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, Aug. 5 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, Aug. 6 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall; Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting,please notify Richartd Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121) 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal sponsored by 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry to be served at Ruston Housing Authority Maryland Plaza office, 615 N. Farmerville Street. All are welcome. 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6 p.m.: Video-Led Tai Chi Class (Events Center)
Saturday, Aug. 8 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 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Board Game Day (The Depot Coffee House)
Monday, Aug. 10 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 6 p.m.: AI for Real Life (Jack Beard Community Room) 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Tuesday, Aug. 11 6 p.m.: Boost Your Wellbeing with guest Valencia Esters (Events Center) 6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.)
Wednesday, Aug. 12 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, Aug. 13 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; Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting,please notify Richartd Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6 p.m.: Video-Led Tai Chi Class (Events Center)
Saturday, Aug. 15 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
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Louisiana Tech softball will host the 3rd Annual “Dinner on the Diamond”, presented by Karl Malone Toyota and Ruston Apothecare, on Friday, October 2 at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field, featuring Conference USA Players of the Year Jazlyn Crowder and Morgan Turkoly.
The event will take place on the field at the home of Bulldog Softball, and gates will open at 6:45 p.m. with dinner starting at 7:30 p.m. and the program starting at 8 p.m.
In addition to hearing from Crowder and Turkoly, attendees will also hear from Bulldog head coach Josh Taylor, two-time Conference USA Coach of the Year. It’s an opportunity to come out, meet the 2026-27 Bulldogs, hear directly from players of the past and the present, and celebrate the program’s return to the Sun Belt Conference.
“We are excited about our annual Dinner on the Diamond and are honored to welcome back a pair of Louisiana Tech Softball greats to be our featured guests for the event,” said Taylor. “Both Jaz and Morgan were the best of the best in Conference USA during their time in a Tech uniform, and it will be fun to hear them reminisce about their careers.
“We are also so thankful to Karl Malone Toyota and Ruston Apothecare for their generosity in serving as our partners for this wonderful event.”
Individual tickets for the Dinner on the Diamond are $40 each, while tables are $300 for a party of eight. To purchase tickets for Dinner on the Diamond, CLICK HERE.
The evening will include a formal program, dinner with a cash bar, silent auction, raffles and more. Gates open at 6:45 p.m. with dinner being served at 7:35 p.m. and the formal program starting at 8:00 p.m.
Crowder spent three years in a LA Tech uniform, earning the reputation as one of the top defensive outfielders in the country. Known for her highlight reel defensive plays and a cannon of an arm, the Kennedale, Texas, native was named the Conference USA Player of the Year in 2019. She is the only player in CUSA history to earn the CUSA Player of the Year and Tournament MVP honors in the same season.
“I’m so excited to head back to Ruston to see old friends and make new ones,” said Crowder. “The LA Tech softball program has a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to be back to see familiar faces, places, and enjoy an evening on the field again! It’s going to be a great weekend.”
During her four-year career, Turkoly – who will be enshrined in the LA Tech Athletics Hall of Fame on October 9 – was one of the top players in Conference USA. The only Tech Softball player to ever earn all-conference honors four times, the Sanger, Texas, native was named the CUSA Player of the Year in 2018 and was a Lowe’s Senior Class All-American in 2019.
“Louisiana Tech holds such a special place in my heart,” said Turkoly. “The teammates and experiences I had here helped shape the person I am today. I am so grateful and excited to come back and be a part of the Dinner on the Diamond tradition. I look forward to meeting all the current players and hopefully connect with and support the girls leading into the 2027 season.”
During their careers, the duo helped lead Tech to 148 wins, three Conference USA titles and a pair of NCAA Regional appearances, including 2019 when the team overcame an EF3 tornado destroying their field late in the year.
That team became one of the top softball stories across the country, using the emotions of that event and representing the University and the Ruston community en route to claiming both the regular season and tournament titles.
Approving an ordinance amending the Zoning Code of Ruston relating to recreational vehicle (RV) parks was a primary order of business Monday evening as the Ruston City Council held its July 2026 meeting inside the courtroom at City Hall.
City Zoning Administrator Jim Hays gave a summary explaining the decision to amend the ordinance. The matter was introduced during the July City Council meeting, with amendments to the ordinance introduced last month being approved before the amended ordinance itself was approved.
“We’ve had numerous calls in recent months, actually for almost a year, from folks who had questions about RV parks,” Hays said. “Of course, we’ve got one at the (Ruston) Sports Complex. We got input from our zoning advisors, we got input from several members of the community. We feel that we could use another RV park. We have the one at the Sports Complex, but we have no code for it, so if it had been developed it would have had to meet the closest thing we can think of, which is a mobile home park.”
But Ruston has not allowed new mobile home parks for years, with only one existing park grandfathered in.
“So, we did a lot of research and put together a bunch of information, sifting through it for months and months, and this is the final product,” Hays said.
Hays said the new RV park code requires a “pretty good” landscape buffer that has to be completely surrounded, with sidewalks along the public road frontage, and encourages sidewalks running throughout.
“We’ve got a pretty good green space in a centralized area that people can use,” Hays said. “We think we’ve got a pretty good setup, but until we get one we won’t know for sure.”
In the case of what are called tiny mobile homes, those would be limited to 10% of the property within any new RV park, and they would have to be true mobile homes with wheels.
Hays said RVs will not be allowed to stay in the park long term.
“The spaces can be rented by the day or by the month, but they cannot be there year-round and considered a permanent residence,” Hays said.
That amended ordinance passed unanimously.
Also approved was an ordinance amending Chapter 29 of the Code of Ordinances for the city of Ruston by changing certain zoning district boundaries, approving a preliminary plan and approving a preliminary plat for the planned Hillcrest Haven subdivision where the old Hillcrest Elementary School once stood.
“The applicant owns approximately 5.2 acres located west of and adjacent to Coushatta Street, north of and adjacent to Lamar Avenue, east of and adjacent to North Monroe Street and south of Lee Avenue,” Hays said. “The applicant proposes to develop the property as a planned unit development referred to as Hillcrest Haven subdivision. The applicant proposes to build the development in two units.
