Published Articles on the Journal, after the morning update or breaking news
Construction on Chandler Road east of Ruston will begin the morning of Friday, November 22 and continue until the road overlay and striping is complete. Portions of the road will be closed at times. Please use caution in construction areas.
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.
Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Friday, Nov. 22
7 p.m.: Friday Night Jazz at the Dixie (Dixie Theatre)
7 p.m.: Ruston High playoff game
Saturday, Nov. 23
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
3 p.m.: LA Tech women’s basketball
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications
On Wednesday, the NCAA released its Graduation Success Rates (GSR) for member institutions. Grambling State student-athletes continued to show prowess in the classroom, posting a GSR of 80 percent, the second consecutive year of achieving a rate of 80 percent or higher.
“At Grambling State, we celebrate champions both in the classroom and on the field. The dedication and hard work our students demonstrate in their studies reflect the true spirit of excellence that defines our institution” said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Trayvean Scott. “We are incredibly proud of their commitment to success and look forward to seeing them continue to thrive.”
The GSU women’s athletic programs combined for a GSR of 86 percent while the men’s programs attained a GSR of 76 percent.
Grambling State women’s cross country and track led the GSU women with a 95 percent GSR. The Grambling State men’s basketball program had a GSR of 86 percent.
The GSR measures graduation rates at Division I institutions. GSR is believed to be a more accurate measure of academic performance in athletics departments as it holds schools responsible for student-athletes transferring into the institutions and allows them to subtract student-athletes who leave their institutions prior to graduation but are otherwise academically eligible to compete.
Figures released Wednesday reflect graduation numbers among student-athletes who entered college in 2017.
James “Jim” Lied
September 24, 1950 – November 19, 2024
Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Farmerville, Saturday, November 23, 2024, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Farmerville, Saturday, November 23, 2024, 2:00 pm
Judy Dianne Lindsay
March 30, 1950 – November 19, 2024
Graveside service: Friday, November 22, 2024, 10:00 AM, Kilpatricks Serenity Gardens Cemetery, 8729 Cypress St., West Monroe
Ruston, LA – November 19, 2024 – Rock Bordelon, owner of Allegiance Health Management and Northern Louisiana Medical Center, is pleased to announce the acquisition of The Green Clinic, a well-established, multi-specialty, multi-location ambulatory healthcare provider. This strategic partnership marks a significant step in advancing integrated healthcare services for the Ruston community and surrounding areas.
Effective November 19, 2024, The Green Clinic joined Northern Louisiana Medical Center under the leadership of Allegiance Health Management. This integration of two trusted organizations is expected to expand access to high-quality healthcare, improve patient services and enhance operational efficiency across the region.
“This is an exciting day for Green Clinic and the community we serve,” said Lori Keen, CEO of The Green Clinic. “While our commitment to patient-centered care remains unchanged, joining the Allegiance family and working alongside Northern Louisiana Medical Center positions us to deliver more comprehensive care. This partnership strengthens our ability to enhance access to the services that our patients rely on.”
Rock Bordelon expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Green Clinic to the Allegiance family. This acquisition not only bolsters healthcare services available in Ruston, but it also positions us to drive innovations and bring essential medical specialties and resources to the region. At Allegiance, we are committed to improving the health of rural communities across Louisiana, and this partnership further strengthens our ability to make a meaningful impact.”
Kathy Hall, CEO of Northern Louisiana Medical Center, echoed the sentiment, adding, “We are proud to welcome The Green Clinic into our family. As a community-focused hospital, we are passionate about serving the Ruston area, and this acquisition expands our ability to ensure that every member of our community has access to high-quality healthcare services right here at home.”
The Green Clinic, Northern Louisiana Medical Center, and Allegiance Health Management remain dedicated to enhancing healthcare delivery throughout the region. This acquisition will ensure that patients in Ruston and the surrounding communities continue to receive compassionate, high-quality care, with expanded services and improved access to essential healthcare resources.
A Ruston man was arrested for drug possession after the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated a suspicious vehicle at a trash dumpster site.
Michael Ray Patrick, Jr., 37, was found parked at a dumpster site on Pleasant Grove Road shortly after midnight on November 13. During the course of the investigation, Patrick begged a deputy to let him go. When he was directed out of his vehicle, he refused multiple times until a Taser was displayed to gain compliance.
A drug detection K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. A search located suspected methamphetamine and a glass smoking pipe.
