By T. Scott Boatright

 

Moving to begin the process of constructing a new cell for the Lincoln Parish Landfill and receiving an Ambulance Service Report were primary orders of business as the Lincoln Parish Police Jury held its March meeting inside the Lincoln Parish Courthouse.

Ambulance service throughout Lincoln Parish is provided by the Ruston Fire Department through an agreement between the city of Ruston and the LPPJ.

Interim Ruston First Chief Joe Dan Martin and RFD Director of Emergency Services David Wells presented its report for 2025, including a plan to upgrade RFD medical vehicles in economic fashion.

Wells said there were 65 RFD personnel with one resignation in 2026 that cut that number to 64.

“That’s 19 members per shift,so, that’s a 10% increase in workstaff since last year’s report to the Jury,” Wells said. “We have 41 paramedics now.

“We had 4,498 calls that were EMS related, and that’s the bulk of calls we receive. That’s over 84.5% of total calls we respond to. That’s a slight increase over last year. Rescue calls were pretty much equal to last year with an increase of a few percent. We had 230 total (rescue) calls with 104 in the city of Ruston and 126 in the parish. The percentage went down mainly in the city of and I don’t know the reason for that, but there was an 11% reduction.”

Wells said there were 3,131 transports, a yearly increase of 3.7%, and a refusal rate of 25%, a number he said is in line with most EMS transport calls.

“We had two ambulance remounts,” Wells said. “One is almost completed and once that one gets back we’ll be sending the other. When you look at the numbers, that is a considerable discount and what we spend on purchasing new ambulances. 

“So, we’ve finally gotten to the point where our fleet is somewhat uniform and we can do a rebound process instead of purchasing new ambulances. We’ll do that as long as we can — until we have to buy a new ambulance — because it takes up to two or three years to get a new ambulance at this point.”

Ambulance remounting is a cost-effective, sustainable process of removing an existing, intact patient module (box) from a worn-out truck chassis and installing it onto a new chassis. This practice extends the vehicle’s life, typically saving 25–50% in costs compared to buying new, while allowing for upgrades to electrical systems, cabinetry, and safety features.

Remounting saves significant budget (up to 40-45%) compared to buying a new one and provides a faster turnaround, reusing the the aluminum module, reducing waste and raw material consumption, allowing  for layout reconfiguration, electrical updates, and new technology integration while also providing a brand-new drivetrain and chassis warranty while keeping a familiar, proven patient module.

As far as the new construction and demolition cell at the landfill, the LPPJ approved a deal with the lowest bidder — Lemoine Construction Group of Plaquemine at a cost of $895,195.80 

Construction will likely begin by the start of summer and conclude by the end of the year, the time the Cell A is expected to reach its limit of use

Hopes are that the new cell will give at least 30 if not up to 40 years of continued use to the landfill.

The  LPPJ also approved authorization to Parish Administrator Courtney Hall to negotiate and purchase property at 201 S. Vienna Street — housing Fishing Stitches and Gifts — contingent on not exceeding appraisal value.

Also approved was a resolution authorizing LPPJ President Glenn Scriber to execute an agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s regarding bridge replacement on Spring Creek Road, and adoption of a new speed limit for Water Tank Road, which was 55 mph in its entirety..

The new Water Tank Road speed limit will be 35 mph from 4th Street northward and 35 mph from 4th Street southward to Tennessee Avenue.

Those new limits were derived from a road use speed traffic study.

The LPPJ also approved a resolution of support of the Mt. Zion Water System’s application for emergency funding through the state’s Community Water Enrichment Fund for the Big Creek Bottom water system, which was damaged by the recent ice storm.

Also approved was appointment of Robin “Pete” Jackson to an open position on Waterworks District 3 and reappointment of Bill Jones and Sandra Dupree to the Lincoln Parish Library Board of Control.

In its final business of the meeting, the LPPJ authorized travel for highway department employees for diesel technician training in early May and began the process of authorizing travel for LPPJ members to the National Association of County Offices Conference to be held in New Orleans from July 17-20.

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by Wesley Harris

Nearly a week after the magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck Red River Parish, several more earthquakes were recorded early Monday morning near Coushatta.

Preliminary data from the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) shows four earthquakes occurred between 4:33 a.m. and 4:41 a.m.

Monday’s four earthquakes in the Coushatta area were rated by USGS as magnitudes 3.2 at 4:33 a.m., 3.1 at 4:34 a.m., 3.9 at 4:40 a.m., and 4.0 at 4:41 a.m.

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Last Thursday, a 4.9 magnitude tremor set a new record for an earthquake on the Louisiana land mass. The only larger earthquake was recorded offshore in the Gulf, about 90 miles south of Grand Isle, at magnitude 5.3, in February 2006.

The eight quakes in the past week were located just a few miles from Coushatta in Red River Parish. The relatively mild tremors were felt 75-90 miles away, but no damage has been reported.

The Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday that no reports of damage had been received due to the quakes Monday.

Many have speculated that the practice of fracking has caused the earthquakes. USGS says most induced earthquakes are not directly caused by hydraulic fracturing but are caused by the injection of waste fluids from drilling operations into wastewater disposal wells. Since the disposal wells operate for longer durations and inject much more fluid than is injected during fracking, they are more likely to induce earthquakes.

