The Circle, a program of the Northern Louisiana Medical Center, is hosting a Mardi Gras Anniversary Party on Sept. 5 at the Ruston Civic Center.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and entry fee is $5.
The Circle is our program for individuals age 50 or better who are interested in pursuing an active lifestyle, learning about health and wellness, and meeting others.
Their events and activities are designed to help you stay healthy, vibrant and active. They encourage participants to pursue the things you love, try new hobbies and interests, and meet new friends.
The Mardi Gras Anniversary Party will include activity booths, door prizes, entertainment provided by “Home Grown”, and lunch provided by L&L’s Catering.
Individuals can reserve their spot by calling 318-254-7515.
Ruston Police arrested a woman Tuesday after she was stopped for a traffic violation and was found to be wanted.
Diana L. Hampton, 37, of Ruston, was stopped at about 2 a.m. Aug. 27 for an expired temporary license tag.
Hampton said the vehicle was not hers and when asked for a driver’s license, she could not provide one. A records check showed an active warrant for failure to appear in Third District Court on a charge of improper supervision of a minor.
When the officer attempted to arrest Hampton, she walked away, and the officer had to grab her wrist to stop her. Hampton attempted to pull away and after a brief struggle, she was handcuffed.
Hampton complained of shoulder pain and was taken to the North Louisiana Medical Center for evaluation. Once cleared, she was taken to the Lincoln Parish Center where she was booked for improper display of a temporary license tag, no inspection sticker, resisting arrest, and the outstanding warrant.
Bail was set at $1,250.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Directors and officers from recently created Southern A’Chord Chorus are inviting others to join. Back row, from left: Candice Bassett, director; Lynette Murphy, assistant director for musical expression; Sallie Rose Hollis, assistant director for visual expression. Front row: Judy Sisson, secretary; Tina Allen, treasurer.
A new melody is rising in Ruston as Southern A’Chord, a women’s community a cappella chorus, announces its formation and invites area residents to a harmonious beginning.
The group will host a Welcome Night on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston, 212 N. Bonner.
Chorus leaders say Southern A’Chord’s purpose is to bring music to the community and to provide a place for women to enjoy and grow their musical skills.
All women who have a love for singing are encouraged to attend the recruitment event. It will provide a chance to meet the director and fellow singers, discover more about the chorus’s mission and upcoming activities, and experience the delight of singing in a group.
“The group is more than just a chorus,” said Lynette Murphy, of Choudrant, assistant director for musical expression. “It’s a celebration of the joys of singing and the uplifting power of music. Singing is a journey of the soul that connects us to the deepest parts of ourselves and to each other.
“There’s something truly magical about coming together to create harmony,” explained Murphy, who also serves as chorus president. “Singing not only lifts the spirit but also promotes a sense of unity.”
The chorus Music Staff is led by Director Candice Bassett, of Grayson, who believes in the transformative power of music. “When we sing, we create a space where every voice matters. It’s not just about the notes on the page. It’s about the stories we tell and the community we build – a community where women can support each other, learn together and perform for the joy of our audiences.”
With a repertoire that spans pop, patriotic, gospel and holiday, Southern A’Chord offers a sound that resonates with diverse audiences. As a new non-profit organization, the chorus has a roster of 14 members from multiple parishes.
“We’re committed to helping our members find their voice and use it confidently,” Bassett said. “Our rehearsals are a place of discovery, where the art of a cappella singing – especially barbershop – can be embraced. We’re excited to build this sisterhood and share our love of music with Ruston and beyond.”
Regular rehearsals are held Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the same location as the guest night. Visitors and singers from other groups are welcome any time.
Southern A’Chord is not yet affiliated with any other organizations but would like to partner with local arts and community groups to serve North Louisiana, its leaders say.One of the chorus goals is to do community service outreach.
Bassett has extensive a cappella chorus training and background, having earned a director’s certification and international medals with other singing groups. Murphy is the choir director and piano teacher for Ruston High School and serves as worship leader for First Baptist Church in Choudrant.
For more information concerning either membership or booking a performance, visit the website southernachordchorus.org or the Facebook page Southern A’Chord Chorus, or contact Murphy at 501-318-8701.
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I learned what Rene Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.” I’m still not sure what Rene was getting at, but it sounds good. If you say it in Latin, “Cogito ergo sum” you can sound very intellectual, while not wholly understanding the concept.
I’m a more pedestrian thinker. My version of it is, “I drive, therefore I am.” I should have kept up with all the miles I have put on vehicles. I live twenty-three minutes from the church. I spend nearly an hour in the car each day going to and from the office. I love my commute on I-20. I have prayer time in the morning and again in the afternoon. There are times that I’m praying for the driver in front of me, that they would quit being “doubleminded” and put their foot on the accelerator. I have also called upon the name of the Lord when the driver in the left lane suddenly cuts across my lane to exit the interstate quickly. I’ll wager they are thinking, “I signaled, didn’t I?”
For the past weeks from roughly the Bienville Parish line to the city limits of Ruston a little work has been going on. The trees on the side of the interstate are being removed. There is heavy equipment involved in the clearing of the shoulder. The contractor is cutting the trees down and then a machine comes and turns the tree into mulch. For miles, this crew is transforming the shoulder of the interstate. They are also removing the trees from the median of the interstate.
My first thought, when I saw the equipment, was I needed one of those.
