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One of Sandy’s daily tasks was to retrieve his mail from post office box number 510 at the Visalia Post Office.  It was a task that had become so routine that he performed it without much thought.  It was just one of the routine details of his daily life such as putting on his shoes and grabbing his car keys.  Soon after the election, Sandy decided to leave Visalia, California and move to Baxter Springs, Kansas to be near his parents and siblings.  In the chaos of moving, Sandy forgot to return his post office box key.  It remained on his keyring.  Sandy was still getting things settled in Baxter Springs when a local hotel manager resigned and moved to another town.  The hotel owner offered Sandy the hotel manager position and he quickly accepted.  Sandy had not set up his new address in Baxter Springs when he was hired for his new job.  When he visited the post office, he requested the same post office box which had been used by the previous manager just in case any mail intended for the hotel was delivered to that box.  After completing the necessary paperwork, the postal clerk gave Sandy the box key.  Stamped on one side of the key was the post office box number.  Sandy was surprised when he looked at the key and saw it stamped with the number 510.  Sandy had the same post office box number in Baxter Springs that he had in Visalia some 1650 miles to the west.

Sandy shrugged off the coincidence.  He made sure the new key worked, retrieved a few pieces of mail from the box, then put the key on his key ring with little thought.  Nearly two years went by, and checking his mailbox at the Baxter Springs Post Office became just another item on his daily routine.  Then in August 1969, Sandy pulled out his keyring and opened box number 510.  He retrieved the mail and was in the process of locking his post office box when he noticed that another key on his key ring was stamped “510.”  That is when he finally realized that he had forgotten to return his key to the Visalia Post Office.  Then, he wondered which of the two keys he had been using for nearly two years to get his mail.  Other than normal wear, the keys were practically identical.  Sandy tried both keys in each of the mailboxes in the Baxter Springs Post Office.  Although they would not open any other box at that post office, both keys opened post office box number 510.           

Sources:

1.     The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas), August 25, 1969, p.5.

2.     The Daily Item (Port Chester, New York), October 1, 1969, p.8.

3.     “Lowell Sandy Robinson,” FindAGrave.com, accessed March 1, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28198671/lowell-sandy-robinson.

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

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Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com. 

Friday, March 13
6-9 p.m.: Beer Crawl (Downtown Ruston)
6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
6 p.m.: LA Tech softball

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Saturday, March 14
8 a.m. to noon: Friends of the Library Community Garage Sale (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
8:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
10 a.m. to noon: Pictures with the Easter Bunny (Lincoln Parish Library)
2 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
2 p.m.: LA Tech softball

Sunday, March 15
11 a.m.: LA Tech baseball
11 a.m.: LA Tech softball
2 p.m.: Springhill Baptist Church celebration of 5th Pastoral Anniversary (727 D. Store Rd., Simsboro)

Monday, March 16
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)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)

Tuesday, March 17
10 a.m.: Storytime (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m. Crafternoon (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-led exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball

Wednesday, March 18
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)

Thursday, March 19
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4 p.m.: Tween Time (Lincoln Parish Library) 
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal courtesy of Halff Associates and 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry to be served at St. Benedict Church on Main Street in Grambling. All are welcome.
5 p.m.: Library Board of Control Meeting (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Teen Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
6:30 p.m.: Books and Bites Book Club (Lincoln Parish Library; registration required by calling 318-513-5510)

Friday, March 20
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Friends of the Library Children’s Books and Puzzle Sale (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: GSU baseball

Saturday, March 21
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Missions Market 2026; Concord/Union Baptist Association Women on Mission craft and bake sale (Temple Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 1515 S. Service Rd. W., Ruston)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Friends of the Library Children’s Books and Puzzle Sale (Lincoln Parish Library)
2-3 p.m.: Tween and Teen Writer Workshop (Lincoln Parish Library)
3 p.m.: GSU baseball

Sunday, March 22
1 p.m.: GSU baseball

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

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by Malcolm Butler

AJ Bates is playing his best basketball at the right time.

And so are his Louisiana Tech Bulldog teammates.

Bates scored 29 points, DJ Dudley added 16 and Avery Thomas 15 as the No. 4 seed Bulldogs led from coast-to-coast Thursday night in defeating No. 5 seed Middle Tennessee 80-69 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Conference USA Championships inside VBC Propst Arena.

Bates, who scored a career-high one week ago in a road win over Liberty, also added six assists and a career-high six steals while playing all 40 minutes.

It’s no coincidence that during this run by Bates, the Bulldogs have also won three straight road or neutral site games. Tech was 2-10 away from the friendly confines of the Thomas Assembly Center prior to the three wins over the last eight days. 

“It comes from work,” said Bates. “Every day in practice, coach challenges us to be the best version of ourselves. We have had trouble not giving our full effort. We trusted each other. Our defense communicated well, rotated well. We had some lapses where we got lost, but we trusted each other.”

