faculty and staff. The information below comes directly from those schools. Any school wishing to provide content each week can email at hannalsingh@gmail.com

High Schools

Ruston

It’s a busy week in Bearcat Nation! Today and tomorrow (3/14 – 3/15) softball will travel to compete in a tournament at

Tonight (3/14), baseball will play Natchitoches Central at 6:00 pm!

Saturday, Baseball will play Ouachita Parish at 2:00pm for their Senior Day matchup! March 18th, softball will play Neville; JV at 4:30 pm and varsity at 6:00 pm! Golf competes in a 9 hole tournament Tuesday at Frenchman’s Bend.

March 20th RHS Baseball is hosting a Bearcat Buddy night at 6:00 pm at our home field! Come out and show your support!

Congrats to our teacher of the week, Ms. Benefield has been teaching for 27 years, with this being her 9th at RHS. Ms. Benefield recently graduated with her Master’s in Ed Leadership and is currently working on getting 18 hours of graduate level math classes so that she can teach a class or two at Louisiana Tech. Thank you for all you do for RHS and our students.

Middle Schools

A.E. Phillips Middle School

Bullpup Broadcast Field Trip

Our Bullpup Broadcast team had a great time touring KTBS on Thursday, February 27th. Thank you to the KTBS 3 News team for taking the time to visit with our students and for showing them a behind the scenes look at the broadcasting world.

Big/Little Mentor Program

Each year our 8th grade students and Kindergarten students are grouped together for our Big/Little Mentor Program.  This past meeting our 8th graders planned fun activities with their favorite memory from Kindergarten PE: the parachute!  A fun time was had by all students, young and old!

Gifted Students Attend the SeaPerch Competition

We are proud of our students Maryam Wassi and Nyah Metoyerwho were selected to participate in the annual SeaPerch competition.  These ladies worked hard and represented our school well.  Thank you to Mrs. Wick for providing this opportunity for our students.

Spring Choir

On March 12th, our Spring Choir provided our parents and students with a beautiful concert.  The songs they shared with us were also the songs they performed the following day at the Southern Choral competition where they received a rating of Superior!  We are so proud of these students and music teachers for the hours spent preparing for the competition.

Elementary Schools

A. E. Phillips Elementary

First Grade Play

Mrs. Hunt and Mrs. Spillers’ first grade classes did a fantastic job as they presented the musical “Pajama Party”.  We are thankful to have such a wonderful music program led by Mrs. Miller and her clinical resident, Miss Heiden, who took lead in directing this production.  Both classes did a great job singing and dancing!  Thanks also to the team of parents who decorated the stage for the program. 

Lincoln Parish Elementary Fitness Meet

A huge shoutout to our AE Phillips representatives—Nola Costanza, Elliott Martin, Turner Kilpatrick, and Cooper Powell—for their hard work and determination at the Parish Fitness Meet this past Thursday. We’re proud to have placed 3rd overall as a team! Way to go, AEP

First Grade Food Fest and Mardi Gras Parade

We let the good times roll at the first grade Ca C’est Bon Food Fest and Mardi Gras parade!  First graders have been learning all about Louisiana and spent Friday afternoon visiting food stations of Louisiana cuisine!   A special thanks to Mrs. Hunt and Mrs. Spillers for an amazing unit on all things Louisiana.  Thank you also to our amazing parents who planned and prepared the food fest booths and thank you to Krewe of Pomona’s Queen Carmen Johnson for serving as our grand marshal.  Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Choudrant

Friday night, 3rd- 5th grade girls at Choudrant Elementary became Forensic Scientists, solving challenges to “break out” and move on to Drone Wars! They also heard from Miss Louisiana Teen, Melissa Le, who shared her inspiring STEM to Bloom platform with students.

Hillcrest Elementary

Hillcrest Hall of Fame students for the month of February were: 

Kindergarten: Lanah Howell, Davarian Jones, Destinee White, Trent Cobb, Easton Craig, Khloe Eagland, Abigail Vaca, Noah Coburn, Nivea Malone, and Dakota Chandler.

First Grade: Charity Boney, Zamari Moss, Niayel Fonteno, Santiago Huerta, Caleb Dellucci, Kori Pringle, Mary Jane Cano, Jayden Goldsmith, Arayah Eiskina, and Penny Black. 

Second Grade: Kenedi Clarkson, Ty Roberts, Jasmine Calhoun, Ellis Bishop, Dakota Otwell, William Martinez, Benjamin Graham, May Mya, Sophia Fowler, Nevaeh Lockhart, Cannon Smith, and Chase Taylor. 

