Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Saturday, August 3
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
NEW ORLEANS – Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board welcome King of Louisiana Seafood Chef Chase Woodard of Parish Restaurant & Bar in Monroe, Louisiana, to the nation’s ultimate seafood cooking competition – the Great American Seafood Cook-Off. Chef Woodard won the title King of Louisiana Seafood in Monroe in May, beating 10 other chefs at the 17th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off. To win the crown, Chef Woodard prepared an ahi tuna dish highlighting his creativity and the superior quality of the seafood that comes from Louisiana’s shorelines and vast waterways.
The 2024 Great American Seafood Cook-Off will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans on Saturday, August 3, 2024. The 20th annual event gets underway with an opening parade through the convention center at 10:45 a.m. and opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. as chefs, each representing their home state, cook in front of a live audience and a panel of nationally acclaimed judges. The Great American Seafood Cook-Off promotes the quality and variety of domestic seafood found in the United States.
“We are excited to be celebrating our 20th anniversary of this great culinary competition. It provides the perfect stage to celebrate Louisiana and America’s domestic seafood industry – the best in the world,” said Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “This year there will be a very talented field of chefs from all over the country vying to be crowned the next ‘King or Queen of American Seafood’ right here in New Orleans. Each chef will be showcasing their skills with to present the best seafood dishes with a little bit of flare from the states they are representing.”
A native of northeast Louisiana, Chef Chase Woodard was drawn to cooking from an early age. Raised in the outdoors of Sportsman‘s Paradise by a family who hunted fished and cooked together, family and hospitality are at the center of everything meaningful to Chase. The smells of duck gumbo and catfish courtboullion filled his childhood and cultivated his love for food. In 2015, he moved to New Orleans to start his culinary career, landing at Mopho with Chef Mike Gulotta. The two years he spent being mentored by Chef Gulotta laid the foundation for the knowledge he has today and furthered his passion for Louisiana flavors with Southeast Asian influences. Chef Woodard next moved to Josephine Estelle at the Ace Hotel where he was able to work with new and exciting ingredients and expand on different techniques and Italian flavors under the guidance of Chef Chris Borges. When the opportunity presented itself to come back to Northeast Louisiana, he took it! Currently, he is working with Chef Cory Bahr at Parish Restaurant & Bar, exploring the cuisine of the Delta region of Louisiana and crossing boundaries of cuisines from around the world.
The 2024 Great American Seafood Cook-Off competitors include:
During the competition, each chef will prepare a dish highlighting the use of domestic seafood while interacting with the live audience, celebrity hosts Chef Cory Bahr – Food Network Star Finalist, Food Network Chopped! Champion, and a former King of Louisiana Seafood – and KLFY TV10’s Gerald Gruenig. Each dish will be presented to a panel of nationally renowned judges who will score based on presentation, creativity, composition, craftsmanship, and flavor.
To be eligible to compete in the event, chefs must either hold the current title of King or Queen of Seafood or be appointed by the lieutenant governor of their respective state or territory. Last year’s King of American Seafood, Chef Brody Olive of Voyagers Restaurant at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama, took home the crown preparing Gafftop catfish smoked over scrub oak, flash-fried mole crabs with Gulf shrimp horseradish cream, pickled purslane and smoked paprika coral tuile to best 11 of the nation’s best chefs. It was the fifth time a Mississippi chef took home the title.
The event is held in conjunction with the Louisiana Restaurant Association Showcase.
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
The Wuerffel Foundation announced Thursday its Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List for the 2024 season, consisting of a record 111 nominees including Louisiana Tech’s Zach Zimos.
College football’s premier award for community service is named after Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from the University of Florida who parlayed his success on the football field into a lifetime of service.
Zimos, a redshirt senior from Sugar Land, Texas, enters his second season with the Bulldogs. During his short time in Ruston, he has been involved in several community service projects including dog haul, hometown heroes, campus donuts, and several elementary drop offs.
He saw action in all 12 games last season at linebacker, making five starts. He registered 60 tackles, including 3.5 for loss and one sack. He led the Bulldogs in tackles twice, including a season-high 14 at Middle Tennessee.
Zimos was also impressive in the classroom, earning the CUSA Academic Medalist award as well as being named to the CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Trophy’s founding. The 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by an illustrious national voting committee, including a fan vote component, and announced on ESPN’s Home Depot College Football awards show on December 12.
By T. Scott Boatright
Grambling State University’s football offensive unit is off to a strong preseason start, at least on paper.
During the Southwestern Athletic Conference Football Media held on July 16 in Birmingham, Alabama, Grambling State University quarterback Miles Crawley was tabbed as the SWAC’s Preseason Player of the Year.
That was only the start of preseason accolades for Crawley, who on Tuesday was named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Stats Perform Walter Payton Award, regarded as the Heisman of the FCS, is named for the legendary running back that starred at Jackson State in the early 1970s.
And on Wednesday, Crawley was named to the 2024 HBCU college football Preseason All-America team announced by BOXTOROW, which has named All-America teams since 2007 based on voting by national media who cover HBCU football.