There weren’t too many lapses.

Tech, which split the two regular season games against Middle Tennessee — including an 88-51 loss at Murfreesboro on January, has peaked at the right time, and is now only two wins away from snapping a NCAA Tournament drought of more than 30 years. 

The Bulldogs 59-58 win over the Blue Raiders on January 14 in Ruston included rallying from a 20-point first half deficit. Tech head coach Talvin Hester said his team is in a completely different place two months later.

“We were a different team back in January when we last played Middle Tennessee,” said Hester. “We were still searching for our identity. We were not as good defensively. When we came back from that 20-point deficit, from then on, we changed. We made a commitment to the defensive end of the floor.”

On Thursday night, Bates and Co. beat the Blue Raiders at their own game: three-point shooting.

Middle Tennessee hit a program record 22 three-pointers against LA Tech in the 37-point win at home in early January. Tech, on the other hand, was just 5-of-30 from beyond the arc in those two match-ups.

Not this time.

The Bulldogs hit 9-of-16 three-pointers, including three each by Bates and Thomas and two more from Dudley, while Middle Tennessee hit 10 on 27 tries. Tech hit 7-of-10 in the opening 20 minutes in building a 38-24 halftime lead.

And although Middle Tennessee closed the deficit to 56-52 with eight minutes to play, the Bulldogs had an answer. 

“Attitude and effort,” said Thomas. “Coach preaches it every day. If our attitudes are right and we play as a team, even when Middle Tennessee went on a run, we stuck together. We kept playing hard.”

Kaden Cooper, who electrified the crowd in the first half with a spectacular dunk, scored five straight points, including a three-pointer, and Will Allen added a bucket to help the Bulldogs push the lead back out to 63-53 with 5 minutes to play. 

Middle Tennessee would get no closer than seven the rest of the way.

“I am proud of this team,” said Hester. “We talked about way back in July to prepare ourselves to play our best basketball in February and March. There are very few times that I have coached that I have seen a team progressing month after month to play their best basketball now.

“We have done it through ups and downs. Our guys stuck together. Sometimes you get to March, and players really do not want to be there. This team was excited to play in this game. I think that played a part in the outcome. We are playing some good basketball right now.”

During Tech’s three-game winning streak — it’s longest of the season — the Bulldogs have never trailed at any point in any of the games. 

The Bulldogs advance to their first semifinal appearance since 2022 and will face No. 9 seed Missouri State Friday at 11:30 a.m. The Bears upset regular season champion Liberty on Wednesday.

 

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By JJ Sledge

 

The sounds of spring are slowly filling the air in Louisiana: insects buzzing past your head, the occasional rumble of thunder, and the all too familiar ding of a metal bat connecting with a cowhide covered baseball.

Which coincidentally means that we are well underway into the 2026 Louisiana Tech Baseball season.

After Tuesday night’s game against Lamar, the Diamond Dogs sit at 10-8.

Are there games Tech should have won? I would say yes, and many might agree with me. Tech had its opportunities in both the Friday and Sunday games against Southern Miss, who is better than anyone realized. Arkansas State stunned Tech and shocked many by splitting with the Razorbacks a week earlier in a series the Wolves could have swept. But having three consecutive series against future Sun Belt conference opponents simply proved what it will take to be successful moving forward.

Is there some cause for concern? Maybe. But there is no need for full blown panic.

Tech has been in storms before and weathered them fine. I talked with former Tech closer Kyle Crigger before a recent game, and he reminded me that the 2022 C-USA Championship team he was on had a couple of rounds of struggles during that season in which they eventually won 43 games and made a regional. He also said this team is more talented than that 2022 team that had the likes of Taylor Young, Steele Netterville, Cade Gibson, and many more names Bulldog fans knew well.

And as Tech enters conference play, C-USA is more open than ever. Teams expected to be front runners have had struggles out of the gate, while teams that have been mid-pack in recent years currently lead the conference. It just proves the point that baseball is the greatest equalizer in college sports. Which has been more than evident across all conferences over the past month.

All that said, there were plenty of bright spots during the first month.

Two freshmen, Thomas Allen and Casey McCoy, have stepped up to the plate and done surprisingly well. Allen has struck out over 40% of batters he has faced. And he has faced some incredibly stressful situations, including finishing the Sunday game against South Alabama for his first career save. McCoy has started 17 of 18 games and is currently third among starters in batting average. Even more impressive is how well he’s played as a true freshman at second base, and seeing how he is learning and limiting his mistakes as the season progresses.

Sophomores Brooks Roberson and Trey Hawsey are rounding back into the form that put them on all-conference teams a year ago. Hawsey’s bat has come alive in recent weeks, while Roberson is currently leading starting pitchers with a 2.21 era. Graduate transfer Colby Lunsford shot out of the gate and was second overall in the nation hitting after the first weekend. He still leads the team in batting average and has started every game at third base. And we cannot forget Cade Patterson’s program tying two grand slams in the first game of the season.

