Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

After a tough road trip to open Conference USA play, Louisiana Tech returns home to face FIU on tonight inside the Thomas Assembly Center on Karl Malone Court.

Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game can be heard on the LA Tech Sports Network on 107.5 FM with Malcolm Butler and Jack Thigpen providing a call of the action.

LA Tech (11-4, 0-2) had its worst outing of the season this past Saturday, falling 78-48 to New Mexico State in Las Cruces. It was the first 30-point defeat since 2020 and the first time the Bulldogs have lost by more than 10 points in 46 games (since March of 2023).

LA Tech set several season lows including total points, field goal percentage (31.5), and three-point field goal percentage (21.2) while also allowing NM State to shoot 55.6 percent from the field, which was only the second time this season an opponent has eclipsed 44 percent shooting.

The Bulldogs are off to an 0-2 start in CUSA play for just the second time ever (other time was 2018). LA Tech will try to get back to playing like it did in non-conference (pre-Christmas) when they averaged 80.5 points while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and then holding teams to 67.0 points and 39.8 percent shooting. In the conference losses to UTEP and New Mexico State, the ‘Dogs averaged 54.0 points and shot 35.6 percent from the field while the Miners and Aggies combined to shoot 45.8 percent and score an average of 74.0 points.

Despite LA Tech’s offensive woes on the road trip, Sean New­man Jr. still managed to dish out 13 combined assists against the Miners and Aggies to give him 141 for the season, second most in the country, and 500 total for his collegiate career. His average of 9.4 assists per game also ranks second in the nation.

After dropping six of its first eight games, FIU (7-8, 1-1) has started to find the win column more often having won five of its last seven. Following a 73-69 home loss to Middle Ten­nessee in the CUSA opener, a game in which the Panthers led for almost 30 minutes, FIU secured a resounding 85-66 victory over WKU. The game was practically over at halftime when the Panthers held a 23-point lead.

Part of FIU’s turnaround has been its improved offense. Over the last four games, the Panthers are shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 47.1 percent from three-point range.

Jeremy Ballard’s defense is still causing hav­oc. The Panthers rank top 40 in the country in both steals per game (9.3) and turnovers forced per game (15.73). In the win over the Hilltoppers, FIU set new season highs in both turnovers forced (25) and steals (16) which they converted into 24 points.

LA Tech leads the all-time series versus FIU, 13-8, having won four straight. The Bulldogs and Panthers were league foes in the Sun Belt Conference for three seasons (1998-01) before becoming league opponents again in 2013 when the two programs joined Conference USA.

Since becoming CUSA foes, LA Tech holds a 10-5 advantage including a perfect 7-0 mark versus the Panthers in Ruston. Aside from the 40-point win by the Bulldogs in Miami last season, this matchup has often been a close one as 10 of the last 11 meetings have been decided by seven points or less.

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Carolyn Wyatt Allen was born September 22, 1940, to Robert Cecil and Isa Dora Wyatt, in Searcy, AR.  She was the youngest of ten children.  She left this life to be in her heavenly home on January 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She fought a long and courageous battle against cancer.  We are at peace now knowing she is in the arms of Jesus, our loving Savior.

Carolyn met Jack while attending Bonita High School and were married June 29, 1957.  When their first son started elementary school, she went back to school and received her diploma at Bastrop High School.  When their second son started elementary school, she enrolled at Northeast Louisiana University and received her degree in business education.  After the family moved to Ruston in 1975, Carolyn enrolled at Louisiana Tech University and advanced her post-graduate education, obtaining a master’s-plus 30. She began teaching at Choudrant High School in 1977 and retired in 2003, after 26 years of teaching.

Carolyn was a long-time member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ruston. She held a very special place in her heart for the ladies of the adult six and seven classes at Emmanuel.  Her first love was the Lord, but she loved her family as much as any wife and mother possibly could. Carolyn and Jack parented two sons but also raised a granddaughter in their home. For this reason, Mindy and Carolyn’s relationship had a particularly strong and unique bond, likened to that of a mother and daughter.  

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents and all nine of her siblings, Wilbur, Louie, Flora, Virginia, Edna, Martha, Frances, Ina and Betty.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jack Allen, her two sons, Randy (Sherry) Allen, Jerry (Dawn) Allen, granddaughter Mindy, (Chris) Graham, grandson Eric Allen, grandson Nathan (Raven) Allen, grandson Matthew (Amber) Allen, granddaughter Monica (Tim) Younse.  Great-grandchildren, Hunter Graham, Hudson Graham, Josh Allen, Aubrey Allen and Mason Allen.  She is also survived by nephew Jimmy Goad (Bonnie), niece Ann (Calvin) Lambert, niece Nancy (Ralph) Stevenson and many other nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Emmanual Baptist Church, 1200 Farmerville Highway, Ruston, LA, under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.  Officiating the services will be Rev. Paul Watts and Rev. Stephen Nutt. .

Serving as pallbearers will be Jerry Baker, Clyde Pesnell, John Camp, John Holloway, Gatry Compton and J.D. Crawford. Honorary pallbearers are Von Carroll and the men of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Adult 6 and Adult 7 men’s Sunday school classes. 

Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 AM, Thursday at the church.  Burial will follow at Sibley Cemetery near Choudrant.

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Funeral services for Norman E. “Buddy” French, Sr, 87, of Simsboro, LA will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Antioch Methodist Church in Eros, LA. Officiating the service will be Pastor Robbie Robertson.  Interment will follow with Military Honors being observed at Antioch Cemetery in Eros under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston, LA.

A visitation for family and friends will be 5:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.

Buddy was born on November 24, 1937, in Cadeville, LA and died January 4, 2025, in Simsboro, LA.  He was a longtime member of Antioch Methodist Church.  Buddy retired from the United States Air Force after serving for 23 years.

He is preceded in death by his wife Alberta A. (Berta) French; parents, William Eugene French and Edith Era Edwards French; 8 siblings, Jack French, Eugene French, Audra Taylor, Laverne McNeese, Mary Frost, Janice Sullivan, Charles French, Sr, and Bonnie Culpepper.

