Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

Kevin J. Singh, chair of Louisiana Tech’s School of Design, was elected as one of the first-ever at-large directors of the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) during the Board’s Annual Business Meeting.

Singh brings to the NCARB’s 2024 national leadership team the perspective of both a full-time educator and a licensing board member who pursued a non-traditional path to NCARB leadership. As an educator, Singh will provide critical insights for the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the organization responsible for accrediting architecture programs.

Of 10 candidates for the at-large positions, Singh received the most votes and was one of two elected to serve.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be selected to serve on NCARB’s Board of Directors as an at-large director this year,” Singh said. “The member boards made clear in their voting that someone who is an experienced educator with state board and practice experience is very important to help the Board make decisions this coming year. I’m proud that both Louisiana Tech and LSBAE will be recognized with my addition to the Board.”

Singh is no stranger to the leadership scene concerning Louisiana architecture. First appointed to the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners (LSBAE) in 2019, Singh serves as the LSBAE’s chair in 2024. Singh has offered his time and expertise on multiple NCARB volunteer efforts, including as a member and later chair of the organization’s Education Committee. Most recently, Singh served as a member of the organization’s Licensure Process Research & Development Task Force, which is exploring new ways to assess candidates’ competency to practice architecture.

“As a state licensing board member, Kevin has served the state’s citizens well,” Tyson Ducote, LSBAE executive director, said. “Serving as the Architect Educator on the board—a position only a handful of architects in the state would even qualify for—he’s used his first term to hone his skills, culminating with a year as board president and recently securing this position on the NCARB Board of Directors. Kevin is an indispensable board member who has brought his level-headedness and thoughtful consideration to all aspects of the board’s work.”

Singh was instrumental in recruiting a recent Tech graduate and newly licensed architect, Lindsy Trisler Stewart, to serve as the LSBAE’s Licensing Advisor, “a role that assists students and others on the path to architectural licensure,” Ducote said. “Lindsy is a great asset that the board is fortunate to have.”

Singh has served as the director of Ruston’s Community Design Activism Center (CDAC) since 2006 and is the University’s faculty architect licensing advisor. In addition, Singh practices as a sole proprietor, designing residential and commercial projects in Louisiana.

Singh earned his Master of Building Construction from Auburn University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Ball State University, where he was recognized with an Outstanding Alumni award. Singh holds the NCARB Certificate for national reciprocity and is licensed to practice in Louisiana.

The NCARB’s membership is made up of the architectural licensing boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

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Courtesy of GSU Communications

The financial stewardship of an institution is a testament to its ability to sustain and support its mission. Grambling State University has exponentially improved its fiscal health score since 2018 and looks to build on the momentum of success.

The hire of Quaneshia T. Armstrong, CPA, MBA, as Associate Vice President of Finance, underscores the importance of expanding capacity to support continued fiscal responsibility and operational effectiveness.

“We are excited to welcome Quaneshia Armstrong back home to Grambling State University as our new Senior Associate Vice-President of Finance,” said Grambling State President Martin Lemelle, Jr. “Quaneshia’s wealth of experience and her deep connection to our university make her an excellent addition to our finance team. Her exceptional background in finance and her dedication to education will be invaluable as she works closely with Dr. Litolff as a thought partner in finance. I greatly value their combined expertise and am confident that their collaboration will play a crucial role in securing the bright future we envision for Grambling State University.”

“I am delighted to welcome Quaneshia Armstrong to our finance team,” said Dr. Edwin Litolff, Vice President for Finance. “Her innovative approach to financial management will be invaluable as we work together to enhance the financial stability and growth of Grambling State University. I look forward to partnering with Quaneshia on long-range planning and predictive analytics to support the university’s strategic goals.”

In her new role, Armstrong will spearhead financial and operational efficiency across various departments that include procurement, budgets, grants, travel, and accounts payable, ensuring streamlined processes and effective resource management.

“I am deeply honored and thrilled to accept the appointment as Senior Associate Vice President of Finance at Grambling State University, an institution that holds a special place in my heart as both my alma mater and my former professional home,” said Armstrong. “Returning to Grambling State in this executive capacity is not just a professional milestone but a personal privilege. My time as a former full-time accounting faculty member and operational project manager allowed me to witness firsthand the incredible impact this university has on its students and the broader community.”

As an alumnus, Armstrong said that she is profoundly aware of the rich history and tradition of academic achievement that Grambling State embodies.