My view has changed as the trees have disappeared.
The trees were allowed to grow too close to the road. I don’t know that factually, but it is an educated guess. This trimming allows for a margin of grass to separate drivers from trees that might fall in some kind of storm. It is visually appealing and calming.
Who would have thought that margin was important on the Interstate? Margin is the edge or border of something. The page you are reading has some kind of margin. If it did not, your brain would revolt at the visual effrontery. We need a margin around the page to read. I’m learning that margin around the road is important too.
How about margin in your life? How are you getting it all done? Are you taking time to reflect? To rest? To pray?
I’m going to translate what Jesus said, in your Bibles it is transliterated.
Jesus said, “Rest (The Sabbath) was created for humanity, not humanity for the rest. (Sabbath.) Sabbath, rest, downtime, relaxing, or if you will margin, is a gift from God that allows you to renew yourself and to discover God’s grace in the simple things of life.
Take time off, it will change your view of the journey.
Doug de Graffenried is Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana.
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Jordan Brown returns for a second season as Lincoln Prep’s starting quarterback. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
GRAMBLING — The Lincoln Prep Panthers get one final preseason look at their team as they participate tonight in the Delhi Jamboree.
And they expect a challenging test in front of them. The Panthers are coming off a 2-7 campaign last year and will take on Delta Charter, which went 8-2 in 2023.
Lincoln Prep coach Glen Hall preaches defense, and his Panthers expected to be tested on that side of the ball by the Storm as Delta Charter averaged 41.6 points per game last season.
Hall is looking for a stronger offense for his team this season after having key playmakers flash at times in 2023 and during last week’s scrimmage against Book T. Washington.
Senior D’Tavion Wright will be the workhorse for the Panthers’ offense this season.
“Wright runs the ball the way I like to see it run,” Hall said. “He runs with power but also has speed to go along with that. He’s a good receiver, too, but it’s that power I really like.”
Adding to Wright’s “Boom” for the Panthers’ running back corps is the “Zoom” of senior speedster Jaylin Huntley.
“The thing is, we have a really good mix of talent and ability at that position,” Hall said. “If Huntley can stay focused, he can be a big part of our offense, too. And I think he’s ready.
“So, if I can get them to combine for 150-200 yards per game, we’re in good shape.”
Having Tyler Wimberly in the mix at fullback will only make the Panthers a stronger rushing team.
“But it’s not only Wright and Huntley,” Hall said. “Wimberly is a hard-nosed runner who powers straight forward and fights his way through the defense. And we have some other guys who can help at that position. I feel good about that group.”
Jordan Brown returns for a second season as the Panthers’ starter at quarterback and Hall is only focused on hopes to see one thing from his senior — game management.
“He’s got a year up under his belt and we really need him to become more consistent and become more of a leader,” Hall said about Brown. “He’s still the type of guy who sometimes wants to play back there in the back of the crowd trying too hard to make something big happen and ends up being sacked. He’s got to protect the football, not get sacked and do a good job of game management and let the rest happen around him.”
Hall is looking for one other improved skill from his quarterback.
“As a starting quarterback, you’ve got to be more of a leader. He’s got to understand that while he might not be a quarterback that’s going to blow everybody away, if he plays within this system, he could be very successful. And part of that is him stepping up into the kind of leadership role we need from him.”
Hall expects to use the Wildcat offensive set frequently this season with Wright playing the quarterback role.
“We’re not a deep ball team,” Hall said. “We’re going to run the ball and throw some play-action passes. Think about it, Wright, Huntley and Wimberly all back there together. We’re going to take advantage of having those three guys on offense.”
If Hall feels good about his offense, he feels even better about his defense.
“We have a pair of good linebackers in D’Tavion Wright and Tyler Wimberly,” Hall said. “Verlanski Glosson is returning at strong safety. Jaylin Huntley is returning at safety. Trey Spann and Cenario Wilson return in our backfield, so we have some guys who can run and make plays on defense.
“That’s our strong point on that side of the ball — being able to run and make plays. We also have my big guy, (lineman) Ryan Randolph that we’re going to get a chance to get some blows, and even a little rest will help him because we had to use him a lot last year. A lot.”
But the Panthers will start the season shorthanded on that side of the ball. Senior defensive lineman Jamarion Brown broke a hand in practice this week while senior defensive back Xavier Harris damaged his collarbone on Wednesday.
“It was just a freak accident during a basic tackling drill,” Hall said of Harris’ injury. He went too low with his shoulder and hurt his clavicle. We’ll hear from the doctors (today), so I don’t know how long he’ll be out. But he is also one of our better receivers, so he gives us depth on both sides of the ball.”
Hall said he feels good about his team heading into tonight’s jamboree.
“Today went well. Yesterday went well. I’m almost scared after last season,” Hall joked Thursday evening. “But the kids seemed focused and ready, so they have me excited.”
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Although the two schools are no longer in the same district starting this year, Cedar Creek and Ouachita Christian will still face off on the gridiron.
The Cougars and the Eagles will play at 4 p.m. today at Malone Stadium on the campus of ULM as part of the Bayou Jamb lineup.
The two 12-minute quarter “game” will provide the Cougars their final tune-up prior to opening the regular season next Friday on the road at Delta Charter.
Head coach William Parkerson said his squad had a good week of preparations leading into today’s contest.