There is a quote from the movie “The Dark Knight” that says “The night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you, the dawn is coming.” Ernest Hemingway wrote something similar, “Night is always darker before the dawn and life is the same, the hard times will pass, everything will get better and sun will shine brighter than ever.”

And that is how I feel about this 2026 Tech baseball team. Yes, they have had their struggles early on. But this team is loaded with talent from top to bottom. We saw that during the fall ball season, and we have seen glimpses of it at times this spring.

When this team finally clicks, it is going to be something special.

So, I ask everyone to be patient. Things are going to get better. And when they do, buckle up because it is going to be a fun ride.

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There will be a visitation at 1:00 PM and service at 2:00 PM for Carol Colvin Hilton on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston. Dr. Steven Pettey will be officiating. Burial to follow in Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, P.B. and Nell Colvin; daughter, Alicia Hilton Bell; brother, Mark Colvin; and sister-in-law, Goldie Colvin.

She is survived by her son, Max Hilton (Kelly); granddaughter, Shaelyn Fowler (Taylor); great-grandsons: Kai, Sorin, and Hawthorne; grandson, Skye Kneble; sisters, Leska Nelson (Roy), and Joy Page (George); and many dearly loved nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Alma Carol Colvin, Carol was born September 19, 1946, firstborn baby of P.B. and Nell Colvin of Ruston, Louisiana. They lived right next door to grandparents, Press and Myrtle Colvin. Carol learned cooking and sewing from Grandma Myrtle as well as gardening and caring for the chickens they kept. From her maternal grandmother, “Mama Turner,” Carol learned to fish. She would recall going out in the boat early and staying all day and being very quiet, lest the fish not bite.

Carol attended Many Elementary School and graduated from Many High where she was a member of the majorettes. She attended Northwestern, LA Tech, and graduated later in life from University of Texas. She married in 1967 and had two precious children, Alicia and Max.

Playing the piano was a favorite hobby of Carol’s, along with painting and sewing. She loved to paint with oils and her art was usually of beautiful landscapes and the old barns she would photograph because they were “so paintable.” She crocheted many afghans for family and made beautiful things on her sewing machine.

Her greatest earthly love was being Mom to Alicia and Max. Her children were her heart. Carol loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her well-worn Bible with notes and prayers are a testament to the time she spent in the Word. She met life and life’s obstacles with grit and determination. Whatever the outcome, whatever the results, success or failure, she held to her belief in salvation through Christ Jesus and the assurance of an eternity in Heaven to follow this life.

Living independently much longer than she was really able to, and following a fall in her home, resulting in multiple surgeries, her determination softened. Her protective shell cracked and fell away. The sweetness that flowed out of her during her last weeks was a precious gift and a testament to God’s perfect love and his perfect timing. We will miss her now, but we will see her again.

 

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Clarice Whittaker 
Saturday 08/10/1929 — Monday 03/02/2026  
Visitation: Friday 03/13/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Celebration of Life: Saturday 03/14/2026 11:00am, Lewis Temple C. M. E. Church, 301 Main Street, Grambling 
Interment: Saturday 03/14/2026 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling 

Carol Hilton  
September 19, 1946 – March 8, 2026  
Visitation: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel  
Funeral Service: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel  
Cemetery Committal: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 3:30 PM, Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens, 1270 HWY 544, Ruston 

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Courtesy of LA Tech University 

Four partners within Louisiana Tech’s Innovation Enterprise — Archem, BetaFlix, Small Business Consulting Corporation (SBCC), and Stephenson Stellar Corporation — were awarded contracts for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) program.

With a ceiling of $151 billion, the SHIELD IDIQ contract vehicle positions the companies to compete for and access funding to execute mission-critical projects that advance U.S. missile defense capabilities.

“We’re incredibly proud and excited for our Innovation Enterprise partners and the momentum these IDIQ contracts bring to the future of defense technology in our region and beyond,” said Louisiana Tech’s Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Donna Gallacher. “This achievement reflects the unity and strength of North Louisiana’s defense and technology sectors.”

MDA’s SHIELD IDIQ enables the acquisition of services that support developing, testing, fielding, and sustaining the U.S. missile defense system through a flexible contracting mechanism. Its scope covers 19 technical and engineering activities designed to support missile defense or related applications, including cybersecurity, research and development, IT, and more. For the selected Innovation Enterprise partners, the IDIQ program aligns with their collaborative research and technology development efforts.

“BetaFlix is honored by the confidence demonstrated through the award of an IDIQ contract. Our team has deep experience in digital engineering and AI systems integration — areas that are critical to modern defense solutions,” said Dr. Sree Sanakam, BetaFlix’s chief operating officer. “What really energizes us is our partnership with Louisiana Tech, as the University brings incredible strength in research and development on digital engineering/transformation technologies, education, and innovative teaching methods. When you put these together, you get something special: true collaboration that can tackle everything from AI hardware and software integration to preparing the next generation of technological talent, strategic thinkers, and problem-solvers.”