“Unit 1 is proposed to be five single-family residential lots that will be accessed from Lamar Avenue. Future Unit 2 plans to construct a new public roadway extending Goode Avenue to North Monroe Street. It will add 10 additional single-family residential lots and will have one lot for commercial development.”
The City Council also discussed abatement of a blighted property located at 1012 Arlington St., giving owner Dileep Sule 30 days to demolish or repair the property or have it demolished.
Sule said he had tried two or three contractors to make repairs without success and brought a new contractor to Monday’s meeting to explain the planned repairs, which would include cleaning up the yard and lifting the structure 2 feet off the ground. He said he is ready to start that process today.
The contractor, Steve Woodall, said he believes he can level the home and bring it up to code at an estimated cost that Sule declined to disclose.
City Attorney Bill Carter asked Public Works Director John Freeman if he had discussed the potential renovation with the building official and the code enforcement officer and whether those officials had reviewed the repair cost estimates submitted by Sule.
“Both state emphatically that the dollar figure — that amount — is unrealistic to bring that house up to code,” Freeman said. “Just to raise the home above the flood zone and do plumbing and electrical would probably well exceed that dollar limit.
“Additionally, any work proposed would need to be done through a general contractor, and we haven’t found a general contractor on file. But yes, both the building official and the code enforcement officer feel that cost is unrealistic.”
When asked by Council Member Carolyn Cage, whose district includes Arlington Street, Sule said, “Don’t worry about cost. I will take care of it. I have plenty of money.”
Also approved was the review and application of Oliver Road Investments LLC for participation in the Louisiana Restoration Tax Abatement Program.
Oliver Road Investments is working to renovate the old Federal Building into the future home of a Delta Biscuit Co. restaurant.
The City Council also introduced a pair of ordinances that will likely be discussed and potentially acted upon during next month’s meeting. The first would authorize the city to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement (CEA) with Reaper Boats, LLC, and sell property to that corporation, while the second would authorize the city to enter into a CEA with Highrise Property Holdings LLC for the same purpose.
As Monday’s meeting concluded, it was announced that the City Council will hold another meeting Aug. 27 to discuss the budget.
LAUREL, Miss. — Louisiana’s 12U All-Star team, made up primarily of players from Ruston, capped a years-long journey Monday by defeating Texas 6-0 to win the Dixie Youth Baseball O-Zone World Series championship.
The title was secured in dominant fashion as Dayton Green and Andy Slocum combined to throw a no-hitter in the championship game. Green struck out nine batters over 4.2 innings before Slocum recorded the final five outs, striking out two to complete the performance.
For head coach Chris Brister, the championship represented the fulfillment of a vision that began nearly seven years ago.
“It has been a long journey,” Brister said. “We started thinking about this about seven years ago. There were three of the kids that played on this year’s team — Ezekiel Wilson, Mayes Brister and Joshua Walker — who made the six-year-old Ruston All-Star team as five-year-olds. So we kind of started thinking these kids were really special and if we could build something around them and add to it over the years, we might be able to win one of these things or at least get there one day.”
Brister said his own experiences growing up playing Dixie Youth Baseball made the accomplishment even more meaningful.
“I grew up playing DYB baseball, and I played in a small town, and it was always a dream of mine to get to a state tournament, let alone a World Series,” Brister said. “When I saw how talented this group of kids was in this age group, I thought we could build something and eventually get there, but to ever think that we could get to the mountaintop… it was just a wildest dream come true.”
Louisiana grabbed control early, scoring twice in the first inning. Dayton Green drove in the game’s first run with a double down the left-field line before Ezekiel Wilson added another RBI on a groundout.
The championship turned in the bottom of the fourth inning with Louisiana protecting a 2-0 lead.
Texas put runners on second and third with no outs before Louisiana produced the game’s biggest defensive play.
“They get runners on second and third with nobody out,” Brister said. “Dayton was struggling just a little bit for the first time in the game, kind of facing some adversity. On a one-two pitch, they hit a line drive to our second baseman, Maze Brister, and he snags it out of the air and, in one motion, does a spin move and throws it over to our shortstop, Joshua Walker, who was there at second to get a bang-bang double play. Then Dayton was able to strike out the next batter and just like that kind of crushed any momentum that they had.”
Louisiana added four more runs to pull away before Slocum entered to finish off the championship.
His appearance provided one of the week’s most inspiring storylines.
Slocum had been sidelined for eight weeks after being diagnosed with Little League elbow and had only recently been cleared to throw. Meanwhile, Louisiana lost another key pitcher, Slade Young, to a broken leg suffered during junior high football practice just before the tournament.
“Andy got cleared the week of the World Series to throw,” Brister said. “We tried to give him some time in the first game of the World Series and he threw seven pitches and complained about his elbow, so we had to pull him. We didn’t think he was going to be able to throw any, but he was able to come in the last two innings and did a wonderful job.”
Wilson led Louisiana offensively, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Cale Patton also collected two hits. Louisiana finished with seven hits, turned a double play and committed no errors.
Brister also credited the Ruston community and the tradition of Dixie Youth Baseball for helping make the championship run memorable.
“It’s just community-based ball at its finest,” Brister said. “In the world of travel ball and people going here and there, to be able to play for your community… this whole week, it’s just been so much encouragement from people back home letting us know that they’ve watched our games.”
He said support came from generations of former youth baseball players who followed Louisiana’s run online.
“People that played 30 years ago are watching it, letting us know that they’ve enjoyed watching us play,” Brister said. “So it was just a phenomenal week in Laurel.”
Brister serves as head coach and manager, with Nathan Young and Lee Patton as assistant coaches. The Ruston 12U all-star roster includes Chance Butler, Slade Young, Cale Patton, Dayton Green, Ezekiel Wilson, Granger Brown, Jessie Ford, Joshua Walker, Andy Slocum, Kingston Venzant, Patrick Gillum and Mayes Brister. The players attend Ruston schools and Cedar Creek.
Other game recaps– information taken from Game Changer
Tennessee 8, Louisiana 6 (Sunday)
The Ruston 12U All-Stars saw their unbeaten run at the Dixie Youth O Zone World Series come to an end Sunday night, falling 8-6 to Tennessee in the tournament’s first championship game in Laurel, Mississippi.