“We had two really good days of practice,” said Parkerson. “I think we got them refocused. The guys have rebounded and had a good week, and I am looking forward to (today).”
Creek struggled in multiple phases in its home scrimmage last Friday against Lakeside, but Parkerson said he thinks the lumps the Cougars took against the Warriors will be beneficial in the long run.
“We had some bad alignments and some miscommunication (last week against Lakeside),” said Parkerson. “If we catch those things and fix them earlier, the scrimmage may have looked a little different. It was good to get it on tape. It was all coachable and fixable. We have to do a better job coaching and let the players go play.”
It should come as no surprise that Cedar Creek isn’t firing on all cylinders during the fall preseason after the Cougars lost a host of key contributors from last year’s team. With the Cougars two-deep full of plenty of underclassmen, it’s going to take time for them to find their way.
However, the second-year Creek head coach said he is eager to watch the maturation process.
“With a young team, it will be fun to watch the growth this year,” said Parkerson. “I think we will make some big jumps week to week as a lot of guys with no playing experience get experience. I think you will see them grow up fast.
“We need the few returning starters we have to lead by example and to lead by being vocal. We need to get the young guys up to (speed) and rolling right along side of them.”
Today’s “game” against OCS may be the toughest the Cougars will face this year. The Eagles have been one of the top teams in Class A for years and 2024 should be no different. However, Parkerson knows the experience from today’s match-up will be another opportunity to get film and make improvements prior to next Friday night.
So what is the goal?
“Same as it is every week; compete hard and be physical and see how we stack up,” said Parkerson. “I told the kids it would be a great challenge this week. We get to play one of the perennial small school top dogs in the state. We will have a good idea where we stand after (today).”
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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 31 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 7 p.m.: LA Tech Football
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Shirley Crump March 23, 1938 – August 26, 2024 Service: Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, Friday, August 30, 2024, 10:00 am
Martha J. Montgomery Thursday 10/28/1954 –Tuesday 08/27/2024 Graveside: Saturday 09/07/2024 11:00am, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
Cynthia Aillet Kavanaugh Murry August 28, 1931 – August 24, 2024 Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Friday, August 30, 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Service: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Saturday, August 31, 2024, 10:00 am Cemetery: Forest Lawn Cemetery ~ Ruston, Saturday, August 31, 2024 Mass: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Saturday, August 31, 2024, 10:00 am
Leon F. Blankenship, Jr. Monday 11/28/1955 — Friday 08/09/2024 Funeral Service: Friday 08/30/2024 10:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Friday 08/30/2024 Following Service, Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 2413 Highway 425, Rayville
Theresa McMurray Mason Thursday 05/03/1951 — Wednesday 08/21/2024 Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/31/2024 11:00am, Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ, 1405 South Farmerville Street, Ruston Interment: Saturday 08/31/2024 Following Service, Woods Chapel Baptist Church, 326 Par Rd 454, Ruston
Thomas W Archie Thursday 08/06/1942 — Wednesday 08/21/2024 Visitation: Friday 08/30/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Funeral Service: Saturday 08/31/2024 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 08/31/2024 Following Service, Hopewell Cemetery, Dubach
Dwight Thurman Friday 08/24/1956 — Tuesday 08/20/2024 Visitation: Friday 08/30/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/31/2024 1:00pm, New Prosperity Baptist Church, 1378 Prosperity Church Road Clay Interment: Saturday 08/31/2024 Following Service, New Prosperity Cemetery, Clay
Carl D. Anding Saturday 10/18/1952 — Thursday 08/22/2024 Visitation: Thursday 08/29/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Funeral Service: Friday 08/30/2024 11:00am, Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 210 Mount Harmony Church Rd, Ruston Interment: Friday 08/30/2024, Mt. Harmony Church Cemetery, Ruston
Granda Davis Thursday 06/29/1967 — Friday 08/23/2024 Visitation: Friday 08/30/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/31/2024 11:00am , Mount Zion Baptist Church , 2586 Highway 150 , Grambling Interment: Saturday 08/31/2024 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
(This is one of our profiles on this year’s recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2024 Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. We would like to thank Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com for the headshots).
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Name: Danyelle McDaniel O’Neal
Age: 38
Employer: Lincoln Parish School Board- Choudrant Elementary
Title: School Mental Health Counselor
Hometown: Pine Prairie, LA
Years Living in Ruston: 15 years
Civic Volunteer Organizations: Junior Auxiliary of Ruston- Projects Chair Board Member, CES Strive Club Sponsor, CES Cheerleading Sponsor, CES Fellowship of Christian Athletes Sponsor, Upward Basketball Cheer Coach, Ruston Dixie Softball Coach, Student Council Sponsor- Simsboro School, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Children’s Ministry Teacher at Temple Baptist Church
Professional Highlights: Teacher of the Year 2012-13 Simsboro School, Founder of Masterpiece event for girls in 3-8 grade
Lauren Casey, Choudrant Elementary teacher, on Danyelle O’Neal:
Danyelle O’Neal truly believes that is takes a village, and some flair, to be successful, and that is what she does for her community. If the village is not there, she builds it. Through a fashion show, music, and art, she created a special event for young ladies by bringing in strong women in the Ruston community to empower them to be successful. If she is not building, then she is pouring herself into every part of her community by supporting the kids, parents, friends, mothers, and her church. I get a front row view of how she greets her students (sometimes while wearing a Christmas tree suit) at car rider line, sponsors the cheer team, teaches SEL lessons, and leads Sunday School classes. She even gives up her lunch breaks to host a lunch bunch group with our older students where she dives into meaningful conversations over chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. She rallied her community to help her pray over our students and school, she even encouraged parents to bling out their cars in posters and streamers to motivate our students for state testing. Danyelle even boogied down at the Silent Disco that she hosted for good behavior. Her magical rolling counseling cart does not just reach the students within the school, but she takes her lessons outside the classroom. By creating Instagram reels and TickTocks she can easily reach the parents of those students who just need a tip or trick to life with kids, or a good laugh while she and her own kids try crazy Sonic drinks. This Tech loving, bucket filling, prayer warrior is a beacon in our Ruston community. It is her mission for everyone to understand their gift and how it can play a role in our great city.