STEM Night was a hit!  Many families came out to enjoy time with each other building and creating STEM projects including lava lamps, a Mardi Gras bead challenge, Mardi Gras masks made with symmetry, and Mardi Gras Mosaics made with recycled materials.

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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The Gregg Phillips State Farm Agency is proud to recognize Carley Carter from Ruston Junior High School as their Good Neighbor of the Month winner for March 2025.

Carley was nominated by Ruston Jr. High administration and teachers because of her dedication to serving her school and community.

Carley has given back so much to our community. She has worked with Weekend of the Cross to help paint and seal porches and wheelchair ramps. Carley has also organized the shell at the CCA pantry. While at Ruston Jr.  High School, she has helped with Buddy Ball and assisted RJHS with Special Olympics at Louisiana Tech. Carley was one of the first students to volunteer when Ruston Junior High started Bearkit Buddies.

Carley has a passion for helping special needs students not only at her school but also in the community!

Gregg Phillips State Farm recognizes a student each month in Lincoln Parish who has dedicated their time and talents to bettering our community and for being the example of what a Good Neighbor is all about.

Congratulations Carley on this achievement and thank you for all that you do to better our community.

This is an advertorial

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A Ruston man is in custody after he allegedly attempted to kill his girlfriend last week in an encounter at a West Barnett Springs Avenue apartment.

Ruston Police arrested Christian Jonathan Diaz, 26, on a warrant Sunday after he was discharged from a Monroe hospital for reported self-inflicted wounds.

RPD received a 911 call from a child early Saturday morning. When officers arrived at the scene, the victim said she awoke to find Diaz standing over her. According to police, Diaz produced a knife and threatened to kill the woman.

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When officers confronted Diaz, he allegedly turned the knife on himself. Diaz was taken first to Northern Louisiana Medical Center and later transferred to Ochsner LSU Health Center in Monroe..

Diaz was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center Sunday afternoon for attempted first degree murder, aggravated battery, domestic abuse aggravated assault, and four counts of resisting an officer.

Bail had not been set as of Thursday morning with a Gwen’s Law hearing pending.

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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Early voting for the Saturday, March 29, 2025 Municipal Primary Election will begin next week.

Early voting is March 15-22, excluding Sunday, March 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters should bring an ID with them to vote. Examples of acceptable ID include a Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana Special ID card, a generally recognized picture identification card with name and signature such as a passport, or a digital license via LA Wallet.

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The deadline to request an absentee ballot is March 25 by 4:30 p.m. for anyone other than military and overseas voters. You can request an absentee ballot online through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office.

The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is March 28 by 4:30 p.m. for anyone other than military and overseas voters.

On election day, Saturday, March 29, the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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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Ruston Police arrested a local man Sunday after he was allegedly involved in a domestic abuse incident with a family member.

D’Nihan Ethan McGee, 23, was arrested near his Beacon Light Road residence on March 9 after a family member reported he caused a disturbance and threatened her with a broom handle.

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The victim said McGee was upset over looking for his phone and grabbed a broom handle and waved it around making threats. The victim said she said she thought McGee was going to strike her with the broom handle to she raised her arms to protect herself. When McGee dropped the broom handle, the victim called 911 but McGee reportedly took her phone away from her.

The victim was able to retrieve the phone, and McGee left the residence walking. Officers located him and asked for identification. McGee gave his name as “Red.”

McGee was arrested for domestic abuse battery, simple assault, simple robbery, and resisting an officer by giving false information. His bail was set at $20,000.

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

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

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Staff Reports

Cedar Creek picked up back-to-back wins this week as the Cougars (7-11, 1-0) defeated Jonesboro-Hodge 16-0 Wednesday and Beekman Charter 9-3 on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the Cougars opened up district play with the one-sided victory over Jonesboro-Hodge as Creek erupted for 14 runs in the bottom of the third inning. 

Ryan Coleman had a two-hit performance while Kade Luker, Connor Yates, Aidan Crosby, Brett Bell, Gavin Hall, Drew Wade, and Kaleb Negrotto each registered one hit. Wade had two RBI.

Cedar Creek registered 12 stolen bases in the win.

Hall picked up the win, tossing three scoreless innings while striking out seven and allowing just two hits. 