GSU Offensive lineman Tahj Martin, who was part of a front that gave up only 15 sacks (the fewest in the SWAC) last season, helped Grambling double up on preseason honors after being named to the SWAC All-Preseason Team and to the HBCU All-America Team.
Crawley, who transferred from Alabama State heading into the 2023 season, started every game for Grambling last year, connecting on 197-of-328 passes for 2,312 yards and 16 touchdowns, said he is appreciative of the accolades.
“It’s a great feeling,” Crawley said during the SWAC Media Day earning preseason honors. Just took a lot of hard work,” Crawley said of earning preseason honors. “It was just blocking the outside noise, tending to myself, thinking about what’s best for myself and for my team, and focusing on accomplishing those goals one by one.”
Crawley and the G-Men began preseason workouts on Wednesday, and he said he expects to reach higher heights this season under the guidance of new GSU coach Mickey Joseph.
“He has high standards and high expectations for me,” Crawley said about his relationship with Joseph during the SWAC Media Day. “He’s pushing me to be a great player and the best quarterback I can be for my team.”
“He wants me to be a little more vocal. I have always led by example, but he wants me out there getting guys in line and showing them the standard because we have a lot of young guys out there. I’ve been adjusting to it and love the role.”
Crawley said preseason accolades are not his focus as the Tigers continue preparing for their season opener at Louisiana-Lafayette on Aug. 31.
“One goal is just to win, whatever it takes,” Crawley said. “Just go out there and take care of business, and everything will fall into place — team success and personal success.”
Local artist Kit Gilbert passed away July 30, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Her full name was Betty Marie Gilbert, but she was known to everyone as Kit. She was the daughter of James David and Marie Bryant Gilbert. She grew up in Texas ranch country about thirty miles from Colorado City. Her favorite childhood activity was riding her horse through the grasslands every day after school.
After graduation from Colorado City High School, she enrolled in the University of Texas in Austin and, after two years, transferred to the University of Idaho, where she graduated with a B. S. Degree in Microbiology in 1967. The job she enjoyed most after graduation was a three-year post at the Portland Oregon Zoo as part of a National Science Foundation grant.
After living in Portland for twenty years, she moved to Ruston in the early 1980s where she established her real estate company, Gilbert Realty. Her art career began in Portland and continued in Ruston. Through the years she has had one-person shows in Louisiana and Arkansas and has shown her work in various galleries.
After retiring and selling her company, she purchased the building at the corner of West Alabama and Trenton Street where her studio was located and where she built a large art gallery. Through the years she gave many one-person shows for fine local artists, as well as showing her own large abstract paintings and smaller works. The building is now part of the Ross Lynn Foundation and is named the Gilbert Art Center. Kit was preceded in death by her parents and by her brother, Douglas Gilbert.
She is survived by her partner Carole Tabor and by Carole’s daughter Miranda Pontes and grandson, Landon Sims Whitcomb as well as by cousins Gil Lawton and Ricky Lawton and by numerous friends in the Ruston Community. A special survivor is her beloved foxhound, Honey.
Special thanks go to Dr. Ben Grigsby and his staff at Northwood Medical Center, to the staff of Best Home Health, and to care givers Joan King- Abner, Delores Thompson, and Carolyn Tyler.
Friends are invited to share a celebration of Kit’s life, to be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. in the Gilbert Art Center, 301 N. Trenton in Ruston, LA.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
Allen Jones
Sunday 12/17/1967 — Wednesday 07/24/2024
Visitation: Friday 08/02/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/03/2024 12:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Interment: Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 2413 Hwy. 425, Rayville
Johnny Ray Simonton
Wednesday 08/15/1956 — Friday 07/26/2024
Visitation: Friday 08/02/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/03/2024 10:00am at King’s Funeral Home
Private Burial
By T. Scott Boatright
After 43 years and six administrations, Grambling City Clerk Pamela Stringfellow has decided it is time for “me,” and retirement.
Stringfellow’s last day on the job will be Friday.
“I am thankful and grateful to Almighty God for allowing me to serve the city of Grambling for 43 years,” Stringfellow said. “My heart is filled with many emotions as I bid farewell after a long journey with good and some hard times in this role. I am grateful to my husband Andre for all his support and also to my daughter LaKeshia, my family, my pastor, church family and so many friends.”
Stringfellow, a Grambling native, first worked as the city’s payroll clerk in 1981 and over the years served under the administrations of Mayors Richard Gallot, Richard Ludley, John Williams, Martha Andrus, Edward Jones, and Alvin Bradley.
“This journey has been nothing short of incredible and rewarding to have served six administrations,” Stringfellow said. “I would like to be remembered as someone who did her best to make the city a better place. I have been blessed with support, love, and laughter during my tenure as the clerk.
“I thank the mayors and all the councilmembers for their vote of confidence in me to serve as the municipal clerk for the city. I wish the current administration — Mayor Bradley and others — continued success.”