Patrick was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, failure to register vehicle, and failure to register as a sex offender. His bail was set at $66,000.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
A Choudrant man was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly trespassed at a Ruston convenience store after he had been barred from the property.
Benton Bullard, 50, was charged with criminal trespass and possession of drug paraphernalia after a store clerk reported he was in the store after being banned previously from the property.
Officers found Bullard attempting to leave as a passenger in a vehicle. He said he had been waiting for a ride that never showed up. During a search, an officer found a suspected “crack” smoking pipe in Bullard’s pants pocket.
Bullard was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and released on his own recognizance.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
by Malcolm Butler
One of the best second round match-ups in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) playoffs across all Divisions may be at James Field at Hoss Garrett Stadium Friday night.
It’s a rematch of last year’s Non-Select School Division I state title game, a hard-fought contest won by Ruston over Zachary 31-17 at the Caesar’s Superdome.
Now the two perennial state football powerhouses will meet with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
The No. 3 seeded Bearcats (8-2) and the No. 14 seeded Broncos (7-3) both lost key components from last year’s teams with Zachary’s biggest loss being its biggest player in 6-foot-7-inch wide receiver Trey’dez Green who is suiting up for the LSU Tigers these days.
The Broncos three losses this year have come against teams that are a combined 26-3 and all top four seeds in their respective Divisions in Acadiana (L, 43-28), Central-Baton Rouge (L, 14-3) and Catholic (L, 73-55). The Broncos have scored at least 24 points in every game except the loss to Central which came in a driving rain storm.
So how does this year’s Zachary team compare to last years?
“This is a very different Zachary team from last year,” said Robin Fambrough, who covers high school sports for the Baton Rouge Advocate. “This is a very different Zachary team. They only return like two or three starters on defense. They have a descent number of starters back on the offensive line. New quarterback although he split time in the regular season last year. It’s just a much different team.”
Zachary advanced to tomorrow night’s second round match-up with Ruston by virtue of a 54-35 win over No. 19 seeded Sam Houston last Friday night. The Broncos led 28-7 in the second quarter before 21 straight points by Sam Houston tied the game at 28-28 at halftime.
However, it was all Zachary in the second half as the Broncos pulled away to win easily.
The Bearcats will face one of the top running backs they will have seen this season in Da’vekio Ruffin, an undersized senior who is shifty and elusive. Ruffin has totaled more than 600 yards and 12 TDs on the ground over the past two games, a loss to Catholic and the win over Sam Houston.
“The big story the last two weeks — and of course they have played X Box football — is their running back Da’vekio Ruffin,” said Fambrough. “He has rushed for over 300 yards and scored six touchdowns in each of those two games. He is a little guy at like 5-foot-6. He is fast, but he finds angles and sees things and makes plays happen. He has gotten better as the year has gone on.”
Ruffin has totaled 1,523 yards and 25 TDs on the ground and is averaging over 10 yards per carry on the season.
Caleb Gonzalez is the signal caller for the Broncos. He has completed 128-of-208 passes for 1,756 yards and 16 TDs with four interceptions on the season.
“He moved from Texas in ninth grade,” said Fambrough. “He grew up on McAllen, Texas. He is 5-10 and 180 pounds. As the coach David Brewerton told me, he is just a good football player. His biggest improvement from last year is he got physically stronger. When you look at film, you are like he couldn’t have made that throw last year.”
Unlike last year’s Zachary team with Green, this year’s version doesn’t have an alpha receiver. However, the Broncos have a host of solid options, including Trey Chaney (21-425-4), Khristion Brooks (24-304-3), Jaiden Cockerham (29-348-3), and Tra’lan Sept (25-274-5).
“They have four or five guys who are utilized,” said Fambrough. “No one that just stands out.”
Defensively, Zachary has been up and down. The Broncos have surrendered 33 points or more four times this season, including 73 in the loss to Catholic. However, Zachary has held five opponents to 15 points or less.
“They only have a couple of starters back from last year so its a totally revamped defense,” said Fambrough. “This is the second year under their current DC. This is a blue collar group. I think there are maybe two kids who have scholarship offers.”
This marks the third straight year that Ruston and Zachary have met in the state playoffs with the Bearcats winning both times. However, Friday night’s match-up isn’t a typical second round affair for a top four seed.
“I think Zachary is much better than a 13 seed,” said Fambrough.
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.