“It was good to get things back in the win column especially with it being a district game,” said head coach Chad Yates. “Hall pitched great and competed in the strike zone. Our hitters, who have been struggling of late, were able to put some good swings together and ran the bases well.”

In Thursday’s win over Beekman Charter, Micah Taylor and Negrotto each registered two hits as the Cougars scored at least one run in all six frames. Creek scored one run in the first, fourth and fifth innings and two runs in the second, third and sixth frames. 

Luker, Bell, and Eli Slocum all recorded hits as Cedar Creek once again registered 12 stolen bases in the victory. Luker and Yates led Creek with two runs scored while Crosby, Bell, Negrotto, Slocum and Hall each had one RBI

Slocum picked up the win, allowing three runs — two earned — one four hits and four walks with six strikeouts. JB Robinson tossed one scoreless frame, striking out one.

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By Kyle Roberts

MONROE, La. — Ruston High sophomore John Parker Moak went 4-for-4 at the plate Thursday night, helping the Bearcats (11-6) get to a 12-6 win in the 2025 District 2-5A opener over Ouachita Parish High School on the road.

The win for Ruston matches the Bearcats’ win total from last year with a little less than half the schedule remaining to be played in the season.

Ruston opened up with a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, with sophomore John Parker Moak hitting a one-out fly-ball double into center field to score both senior Peyton Martin and freshman Dalen Powell. Senior Jake Tyler would single in the next at-bat to score Moak and give Ruston its 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the first.

”Moak is starting to swing the bat really well for us,” Ruston High Head Coach Bryan Beck said. “It’s really good for us to have another good lefty bat in the lineup. Tyler had a good night and produced for us, too. It’s good to have some guys with big-time pop getting in the lineup and producing– it will be really good for us going down the stretch.”

Ouachita responded with a run in the first and three more in the bottom of the second inning to take a 4-3 lead.

The Bearcats, however, would put together a five-run inning in the top of the third to go up 8-4. Tyler added another two-RBI single to start the scoring, bringing in both junior Lander Smith and Moak to reclaim the lead 5-4. After senior Jake Simmons drew a walk on the next at-bat, sophomore Dillion Williams tripled to right field to score both sophomore Michael Brisco and Simmons for a 7-4 lead. Finally, senior Kolby Sonnier would single to right field on a pop fly and score Williams for the 8-4 lead.

The Bearcats would get another run in the top of the fourth after Simmons doubled to right field to score Moak and put Ruston up 9-4.

After scoreless innings by both teams in the fifth and sixth innings, Ruston added three more in the top of the seventh inning, beginning with a single by junior Jackson Lee to right field, scoring senior Caleb Hampton from third base. After senior Carter Love stole third base in the next at-bat, Martin would hit a sacrifice fly to score love and put Ruston up 11-4.  Lee would then score on a wild pitch in the following at-bat for Ruston, giving Ruston a 12-4 lead.

Ouachita would get two runs in the bottom of the seventh, but it would not be enough as Ruston would get the 12-6 win.

Moak led Ruston with his four hits and two RBI’s which included two doubles, while Tyler added three RBI’s on two hits.

Despite the great run production for Ruston, Beck said the pitching and defense overall was not what he would have liked to have seen after the committee of hurlers gave up nine total walks on the night.

”Senior Talan Billberry got the start and we had to pull him after the third inning,” Beck said. “We were on dirt and grass and acted like we hadn’t played on that before. We were just throwing the baseball around, not fielding it, and just put him in a bind. We just can’t do that with a senior starter like that. We have got to be better defensively for our starting pitcher.”

The Bearcats are scheduled to play Natchitoches Central tonight, which has an Alabama commit on the roster as a pitcher and Brock Laird at shortstop, grandson of longtime Ruston football coach Billy Laird and son of former coach Brad Laird.

”We’ll have our work cut out for us — Natchitoches Central is really good,” Beck said. “They’ve got a really good baseball team. We should have a playoff atmosphere here tomorrow night, and we need to be really ready to play and execute in all phases to have a chance to win.”

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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By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — Ruston High (7-6, 0-2 District 2-5A) was run-ruled in a 13-1 loss Thursday night in a home district softball matchup against Pineville (13-1, 2-0 District 2-5A) by a final score of 13-1.

The Rebels put together four runs in the top of the first, two in the top of the second and then six in the top of the fourth. Pineville added another run in the top of the fifth for the 13 runs total.

For Ruston, the sole run came from a double by senior Morgan Foster, who scored freshman Aubrey Stoehr from second base in the bottom of the first inning.