Ruston struck first, taking a 2-0 lead in the opening inning after a Tennessee error plated one run and Ezekiel Wilson followed with an RBI single.
Tennessee answered with three runs in the second inning before breaking the game open with a four-run third to build an 8-3 advantage.
The Ruston squad refused to go away.
Cale Patton sparked the comeback with a solo home run in the fourth inning, and Louisiana continued to chip away over the final innings. Ruston scored on an error, a balk and a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit to two runs, but the rally ended just short.
Patton, who also started on the mound, homered on a full-count pitch and drove in a run, while Wilson added an RBI single as the two combined to account for Louisiana’s only RBIs.
Despite the loss, Ruston had battled through the winners bracket with a perfect 5-0 record to reach the championship round. The defeat forced a winner-take-all title game Monday, giving Louisiana one more opportunity to claim the Dixie Youth O Zone World Series championship.
After five dominant victories to open the tournament, Ruston showed the same resilience that had carried it throughout the week, battling until the final out despite facing its largest deficit of the World Series.
Louisiana 15, South Carolina 1 (Sunday)
The Ruston 12U All-Stars broke open a close contest Sunday with a nine-run sixth inning to defeat South Carolina’s Wylie Street 15-1 in Laurel, Mississippi.
Leading 6-1 entering the final frame, Ruston exploded offensively to end the game in dominant fashion. Dayton Green highlighted the rally with a two-run home run to center field, while Mayes Brister added a two-run double and Andy Slocum followed with an RBI double. Chance Butler chipped in an RBI single, Kingston Venzant and Joshua Walker each drew bases-loaded walks, and a passed ball accounted for the final run of the inning.
Ruston built an early lead behind Cale Patton, who launched a solo home run in the second inning. Granger Brown added a two-run single later in the frame before Green drove in two more runs with a sacrifice fly in the third.
Green also starred on the mound, tossing two hitless innings with three strikeouts to start the game. Brister worked the final three innings in relief, allowing one run while helping secure the victory.
Brister and Patton each collected two hits as Ruston finished with 11 hits. Green drove in three runs, while Ezekiel Wilson, Butler and Venzant each stole multiple bases as Louisiana swiped 10 bases in the game.
Ruston also played flawless defense, committing no errors. Slocum led the defensive effort with eight chances behind the plate.
The victory improved Ruston to 5-0 in the tournament.
Louisiana 9, Texas 5 (Saturday)
The Ruston 12U All-Stars erased an early three-run deficit Saturday to defeat Texas (Livingston) 9-5, completing an unbeaten run through pool play at the Dixie Youth O Zone World Series in Laurel, Mississippi.
Texas grabbed a 3-0 lead in the first inning, but Ruston quickly settled in and responded. Louisiana took its first lead in the second inning when Granger Brown drew a bases-loaded walk before two runs scored on a passed ball to make it 4-3.
After Texas tied the game at 4-4 in the third inning, Ruston answered again. Joshua Walker delivered an RBI single to put Louisiana back in front before Dayton Green followed with an RBI double to extend the advantage to 6-4. Ruston added insurance runs late to pull away for the four-run victory.
Walker and Green powered the offense from the middle of the lineup, collecting three hits apiece. Green finished 3-for-3 with three RBIs, while Walker went 3-for-3, drove in a run and stole two bases.
Ruston totaled 11 hits and continued its aggressive play on the bases, swiping seven stolen bases while also turning a double play defensively.
Cale Patton started on the mound before Mayes Brister took over in relief and shut down the Texas offense. Brister allowed no earned runs over 3 1/3 innings, giving up no hits while striking out four without issuing a walk.
The victory improved Ruston to 4-0 in the tournament, completing a perfect pool-play record and positioning Louisiana for a deep run in the championship bracket behind timely hitting, strong relief pitching and another resilient comeback.
Louisiana 7, Georgia 3 (Saturday)
The Ruston 12U All-Stars overcame an early deficit Saturday, rallying for a 7-3 victory over Georgia to improve to 3-0 at the Dixie Youth O Zone World Series in Laurel, Mississippi.
After Georgia scored three runs in the top of the third inning to take its first lead against Louisiana in the tournament, Ruston answered immediately.
Louisiana tied the game in the bottom half of the inning with the help of an error before Dayton Green lifted a sacrifice fly and Jessie Ford delivered an RBI single to even the score at 3-3.
Ruston took control for good an inning later when Patrick Gillum lined a two-run single to give Louisiana a 5-3 advantage. The team added two insurance runs in the fifth to seal the victory.
Ford led the offense, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs. He singled twice before adding a double in the fifth inning. Gillum also drove in two runs with his go-ahead single.
Dayton Green started on the mound, striking out three over 1.2 scoreless innings before Georgia mounted its third-inning rally. Chance Butler took over in relief and shut the door, tossing three scoreless innings without allowing a hit while striking out one.
Ruston also continued to pressure opponents on the bases, with Ford and Joshua Walker each stealing multiple bases. Louisiana added a defensive highlight by turning a double play.
The victory kept Ruston unbeaten through pool play and showcased the team’s ability to respond under pressure, using timely hitting, strong relief pitching and solid defense to remain among the tournament’s top contenders.
Louisiana 15, Arkansas 2 (Friday)
The Ruston 12U All-Stars continued their dominant start at the Dixie Youth O Zone World Series on Friday, cruising to a 15-2 victory over Arkansas in Laurel, Mississippi.
Jessie Ford powered Louisiana’s offense, driving in five runs on three hits. Ford gave Ruston an early spark with a three-run home run to center field in the first inning before adding a two-run double in the third to cap his big day at the plate.
Ruston wasted no time taking control, erupting for nine runs in the opening inning. In addition to Ford’s home run, Ezekiel Wilson delivered an RBI triple, Andy Slocum drew a bases-loaded walk, Granger Brown, Kingston Venzant and Joshua Walker each added RBI singles, and a passed ball accounted for another run as Louisiana built a commanding advantage.
The offense kept rolling in the second inning with RBI hits from Mayes Brister and Wilson before adding three more runs in the third, highlighted by Ford’s two-run double.
