DeSoto Parish – In July 2024, the Mansfield Police Department contacted the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations/Bossier Field Office to investigate a stolen credit card belonging to the Mansfield Fire Department (MFD).
The preliminary investigation revealed that the MFD credit card was used in over 180 unauthorized transactions, resulting in illegal purchases totaling more than $14,000.00 for gas. These transactions occurred between February 2024 through July 2024 at gas stations in Louisiana and Texas.
Investigators learned that 22-year-old former MFD Fireman Donald Anthony Jr. of Mansfield stole the MFD credit card following his termination from MFD in February 2024. Thereafter, he engaged in numerous unauthorized transactions using the stolen credit card.
As a result of the investigation and information obtained, an arrest warrant was obtained through the 42nd JDC, charging Anthony with felony access device fraud and felony identity theft. Anthony turned himself in to authorities this morning and was booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center on the above charges. This investigation remains active and ongoing.
To report suspicious or criminal activity in your community, the Louisiana State Police online reporting system is available to the public through a convenient, anonymous, and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. The form can be accessed by visiting lsp.org and clicking the Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity.
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NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Louisiana Tech would go over six minutes without a basket to start the fourth quarter in a 70-56 loss to Stephen F. Austin on Saturday night in William R. Johnson Coliseum.
“We learned some tough lessons on the road tonight against an experienced team that if used correctly can be very valuable for our group,” Lady Techster head coach Brooke Stoehr said. “I thought we had a number of concentration and toughness lapses in transition that led to some easy scores for them. They took advantage of our mistakes at critical times and converted them into points. We can’t have those wasted possessions on the road. We stressed not allowing them to control tempo and let their zone impact our rhythm and flow regardless of the score.
“I thought they were tough at some critical times, and we couldn’t find a way to score to stop their runs in the middle of the third and throughout the fourth quarters. We have to teach from the film and continue to help this group learn and grow. We have two opportunities at home this week to respond and get better.”
Louisiana Tech (3-1) came out cold from the field and shot just 26.7 percent in the first quarter. Paris Bradley got the Lady Techsters on the board a minute and a half into the contest. The Tech defense kept them in the game and forced SFA (3-0) into seven turnovers and just 33.3 percent from the field as the Ladyjacks held an 11-9 lead after one.
Things quickly changed in the Techsters’ favor after Robyn Lee tied it up to start the second. That ignited a 9-0 run where Tech would shoot 4-5 to grab an 18-11 lead at the 7:39 mark.
The Ladyjacks, who averaged over 10 made 3-pointers coming into the game, continued to shoot the long ball after going 1-6 in the first. They would knock down three to pull within one at the media timeout.
With the game tied at 24, Bradly and Jordan Marshall would give Tech six straight to regain the lead with two minutes remaining before the half. SFA would cut into the lead, but a layup by Marshall with seven seconds remaining gave the Lady Techsters a 32-27 into the locker room.
Marshall opened the second half with six points to help LA Tech extend the lead to seven at the media timeout. That is when the Techster’s offense went cold for over 11 minutes, missing their next eight shots before jumpers by Bradley and Taylor Rietveld gave Tech a 47-46 lead heading into the fourth.
SFA extended their run to 24-4 in the first six minutes of the fourth, with LA Tech missing their first six shots of the quarter. An and-one by Marshall cut the deficit to 10, but the Lady Techsters wouldn’t get any closer for the remainder of the game.
The Lady Techsters shot 38.2 percent (21-55) from the field but were just 2-17 from long range. Marshal led the way with 16 points and 14 rebounds for her first double-double in a Tech uniform. Bradley was the only other Techster in double figures with 13.
SFA finished shooting 49.1 percent (26-53) from the field and 42.1 from deep. The Ladyjacks had four players in double figures, led by Faith Blackstone with 17 points and seven rebounds. Haramaine Dominguez finished with 13 and was 3-5 from three before fouling out. Trinity Moore and Ashlyn Traylor-Walker finished with 12 apiece.
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.
Monday, Nov. 18 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 5:30 p.m.: Ruston Planning and Zoning meeting (Ruston City Hall) 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 6 p.m.: Creative Meetups (301 N. Trenton St.)
Tuesday, Nov. 19 2 p.m.: Ribbon cutting for The Avenue (207 N. Service Rd.) 6-8 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market Healthy Holidays free class (Ruston Farmers Market)
Wednesday, Nov. 20 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 6 p.m.: To Ruston With Love: Free community Thanksgiving meal (Ruston Civic Center, provided by First Baptist Church, Ruston)
Thursday, Nov. 21 10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting for American South Mortgage (2111 N. Trenton St.) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 6-8 p.m.: Holiday Open House and Kickoff to Christmas (Downtown Ruston) 5-6 p.m.: Free jambalaya meal at Choudrant Origin Bank (3921 Elm Street, Choudrant) from 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry and Origin Bank
Friday, Nov. 22 7 p.m.: Friday Night Jazz at the Dixie (Dixie Theatre) 7 p.m.: Ruston High playoff game
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Kolbe Fields led the Bulldogs defense, holding WKU to one touchdown in a win in Bowling Green. (Photo by Josh McDaniel)
by Malcolm Butler
BOWLING GREEN — Road wins have not come easy for Louisiana Tech over the past five years.
Nothing has come easy.
However, on a day where the Bulldogs never found the black-painted end zone at Hutchins-Smith Stadium, Tech still found a way to claim a victory over C-USA leader WKU spoiling the Hilltoppers Homecoming.
Buck Buchanan connected on four field goals, the Bulldog offense found a rushing attack and controlled the clock, and the Tech defense stone-walled the high-powered WKU offense in a 12-7 win Saturday.
As has been the case all season, the game wasn’t decided until the waning moments. After Buchanan’s 48-yard field goal attempt was blocked with less than two minutes to play, WKU took over on Tech’s 47 yard line with 1:55 to play and two timeouts.
However, as they did all day long, the Bulldogs defense stood tall. On fourth down and 15 from the Tech 35, WKU completed a pass to Dalvin Smith but Cedric Woods tackled Smith one-yard shy of the line to gain, forcing the turnover on downs.
Tech was able to kneel and run out the clock, picking up just its second road win in the last four years.
“We talked about all week was being uncommon,” said head coach Sonny Cumbie. “People are drawn to uncommon things. It is very common in a season that we have to blame, to shut it down and exit stage left. I talked to our team about being uncommon. They have an uncommon fight and grit.
“The ball has not bounced their way this season. You see the belief they have in each other, that is the most important thing. I think we dominated the line of scrimmage. Really proud of our football team for how hard they played.”