In 1992, the state of Louisiana passed a law prohibiting dual position with municipal governments. Grambling City Councilwoman Rosetta Days had also been serving as Municipal Clerk, so she vacated that role with Stringfellow moving across the office to take over that position.
“I’m the only certified clerk the city has ever had,” Stringfellow said. “I am the third clerk overall, but the only certified clerk. It has been a very time-consuming job because you have to keep up with all of the laws, stay up to date by attending conferences and meetings and all of those kinds of things. There is so many grants, ordinances, resolutions, licenses, and policies you have to keep up with and know how to handle. They call my office the library because I have so many books in it.”
But she is decided that it is time to focus on other things.
“I want to travel and spend more time with my family, and just do ‘me’ … it is time for me to do me,” Stringfellow said.
Stringfellow has seen many changes in her years working at Grambling City Hall.
“When I first came, I had to manually write out all of the payroll checks,” Stringfellow said. “Now it is upgraded by computers. But I used to have to write out all of those checks.
“Back then we were in the building where only the police station is now. Mrs. Charlene Greene (who served as secretary and administrative assistant) was my mentor way back then.”
Stringfellow was quick to answer when asked what the best part of her career has been.
“The people … meeting all the people,” Stringfellow said. “A lot of them have come and gone, but that’s been the best part.”
But there were some hard times, too, like in the early 2000s when she was caught up in arguments between Andrus and the City Council at that time.
“Those were tough times,” Stringfellow said. “That was a rodeo there. Everybody remembers that time period. We had meetings that ran until 10 or 11 o’clock at night and I would have to be at work at 8 the next morning.”
Stringfellow will attend her last city council meeting as official clerk tonight. She declined naming her replacement to leave that for Bradley to announce during tonight’s meeting. But she said he has been training the replacement, who she said will handle official duties at tonight’s meeting.
“I think I’m just going to attend it,” Stringfellow said. “I’ll let them handle the meeting so they can type up their own (official) minutes.”
by Wesley Harris
Anna Ribbeck developed a love for archery while attending LSU. She participated in archery tournaments and became a bow hunter. Today she is a communications specialist with the LSU AgCenter, but is best known as “Anna the Archer,” one of the newer stars on the hit reality show “Swamp People.” Not only can she hunt her dinner, she can clean it and cook it, like her tasty swamp rat (nutria) pizza!
I caught up with Anna to get an update on her busy life before the filming of Season 16 of “Swamp People” begins.
LPJ: How did you go from posting videos on YouTube promoting archery to becoming a big star on “Swamp People”?
Anna: My mission has always been to promote safe and ethical archery practices, and the opportunity of a lifetime came my way two years ago to take archery to an international TV platform! The producers of “Swamp People” really loved my archery abilities and wanted to highlight it on the show.
LPJ: I know you appeared on “Wheel of Fortune” years ago, but did you ever see yourself becoming a TV star?
Anna: When I was a kid, I dreamed of starring in TV commercials! My mom didn’t want to disrupt my childhood, so I never auditioned (I’m very appreciative of that). The opportunity to star on “Swamp People” came out of the blue, and it’s like living my childhood dream!
LPJ: Do many fans approach you when you are out in public? What’s that like?
Anna: I usually get recognized when I travel out of state. I think “Swamp People” has a massive fan base outside Louisiana. Although I did get recognized in my local Walmart the other day! It’s such an honor when a fan approaches you! I have found “Swamp People” fans are genuinely so nice. I always carry gator scutes (the scales from an alligator’s skin) in my purse so I can give them out to fans if they come up to me.
Each gator season, fans from around the country travel to Duffy’s in Pierre Part to watch us unload gators! My favorite part is getting to meet young fans! I invite anyone who wants to meet the swampers to come out to Duffy’s this gator season.
LPJ: Any close calls when filming “Swamp People”?
Anna: Yes, plenty! The most dangerous situation I encountered occurred on my first day of filming. Ashley and I had just pulled a ten-foot gator in the boat, and it came back to life! It swung its head around trying to bite my foot and I was able to pull my knife and put it to bed permanently. That got my adrenaline pumping.
LPJ: I’m sure you’ve heard criticism of gator hunting, but you are a committed conservationist, right?
I am 100% a conservationist. Most of the criticism I receive against gator hunting comes from social media. I understand not everyone wants to hunt, but it’s so important to teach folks why is hunting is a huge part of conservation, from the purchase of hunting licenses and fees that fund conservation, the excise taxes on guns, ammo and archery equipment as well as the actual management of the species through harvest.
Without hunters, wildlife populations and habitat would suffer. I love being part of the hunting conversation on social media. Not everyone wants to listen, some people want to fight, but some genuinely want to learn. As a hunter and conservationist, it’s so important to teach others why hunting is a vital part of conservation. If we lose hunting, we lost a major part of wildlife conservation.
LPJ: Tell us about your job at the LSU AgCenter.