Buddy is survived by his children, Tamara D. Dozier (Kerry) of Grady, AL; Norman E. French, Jr of Brandon, MS; Robert Ray French (Bernadine) of Simsboro, LA; 7 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren; and other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Marvin Crain, Kerry Dozier, Michael French, Pedro Olguin, Robert Smith, Jack Taylor, and Bill Wyatt.  Honorary Pallbearer will be Joseph French (Grandson).

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.

 

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Jessie Ford Brown 
Saturday 06/07/1947 — Monday 01/06/2025  
Family Gathering: Friday 01/17/2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Visitation: Friday 01/17/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Celebration of Life: Saturday 01/18/2025 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home 
Interment: Saturday 01/18/2025 Following Service, Fellowship Church Cemetery, Highway 507, Simsboro 

Louise Johnson 
Wednesday 07/21/1943 — Tuesday 01/07/2025  
Memorial Visitation: Saturday 01/11/2025 5:00pm, Abundant Life Church, 150 Guice Road, Winnsboro 
Celebration of Life: Sunday 01/12/2025 2:00pm, River of Life Church, 126 Ellis Lane, Winnsboro 
Interment: Sunday 01/12/2025, Morning Star Pleasant Star Cemetery, Fort Necessity 

Aubree Thomas 
Monday 01/19/2015 — Tuesday 01/07/2025  
Memorial Visitation: Saturday 01/11/2025 5:00pm, Abundant Life Church, 150 Guice Road, Winnsboro 
Celebration of Life: Sunday 01/12/2025 2:00pm, River of Life Church, 126 Ellis Lane, Winnsboro 
Interment: Sunday 01/12/2025, Morning Star Pleasant Star Cemetery, Fort Necessity 

Honor Jones 
Wednesday 10/12/2022 — Tuesday 01/07/2025  
Memorial Visitation: Saturday 01/11/2025 5:00pm, Abundant Life Church, 150 Guice Road, Winnsboro Celebration of Life: Sunday 01/12/2025 2:00pm, River of Life Church, 126 Ellis Lane, Winnsboro 
Interment: Sunday 01/12/2025, Morning Star Pleasant Cemetery, Fort Necessity 

Carolyn Allen  
September 22, 1940 – January 5, 2025  
Visitation: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1200 Farmerville Hwy, Ruston  
Funeral Service: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 10:00 AM, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1200 Farmerville Hwy, Ruston  
Cemetery Committal: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 11:00 AM, Sibley Cemetery, 1515 East Sibley Road, Choudrant  

Norman E. “Buddy” French, Sr.  
November 24, 1937 – January 4, 2025   
Service: Antioch Methodist Church Eros, LA, Thursday, January 9, 2025, 2:00 pm   
Cemetery: Antioch Cemetery – Eros, Thursday, January 9, 2025   

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by Staff Reports

Lincoln Parish Schools and Cedar Creek will remain open Thursday but both said that a decision on Friday is still pending.

Meanwhile, Tech has announced its canceling classes Thursday and Friday while GSU is moving classes on line.

The most recent NWS forecast is still uncertain as to what our parish will see in terms of precipitation although they indicated there is more chance of lower temperatures which could mean wintry precipitations.

However, the NWS has stressed things could still change for the good or bad over the next 24 hours.

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Lincoln Parish School Announcement (4 pm)

We have been in discussions with our weather partners for most of the day about the pending weather scenarios for the end of the week. The National Weather Service (NWS) has indicated that this is a very difficult weather system to predict.

Based on the information that we currently have, we expect to be in school on Thursday, January 9 and remain confident at this time that we can get students home safely in the afternoon. With the uncertainty of the evening and night forecast for Thursday, we have elected to postpone all of our after-school and night activities for January 9. We will give an update regarding the school plan for Friday after 4:00 pm tomorrow (January 9). We want to analyze the NWS briefing at 10:30am and speak with our local partners throughout the day tomorrow before we make any decision on a possible closure for Friday, January 10.

Cedar Creek Announcement (5 pm)

Cedar Creek School will be open for classes tomorrow. All afternoon/evening activities, including after-school care, will be canceled. We are closely watching weather predictions and will move to dismiss school early on Thursday if conditions should worsen. If you feel that your student may be unsafe on the road, please keep him/her home and notify the school for an excused absence. Students may also check out early on Thursday with a note or parent call. A decision about Friday classes will be made tomorrow.

LA Tech Announcement (4 pm)

Given the winter storm warning and forecast from the National Weather Service, classes will be canceled Thursday and Friday. Even if we do not experience impacts on our campus, beginning at noon tomorrow roadways could become treacherous to our north and west—including roadways traversed by a significant number of our students, faculty, and staff.

The following services will remain available for students:

Tech Table will be open from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

The Lambright Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Essential staff who need to be on campus for work will be notified by their supervisors. The University will provide guidance for essential employees required to work and instructions for recording leave for the weather closure.

Please continue to monitor campus communications through email, social media, and the ERT website at ert.latech.edu

Grambling State Announcement (10 am)

Despite the temperature, we’re committed to starting the semester strong together. As winter weather approaches, our priority is your safety and well-being. To adapt to the forecasted wintry mix, classes will be held virtually on Thursday, Jan. 9, and Friday, Jan. 10. The Digital Library and Learning Commons will also be closed through Saturday with plans to reopen on Sunday at 3 PM. Stay safe, GramFam!

Stay tuned to the LPJ for more information.

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By T. Scott Boatright

 

A new year with the same officers.

That’s what is ahead for the Lincoln Parish School Board after President Gregg Phillips and Vice President were both reelected without opposition during the LPSB monthly meeting Tuesday night at the Central Schools Office.

LPSB members Otha Anders, George Mack and Donna Doss were absent from the meeting.

Officer elections opened the meeting with parish attorney James Buckley overseeing matters. LPSB District member David Ferguson made both nominations. After Phillips was nominated to his position as president, Buckley asked the Board if it had any other nominations to be made, Buckley closed the election and announced Phillips as the returning LPSB president.