Ruston finished with four hits on the night along with four errors.

Foster was the lone Lady Bearcats to record an RBI on her first inning double. Freshman Annaliese Doss also finished with double on the night.

Junior Sage Tolar got the start on the mound, pitching 3.1 innings and striking out one batter.

Ruston returns to action on Tuesday, March 18, at home against Neville in another district match-up.

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Each Monday and 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. 

Friday, March 14
2 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating The Loft Barbershop (203 W. Alabama Ave.)
4 p.m.: Holi celebration (Hideaway Park)
6-9 p.m.: Downtown Ruston beer crawl

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Saturday, March 15
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
10-11:30 a.m.: Master Gardener Seminar (Lincoln Parish Library Jack Beard Community Room)

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 LA Tech Athletic Communications 

Louisiana Tech’s freshman forward Averi Aaron had a career-high 18 points, eight rebounds, and five steals to lead the Lady Techsters to a 60-55 win over fourth-seed New Mexico State on Thursday afternoon at the Propst Arena.

“I’m very proud of the team’s defensive effort and attention to detail today,” said head coach Brooke Stoehr. “Our group forced (Conference USA Player of the Year Molly) Kaiser into tough shots early and really rebounded the ball well. It’s postseason and we just have to find a way to survive and advance.

“I thought their defensive effort today was a complete 180 from last Thursday in las cruces. Our bench came in and gave us major contributions, and that’s what you need to advance in meaningful games in March. It takes a total team effort and that’s what we got from this group today. I’m so proud of them and just grateful we get to compete together for 40 more minutes tomorrow.”

Aaron came off the bench about three minutes into the game and made an immediate impact for Louisiana Tech (16-14). Aaron went into the game with the Techsters down 6-2 and missed her first shot. However, that would not deter her as she would connect on her next to put Tech up 11-8. Robyn Lee added six points to help LA Tech to a 19-10 lead after one.

New Mexico State (17-15) had no answer for Aaron in the second quarter. After starting the second with a layup, Aaron corralled a rebound and gave it to Jianna Morris to push it upcourt. Morris rewarded the freshman with a pass to at the top of the key, where Aaron hit a triple to push the lead to 14.

The Aggies responded with a 14-5 run to cut it to five before Aaron went to work down low to start a 6-2 run to end the half. The Lady Techsters entered the locker room with a 36-26 advantage.

The third quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams forcing the other into six turnovers. NMSU had a 12-9 advantage in the stanza, but the Lady Techsters held to a 45-38 lead heading into the fourth.

The Aggies cut it to four on the opening possession with a three. After NM State got the ball back, Aaron took the ball from the Aggies, and once again, Morris rewarded her with her second triple of the game to push the lead back to seven. After that, the teams would remain even for the remainder of the game, with the Lady Techsters hitting their free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

Both teams had 56 shot attempts in the game, with LA Tech making one more.

Louisiana Tech finished 39.3 percent from the field (22-56), 21.1 percent from behind the arc (4-19), and 80.0 from the line (12-15). Jordan Marshall had her 10th double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Lee was the only other Lady Techster in double figures with 13.

New Mexico State finished 37.5 percent for the game (21-56), 25 from deep (3-12), and 90.9 from the charity stripe (10-11). A week after scoring 35 points against Tech in Las Cruces, Molly Kaiser was held to just 14. Fanta Gassama had 13 boards to lead the Aggies.

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ATLANTA, Ga. | Grambling State’s season came to an end Thursday evening with a 57-47 loss to Jackson State University in the quarterfinals of the SWAC Tournament at The Gateway Center Arena. 

The Tigers, the No. 5 seed in the tournament, battled No. 4 Jackson State but fell short in the final quarter.

With the loss, Grambling State concludes the season with a 15-15 overall record and a 12-6 mark in SWAC play, securing back-to-back winning seasons despite the early tournament exit. Jackson State improves to 16-14 overall and advances to the SWAC semifinals.

Kahia Warmsley led Grambling State with a game-high 22 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Douthshine Prien added seven points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Lydia Freeman contributed five points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. Alyssa Phillip was a force on the boards, tying for a game-high 12 rebounds.

Grambling State opened the game with a competitive first quarter, trailing just 17-13 after 10 minutes. However, a low shooting second quarter saw them score only seven points as Jackson State took a 31-20 lead into halftime. 