Cale Patton started on the mound and was sharp, striking out three over two hitless innings without issuing a walk. Ford followed with a scoreless inning of relief, striking out all three batters he faced.
Ruston finished with 12 hits, led by multiple-hit performances from Brister, Ford and Wilson. The team also put constant pressure on Arkansas with an aggressive running game, stealing 13 bases. Brister, Ford, Joshua Walker and Venzant each swiped multiple bags.
The convincing victory improved Ruston’s record to 2-0 in World Series play and continued an impressive run of dominant pitching, explosive offense and aggressive baserunning.
Louisiana 11, North Carolina 1 (Thursday)
The Ruston 12U All-Stars, representing Louisiana at the Dixie Youth O Zone World Series, opened tournament play in impressive fashion Thursday, defeating North Carolina Topsail 11-1 in Laurel, Mississippi.
Dayton Green led the way with a dominant performance on the mound, striking out 10 batters over four innings while allowing no hits and just one unearned run. He walked two before Mayes Brister and Andy Slocum combined to finish off the victory.
Ruston wasted little time taking control of the game. Jessie Ford drove in the first run with an RBI single in the opening inning before Ezekiel Wilson added another run with a groundout to give Louisiana an early 2-0 advantage.
The lead grew to 4-0 in the third inning as Ford delivered another clutch hit, a two-run single to center field.
Ruston put the game out of reach with a seven-run fifth inning. An error scored the first run of the frame before Green drilled a two-run double. Cale Patton followed with an RBI walk, and Wilson capped the rally with a three-run double to extend the lead to 11-1.
Ford and Joshua Walker each collected two hits to pace the offense, while Ford and Wilson drove in three runs apiece. Patrick Gillum drew two walks as Ruston displayed patience at the plate, earning eight free passes during the game. Ford and Kingston Venzant also stole multiple bases.
The victory gave Ruston a strong start to its quest for a Dixie Youth O Zone World Series championship, combining dominant pitching, timely hitting and aggressive baserunning in a complete opening-game performance.
A Ruston man faces an aggravated flight charge after leading Ruston police on an early morning chase that reached 100 mph.
Michael W. Pierce, 65, of Ruston, was arrested Aug. 2 by the Ruston Police Department.
According to an arrest affidavit, officers responded to the area of Cartwright and East Mississippi avenues in reference to an earlier call. Dispatch advised that a man was leaving a residence on Cartwright.
An officer traveling south on Neal Street spotted a gray Ford Focus matching the description near East Mississippi Avenue and identified the driver as Pierce. Pierce turned onto Neal Street and drove north toward U.S. 80.
The officer turned around and activated his overhead lights. Pierce accelerated, turned left onto U.S. 80 toward Highway 33 and then turned right onto Highway 33 heading north, picking up speed. The officer activated his siren and reached 90 mph on Highway 33.
According to the officer’s report, Pierce approached a red light at the South Service Road at about 100 mph and nearly struck another vehicle turning left off the service road. He continued through the next intersection at the north service road at the same speed.
Pierce then slowed and turned right onto Celebrity Drive, took a quick left onto Illinois Avenue and continued at a high rate of speed. He looped around to Ohio Avenue, where a second officer blocked the road at Celebrity Drive. Pierce drove around the officers, turned back onto Illinois Avenue and pulled into a driveway on Illinois Avenue as the vehicle’s motor began smoking.
Pierce put the vehicle in park and stepped out. An officer exited his patrol unit with his duty weapon drawn and ordered Pierce to stop. Officers placed him in handcuffs and advised him of his rights, which he said he understood.
Pierce was transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and booked on counts of aggravated flight from an officer, running a stop sign, speeding, driving under suspension and no insurance. He was also booked on an outstanding warrant for driving under suspension.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Attorney Phillip Ellis of Ruston today announced his candidacy for the open position of judge for the Third Judicial District Court, Division B, which serves Lincoln and Union parishes.
Ellis said his decision to run for the judgeship was driven by his commitment to “serve the people of our parishes in a manner that makes our communities the kind of place they want to live and raise their families,” and the widespread encouragement and support he has received from members of the legal profession and community leaders from both parishes.
“My wife Lauren and I had serious discussions with the many people who offered their support in Lincoln and Union Parishes, and also turned to our faith, in making this decision,” he said. “Ultimately, as a husband and father, I want safer families and communities where victims are heard, not forgotten, and the law is enforced fairly and firmly.”
Ellis’ education and experience in law enforcement, and as a practicing attorney in local courts, also factored into his decision.
“This district raised me, educated me, and gave me my start in law,” Ellis said. “I have worked as a corrections officer, clerked in these local courthouses, defended the State of Louisiana, represented people on both sides of a civil case, and stood beside those who could not afford a lawyer. My commitment is simple: decide every case on the law and the facts, treat every person with respect, and keep the court docket moving along.”
Ellis was raised in neighboring Claiborne Parish and graduated from Cedar Creek School in Ruston. He attended Louisiana Tech University before transferring to the University of Louisiana Monroe, where he earned a degree in criminal justice with cum laude honors in 2009.
He began his career in law enforcement with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, serving as a correctional deputy at the Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center near Minden.
In 2011 he graduated with academic honors from the North Louisiana Criminal Justice Academy.
Ellis attended Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson, where he served as an officer of both the Moot Court Board and the Law Review, and worked as a research assistant. He graduated magna cum laude and was admitted to the Louisiana bar in 2015.
He completed an externship as a law clerk in the Louisiana Third Judicial District Court, working under Judges Cynthia Woodard, James Boddie, and Jay McCallum, now a justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court.
He then joined the Louisiana Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, in Monroe, serving as an attorney in the litigation division under Attorneys General Buddy Caldwell and Jeff Landry. There he defended the State of Louisiana in workers’ compensation, general liability, medical malpractice, civil rights, and road hazard claims.
In 2019, Ellis opened the Ellis Law Firm of North Louisiana in Farmerville, moving the office to Ruston in 2025 as the practice grew. He has since appeared in court across the same range of matters a district judge hears — criminal cases, successions, family law, personal injury, and business and property disputes. He also serves as a contract public defender in the Third Judicial District and on the Criminal Justice Act panel for the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
“A district judge in Lincoln and Union parishes hears everything — a first-offense charge, a succession, a custody case that will shape a child’s life, a business dispute that decides whether a family keeps its livelihood,” Ellis said. “I have handled every one of those, in these very courthouses, as well as others across North Louisiana.”