I was 10 years old when my parents divorced. They told me the day after Christmas about the divorce and within a few months, a lot changed. My mother, brother, and I moved to Minden to be closer to family. My dad’s role in my life was very limited. While we weren’t rich by any means prior to the divorce, money was tight after the divorce.
My mother worked five days a week as a receptionist and worked Saturdays at a “family” owned clothing store. Sundays were focused on attending church, washing clothes, cleaning the apartment, and shopping for groceries. She was busy to say the least. She was focused, depressed, and many other things.
Even as a pre-teen and early teen, I understood our financial situation. I knew we qualified for free lunch at school, but she refused. We qualified for various forms of aid, but she refused. She always found a way to provide meals for us. It was tight, there was no extra, but she managed.
I remember coming in from practice as a teenager and being hungry between meals. There was just enough lunch meat to get all three of us through the week, but there was plenty of bread. I remember her eating mayonnaise sandwiches at times to save bologna for us, so I thought I would give it a try. Not great, but it took care of the hunger.
Budgeting was essential. I needed to be somewhat self-sufficient for anything beyond those basic needs that mom provided. I needed to work and save money for a car, insurance, gas, etc. There were summer jobs and leaf raking opportunities during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. I had to monitor my spending but also generate as much revenue as possible.
I share that story because those principles are timeless and relate to individuals, businesses, and organizations of all types. Budgetary spending control and revenue generation go hand in hand. It’s not one or the other, but rather both. Spending control provides the disciplined approach to focus on priorities and eliminate wasteful actions. Revenue generation will dictate the spending levels that one can pursue, the impact one can have, and the scale that one can seek.
The key for individuals, business organizations, governments, and educational systems is to balance spending with revenue generation. It’s such a simple concept that so many struggle with at all levels. While it’s so simple to understand, it’s not easy to accept. It’s not appealing, it’s not always enjoyable, nor is it always comfortable. However, it’s the responsible approach for stability, peace of mind, and lasting fulfillment.
The problem is that we don’t teach it, model it, or seem to value it.
Our federal government owes $36 Trillion in debt. Consumer debt in the US is estimated to be approximately $18 Trillion.
Our state government is currently struggling to enact real change to facilitate growth within the state.
It is estimated that approximately $16 billion was spent on the 2024 election campaigns, $2 billion on paying college athletes this year, and $200 million on coaching buyouts (paid not to work) in the last twelve months.
Those facts tell a lot. We don’t balance revenue and spending. We don’t seem to value fiscal responsibility. We have questionable financial priorities.
If a twelve-year-old can manage a budget, make trade off decisions, and think longer-term, why can’t those running our nation, our state, and our organizations and agencies do the same.
Maybe we all need to make a mayonnaise sandwich, rake some leaves, and get a new perspective!
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
By Kyle Roberts
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but Ruston High is playing Zachary in the playoffs.
For the third straight year, the Bearcats and the Broncos will be hitting the gridiron tomorrow night for what could be an atmosphere to remember at James Field at Hoss Garrett Stadium, even if it’s “only the second round.”
In the two previous postseasons, this matchup either punched a ticket for Ruston’s trip to the ‘Dome in 2022 or secured the first title in over three decades for the “Firmly Founded” in 2023. This year, it’s No. 3 versus No. 14.
But let me (and others) assure you — Zachary is no regular 14-seed. They’ve recently won multiple titles. They know how to play in hostile environments. They can score fast (just ask No. 19 Sam Houston from last week). This will be a far cry from a “normal” second round game.
Count on it: the Broncos will be hungry not to lose three playoff games in a row to the same team.
So let’s do a quick primer on how you, the Bearcat fan, can be one of the most crucial pieces to a possible Ruston victory — one that is by no means guaranteed — by following these easy steps.
Step One: Get loud and proud when Zachary has the football. Our home stands have been filled to the brim in the last few seasons. The Cat Box is absolutely stuffed every Friday in the fall. Let the Cow Bells echo through the Piney Hills of North Louisiana when the Broncos are lining up to snap the football. Be noisy, loud, and borderline obnoxious when the opponent is trying to execute.
And on third and fourth down? Let it go to eleven. You thought you were loud on first down? Nope. Take it to the extreme. Be “that guy” that stands up and yells when others are sitting. And if we have enough “that guys,” we’ll force some miscues that could lead to false starts or worse for the opposing offense.