Q&A with Danyelle O’Neal:
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
When I moved to Ruston in 2009 after marrying a Ruston native, I had no idea how special this community would prove to be. The residents of Lincoln Parish are so supportive and willing to serve to make new things successful. I am amazed how our town is so quick to rally behind a cause and support others in any way possible. Most recently, I coordinated my first ever Masterpiece event with Temple Baptist Church. I had so many individuals offer to help and serve in ways to improve the lives of our younger generation of girls. It amazed me how these individuals stepped up sharing their professional and personal expertise and advice to pour into the youth of our community.
How do you see your role/place in making our parish such a wonderful place to call home?
I’m a fifth-generation educator so helping younger generations is in my blood. I’m a helper at heart. Any way that I can help, encourage, or support someone is the role I want to play. Working as a School Mental Health Counselor allows me to provide social emotional learning lessons to over 500 students each month. I love being able to provide students with an emotional vocabulary and the foundation to manage their feelings and healthy ways to cope. I have a heart for children and adolescents as well as their parents. I’m a working mom of two, and I want to support other moms in my community just like I do with my students at school. I share many of the tips and strategies I’ve learned in my years as a counselor via social media as RealFeelsMom in hopes of helping others. I truly want to be a voice of providing proactive strategies to help our youth live happy and successful lives.
Who has played a role in your professional development and why?
I have been blessed with so many wonderful supervisors that played a significant role in my professional development. First, I would say my mom because she really encouraged me to pursue a helping profession and was very supportive of me working in a school setting. Another strong and lasting influence on me was Mrs. Susan Clark, one of my first supervisors out of college. Mrs. Clark was an amazing mentor who encouraged me to see ways to help others beyond just the 8-5 job. She showed me how to pour into others even if they weren’t my designated client. Mrs. Clark showed me how to use my Christian faith in every aspect of my life and truly impacted me in ways that I know are still in play today.
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The new owner of the old Gem Theater in Dubach has applied for historic renovation tax credits for aid in restoring the building and opening a new entertainment venue.
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The Old Post Office renovation is well underway. The new owners have wasted no time in tackling a major renovation of the building, including repairing the roof, restoring the exterior to its original 1910 appearance, and installing a new business inside. While no official announcement has been made, the odds are that business will be a Delta Biscuit Company restaurant.
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Speaking of new businesses, Dillas Quesadillas on Cooktown Road is now open. New employees have been training and contractors were adding finishing touches to the building this weekend. Seven Brew Drive Thru Coffee just down the street won’t be far behind.
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A historical marker for the Old Post Office has been shipped from the factory courtesy of a grant received by the Lincoln Parish Museum. More details once a dedication ceremony is scheduled. The post office’s location in the downtown district provided a community focal point where patrons saw friends and business associates to exchange greetings and gossip.
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A reminder about the new notification system called lincalerts.org to keep the community informed of emergencies, weather updates, and local events. The warning sirens and the “Code Red” emergency alert system are no longer used. If you haven’t signed up yet, make sure you do so to stay in the know. Click the link to sign up for alerts: http://www.lincalerts.org Stay safe by staying informed!
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The 2024 peach season is over. Too bad we can’t harvest the juicy fruit year round.
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Rumor is that Louisiana Tech is anticipating its largest freshman class ever. The current record was set last fall. Let’s hope students will come in early to attend Tech’s first football game scheduled for August 31, several days before the fall quarter begins.
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Seen on social media: “I love traveling on the new Monroe Street!”
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On the heels of a history making event with the opening of the first Digital Library building at an HBCU campus, Grambling State University is set to honor its new President, Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr., with its first-ever Investiture Ceremony. Set for Friday, September 6 at 9:00 a.m., the free, public event will take place in the arena of the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
A tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, an investiture is an academic ceremony in which a new leader is “vested” with the official powers of office.
Usually occurring during a president’s first year in office, the ceremony provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate a new era in a university’s history. An investiture ceremony itself features several rituals normally associated with events such as commencement and includes a full academic procession led by the chief marshal and color guard, followed by the board of trustees, faculty, and distinguished delegates from other academic institutions and learned societies. The full academic regalia worn by these groups adds to the majesty of the ceremony.
The youngest current serving HBCU President in the country, Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr. is committed to honoring the university’s history while advancing its future through strategic initiatives. A third-generation alumnus, Dr. Lemelle brings extensive leadership experience and financial expertise, having served as Executive Vice-President and CFO at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and managing large-scale financial operations for companies like PricewaterhouseCoopers, IBM, and General Electric.