Ellis and his wife, Lauren, have two children, Greer, 8, and Flynn, 5, who play on local baseball and softball teams that Ellis helps coach and sponsor. He also sponsors the Union Parish Big Buck Contest, the Pelican Crappie Club, and a kennel at 4Paws in Ruston.
The Ellises are members of Weldon Baptist Church in Bernice, where Ellis teaches an adult Sunday school class and operates the church’s audio-visual and livestreaming systems. He and his wife have supported Operation Christmas Child for more than 20 years.
The above information has been provided by a political campaign.Unless otherwise noted, the Lincoln Parish Journal publishing staff does not endorse specific candidates or ballot measures.
Former LA Tech athletics director Tommy McClelland may be named the new AD at Purdue later this week.
By Doug Ireland, Journal Sports
Tommy McClelland, Louisiana Tech’s athletics director from 2013-20, appears to be poised to replace retiring Mike Bobinski as AD at Big Ten Conference member Purdue.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Monday that McClelland, the AD at Rice since 2023 after spending three years as deputy AD at Vanderbilt, could be introduced later this week when Purdue’s Board of Trustees holds a previously scheduled regular meeting in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Purdue coaches reportedly stressed the obvious need to identify new revenue streams in discussions with the search firm contracted to help with the AD search. In his time at Rice, McClelland has initiated NIL revenue generation including launching the South Main Fund at the affluent Houston private university.
He previously directed the Vandy Now campaign, which raised more than $300 million towards new and renovated athletic facilities.
While leading Louisiana Tech athletics, McClelland contributed to postseason appearances in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, softball, golf and bowling. He hired two current successful Tech coaches, women’s basketball’s Brooke Stoehr and baseball’s Lane Burroughs, ironically plucking both from his alma mater, Northwestern State.
McClelland also helped develop new revenue-producing initiatives during his time in Ruston as Tech settled into Conference USA.
McClelland rose to his first athletic director position, at McNeese State, at age 26, and earned acclaim for fundraising success. It caught the attention of Tech leadership and he moved to Ruston following six years in Lake Charles. He was noted as a champion of student-athlete academic performance at both in-state universities, with impressive marks in NCAA annual reviews.
The Basile native was a walk-on long snapper and javelin thrower at Northwestern, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and met his wife, Jessica. He played for the Demons’ 2004 Southland Conference champion football team.
In 2021, the McClellands established the Tommy and Jessica McClelland Family Scholarship, contributing the initial $10,000 toward an endowment that will benefit NSU student-athletes. He also served as an alumni representative on the University of Louisiana System’s presidential search committee in 2024 that produced current Northwestern leader James “Jimmy” Genovese.
Bobinski announced in June he would retire on Dec. 31 after 10 years in charge of Purdue Athletics, and said he would step aside as AD as soon as possible after a replacement is hired, and remain in an advisory role. The university is currently led by an interim president, Mitch Daniels, who had retired from that position.
While the Boilermakers made NCAA Elite Eight appearances last year in men’s basketball and volleyball, they have floundered in football, where Purdue has not won a Big Ten game since 2023.
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RUSTON, La. — With the first practice of August in the books, Ruston High is settling into the version of preseason work that will carry the Bearcats toward this month’s Bayou Jamb appearance against Evangel.
Head Coach Jerrod Baugh said the transition has been smooth, built on groundwork the program laid back in June and July.
“I think it’s going well,” Baugh said. “We kind of redistribute our guys once July hits, normally after the week of the Fourth, and really get a chance to hone in — one group’s the varsity guys, and then the JV guys and the freshmen. You’re able to just get more eyes on everybody once we redistribute them the way that we do in July.”
Baugh said the workload has steadily shifted toward football-specific work as the summer has progressed, and Monday’s practice — the first with an extended schedule — reflected that buildup.
“We start doing a lot more football stuff the later in the summer it gets, and I thought they handled that well,” Baugh said. “It kind of gives you a head start coming into today. Our kids know what our routine is because we’ve already been doing it some. It’s just an extended practice. I thought it was pretty good today, and I think that’s due to how much stuff we do during the summer, group-wise.”
Baugh pointed to the program’s returning starters as a summer bright spot citing the leadership the group has provided across the board.
“I think our guys that are coming back — returning starters, guys with a lot of experience — are showing up and doing what they need to do,” Baugh said. “We’ve got to have those guys play well from the beginning, and to me it starts with what their attitude is coming into it. I think they’ve shown a really good attitude about coming to work.”
Ruston enters the season under a now-familiar spotlight, with outside publications and recruiting outlets ranking the Bearcats among the state’s top teams. Baugh said he doesn’t put much stock in outside projections, in part because there’s no way to know what the rest of the season holds.
“I don’t know nowadays, with the way social media is, that you can keep it cleared out,” Baugh said of outside expectations of the program. “But I think they’ve been around it so much that maybe it’s second nature to expect that people have those expectations. I don’t know how people judge who’s going to be the best team in the state. I don’t have a clue about how good anybody else is. I think we’ve got a chance to be a good football team, but you never know what things will transpire.”
Baugh cited an early example of that uncertainty: Holt Hunt has already been ruled out for the season with an injury, forcing the Bearcats to adjust their depth chart before the year has even started.
“We’ve already had to shuffle some things in that area,” Baugh said. “You don’t know what things will happen during the year that make you have to make some changes. I think everybody ought to think about — (running back) Dalen Powell got hurt last year. We were fortunate we had Kohl Gray come in and do a really good job. But you have things like that where maybe your backup situation isn’t as good as that, and then you start shuffling people around, and that changes your football team.”
Baugh said the length of the season is part of why he tries to keep expectations in perspective.
“It’s a long way from August 3rd to possibly playing the second weekend in December,” Baugh said. “If we stay healthy, I feel like we should have an opportunity to play a long ways in the playoffs and give ourselves a chance to make a run at a state championship. But who knows what’s going to happen, and who knows how good everybody else is. The only thing we can control is our guys and what we do on a daily basis, and I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen so far.”