Step Two: Get uncomfortably quiet when Ruston has the football. Look, I love the cowbell more than Christopher Walken Bruce Dickinson loves making gold records. But when our quarterback breaks the huddle for the line, we need to be eerily quiet. Not pin-drop quiet, mind you, but you know — that buzz that won’t interfere with our chief signal-caller getting the message to his troops.
When done right, it’s electric. It creates anticipation, which leads to my favorite….
Step Three: Get ready for the “Crowd Crescendo” on big plays. When that buzz hits the right note and something amazing happens, it turns the crowd into the jolt of energy the players may very well need. You’ll be free to get loud again and celebrate. Listen to this clip from the :38 mark — it’s sheer perfection from a crowd reaction. The players feed off engaged fans, and when facing a tough opponent, it can be one factor of many that can turn the tide. But it only works when everyone is all in together.
With those things in mind, Ruston High fans can create a needed “Hoss”-field advantage tomorrow night. Everyone can have a great time while giving the kids the push they’ll need in a real playoff fight.
And before we go, don’t let me forget the final (and most important)…
Step Four: Show your appreciation to these kids for their hard work. It’s not easy winning a title. And it can’t be easy defending one. Remember who you’re doing this for: these young men, staff, cheerleaders, pep squad, band, admin — it takes a ton of effort and energy just to put a football game together in 2024. They’ve worked for months (years, even) to get to this postseason, and they have a huge opponent early in the bracket they’ll need to get past.
When you cheer, you’re thanking them for all they’ve done to get to this point in the season. This program is worthy of gratitude from all of us. Let’s give them our very best this postseason.
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey announced Wednesday a change in leadership of the volleyball program effective immediately, ending Amber McCray’s six-year term as the Bulldogs’ head coach.
“I want to thank Amber for her service and work towards our volleyball program,” Ivey said. “While the results on the court weren’t what anyone wanted or expected, Amber always conducted herself in a professional manner. She cares deeply about the program and her student-athletes, and for that, we are very thankful. We wish her all the best in her future opportunities.”
In McCray’s six seasons as head coach, she has compiled a 50-115 career record. The Bulldogs finished the 2024 season with an 8-23 overall record and 2-16 mark in Conference USA play.
A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
The Lincoln Parish Journal wants to thank Karl Malone Toyota, Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s College Football Pick’em contest.
We also want to thank Dubach Air and Heat, Ginn’s Autobody, Hart Designs, Dawghouse Sports Grill, Pattons Western Wear, Tanyard Creek, Stows Moving Co., Ruston Athletic Supply, Hot Rod’s BBQ, and Charlie’s Carpet Cleaning for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.
We encourage all of our readers to utilize the services and products provided by our advertisers!
_______________________________
Are you ready for some football?!?
Bigger question. Are you ready to win $200 in cash … with the potential to make it $400 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).
The Lincoln Parish Journal is proud to host the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy.
If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!
Readers are eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $200 cash prize (maybe $400). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of the predetermined 15 college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
Only one entry per participant will be accepted each week.
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with this week’s games.
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $200 each week!
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech’s student-athletes recorded their highest ever Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 86 percent, according to the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate data released Wednesday.
For the fourth time in the last five years, the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters increased their GSR, including three percentage points better than last year’s 83 percent which was previously the highest ever.
LA Tech student-athletes also registered a 58 percent four-year class average and a single-year Federal Graduation Rate of 51 percent (2017-18).
“We are very proud of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff for raising the standard of academic success,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey. “Earning a Louisiana Tech degree is no small feat. It shows the culmination of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Congratulations to all who made this achievement possible.”
The GSR and federal rate calculations measure graduation in a six-year time frame from initial college enrollment. The recent numbers released are based off student-athletes who entered Louisiana Tech in 2017.
Nine of LA Tech’s 12 athletic programs recorded at least an 80 percent GSR led by Bowling and Tennis which each had a perfect 100 score. While both of those programs matched their highest ever GSR, so did the Football program which recorded a GSR of 84 percent for the second straight time. Nine programs either tied or exceeded their GSR from the previous year.
Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications
The Grambling State University volleyball team is preparing for the 2024 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Volleyball Tournament, where they will face No. 1 seed Florida A&M in the opening match on Friday.
The match is set for an 11 a.m. start at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
GSU enters the tournament as the No. 8 seed in the tournament after concluding the regular season 10-18 overall and 6-10 in the SWAC. The Tigers will take on Florida A&M, who finished regular season 24-6 overall with a 16-0 mark in conference play.
GSU and FAMU faced off once this season with the Rattlers winning 3-0 on Oct. 28.