The recognition of multiple Innovation Enterprise partners among the awardees reinforces Louisiana Tech as a growing innovation hub and reflects the caliber of companies collaborating with the University. These awards also highlight the depth, reach, and impact of applied research and industry engagement facilitated by the Innovation Enterprise.

“The SHIELD IDIQ award is a powerful validation of the innovation ecosystem being built in North Louisiana,” said Alex Burke, CEO of Archem, LLC. “Through our partnership with Louisiana Tech’s Innovation Enterprise, we’ve been able to grow our workforce, develop high-impact capabilities, and position Archem to contribute to national defense while creating meaningful economic opportunity in the region.”

The Innovation Enterprise also plays a critical role in strengthening the talent pipeline for these partner organizations. Through internships and experiential learning opportunities, students work directly with companies engaged in national security-focused projects. Archem, BetaFlix, and SBCC have employed 15 Louisiana Tech student interns this academic year, while Stephenson Stellar Corporation, a nonprofit research and development organization focused on assuring the U.S. remains a global leader in the space domain, recently partnered with the Innovation Enterprise to support talent development through the Department of War’s SkillBridge program.

“The partnership between Louisiana Tech University’s Innovation Enterprise and Stephenson Stellar Corporation reflects the power of aligning academic excellence with mission-focused capabilities to advance our nation’s security priorities,” said Jamie O’Quinn, Stephenson Stellar’s Shreveport site lead and program manager. “Stellar’s selection for the MDA SHIELD IDIQ underscores how this collaboration has significant potential to accelerate defense-ready talent, research, and technical capabilities in North Louisiana and beyond.”

These hands-on experiences provide meaningful real-world exposure for students and faculty, strengthening retention and academic engagement across campus. Through these partnerships, students gain access to work tied to global defense efforts and faculty collaborate with companies on applied research to accelerate growth and support development needs.

“We’re honored to be selected as part of the MDA’s SHIELD program as we contribute to this national effort. SHIELD’s focus on rapid innovation, digital engineering, and AI‑enabled solutions aligns directly with our commitment to accelerate capability delivery for the Air Force and joint force,” said Tom Wilcox, retired USAF Major General and SBCC’s CEO. “Through this contract vehicle, we will help advance research, prototyping, and mission‑focused technologies that strengthen decision advantage, enhance system integration, and improve readiness across the Air Force enterprise. Louisiana Tech’s Innovation Enterprise has been essential to our growth as a company, and we look forward to the exponential benefits in our continued partnership.”

The SHIELD contract vehicle will run through December 2035, enabling the MDA to leverage qualified industry partners across a broad range of areas to allow for the rapid delivery of innovative capabilities and positioning Louisiana Tech’s partners to play a sustained role in advancing national defense.

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by Malcolm Butler

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker confirmed that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) was contacted immediately following an incident on Monday afternoon at Cooktown Bridge.

A motorist traveling on Interstate 20 reported to the mayor’s office that a piece of concrete shattered their vehicle’s sunroof while driving under Cooktown Bridge. 

Erin Buchanan, a spokesman for the Louisiana DOTD, replied to a request from the Lincoln Parish Journal Wednesday with the following statement.

“Evidently, the motorist contacted the mayor’s office, who then reached out to our Project Engineer’s office,” said Buchanan. “Our PE and the contractor went out to inspect the bridge and we did not find any evidence (spalling, cracks, etc) to indicate that a piece of concrete or other material had fallen from the structure.

“To our knowledge, the driver did not file any other type of report (police, etc). If the driver believes this to have occurred, they can always file a damage claim with the contractor, which is the entity responsible while a roadway is under contract for an active construction project.”

A follow up to Buchanan asked for clarification. 

“We went out to inspect the bridge to see if we could determine what occurred,” said Buchanan. “We did not see any areas on the bridge that indicated a piece of the structure fell off. We did not see that. If we had, it would have immediately been dealt with.”

Other possibilities include the piece of concrete being throw from the bridge.

“This isn’t the first time we have had reports of things falling from a bridge,” said Buchanan. “This can happen. But our inspection couldn’t find a place that needed repairing. But it is an old bridge which is one reason a new one is being built.” 

Buchanan advised motorists to contact the District DOTD office in Monroe immediately and directly (318-342-0100) for these types of incidents. 

JB James Construction based out of Baton Rouge is the contractor on the construction of the new bridge. 

The existing Cooktown Bridge was built in the early 1960s. It will be entirely replaced when the on-going construction of a new bridge is complete sometime in the next few years. 

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Ruston Police arrested a West Monroe man last week after he allegedly caused a disturbance while intoxicated at a Ruston business.

Louis Book, 20, was found arguing with an employee in downtown Ruston just outside the door of the premises about 1:15 a.m. on March 7. The employee said she had banned Book from the location, but he had returned. She told officers she wanted to pursue charges.