One week after its most gut-wrenching loss of the year thanks to a Hail Mary pass that sent the contest into overtime against Jacksonville State, Tech (4-6, 3-4) never flinched against the Hilltoppers (7-3, 5-1).
The Bulldogs discovered a rushing attack, mounting more than 200 yards on the ground and dominating the time of possession with 40 minutes. Amani Givens recorded the first 100-yard rushing performance by a Bulldogs since Tyre Shelton’s effort in last year’s loss to WKU, totaling 103 yards on 17 carries. Omiri Wiggins added 70 yards on nine totes.
“Coach Young and the offensive staff put together a great plan of running the football,” said Cumbie. “We were able to get Tru Edwards open a little bit, but they were daring us to try to win the game with our run game. Really proud of our offense to be able to control the game and we won the game.”
The Bulldogs, who threw for just 66 yards including just 17 in the final two quarters, were able to move the football between the 20-yard lines once again. However, Tech couldn’t find paydirt, thus relying on Buchanan’s field goals.
Buchanan connected from 35, 42, 24 and 28 yards with his only miss being the blocked attempt late in the fourth quarter.
WKU entered the game averaging 30 points and 280 yards passing per game, but the Hilltoppers had no answer for the physical, swarming Bulldog defense.
The biggest stop came late in the third quarter. With Tech leading 9-7, WKU faced a fourth down and one from the Bulldogs five-yard line. Instead of attempting a chip shot field goal to take the lead, WKU elected to go for it.
WKU quarterback Caden Veltkamp tried to run for it out of the shotgun on a designed run, but he was stopped for a two-yard loss, giving the ball back over to Tech.
“We were trying to figure out what personnel grouping they were going to come out in (following the timeout),” said Cumbie. “Our defense executed better. They won the line of scrimmage. That was the story of the game. It was a great job by our secondary as well against a really good quarterback, receivers, and scheme. Our guys did a phenomenal job of shutting them down.”
Veltkamp completed 18-of-26 passes for just 152 yards while WKU totaled just 215 yards of total offense in the game.
Tech recorded seven tackles for loss, including three sacks, and didn’t allow a pass play of 20 yards or more in the contest.
“Tough one,” said WKU head coach Tyson Helton. “Didn’t get it done. Had a lot of opportunities. Defense responded when they needed to and got a big field goal block at the end to give us an opportunity. Really struggled offensively. Going into it we knew they were a really good defense.”
Nine of Tech’s 10 games have now been decided by one score, including eight straight contests.
Tech will travel to face Arkansas Saturday at 3 p.m. in Fayetteville.
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Martha Sue Ingram Price (Marty) was born on November 10, 1944, in St. Mary’s, West Virginia, a small town on the Ohio River. She spent her early childhood on the family farm, which had no running water or electricity at that time.
She graduated from St. Mary’s High School where she played the clarinet in the Blue Devil Marching Band. That band marched in the inauguration of President John Kennedy. She was voted “Most Dependable” by her classmates in her senior year.
Marty was the first in her family to attend college. She went to Marshall University where she majored in education and graduated in 1965. While she was in college she worked for the summer in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she met her husband in June of 1961. She married John Price on June 4, 1966. After marriage they moved to Evansville, Indiana, where she taught and also earned a M.S. in education from Evansville University.
She and John moved to Austin, Texas, where he attended graduate school and she taught for four years. They made their way to Ruston, Louisiana, in 1972, where she eventually found a teaching position at Cypress Springs Elementary School. She taught there until June of 2000 when she retired. They moved to McAllen, Texas, where she renewed her career and taught for eight more years at John H. Shary Elementary School. Even after she retired from that, she could not leave teaching entirely as she volunteered at a nearby school. There she worked with first graders for the first time. She found them very enjoyable.
After John retired, they once again, found a new place to live, a retirement community outside of San Antonio, Texas.
Marty passed away after a battle with vascular dementia on August 11, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Mary Ingram. She is survived by her husband, John K. Price, her son, Jeffrey John Price, two grandchildren, John Q. Price and Leah Maria Price, and her daughter-in-law, Gabriella Price. In addition, she is survived by her brother Mike Ingram and nephews and nieces.
Marty was a kind and gentle woman, a doting mother, and a loving wife. She was a dedicated and hardworking teacher who brought school work home every school day and went to her school on the weekends many times. She loved the boys and girls she taught and wanted them to have the tools they needed to be happy and successful in life. She loved sports and was especially devoted to the Atlanta Braves and the San Antonio Spurs.
Marty will be missed by all who knew her. She was a ray of soft sunlight shining into the lives of those who knew her. We will not find another like her.
There will be a memorial service for Marty in Ruston on Monday, November 25 at 11 a.m. at the Norton Building located at 207 West Mississippi.
Funeral services for Betty Catherine Wiltcher, 90 years of age, will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Bernice, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Reagan Colvin. Interment will follow in Shiloh Cemetery near Bernice under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA. A visitation with family and friends will be 1:00 P.M. until service time at the church.
Betty (known lovingly by her family as PamPaw) was born on November 15, 1933, to William Newton and Hazel Catherine Long Smith in Calhoun, LA. Betty ended her journey at Sunny Breeze Harbor near Arcadia, FL on November 14, 2024.
Betty was a Registered Nurse in Bernice, Louisiana at the Bernice Nursing home for many years. She was also an active Church member in Bernice LA, Fort Worth TX, Sunny Breeze Florida, and Fort Ogden First Baptist Church, Arcadia, Florida. She was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother and Great Great Grandmother.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 64 and a half years George W. Wiltcher, son George Wiltcher Jr., parents, four brothers and two sisters.
She is survived by daughter Gerry Davis and son-in-law Timothy Davis; sons, James Wiltcher, Richard Wiltcher; grandchildren, David Davis, George Davis, Richard Wiltcher Jr, Aubry Wiltcher, Daniel Wiltcher; and Eleven Great Grand Children and One Great Great Grand Daughter.
Betty Catherine Wiltcher November 15, 1933 – November 14, 2024 Visitation: First Baptist Church Bernice, Saturday, November 23, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Service: First Baptist Church Bernice, Saturday, November 23, 2024, 2:00 pm Cemetery: Shiloh Cemetery, Saturday, November 23, 2024
Kolbe Fields led the Bulldogs defense, holding WKU to one touchdown in a win in Bowling Green. (Photo by Josh McDaniel)
by Malcolm Butler
BOWLING GREEN — Road wins have not come easy for Louisiana Tech over the past five years.
Nothing has come easy.
However, on a day where the Bulldogs never found the black-painted end zone at Hutchins-Smith Stadium, Tech still found a way to claim a victory over C-USA leader WKU spoiling the Hilltoppers Homecoming.