I’ve been with the AgCenter for five years, working as their first-ever social media strategist. I have built a strong social media presence for the AgCenter focusing on communicating research-based educational information to the public. My strategy has grown their social following by over a 100,000 followers, reaching millions of users annually. This has resulted in an increased presence for the AgCenter, more help provided to the public, and more support for our farmers.
LPJ: What’s next for Anna the Archer?
Currently, I’m gearing up for gator season which starts August 28. I’m hoping for no hurricanes and cooler weather! I’m also working on more great educational video content for my social media–@annathearcher. I encourage anyone interested in Louisiana culture, food, foraging, etc. to follow my pages on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. (see facebook.com/AnnatheArcher)
_________________________________________
Anna has a master’s from LSU in soil and plant sciences with a focus on invasive aquatic plant species. Her work supporting Louisiana agriculture can be accessed at facebook.com/LSUAgCenter
By Judith Roberts
Even though we could see Bass Rock easily in the distance, it took about 20 minutes to get there in our rigid inflatable boat tour.
Bass Rock is a tall, rocky island in the middle of the Firth of Forth, which is accessible by boat from North Berwick, which is where we loaded onto our small boat tour. As we got closer, Bass Rock is a massive 351-foot-tall island; as reference, our own Mt. Driskill is 535 feet high, so Bass Rock is more than half the height of the largest mountain in our state. And as we got closer, we noticed it was covered solid white – over 150,000 gannets, to be exact.
Bass Rock is home to the largest colony of northern gannets and make this island their home during breeding season. We simply stared up in amazement at the hundreds of gannets flying overhead and the thousands upon thousands perched upon Bass Rock itself. Right then, the boat driver could have taken me home, and I would have believed myself incredibly lucky to witness such beauty; but believe it or not, Bass Rock is not the star of the show.
About another 15 minutes away is another island, longer by far and the one called Isle of May. It’s known as the Jewel of the Fourth because it’s home to the largest Puffin colony on the East coast of Scotland.
Yes, that’s right. It’s the real life Puffin Rock.
I don’t remember how I stumbled onto the Isle of May, but in researching our trip, I realized there was a chance that we could see puffins in their natural habitat. Puffins usually leave the Isle of May the end of July or the first of August, so our chances were not super great. In fact, our tour guide said she hoped we saw some puffins, because they had possibly made their way to the sea, where they would spend the next five to six years (at sea, mind you, not on land) before returning to the Isle of May.
Kyle spotted the first puffin, flying, while we were still on the boat. I couldn’t see its iconic beak, but I was surprised how quickly it flew. After our “welcoming committee” of seals lounging on rocks, we disembarked and began our tour.
We saw tons to kittywakes, which are a type of gulls, and fulmars, including the most adorable fulmar chick, but then we saw them: the puffins.
We didn’t see one, and we didn’t see a couple. We saw thousands.
On one of the cliff sides, the adult puffins were teaching the juveniles to fly, and they would participate in what I heard one researcher describe as a “puffin waterfall” (not sure if that’s a scientific term, but I did like it), where hundreds of puffins would dive off of the cliff and flap their little wings as fast as they could. I tried to film it; forget Harry Potter, this was real magic. But my videos don’t do it justice by any means, so I finally abandoned my quest to simply watch these adorable creatures.
This was one of the largest years for puffins on the Isle of May – our tour guide said they estimated more than 52,000 puffin breeding pairs were on the island this year. The puffins must be careful their eggs are not eaten by gulls, so often they build their nests in underground burrows, which is just as adorable as it sounds.
We had three hours on the Isle of May, and it was perfect. The Scottish weather, notoriously “atmospheric” and “romantic” as one of our tour guides called it (so we had better words to use than “dreary” and “rainy,” he explained cheekily), was sunshine and windy, which made exploring an island the best afternoon activity.
And I got to see my puffins. Scratch that one off the bucket list.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced the La. Highway 3005 bridge over Redwine Creek near Grambling has been closed for emergency repair.
The bridge is located immediately south of the intersection with U. S. 80. According to DOTD officials, the closure will last approximately one week to implement the repair.
Vehicles will use a detour on the route, following posted signs. All work will be done weather permitting.
DOTD appreciates the public’s patience while the work is underway. For more information on the closure, visit http://www.dotdla.gov or call (318) 549–8402.
Louisiana State Police arrested a Dubach man early Sunday morning after he appeared to be driving while intoxicated.
Khaleb Williams, 21, was initially stopped by another agency for running a stop sign at the South Service Road and Tech Drive in Ruston. A trooper responded and found Williams had bloodshot eyes and a strong odor of alcoholic beverages. Field sobriety tests were administered.
After the tests, William was arrested and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where he submitted to a breath test. The sample indicated Williams’s blood alcohol concentration was .164g, more than twice the Louisiana legal limit.
A records check showed Williams had a previous DWI conviction in Ruston City Court in 2022 and a suspended driver’s license since 2019.
Williams was booked for second offense DWI, running a stop sign, and driving under suspension. Bail was set at $2,500.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
by Malcolm Butler
Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie doesn’t have his pilots license.