At MICA, Dr. Lemelle was known for his strategic financial management and visionary leadership, enhancing the institution’s operations. His tenure at Grambling State as Executive Vice-President and COO saw remarkable achievements, including securing the university’s largest corporate gift and improving its fiscal health score by 200%.
Dr. Lemelle holds a B.S. in Accounting, Magna Cum Laude, from Grambling State University, an M.B.A. from The George Washington University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from SKEMA Business School in Paris. His professional affiliations include Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and the United Way of Central Maryland Board of Directors. Dr. Lemelle’s leadership is deeply rooted in a commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and community engagement.
A Dubach man was arrested Monday after he allegedly stole a cell phone and then destroyed it when the owner attempted to retrieve it.
Christopher Holland, 44, was arrested Monday after an investigation into the whereabouts of a phone the victim said was stolen out of a vehicle at a church.
The victim told Lincoln Parish deputies the iPhone was taken from a vehicle while parked at the church on Aug. 25. The victim was able to ping the phone and determine it was at the church. When she arrived at the church, the phone pinged at a different location. She tried calling the phone several times with no answer.
A man called the victim from the stolen iPhone stating he had found it in the road and to meet him. The victim recognized the man’s voice as Christopher Holland‘s.
The victim went to a convenience store to meet Holland, who allegedly called her and used derogatory names and threatened to break the phone. Deputies had the victim ping the phone again, and it showed to be in the area of Holland’s residence. However, he could not be located that day.
On Aug. 26, deputies found Holland at his residence in Dubach. He said he had tried to return the phone and that he had thrown out of his vehicle on U. S. 167.
The phone was recovered but was heavily damaged. The victim said she wanted to pursue charges. Holland was arrested and during a search, a metal cylinder attached to Holland‘s necklace was found to contain escitalopram oxalate, a prescription-only drug.
Holland was booked for theft, simple criminal damage to property, and possession of a legend drug. His bail amount was not available at publication time.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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A Ruston man was arrested last Saturday after he allegedly gave a Lincoln Parish deputy a false name during an investigation.
Donterrion Garrez McMurry, 24, was arrested for resisting an officer by providing false information on August 24.
Deputies had responded to a location on La. Highway 818 regarding a trespassing complaint. The property owner said no one had permission to be on the property. Three men fishing in a pond were questioned. Two gave names that were verified.
McMurry initially gave the name “Don Ferg” which could not be verified through local or state databases. He eventually gave his correct name and was arrested.
Bail was set at $1,000.
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.
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As any local knows well, there are a LOT of bugs and other pests in Northeast Louisiana. Right now, with hot and humid weather, conditions particularly ripe are mosquitoes. And with autumn just around the corner, now is the time to prepare for fall pest control.
Just like us humans, as temperatures decrease, these critters get cold . . . and hungry! Your home could be a perfect source of warmth and food.
But remember, you hold the keys, so don’t allow them to enter. Follow these tips from Louisiana owned, J&J Exterminating to keep your home and property pest-free.
Check your home for cracks and other openings where pests might come in. “It’s important for homeowners to inspect and/or replace weather stripping around doors and windows, as well as any screened vents that may lead to soffits and attic areas,” says Robert Soileau, Lake Charles branch manager at J&J Exterminating. “This eliminates the majority of pests from entering inside.”
Maintain your lawn. Keep the yard mowed, weeds pulled, and tree limbs trimmed to keep rodents from invading your home and property. “There may be a lot of clutter and debris in your yard, which is the ideal rodent habitat. Remove debris as soon as possible,” Soileau says.
Eliminate standing water to help control mosquitoes. Uninvited outdoor guests always have a way of showing up. If you’re planning outdoor parties or receptions this fall, mosquito control solutions may be your new best friend. Soileau also reminds us that we have had more rain recently, as opposed to last year’s drought. Drain low-lying areas and places where water puddles. Empty containers that can collect water. If warmer temperatures linger through fall, mosquitoes will flourish.
Consider new treated attic insulation. For residents who need new attic insulation, consider a type that is energy-efficient AND repels bugs. Soileau says Thermal Acoustical Pest Control (TAP) insulation – a loose-fill insulation made of cellulose and recycled newspaper – is affordable, soundproof, energy-efficient and fire retardant. “It also provides better protection against cold and heat – and insects.” TAP is infused with boric acid that will kill all insects, including formosan termites. It is the only pest control product with an Energy Star Rating. “If your attic insulation is old or damaged, it will need to be replaced to rid your home of any health risks,” Soileau adds. “In today’s economy, properly insulating your attic can reduce your heating and cooling bills by up to 30 percent. Upgrading your insulation also adds value to your home.”
Call a pest control professional for all your pest questions. Sometimes you simply need to call the pros to help combat pest issues, both inside and out. J&J offers FREE inspections, along with suggestions and services to help eliminate pests in your home and yard.
To learn more about J&J’s treatment options, visit www.jjext.com or call 1.800.737.2847. Also, check out J&J’s informative blog posts at https://www.jjext.com/blog.
Bigger question. Are you ready to win $200 in cash … with the potential to make it $400 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).
Starting this week, the Lincoln Parish Journal is proud to host the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy.
If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!
Readers are eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $200 cash prize (maybe $400). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of the predetermined 15 college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with this week’s games.
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $200 each week!