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The employee also said Book is 20 years old and not supposed to be receiving alcoholic beverages.

Book used profanities and called the employee profane names in front of the officers. He had already been issued a citation approximately one hour earlier by another officer near a downtown restaurant.

Book’s arrest report noted he appeared to be extremely intoxicated. He was arrested for disturbing the peace by public intoxication and entry into premises after being forbidden and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

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

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

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by Malcolm Butler

 

According to her coaches and teammates, Lady Techster point guard Joy Madison-Key’s name describes her to a LA Tech block T.

“The name Joy fits her,” said head coach Brooke Stoehr.

Teammate Paris Bradley agrees.

“Joy is a great friend,” said Bradley. “She is like a sister. She is very lively and fun.”

During Tech’s 72-43 win over Delaware Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Conference USA Tournament, Madison-Key didn’t bring a whole lot of Joy to the Blue Hens.

Madison-Key had a very Joy-like game, to say the least.

Nine points. Nine assists. Four rebounds. Two steals. Even a block. And she drew one of the five charges drawn by the Lady Techsters in the blowout victory.

Just like she has done for the majority of all 30 games this season, the Grand Prairie, Texas, native did a little bit of everything to help her team win its 18^th straight game and 25^th overall.

“I take a lot of pride in making my teammates better,” said Madison-Key, who has two years of eligibility remaining. “We are a team that pushes the tempo and shares the basketball. My role is making my teammates better.”

And that she does.

“I think Joy has that confidence that can really get us going,” said junior guard Alexia Weaver. “As a fellow point guard, I feel like being able to piggyback off of her energy and off of the good things she’s doing on the court, not only does that help me, but it elevates the team as a whole.”

After signing with Tulane after a stellar prep career at South Grand Prairie High School, Madison-Key saw limited action as a true freshman for the Green Wave. She averaged just 2.5 points and 1.0 rebound per game in 2023-24.

However, her ability to share the basketball was evident even as a rookie on the collegiate level. Madison-Key totaled 57 assists in just 330 minutes on the floor, including a career-high 10 in a win over UAB.

“She’s super unselfish, and she’s understanding that if I can do that and play that role for this group, we can be really successful offensively,” said Stoehr.

Following a head coaching change in New Orleans, Madison-Key opted to sit out in 2024-25 and then went looking for a new hardwood home.

It was a previous relationship that led her north to Ruston.

Former Green Wave assistant coach Olivia Grayson had served for one year on Stoehr’s staff at Tech. And according to Madison-Key, Grayson was a big reason she committed to the Lady Techsters.

“The program is what drew me here, and the history of this program,” said Madison-Key. “(Coach Grayson) was a big part of it too. She was already (at Tech). Coming from our time together at Tulane, we already had a great relationship. She was a big reason I chose Tech.

“The trust was already there. Me and OG had a great relationship at Tulane, and I was devastated when she (left Tulane and) came to Louisiana Tech. I had a comfort level with her and can talk to her about anything. We were being transparent and she was able to answer my questions about the program during the process. It was an easy transition, especially with OG being a part of the recruitment process.”

Stoehr gives Grayson credit for helping land the key cog in Tech’s success this year.

“I think relationships are important with Joy; just being able to trust people,” said Stoehr, who was named the Conference USA Coach of the Year. “Obviously, having that prior relationship with Olivia really helped and set the tone for us being able to develop that relationship with Joy.

“She trusted us when we said this is what we want you to do and this is the impact you can make on this program. She just needed to trust that we were going to give her an opportunity if she showed up and worked hard every day and bought into that team concept. Joy really excels when she knows that you believe in her and trust her. “

And excel she has.

Despite not starting a single game this year, Madison-Key ranks fifth in Conference USA in assists per game at 3.9 and third in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.6). She is one of only four players in CUSA to eclipse the 100-assist mark on the season, with the other three all playing at least 100 minutes more than Madison-Key.

Tech has hit a program single season record 225 three-pointers this year, annihilating the old mark of 198. And although Madison-Key has made only one the entire year, Stoehr said she is a big part of the success from the perimeter.

“Joy can get the ball downhill very, very quickly and put a lot of pressure on defenses, which causes rotations that leaves our 3-point shooters open. I think it’s a dangerous weapon,” said Stoehr. “She brings energy and just a lot of juice off the bench. She’s got constant energy. She’s always making something happen, and her ability to create for others has been really, really impressive.”

Bradley, who led Tech with 25 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the three-point line in the win over Delaware, said she knows her backcourt teammate will find her as long as she keeps working without the ball.

“Joy always has her eyes up,” said Bradley. “She always sees a pass or she sees a cut. I know if I just cut, she will probably (get me the ball).”

What has been just as impressive is Madison-Key’s unselfish approach to coming off the bench during her first year in the baby blue unis.