However, the Red River Parish area experienced earthquakes long before fracking or use of disposal wells began.

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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A Ruston man barred from the Louisiana Tech campus was arrested after he allegedly stole items from the campus bookstore.

Prometheus Potts, 52, was charged with entering premises after being forbidden and misdemeanor theft on March 6.

Tech officers were dispatched to the Bogard Hall area regarding a man who reportedly stole items from the campus bookstore and fled on foot.

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A responding officer spotted Potts, who matched the physical description given by witnesses. Potts was detained and a search of his bag revealed four brand new packages of earbuds and several packages of steaks.

Potts said he stole the earbuds from the bookstore.

Potts has been banned from the Louisiana Tech campus because of previous incidents, including theft at the bookstore.

Potts was 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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A Ruston man was arrested last week at a convenience store after he was found to be wanted on numerous outstanding warrants.

Draper Demond Jackson, 46, was arrested March 7 after Ruston Police responded to a convenience store regarding 911 calls stating he was causing a disturbance.

After officers contacted Jackson, it was learned he was wanted for five warrants for failure to appear in third District Court.

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When officers attempted to arrest Jackson, he would not place his hands behind his back as directed. Jackson and produced a pill bottle out of his pocket that was later determined to contain cocaine.

After a brief struggle, Jackson was cuffed and taken to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center for treatment. Once cleared by medical staff, he was taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and booked.

Jackson is charged with resisting an officer by force, possession of cocaine, disturbing the peace by intoxication in public, and the five warrants for DWI, DWI while license is suspended, no seatbelt, DWI while license is suspended, and resisting an officer by flight.

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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“Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.” Esther 9: 20-22 (NIV)

In his Bible commentary, Warren Wiersbe sums up the end of the Book of Esther this way: “From Victims to Victors — In which the good news of a new law brings hope and joy.”

That’s an Old Testament passage with a New Testament message.

Esther, minding her own business one day, was summoned to the king’s palace and, through God’s providence, became the Jewish queen of Persia. She and her cousin Mordecai, quietly and faithfully obeying God, used tact, patience, and wisdom to save the Jewish people from extermination.

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After winning the favor of King Xerxes and exposing the plan of the evil Haman, Esther and Mordecai still had work to do: the edict from Xerxes to have all the Jews killed could not be overturned; however, it could be altered. Esther, breathtakingly beautiful with wealth and privilege and security, could have shut down the whole operation. Mordecai, now greatly favored by the king, could have too. They didn’t. “The most important thing in life was not her comfort but (the Jews’) deliverance,” Wiersbe writes of Esther. 

So the pair kept working until the job was finished and the Jews delivered.

1. B. Simpson, founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance more than 150 years ago, said,“The safe place lies in obedience to God’s Word, singleness of heart, and holy vigilance.”The teamwork of Esther and Mordecai illustrates that.

It would be a long time down the road, but another Jew would, in the fullness of time, show up in the Holy Land to save not only the Jews but the Gentiles too. He would bring a new law of hope and joy. Not only did He bring good news, He was — and remains — the good news. Christ receiveth sinful men. 

“Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.” Esther 10:3 (NIV)

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fifth of a five-part series of Teddy Allen columns about Esther and lessons that can be learned.)

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 T. Scott Boatright 

 

Big-time is a team playing in a Marsh Madness contest for a fifth straight year.

And big-time Lincoln Preparatory School earned a berth in the Div. IV Boys Basketball Select School Championship game as the Panthers roared past Central Catholic with a big-time 58-42 win at Marsh Madness inside Barton Coliseum.

And it was a big-time performance from Jabari Levingston leading the way for the Panthers as the sophomore poured in 35 points, accounting for 60% of his team’s offense.

Not that it came easy, especially not at first.

Central Catholic opened with a 7-2 run and led 10-6 with 2:24 left in the first quarter before Levingston hit two more baskets, accounting for Lincoln Prep’s first six points, before the Panthers Trey Spann sank a lay-up and tacked on an extra point to give Lincoln Prep its first lead of the game at 11-10 with 2:23 remaining in the opening stanza.

“I think we’re kind of used to starting off like that because we’ve done that all season long,” said Lincoln Prep coach Antonio Hudson. “In a new location with some kids that had never played there, I just took it like we were just trying to get a feel for it. 

“Central Catholic knocked some shots down early, but we responded well. So that was a good thing.”

The Eagles would tie things up at 29-29 at the 4:20 mark of the third quarter, but Lincoln Prep never trailed after Spann gave his squad that first lead of the contest.

By halftime, the Panthers were on top 28-20 with Levingston already having scored 20 points.

“Big-time players make big-time plays,” Hudson said. “The work he’s put in all year is starting to show up now. That’s the way it is for the whole team.”

After Central Catholic tied things up midway through the third quarter, Lincoln Prep went on a 15-5 run the remainder of the stanza to hold a 42-34 lead heading into the final period.

Central Catholic never threatened again as the Panthers scored the opening four points of the final stanza and never relinquished a double-digit advantage from there.