Looking at the rest of the week, Baugh said the focus is on easing players back into full equipment after a summer built around conditioning and speed work.
“There’s a difference between running around out here doing conditioning and speed work without a helmet, and leaving a helmet on for a prolonged period of time,” Baugh said. “There’s some neck exercise that gets in there. It’s just getting used to having all that equipment on, and then we ease into it.”
Ruston plans to practice in helmets for four consecutive days before adding shoulder pads Monday through Wednesday of next week, then moving to full gear next Thursday and Friday.
“I just think easing them into it and taking advantage of every day to try to figure out and get ourselves into some playing shape,” Baugh said.
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A Ruston woman was arrested after a Louisiana Tech police officer reported watching her vehicle straddle the center line on Tech Drive, according to an arrest affidavit.
Jeanette Leniere Malone, 50, of Ruston, was arrested July 31 by the Louisiana Tech University Police Department.
An officer patrolling at about 7:23 p.m. observed a vehicle turn right from West Alabama Avenue onto Tech Drive without using a turn signal. The vehicle did not enter the closest lane and instead moved immediately into the inside lane.
The officer then observed the vehicle fail to maintain its lane, crossing and straddling the double yellow line with the driver’s side partially in the oncoming lane.
The officer initiated a traffic stop, and the driver stopped in the middle of the road despite having room to pull out of the roadway. The driver did not place the vehicle in park and repeatedly let pressure off the brakes, causing the vehicle to inch forward.
The officer instructed the driver to put the vehicle in park and step out. The driver, identified as Malone, initially refused to exit the vehicle.
Malone verbally expressed agitation but eventually stepped out of the vehicle. Attempts to confirm her identity were initially met with non-compliance before she answered.
The officer was made aware that Malone’s driver’s license had been suspended in 2017, 2018 and twice in 2019. She was advised she was under arrest.
Malone refused to face the patrol unit to be placed in wrist restraints and pulled away as the officer attempted to restrain her. She continued to pull away while twisting her arm and attempting to bring it to the front of her body.
Malone was booked on charges of driving under suspension, reckless operation of a vehicle and resisting an officer. She was released on her own recognizance on the driving under suspension charge, with bond set at $1,000 each on the reckless operation and resisting charges.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Despite triple-digit temperatures, Ruston spent July getting into the holiday spirit.
Throughout the month, local businesses, churches, civic organizations and residents joined together for Christmas in July, a communitywide gift drive benefiting Ruston Community Christmas.
Hosted by Real Change in Ruston, Community Christmas is an annual holiday shopping experience held in December that celebrates the dignity and worth of every participant.
“Community Christmas is so much more than just shopping,” said Stacie Clinton, who serves on the Real Change in Ruston committee. “It’s an opportunity to build relationships in our city. People who participate with one of our partner organizations have the opportunity to earn ‘Christmas Cash’ throughout the year, and anyone who has earned the cash can shop for themselves, friends and family members in the Community Christmas store.”
Partner organizations include Bridges International, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana, DART, Family Village of North Louisiana, Freedom 13, Life Choices of North Central Louisiana, Lincoln United Community Coalition, Recovery Court and Zion Traveler Community Development Corp.
The monthlong effort culminated July 25, when volunteers gathered at the Historic Fire Station to collect, sort and organize donations while welcoming community members throughout the day. More than 2,500 gifts are needed to stock the Community Christmas store, and the team set a goal of collecting 60% to 70% of that during the July drive.
“We were so excited to meet our goal during the Christmas in July drive,” Clinton said. “This would not have been possible without the entire Ruston community coming together. Businesses served as drop-off locations, churches held gift drives, and volunteers from across the community helped us get the word out, including our downtown Ruston businesses, which put up signs and had collection boxes.”
Members of the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters basketball team volunteered throughout the day, helping collect and organize donations. They were especially inspired when 20 elementary-age children participating in Trinity Methodist Church’s Weekend of the Cross Jr. arrived with more than $1,300 worth of gifts. The children raised the money the previous day through a downtown lemonade stand before shopping together for toys and other items to donate.
“Volunteering at Christmas in July was such a humbling experience,” said Lady Techster Kennedy Evans. “Being able to give back to the community, connect through Jesus, talk to the awesome people of Ruston and fellowship with my teammates was such a great way to serve. The kids were definitely the best part. Seeing how excited they were to give back to the community was incredible.”
Although Christmas in July has ended, preparations for Ruston Community Christmas are just beginning. This year’s shopping event will be held Dec. 3-4 at the Ruston Civic Center. Volunteer opportunities — including gift wrapping, assisting shoppers and serving at checkout — will open in November.
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The list on my computer titled “Things to Think About in Different Months” has been calling my name. I haven’t perused it in some time.
You may recall that sometimes I use this list to give me a kickstart on what I might want to do during a particular time frame. For example, one of the words for March is actually “march” – like marching ahead. And one of June’s gems is “juggling.”
You may also recall that I have written multiple columns based on these calendar ideas.
Well, August is nudging me now with “attention,” “attitude” and “another.”
Now, let’s not get that confused with April’s “activity” and “action.” Since we’re officially in the dog days of summer, we might actually hurt ourselves if we spring into said activity and action.
Sidenote: The dog days of summer are traditionally observed from July 3 to Aug. 11 and are so named because Sirius – the “Dog Star” – rises and sets alongside the sun each day during this time period. Ancient Romans and Greeks believed this bright star added its own heat to the sun’s warmth, creating the most intense summer weather – hence, the dog days.
They obviously had not visited Louisiana, when days succeeding Aug. 11 may be even hotter than the ones that come before. Do I hear an “Amen”?
But back to “attention,” “attitude” and “another.” How can we use those words to guide us the rest of this month?
Actually, attention isn’t just about keeping our eyes open. It’s about keeping our eyes focused while we keep our hearts open as well. If we do this, we may notice a caring cashier whose smile brightens our day, a child’s question that stops us in our tracks, or a hymn we’ve sung a hundred times, only to suddenly hear a phrase that speaks to us in a brand-new way.
Scripture often urges us to “behold” or “consider” – in other words, to pay attention. After all, we seldom find what we’re not looking for.