This year’s SWAC Volleyball Tournament will be held from Nov. 22-24 in a single-elimination format. The winner will advance to face the victor of the match between No. 4 Bethune-Cookman and No. 5 Texas Southern.
Tournament Schedule (All Times CST):
– Friday, November 22
*Match 1*: No. 1 Florida A&M vs. No. 8 Grambling State – 11 a.m.
*Match 2*: No. 4 Bethune-Cookman vs. No. 5 Texas Southern – 1:30 p.m
*Match 3*: No. 2 Jackson State vs. No. 7 Southern – 4 p.m.
*Match 4*: No. 3 Prairie View A&M vs. No. 6 Alabama State – 6:30 p.m.
– Saturday, November 23
*Match 5*: Winner Match 1 vs. Winner Match 2 – 2 p.m.
*Match 6*: Winner Match 3 vs. Winner Match 4 – 4:30 p.m.
– Sunday, November 24
*Championship Match*: 2:30 p.m.
The tournament will be streamed live on the SWAC Digital Network (YouTube), with full coverage available throughout the weekend. Fans can also purchase tickets to attend the event in person at the Hobdy Assembly Center.
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech bowling head coach Matt Nantais announced the signing of Olivia Bares on Wednesday during the early signing period.
Bares comes to Ruston after having a successful career at Archbishop Chapelle High School in Metairie, Louisiana.
“I’m really excited to have Olivia join us next year,” said Nantais. “Her positive attitude and commitment to being a true team player will undoubtedly make a significant impact as she steps into this new chapter with us.”
At Chapelle, Bares led the Chipmunks to a state championship while she was in eighth grade, state runner-up as a junior, and semifinalist as a sophomore. As an individual, she qualified for the state tournament as an eighth grader before finishing fifth as a sophomore and third as a junior.
Bares is a two-time First Team All-District member. She is the only female in Louisiana history to roll a perfect game during a high school competition, completing the feat twice. She holds the state record for two-game (536) and three-game series (794).
The two-hander has won the Road to Junior Gold three times and the Louisiana Pepsi Championship.
In the classroom, Bares is a four-time honor roll recipient and National Junior Honor Society member.
“As we continue to build a strong and cohesive team, Olivia’s addition marks another step forward in enhancing the program’s depth and dynamic,” Nantais added. “We eagerly look forward to seeing her contributions both on and off the lanes.”
From an early age, Angie struggled with mental illness. She was from a broken home. Her parents’ marriage fell apart when she was an infant. When Angie was six years old, she, her brother, her mother, and her mother’s boyfriend moved from Los Angeles, California to Palisades, New York. A few years later, they moved back to Los Angeles where they enrolled Angie in the posh Beverly Hills High School. Angie was teased constantly by her wealthy classmates because she wore glasses and braces. By comparison, she was the poor, homely kid in a school full of rich, entitled students. When her mother transferred her to Moreno High School, Angie transformed her image. She dressed in all black to look “goth,” had a fascination for “knife play,” and took correspondence courses on human embalming with the intent to eventually become a funeral director. She developed eating and sleeping disorders. She began to practice self-harm and to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs, which only exacerbated her depression. Angie and her father’s relationship broke down because of her substance abuse. At the age of 19, her depression grew so powerful that she planned to take her own life. Unavailable at the time was the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline, where a person in need can call or text 988 for immediate help. As dark thoughts filled her mind, she began to think of how it would devastate her loved ones. Angie knew that her mother would think she had not done enough as a parent to help. 19-year-old Angie ultimately changed her mind, but the thoughts of it remained. For three years, she worked on a plan.
By the time Angie was 22 years old, Angie had returned to New York where she worked sporadically. Her drug and alcohol use continued to fuel her depression. To lessen her guilt and to ease the burden on her family, Angie decided on a way to end her suffering. Angie decided to hire a hitman to murder her. “They’re not that hard to find in New York,” she said. Angie made small withdrawals over time to build up enough cash to pay the hitman. This way no one would become suspicious. No one would ever know.
Angie met up with the contract killer. She explained the whole plan in detail. Finally, after listening intently, the hitman asked Angie something that she had not anticipated. He asked if she “could think about it and call him again in two months.” Angie had thought long and hard on her plan, but she agreed to wait the two months. Within that short time frame, Angie recalled that “something changed in my life and I figured I’d stick it out.” She has never revealed what changed her mind.