Levingston added seven rebounds, three steals and two assists to his start sheet while Trey Spann added eight points, three boards, three assists and three steals.

“I just went in and played my game,” Levingston said. “The work we put in before the season, during the season — I knew it was going to pay off. Coach Hudson prepared us well and I just trusted in that and went out and did it.”

Josiah Spann finished with five points, three rebounds, two steals, a blocked shot and an assist while Kaden Vernon chipped in with three points, seven steals, six assists, two boards and a blocked shot.

All but three of Lincoln Prep’s points came by attacking the basket.

“That was the game plan,” Hudson said. “If you look at it tonight, we were 1-of-9 from 3-point range. We’ve got to be intentional in taking it to the rim.”

Hudson admitted the Panthers’ defense was key, as it has been all season long.

“If you’ve watched us this year, we’ve played this kind of defense all year,” Hudson said. “I’ve told our local media, we’ve had some good defensive teams in the past, but this team is one of the best defensive teams I’ve had. Give it up to Trey Spann, Zion Hick and Caden Vernon as well. Their numbers may not show on the stat sheet, but they defended.

“Our goal is to keep our opponent to under 40 (points). They got a little over 40, but if we can keep a team under 40 points, then we’ve got a chance to win it.”

Lincoln Prep will now host sixth-seeded Southern Lab at noon Friday for the state championship.

Hudson knows the same kind of defense will be needed.

“We’ll need it against Southern Lab,” Hudson said. “Southern Lab shot the lights out yesterday. We’ve got to make sure we’re in the gaps and they’re not shooting routine 3-pointers.”

That won’t be the first time a Grambling High School has faced Southern Lab in Marsh Madness action.

Southern Lab defeated Grambling Lab in the 2000 Class 1A title game and Grambling Lab won state titles in 1985, 1989, 1990 and 1992.

“I don’t think our kids really get the history between these two teams, but we’re going to try and let them know and realize it,” Hudson said. “I didn’t beat them in a championship game.  Not only is this for the state championship. This is for history.”

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By Kyle Roberts

Ruston High junior Kearra Wilson and senior Journi Douglas earned first and second team All-District 2-5A honors, respectively, after helping lead their team to a 12-8 overall record and a first-round home game in the 2025-26 LHSAA playoffs.

“I am very proud of these young ladies,” Ruston High Head Coach LaShanda Cooper said. “They have put in lots of hard work throughout the year. Having players earn All-District honors is a huge accomplishment for our program. It speaks to the culture we are building. When individual success happens, it’s because the entire program is working together. It shows that we are moving in the right direction.”

Seniors A’Keirah Jones and Angelica Green, along with sophomore Adrianna Robinson, all were named Honorable Mention.

Ruston’s season came to an end in the first round to Ouachita by a final score of 54-42.

See full team below:

2025-2026 District 2-5A All-District Team

Coach of the Year: Karylon Cowan (Neville)

1st Team:
Neville Sr. #12 Erynn Felton (MVP)
Ouachita Sr. #23 McKenna Cooley
West Monroe Sr. #2 Markayla Williams
Neville Fr. # 15 Kameya West-Robinson
Ruston Jr. #15 Kearra Wilson

2nd Team:
Neville #1 Lyric Gay
Ouachita #1 Ma’Laysha Scott
Neville #0 Joy Fisher
Ruston #4 Journi Douglas
West Monroe #11 Ma’ Lyric Jones

Honorable Mention:
ASH # 11 Jamaari Collins
ASH #10 Cassie Benoit
ASH #3 Kenya Russell
Ruston #2 A’Keriah Jones
Ruston #24 Adrianna Robinson
Ruston #1 Angelica Green
West Monroe # 20 Ella Ashcraft
West Monroe #22 Briley Brothers
West Monroe #4 Brooklyn Boatner
West Monroe #3 Jaleiha Loyo
West Monroe #21 Aubree Norl
Neville #25 Jayla Taylor
Neville #30 Makayla Williams
Neville #32 McKenzie Puckett
Ouachita #2 Jordanne Warren
Ouachita #4 Tylah Saucer
Pineville #32 Mariah Jackson

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by Malcolm Butler

Choudrant High School swept the District 2B boys and girls basketball honors following impressive seasons that saw them both capture the league titles and earn postseason berths.

 

GIRLS

Seniors Reese Brown and Sadie Jones were named co-Most Valuable Players, while head coach Brandy Robertson was named the District 2B Coach of the Year. 

Jones, a 5-foot-7-inch senior forward, averaged 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.4 steals per game, while Brown, a 5-foot-5-inch senior guard, averaged 12.3 points, 5.0 steals and 3.0 assists per game.

“Having Sadie and Reese named co-MVP’s this year was well deserved in my opinion,” said Roberson. “Both of these girls are exceptionally hard workers, leaders both on and off the court, they excel in the classroom and they are at the top of every list you can categorize them in. So it is only fitting that they are at the top of the all-district list.

“Sadie really put in a lot of extra work in the off season this year. and it really showed. She was comfortable both in and outside the perimeter this season, and it really made her a threat.