The Tigers responded with an impressive third-quarter push, outscoring Jackson State 16-8 and cutting the deficit to three heading into the final period. Jackson State, took control in the fourth quarter, outscoring Grambling State 18-11 to seal the victory.

Defensively, Grambling State forced 18 turnovers and recorded 11 steals but struggled offensively, shooting just 27.9 percent from the field. 

Jackson State narrowly won the rebounding battle and capitalized on second-chance opportunities.

Jackson State was led by Leianya Massenat, who finished with 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including four three-pointers. Taleah Dilworth added 12 points and four steals.

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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Memorial Services for Mr. Gerald “Jerry” E. Wall Sr., age 84 of Dubach, LA, are scheduled for 1:00 PM, Friday, March 14, 2025 at Owens Memorial Chapel with Bro. Scott Jennings officiating.

Jerry was born to A.C. Wall and Bernadete O’Rourke on February 19, 1941 in Natchitoches, MS and passed away on March 9, 2025 surrounded by his family and loved ones. He grew up in Ruston, LA then joined the Army. After serving his country he settled down in Dubach, LA with his loving wife, Karen. Jerry was a man that knew many trades, he worked as a boilermaker, welder, and a truck driver.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; son, Gerald E. Wall Jr.; daughter, Denise Dee Wall, grandsons, Morgan L Wall, and Dylan Wall; and brother, James Jimmy Wall. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Karen Wall; sons, Rickey L. Wall, David wall and wife Shannon, and Albert Wall and wife Moriah; Daughters, Leigh Ann Griffith and husband Shawn, and Misty Wall; slew of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends.

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Imelda “Fritz” Bordelon, who peacefully departed this life on March 8, 2025, at the age of 94.

Born Imelda Frasier on October 5, 1930 in Dubach, LA to Benjamin Andrew Lorenzo Frasier and Della Lee Goolsby Frasier, Fritz was the youngest of eight children. She was preceded in death by her seven older siblings, Florence Frasier, Rena Banks, Aubrey Frasier, Annie Elliott, Leona Pylant, Thelma Williamson and Harold Frasier.

Fritz was also preceded in death by her devoted husband, Curley James Bordelon Sr., with whom she shared 58 years of love and companionship. Together, they built a family rooted in love, respect, and kindness.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her four children: Karen Buchanan (husband Russell Buchanan), Curley Bordelon Jr. (wife Bobbie Bordelon), Robert Bordelon (wife Sheila Bordelon), and David Bordelon (husband Stacey Bordelon).

Her memory will continue to be honored by her eight grandchildren, Yale Johnson and family, Evan Johnson, Amy Bordelon, Michael Bordelon, Joe Bordelon and family, David Andrew Bordelon II, Curley “C.J.” Bordelon III and family, and Melissa Bordelon Shields and family, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. Fritz was also a proud great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother to many and a source of light to all who were fortunate enough to be part of her life.

Throughout her 94 years, Fritz was known for her nurturing, welcoming, and loving spirit. She lived a full life as a military spouse, living and raising children in Germany, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. She spent the last part of her life living with her husband on the same land that she was born and raised on in Dubach, LA. Fritz was known as “Grandma” to most people, including friends outside of the family. She welcomed everyone into her home without reservation and was always ready to feed them with an amazing meal. She was an easy conversationalist and always there to chat, offer words of wisdom, gossip, and laugh together. She was a two-time cancer survivor, giving her a unique perspective on the important things in life. We are forever grateful to have had her as our mother and grandmother and hope to carry out her legacy by exhibiting her loving, joyful, and fun qualities in our own lives.

Close family and friends will come together for a small gathering to honor Fritz on March 29, 2025 at 11:00am at her home in Dubach, LA to celebrate her life and the remarkable person she was.

May she rest in peace, knowing her love will continue to live on in the hearts of her family for generations to come.

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Gerald E. Wall  
February 19, 1941 – March 9, 2025  
Memorial service: 1:00 PM, Friday, March 14, 2025 at Owens Memorial Chapel   

Martha Bailey Smith   
November 29, 1944 – March 6, 2025   
Service: Ebenezer Baptist Church, Friday, March 14, 2025, 10:00 am 

Jessica Ann Colvin 
June 11, 1982 – March 10, 2025 
Visitation: Friday, March 14, 2025, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Owens Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Service: Friday, March 14, 2025, 11:00 AM, Owens Memorial Chapel 

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Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

Louisiana Tech University welcomed middle and high school students from across the region for the second annual SeaPerch Challenge at the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center on Friday, March 7. The competition, which challenges students to design, build, and maneuver underwater remote-operated vehicles through an obstacle course, saw participation from 42 teams and nearly 150 individuals involved.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s competition featured challenges that required students to apply problem-solving skills, teamwork, and critical thinking under time constraints.