Had that hitman, whom she referred to as a “decent enough person,” not persuaded her to take time to reconsider, Angie would no longer be walking among us. Had the contract killer taken her money and fulfilled her initial request, Angie’s family would have been devastated. Had the estranged daughter of famous movie star John Voight been murdered, Angie would not have lived long enough to become prominently involved in numerous international charity projects. Angie, the girl once teased as being poor and homely, has often appeared on “most beautiful women” lists. Angie lived to become an Academy Award-winning actress. Had Angie chosen suicide, the world would never have enjoyed the talent of Angelina Jolie.
Depression is a serious illness, but help is waiting. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988. All life is precious.
Sources:
1. Rhiannon Ingle, “Surprising question hitman asked Angelina Jolie that saved her life after she hired him to kill her,” Tyla.com, August 13, 2024, accessed November 17, 2024, https://www.tyla.com/
2. Eve Buckland, “Angelina Jolie once hired hitman to plan her own murder aged 22 – but assassin had surprising response to her grisly plan,” DailyMail.co.uk, July 28, 2024, accessed November 17, 2024, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
4. “Angelina Jolie,” IMDb.com, accessed November 17, 2024, https://www.imdb.com/name/
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.
Robert Case “Rob” Lary
February 15, 1952 – November 16, 2024
Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Service: Trinity Methodist Church, Thursday, November 21, 2024, 2:00 pm
Cemetery: Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Thursday, November 21, 2024
Ruston, LA – November 19, 2024 – Rock Bordelon, owner of Allegiance Health Management and Northern Louisiana Medical Center, is pleased to announce the acquisition of The Green Clinic, a well-established, multi-specialty, multi-location ambulatory healthcare provider. This strategic partnership marks a significant step in advancing integrated healthcare services for the Ruston community and surrounding areas.
Effective November 19, 2024, The Green Clinic joined Northern Louisiana Medical Center under the leadership of Allegiance Health Management. This integration of two trusted organizations is expected to expand access to high-quality healthcare, improve patient services and enhance operational efficiency across the region.
“This is an exciting day for Green Clinic and the community we serve,” said Lori Keen, CEO of The Green Clinic. “While our commitment to patient-centered care remains unchanged, joining the Allegiance family and working alongside Northern Louisiana Medical Center positions us to deliver more comprehensive care. This partnership strengthens our ability to enhance access to the services that our patients rely on.”
Rock Bordelon expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Green Clinic to the Allegiance family. This acquisition not only bolsters healthcare services available in Ruston, but it also positions us to drive innovations and bring essential medical specialties and resources to the region. At Allegiance, we are committed to improving the health of rural communities across Louisiana, and this partnership further strengthens our ability to make a meaningful impact.”
Kathy Hall, CEO of Northern Louisiana Medical Center, echoed the sentiment, adding, “We are proud to welcome The Green Clinic into our family. As a community-focused hospital, we are passionate about serving the Ruston area, and this acquisition expands our ability to ensure that every member of our community has access to high-quality healthcare services right here at home.”
The Green Clinic, Northern Louisiana Medical Center, and Allegiance Health Management remain dedicated to enhancing healthcare delivery throughout the region. This acquisition will ensure that patients in Ruston and the surrounding communities continue to receive compassionate, high-quality care, with expanded services and improved access to essential healthcare resources.
by Malcolm Butler
Some City of Ruston residents will receive a letter this week (see below) regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.
The letter includes information provided by the EPA.
“The federal government has directed that all water systems (in the U.S.) have to identify every water service line and whether they are plastic, PVC, or whatever versus lead or cast iron or galvanized pipe,” said Walker. “That part was easy. We have already done that. Anything that is lead has to be replaced if we had any of that.”
According to Walker, the city has already replaced all lead or copper-type water lines over the years.
The letter was only mailed to Ruston residents whose water service lines fall under the unknown category.
“None of our city mains are lead or copper or any of the types of material that would have to be replaced,” said Walker. “But the government is making us go in and identified what types of water pipes service each house too.”
Walker said city workers have dug or will be digging within three feet on both sides of water meters to discover what type of material is being used in order to continue to identify
According to Walker anything built in the late 1980s or after should be PVC or something besides lead. So the letter which includes verbiage directly from the EPA was not mailed out to any homeowners whose residence was built after 1988.