“I am eager to contribute to the continued financial health and growth of our beloved institution, ensuring that it remains a beacon of opportunity and success for generations to come,” said Armstrong. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the dedicated faculty, staff, and students to drive forward the mission of Grambling State University and foster its ongoing growth.”

An accomplished finance executive with over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and operations leadership roles across various industries and reputable companies, Armstrong’s extensive background spans operations, finance, accounting, and Information Technology (IT), showcasing her adeptness in managing operational and fiscal responsibilities to ensure optimal business performance and achieve significant revenue enhancements.

Armstrong formerly served as the Controller at the Maryland Institute College of Arts (MICA), where she oversaw comprehensive accounting and finance functions, from managing general ledger activities to leading system improvement projects. Other previous roles include Senior Risk Advisory Consultant at Ernst & Young LLP, Senior Information Technology Compliance Analyst at Navient, and Risk Management Consultant at Ingalls Information Security. Additionally, she is the owner of QTArmstrong, CPA, LLC, where she is able to provide bookkeeping, attestation, and advisory services for small business clients in the non-profit sector.

In addition to her professional achievements, Armstrong is dedicated to education and has served as a full-time accounting professor at Grambling State University. She currently serves as an adjunct accounting professor at Grambling State University and Tarleton State University, where she teaches accounting courses and mentors future accounting professionals. Her academic credentials include a BS in Accounting and CIS from Grambling State University, and an MBA in Accounting from Indiana Wesleyan University, and she is currently a DBA candidate at the University of Dallas.

Armstrong’s dedication to both community and professional service is clearly demonstrated by her active participation in various professional and volunteer organizations. She is involved with the Association of International Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA), and the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), among others.

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A 17-year-old Ruston youth was arrested last week after a call to police reporting a man was brandishing a firearm in public.

A Ruston officer spotted the suspect matching the description about 4:30 p.m. on July 10, but the man fled on foot. Officers gave chase and apprehended him on Apple Drive off South Farmerville Street. When asked about the handgun, Yanni J. Potts said he threw it down on the trail near the East Side Mini-Mart as he was running from officers.

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During a search, a small black bag containing a Glock 43 pistol was found near the Ruston Animal Control facility. Potts admitted to having the gun. He was booked for illegal carrying of a weapon, resisting an officer, and obstruction of justice by discarding evidence.

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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By T. Scott Boatright

 

The Lincoln Parish Library (LPL) Board of Control approved the addition of three new policies for the library during its July meeting on Thursday at the LPL.

Those three newly established approved policies involved social media; displays and exhibits; and photography and media recording.

“We’ve never had any of these policies that most libraries have,” said LPL Director Jeremy Bolom. “They have been on my to-do list forever. The social media policy will be embedded into the staff policy as well. It works the same for both ends so that the public knows what the staff should and should not be doing online. 

“To me, it’s common sense, but common sense has to be written out nowadays.”

PDFs of the three new policies can be found at the bottom of this article.

Bolom said that the LPL saw a large jump in patron visits, circulation, and programming numbers, standard with summer reading.

“Statistics were during the summer reading program, so all of the statistics had a huge jump in library visits and circulation because of children’s books.,” Bolom said. “Database stats were not received from the State Library because the person who does those is out on vacation.

“Program attendance was crazy. We had over 2,000 people because of the 32 programs we did for children last month.”

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by Malcolm Butler

Baseball can be a humbling sport.

Just ask newly-drafted St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Sam Brodersen.

The Louisiana Tech baseball alum had to wait a few stressful days before hearing his name called Tuesday on the third day of the Major League Baseball Draft.

Brodersen was taken in the 15th round and will soon head to Jupiter, Florida to begin his professional journey.

A journey that Brodersen says has been a roller coaster ride at times.

“There were a ton of challenges, a ton of ups and downs in my career,” said Brodersen. “I went to a really good high school in Florida, and I didn’t play a ton. I had one offer from (Wingate), a Division II university in North Carolina. Wingate is a great school, but it was my only offer. It worked out for me.

“There were a number of kids from my high school that were more heavily recruited and sought after and that always put a bit of a chip on my shoulder. It also taught me it was never going to be just given to me. Throughout this process I am not just going get something just because of my talent. I am going to have to work for it and earn it.

“I had some good years at Wingate. I had a bad year. I had some good summers. I had some bad summers. Baseball is one of those sports where you can’t get too high or too low. You just have to ride in the middle. It will beat you up. One day you think you are the man and the next day it all goes wrong for you.”

After watching hundreds of names called during the first two days of the draft, Brodersen finally got the call at his home in Orlando on Tuesday.