The same thing happened after Williams was the only nominations made (again by Ferguson), Buckley announced her as returning vice president in a process that took only 1:18 to complete.

Phillips said a primary focus for the School Board during the new calendar will be a focus on reading scores.

Under a law Louisiana’s Legislature passed in 2023, schools have 30 days from testing to develop reading improvement plans for children who score well below grade level on any of the yearly exams.

Students who receive “well below” on their end-of-year tests will be given two additional opportunities to achieve a higher score before the beginning of the next school year. 

Under the new state requirements, third-grade students that remain unable to improve after that will not be allowed to move to fourth grade, though the law allows exemptions in certain instances, including for students diagnosed with dyslexia and English learners who have been in a language program for fewer than two years.

“I think the thing we’re kind of keeping our eyes on is what Dr. Williams mentioned earlier — the reading scores next year that are coming down from the state,” Phillips said. “Those are things we’ve got our eyes on.

“As a district, we want to make sure that we are successful (this spring) when it comes to testing for next year. We want to make sure our kids are at least at the needed level and hopefully above it.”

Williams stressed the LPSB’s desire to have its students be the best readers they can be.

“Our goal is to be the No. 1 school system, so that’s something we’ll collaborate on and work together to support in making happen,” Williams said.

During the meeting Board members received a DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) Middle of the Year report from Parish Supervisor of Testing Lillie Williams-Hearn and Michelle Thrower, kindergarten through second grade literacy coordinator.

Williams-Hearn told the Board that overall parish students in kindergarten through third grade showed an increase of 8.1% in benchmark scores from beginning of the year testing done in August and September to middle of the year testing done in December.

As could be expected, the biggest improvement came in kindergarten, which had 25.1% of students meeting in beginning of the year testing with an increase to 52.3% in middle of the year testing.

Beginning of the year testing showed 50.9% of third-grade students meeting state proficient benchmark numbers with an increase to 55.5% during middle of the year testing, an increase of 4.6%.

First graders showed only a .1% increase from the start of the school year to December while second graders had a 2.5% increase in benchmark scores.

Thrower told the board the school district’s target for end of year testing was a 70% proficiency rating.

“I’m never going to be happy until we’re at 100%, but we are trying to increase that proficiency rate every year,” Thrower said. “For those students who are below proficiency, we write an individual academic support plan for each student. In that support plan, we identify which interventions we are using to address the deficiencies the students are showing in their reading skills.

“We meet with parents and share that information with them. Some of those interventions could be high-dosage tutoring happening during the school day. All of our students are enrolled in a program called Lexia (a computer-based program), which is building on their foundational skills. We also have small-group intervention with the classroom teacher because the classroom teacher is the one most equipped to help students who are struggling with foundational needs.”

Thrower said students below proficiency levels are being monitored weekly to see if attempts to increase their reading ability are working. We are also sharing with parents during meetings with them how they can try and help reduce deficiencies.”

Phillips said another priority the LPSB is facing is coming up with a long-range plan for the Lincoln Parish school district.

“That’s something we’re working on now,” Phillips said. “And we’ll be coming out with more on that soon, but we’re looking at facilities, looking at the organization of the district and just making sure we know what we need to do over the next 20 years. 

“So, I think that long-range plan is something we’re already focused on and hopefully this spring and summer we’ll get down that road pretty good.”

Making sure there are adequate resources for schools will be another priority moving forward into 2025.

“We’ll be making sure we have the resources we need for both teachers and students,” Williams said. “That’s our job as a school board — to make sure our teachers and students all have what they need to be successful.”

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by Malcolm Butler

Freezing rain could be the biggest issue for Lincoln Parish, according to the latest reports from the National Weather Service in Shreveport.

Armani Cassel, a meteorologist with the NWS in Shreveport, said late Tuesday night that the latest models are showing that Lincoln Parish could see a little snow but that freezing rain is the highest probability for our area.

Throughout Tuesday, forecasters continued to update the information on the winter storm that is going to hit much of the United States, including the southern states.

Castel said that although there is still time for the forecast to change again, the models are predicting anywhere between a tenth of an inch and a quarter of an inch of freezing rain for our area.

“The latest is in ranges,” said Castel. “Confidence is still fairly low. Snow chances are showing zero to one-half inch of snow and at the highest end maybe an inch, but that is very uncertain.

“For ice accumulations, most likely it’s going to be sixth hundreds to a tenth of an inch of ice and freezing rain and the worst case scenario is showing a tenth to a quarter of an inch of ice accumulations.”

Castel said the precipitation would begin Thursday.

“The onset is more likely for at the very earliest around mid-morning on Thursday around 10 a.m.,” said Castel. “This definitely through Friday afternoon before clearing Friday evening.”

Castel did say that temperatures should get in to the upper 30s on both Thursday and Friday, but that would dip below freezing each night.

“Most of the time we are looking at temperatures at or below freezing, especially by Thursday and Friday night,” said Castel. “Just because the precipitation ends doesn’t mean its over.

“The issue isn’t the melting, it’s going to be the re-freezing at night. It may start to melt which isn’t always necessarily a good thing.”

Castel said there still could be some change to the forecast over the next 24 hours.

“We are looking at probabilities possibly going up, more so for freezing rain along the I-20 corridor,” said Castel. “There is a higher chance of getting more which is a concern compared to chances of snow. What could change is the intensity of freezing rain and the accumulation.”

 

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By Judith Roberts

Lincoln Parish has a chance again to stand in the gap for those who need a little assistance. 

The Linc Foundation is preparing Cozy Kits for parish children as the area gets ready to experience more winter weather this week. Items will be donated and collected and then organized to distribute to individuals in need.  

Linc Foundation co-founder Rebecca Smart said sometimes individuals can miss the needs of those around them because of either the excitement or inconvenience that a potential winter snow day can bring. 

“I think we miss it,” Smart said. “Some of these kids, when they go home, they don’t have heaters and coming to school is the only time when they’re comfortable. So let’s allow them to have some warmth to take home.” 