Attention is one of life’s most valuable commodities. Every day, countless voices compete for it – news headlines, social media, advertisements, worries, schedules and endless to-do lists. Yet Jesus often directed people’s attention elsewhere: to lilies, seeds, vineyards and sparrows. He knew that where we focus our attention often determines the direction of our hearts.
Perhaps August is a good time to ask ourselves not just what has our attention, but what deserves it.
And what about attitude? We can’t always choose our circumstances, but we can often choose our response to them. A flat tire, a long line at the grocery store or an unexpected bill can sour an entire day – if we let it. On the other hand, a grateful spirit can soften life’s rough edges.
The apostle Paul wrote, “In everything give thanks.” He didn’t say for everything, but in everything. That’s a reminder that our attitude is shaped not so much by what happens to us as by how we decide to look at it.
Then there’s “another,” a simple word with more promise than we might realize.
“Another” can mean another chance after we have failed, another season after one has ended, another beginning when we thought the story was over, or another perspective that helps us see an old problem differently. It can even mean another mile on the journey, taken one step at a time. As long as God gives us another day, there is still another opportunity to learn, to serve, to forgive, to encourage and to grow.
So perhaps these three August words belong together. We can pay attention to what deserves our focus, choose an attitude that leaves room for gratitude, and make good use of another opportunity God places before us.
When tomorrow arrives, bringing another day, another chance and another mile along the journey, perhaps we will recognize each one for what it is – another gift from God.
Come to think of it, “another” may have been the best word on the list all along.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
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There are few places in life where a person feels quite as vulnerable as the dental chair. Reclined, mouth open, bib clipped on like a toddler at mealtimes, we are reminded—sometimes painfully—that even the strongest among us can be brought to our knees by a stubborn molar. Recently, during a stretch of extensive dental work (the kind they do before you get dentures), I found myself reflecting on forgiveness, sin, and the curious ways God uses everyday experiences to get our attention.
There I was, gripping the armrests “with my teeth clenched,” even though the dentist had politely asked me not to clench anything. As drills whirred and suction tubes slurped, I realized how much of life feels like this: uncomfortable, exposed, and out of our control. Sin works the same way. It sneaks up on us, decays what we thought was solid, and before long we’re dealing with something far more extensive than we ever expected.
The hygienist cheerfully said, “We’re just going to get down to the root of the problem.” I almost laughed. Isn’t that exactly what God does with us? Grace doesn’t just polish the surface; it goes deep, right to the root. It addresses the infection, the hidden places, the things we’d rather keep tucked away. And like dental work, grace can feel intrusive before it feels healing.
As the dentist worked, I thought about how often we “bite off more than we can chew,” how frequently we “grit our teeth” through situations we caused ourselves, and how easy it is to “sink our teeth” into resentment. Sin has a way of leaving us spiritually toothless—unable to chew on the Word, unable to speak truth without wincing, unable to smile without feeling the ache of what’s broken.
But here’s the good news: God is the Master Dentist of the soul. He doesn’t shame us for the decay; He simply says, “Open wide.” And when we do, He gets to work—cleaning, restoring, reshaping. Forgiveness is His anesthetic: it numbs the sting of guilt and gives us courage to face the deeper work. Grace is His reconstruction: building us back up where life has worn us down. And mercy? Mercy is the gentle rinse that washes away what we cannot remove ourselves.
When the appointment finally ended, the dentist said, “You’re going to feel better once the healing kicks in.” I knew he meant my mouth, but I heard something more. Forgiveness doesn’t just fix what’s broken; it frees us to heal. It lets us smile again—really smile, not the tight-lipped kind we give when we’re still hurting.
So if life has left you feeling like you’re in the dental chair—exposed, anxious, and aware of your own decay—take heart. God’s grace is already at work. And when He’s finished, you’ll walk out renewed, restored, and ready to sink your teeth into joy again.
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Louisiana State Police is gearing up to launch the 110th Cadet Class, continuing the legacy of excellence and intensity that defines our training. This 24-week academy will immerse Cadets in a rigorous curriculum, preparing them with the skills and knowledge needed to become Louisiana State Troopers.
Cadets will receive advanced training that exceeds POST standards, covering firearms proficiency, tactical driving, defensive tactics, de-escalation techniques, advanced crash investigation, lawful use of force, implicit bias recognition, and the core values that make LSP a proud tradition.
Cadet Class 110 is expected to start on January 3, 2027, with an application deadline of August 11, 2026. Applications are available for download at http://laspc.dps.louisiana.gov and should be submitted electronically to the Louisiana State Police Commission. Applicants for Cadet Class 110 must be at least twenty-one (21) years old and meet one of the following criteria:
· Two (2) years of experience as a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Level 1 (or out-of-state equivalent) certified peace officer in a full-time position (whose job duties include armed duty with the power of arrest); or
· A minimum of sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited college or university (must provide transcript or degree); or
· Any two (2) year combination of Options 1 and 2 above, whereby thirty (30) semester hours will be equivalent to one (1) year of experience; or
· Three (3) years of continuous active military duty in the United States Military (must provide a DD-214 or letter from current commanding officer verifying service), effective October 1, 2001.
LSP offers competitive pay and benefits, a take-home state vehicle, opportunities for overtime, and an incredible retirement package. Visit JoinLSP.org for more information on the hiring process, qualifications, physical fitness standards, and frequently asked questions. For additional questions and information, please contact LSP Recruiters at LSPRecruiting@LA.gov or Text “JoinLSP” to 225-777-8162. Applicants can also visit facebook.com/LouisianaStatePoliceRecruiting.
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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.
Tuesday, Aug. 4 6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.) 10 a.m.: America 250 Craft & Storytime with NSDAR Long Leaf Pine Chapter (Events Center) 6 p.m.: Video-Led Exercise Class (Events Center) 6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (Lincoln Parish School Board office)
Wednesday, Aug. 5 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, Aug. 6 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall; Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting,please notify Richartd Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121) 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal sponsored by 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry to be served at Ruston Housing Authority Maryland Plaza office, 615 N. Farmerville Street. All are welcome. 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6 p.m.: Video-Led Tai Chi Class (Events Center)
Saturday, Aug. 8 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 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Board Game Day (The Depot Coffee House)
Monday, Aug. 10 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 6 p.m.: AI for Real Life (Jack Beard Community Room) 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Tuesday, Aug. 11 6 p.m.: Boost Your Wellbeing with guest Valencia Esters (Events Center) 6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.)