“I have never been the type of person to take not starting personally,” said Madison-Key. “For one, we are winning. And secondly, from the beginning, I’ve always just accepted my role and played it to the best of my ability.

“Even if I wasn’t playing starters minutes, I would still be the best I could for my team. I take pride in coming off the bench and providing energy for my team.”

A former point guard herself, Stoehr appreciates the mentality.

“Joy wants to win, and I think she enjoys her role,” said Stoehr. “I think we have eight or nine players that can start. It’s not about who is starting. It’s about who is playing meaningful minutes throughout the game. I think Joy knows she brings great value to this team.”

Madison-Key will lead the Lady Techsters into their semifinal match-up Friday against the winner of Sam Houston and Liberty. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.

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Ruston Police arrested a woman Sunday after she allegedly stole a vehicle from a local church and was using it to transport drugs.

Brykeisa Tamara Richard, 33, of Garr Road, was arrested March 8 after a patrol officer spotted the missing vehicle on West Barnett Springs Avenue in Ruston.

Ruston Police received a call reporting the theft of a 2017 Chevrolet Express 2500 van. Police were told the vehicle was seen at 4 p.m. and when the complainant returned later in the evening, it was gone.

RPD searched through its license plate reader system and saw the van had recently traveled in southeast Ruston. Shortly thereafter, the officer taking the report saw a van matching the description traveling west on Barnett Springs Avenue. The officer turned around and followed the vehicle and saw the license plate matched the stolen vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on Snowden Street.

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Richard, the driver, was taken into custody. She admitted to taking the van without permission. As she was exiting the vehicle, she attempted to remove a backpack and was asked to leave it. She admitted there was marijuana inside the backpack.

In searching the bag, officers found suspected methamphetamine, synthetic marijuana, and a smoking pipe commonly used to consume narcotics. A handgun was also recovered.

A records check showed Richard is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm. A second smoking pipe containing suspected drug residue was found on Richard.

Richard was booked for theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, illegal carrying of a weapon, possession of synthetic marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

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

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We have all been there before.  We go into a new year, a new opportunity, or a new season, and things don’t go as we expected.  We not only expected better results or a more favorable outcome, but we sure didn’t anticipate the adversity that we ran into.

Progress is harder than we anticipated, and we begin to doubt.  We start questioning our ability, our worth, and sometimes even questioning if we are doing the right thing.  As things start to spiral out of control, we begin to question everything.

Mindset is a powerful factor in our lives.  Our thoughts aren’t necessarily a problem, but the thoughts we believe can become a challenge to overcome.  Those thoughts that we dwell on and believe can impact our physical, emotional, and mental health.  Those thoughts can also negatively impact our performance.

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We tighten up physically, close off relationally, and lose our poise emotionally.  Those negative thoughts also take over mentally.

We press harder and things just get worse.  We find ourselves spiraling and not sure how to turn things around.

We need a timeout!  We need a pause to get a mental reset.

Paul talks about this very issue in Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”.

The world will tell us that we are falling short, not measuring up, or aren’t worthy.  The world will chant “overrated”, whisper “you don’t belong”, or remind you of all your past failures.  The world will throw unhealthy comparisons at you, confront you with the old “fairness” argument, and discourage you at every corner.

However, that timeout can provide an opportunity for transformation that the Apostle Paul refers to in Romans.  Taking that timeout allows us to get a mental reset that can change everything.

We think of timeouts primarily in athletics, but the same concept holds true in every aspect of life.  Coaches call a timeout in sports for various reasons.  Timeouts are used to regroup if things are going badly, to provide instruction when coaching is needed, to conserve time when the clock is running out, and to provide rest when the team is weary.

We don’t have to wait for things to spiral out of control before we take a timeout.  Those resets are needed from time to time for individuals, business organizations, teams, and families. 

Those timeouts help restore perspective, remind us of purpose, and regain composure.  Those resets allow us to clear our thoughts, refocus our attention, and slow the pace to redirect our thinking and direction.

If unmet expectations are getting the best of you, maybe a timeout is needed.

If you feel the pressure building, maybe a timeout is in order.

Timeout: A pause in the action to allow one to regain composure, gain clarity, clarify direction, redirect thinking, and renew one’s spirit to continue.

Your timeout doesn’t have to be a week on the beach.  It can be an early morning walk, a phone call with a trusted friend, a team meeting in a hotel conference room, or an organizational work pause in the middle of the week. 

I’ve done all of those and more!  I have used a lot of timeouts to reset, regroup, and renew!

Don’t hesitate to call a timeout when you need one!

Doug equips leaders to make organizations better.  He has two leadership books available on all online platforms.  Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build an authentic team, contact Doug at  doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.

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

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By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — Ruston High (10-6) jumped out early and never looked back Tuesday, defeating Northwood 7–1 behind a strong pitching performance from sophomore Max Pyles and aggressive play on the basepaths.