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
A new season of the Inside Bulldog Football coaches radio show debuts tonight at 6 p.m. as head coach Sonny Cumbie will be joined by the Voice of the Bulldogs Malcolm Butler.
The hour-long show has been moved to Thursday nights at 6 p.m. live from the Dawghouse Sports Grill in Ruston. The one exception will be Monday, Oct. 21 at 11:30 a.m. when the show will take place live on the Louisiana Tech University campus (see full schedule below).
Fans are encouraged to grab dinner and enjoy the show in person. You can also listen to Cumbie and Butler talk about the Bulldogs on KNBB 97.7 FM (Ruston), KDBS 94.7 FM/1410 AM (Alexandria), KQID 93.1 HD (Alexandria), and the LA Tech Athletics app.
There is obviously a great deal of excitement around Ruston High and the community with the start of the football season. With so much success the last few years and so much optimism entering this season, it’s easy for many to have very high expectations for the team. I recall a very similar situation entering my senior season in high school. We had won two state baseball championships in a row and had much of our team returning. Expectations were sky high!
There is a problem with those high expectations. Expectations are wants, wishes, desires, or thoughts on an outcome based on prior results. We don’t have full control over expectations. Variables come into play that impact the expectation. Unexpected challenges or obstacles can occur. Expectations can lead to stress, anxiety, and added pressure. Expectations can also lead to disappointment, discouragement, and even depression in some cases.
I have written about it, spoken on the subject, and counseled many on the topic many times. I strongly encourage all of us to raise our standards, not our expectations. Expectations are outcome based. Standards are input based. Expectations are not controllable, but standards are controllable. Standards are the norms that we operate within. Standards are the reflection of our identity. Standards represent the culture of a team or business.
While I would strongly encourage those within and close to the RHS football team/program to continue to elevate their standards, I would also encourage them not to put unnecessary expectations on themselves. I recall winning that third state championship and just being relieved we didn’t fail (let everyone down). That’s not a healthy approach. We don’t need to go through life trying not to fail.
The same message applies to all of us in every stage of life. While the standards for RHS football may include a strong commitment to offseason training, on-time attendance at all sessions, high energy level at all practices, exemplary leadership on the campus, maximum effort on every play, and a unified commitment to one another and team, you need standards in your life too.
So many of us get wrapped up in expectations. We expect certain things by defined stages of life. We compare ourselves to others or to some objective that we set for ourselves and evaluate success or failure based on that outcome or achievement. We fail to see that life is lived within pursuit not accomplishment. Healthy goals are input focused not outcome based. Whether we are talking about a business or personal focus, it’s key that we focus on controllable actions not wishful outcomes.
Invest some time considering the identity you want, the lifestyle you seek, and establish standards around what you value. You will find more joy in the process and more fulfillment from life. Outcomes will generally take care of themselves as you invest daily in becoming the person you want to become.
Who you are becoming is more important than what you are achieving. Raise those standards not those expectations!
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IDEALLY: With his last win at the 2023 World Match Play Championship in Austin over an elite field, Sam Burns is aiming for his sixth PGA Tour victory and by far the most lucrative in this weekend’s Tour Championship.
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
Only two PGA Tour players, two-time 2024 major championship winner Xander Schauffele and Choudrant resident Sam Burns, have posted top 5 finishes in both FedEx Cup playoff events heading into the first round of the Tour Championship today in Atlanta.
Obviously, that puts them among the prime golfers to watch, along with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, as 30 qualifiers tee off in the Tour’s final 2024 event at East Lake Country Club.
Burns, a Shreveport native who plays out of Squire Creek Country Club, enters the 72-hole finale ninth in the 2024 FedEx Cup standings. He tied for second last weekend at the FedEx BMW Championship in Castle Rock, Col., on the heels of a fifth-place tie in the opening week of the playoffs two weeks ago at Memphis in the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Qualifying for the Tour Championship for the fourth straight year, the product of Calvary Baptist Academy and LSU will start at 4-under par when he tees off today at 12:16 CST with Patrick Cantlay. Schauffele begins at 8 under and Scheffler starts at 10 below, with the top 10 finishers in the FedEx Cup standings given strokes to reflect their season-long elite performances.
Writing for SI.com, Golf Intelligence president Jim Straka listed the 28-year-old Burns as the third-ranked contender. Mark Schlabach, golf writer for ESPN.com, ranks Burns fifth.
The two-time LSU All-American drove the ball very well last week, and has been red hot with his putter, always the best part of his game. Burns ranks second among the 30 finalists in strokes gained, putting 1.89 over his eight rounds during the two playoff events.
The stakes are juicy. The winner this weekend collects $25 million. Burns’ career PGA Tour earnings are $27.9 million. Purse money in the Tour Championship is “unofficial” and doesn’t stack on to the PGA’s count, but banks very well.
The runner-up takes home $12.5 million, third place earns $7.5 million, and the top 12 finishers take home at least $1 million. A $550,000 check goes to the 30th-place finisher.
Golf Channel and NBC are sharing coverage of the Tour Championship, beginning at noon today on Golf Channel.
It sounds like Vincenzo Peruggia could have gotten the idea from a Hollywood movie, but it’s actually the other way around. Hollywood scriptwriters got their ideas from Vincenzo. Pietro Vincenzo Antonio Peruggia was born on October 8, 1881, in Dumenza, Italy, about 50 miles north of Milan. Vincenzo was an amateur painter, art lover, and a proud Italian. Just as an animal lover’s dream job would be to work in a zoo, in 1908 Vincenzo got a job in a museum in Paris framing and reframing artwork. He was a glazier, a glass fitter. His skill as an amateur painter gave him a certain finesse in his work.