“Reese really tapped into her ability to pass and dish the ball down this year creating easy scores for Sadie down low, and Sadie did a great job of finishing. I thought both girls were irreplaceable on my team on both offense and defense this year. Having them on the court at the same time created a problem for other teams.”

Robertson guided the Lady Aggies to a 24-8 record, the District 2B title, and a second round playoff appearance.

“Brandy was one of my first hires three years ago,” said Choudrant Principal Chris Jones. “We did not have a lot of talent and the kids that we had faced some setbacks due to Covid and a shortened junior high experience. She had some real bumps the first two years, and we had to spend some time in my office building her up because we knew her biggest jump was gonna come this year.

“Those girls bought into her system. They played AAU in the summer, and she worked them like dogs all year long. They made a huge jump over the last three years because she is extremely hard-nosed and that mentality bled through to her players this year. We did not have the most talented group of kids on the floor most nights, but they were gritty and they played hard for her and each other. I will take players and coaches with grit and a good work ethic over raw talent and bad attitudes any day.”

Joining Brown and Jones on the all-District team were sophomore guard Katherine Hernandez and Alyssa Bell, who both earned second team honors. Sophomore forward Hannah Bryan was named honorable mention all-district.

1st Team

Reese Brown, Choudrant

Jadyn Hutchinson, Family Community Christian

Sadie Jones, Choudrant

Eden Miller, Downsville

Rory Norwood, Family Community Christian

 

2nd Team

Alyssa Bell, Choudrant 

MJ Caldwell, Family Community Christian

Peyton Hales, Family Community Christian 

Katherine Hernandez, Choudrant

Lauren Thompson, Forest

 

Honorable Mention: 

Hannah Bryan, Choudrant

Emma Clack, Forest

Lillian Clack, Forest

Brooke Mitchell, Downsville

Amber Nappier, Downsville

Sophie Warner, Family Community

 

Co-MVP: Reese Brown, Sadie Jones

Coach of the Year: Brandy Robertson, Choudrant

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BOYS

Senior Brayden Pye was named the District 2B Most Valuable Player while Ryan Smith earned Coach of the year honors. 

Pye, a 6-foot-1-inch senior forward, averaged 11.4 points and 6.8 rebounds a game for the Aggies.

“Brayden had a wonder senior year, especially towards the end of the season,” said head coach Ryan Smith. “He continued to work hard every day. That lead to a more expanded role for him on both sides of the ball. His athleticism and experience will be tough to replace. We are going to miss him for sure.”

Smith guided Choudrant to a 21-12 record, the district title, and a second round playoff appearance.

“Ryan Smith is a good coach, but he’s a great person,” said Choudrant principal Chris Jones. “He does a fantastic job of getting kids into the program and then developing them into players. Most of our kids don’t ever pick up a basketball until they get to sixth grade.

“Ryan is always going to be competitive but his biggest strength is in teaching kids how to be a part of a team. This group of seniors this year is going to be special to us because they are a true reflection on their coach. Ryan can find the absolute best in every person and that is his biggest strength in my opinion.”

Joining Pye on the all-district first team for Choudrant were senior forward Jackson Ambrose and senior guard Carson Carrico. Freshman Turner Rhodes earned second team honors while senior guard Benton Case earned honorable mention honors. 

First Team

Jackson Ambrose (Choudrant)

Carson Carrico (Choudrant)

Jaden Carroll (Family Community Christian)

Connor Harper (Downsville)

Brayden Pye (Choudrant)

 

Second Team

Landen Harmon (Forest)

Blayne Lord (Family Community Christian)

Turner Rhodes (Choudrant)

Haiden Sabo (Downsville)

Miles Sotello (Downsville)

 

Honorable Mention

Benton Case (Choudrant)

Xander Ferry (Forest)

Jackson Jarrette (Family Community Christian)

 

MVP: Brayden Pye (Choudrant)

Coach of the Year: Ryan Smith (Choudrant)

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Talent is common, but experience is rare. Here is how CAPA turns students into working professionals before they ever graduate.

By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University

 

There is a moment of terrifying clarity that happens to every young artist. It usually strikes midway through a senior showcase or during the quiet drive home from an audition. It is the realization that raw talent, no matter how bright, is only a starting line. The world is full of people who can sing, paint, or write. The industry does not pay for potential. It pays for polish.

This is the hard truth of the creative life. The gap between having a gift and having a career is wide, and it is paved with rejection, technical demands, and the need for a relentless work ethic. Many young creatives hesitate here. They have the vision, yet they lack the professional-grade portfolio or the stage hours to make a casting director pause. They wait to start their careers until after graduation, only to find they are already years behind.

At Northwestern State University, inside the Mrs. H.D. Dear, Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), we operate under a different philosophy. We believe you cannot learn to be a professional by sitting in a classroom talking about it. You must do the work.

The halls of CAPA carry a specific energy. It is the sound of a piano practice room occupied in the early morning hours and the scent of oils in a painting studio late at night. Here, we do not view the arts as a hobby or a fragile dream. We treat them as a discipline.

This approach changes the trajectory of a student’s life.

When you walk through the doors of CAPA, you are not asked to wait for your turn. The hierarchy that exists at other institutions, where freshmen wait years to touch a camera or step into the spotlight, does not exist here. From your first semester, you are in the mix. You are auditioning for mainstage productions. You are hanging your work in gallery exhibitions. You are recording in professional studios and reporting for digital media outlets.