Doesn’t matter.
The third-year Bulldog Boss said Wednesday morning following day one of fall practice that he is “getting the plane off the runway this week.”
While answering questions from the media gaggle following practice at the Jim Mize Track and Field Complex, Cumbie spoke of getting started with all eyes set on the August 31 home opener against Nicholls State.
“Our view in fall camp is we ramp ourselves up this week,” said Cumbie. “Next week is really going to take off. We are getting the plane off the runway this week, and then we are going to amp it up in terms of situations next week.
“I think the time in July gives you more time for fundamentals and techniques of your position, and then you hit the ground running with that in fall camp. It allows us to get to situations faster.”
The Bulldogs hope to get over a three-year stretch where Tech has won just three games each season. Tech’s last bowl appearance came in the 2020 New Orleans Bowl, the seventh in a stretch of seven-straight bowl games.
However, since that time the Bulldogs have fallen on tough times, something senior defensive lineman Mykol Clark said he hoped the 2024 Tech team could remedy.
“We are all together, and we are all unified,” said Clark, who is the lone Bulldog defensive returner who started all 12 games last season. “I feel like everybody has bought into it, and everybody is going in the right direction.
“We need to bring that leadership back into the locker room. We need to get a lot of guys going in the right direction with the right mindset. My freshman year we went to the Independence Bowl and won against Miami. It was a 10-win season. You kind of see that same energy in the locker room now.”
In order for the Bulldogs to get back to bowl eligible status, the defensive side of the football will have to take some major steps forward after ranking among the bottom teams in the country in numerous statistical categories the past few years.
New defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson has come on board and according to Clark and Cumbie, has brought a renewed sense of excitement. Johnson spent 15 years at Northern Iowa — nine as DC — before serving in the same role at Kent State in 2023.
“I think (Jeremiah) has brought a big contribution,” said Cumbie. “I think all of (our defensive coaches) have done a phenomenal job. I think the players are not thinking. They are reacting. They are in attack mode. I think that suits their skillset.”
Clark agreed.
“Coach (Johnson) is my guy,” said Clark. “I’m not going to lie. He brings the energy every day. His scheme is solid but more than that he brings the enthusiasm. He pushes you to be the best. He doesn’t accept average. He does it the right way.”
Tech will return to the practice field today.
A Ruston man was arrested early Sunday morning on numerous charges after a Lincoln Parish deputy saw his Nissan car did not display a license plate.
Keilon D. Boston, 27, was stopped on West California Avenue in Ruston shortly after 1:00 a.m. Sunday. The deputy saw a temporary tag in the back window upon walking up to the vehicle, but it did not have a number displayed.
A check of the vehicle identification number showed the car was not registered. A check of the driver, Boston, showed five warrants for his arrest.
Boston was taken into custody and searched. A small bag of marijuana was found in his pocket.
Boston was taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where he was booked for possession of marijuana, improper license plate display, 3 warrants to three warrants for failure to appear in court on. In Ruston City Court on traffic charges, a warrant from Third District Court for failure to appear on a resisting an officer charge, and a warrant from Bienville Parish.
Bail on the Ruston City Court charges was set at $6,000.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By T. Scott Boatright
There’s shape, and there’s football shape.
Legendary football coach John Madden might have said it best.
“There is a difference in being in shape and being in football shape,” the late Madden once said. “Anyone can out on the field and run around, but once you start getting hit and have to get up then you find out the difference between being in shape and football shape.”
Grambling State University football coach Mickey Joseph knows his players are in pretty good shape overall as athletes.
But high humidity and heat index temperatures hovering near the century mark made for a tough workout as Grambling State held its first preseason football practice on Thursday.
Talking to his team at the end of practice, he urged the players to concentrate on taking care of themselves and preparing themselves for (today’s) practice, because he promised it would not get any easier.
Joseph said he feels the Tigers have improved since spring football, but that they had to prepare for practices continually being ramped up in pace and intensity.
“We’re a better-looking team (than in the spring),” Joseph said. “We are better up front on both sides of the ball. I was excited to get out here because I wanted to see where we’re at after summer workouts.
“So, I saw we need to get in better shape, better condition right now. But I thought the effort was there today. We have to clean some things up as coaches, and we will. We have to get them to take care of their bodies — eat, sleep, drink water. The effort was there, but we have to get more out of them.”
Joseph admitted a cooler, wetter July than usual may have played a role in some of his players being caught off guard by Wednesday’s smothering heat.
“It was the first day with helmets on since April — that had something to do with it,” Joseph said. “Now we are more of a stop and go practice. That has something to do with it. We have to focus on continually getting into better shape. We need to help them take care of their bodies and make sure they are eating right, sleeping right and drinking water.
“(Assistant AD for Sports Performance) Scottie (Patton) and (Strength and Conditioning Director) Andy (Levulis) do a great job educating them on that. We have just got to get them to do it and keep doing it.”
Joseph said he believes it will not take long for his Tigers to acclimate.