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Donations can be dropped off at Gibsland Bank and Trust at 207 W. Alabama with Victoria Sullivan or at Jamie Dendy Consulting at 2356 Hwy. 33. Monetary donations are also being accepted for supply purchases. Checks can be made to the Linc Foundation and taken to GBT, or individuals can donate via PayPal to thelincfoundation@gmail.com.  

Items needed include plain crewneck sweatshirts in gray, black or white; gloves, beanies, Chapstick, travel size Vaseline, travel size moisturizing lotion, thick socks, leggings for girls, blankets and base layer shirts.  

Smart said donations will continually be accepted so needs can be met quickly and efficiently.  

“Ruston always shows up under pressure, but we’ll accept donations as long as people want to donate them, because we would love to expand the reach of the project,” she said. “Right now, we’re kind of targeting elementary schools. We would love to be able to target the junior high and high school and even daycares that need it. We’re happy to expand the scope of the project, and that can only happen with extra donations.” 

Individuals who want to help organize the donations are welcome to participate today, Jan. 8. Donations will be sorted between 3-5 p.m. at the Choudrant Room at the Lincoln Parish Library. 

“It amazes us how much people show up,” Smart said. “We’re a hands and feet organization … If we can stand in the gap, that’s what our organization’s about.” 

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 Hanna Singh

5,332 miles walked by 8 tired feet and 3 persistent hearts. 

Torin, Paige, and their dog Jack are on a mission to walk across America. Traveling state by state, they have now entered North Louisiana, taking 165 going South as they near the halfway point of their journey. With open hearts, the couple has experienced hospitality and challenges across the country over the last few years.

The adventure began as an aspiration of Torin’s. Seeking to escape the corporate world, he wanted to explore the country on foot. While on the road with a friend, he met Paige, a waitress at a restaurant they visited. After a few dates, Torin proposed the idea that she could sell her belongings and hit the road with just a backpack. Though it took a few steps, Paige eventually agreed to join him on the wild journey.

They saved up, started their journey in a van, but after six weeks, they decided that less truly was more. They shifted to walking, setting a goal of 12,000 miles through all 50 states. Some time into their adventure, the couple returned home to Missouri to tie the know. Now married, the Rouse’s travel side by side with their loyal dog.

Through 25 states so far, they’ve faced traffic, poor weather, dangerous cities and tough terrain. But despite the challenges, the couple remains committed. They believe that while the physical journey is demanding, the power of the mind is far more important. Much of their social media content focuses on this idea, offering insights on how changing one’s thought patterns can shift one’s perspective. Torin explained how despite the difficulties, they find reasons to continue their trek.

“The walk is really difficult. It’s not super fun at times, as the highs are very high and the lows are very low,” Torin said. “We didn’t continue the walk for the same reason we started it. We wanted to give something back to the people who helped us along the way. We want to help others learn about the mind and how you can live inside your head a bit better.”

Despite the hardships, the couple has found joy in the people they meet along the way. Many strangers have opened their homes, offered meals, or made donations to support the journey. Paige shared how they Louisiana has shown the love.

“We’ve found kindness all over the country,” Paige said. “Louisiana has been extremely friendly, and we’ve been approached by a lot of people in the last few days showing their support.”

When it comes to Louisiana, Torin and Paige have been pleasantly surprised by the hospitality and culture. Although they’ve become accustomed to the southern landscape and cuisine, Torin notes that Louisiana offers a more diverse food scene than some surrounding states. Paige, once not a fan of seafood, admits it has grown on her during their time in the bayou state.

With 25 states remaining, Torin and Paige continue to spread positivity and share their message of mental strength. As they walk, passersby can read their shirts that bear the words, “Change the inside, change the outside,” encouraging others to prioritize mind over matter. To follow their journey, visit the “Walking America Couple” on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms.

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Courtesy of Louisiana State Police

In April 2024, the Louisiana State Police Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force (NVCTF) initiated a comprehensive investigation into a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) operating in the Bogalusa area.

This joint operation, conducted over several months in collaboration with the 22^nd Judicial District Court District Attorney’s Office, the Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Office, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) revealed the DTO’s involvement in the distribution of various Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS), including opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC products, and MDMA.

Investigators uncovered that members of the DTO were utilizing social media platforms to distribute CDS and manage payments, further expanding their reach and criminal activity. The investigation also determined that profits from drug sales were used to purchase firearms. Some of these firearms were funneled to individuals prohibited from legal possession, while others were linked to violent crimes in the Bogalusa area.

As a result of the evidence collected, multiple search warrants and arrest warrants have been issued for the below DTO members, which includes Tyrin Truong, the Mayor of Bogalusa.

• 25-year-old Tyrin Truong of Bogalusa, Mayor of Bogalusa

o   L.R.S. 40:1041: Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

o   L.R.S. 14:68: Unauthorized Use of a Moveable

o   L.R.S. 14:83: Soliciting for Prostitutes

 

• 24-year-old MacKenzie Lynn Cefalu of Bogalusa

o   L.R.S. 40:1041: Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

o   L.R.S. 40:979/966: Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

 

• 24-year-old De-Saleem Wali Pittman of Bogalusa

o   L.R.S. 40:1041: Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

o   L.R.S. 40:979/966: Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

o   L.R.S. 40:966A: Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

 

• 22-year-old Dirul S. Pittman of Bogalusa

o   L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

 

• 26-year-old Salehal-Dien Malike Pittman of Bogalusa

o   L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

 

• 51-year-old Tonya Renee Stage of Bogalusa

o   L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

o   L.R.S. 40:979/966 Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

 

• 28-year-old Devan Michael Williams of Bogalusa

o   L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

o   L.R.S. 40:979/966 Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

All of the above subjects will be booked into the Washington Parish Jail. 

The Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force is led by the Louisiana State Police and includes personnel from the LSP Bureau of Investigation – Criminal Investigations Division, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the 22^nd JDC District Attorney’s Office and various federal law enforcement agencies.

The Louisiana State Police remains the lead investigative agency in this ongoing case. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses. A variety of other matters and individuals remain under investigation in connection with matters both separate from and related to the subject matter of today’s arrests and involve the collaborative effort of multiple law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney for the 22^nd Judicial District.