“I can’t explain it,” said Brodersen. “It was a stressful couple of days. My dream has always to get drafted. Ever since I started playing baseball, it’s pretty much been what I always wanted to do. I haven’t really had a back up plan. So seeing it come to fruition like this is awesome.

“Initially there is a lot of relief, knowing where I am going and knowing who I am playing for. After my name got called, being there with my mom and my girlfriend … there was a lot of gratefulness to be around them and to share that experience with them.”

Brodersen recently completed his final year of college baseball, helping lead Louisiana Tech to the 2024 Conference USA regular season title and the program’s third NCAA regional appearance in the last four years. He gives credit to the Tech coaching staff for helping him in his journey to professional baseball.

“(The opportunity to play at Tech) was massive,” said Brodersen. “It was my last year of college. I had to have a good year to get a chance to play pro ball. It’s a big testament to Coach (Lane) Burroughs, Coach (Mitch) Gaspard, Coach (Cooper) Fouts and Coach (Matt) Miller. Those guys helped me a ton. I definitely wouldn’t be in the position I am today without them. They gave me the opportunity to play and the platform to show my talents.

“Without a doubt, (Louisiana Tech) is one of the top mid-majors in the county. What they do getting guys to the next level can’t be overstated. You have seen it in the past with guys like (Kyle) Crigger and Taylor (Young). Time after time, they are putting pros out. They are great at what they do.”

Brodersen was great at what he did in 2024. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder posted an 8-1 record with a 3.05 earned run average while earning first team all-Conference USA honors. In just 56.0 innings of action on the mound, he struck out 96 batters and held opposing batters to a .160 average at the plate.

“(Sam’s) stuff is electric,” said former Bulldog teammate Ethan Bates during an interview in May. “He has a fastball that rides at the top of the zone and a curve ball that just falls off the table. He has a little bit of craziness to him, and he isn’t scared of nobody.”

Brodersen ranked among the nation’s leaders this season in strikeouts per nine innings. It’s that electric stuff that caught the Cardinals eyes.

“I pretty much knew somebody was going to want me,” said Brodersen. “It was just a matter of when. It was the not knowing that was so stressful and me caring so much about this sport and putting so much into it, it just meant a lot to me. It’s stressful when you don’t know what the future holds, but it’s a great feeling now for sure.”

Brodersen joined Cole McConnell as the two Bulldogs whose names were called in this year’s MLB Draft. Jorge Corona also inked a free agent contract.

The right hander said he is eager to get started and proud to be a part of the Cardinals organization.

“I can’t wait,” said Brodersen. “It’s one of the more historic franchises out there. They have an incredible fan base. I grew up with a ton of Cardinal fans around here, and I live in Orlando, Florida. That should tell you how wide spread their fan base is.”

 

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Several DWI arrests were recorded by Lincoln Parish law enforcement over the weekend.

Kyle Hasler, 24, arrested by Louisiana State Police 2 a.m. last Friday for first offense DWI and improper turn with a $1,500 bail.

Alejandro Espinoza, 23, arrested by Louisiana State Police 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning for first offense DWI and improper turn with a $1,500 bail.

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Bryant L. Graham, 39, arrested by Ruston Police at 4 a.m. Sunday morning for first offense DWI and possession of drug paraphernalia with a $1,500 bail.

According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol or other impairing substances remains a major cause of vehicle crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities. State police reported a Sunday crash in south Louisiana that injured a 3-year-old girl involved not one, but two impaired drivers.

About 30% of all crashes in the state are alcohol-related.

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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By T. Scott Boatright

 

The 10-year dream of building a 20,000 square foot skatepark in Ruston tic-taced closer to soon become reality with the announcement of a $50,000 grant during a Thursday press conference at Railroad Park.

“This is a really generous grant that the T-Mobile Hometown grant program is awarding to the city of Ruston to help fund the building of the skatepark,” said Louisiana Tech School of Design Associate Professor and  President of the Friends of Ruston Skatepark Tom Futrell. “The skatepark embodies what the collaborative community really hopes for. T-Mobil’s investing in community development projects like the Ruston Skatepark highlights their dedication to our community and the communities like us that they serve.

“The skatepark will be more than just a place to have fun, although I suspect we will have some fun there, too. It is going to be a place to develop friendships, it’s going to be a place to gather in the community, it’s going to give a sense of adventure all the folks who engage in it and it’s really going to be a place nobody the idea of the spirit of Ruston and the vibrant spirit we have in this community.”