Buck Buchanan connected on four field goals, the Bulldog offense found a rushing attack and controlled the clock, and the Tech defense stone-walled the high-powered WKU offense in a 12-7 win Saturday.
As has been the case all season, the game wasn’t decided until the waning moments. After Buchanan’s 48-yard field goal attempt was blocked with less than two minutes to play, WKU took over on Tech’s 47 yard line with 1:55 to play and two timeouts.
However, as they did all day long, the Bulldogs defense stood tall. On fourth down and 15 from the Tech 35, WKU completed a pass to Dalvin Smith but Cedric Woods tackled Smith one-yard shy of the line to gain, forcing the turnover on downs.
Tech was able to kneel and run out the clock, picking up just its second road win in the last four years.
“We talked about all week was being uncommon,” said head coach Sonny Cumbie. “People are drawn to uncommon things. It is very common in a season that we have to blame, to shut it down and exit stage left. I talked to our team about being uncommon. They have an uncommon fight and grit.
“The ball has not bounced their way this season. You see the belief they have in each other, that is the most important thing. I think we dominated the line of scrimmage. Really proud of our football team for how hard they played.”
One week after its most gut-wrenching loss of the year thanks to a Hail Mary pass that sent the contest into overtime against Jacksonville State, Tech (4-6, 3-4) never flinched against the Hilltoppers (7-3, 5-1).
The Bulldogs discovered a rushing attack, mounting more than 200 yards on the ground and dominating the time of possession with 40 minutes. Amani Givens recorded the first 100-yard rushing performance by a Bulldogs since Tyre Shelton’s effort in last year’s loss to WKU, totaling 103 yards on 17 carries. Omiri Wiggins added 70 yards on nine totes.
“Coach Young and the offensive staff put together a great plan of running the football,” said Cumbie. “We were able to get Tru Edwards open a little bit, but they were daring us to try to win the game with our run game. Really proud of our offense to be able to control the game and we won the game.”
The Bulldogs, who threw for just 66 yards including just 17 in the final two quarters, were able to move the football between the 20-yard lines once again. However, Tech couldn’t find paydirt, thus relying on Buchanan’s field goals.
Buchanan connected from 35, 42, 24 and 28 yards with his only miss being the blocked attempt late in the fourth quarter.
WKU entered the game averaging 30 points and 280 yards passing per game, but the Hilltoppers had no answer for the physical, swarming Bulldog defense.
The biggest stop came late in the third quarter. With Tech leading 9-7, WKU faced a fourth down and one from the Bulldogs five-yard line. Instead of attempting a chip shot field goal to take the lead, WKU elected to go for it.
WKU quarterback Caden Veltkamp tried to run for it out of the shotgun on a designed run, but he was stopped for a two-yard loss, giving the ball back over to Tech.
“We were trying to figure out what personnel grouping they were going to come out in (following the timeout),” said Cumbie. “Our defense executed better. They won the line of scrimmage. That was the story of the game. It was a great job by our secondary as well against a really good quarterback, receivers, and scheme. Our guys did a phenomenal job of shutting them down.”
Veltkamp completed 18-of-26 passes for just 152 yards while WKU totaled just 215 yards of total offense in the game.
Tech recorded seven tackles for loss, including three sacks, and didn’t allow a pass play of 20 yards or more in the contest.
“Tough one,” said WKU head coach Tyson Helton. “Didn’t get it done. Had a lot of opportunities. Defense responded when they needed to and got a big field goal block at the end to give us an opportunity. Really struggled offensively. Going into it we knew they were a really good defense.”
Nine of Tech’s 10 games have now been decided by one score, including eight straight contests.
Tech will travel to face Arkansas Saturday at 3 p.m. in Fayetteville.
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MORGAN CITY — Lincoln Preparatory School Glen Hall his team had a chance as long as they avoided mental miscues.
Unfortunately for his Panthers, Hall was right in what was a wrong way for his team.
A plethora of turnovers and penalties plagued the Panthers Friday night as 14th-seeded Central Catholic defeated 19th-seeded Lincoln Prep 14-0 in a Division IV Select School playoff game at Morgan City Stadium.
It was a tight game, and Lincoln Prep stayed in the contest all the way until the final minute.
Central Catholic’s final touchdown came off a long interception return with 32 seconds remaining in the contest, sealing Lincoln Prep’s fate.
The Panthers turned the ball over eight times on the night while also committing a number of untimely penalties, including more than a few personal fouls as the clock was winding down, and it all proved to be too much for Lincoln Prep to overcome.
“I told them this was nothing but the game of life,” Hall said of his postgame talk with his team. “You play that game every day when you play football. It’s the game of life. You’re going to have ups and downs. It’s about how you come back after you have those ups and downs.
“It’s just a mirror of ‘real life.’ You just have to jump right back up and start fighting again, every day.”
Lincoln Prep turned the ball over on its first three offensive possessions, but the Panthers’ held the Eagles in check on all three ensuing Central Catholic drives.
The game’s lone score came after Lincoln Prep’s first punt of the game, which was shanked off to the right, giving Central Catholic the ball on the Panthers’ 29-yard line.
On the next play, Tate Fontenot scurried right for 27 yards to set up Cash Baker’s two-yard scoring scamper that put the Eagles on top 7-0 at the 8:52 mark of the second stanza.
Lincoln Prep had multiple chances to score afterwards, including on the following drive, when it took over at its own 47-yard line after what looked to be a long onsides kick attempt by the Eagles was pounced on by a Panthers upback.
An 18-yard aerial connection between quarterback Jordan Brown and receiver Tray Spann then helped Lincoln Prep drive as deep as the Eagles’ 24-yard line before turning the ball over on downs.
Lincoln Prep had another chance in the final minute of the first half when Jordan connected with Spann again deep in Central Catholic territory.
But Spann lost the ball on the play and the Eagles recovered and knelt on the ball to take their 7-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.
While Lincoln Prep’s offense struggled to hold onto the ball, Central Catholic had similar problems against the Panthers’ defense.
The Eagles received the opening kickoff of the second half and drove to the Lincoln Prep 48-yard line before D’Tavion Wright picked off a pass and returned it to the Central Catholic 43.
Wright then powered his way for 12 yards on first down before being stopped at the line of scrimmage on second down.
On third down he hauled in a screen pass from Brown and gained seven yards before fumbling the ball away for the Panthers’ fifth turnover of the contest.
Central Catholic then mounted a nine-play drive to the Lincoln Prep 6-yard line before Tyler Wimberly recovered a fumble to turn over possession to the Panthers.