This operation highlights the essential collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. By working together, these agencies continue to address the devastating impact of drug trafficking and violent crime within our communities.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stated “We have zero tolerance for wrong doing, especially, from public officials. I’m very proud of all of our law enforcement agencies who worked on this investigation.”

District Attorney Collin Sims stated “We are going to continue to invest time and resources into helping the citizens of Bogalusa. We are not finished.”

The Louisiana State Police urges the public to report suspicious activity and provide tips through the secure online reporting system at www.lsp.org. Citizens can also contact the Louisiana State Police Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

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President Joe Biden has declared Thursday, January 9 as a National Day of Mourning in honor of former President James E. “Jimmy” Carter.

The declaration means no mail will be delivered and all post offices and most federal agencies will be closed Thursday. For federal employees, Thursday will be a paid day off.

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Carter, the longest living former president, died December 29 at age 100.

Local federal offices that will be closed Thursday include the Social Security Administration and the Department of Agriculture Service Center. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will also be closed Thursday.

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 Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced the La. Highway 151 bridge near Dubach has been closed effective immediately.

DOTD said the closure was necessary due to safety concerns following a crash that damaged a large portion of a guardrail on the bridge.

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The bridge is located near Dubach about 1.8 miles west of the intersection with La. Highway 152, between Holder Road and Jarmon Road.

Officials say the bridge is closed until further notice.

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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Four people, including two children, are dead after a house fire in Winnsboro early Tuesday morning.

Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb announced that at about 3:20 a.m. Tuesday morning, his office received a report of a residential fire on Willow Street in Winnsboro.

The Sheriff’s Office and the Winnsboro Fire Department responded and found a structure fully engulfed in fire. Cobb said deputies and firefighters attempted entry to the residence to rescue the occupants but were ultimately unsuccessful due to the widespread nature of the fire.

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Recovery efforts are ongoing.

There were four individuals in the home, Cobb said, two of whom were young children. The four did not survive the fire. Sheriff Cobb has asked the community to join him and his staff in prayer for the family and friends who are mourning this great loss.

Social media posts have identified the victims as a mother, her two children, and their grandmother.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire. The Fire Marshal is already investigating a devastating January 3 fire at Winnsboro’s First Presbyterian Church.

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 — A steady offensive attack by Calvary Baptist (16-2) proved too much for Ruston High (7-4) Tuesday night in the Main Gym as the Bearcats fell 65-50 and snapped a seven-game winning streak for the Firmly Founded.

“I don’t think we played hard tonight,” Ruston High head coach Corey Deans said. “Once we got down, I saw some dropped heads and walking on the court. We have to fix that as soon as possible. We have to prepare like we’re playing a championship game every night. You can’t take any games for granted. And we did that.

“All day yesterday, all day today and even over the weekend — our focus has been on something else other than basketball.”

Ruston took an early 6-0 lead in the first three minutes of the ball game, thanks in part to lay-ups from both senior Aidan Anding and sophomore Keshun Malcolm. Calvary, however, would answer with a 12-2 run over the following five minutes of the quarter. Both Anding and Malcolm would pick up two fouls in the first quarter, as well, and Calvary would take a 16-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Bearcats would not get the lead back for the remainder of the night.

“Once we got into foul trouble, we made some subs and did not execute the same,” Deans said. “We didn’t follow the game plan. It’s good this happened to us early because we didn’t have a great practice, we didn’t have a great shoot-around, and we didn’t have a great meeting. Our kids were focused on everything but the game.”

Malcolm would return to start the second quarter, but Calvary would hit two quick shots to take a 20-10 lead with 6:25 to go in the first half. The Bearcats and Cavaliers would trade free throws before Calvary hit another three to lead 24-11 at the 4:19 mark in the quarter. Malcolm would answer with eight straight points for the Bearcats over the following two minutes (on six made free throws in the span) to cut the lead to 24-19 before picking up his third foul and having to go back to the bench.

Calvary would end the rest of the quarter on a 6-2 run and lead 30-21 going into the halftime locker room, following nine missed free throws in the first half for the Bearcats.

The Cavaliers open the second half on a quick 5-0 run before Hudson grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled on the made put-back. Hudson would make the free throw, and Anding would get a quick layup shortly after. Calvary, however, seemed to have an answer for any potential comeback from Ruston. The Bearcats would not get closer than nine points in the second half, as the Cavaliers stayed ahead for the remainder of the game.

“I take the blame for it,” Deans said of his team’s preparedness. “In practice, I’ve been allowing things that I don’t normally allow for. I think we’ve practiced about 50 percent. We’ve been on our high horse, and we got knocked off — it’s my fault.”

Ruston returns to action at home on Tuesday, Jan. 14, for the district opening matchup against West Monroe. The varsity girls will start at 6 p.m. and the boys will be afterward.

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by Malcolm Butler

Cedar Creek head coach Katie Hall didn’t want her Lady Cougars scoreboard watching Tuesday night.

Nope.

She wanted her now 16-3 squad to focus on getting better. And that’s what the Lady Cougars did in a 69-8 win over Beekman Charter at The Brickhouse.

Taylor Martinez and Avery Ryan each scored 12 points as all 11 Creek players netted points in the one-sided victory over the Tigers (5-13).

“I wanted us to focus on the things we needed to work on and get better at and not focus on the scoreboard,” said Hall, who played her starters less than half of the game. “I felt like our energy was good. Some shots didn’t fall early, but we didn’t get frustrated about it.

“We weren’t sloppy. I didn’t want a lot of turnovers tonight. I wanted us to be crisp and clean and run things that we have been working on in practice.”

Creek led 4-2 with 5:30 to play in the first quarter when the Lady Cougars turned up the defensive full-court pressure and offensive execution, using a 27-0 run to close the quarter and build a 31-2 lead after eight minutes.

Martinez and Ryan combined for 17 of Creek’s 31-first quarter points.