Wednesday, Aug. 12 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, Aug. 13 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; Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting,please notify Richartd Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6 p.m.: Video-Led Tai Chi Class (Events Center)
Saturday, Aug. 15 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
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Grambling State women’s volleyball assistant coach Daniel Cabrera has been elevated to head coach of the program.
His promotion comes just after head coach Paige Phillips stepped down to spend more time with her family.
“We are grateful to Coach Paige Phillips for her dedication and leadership of our volleyball program,” said Grambling State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Trayvean Scott. “She has made a positive impact on our student-athletes and represented Grambling State with professionalism and integrity. We thank Paige for her commitment to our university and wish her continued success in the next chapter of her career.”
Cabrera joined the GSU staff in 2025 as assistant coach after serving as the women’s volleyball head coach at the University of Louisiana Monroe. Prior to ULM, Cabrera served as head coach for both the men’s and women’s programs at Olivet Nazarene University.
In 2020, he led the women’s team to a 20-2 record, a conference title and a national tournament berth, earning Chicagoland Coach of the Year honors.
He also launched the ONU men’s team, which reached a national top-20 ranking and finished as NCCAA runner-up in 2022.
Cabrera’s resume includes stops at Culver-Stockton College, work under Olympian Caren Kemner and coaching for USA Volleyball’s Iowa High Performance program.
As a player, he competed at Hannibal-LaGrange and played professionally for the Great Lakes Lightning. A Chicago native, he starred at Saint Patrick High School, leading his team to a top-50 national ranking.
“We are excited to name Daniel Cabrera as our next head volleyball coach. Daniel has been an important part of our program and has earned this opportunity through his leadership, work ethic and commitment to the development of our student-athletes. We are confident he will build on the foundation that has been established and continue moving Grambling State Volleyball forward.”
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Gunfire erupted in a Ruston city park known for its peaceful, natural setting Sunday evening, leaving one man dead and another wounded.
Ruston Police, assisted by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana Tech Police, responded to the Huckleberry Trails Park at 2304 Magnolia Drive at about 5:00 p.m. Sunday following reports of multiple people running through backyards, including one armed suspect, and calls reporting active gunfire.
While officers secured the crime scene at the park, emergency dispatchers learned two shooting victims had arrived at Northern Louisiana Medical Center by private vehicle.
RPD’s investigation revealed two groups met at the park, a dispute erupted between the groups, quickly escalating into gunfire.
RPD Lieutenant Kayla Loyd said the cause of the dispute is still under investigation.
The 23-acre park is located adjacent to Cypress Springs Elementary School. One of its features is a complex of walking trails through a heavily wooded area.
Juel Carmine Rodriquez, 19, of Simsboro, was taken into custody by patrol officers as he walked on Magnolia Drive just minutes after officers arrived in the area.
The deceased victim has been identified as Roman Moore IV, 20, of Ruston. Moore sustained severe gunshot wounds and was airlifted to Ochsner LSU HealthShreveport where he later died from his injuries.
Jeremiah Freeman, 18, of Ruston, sustained a gunshot wound, drove himself to Northern Louisiana Medical Center, and was treated and released. Sources told the Lincoln Parish Journal Freeman was a senior at Ruston High last year.
Police emphasize there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The investigation remains active as investigators continue to interview witnesses and analyze evidence. Additional charges may be filed as new details emerge.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding this incident to immediately contact the Ruston Police Department at 318-255-4141.
Rodriquez was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for second degree murder, possession of a machine gun, distribution of a Schedule I drugs, and violation of the controlled substances law—drug-free zone. Bail had not been set at of mid-day Monday.
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.
A vending machine in the carport of a West Monroe home wasn’t stocked with soft drinks or snacks, investigators say—it was allegedly selling drugs to neighborhood children.
Narcotics officers have arrested a West Monroe man after receiving information that kids were reportedly purchasing drugs from the machine.
Jonathan Coburn, 35, of West Monroe, was arrested July 28 for numerous drug and weapons charges after complaints from parents that their children were obtaining various drugs from a vending machine in Coburn’s Arlington Drive carport earlier in the month.
According to an arrest affidavit, “multiple parents” told narcotics agents their children were obtaining THC vapes, THC gummies, mushroom candy bars, and other similar items from a vending machine.
Agents of the Metro Narcotics Unit of Ouachita Parish went to the residence on July 1 and found a refrigerated vending machine full of illegal controlled substances inside of the open air carport. The vending machine was in good working order and displayed the price per each unit of drug, according to authorities. For example, one disposable THC vape was listed at $35.
Residents on the premises were determined to be Coburn’s mother and juvenile son. After interviews, a search warrant was obtained and executed for the home. During the search, agents located large amounts of THC vapes, large amounts of marijuana, large amounts of THC gummies, mushroom candy bars, a large variety of drug paraphernalia, one money counter, drug ledgers, two firearms, ammunition, money bands, banking information, two metal safes, etc. The resident was unable to provide a key or code for the two metal safes.
The suspect, Jonathan Coburn, was not home and would not cooperate by cellular phone. According to the affidavit, Coburn resides at the residence with his mother and juvenile son.
The arrest affidavit noted Coburn’s criminal history includes consists of a number of drug arrests, burglary, firearm crimes, sexual crimes with adult/juvenile involvement, and that he is a convicted felon. Coburn was convicted of a methamphetamine charge where he received probation from May 2, 2013 to May 2, 2018.
Coburn was booked at the Ouachita Correctional Center for two counts of possession of firearm by a convicted felon, violation of uniform controlled dangerous substances law–drug-free, two counts of illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of narcotics, possession of controlled substances in the presence of persons under 17, distribution of mushrooms, distribution of THC vapes, distribution of THC gummies, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Coburn was released after posting bail of $94,500.
Metro Narcotics is a task force staffed by the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, West Monroe Police, Monroe Police, and the Office of the Fourth Judicial District Attorney.
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