On the ensuing drive, Lincoln Prep drove to the Eagles’ 33 before turning the ball over on downs.
“My defense did everything they were supposed to do,” Hall said. “But when you’re in the red zone four or five times and come up empty because of mistakes and turnovers, it hurts. It was just a lack of concentration. It was tough.
“And in the end we had to throw the ball, and that’s not really our game. Jordan played a pretty good game tonight. But you can’t make all of those turnovers and win.”
After forcing a Central Catholic punt, Lincoln Prep drove the ball down inside the Central Catholic 20-yard line before Brown was intercepted with 3:36 remaining in the contest.
But again the Panthers’ defense came through, forcing the Eagles to punt with Lincoln Prep taking over the ball on the Central Catholic 40-yard line with 1:19 left on the clock.
Two plays later Brown was intercepted by Central Catholic’s Landon Ramagos, who returned it for the final score of the game.
“I told the team they never lose, it’s just me,” Hall said. “There had to have been something I should have done more of or prepared them better, but I didn’t do the job I was supposed to do.
“It was a good year and I’m proud of my team. It happened. Now we just have to learn from it and move on to the future. But I’m proud of my team.”
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RUSTON, La. — Ruston High School head coach Jerrod Baugh has known for weeks how important it would be for his Bearcats to secure a first-round bye in the 2024 LHSAA playoffs.
After beating West Monroe last week 36-0 on the Rebels’ Senior Night, the top-three seed was locked down for the Bearcats, giving Baugh’s squad time to heal and work on some situational drills all week in anticipation for the winner between No. 14 Zachary and No. 19 Sam Houston.
“Practice has been good this week,” Baugh said. “I think it served the purpose for what it is we intended it to be. Tuesday and Wednesday, we went over a bunch of situational things — two-minute situations, four-minute situations, third downs, goal lines, two-point plays — just a lot of different things that we needed to review going into the playoffs.”
Now, the Bearcats will square off against Zachary on Friday, Nov. 22, in the friendly confines of Hoss Garrett Stadium after the Broncos knocked Sam Houston off 54-35 at home. This will be the third straight postseason Ruston has faced the Broncos, including last year’s state championship game when the Bearcats came out on top 31-17.
“Zachary has a history of making long runs in the playoffs, so while we didn’t want to assume Zachary would win, we went ahead and got to work on them Thursday and Friday,” Baugh said. “We know what kind of football team they bring to the table. We’re going to have to get ready to play and hopefully we’ll have some good practices next week.
“We haven’t had a lot of video on them. We’re really gauging things off of past experience on what things they’ve done. We’ll get a better sense when we swap video later (Friday night) or early Saturday morning.”
Baugh said the bye has been good to help the team get as healthy as they can heading into the postseason.
“I don’t think we have any excuse not to be as healthy as we can be,” Baugh said in conclusion. “The week we played Pineville, we took that as a week when we did not have a lot of contact during the week. Then last week, we added it back to it during the West Monroe week. This week, we have limited the contact, so we don’t have any excuse not to play well next Friday.”
Ruston and Zachary will kickoff at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. The game will be broadcast on Q94.1 FM and streamed on BearcatNationNetwork.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.
AT THE SNAP: Louisiana Tech’s defense continues to provide impressive performances, slowing down Jacksonville State’s prolific running game last Saturday. (Photo by JOSH MCDANIEL, Louisiana Tech Athletics)
JOURNAL SPORTS
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Louisiana Tech nearly knocked off one of the co-leaders in Conference USA last Saturday, but a Hail Mary touchdown on the final play of regulation paved the way for Jacksonville State to stun the Bulldogs in overtime.
A week later, Tech takes its shot at the other CUSA front-runner.
The Bulldogs visit a hot Western Kentucky team in a Saturday morning contest kicking off at 11 a.m., with coverage on CBS Sports Network and the Tech broadcast on 107.5 FM with Malcolm Butler and Teddy Allen calling the action.
WKU (7-2 overall, 5-0 CUSA) has won four straight. Tech (3-6, 2-4) is 0-4 on the road this season.
Although the loss last Saturday was brutal to endure, it also produced some superlatives for the Bulldogs.
Tech racked up 400 yards of offense for just the second time this season against the Gamecocks. The Bulldogs recorded their fourth game of 100 rushing yards with 144 on the ground, to pair with 266 yards through the air.
Tech finished with multiple passing touchdowns for the fourth time this season, while it was the second time the offense has logged multiple rushing touchdowns in a game.
“Western Kentucky’s defensive front is big and they are really good pass rushers,” said Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie. “They are really able to effect the line of scrimmage. They do a really nice job from a coverage standpoint. They are multiple with their coverages with a high percentage of man coverage.”
WKU will provide a test with its aerial attack which ranks among the league leaders in CUSA.
“They are just as explosive at Jacksonville State, but they go about it a different way,” said Cumbie. “They go about it throwing the ball. They have an extremely athletic, talented quarterback who throws the football down the field very well. He is at around 70 percent when it comes to completion percentage.
“And their running backs are good players. They do use the running game and they are effective with it as well.”
The Bulldog defense remains a top 20 defense in the nation, sitting at No. 18 with 312 yards allowed per game. Tech is ranked 35th in run defense (120.8) and 28th in pass defense (191.2).
The Bulldogs are the only defense in the CUSA to allow less than 300 rushing yards to Jax State, surrendering just 191 yards to the Gamecocks.
Tech’s defense has forced five turnovers in their past two games, including three against Jax State. Kolbe Fields and Blake Thompson both forced their second fumbles of the season against the Gamecocks, while Jacob Fields intercepted his first career pass.
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Ruston High senior softball utility player Morgan Foster officially signed to play collegiately for McNeese State University as part of the Cowgirls softball squad that signed six players in the early signing period Wednesday.
“The most important thing for me when I chose McNeese was the fact it felt like home,” Foster said. “I was able to make free conversation and just be myself around people I’ve never met before.”
Last season, Foster’s efforts saw her hitting .430 on the year with three home runs and a team-leading 12 stolen bases along with eight extra-base hits. She was also a first-team All-District 2-5A selection and was named honorable mention on the All-LSWA 5A team.
“Morgan is such a huge staple for us and I couldn’t be happier for her,” Ruston High head softball coach Lauren Garvie said. “I think she is going to absolutely flourish at McNeese. I said it multiple times last year but if she wasn’t in the outfield last year some of our games would have ended very differently. This year, she will step in as the captain of our outfield and I’m excited to see her lead that, I’ve told everybody I can that I’m excited to see our outfield as a whole in action this year, and she will be a huge part of that.”
Foster plans to study kinesiology and enroll in Physical Therapy school in Lake Charles, La. She added that she is excited for her senior season.