It took just 90 seconds into the second quarter for the Lady Cougars to force a running clock the rest of the game as Mary Grace Hawkins, Ryan, and Alivia Lee each hit layups to push the advantage to 35-points.

Creek led 42-2 at the half.

“I wanted us to get better in our half court defense and I wanted to clean up our offense,” said Hall, whose team has won four straight and 11 of its last 12. “Sometimes we have been a little sporadic on our offensive sets and flow in games. We have been focusing on this in practice.”

Sitting back in a halfcourt defense, Cedar Creek outscored Beekman Charter 15-0 in the third quarter to push the advantage to 57-2 and eventually led 65-2 with on a pair of Britton Bennett free throws with 4:00 to play in the game.

Back-to-back three-pointers by Beekman Charter ended the 61-0 run by the Lady Cougars who coasted to the win.

Lee, Hawkins and Caroline James each scored eight points.

“I’m really pleased that everyone contributed,” said Hall.

The Lady Cougars previously scheduled game against Saline set for Friday has been canceled.

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Cedar Creek Scoring: FG(3)-FT=Total Points

Alivia Lee 4-0=8; Mary Grace Hawkins 3(1)-1=8; Britton Bennett 1-2=4; Caroline James 3-2=8; Mallory Smith 2-0=4; Taylor Martinez 5(1)-1=12; Zoey Venters 2-0=4; Kennedy Hall 1-0=2; Sophie Mariano 1-1=3; Avery Ryan 6-0=12; Arlyn Boyet 2-0=4. Totals: 30(2)-7=69

Scoring by Quarters

Beekman Charter (Record 5-13): 2-0-0-6=8

Cedar Creek (Record 16-3): 31-11-15-12=69

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by Malcolm Butler

For three and a half quarters Tuesday night, Cedar Creek simply couldn’t accomplish much on the hardwood.

And by the time the Cougars (8-4) did find some offense, their furious 11th hour rally came up just short in a 45-44 loss to Beekman Charter (9-4).

After the two teams traded buckets for the first quarter and opening minute of the second quarter, the Cougars and the Tigers found themselves tied at 12-12.

However, that’s when things went south for Creek.

The Cougars went more than four minutes without a point while Beekman Charter used a 12-0 run to grab a 24-12 advantage with 2:30 to play in the frame. The Tigers used second chance points off offensive rebounds and putbacks to extend their lead.

A Jack Bell lane jumper snapped the scoring drought as Creek trailed 28-18 at the half.

Beekman Charter scored the first four points of the third quarter to push its advantage to 32-18 before Cameron Temple’s layup with 5:45 to play made it 32-20. The Tigers then scored four straight to make it 36-20 with 5 minutes remaining in the third — it would be the last field goals made in the quarter as both teams went over eight minutes without a bucket.

The Tigers finally stopped their scoring drought with back-to-back buckets with just over five minutes to play in the contest to build their largest lead of the game at 41-23.

That’s when the Cougars began utilizing a full-court press and Beekman Charter started throwing the ball all over the gym.

A Landon Hall lane jumper with 4:35 to play made it 41-25 and began a 16-2 run over the next three minutes to close the gap. A Canon Robbins layup with 1:28 to play made the score 43-39 in favor of Beekman Charter.

Creek had a number of opportunities over the final 90 seconds as Beekman Charter hit just two free throws while continuing to be ultra-aggressive despite the clock being on its side.

Robbins hit a layup with 16 seconds to play to make it 45-41. Beekman Charter then missed a pair of free throws with 15 seconds to play, but the Tigers pulled down the offensive rebound.

However, another turnover gave the ball back to the Cougars and Cameron Temple’s three-pointer as the buzzer sounded made the final score 45-44. It’s the Cougars third home loss of the season.

Cannon Robbins scored 20 to lead the Cougars while Cameron Temple added eight.

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Cedar Creek Scoring: FG(3)-FT=Total Points

Cameron Temple 3(2)-0=8; Cannon Robbins 5(2)-8=20; Brett Bell 2(1)-0=5; Luke Waldron 1-0=2; Landon Hall 1-0=2; Jack Bell 1-0=2; Jake Terry 2-1=5. Totals: 15(5)-9=44.

Score by Quarters

Beekman Charter 8-20-9-8=45

Cedar Creek 11-7-5-21=44

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Booked a room at the Hipbreak Hotel and got my tickets for today’s Big Doings.

Birthday Party Time, Rock ‘n’ AARP Style!

For me and other fans lucky enough to witness live at least some of one of the most spectacular careers in the history of American entertainment, today is as far different from “just another Wednesday” as The Godfather is from Blue Hawaii or Girls! Girls! Girls!

Today is Wednesday in its birthday suit — and top hat, for good taste.

Elvis Presley was born 90 years ago today, although I agree it seems more like 84 years ago today, 85 tops. (That’s time for you; she’s a sneaky dog.)

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But the record clearly shows that on January 8, 1935, Elvis Aaron Presley was born to Vernon and Gladys in Tupelo, Mississippi. What happened over the next 42 years until his sad and sudden death at Graceland on August 16, 1977, is nothing less than a phenomenon doubled, squared, or even quadrupled.

We’re talking a lot of phenomena going on. A hunka hunka burnin’ phenomena. This Mississippi boy was a singer/entertainer the likes of which America and the world had never seen. 

As anchorman David Brinkley explained in a short no-nonsense story that led the NBC Nightly News that Tuesday mid-summer evening in 1977, Elvis came along as the 1950’s swing era was dying, as big band pop music had turned into “bop or be-bop,” Brinkley said with some disgust “remote, obscure, bloodless, nobody liked it, nobody could dance to it. And then here came Elvis with a hot, stomping, steaming, sexy kind of music that turned on young people as pop music never had before.”

Brinkley with a stand-up double.

The coverage was wall-to-television-to-radio-wall the next few days. I’d been mowing grass that afternoon in Homer when daddy signaled for me to cut off the mower, which I did long enough for him to break the news that Elvis had not just left the building, he’d left the planet.

Hurt me.