“With this group it looks like I’ve got to ease into it,” Joseph said. “And then be smart with their reps to make sure we are getting enough reps so that they are being productive. We had to keep the structure there for them. Once we get that built in, they will be fine.”
Joseph said there is really only one particular goal he’s looking to achieve as preseason practices begin for his Tigers.
“Every time we hit the field, we’re looking for improvement,” Joseph said. “Because once a practice is over, we don’t get those days back. Anytime we go we want to see where we improved — did we improve as individuals? Did we improve on special teams? Did we improve in 7-on-7?
“Improvement. Every time we hit the field, we need to see improvement.”
Joseph admitted some of his players are doing a little catch-up on GSU’s system.
“Some of them, this is their third go with the system after spring and early summer,” Joseph said. “The kids who got here in the summer, this is their second go with the install. I am not excited or worried that much about where they are mentally because I think you can always be better mentally.
“But fatigue can get to you sometimes where it screws up your thinking, so we want to make sure that they are mentally sound on what they need to do. We will look at the film, because sometimes you realize after looking at the film that it is not as bad as you thought it was.”
Green Clinic will welcome four esteemed doctors to our team: Dr. Cody Blackwelder, Dr. Andy Smith, Dr. Caleb Stanfield, and Dr. Kristina Stanfield. Each brings a wealth of knowledge, training, and dedication to patient care.
Dr. Cody Blackwelder, General Surgeon
Dr. Cody Blackwelder graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed his General Surgery Residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where he was honored as Chief Resident of the Year in 2024. Dr. Blackwelder’s proficiency encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures, including minimally invasive surgeries, gastrointestinal surgeries, and emergency surgeries. His dedication to surgical excellence and patient care will increase the availability of surgical services at Green Clinic, further providing our patients with access to top-tier surgical interventions.
Dr. Andy Smith, Cardiologist
Dr. Andy Smith graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport and completed his Internal Medicine Residency and Cardiology Fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. During his fellowship, Dr. Smith was named Fellow of the Year in 2021, a testament to his outstanding performance and dedication. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, specializing in cardiology. Dr. Smith’s expertise in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias, ensures that our patients receive exceptional cardiac care.
Dr. Caleb Stanfield, Endocrinologist
Dr. Caleb Stanfield graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport, demonstrating a commitment to excellence early in his career. He then pursued an Internal Medicine residency and an Endocrinology Fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he was honored as Chief Resident in 2021. Dr. Stanfield is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, underscoring his expertise in managing complex endocrine disorders, including diabetes, thyroid diseases, and metabolic disorders. His commitment to patient care and cutting-edge treatment methods will be a tremendous asset to our clinic and the patients we serve.
Dr. Kristina Stanfield, Comprehensive and Medical Retinal Specialist
Dr. Kristina Stanfield graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport and went on to complete her Ophthalmology Residency and Medical Retina Fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Recognized for her leadership and clinical skills, Dr. Stanfield was named Chief Resident in 2021. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, reflecting her profound knowledge and competence in ophthalmology. Dr. Stanfield specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. Her advanced skills and approach to care will greatly benefit our patients, ensuring they receive treatment of the highest standard.
Our CEO, Lori Keen, shares her enthusiasm about the new additions: “Green Clinic is very excited for these four providers to join our team. We are proud to expand the services we offer in Ruston and the surrounding communities. As always, our commitment is to provide excellent care right here at home, and we’re certain these four will bring what it takes to help deliver that commitment.”
Two of the four new recruits are not only returning to their hometown of Ruston to start their medical careers, but are also following in the footsteps of some of Green Clinic’s very own. Keen remarks, “Dr. Mark Blackwelder from our Internal Medicine department and Dr. Billy Smith from our Cardiology department are both thrilled to see their sons join Green Clinic. Here, we work as a family to take care of your family, and in this instance, it is quite literally family!”
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Cody Blackwelder, Dr. Andy Smith, Dr. Caleb Stanfield, and Dr. Kristina Stanfield as they begin their practice at Green Clinic! If you would like to schedule an appointment or have a referral need, please call us at 318-251-6353.
This is an advertorial.
Like many of you, I saw the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. What was supposed to be an international celebration of the world’s best athletes turned into a social statement that had nothing to do with athletics at all. There has subsequently been a great deal of feedback from many offended by the display and apparent mockery, if not attack, on the foundation of Christianity.
Many Christians are threatened at the world’s aversion to Christianity and concerned over the future. I have heard similar concerns associated with the outcomes of political elections, supreme court decisions, and various legislative rulings. While we may live in very threatening times when others are outspoken antagonists against Christianity, this adversity is not new.
Christians have been persecuted, mocked, and ridiculed throughout history. What we see today is a modern approach to what has gone on through every generation and is not nearly as threatening as what some have lived through.
History shows us that outside threats just make the Christian message of love, hope, and forgiveness stronger. Difficult times have brought followers together and galvanized the commitment to impact the world regardless of opposition.