The faculty guiding this work are not retired observers. They are active artists, performers, and creators who understand the modern landscape of the industry. They know that a degree is necessary, but a reel is vital. They push students to build a body of work that stands up to scrutiny in New York, Los Angeles, or Atlanta.

Scott Burrell, Director of the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts and Professor of Theatre, emphasizes that the curriculum bridges the gap between student and professional. “We don’t ask you to wait until graduation to become an artist,” Burrell says. “We hand you the tools and the stage on day one. By the time you leave, you’re not starting a career. You’re continuing one.”

The results of this immersion are etched into playbills and credit rolls across the nation.

Look at the numbers. Twelve alumni have landed on Broadway. Graduates have appeared in over 120 film and television productions. Thirty-two professional dance companies feature NSU-trained talent. Our alumni are defining the arts. They are the graphic designers shaping global brands, the journalists leading newsrooms, and the music educators inspiring the next generation. 

This success stems from a curriculum that balances creative freedom with technical rigor. Whether it is the NASAD-accredited Fine & Graphic Arts program, the elite ensembles of the Department of Music, or the Department of Theatre & Dance, one of only 150 NAST-accredited programs in the country, the standard is excellence.

We understand that talent is the fuel, but training is the engine. From Theatre and Music to Art and New Media, Journalism, & Communication Arts (NMJCA), our programs are defined by cutting-edge collaboration rather than outdated instruction. We prioritize career training that is pertinent to the industry and vital to the student. For example, NMJCA students are currently producing nationally award-winning podcast series. The Department of Music routinely brings Grammy-nominated producers into the studio to work alongside faculty and students. The Department of Art’s Design Center for in-house internships was recognized as one of only twenty elite models in a 2025 study by the Louisiana Board of Regents.

When an NSU student walks across the graduation stage, they carry a resume. They have a network of peers and mentors who open doors. They possess the confidence that comes from having done the job a hundred times before the first paycheck ever arrived.

The creative world is competitive, but it is not impenetrable. It yields to those who show up prepared. If you are ready to stop dreaming about the work and start doing it, you belong here. The studio is open. The lights are on.

Whether you seek to command the stage or master the craft behind the scenes, you will find your place within CAPA’s professionally oriented programs. The invitation is open to join the Demon family. Apply to CAPA today, schedule your visit, and let’s get to work.

Explore CAPA: https://www.nsu.la/capa 

Schedule a CAPA Tour: https://www.nsula.edu/admissions/campus-tours/ 

Apply for Admission: https://www.nsula.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/ 

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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. 

Wednesday, March 11
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)
4 p.m.: LA Tech softball
6 p.m.: GSU baseball

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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)

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

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Softball

Louisiana Tech got back in the win column Tuesday night and needed just six innings to run-rule Alcorn State 9-1 at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field. The win moves the Bulldogs to 14-10.

Tech’s scheduled contest for tonight against McNeese has been postponed due to the forecast and will be rescheduled at a later date.

The Bulldogs outhit the Braves 11-1 with Alcorn recording one single in the sixth inning. LA Tech only allowed five base runners with three reaching on walks, one hit batsman and one hit.

“It is a good win for us to kind of get back in that win column,” said head coach Josh Taylor. “It is always nice when you can come back tomorrow and have things to still get better at and learn from after a win. There is a lot in that game that we need to do better, but like you said, we will take the win and move forward from here.”

Bradi Gallaway, Allie Furr, Reese Torres and Aleah Brooks all registered two hits apiece, while Reagan Marchant led the team with three RBI. Cali Bennett scored three runs in the win while Gallaway crossed the plate twice.

Ruby Fidge (2-2) earned the win after pitching 3.0 innings and allowing no hits or runs. Fidge allowed a leadoff walk and then retired the next eight batters she faced.

Campos pitched .1 inning as she started off in the circle in the fourth but was pulled after allowing a leadoff walk and hitting a batter. Laney Johnson replaced Campos and pitched 1.2 innings and did not allow a hit or run and struck out three. Alcorn’s lone run went to Campos on a groundout induced by Johnson.

Ryleigh Shull pitched the sixth inning and struck out three batters while allowing one single and a walk.

LA Tech jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first as Elena Heng led off the game with a walk, stole second and advanced to third on a Bennett single. Heng scored on a double steal as Bennett took second. Bennett came home on a Marchant sac fly foul out after taking third on a Gallaway fly out.

Alcorn cut the deficit to one in the fourth after two runners reached via walk and hit by pitch. A sac bunt placed a Brave on third while a groundout single scored Alcorn’s lone run of the night.

Tech made it 3-1 in the bottom of the inning after Torres reached on a single and stole second before coming around to score on a double to right-center from Alannah Rogers.

LA Tech scored three more runs on three hits in the fifth to take a 6-1 lead. Bennett walked and took second on a wild pitch before coming home to score on a Gallaway double. Gallaway took third on a groundout and would score on an infield single from Furr. Furr stole second and advanced to third on a groundout and would come around to score on an Brooks single through the left side to make it 6-1.