That was 47 years, four months, and 23 days ago. Elvis has been dead longer than he was alive. Difficult to contemplate…

BUT … today’s about celebrating! Today in Memphis — and here we exclaim “Viva, Las Viagra!” — we’re partying like it’s 1957, the year Elvis and his parents, Vernon and Gladys Presley, moved into Graceland.

Sure, a lot of our blue suede shoes are orthopedic now. And if we’re gyrating our pelvises (pelvi?), it’s likely involuntary. Or the new medication.

But still, we rock. Just holding onto something is all.

What’s in store today in the “Home of the Blues” in general and in the home of the King in particular? Well, if you purchased the top-shelf Pink Cadillac Package for a few hundred bucks — the Blue Suede Package is nice but for losers — you got free coffee after spending the night at The Guest House at Graceland, a class hotel by any stretch. (With my king-sized accommodations, they threw in a Col. Tom Parker bobblebelly, complimentary.)

Then front row seats to the Birthday Pops Concert, to the Elvis Music Salute, to the Elvis in the Army Show & Tell (“Is that an M1 carbine or are you just happy to see me?”), and many more events through Saturday, including Graceland’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Birthday Bash, Conversations on Elvis, Elvis Quiz Show, and Brunch at the Movies (we’ll see G.I. Blues and if you’ll please stay quiet during the Juliet Prowse dance number I’ll thank you in advance).

Plus all the poke salad a man can eat.

Good times.

Either right before or after the Photo Op with Elvis’ Birthday Cake today is sure to be Nap Time at Graceland, whether it’s scheduled or not. Already looking forward to it.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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

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Over the last two years, I’ve tried to write articles that I thought would be interesting to read. Most have been stories about my fishing experiences, and a few have been about whatever is on my mind. But for the next three weeks, I’m going to introduce you to the writer who was born in Richmond, Texas, on March 7,1961. 

As a child between the ages of 5 to 8 years old, I grew up in the Houston area. We lived in the small town of Rosenberg, Texas, until the age of 8. As you will see, this is a story about a young boy who overcame a lot to get to where he is today. So, pay close attention because this road was filled with a lot of potholes and obstacles that had to be overcome. 

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To understand my life’s journey, you must understand how it all began. My biological mom and dad divorced in 1960 while she was pregnant with me. My dad was in the military stationed in Germany when they decided to part ways for whatever reason. 

While I never got to meet my dad, I’ve heard stories about him from other family members over the years. He had great athletic talent and enjoyed a beer or two while chasing the ladies on Friday and Saturday nights. Ah ha…. Probably the reason they got divorced!

My biological mother was not the mother who raised me. The lady I would eventually call mom was actually my aunt (biological mother’s sister). My bio mother was a beautiful lady who also had an extravert personality and was the life of the party wherever she went.

She lit up a room when she walked in with her smile, charm and beauty. She had a career as a model and traveled frequently while trying to raise two boys: Kenny (my younger stepbrother) and myself. Sadly, she was not a responsible parent as we spent a lot of time with babysitters including families that did not speak much English. 

My brother and I were often split up during her trips out of town for days at a time. Sometimes she would leave us two to three days longer than she was supposed to. There were several occasions where the sitters would call the police scared to death that we had been abandoned! 

Before my delivery date of March 7^th of 1961, my bio mom had another son (Mike) five years before me who she walked away from after the divorce. Mike was raised by our grandparents on our dad’s side. He (who I eventually reunited with in 2016) was a great athlete and was a product of Sam Houston High School and went on to have a successful college football career in the mid 1970s as a running back for East Texas State (now Texas A&M Commerce). 

During my early childhood in Rosenberg, I started the first grade and really struggled due to the lack of guidance from home. My mother, who was never home, remarried to a wife-beating cop who I despise to this day. My stepdad could have cared less about his only son Kenny (my stepbrother) or myself. 

Several times I witnessed my mother’s beatings…. something a 7-year-old should never have to witness. Kenny and I were pretty much on our own and raising ourselves. Being the big brother and part time caretaker, I literally hid food under my bed to make sure we had something to eat! I made sure we never went without food. According to my aunt (eventual adopted mom), I continued this practice for the first year I lived with her and my uncle as well.

Always looking for our next meal, one thing I became very good at during this time of survival was sneaking into people’s houses and helping myself to whatever food was within reach. That’s right, I was the neighborhood brat who nobody liked. But one thing was clear, there was no one better at sneaking around a house than me. 

At no point was I ever seen or caught while navigating through our neighborhood houses on Rosenburg’s Walger street. I never stole anything of value, only food. But had I stayed in this environment, I’m sure I would have ended up in juvenile detention before the age of 10. 

Friends were never a part of my early days in Rosenberg, except for maybe one or two, but their parents didn’t like their kids hanging around with me. I never understood why people didn’t like me knocking on their door at 6:00 in the morning wanting little Johnny to come out and play.  

Even with all the challenges I faced on a daily basis, there was a day that changed my life forever. It was the day I realized God had blessed me as an athlete and the ability to play baseball.  One early spring day I heard they were having baseball tryouts for Little League. With my baseball glove on my handlebars and so excited, I jumped on my bike and rode to the local park where the tryouts were taking place. 

After arriving, I jumped off the bike and got in line to take ground balls like everyone else was doing. But there was one thing that got my attention; these guys were a lot bigger than me! But for some odd reason, this did not seem to faze me. 

As the coach hit a ground ball my way, I scooped it up and made an impressive hard throw to the coach. Seeing the shock on his face he called me over for a talk. I knew I had made an impression as he asked how old I was. I told him 7 going on 8, thinking this would not be a problem. He smiled and said, “Son, you’re going to be a great player one day, but your too young to play Little League at this time.” He told me to come back when I was old enough. 

Crushed, disappointed, angry and crying, I got back on my bike and road home upset over how they wouldn’t let me play. I mean I was almost 8 years old and just couldn’t understand! Obviously, a 7-year-old child does not have the ability to reason. After all, I knew I was one of the best players on that field that day and couldn’t wait to show all of them what the future held for me! 