The biggest threat to Christianity is not outside opposition, political results, or any other outside factor. The biggest threat is complacency. When Christians become so ingrained in the daily struggles of life that they don’t have time for their Savior, faith becomes an afterthought. When Christians become so absorbed in what the world offers for comfort, they forget their need for a Savior. When Christians desire acceptance and recognition more than sacrifice and service, compromises overshadow convictions.
While you may be outraged at the Olympics’ opening ceremonies, the question is whether you can turn that outrage into an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to live out what you profess to believe. It’s an opportunity to renew, re-examine, and re-engage. It’s an opportunity to have productive discussions with others. It’s an opportunity to take an inward look at not only how we are approaching life, but our motivations that drive our decisions.
I’ll likely not watch the closing ceremonies, but I will continue to watch the Olympics. There are some great stories about the athletes that are competing. Those stories need to be told. For me to have an impact, I need to stay connected to the world but not be controlled by the world. I need to stay close enough to have an impact but not so ingrained that it adversely impacts me.
Whether you are a professing Christian or just someone seeking to find your way, every day is an opportunity. Let’s make the most of those opportunities!
Weekend City of Ruston Public Works After Hour Contact Information
If you need anything on the weekends, please call the city’s emergency line at 255-1316. This number connects you to our Public Works Department.
Whether your lights go out or you need animal control, they will dispatch the appropriate city personnel to your location within the city, to help fix the problem you are having!
But please remember, if it is an emergency, always call 911 first.
Frédéric “Auguste” Bartholdi was born in Comar, France in 1791 to parents Jean Charles Bartholdi and Augusta Charlotte Bartholdi. When Auguste was just two years old, his father died. Soon thereafter, Auguste, along with his mother and older brother, moved to Paris to be closer to another branch of the Bartholdi family.
Auguste was a student of the arts. He studied drawing, painting, sculpting, and architecture. He was most impressed with and often visited the workshops of noted sculptors Antoine Etex and Jean-François Soitoux. Auguste’s interests were in the creation of monuments to historical figures and patriotic celebrations. In 1854, Auguste began drawing what became his first real monument to honor a French Army officer during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. He completed the bronze statue of General Rapp in 1855 and presented it at the Universal Exhibition of Parish. In the following year, it was placed atop a pedestal in Auguste and General Rapp’s hometown of Colmar. Auguste created a handful of other bronze sculptures of notable French patriots.
The viceroy of Egypt learned of Auguste’s talent and hired him to design a statue of a robed female Saeid Misr or “Upper Egyptian,” to be built at the entryway of the Suez Canal in Port Said, Egypt. It was to be called Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia. Auguste got to work right away. He took inspiration from the giant ancient Egyptian statues at Abu Simbel, Egypt. He researched the Colossus of Rhodes which was built at the entrance to the island’s main port in 280 B.C. The Colossus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and stood for almost a thousand years until, according to some sources, an Arab force conquered Rhodes and completely destroyed the statue.
Auguste complete sketches and even a watercolor painting of Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia. He designed the 86-foot-tall female statue to sit atop a 48-foot-tall pedestal. Auguste knew that this statue on such a grand scale would certainly be his masterpiece. Auguste met with the viceroy and displayed his sketches, paintings, and architectural drawings of the statue. The viceroy was certainly impressed, but the cost to construct the statue was just too great. The viceroy had no choice but to discontinue work on Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia. In 1869, the Port Said Lighthouse was built where Auguste’s statue would have stood. Auguste was understandably disappointed.
In the following year, 1870, France was embroiled in the Franco-Prussian War. Auguste served as a squadron leader of the National Guard and liaison officer during the war. He took part in the unsuccessful defense of Colmar from Germany. When the war ended in 1871, Auguste began constructing numerous monuments in honor of French heroism in the region. All the while, he kept thinking about the statue that would have been his masterpiece. He was determined to build it, but who would pay the enormous price to construct it? He ultimately convinced the French government to help in the form of public fees. They held various forms of fundraisers such as theatrical events, art exhibits, auctions, and a lottery. In 1883, poet Emma Lazarus wrote her famous sonnet entitled “The New Colossus” to be auctioned for the statue’s construction.
Finally, Auguste had the funds to build his masterpiece. He recycled and modified his original female “Upper Egyptian” design along with the statue’s original title Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia to better fit the statue’s intended placement. In July 1884, Auguste completed his 151-foot masterpiece, and the statue stood tall above the rooftops of Paris for two years. Then, the statue was disassembled, packed up, shipped to what was then called Bedloe’s Island, and reassembled where it remains to this day. Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi recycled the look of Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia and renamed the statue Liberty Enlightening the World. You and I know Auguste’s recycled masterpiece as the Statue of Liberty.
Sources:
1. The Statue of Liberty: Overview + History, Ellis Island Foundation, https://www.statueofliberty.
2. Auguste Bertholdi – Father of the Statue of Liberty, Colmar et sa region, L’Alsace essentielle, https://www.tourisme-colmar.