At about 7:00 on the morning of August 21, 1911, Vincenzo arrived at work as usual. Over his clothes he wore his white smock, the same as all other employees at the museum wore. On the surface, there was nothing to signify that this day would be any different than any other, but Vincenzo had a plan. While working at the museum, Vincenzo became obsessed with the idea of stealing one of the Italian paintings and returning it to Italy. He realized that no one would suspect him because he had worked at the museum for over four years. On that Monday morning, Vincenzo waited until the room was unoccupied, then put his plan into motion. He took the painting off the wall and carried it to a nearby stairway where he removed it from its frame. He hid the discarded frame among some student artworks which were sitting on the landing of the staircase. Vincenzo was unable to roll the painting up because the artist had painted it on a piece of wood. Vincenzo wrapped his white smock around the painting, tucked it under his arm, and walked out the same door that he had entered earlier that morning. When other employees noticed the empty spot on the wall where the painting had been hung, they notified the police. They ushered the visitors out with the ruse that a water pipe had burst.
Police searched the building and found the painting’s discarded frame. They questioned all of the museum’s permanent employees as well as temporary employees such as bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, and glaziers. Police visited Vincenzo at his apartment and questioned him. When questioning the museum’s employees revealed no leads, investigators figured they had missed something and repeated the process. Once again, investigators visited Vincenzo’s apartment and questioned him, but they found no reason to suspect Vincenzo. Vincenzo gave them permission to search his apartment, which disarmed suspicion. Had investigators glanced inside a large trunk which sat just inches from them in the apartment, they would have found nothing incriminating. However, if they had noticed that the trunk had a false bottom, they would have solved the crime.
As per his plan to not raise suspicion, Vincenzo continued working at the museum for two more years. In 1913, Vincenzo left his job at the museum. He tried to sell the stolen painting to various dealers in London and Paris, and even offered it to a representative of American financier J.P. Morgan, none of which notified the authorities. On November 28, 1913, Vincenzo wrote a letter to art dealer Alfred Geri, owner of the Galleria d’Arte Moderna in Florence and offered to sell him the stolen painting. Alfred agreed to meet once Vincenzo was in Florence. Vincenzo took the trunk with its hidden cargo to Florence. On December 11, 1913, Alfred watched as Vincenzo removed the painting from the false bottom of the trunk. After inspecting the painting, Alfred and Vincenzo purportedly came to some agreement on price and Alfred left the room. Alfred immediately notified the police of the stolen painting and its hiding place. Acting on Alfred’s tip, police arrested Vincenzo and slid the painting out from its hiding place. The face in the painting seemed to almost smile as if happy to have been rescued.
During questioning, Vincenzo claimed he had no accomplices and explained that accomplices were not necessary. “I did not take the painting from a desire to gain from it,” he told authorities, “but wished to accomplish a good and holy work by returning to my country one of the many treasures stolen from it.” Vincenzo said he thought he should receive adequate compensation for returning the painting to Italy. He neglected to mention that he had tried to sell the painting to people in three other countries before offering it to a dealer in Italy.
Thus ended what some people have described as the greatest art theft of the 20th century. The painting that Vincenzo stole was certainly prominent in the art world, but the painting’s theft and eventual return took the painting to another level. For two years, people all around the world saw pictures of the painting and followed the investigation in newspapers. Before it was returned to France, the painting was exhibited in art galleries throughout Italy to jubilant crowds. When it was returned to France, the celebrations were even larger. Crowds viewed the painting in a sort of modern concert atmosphere with pushing and shoving and everyone vying for a better view. Little has changed in the past century. Throngs of people still visit that same museum, the Louvre, to see that same painting. Because of Vincenzo Peruggia’s theft, we can instantly produce a mental image of what is arguably the most famous painting in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
Sources:
1. The Baltimore Sun, August 23, 1911, p.13.
2. The Kansas City Star, August 22, 19011, p.4.
3. The Tampa Tribune, December 14, 1913, p.81.
4. St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 15, 1913, p.6.
5. St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 26, 1913, p.15.
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The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are set to take on another SWAC foe in Jackson State tonight at Robert Mack Caruthers Field at 7 p.m.
The Bulldogs are coming off a 3-3 tie against Grambling on Sunday night.
LA Tech (0-1-3) is looking for the first win of the season following a 3-3 tie with Grambling on Sunday night at Robert Mack Caruthers Field. Tech trailed 2-1 at halftime but fought back to tie the game at 3-3, following second-half goals from Maeva Costenaro and Kalli Matlock.
Matlock scored two goals following a pair of penalty kicks from handball violations from Grambling. The Shreveport native had her first multi-goal game since Nicholls of the 2023 season. Freshman Costenaro scored her first collegiate goal from way outside the box.
The Tigers (0-1-1) are coming off a 2-1 loss from McNeese State in Lake Charles on Sunday. Jackson State’s only goal came in the 34th minute after Kyla Gomez scored following an assist from Kalia Uehara.