Ruston opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning when senior Nolan Parnell delivered an RBI single to give the Bearcats an early lead. Ruston continued to apply pressure offensively throughout the game, collecting timely hits and taking advantage of opportunities on the bases.

Pyles got the start on the mound for Ruston and turned in four shutout innings, while striking out three and walking none. Juniors Peyton Nations and Tyler Roach both provided strong relief and allowed a combined just three hits and struck out six.

“Another big time start for our sophomore lefty,” Ruston High Head Coach Bryan Beck said of Pyles. “We’re really excited for what he’s done and provided for our program. And then Nations came in relief — he’s our number one bullpen guy, and he needed some work in a close ball game with the lead. Then Roach — we flipped him to the back end of the bullpen — he came in and closed the last two innings for us. All in all, our pitchers had zero earned runs, zero walks and nine put outs. We gave up one run in the game, but I’m really, really happy for those guys.”

Falcon starter Trace Carver took the loss after allowing five hits and four runs over 3.2 innings while striking out one and walking one.

Ruston’s offense was led by senior Kenden Freeman and junior Sam Hartwell, who each recorded two hits. Sophomore Hudson Wilkerson drove in two runs, finishing 1-for-1 at the plate in a late-inning hit.

The Bearcats were also aggressive on the bases, swiping six steals in the game. Hartwell accounted for two of those steals.

“Offensively, we were piecing it together — we threw up a two-spot in the first inning, and doubled that up again in the fourth,” Beck said. “We were putting together some good quality at bats. Our kids have been very disciplined at the plate, and we’re not chasing out of the zone.”

Defensively, Ruston played a clean game without committing an error. Senior Lander Smith led the team with eight fielding chances.

Northwood finished with nine hits in the contest, led by Briggs Byerley, who recorded three hits in three at-bats from the No. 9 spot in the lineup.

Ruston was scheduled to play Ouachita tonight, but the game has been postponed due to inclement weather.

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Click the three bars in the bottom corner and select “With Radar” to see current precipitation and storms in your area.

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Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com. 

Thursday, March 12
9:30 a.m.: Piney Hills Quilt Guild meeting (Grace Methodist Church)
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
6 p.m.: Tween and Teen Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)

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Friday, March 13
6-9 p.m.: Beer Crawl (Downtown Ruston)
6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
6 p.m.: LA Tech softball

Saturday, March 14
8 a.m. to noon: Friends of the Library Community Garage Sale (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
8:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
10 a.m. to noon: Pictures with the Easter Bunny (Lincoln Parish Library)
2 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
2 p.m.: LA Tech softball

Sunday, March 15
11 a.m.: LA Tech baseball
11 a.m.: LA Tech softball
2 p.m.: Springhill Baptist Church celebration of 5th Pastoral Anniversary (727 D. Store Rd., Simsboro)

Monday, March 16
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)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)

Tuesday, March 17
10 a.m.: Storytime (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m. Crafternoon (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-led exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball

Wednesday, March 18
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)

Thursday, March 19
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4 p.m.: Tween Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
5 p.m.: Library Board of Control Meeting (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Teen Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
6:30 p.m.: Books and Bites Book Club (Lincoln Parish Library; registration required by calling 318-513-5510)

Friday, March 20
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Friends of the Library Children’s Books and Puzzle Sale (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: GSU baseball

Saturday, March 21
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Missions Market 2026; Concord/Union Baptist Association Women on Mission craft and bake sale (Temple Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 1515 S. Service Rd. W., Ruston)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Friends of the Library Children’s Books and Puzzle Sale (Lincoln Parish Library)
2-3 p.m.: Tween and Teen Writer Workshop (Lincoln Parish Library)
3 p.m.: GSU baseball

Sunday, March 22
1 p.m.: GSU baseball

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

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Oh, how times have changed in the tournament bass fishing world. In the last 20 years, tournament bass fishing has had several things that have taken the sport to another level. The first being the most obvious, electronics and forward-facing sonar. But there have been a few other things like how anglers get information today. 

“Back in the day” as we old timers would say, getting information was sitting down with another angler and a paper lake map. You would use a highlighter to mark spots on the map where either he had caught bass before or places you might want to check. 

Anglers would spend hours staring at a waterproof paper map like it was the Holy Grail. We brought them along with us in the boat to make sure we hit every spot marked. We made notes on the map as to what we caught, what time we caught fish, what bait we caught them on and what depth the fish were. We made notes on the water temperature as well as wind direction. 

Maps were our main source of information on how a lake would set up for how we wanted to fish. Maps today are still very important, but now they’re on a screen, on our I-pads, cell phones and electronic units on our boats. 

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But there were also other ways anglers got information just like they do today. Who has more information than an angler who guides on a particular body of water? It’s that guy that spends every day of the week taking people out fishing. This person is full of information that can be a real asset to a tournament bass fisherman. 