“One of the biggest changes this year is that we know more and can do more,” Cathi Cox-Boniol, director of SCILS Region 8 LASTEM Center, said. “This event is more than just a competition; it’s a gateway to Louisiana Tech, showing students what’s possible for their future.”

The event was a collaborative effort between Louisiana Tech, the SCILS Region 8 LASTEM Center, the Science and Technology Education Center (SciTEC), the Department of Defense, RoboNation, Louisiana State University, Louisiana Delta Community College, and Cedar Creek School.

“The SeaPerch Challenge is one of the many opportunities we provide to introduce students to a new world of STEM competition while helping them develop real-world skills like collaboration, communication, and determination,” Cox-Boniol added. “Seeing these young people grow into the leaders of tomorrow gives us so much hope for the future.”

Students demonstrated their engineering and programming skills in the Lambright pool, guiding their remote-operated vehicles through tasks designed to simulate real-world underwater exploration challenges. The competition emphasized not only technical ability but also creativity, teamwork, and adaptability.

“It’s all about the kids, the things they’re learning, their perseverance, and teamwork,” said Missy Wooley, STEM outreach coordinator for SciTEC. “What they’re discovering is truly impressive, and it fills my heart with joy to see them so engaged and excited about what they’re doing.”

With another successful year in the books, faculty and students are already looking ahead to next year’s Challenge, aiming to expand participation and further engage students in STEM exploration.

For more information about the SeaPerch Challenge, visit the link here.

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Courtesy of Lincoln Parish Tax Accessor Office

Lincoln Parish Assessor Billy McBride would like to inform First Responders about a new law that took effect in 2025 and provides them with an additional homestead exemption.

The First Responder Exemption, if qualified, allows for a tax exemption of $25,000 off the market value of properties owned and occupied by First Responders in Lincoln Parish. This is in addition to the Homestead Exemption, which exempts the first $75,000, resulting in a total tax exemption of $100,000.

First responders can be volunteer firefighters and/or full-time public employees whose duties include responding rapidly to an emergency, such as peace officers, sheriffs, police officers, fire protection personnel, certified emergency medical services personnel, and emergency response operators and dispatchers who provide communication support in emergencies.

Volunteer Firefighters must meet the following criteria:

• has completed (within the tax year) no fewer than 24 hours of firefighter continuing education AND
• an active member of the Louisiana State Fireman’s Association OR
• on the departmental personnel roster of the Volunteer Firefighter Insurance Program.
• Does not have to be full-time.
• Does not have to reside in the Parish. (Example: Volunteer Firefighter for Union Parish but resides and claims homestead in Lincoln Parish)

All other First Responders must meet the following criteria:

• Currently employed by a PUBLIC entity/employer as a government employee, AND
• Must be full-time, AND
• Duties include responding rapidly to an emergency, AND
• Must reside in the Parish of employer.

By law, first responders must reapply each year to continue receiving this benefit. Applications are available at our office or on the Forms page at http://www.lpassessor.com. Completed applications and supporting documents must be received by the Assessor’s office no later than July 1, 2025. They can be dropped off at our office, 307 N. Homer Street Suite 100 in Ruston, LA 71270, mailed to our office at P.O. Box 1218 Ruston, LA 71270, or emailed to our office at assessor@lpassessor.org.

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by Malcolm Butler

Veterans have a special place in the heart of Louisiana Tech’s chapter of Alpha Chi Omega President Anna Grace Scott. 

After all, she comes from a long line of family members who fought for and served our country.

Scott and her Alpha Chi Omega sisters will team up with other members of Louisiana Tech’s Greek system to hold a cookout fundraiser March 23 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot adjacent to Argent Pavilion by the Thomas Assembly Center. The event is being sponsored by the Tech Interfraternity Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council.

All proceeds will go towards Woody’s Home for Veterans, a facility established in 2003 and located in Shreveport that provides a safe haven where veterans can interact with their fellow servicemen while receiving the psychiatric and supportive care. According to its website, there are an estimated 350 homeless veterans in the state of Louisiana.