The Bulldogs added three more runs in the sixth to secure the 9-1 run-rule win. Bennett reached on a fielding error to start the inning and advanced to second on a Gallaway single up the middle. Marchant then cleared the bases with a double to center, scoring Bennett and Gallaway to make it 8-1 LA Tech.

Avery Jefferson entered as a pinch runner for Marchant and advanced to third on a Furr single before scoring on a Torres single to right to give Tech the win in six innings.

The Bulldogs will host Delaware this weekend in a three-game Conference USA series.

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Baseball

Louisiana Tech baseball opened up their five-game homestand falling to Lamar, 6-0, at the Love Shack on Tuesday night.

“It’s kind of a mystery to me, that we can come out and play like we did on Saturday and Sunday [at South Alabama], and tonight we looked like a totally different team,” said head coach Lane Burroughs. “The guys were in a good place, we had a brief practice yesterday and I thought that went well, then we come out and play the way we did tonight-it’s just a total mystery.”

The Bulldogs (10-8) and the Cardinals (10-7) battled through a pitcher’s duel through the first seven innings of the contest. Lamar took the 1-0 lead in the second on an RBI single, while Tech put on seven baserunners with five walks, a single and a hit-by-pitch going into the eighth.

Tech put pressure on Lamar early in the bottom of the first after Colby Lunsford reached base on a one-out walk and ended up on third following a pair of stolen bases. The Bulldog third baseman stole second on a strikeout before swiping third with no defender covering the base, but a groundout ended the threat.

In the fourth inning, Colton Coates drew a two-out walk before advancing to third on a base hit by Matt Houston, the first and only hit of the game for the ‘Dogs. Houston ended up on second advancing on the throw to third, but both runners were left stranded with a strikeout to end the frame.

Lamar ended their streak of four-straight innings without a hit with a two-out single in the top of the seventh. The runner stole second, but was left stranded following a swinging strikeout.

The Cardinals blew the game open with a four-spot in the eighth before extending to a 6-0 lead with a run added in the ninth. A walk, single and an error are how the top of the eighth started for Lamar, putting runners on the corners with no outs. A fielder’s choice was hit to allow a run to score, before a pair of doubles, a single and a sacrifice fly gave the visitors a five-run lead going into the final frame.

The Cardinals’ bats continued to find contact with three-straight base hits to start the ninth, and scoring their sixth run on a double play with the bases loaded and no outs.

Landon Fontenot tossed the first two innings of the game, allowing one run on one hit and three walks while striking out three batters. Blake Hooks threw two scoreless innings, allowing just one runner via walk and punching out four Cardinal hitters. Nate Crider also fanned four while tossing 2 2/3 innings allowing one hit to the nine batters he faced.

This is the second time this season the ‘Dogs were shut out at home, and have not been held to one hit in a game since February 21, 2025 at Southern Miss. The Bulldog pitching staff punched out 12 total batters on the night, marking the ninth time this season Tech has recorded double-digit punchouts and the fourth time with 12 or more.

“I’m at a loss for words-to come out and only get one hit, made a couple of huge defensive mistakes,” said Burroughs. “We only struck out five times and walked eight times, so we had runners on-not many, but we put a lot of easy outs in the air. We didn’t really put any pressure on them.”

The Bulldogs will host Delaware this weekend in a three-game series opening up Conference USA action.

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Ms. Virginia Christina Haltom Pyle, age 85 of Gibsland, LA was born November 12, 1940 in Edgar, TX to Rosetta Harrison Haltom and James Curtis Haltom and she passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 in Homer, LA. She was one of twelve siblings.

Virginia was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt that loved to be home and with her family. She enjoyed having all the family together at one time, especially the holidays. Virginia loved being outside where she spent time gardening, feeding and watching her hummingbirds, or doing things with her purple martin houses. She absolutely loved the farm life.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Duaine Pyle; son, Heath Pyle; and daughter, June “Bug” Kilpatrick. She is survived by her sons, Adrian Pyle and wife Kim of Minden, LA and David Pyle and wife Debra “Sissy” of Minden, LA; son-in-law, Pat Kilpatrick of Bienville, LA; sister, Rose Spinler of Waskom, TX; brother, Jimmy Haltom of Waskom, TX; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and a host of friends.

A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date.

 

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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 T. Scott Boatright 

 

Big-time is a team playing in a Marsh Madness contest for a fifth straight year.

And big-time Lincoln Preparatory School earned a berth in the Div. IV Boys Basketball Select School Championship game as the Panthers roared past Central Catholic with a big-time 58-42 win at Marsh Madness inside Barton Coliseum.

And it was a big-time performance from Jabari Levingston leading the way for the Panthers as the sophomore poured in 35 points, accounting for 60% of his team’s offense.

Not that it came easy, especially not at first.

Central Catholic opened with a 7-2 run and led 10-6 with 2:24 left in the first quarter before Levingston hit two more baskets, accounting for Lincoln Prep’s first six points, before the Panthers Trey Spann sank a lay-up and tacked on an extra point to give Lincoln Prep its first lead of the game at 11-10 with 2:23 remaining in the opening stanza.