“We are 99.9 percent sure anything built after 1988 does not utilized lead or galvanized pipe,” said Walker. “So we are able to take the roughly 10,000 houses in Ruston and say any of them built after 1988 are good to go. But everything else we have to send these letters out to because we aren’t sure about them yet … even if some of them may be okay.”
The EPA has given all water systems (commercial and private) through 2027 to identify whether residential water lines need to be replaced. They will then have a 10-year period through 2037 where any lead or copper or galvanized lines must be replaced.
“We have three more years to identify everything and then 10 years to work through any issues on the city side of the meter,” said John Freeman, City of Ruston Public Works Director. “I think the EPA wants (all lead pipes) gone. The entire initiative is to see it gone.
“I don’t know fully what that means. Does that mean people have to redo all plumbing in their house? That’s part of this equation we just aren’t sure about.”
Ruston officials questioned the EPA on the fact that in order to be fully safe, homeowners would have to put a filter on every faucet in the house.
“In the first meeting we had about this more than a year ago, the government said it was going to have some sort of program to help with all of this,” said Walker. “But that was a year ago. I don’t know that anyone who put this into effect really thought through what it may cost.
“The financial numbers could be staggering if you consider fixing every house in the United States. The numbers are crazy.”
According to Freeman, the city has been working on this for some time.
“All of this is coming from the EPA and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ),” said Freeman. “This is a mandate. We had to have a listing of knowns and unknowns by October 16 of this year, which we did.
“Thirty days later we were to communicate to all of the unknowns through this letter. That was the next step. Now we develop a plan where the unknowns have to become known.”
Freeman said some of the unknowns are partial unknowns.
“We may know the city side, but we don’t know the customer side,” said Freeman. “But there has not been an occasion for us to know on the customer side. So it’s not fully known on both sides of the meter.”
Walker and Freeman said anything on the customer side of the meter is the homeowners responsibility to replace.
Anyone with questions can contact Beth Bennett at the City of Ruston at (318) 251-8623.
By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — Announced Tuesday morning, Ruston-Lincoln Chamber CEO/President Will Dearmon will be leaving his current role effective Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, to become Louisiana Tech’s Chief Development Officer, a role that will allow Dearmon to bring his past experience and success working with the private sector in this area fully to the university.
According to a release sent out by Louisiana Tech, Dearmon will be in charge of overseeing the University’s development operations, leading strategic and comprehensive fundraising initiatives to ensure the growth and sustainability of the Foundation.
Dearmon expressed his gratitude to both Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson and Dr. Dave Norris, both of whom he will be working closely with in his new role.
“Obviously, I’m incredibly excited,” Dearmon said. “I’m not just excited about the opportunity to return to Louisiana Tech in a new role, but I’m also excited to be a part of this new chapter in my alma mater’s history. There’s obviously been a great deal of change in the last 11 months at Louisiana Tech, and that has excited both the university as well as community partners.
“Louisiana Tech is one of our largest economic drivers in our city, in our community and in the region, so this is an opportunity to join that leadership team led by President Henderson and Dr. Norris to bring a unique insight and a particular perspective from both an alumnus and also as a community partner. I’m eager to bring those insights to that team and do my part in support of the institution’s future.”
During Dearmon’s time at the helm of Ruston-Lincoln Chamber, he and the board of directors launched a Workforce Development Grant Initiative, along with two executive speaker series, and a three-year strategic impact plan to guide the organization’s work into the future. Dearmon also spoke about how pleased he was with other projects such as the Capitol Chats speaker series among a host of other initiatives he oversaw — and of course, his thankfulness for all the businesses, chamber employees and board members he worked with over the years.
“I can’t say enough about this business community,” Dearmon said. “I am asked every single week in Ruston, in North Louisiana, in Baton Rouge– anytime I travel on official chamber business, someone is trying to be in my ear about how special the Ruston-Lincoln business community is. And obviously that’s in large part to our community partners and our economic drivers. But it’s also a reflection of how supportive and how connected and how entrepreneurial this community is.
“I’m proud of my role as president and CEO of the Chamber, but I’m so proud of our board and our investors that got behind that initiative and made it successful. And I was just incredibly blessed to be here with the staff, with the board, and community partners to be a part of helping bring that progress to reality. So I’m incredibly proud of that.”
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker recounted what Dearmon has done since taking over the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber in March of 2022 and also noted the importance of having the right person to take the job next.
“He’s done an incredible job of building on what was there,” Walker said. “I think they now have more than 480 members, which to my knowledge is the biggest we’ve ever had. So he’s done a great job of reaching out and getting more members, and he does a really good job of communicating.