“Because my father served in the army, my grandfather served in the air force, and my grandmother worked for the Department of Defense, this event is near and dear to my heart,” said Scott, a senior from Pineville. “I have witnessed the mental toll that serving our country can take on someone, and I believe Woody’s Home for Veterans is an amazing nonprofit doing things to better the lives of the people who fought for us to be here today.

“Although our Greek life on campus raises money for their own philanthropies, seeing everyone come together to raise money for Woody’s Home for Veterans has been very inspiring and reassuring of my choice to attend Louisiana Tech and be apart of Greek life. I know this event will not only raise money, but also awareness of the mental and physical state some veterans are left in. Veterans should not be left homeless and on the street after all they did for our country, so I am happy to use my voice and resources to advocate for our veterans.”

Jared “Pudge” Callender, IFC President and a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, said that although he and his Greek brothers and sisters are happy to help raise money for such a worthy cause, it’s about much more than just that. 

“Of course we want to raise money for the men and women at Woody’s Home for Veterans, but much more than that we are doing this to show our support and appreciation for the veterans of this country,” said Callender. “As a member of a fraternity and IFC, you are given the opportunity to do something great for others and that’s what we are aiming to do this weekend. This event is a chance to show our gratitude and respect towards our veterans and it’s something I’m truly grateful to be a part of.”

The menu for Saturday’s event includes different items prepared by the individual fraternities and sororities, including seafood pasta, hamburgers and hotdogs, pastalaya, chili, pulled pork, jambayla, and a variety of desserts. 

The menu and the ability to pre-purchase tickets online are available HERE. 

Craig Moss, Student Activity Coordinator at Louisiana Tech University, bragged about the coordination throughout the Tech Greek System in this endeavor. 

“I am incredibly proud of our amazing Greek organizations here at Louisiana Tech, who have united and have come together to host a Greek wide fundraiser for our veterans,” said Moss. “This collaboration showcases the strength and spirit of our Greek community on our campus as we unite for a common purpose: honoring those who have bravely served our country.

“This cookout will benefit and provide vital support to our veterans. It’s an honor to serve our veterans and it is humbling to see our young men and women in our Greek organizations want to give back to those who dedicated their lives to serve our nation. We have an amazing Greek Community! Together we can make a difference.”

 

 

 

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Courtesy of GSU Communications

At 1:46 p.m. Wednesday, Grambling State University Police received a GSAFE app alert regarding an isolated firearm-related incident near Bethune Hall. Officers responded immediately, and as a precaution, a lockdown was implemented in the affected area until 4:04 p.m.

“The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is always our top priority,” said Grambling State University President Martin Lemelle, Jr. “I want to commend the Grambling State University Police Department for their swift and professional response, as well as express my sincere appreciation to the law enforcement agencies that provided their support.

“Their coordination and commitment to ensuring the well-being of our campus community are truly commendable. We remain vigilant in our efforts to foster a safe environment and encourage everyone to stay engaged with our safety resources.”

No injuries were reported, and the suspects have been identified. The investigation is ongoing in coordination with law enforcement. There is no ongoing threat to campus safety.

 

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By T. Scott Boatright 

CHOUDRANT — Earning a college athletic scholarship to continue playing the sport you love is considered a dream come true.

Signing that scholarship to join the team you’ve dreamed of being part of for years is a dream doubly-realized.

That’s the case for Choudrant high school senior catcher Zoey Smith after she signed on Wednesday to continue her softball career at LSU-Eunice.

“I’ve been playing softball since I was 6 years old and I always dreamed of playing at the collegiate level,” Smith said. “LSU-E was one of my top three colleges (I wanted) to go to and since I started being recruited I wanted to go to LSU-E to experience the life that they have down there, so I couldn’t be more happy about that.”

In Smith, LSU-E will be getting a player who has already been named All-State four times, since she was in eighth grade.

Last season, Smith earned her fourth All-State team honor after batting .531 with 11 home runs, 11 doubles and 54 runs batted in as a junior.

In heading to LSU-E, Smith follows in the direct footsteps of former Lady Aggies Olivia Hennen, another multi-time All-State selection from Choudrant who went on to become the first LSU-E catcher to receive first-team All-American honors.

“I never did get to go watch her play at LSU-E but I have talked to her about what her experiences were there and I always heard her talk so positively about it, and other people talking about her experience there, too, and what a good environment for her to be in and that she learned so much playing there,” Smith said of following Hennen’s path to Eunice.

“She was definitely one of my impacts in making the decision.”

And because she grew up watching Hennen play catcher at Choudrant, Smith said LSU-E has always been on her radar since she began playing high school softball as an eighth-grader.