The Tigers and Bulldogs haven’t faced off since 2015 when the Bulldogs beat the Tigers 2-0 in Jackson, Miss. LA Tech has won the last two matchups by a combined score of 9-0. The Bulldogs have outscored the Tigers 14-2 in the six total meetings.
Memorial services for Shirley Edmondson Crump, 86, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2024, at Temple Baptist Church. Shirley’s wish is for her family and friends to celebrate her life over coffee and donuts following the service. A private family interment will be held Friday afternoon at Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at Temple on Thursday, August 29, at 5-7 p.m.
Shirley passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024. She was born on March 23, 1938, in Gilbert, Louisiana, but lived in Lake Providence, Louisiana, until she left home to attend college.
Attending Louisiana Tech University, she majored in Elementary Education. While at Tech Shirley was very involved in the Baptist Student Union where she met the love of her life, Kenny Crump. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960 and began her teaching career in Tallulah, Louisiana. She and Kenny married in 1961 and moved to Denver, Colorado, where their first child, Faith, was born. They lived in Bozeman, Montana, and Buffalo, New York, in the next few years when Tanya and Casey were born. Afterward, they settled permanently in Ruston, Louisiana, where Shirley devoted her time to parenting her three children. She later completed her Master of Arts degree in elementary education at Louisiana Tech in 1980.
Shirley had a lifelong love for teaching. After her children began high school and college, she taught at Hillcrest Elementary for 10 years as well as teaching Sunday School in the Temple college department for many years. She also had a heart for internationals. She began teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) as a volunteer through Friendship International in 1989, impacting hundreds of students from 36 different countries. Shirley continued teaching ESL for 35 years, and she and Kenny also spent 12 summers teaching English in China.
In addition to teaching, Shirley enjoyed working in her yard, reading books, crocheting, playing bridge, having coffee with her friends, and traveling. She and Kenny visited all 50 states and traveled the world touring over 25 countries.
Shirley loved serving others and volunteered at Christian Community Action, the local hospital, Rolling Hills, and Life Choices, as well as many other ministries. She had a true gift for hospitality and loved nothing more than to have family and friends in her home, hosting numerous bridal and baby showers, Christmas parties, high school Bible studies, and hundreds of college students and internationals. Her strong faith and love for the Lord led her to serve at Temple Baptist Church where she was involved in several Women’s Missionary groups (her favorite was Missionary Round Table), taught in the college department for 25 years and the international class for 20 plus years, sang in the sanctuary choir, and served on many committees.
An avid Louisiana Tech supporter, Shirley was a charter member of Lagniappe Ladies and a lifetime member of the Louisiana Tech Alumni Association. She delighted in helping students attend college and left a lasting legacy through an Edmondson/Crump College of Education scholarship. In recognition of her contributions to the field of education, she was the university’s 2017 College of Education Distinguished Alumna. Shirley loved trees, and a plaque on the university campus recognizes her role in planting trees on the Tech grounds. Those who knew Shirley know how much she enjoyed any type of sports, but especially cheering on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and New Orleans Saints.
Shirley lived a full and rewarding life, but her greatest joy was her family, including Kenny during their 63 years of marriage, her three children and spouses, six grandchildren and spouses, four great-grandchildren, and her siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. She is remembered by her family and friends for her positive spirit and love for people. She was a true blessing to her family through her loyal devotion, unwavering encouragement, and unconditional love.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents Opal and Frank Edmondson; her siblings, Ned Edmondson and wife Merle; Jerry Edmondson and wife Patsy; and son-in-law Greg Alexander. She is survived by her husband Kenny Crump; daughters Faith Crump Alexander of Ruston, Louisiana, and Tanya Crump Bernard and husband Bruce of Katy, Texas; her son Casey Crump and wife Weiva Sieh of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren: Dustin Alexander and Daniel Alexander and wife Jenny of Ruston, Louisiana; Emory Bernard of Wilmington, Delaware; Micah Becker and husband Matous of Akron, Ohio; Jacob Bernard and wife Shelby of Noblesville, Indiana; and Kenneth Crump of Rice University in Houston, Texas; and four great-grandchildren: Garner and Grayson Alexander, and Ella and Dax Alexander.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Boys & Girls Club of North Louisiana or the local Friendship International.
Shirley Crump March 23, 1938 – August 26, 2024 Visitation: Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, Thursday, August 29, 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Service: Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, Friday, August 30, 2024, 10:00 am
Martha J. Montgomery Thursday 10/28/1954 –Tuesday 08/27/2024 Graveside: Saturday 09/07/2024 11:00am, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
Cynthia Aillet Kavanaugh Murry August 28, 1931 – August 24, 2024 Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Friday, August 30, 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Service: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Saturday, August 31, 2024, 10:00 am Cemetery: Forest Lawn Cemetery ~ Ruston, Saturday, August 31, 2024 Mass: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Saturday, August 31, 2024, 10:00 am
Leon F. Blankenship, Jr. Monday 11/28/1955 — Friday 08/09/2024 Funeral Service: Friday 08/30/2024 10:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Friday 08/30/2024 Following Service, Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 2413 Highway 425, Rayville
Theresa McMurray Mason Thursday 05/03/1951 — Wednesday 08/21/2024 Celebration of Life: Saturday 08/31/2024 11:00am, Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ, 1405 South Farmerville Street, Ruston Interment: Saturday 08/31/2024 Following Service, Woods Chapel Baptist Church, 326 Par Rd 454, Ruston