“I think we’re kind of used to starting off like that because we’ve done that all season long,” said Lincoln Prep coach Antonio Hudson. “In a new location with some kids that had never played there, I just took it like we were just trying to get a feel for it. 

“Central Catholic knocked some shots down early, but we responded well. So that was a good thing.”

The Eagles would tie things up at 29-29 at the 4:20 mark of the third quarter, but Lincoln Prep never trailed after Spann gave his squad that first lead of the contest.

By halftime, the Panthers were on top 28-20 with Levingston already having scored 20 points.

“Big-time players make big-time plays,” Hudson said. “The work he’s put in all year is starting to show up now. That’s the way it is for the whole team.”

After Central Catholic tied things up midway through the third quarter, Lincoln Prep went on a 15-5 run the remainder of the stanza to hold a 42-34 lead heading into the final period.

Central Catholic never threatened again as the Panthers scored the opening four points of the final stanza and never relinquished a double-digit advantage from there.

Levingston added seven rebounds, three steals and two assists to his start sheet while Trey Spann added eight points, three boards, three assists and three steals.

“I just went in and played my game,” Levingston said. “The work we put in before the season, during the season — I knew it was going to pay off. Coach Hudson prepared us well and I just trusted in that and went out and did it.”

Josiah Spann finished with five points, three rebounds, two steals, a blocked shot and an assist while Kaden Vernon chipped in with three points, seven steals, six assists, two boards and a blocked shot.

All but three of Lincoln Prep’s points came by attacking the basket.

“That was the game plan,” Hudson said. “If you look at it tonight, we were 1-of-9 from 3-point range. We’ve got to be intentional in taking it to the rim.”

Hudson admitted the Panthers’ defense was key, as it has been all season long.

“If you’ve watched us this year, we’ve played this kind of defense all year,” Hudson said. “I’ve told our local media, we’ve had some good defensive teams in the past, but this team is one of the best defensive teams I’ve had. Give it up to Trey Spann, Zion Hick and Caden Vernon as well. Their numbers may not show on the stat sheet, but they defended.

“Our goal is to keep our opponent to under 40 (points). They got a little over 40, but if we can keep a team under 40 points, then we’ve got a chance to win it.”

Lincoln Prep will now host sixth-seeded Southern Lab at noon Friday for the state championship.

Hudson knows the same kind of defense will be needed.

“We’ll need it against Southern Lab,” Hudson said. “Southern Lab shot the lights out yesterday. We’ve got to make sure we’re in the gaps and they’re not shooting routine 3-pointers.”

That won’t be the first time a Grambling High School has faced Southern Lab in Marsh Madness action.

Southern Lab defeated Grambling Lab in the 2000 Class 1A title game and Grambling Lab won state titles in 1985, 1989, 1990 and 1992.

“I don’t think our kids really get the history between these two teams, but we’re going to try and let them know and realize it,” Hudson said. “I didn’t beat them in a championship game.  Not only is this for the state championship. This is for history.”

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by Malcolm Butler

Thanks to the partnership between Louisiana Tech University and the City of Ruston, Tech Drive motorists — and pedestrian foot traffic — will get a bit of a reprieve from each other in the future. 

The University and the City are once again teaming up, this time for a project that will include the construction of an elevated walkway on campus. 

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said the University secured funds for the project and the city will do it’s part in building the walkway which will ease congestion on one of the busiest — and more dangerous — roads on campus when it comes to pedestrians and motorists. 

The elevated walkway will be built across Tech Drive, just south of Scotty Robertson Memorial Gym.

According to Louisiana Tech Associate Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Adam McGuirt, the University was notified in mid-February of the approval of $1,033,500 million for the project. The funding comes through TAPs (Transportation Alternatives Program), a federally funded program administered through the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). 

“This is a 90-10 split,” said McGuirt. “Ninety percent federal and 10 percent local. Hunt, Guillot & Associates helped submit the application. They will help facilitate the grant.”

Walker said the city would cover the 10 percent plus ancillary costs such as design, engineering, and inspection.

Tech President Jim Henderson said the project is another illustration of the partnership between the city and the University.

“The City of Ruston and Louisiana Tech enjoy one of the strongest town-gown relationships in the nation,” said Louisiana Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson. “Mayor Walker and the city’s support to secure this funding to improve student safety is a tangible expression of the value of this relationship.”

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said the project has numerous benefits for both parties. 

“We are interested in this happening for several reasons ” said Walker. “The No. 1 reason is the city will be taking that road over soon, and we want to make it as safe as possible. I don’t want the liability of (pedestrians) getting hit.”

Walker said the city will take control of the road from Highway 80 all the way north to the four-way stop on Kentucky. He said the time frame for taking over the road would probably be in 2027, although it could happen in late 2026.

“The state will bring it up to what they call an A+ road,” said Walker. “They then give it to us. The DOTD wants to give away as many roads as it can. They will give us what is the equivalent of 20 years of maintenance. 

“They have a formula they use. They give you credits — or money — to use on projects. So instead of us having to ask for permission and go through all of the hurdles with the DOTD, we can go ahead and do projects and get them done.”

Walker and McGuirt both said the timeline for the construction of the elevated walkway is still unclear. 