“I knew about LSU-E my whole childhood career,” Smith said. “And then at the beginning of my junior year (LSU-E coach Meghan) Collins had me come visit the campus and all of that kind of stuff, and I fell in love with the campus and what it looked like and the environment and how welcoming it was for me. 

“It made me really excited to be able to go there.”

“I’ve had the opportunity of coaching Zoey for three years,” said current Choudrant softball coach Stacy Tassin. “She is a phenomenal athlete, she’s a wonderful teammate and works very, very hard. She always picks her teammates up. She is kind of like my mini-coach. If I don’t see something, Zoey points it out and asks, ‘Hey, did you see this? We need to do this.’ She’s also very encouraging and has been a pleasure to coach these past three years.

“I’m excited to see her go to LSU-E. I get to go back now because I used to go watch Olivia, my niece, play and I’m so proud of Zoey and thrilled to see her get this opportunity.”

Smith said she begins to study kinesiology as she moves on to her college years.

“I want to come back home after college and go to PT (physical therapy) school,” Smith said. 

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A Ruston woman was arrested last week after she was stopped for a traffic violation and allegedly lied about her name to conceal that she was wanted.

Kendra S. Ford, 34, was arrested by by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office on March 4 on several warrants and traffic charges.

A deputy stopped Ford when he saw that her vehicle was not displaying a license plate. When he approached the vehicle, he observed a temporary plate in the back window, although it did not appear to be registered to that vehicle.

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Ford initially identified herself as Deijah Williams. An attempt to locate a driver’s license under that name was unsuccessful.

The deputy smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the car and a search was conducted. The deputy located a Louisiana identification card for Kendra Ford who finally admitted her true name, saying she lied because there were outstanding warrants for her arrest.

A check of Ford‘s name showed no driver’s license had been issued to and warrants were held by Ruston City Court and Third Judicial District Court for her.

Ford was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for improper display of license plate, failure to register vehicle, resisting an officer by providing false identification, no driver’s license, and warrants from Third District Court for failure to appear on a theft charge and warrants from Ruston City Court charging her with failure to appear on two theft charges.

Ford’s bail was sent at $21,000.

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

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

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A man who allegedly caused a disturbance at a Ruston convenience store was arrested on several charges after he returned to the store while officers were investigating.

Ontario D. Spivey, 35, of Ruston, was arrested March 4 after officers talked to the manager of the Maple Mart about the incident.

The store manager said a man came into the store harassing one of the employees by yelling and cursing. The man was told to leave, but he instead became aggressive and started throwing items in the store.

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Officers saw items thrown about the store, including a number of items that were damaged and could no longer be sold.

Spivey returned to the store while officers were present and appeared to be intoxicated. He said he had been in the store previously, but denied causing a disturbance. During a search at the time of his arrest, a bottle of whiskey was found in Spivey‘s clothing.

Spivey was arrested for disturbing the peace, simple criminal damage to property, and criminal mischief and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. His bail was set in $2,000.

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

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

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By Kyle Roberts

As we recently celebrated our three-year anniversary, I’m proud to say that the Lincoln Parish Journal has published over 14,000 stories since its 2021 launch.

Let me say that again: 14,000 stories.

These are columns, news, sports, features, your own stories — you name it! And in this age of modern technology, you have a few options for how you can read the Lincoln Parish Journal completely free of charge and start you day with the most up-to-date news.

Here’s how!

Our website: We have an awesome landing page at www.Lincolnparishjournal.com that easily lets you see the stories that are available to you on a particular day. Starting with the very top news of the day, you can work your way to the bottom of any given day, which is always our “Notice of Death.” Simply click on the stories that matter the most to you and read away.

Facebook: We thankfully are able to cross-post our stories from our website to Facebook. So if you’re an early riser, these will appear in your social media feed. A quick note: sometimes Facebook’s algorithms will get prickly — so not every story will appear on Facebook. Even so, we are proud to have surpassed the 10,000 followers mark in the month of July!

And, our personal favorite — the daily email: What better way to enjoy your 6:55 a.m. cup of coffee than by having the news digitally delivered right to your inbox. Simply click here if you have not signed up already and input your name and email. We will never do anything with your email address outside of send you the news every weekday morning and any breaking news that you’ll need to know about.

Once again, we are incredibly thankful and honored to be able to bring the news to you, completely for free. We look forward to many more years of offering this service to our amazing community.

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