“I want to be able to make an impact,” Foster said. “I want to be able to set an example of what hard work and dedication should look like in sports.”
McNeese head coach James Landreneau on Foster: “Morgan possesses the dynamic skills that will allow her to contribute behind the plate and in the outfield with her range.”
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Louisiana Tech women’s basketball head coach Brooke Stoehr announced the addition of two student-athletes to the Lady Techsters program during the early signing period Friday morning.
LA Tech added prep guard Jayden Terry (Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville HS) and forward Hillary Dawson (Malakoff, Texas/Malakoff HS).
Terry, a 5-9 Gainesville, Florida product, reached the 1,000-point plateau during her sophomore season.
“Jayden is an explosive guard who can attack to score as well as create for others. She is a selfless teammate and will be a great fit with our backcourt. She has the ability to play in the open court and in transition. Jayden is a consistent threat from 3-point range. She uses her instincts and quickness to be disruptive defensively and can create scoring opportunities with her intensity. We are excited to welcome Jayden to the Lady Techsters family.”
After scoring 754 during her freshman season, Terry averaged 14.2 ppg and 1.4 assists during her sophomore season. She followed that up with 15.8 points and 1.3 rebounds per contest during her junior year, earning First Team All-Area. She plays AAU for the East Coast United P24.
“I chose LA Tech because of how determined and welcoming the staff and players were throughout my entire recruitment process. It has been a journey, but after my visit to LA Tech, it was clear that becoming a Lady Techster was the right choice for me.”
Dawson is a 6-3 forward has compiled an 84-22 record in her three seasons at Malakoff High School.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hillary to the Lady Techsters family. Hillary is a talented and versatile forward who plays with an extremely high motor. She has the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor with her shot blocking ability and is a great competitor. Hillary has face up game and can be explosive to the rim as well as score with her back to the basket. She pursues the ball and will rebound out of her area. Hillary will be a great teammate in the locker room and is a great fit for Ruston and Louisiana Tech.”
Dawson has scored over 2,000 points in her career and is coming off a junior campaign that saw her average a double-double with 26.6 points and 13.3 boards a game. She was selected to the TGCA All-Star Game and was named to the TABC All-State, All-Region, and TGCA All-State teams.
The 2023-24 District 18-3A Offensive Player of the Year also earned Academic All-District honors last season. She plays AAU for Team Lex 3SSB.
“I chose LA Tech because of the family atmosphere, how much I felt welcomed, and the Lady Techsters tradition of greatness. The personability of the players and coaches played a major part in my decision!”
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RUSTON — Two of the winningest programs in NCAA history meet on the hardwood on Saturday. Louisiana Tech and Stephen F. Austin tipoff at 7 p.m. inside William R. Johnson Coliseum on ESPN+.
Louisiana Tech started 3-0 for the second time in three seasons after beating UT Arlington 71-60. The Lady Techsters held the Mavericks to 25 points in the second half and started to pull away in the middle of the third.
Freshman Jordan Marshall continued her hot start to the season. The Arkansas native became the first freshman since 2014 to score 20 points in a game since Jaquan Jackson. She also recorded her third straight double-figure scoring output to start her career, the first time a Tech freshman accomplished that feat since Tamicha Jackson did it in seven consecutive games in 1996. Those accomplishments led her to earn Conference USA Freshman of the Week.
Robyn Lee had her second consecutive 18-point output. Lee is third on the team with averages of 14.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. The grad student has seen her production increase each year in Ruston.
Isla Airey recorded the first double-double of the season for the Lady Techsters. Airey scored 14 points and grabbed 12 boards. She is second on the team with 8.0 rebounds a contest. The Australian leads CUSA and ranks 37th in the nation with seven total blocks and 2.3 per contest.
Stephen F. Austin is off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2021-22 after beating Texas Southern and Abilene Christian. The Ladyjacks erased a 15-point second-half deficit to beat the Wildcats 68-65.
Avery VanSickle led the way with 23 points, including four three-pointers. For the season, VanSickle is averaging a team-best 20 points and chips in 4 rebounds a game.
SFA has four other players averaging in double figures. Ashly Traylor-Walker is second on the team with 14.5, followed by Faith Blackstone at 12.0, Kay Roseby at 10.5, and Trinity Moore at 10.0.
Everyone on the Ladyjacks hit the glass hard, with all eight players registering over three rebounds a game. Roseby leads the way with 7.5 per contest.
Funeral services for Esther Laurene Brister, 86, of Choudrant, La, will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, November 17, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Choudrant, LA. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Officiating the service will be Rev. Gil Arthur. Interment will follow at Longstraw Cemetery in Choudrant, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston.
Laurene was born October 25, 1938, and went to be with her Heavenly Father, surrounded by her family, on November 13, 2024, following a lengthy illness.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bobby C. Brister: parents, Shady and Erma Lee Pesnell; brothers Edroe and wife Betty Marie Pesnell, Harold Pesnell, Bill and wife Christine Pesnell, and Claude Pesnell; one great grandson, Lincoln Thomas Brister.
She is survived by sons Randy Brister and wife Debbie of Ruston, LA, Larry Brister of Choudrant, LA, and Steve Brister and wife Jennifer of Choudrant, LA; six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
She was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church of Choudrant, LA. She was a homemaker at heart but did have a 20-year career with the Lincoln Parish Schoolboard. She loved LA. Tech girls’ basketball and Choudrant High School baseball.
Pallbearers will be Jacob Brister, Lee Brister, T.J. Brister, Clay Brister, Colby Brister and Nathan Colvin.
Special Thanks to all the private sitters and medical staff for all the great care they provided our mother during her illness.
Ronny Walker has no plans of hanging it up anytime soon.
The Ruston mayor confirmed on Thursday afternoon that he plans to run for re-election in 2026.
“In order to put out any rumors, I am definitely going to run again,” said Walker. “That question has been asked. So I am planning on running again in two years. Hopefully, we will finish a lot of the projects that we have planned. We have (projects) planned all the way out through 2027, 2028.”
Walker, who is 73 years old, would turn 79 when he finished his fourth term if re-elected in 2026.
The Meridian, Mississippi, native was elected in 2014 and re-elected in both 2018 and 2022. He is currently in his 10th year in the position and if re-elected in 2026, would finish with 16 years in office.
Walker’s predecessor Dan Hollingsworth also served four terms before retiring from office.
“I want to make this clear so people who want to run in five years or six years have time to prepare,” said Walker, who ran unopposed in the last election. “I have been asked by a lot of people and (my staff) has been asked so I just wanted to go ahead (make it public).”