“It’s incredibly important (to have the right person). Businesses that are looking to move here go directly to the Chamber of Commerce first. It’s so important they have the same messaging that we have, and we have the same message they have when people reach out.”
Ruston-Lincoln Chamber Board Chair Thomas Graham shared his appreciation for Dearmon how the chamber has grown under his leadership.
“On behalf of the board of directors I want to express our sincere appreciation for Will’s exceptional contributions to the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber,” Graham said. “His strategic leadership has been instrumental in the Chamber’s remarkable growth over the past few years. Will’s vision not only resulted in a successful rebranding and new mission, but also led to the launch of several impactful initiatives.”
Effective Dec. 15, 2024, Elizabeth Turnley, former chairwoman will be named interim president to help with a smooth transition process while searching for Dearmon’s replacement.
The Ruston-Lincoln Chamber Executive Board will soon begin discussions on the next steps in the hiring process with a “best-case scenario” goal of having an announcement of the new hire at their annual banquet in February.
“We are excited to begin the search for a new CEO, confident we will find a leader who will build on this strong foundation and further enhance our commitment to serving our members and the business community,” Graham said in conclusion.
Courtesy of Origin Bank
Origin Bank has been named one of American Banker’s 2024 Best Banks to Work For, marking its 12th consecutive year of being recognized by the program. Initiated in 2013 by American Banker and Best Companies Group, the program identifies and honors banks that excel at creating positive and supportive workplaces for employees.
“Creating an environment where our employees feel empowered and supported is key to our success,” said Drake Mills, chairman, president and CEO of Origin Bancorp. “We’re proud to provide benefits and programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our employees and are honored that the Origin employee experience has earned us a place on American Banker’s Best Banks to Work For lists for 12 straight years.”
On the 2024 list, Origin was ranked No. 3 overall and No. 1 in the category for banks with assets between $3 billion and $10 billion. 90 banks earned a spot in the ranking based on an anonymous employee survey and a thorough review of the benefits and perks offered by the company. The survey and awards program is designed to identify and honor banks with the best cultures for helping employees thrive. The full 2024 Best Banks to Work For list is featured at www.americanbanker.com.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as a leader of workplace culture within our industry,” said Lance Hall, president and CEO of Origin Bank. “Our culture defines who we are and creates an environment people want to be a part of and do business with. By supporting our employees to become the best versions of themselves, we are able to consistently perform at a high level and deliver an extraordinary experience to our customers.”
Determining the Best Banks to Work For involved a two-step process. The first consisted of evaluating each participating bank’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second consisted of employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the final ranking.
To be considered for participation, banks had to have at least 50 employees working in the U.S. and been in business for a minimum of one year. Best Companies Group managed the registration and survey process and also analyzed the data to determine the final ranking.
“The Best Banks to Work For represent institutions helping employees achieve their goals,” said Chana Schoenberger, editor-in-chief of American Banker. “These banks recognize how important it is for their staffers to be happy about the work they do and the environment in which they spend their days.”
For more information, please visit www.americanbanker.com.
The Lincoln Parish Journal wants to thank Karl Malone Toyota, Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s College Football Pick’em contest.
We also want to thank Dubach Air and Heat, Ginn’s Autobody, Hart Designs, Dawghouse Sports Grill, Pattons Western Wear, Tanyard Creek, Stows Moving Co., Ruston Athletic Supply, Hot Rod’s BBQ, and Charlie’s Carpet Cleaning for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.
We encourage all of our readers to utilize the services and products provided by our advertisers!
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Another week. Another winner.
Jerry Lott was this week’s winner of the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy.
Jerry won 14 of 15 games this week to walk away with the victory.
Would you like to win $200 in cash … with the potential to make it $400 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).
The Lincoln Parish Journal is proud to host the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy.
If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!
Readers are eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $200 cash prize (maybe $400). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of the predetermined 15 college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
Only one entry per participant will be accepted each week.
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with this week’s games.
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $200 each week!
Week 1: Alethea Gipson
Week 2: NaTyra Bolds
Week 3: Barbara Bradshaw
Week 4: Jason Corley
Week 5: Sheila Nugent
Week 6: Brandon Williams
Week 7: Robert Grafton
Week 8: Shane Grubbs
Week 9: John Krobetzky
Week 10: David Doss
Week 11: Mary Lee
Week 12: Jerry Lott
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.