Unfortunately, none of them ever knew the success that would eventually come my way later in life since I moved from Rosenberg to Mt. Pleasant, Texas, before I could play Little League.

Next week I’ll continue my life’s incredible journey so make sure to follow-up with next week’s article and see just how blessed I have been and how two people would change my life forever.   

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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

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Funeral services for Sybil Fern Smalling Foster are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Simsboro City Cemetery in Simsboro, LA with Bro. Wilton Wall officiating. Services are under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.

Sybil Fern Smalling Foster, 90, of Simsboro, LA, was born December 16, 1943, and passed away January 2, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Smalling; her second husband, Bill Foster; her son, Michael Smalling; and grandsons: Joey Peters and Brett Smalling.

Mrs. Sybil is survived by her son, Steve Smalling and his wife Louise; her daughter, Jean Peters and her husband Joseph; grandchildren: Eric Peters, and Morgan Jackson; great-grandchildren: Nivada Peters, Rayne Peters, Skye Peters, Macy Anderson, Layne Jackson, and Noah Jackson; along with her beloved nieces and nephews, and a great number of friends and other family members.

Sybil was a beloved mother and friend. She was a military wife for over 20 years. She had many pleasures in life but she thoroughly enjoyed cooking, gardening, and sewing. She had a successful career as a real estate agent for over 15 years. At the time of her passing she was serving as the mayor of her hometown of Simsboro. This was a position that brought her great joy and she had faithfully served in this office for a great number of years. Mrs. Sybil will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

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Funeral services for Nadine L. Rogers, 91, of Choudrant, LA will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Anchor Tabernacle in Choudrant, LA.  Bro. Thomas Ussery, Bro. Greg Tipton, and Bro. Robert Wise will officiate the service. Interment will follow in the Sibley Cemetery in Sibley, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston, LA.

A visitation for family and friends will be 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church.  

Nadine was born on August 25, 1933, in Mississippi and passed away after a lengthy illness in West Monroe, surrounded by family.  She was a member of Life Point Church of Ruston, LA.  Nadine graduated from Harrisonburg High School in 1952.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Rogers; parents, James William Leonard and Maude Leonard; 2 brothers, J.L. Horton and C.D. Horton; 2 sisters, Annie Mae Riley and Erline Medlin.

Nadine is survived by her children: twins Debby Roton (Tommy) and Pam Richardson (Rob), Kenneth Rogers, Ronny Rogers (Becki); grandchildren, David Richardson, Chris Dillon, Ken Rogers, Jameis Richardson, Chad Richardson, Nichole Smith, Michelle Rittenhouse, Ronda Rogers, and Mandy Rogers; great grands, Trinity Richardson, Alex Richardson, Ka’Lee Richardson, A. J. Rogers, Caroline Rogers, James Ellis Richardson, Courtney Butts, Aidan Richardson, Alaina Richardson, Chloe Richardson, Pearce Richardson, Carlie Richardson, Colin Dale Richardson, Keena Gail Richardson, Capri Martin,  Thatcher Smith, Edith Smith, and Alexis Borden.  Special Friends! Jeannie Campbell, Barberlene Sisemore, Martha Wells, Becky Treadway and Diane Garcia, Edith Rainer, and Barbara Harrellson.

Special thanks to Glenwood Medical Center, the Doctors and Nurses, and the wonderful care and love shown to her. She loved everyone there!

Pallbearers will be David Richardson, Ken Rogers, Jamie Richardson, Chad Richardson, Adam Rogers, and Eddie Brooks.

Honorary pallbearers will be Eddie Shipp, Dennis Cotten, David Hammons, Mark Cotten, Donny Medlin, Tommy Sisemore, and Paul Butts.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7 KJV

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Funeral Services for Mildred C. Doss, 77, of Dubach, LA will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Fellowship Baptist Church in Dubach, LA. Interment will follow in Fellowship Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston, LA.

A visitation for family and friends will be 5:00 -7:00 PM Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Fellowship Baptist Church in Dubach, LA.

Mildred was born July 19, 1947, in Dubach, LA and died January 3, 2025 in Monroe, LA. She was a lifelong member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Dubach, LA.  Mildred is preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Dorothy Jarmon; husband, Lester Allen Doss; and two sisters, Jo Ann Barham and Rebecca Poole.

Mildred is survived by her son Allen Doss of West Monroe, LA; daughter Amy Doss Ward (T.J.) of Cleveland, MS; grandchildren, Eric Doss, Dylan Doss, Hunter Ward, and Blake Ward; 6 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Pallbearers will be John Randall Burnham, Dylan Doss, Eric Doss, Deany Herring, Kevin Manning, Hunter Ward, and T. J. Ward.  Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Wayne Colvin, William Green, Allen Herren, Charles Taylor, and Henry Watts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church, 6476 Hwy 151, Dubach, LA 71235.

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Carolyn Allen 
September 22, 1940 – January 5, 2025 
Visitation: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1200 Farmerville Hwy, Ruston 
Funeral Service: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 10:00 AM, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1200 Farmerville Hwy, Ruston 
Cemetery Committal: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 11:00 AM, Sibley Cemetery, 1515 East Sibley Road, Choudrant 

Sybil Fern Smalling Foster 
December 16, 1934 – January 2, 2025 

Norman E. “Buddy” French, Sr. 
November 24, 1937 – January 4, 2025  
Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm  
Service: Antioch Methodist Church Eros, LA, Thursday, January 9, 2025, 2:00 pm  
Cemetery: Antioch Cemetery – Eros, Thursday, January 9, 2025  

Mildred C. Doss   
July 19, 1947 – January 3, 2025   
Visitation: Fellowship Baptist Church, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm   
Service: Fellowship Baptist Church, Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 2:00 pm   
Cemetery: Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery, Wednesday, January 8, 2025 

Nadine Rogers 
August 25, 1933 – January 6, 2025  
Visitation: Anchor Tabernacle, Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am 
Service: Anchor Tabernacle, Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 11:00 am 
Cemetery: Sibley Cemetery Choudrant, Wednesday, January 8, 2025 

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