During Walker’s tenure as mayor, the city of Ruston has seen significant economic growth and infrastructure improvements with more on the way in the very near future.
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It’s been almost two years since the City of Ruston and officials from Buc-ee’s announced that the widely popular travel center was coming to Lincoln Parish.
And although progress has been slow due to traffic studies and the normal Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) requirements, Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said again on Thursday that it is going to be a reality.
“The City of Ruston will be spending somewhere between $8 and $10 million on infrastructure work as far as roads,” said Walker. “And I’m really referring to redoing the existing Tarbutton (Road) Interchange; things like that. Not the interior roads of Buc-ee’s. They will do that.
“Really anything that has to do with the Tarbutton (Road) Interchange. That’s the Tarbutton Road itself and all four exits and entrances and the bridge itself. The bridge will increase from a three-lane to a five-lane bridge.”
Walker referred to the City passing a $15 million bond earlier in 2024 that would pay for this.
“We didn’t know how much this was going to cost so we said $15 million just to be sure,” said Walker. “But we will also have some expenses for water, sewer and electricity. So the $15 million gave us room for all of the infrastructure that has to go into this.
Walker said the bond would be paid through the Tax Incremental District (TID).
“That fund makes it so easy for us to do (these types of projects) along the interstate,” said Walker.
He said the City would bid out that “package” sometime in the month of December with the expectation that the bids would come back in January. The City would then award the project to the lowest bidder in the February City Council meeting.
“They should start working in March,” said Walker. “That is what the hope would be, but we have no control over that.”
So when will construction of Buc-ee’s start?
“We just had an incredibly good conversation with (Sam Beard and Buc-ee’s) today,” said Walker. “We have basically been working on this for 20 months. I was personally getting a little worried are they hanging in there with us?
“They called today to touch base. They said, ‘We heard you were about to start the infrastructure piece.’ I said, ‘Yes, I just want to make sure you guys are still on board 150 percent?’ They said, ‘Absolutely.'”
Although he said he wasn’t 100 percent sure, Walker estimated that the groundbreaking for Buc-ee’s would be in the first quarter of 2025 as well.
“No doubt (they won’t open) until 2026 because it takes 12 to 15 months to build it,” said Walker. “So I think our hope of (it opening in 2025) is more like the second quarter of 2026. That is strictly me speculating.”
Walker said they are still waiting on the DOTD to say they fully approve the plans for the building and the roads and construction can begin.
“We are somewhat building at risk,” said Walker. “That was the reason my discussion with Buc-ee’s was so important today. Buc-ee’s is committed. The City of Ruston is committed. The DOTD has said that it will all be approved, but we don’t have the letter in front of us. So yes, we are somewhat building at risk.
“Everything is on go. We are simply finishing the final stages of the DOTD requirements.”
There are currently plans in the work for two Buc-ee’s to be built in the state of Louisiana as Lafayette will be home to the second.
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(From L to R): Lila Marlette (freshman), Addison Worley (sophomore), Kamryn Green (junior), Briley McGuire (junior), Bailey Grace Weaver (senior), Kylie Willis (senior), Zoey Smith (senior), Faith Milton (senior), Tameyia Moore (senior), Emma Boggs (senior), Alyssa Bell (junior), Sadie Jones (junior), Lydia Dickerson (sophomore), Kaia Robinson (freshman)
Courtesy of Choudrant High School
Freshman Maid is Miss Lila Marlette. Lila is the daughter of Michelle and Andy Marlette. Lila has been a part of the Lady Aggie Basketball Team for two years. She has also been a part of the Track and Field team for three years. Lila has been a member of FCA for three years. She is also a member of the FACS and FFA club for one year each.
Freshman Maid is Miss Kaia Robinson. Kaia is the daughter of Nikki Pennington. Kaia has been a member of the Blue Angels Dance Team for the past two years, where she was awarded Outstanding Performer and American All-Star. She was also a member of Junior High Beta for two years, where she served as Vice President. Kaia has been a member of FCA for two years, as well as a member of FFA and FACS for one year.
Sophomore maid is Miss Lydia Dickerson. Lydia is the daughter of Steve and Marcia Dickerson. Lydia has been a member of the Choudrant Tennis Team for three years, where she was awarded the Aggie Award and the Rising Star Award. She has been on the Lady Aggie Softball Team for two years. Lydia has also been a member of Beta Club and FBLA for two years. She has been on the Student Council for one year. Lydia is also involved in the Talented Art Program at Choudrant for the past four years.
Sophomore maid is Miss Addison Worley. Addison is the daughter of Jonathan and Brittany Worley. She has been on the Softball Team for the last four years, where she has been selected for All District for two years and been awarded the Lady Aggie Softball Award in 2023. Addison has been a member of FCS for one year and FFA for the past two years. She has also served as a member of Beta Club for two years.
Junior Maid is Miss Alyssa Bell. Alyssa is the daughter of Leane and Shane Bell. Alyssa has been a part of the Lady Aggie Basketball Team for the last three years, where she has been named JV Defensive MVP, JV Lady Aggie Award, and is currently the Co-Captain for the 2024-2025 season. She has also been on the Track and Field Team for three years and was awarded the Most Improved in 2023. Alyssa has been a member of Beta Club for three years, as well as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years. Alyssa is also a member of the New Hope Baptist Church Youth Group.
Junior maid is Miss Kamryn Green. Kamryn is the daughter of Dionate Green and Shirmyra Metoyer. Kamryn has been a part of the Cheer Team for the past three years. She has also been a member of the Beta club for one year. Kamryn is also a member of FBLA for one year. Kamryn is also an active member of the Saint Rest Baptist Church, where she works in the Children’s Church Ministry.
Junior Maid is Miss Sadie Jones. Sadie is the daughter of Chris and Mindy Jones. Sadie has been a part of the Lady Aggie Basketball Team for three years, where she has been named Honorable Mention All-District and First Team All-District. She has also been on the Track and Field Team for three years. Sadie has been involved in Student Council and Beta for the past three years. She is also a member of the Interact Club.
Junior Maid is Miss Briley McGurie. Briley is the daughter of Amy and Stuart McGuire. Briley has been a part of the Lady Aggie Basketball team for three years, earning District Champions. She has also been on the Lady Aggie Softball Team for three years, where she played on the State Semi-Finalist Team. Briley has been a member of both Beta Club and FBLA for three years, as well as on Yearbook for two years. She has been a member of Aggie Ambassadors, Student Council, and the Interact Club for one year.