Also back in the day, we would meet a friend for lunch who maybe fishes a certain body of water frequently. He would tell you about spots that he knew about or had caught fish before. So, word of mouth was also a way we got information. 

Fast forward to 2026, and the information highway is insane. Today, there is so much information that the younger generation has grown up with that it’s mind blowing. Someone asked me before, “Can you get too much information?” 

Yes, too much information can create confusion and sidetrack you on what you need to be doing in order to compete in the tournament. Also, information is only good for so long, as bass fishing can change daily or even hourly. 

All anglers process information differently, and personally, I don’t like talking to a lot of anglers about what, how and where I need to fish. Over my 30-year career, I can only think of maybe twice that information actually paid off with either a win or cashing a check. 

To this day, I feel confident in my ability to find fish on my own. One of the first lessons I learned was that it’s hard to go and catch another angler’s fish. Even with good information about a certain spot, you still have to figure out boat positioning and the best way to approach the spot. 

A lot of people complain that today’s anglers are networking together and forming their own little information group, especially the rookies on tour. The young anglers today have come up through the ranks with college and high school fishing teams, where they communicate a lot. 

This is nothing new. Ever since professional bass fishing started, anglers have been forming partnerships with other anglers. That’s why anglers form small groups that travel and eat together, while developing true friendships and trust. 

But the younger generation of anglers today are doing some things that I feel may not be in good spirit of the sport. They have budgets they use to purchase weigh points or dots as they call it.  

That’s infringing on the integrity of the sport. This, in my opinion, is going too far and should not be allowed in tournament competition. 

Of course, just like so many other things today, money is a factor along with how much you have. Some of the younger anglers have budgets of $30,000 plus (provided by parents) to spend each season for weigh points. 

This is an unfair advantage whether you want to admit it or not. It’s proving the point that if you have money, you can compete for the win rather than just trying to cash a check.

It’s really hard to make it as a pro on your own. Today, you need that support system of information and money because it’s so difficult to fish against the best anglers on the planet on your own. It’s a different game today than it was 20 years ago.  

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

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Virginia Pyle 
November 12, 1940 – March 9, 2026 
Memorial service to be scheduled later 

Carol Hilton 
September 19, 1946 – March 8, 2026 
Visitation: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Service: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel 
Cemetery Committal: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 3:30 PM, Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens, 1270 HWY 544, Ruston 

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by Malcolm Butler

For the past year, the Lincoln Parish Police Jury, City of Ruston, and Hunt, Guillot & Associates have been teaming up on a process to develop a new Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for Lincoln Parish.

And although it’s not complete yet, a public meeting was held Monday night in the Jack Beard Room at the Lincoln Parish Library to update the most recent status and answer any questions from the public.

Mike Causey, Vice President for Corporate Strategic Development at Hunt, Guillot & Associates, made a 30-minute presentation to a modest crowd that included Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker, police jurors Glenn Scriber, Logan Hunt, Milton Melton, and Dan Lord, and a smattering of Lincoln Parish residents.

“The LRTP is a (Department of Transportation and Development) tool that has been used across the state,” said Causey. “It looks at the assessment of the current conditions of the transportation system in our parish. 

“The DOTD developed this tool, and we follow this tool to meet their expectations.”

Causey spoke to the process over the past year which included a survey of Lincoln Parish residents which elicited over 1,400 responses. Causey compared the response to similar surveys recently done in Opelousas and Amite which he said had less than 150 responses.

“Our community is well engaged compared to others,” said Causey. 

The goals of a new LRTP are:

• to provide a safe and secure transportation system
• to maintain a high-quality and dependable transportation system
• to support economic development and regional competitiveness
• to improve connectivity and mobility across Lincoln Parish

This process is way overdue. The last time an LRTP was created for Lincoln Parish was in 1998, almost three decades ago. 

“We have gotten a lot of money from the feds over last 11 years,” said Walker. “But we had to fight to get it because we did not have an updated study like this. It will help us tremendously. The city and the parish are working together and that is huge.”

The roadmap for the process includes:

1. Establishing the planning team
2. Collecting existing data and plans
3. Engaging the community
4. Conducting the needs analysis
5. Setting goals and objectives
6. Developing strategies
7. Preparing the plan

Currently, the planning team has a list of 26 projects (see below attachment) included within the recommended transportation improvement project list, a number that has already been whittled down. These projects range from price tags as high as $96 million down to some under $1 million. 

“We selected some preferred strategies to rank some of these projects,” said Causey. 

The Lincoln Parish Police Jury will continue this process, analyzing the list and possibly whittling it down even further, while Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairman Logan Hunt said they will also try to prioritize the list. 

Once the LRTP is completed and approved by the Lincoln Parish Police Jury, the next step will be to find funding for projects through federal and state appropriations and other grants. 

“This (LRTP process) simply identifies some projects,” said Causey. “It is not detail design. It’s not funding. It’s all the aspects we have to work through in order to get funding.”

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