3. Gabriela Hammond, “The Woman Behind the Statue of Liberty: Who is Lady Liberty,” February 15, 2021, https://www.
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech’s Will Allen and Anaya Hairston were among the 20 student-athletes across the Conference USA member institutions to recently attend the summer Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) meetings in Texas.
This year’s discussions centered around the mental health of student-athletes and the importance of supporting all sports. The representatives also participated in breakout sessions with their respective working groups, enjoyed activities such as pickle ball, corn hole, and shuffleboard.
“The experience was great,” said Allen, a redshirt junior on the Bulldog Basketball team. “I got to talk more than I usually do, helping me get out of my comfort zone. And getting to meet all the other student-athletes from around Conference USA was great.”
“I’m very grateful I was able to meet other collegiate athletes from across the country and learn their perspectives on certain issues within the conference,” said Hairston, a sophomore on the Bulldog Volleyball team. “My favorite part would have to be the absolute privilege of being able to discuss different ideas and perspectives from each team’s representatives at the conference. I’m grateful that Conference USA has given us the platform to discuss specific topics that affect us as student-athletes, such as mental health, and what we can do as a conference to develop and further community engagement within the conference itself.”
One of the other highlights was a community service project at a local food bank where the representatives helped package over 32,000 meals.
Jo Ellen Pirtle Clark, age 88, of North Chesterfield, VA, formerly of Ruston, LA was born on September 20, 1935, and passed away on June 25, 2024, in North Chesterfield, VA.
Jo Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Les Clark; her son, Kelly Clark; her granddaughter, Alix Clark; her brother, Billy Pirtle; and her parents.
She is survived by her son Kenny Clark and wife, Lisa; grandchildren, Ryan Clark and Jordan Clark; and one great granddaughter, Elliott Clark.
Oscar Daniel Hannibal, a beloved husband, father, and dedicated servant to his country and church, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, at the age of 84 in Jonesboro, Louisiana.
Born on January 4, 1940, near Texarkana, Arkansas, Oscar was one of four children born to his father and had two half-brothers and one half-sister. Oscar’s incredible life began on a farm in rural Arkansas by the Red River, but his experiences took him around the world. He proudly served in the United States Air Force, including a tour in Vietnam, and retired after 25 years of distinguished service.
It was during a refueling stopover in Terceira, Azores, that he met the love of his life. Oscar and Mary married when he was 23 and she was 16, embarking on a journey together that would span more than six decades. Together, they were blessed with four children: three boys and one girl, as well as five grandchildren, who were the center of their world.
After his military service, Oscar pursued further education at Louisiana Tech, earning a degree in Construction Engineering. His professional life included several fulfilling jobs in Louisiana, including his own construction and electrical contracting company, from which he eventually retired for a second time.
Retirement, however, did not slow him down. Oscar continued to reinvent himself, pursuing his calling to become a deacon and then serving his local Catholic Church and the community.
An avid outdoorsman, Oscar found joy in fishing and just being in nature. His adventurous spirit and curiosity kept him constantly exploring the world around him and endeared him to all who knew him. He was always game for anything anyone wanted to do. In his sunset years, he enjoyed many hours walking and feeding the ducks at Lincoln Parish Park. A vibrant source of happiness and positivity, he was always joking and ready with a smile and a kind word.
Oscar’s legacy is carried on by his loving wife, Mary, of Ruston; their four children, Jeff Hannibal and wife Jacquie of Seattle, Dwain Hannibal and wife Jen of Portland, Mark Hannibal of New Orleans, and Anna Baines and husband Johnathan of Ruston; and their five grandchildren: Zach Hannibal and wife Kori of Orange, California, Becky Hannibal of Ruston, and Elena, Caedmon, and Jace Baines of Ruston. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A memorial Mass to honor Oscar’s life will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Friday, August 23rd at 10 a.m., with a Celebration of Life reception to follow across the street at the Luffey Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lincoln Parish Park.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com
Denise “Dede” Diane Wall
March 5, 1970 – July 26, 2024
Visitation: Thursday, August 01, 2024, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Living Water Full Gospel Church, 131 Oak St, Dubach
Celebration of Life: Thursday, August 01, 2024, 3:00 PM, Living Water Full Gospel Church, 131 Oak St, Dubach
Randall Fuller
May 8, 1938 – July 28, 2024
Visitation: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 1, 2024 at New Hope Baptist Church, Choudrant
Services: 10 a.m., Thursday, August 1, 2024 at New Hope Baptist Church, Choudrant
Alda Raye Dozier
April 27, 1938 – July 29, 2024
Cemetery: Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens, 1270 Hwy 544, Ruston
Allen Jones
Sunday 12/17/1967 — Wednesday 07/24/2024
Visitation: Friday 08/02/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/03/2024 12:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Interment: Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 2413 Hwy. 425, Rayville
Johnny Ray Simonton
Wednesday 08/15/1956 — Friday 07/26/2024
Visitation: Friday 08/02/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/03/2024 10:00am at King’s Funeral Home
Private Burial