Senior Maid is Miss Emma Boggs. Emma is the daughter of Joey and Cindy Boggs. Emma has been a part of the Lady Aggie Softball Team for the past two years, where she was named All-District, an All-State Pitcher and an All-State Outfielder. Emma has also been awarded the Lady Aggie Award. She has been a member of the National Honors Society for four years. Emma is also involved in the FACTS Club and the Interact Club both for one year.
Senior Maid is Miss Faith Milton. Faith is the daughter of Stephanie and Ronnie Whitten and Brandon Milton. Faith has been a part of the Lady Aggie Softball Team for four years, where she has been awarded the Lady Aggie Award and the Best Teammate Award. She has also enjoyed working with Buddy Ball through her time with Softball. Faith has been involved in Student Council for the past four years, where she currently serves as Vice President. She has also been a member of the FACS Club, Beta Club, and the Aggie Ambassadors for four years. In addition, Faith is also a member of the Interact Club for two years. She has been with the Ruston Dixie Softball League for 12 years, where she is now a volunteer for the organization. Faith is a member of Cook Baptist Church, where she works in the Children’s Ministry and has served on Mission Trips in Guatemala for two years.
Senior Maid is Miss Tameyia Moore. Tameyia is the daughter of Wyneeshia and Tommie Moore. Tameyia has been on the Track and Field Team for three years, where she was a part of the 2024 Girls District Champion Team. She was also awarded the Most Improved in Track. Tameyia has been a member of the Interact Club and FFA for two years. She has also been a member of FBLA for one year. Tameyia is an active member of the Student Council.
Senior Maid is Miss Zoey Smith. Zoey is the daughter of Jennifer Grafton and the late Brad Smith. Zoey has been on the Lady Aggie Softball Team for six years, of which four years have been on Varsity. She has been on the All-District Team for four years, All-State Team for four years, named the Team MVP for four years and District MVP for one year. Zoey has also been on the Lady Aggie Basketball Team for four years, three of which were on the Varsity Team. She was named District Honorable Mention and was selected as Captain by her teammates this season. Zoey has also been on the Cheer Team for the past two years, where she was awarded All-American and the Spirit Award. She has been a member of Beta for six years and FACs Club for three years. She has also been involved in Student Council for two years. Zoey is a dedicated volunteer of the Night to Shine Organization. Zoey is a member of Christ Church. She plans to attend LSUE to further her softball career and major in Kinesiology.
Senior Maid is Miss Bailey Grace Weaver. Bailey Grace is the daughter of Chris and Holly Weaver. Bailey Grace has been a part of the Lady Aggie Softball Team for the past six years, where she was named All-District her Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior years. She was also named the Lady Aggie Award during her 8th Grade year. Bailey Grace has also been on the Cheer Team for two years, where she has been awarded the Leadership Award and currently serves as the Captain. She has been involved in Student Council for five years and currently serves as a Member at Large. Bailey Grace has also been a part of Beta Club for three years, Aggie Ambassadors for two years, and the Choir for one year. She was awarded the Honesty and Integrity Award from the Masons her Junior year.
Senior Maid is Miss. Kylie Willis. Kylie is the daughter of Laura and Ben Willis. Kylie has been on the Lady Aggie Softball Team for four years, where she has been awarded the Dedication Award and Most Approved Award. She was a part of the 2023 Semi-Finalist Team and was named 1st Team All-District in 2024. Kylie has also helped with Buddy Ball for the past six years. She has been on the Cheer Team for the past two years and Track Team for one year. Kylie has been in Beta Club for the last three years, as well as serving on Student Council for five years where she currently serves as the Officer of Communications. Kylie has also been a member of FBLA and Choir both for one year.
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The Lincoln Parish Journal is providing our local schools with an opportunity to submit nuggets from what’s going on at their respective schools in order to get more information out on their students, faculty and staff. The information below comes directly from those schools. Any school wishing to provide content each week can email to flynnhl@warhawks.ulm.edu
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High Schools
Ruston High School
It’s another busy week in Bearcat Nation! Registration for Ruston Softball’s annual Co-ed Pitch Tournament (held on 12/7) is now open! Registration of your team can be done online, through a softball girl. There will be meals available for purchase at the tournament as well as a split the pot cash prize for the winning team.
Tomorrow (11/16), the Freshman and JV Girls’ Basketball will compete at Caroll in a tournament!
Bearcat Soccer will take on Minden at home, Monday (11/18); the girls play at 6:00 pm, and the boys at 7:30! Tuesday (11/19), the boys will play Sterlington at home; Varsity will play at 5:30 pm, and JV will play at 7:15! Thursday (11/21), both the boys and girls will play Parkway at their campus; the girls will play at 5:30 pm, and the boys will play at 7:15 pm!
Our teacher of the week is Mrs. Shaw! Mrs. Shaw has been teaching for 20 years, and is teaching her first year at RHS! She teaches Intro to Business Computer Applications and is the FBLA advisor! Thank you for all you do Ms. Shaw!
Elementary Schools
A.E. Phillips
On October 25th, our Bullpups decked out in PINK to raise money for Wiggin Out. Each student was given the chance to dress in pink for any donation amount. We are thankful that our teachers and students worked together to raise $900 for this great organization. *Pictured are fifth graders who participated in Pink Out day
We celebrated Red Ribbon Week October 28th-November 1st. Each day students were allowed to dress in themed clothing and on Friday we had our annual Book Character Parade!
On November 7th National Junior Honor Society Inductions were held. This year there were fourteen new inductees. We are proud of the hard work put in by these students.
New inductees: (Back row) Carter Allen, Jett Jones, Cate Davison, Savannah Foster, Hallie Hogan, AJ Johnson, Andrew King, Ella Morse, John Henry Nugent, Van Stake, Kaejha Stewart, Aubrey Summersgill, Hannah Walker, and Mae Watson.
Returning Members: (Front Row) Anna Kate Poe, Nyah Metoyer, Molly Madden, Reeves Kilpatrick, Nolan Hogan, Ava Good, Kade Cripps, McKenna Brown, Brady Berg, Caleb Barber, Makaylan Walker, Maryam Wasiuddim, and Preston Whitman
Choudrant
Last week we celebrated the student’s who meet their behavior goal for the first nine weeks with Popsicles on the Playground. Choudrant High School Student Ambassadors came and joined in the fun.
Kindergarten performed a spectacular performance honoring the veterans during the Verteran’s Day Program at Douglas Church.