“There really isn’t one yet,” said McGuirt. “We have to accept the award and do a few other things by the end of April.”

McGuirt said that once the award is accepted, the next phase will begin which will include design. 

Walker said the project could take anywhere from one year to three years, depending on numerous outside factors.

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Courtesy of Louisiana Tech University Communications

A total of 338 degrees were awarded to Louisiana Tech graduates of the Class of Winter 2026 during Saturday’s commencement ceremony in the Thomas Assembly Center. The global total of University alumni now stands at nearly 118,000.

Dr. Stephanie Murphy, Vice President of Culture and Experience at UnitedHealth Group and a doctoral graduate of Louisiana Tech, served as keynote speaker for the ceremony.

In her speech, she placed a heavy emphasis on having a support system in her life — family, friends, professors, mentors and colleagues — that gave her the means to achieve success. She noted that life circumstances like having a son during her undergraduate years at the University of New Orleans often stacked the deck of her journey against her, but perseverance and leaning on that support system helped her find her way. She gave a special nod to Professor Emerita Dr. Mitzi Desselles, her dissertation chair during her time at Louisiana Tech, and thanked her for her unwavering belief and the push to be her best self.

She went on to tell the graduates to hold fast to their own support systems and to the knowledge and confidence that Louisiana Tech has provided them.

“Sometimes you have to trust your gut before anyone else understands the plan,” Murphy said. “You have to take the leap before the path is obvious. At this pivotal point in your lives and careers, I encourage you to do the same. And surround yourself with people who believe in you — sometimes even more than you believe in yourself — so that, when doubt creeps in, they can remind you who you are.”

A couple notable graduates included Jakari Foster, Louisiana Tech Football’s first AP All-American player since 2012, and De’Ahmya Whaley, the recently-crowned Miss Louisiana Tech University. Eight doctoral degrees were also conferred during the ceremony.

The commencement setup in the Thomas Assembly Center that was arranged on Friday — hundreds of chairs, the stage, the floor tiles, and the decorations — was quickly dismantled after the ceremony to ready the court for the evening’s Lady Techsters basketball game, an overtime win in the final home contest of the season for a team celebrating its first outright regular season conference championship in 15 years.

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The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a local man last week after deputies responded to a domestic disturbance.

Zachary Foster, 23, of Ruston, was arrested on March 5 for domestic abuse aggravated assault after deputies investigated an incident on Rodeo Road.

The victim told deputies that during an argument, Foster retrieved a knife from the kitchen and pointed it at her.

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Foster told deputies that prior to their arrival, he was inside when the alleged victim wanted him to go back outside. He said he did not want to go back outside and began arguing with her. He stated the victim then began to push him, although not in a forceful manner, and that he does not like to be touched. He then grabbed a knife and threatened her.

Foster was arrested 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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Through the whole season of Lent, I work on answering the question, “What am I giving up for Lent.”

A friend told me recently, “I’m simply frazzled.” Now, when a minister says “frazzled,” my imagination goes straight to cartoon mode. I pictured him with his hair standing straight up, soot on his face, clutching a smoldering Bible in one hand while trying to answer a phone call and a text message with the other. Ministry does that to us. Then I looked at my own calendar—those blank spaces I had optimistically filled in with “rest”—and I understood exactly what he meant.

There’s an old saying: “I’m so busy I don’t know if I’ve found a rope or lost a horse. “Some days, that feels less like a saying and more like a spiritual condition.

Our culture practically demands frazzled, frenetic activity. If we’re going to play the game, we’re expected to check email, Facebook, Instagram, and X like we’re on some sort of digital scavenger hunt. I left Facebook, I never tweeted, and my computer only checks email a couple of times a day. I do peek at Instagram—because that’s where my family hangs out—but even that can feel like a part-time job.

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Maybe a good Lenten discipline would be to give up the tyranny of the immediate. If it doesn’t get done today, I’ll get to it tomorrow. And if it’s still sitting there tomorrow, maybe it didn’t need doing in the first place.

Now, I’m not suggesting you shirk your responsibilities. I’m suggesting we learn something about living for the long run, something our souls have been trying to tell us while we’ve been too busy checking notifications.

God took the seventh day off. You, however, will not—because I know you. So let me offer a substitute: two peace pockets a day.

A peace pocket is a ten-minute break where you turn off the phone, turn off the computer monitor, close the door, and do absolutely nothing. If anyone asks, tell them you’re about to “work very hard for the next ten minutes on doing nothing.” Only we could turn rest into a job description.

If you can’t take a day off, take two peace pockets and call me later.

We spend so much time ruminating over trifles. The disciples once “lost” Jesus—not because He was lost, but because they were. They finally found Him praying alone. Breathless, they announced, “The whole town is looking for you!” Jesus calmly replied that He had other places to go. In other words: “I’m not ruled by your urgency.”

Jesus had priorities. He didn’t let the trivial masquerade as the essential.

If God rested and Jesus set priorities, maybe we should take the hint. Maybe Lent is the perfect time to let go of the things that make us feel frazzled, frantic, and spiritually threadbare.

Then, perhaps, we can finally decide whether we’ve found a rope or lost a horse.

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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