Upcoming Events:
November 19-Field Day
November 21- Thanksgiving Lunch for grades K, 2nd, and 5th
November 25-29 – Thanksgiving Break
Cross Country
The Choudrant Elementary Cross Country Team held a Team Awards Banquet on Sunday, November 3rd. Each division of teams awarded every runner with a certificate stating their best time of the season! Individual runners were also chosen by coaches for specific awards based on their effort and performance throughout the 2024 season. The individual awards are as follows:
K – 2nd Girls:
Rising Stars: Sadie Hancock and Evelyn Aycock
Dependable: Parker Rollinson
Golden Attitude: Harper Serpas and Ellanor Payne
Aggie Tough: Lainey Baker and Annelise Waits
Most Improved: Abigail Garner, Elenna Rogers, and Sophia Cervantes
Team MVP!: Livvy Baker
K – 2nd Boys:
Rising Stars: Jayce Pyle, Grayson Haddox, and Jameson Pierce
Dependable: Elijah Juneau and Tucker Smith
Golden Attitude: Ben Rinehart and Daryl Collinsworth
Aggie Tough: Nicholas Warrick
Most Improved: Landis Juneau, Toxey Taylor, and Noah White
Team MVP!: William Bueso
3rd – 4th Girls:
Rising Stars: Jordyn Bradley
Dependable: Ally Kate Lyles and Kynlee Pyle
Golden Attitude: Anna Edmiston, Layleigh Upshaw, and Caroline Wise
Aggie Tough: Emma Smith and Amelie Hebert
Most Improved: Laila Cauley and Skylar Day
Team MVP!: Lakynn Roberson
3rd – 4th Boys:
Rising Stars: Teague Block
Dependable: Tommy Warrick
Golden Attitude: Jacob Jones
Aggie Tough: Tommy Warrick and Hayden Haddox
Most Improved: Abel Simpson
Team MVP!:Briggs Holloway
5th Girls:
Rising Stars: Caroline Craig
Dependable: Olivia Smith
Golden Attitude: Alaya Dubose and Julie Brown
Aggie Tough: Savannah Patterson
Most Improved: June Cavin, Mia Silas, and Bella Gaines
Team MVP!: Elouise Aycock
5th Boys:
Rising Stars: Levi Hancock
Dependable: Tristan Case
Golden Attitude: Brody Jemerson
Aggie Tough: Gray Williams
Most Improved: Blake Dison and Khalil Green
Team MVP!: Tucker Rinehart
We are so proud of our Lil Aggie runners and all they accomplished this season. We already can’t wait for next year!
We love participating in the Special Olympics. This is one day everyone looks forward to.
Choudrant High School showed their love by wearing pink to donate money to Wiggin Out supporting breast cancer awareness.
Cypress Springs
CSE celebrated National STEM Day on November 8th. Grambling State University came to our school to help us celebrate this special day! The students extracted DNA from strawberries, made lava lamps, and slime. It was a fun time had by all!
I.A. Lewis
For All Ram Kind students enjoyed a day at Seeker Springs tackling their high ropes challenge course! This was the culminating event of a 6 week program students participated in called Team Up! We are very grateful to Seeker Springs & The Lincoln Health Foundation for making this opportunity possible!
The I A Lewis Rams Girls and Boys Basketball team will be hosting MLK Jr Middle school’s 7th grade on Thursday Nov 21.
The IA Lewis library hosted our annual book fair this week! Parents attended a family night on Thursday, November 14th where they were able to visit the book fair & experience hands on learning with their student in each core subject area. Our school counselor spent time talking with parents about the changing emotional needs and development of middle schoolers.
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The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a woman for drug possession after she will stop for traffic violation near Ruston last week.
Candice L. Baxter, 35, of Ruston, was stopped for a vehicle lighting violation about 1 a.m. last Thursday. During the course of the investigation, a deputy searched the vehicle and found a clear plastic baggie containing methamphetamine in Baxter‘s purse. Baxter admitted possession of the methamphetamine.
A records check indicated Baxter was wanted for failure to appear in Ruston City Court on a no seatbelt charge.
The deputy determined the license plate on the vehicle had been switched. Baxter was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, improper lights, switched license plate, and the city court warrant.
Bail was set at $9,500.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Grambling’s top quarterback, Myles Crawley, returned from injury Thursday night but couldn’t spark the Tigers to much production after halftime at Alabama A&M.
By T. SCOTT BOATRIGHT, Lincoln Parish Journal
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — It was a replay the Grambling State University football team didn’t want to see.
Alabama A&M scored 19 unanswered points in the second half Thursday night as the Bulldogs rallied past Grambling State 22-17 at Louis Crews Stadium.
It was hardly the first time this season the Tigers had a Southwestern Athletic Conference opponent rally in the second half to pull off a win over Grambling.
For the third time this season in conference play, Grambling saw a halftime advantage evaporate in the final 30 minutes.
The loss dropped Grambling to 5-6 overall and 2-5 in the SWAC.
Showing how frustratingly close the Tigers have been to being one of the top contenders in the league, Grambling has lost five conference games by a combined total of 19 points.
That averages to be 3.8 points per game in those five losses.
Against Alabama A&M, No. 1 quarterback Myles Crawley returned to the field for the first time in nearly two games — since he was injured early during GSU’s Oct. 26 contest at Texas Southern — and guided the Tigers to a 17-6 halftime advantage.
Grambling opened scoring with a 23-yard field goal by Reed Harradine at the 8:31 mark of the opening stanza before Alabama A&M countered with a 45-yard FG by Victor Barbosa less than two minutes later.
The Tigers regained their lead on a 30-yard scoop and score by linebacker Andrew Jones 2:54 into the second quarter before pushing the advantage to 17-3 on a 10-yard scoring strike from Crawley to JR Waters with 7:24 remaining in the second quarter.
Barbosa booted a 38-yard field goal as time expired in the half to cut Grambling’s lead to 17-6 at intermission.
The second half was all Alabama A&M.
A fumble early in the second half set up the Bulldogs at the Grambling 34-yard line, and on the next play Alabama A&M quarterback Cornelious Brown connected with Keenan Hambrick on a 34-yard touchdown pass to cut GSU’s lead to 17-14 only 1:14 into the third quarter.
Alabama A&M tied things up with 7:04 left in the stanza on a 44-yard field goal by Barbosa before moving on top 19-14 with 46 seconds left in the period after a bad snap on a fourth down at the GSU 24-yard line sailed over the punter’s head all the way back into the end zone before the Tigers pounced to hold the Bulldogs to a safety.
The Bulldogs’ final score came with 7:30 remaining in the contest on a 19-yard Barbosa field goal.
After that, GSU drove only as deep as the Alabama A&M 47-yard line before the final horn sounded.
Defensively, Jones led Grambling with 15 tackles on the night while Jamal Jordan added 11.
Crawley completed 12-of-27 passes for 169 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Grambling closes out the 2024 season when the Tigers take on Southern on Nov. 30 in the Bayou Classic at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
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