Joey Slaughter, a Louisiana Tech University art professor and executive director for Friends of Ruston Skatepark, said the facility will also bring learning lessons to those using it.

“I’m certain that if I wasn’t skateboarding every day as a kid, I wouldn’t be a professor of art,” Slaughter said. “For me, learning to fall and get back up is an important part of teaching confidence and discipline. The idea of turning the Ruston Municipal Pool into a skatepark started in 2015. We wanted to give Ruston a safe place for skaters to skate and to be creative.

“The last nine years have been eventful in Ruston with, as you know, the tornadoes, hurricanes and COVID, etc., etic., and inflation, which has affected this project. So, to receive this grant is a major milestone for our project.”

 Slaughter said the plans for the skatepark were updated last year.

“We have a great design we’re very proud of and we’re ready to get started on it and this grant is going to help us do that,” Slaughter said. “So, we appreciate the journey we have been on. Some of you were little kids when we started this project and you are still with us. So, thank you.”

Christine Lynn, Small Town Rural America Senior Area Sales Manager at T-Mobile, thanked T-Mobile Market Manager Dee Mathews, who handles north Louisiana for the company, and Ruston office manager Kayla Cumby before she and Mathews presented the check to Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker.

“I want to put things into perspective,” Lynn said. “Ruston was one of 800 cities that applied for the grant and you guys were one of 25 projects chosen for the grant. So, congratulations to you all. 

“We will make the commitment that once the skatepark opens we will open and come back and have some fun. I do not know if I will be able to move afterwards, but we’re ready to see it come up and come to fruition.”

The $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown grant puts the funding for the project right at the $1.3 million estimated to be needed to complete the project.

Other funding is a $10,000 pledge from Jonesboro State Bank, a $250,000 donation from the Friends of Ruston Skatepark, and $525,000 (amounts of $400,000 and $125,000) from the State of Louisiana General Fund, 

“This (the T-Mobile grant) is yet another great partnership involving the city of Ruston, the State of Louisiana, multiple community groups and local businesses,” said Mayor Ronny Walker. “We appreciate T-Mobile being a part of this worthwhile project.”

T-Mobile has provided more than $13 million in Hometown Grants since it kicked off its five-year commitment to small towns and rural communities in April 2021. To date, Hometown Grants has created more than 78,000 volunteer hours, rallying people to come together and uplift their towns.

“Hometown Grants is T-Mobile’s way of giving people in small towns a chance to build a more resilient future, and it’s incredibly inspiring to see the impact it’s had on 300 communities knowing there’s many more to come,” said Jon Freier, President, Consumer Group, T-Mobile. “When we started this program three years ago, we knew it had the power to make a difference, but to see so many people come together for their towns is truly extraordinary.”

 

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By T. Scott Boatright

Ruston native and College Baseball Hall of Famer Wilbert Ellis is almost considered baseball royalty in north Louisiana, more so than ever after being inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame last month.

This year’s annual free Wilbert Ellis Baseball Camp will be held from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. July 27 Ruston’s Fraser Field on Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., where Ellis played hardball as a youth himself..

The Ellis Baseball Clinic, an event free to attend for youth from ages 4-15 not only teaches hardball fundamentals and skills. It also focuses on teaching youth about the game of life and the importance of things such as staying in school and completing their education, becoming good and productive citizens and leaders, and  learning how to stay safe and healthy.

It will also feature a “Just for Parents” session for adults.

“This is something that’s always been near and dear to my heart,” Ellis said. “Giving back to the community and especially our youth is something I love doing and that’s the reason all of the wonderful people who help conduct the clinic keep coming back and giving up their time – our youth are our future and they’re worthy committing our time to in order to try to help them think about and learning to become the best they can be.”

Ellis was an assistant under Grambling President/Coach Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones for 17 seasons before taking over as head coach in 1978 and guiding the Tigers to eight divisional championships, three Southwestern Athletic Conference championships and five NCAA regional appearances while amassing a record of 740-462-1 over 26 seasons.

But even after retiring Ellis never gave up the game, holding his annual youth baseball clinics in conjunction with the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, and bringing a version to those clinics here to Ruston.

A member of the Grambling Legends and Atlanta Braves Baseball Halls of Fame, Ralph Garr, who grew up in Ruston, Garr is a former professional baseball player, scout, and coach, will join Ellis as a camp instructor 

Garr played the MLB as an outfielder from 1968 – 1980 — most notably as a member of the Atlanta Braves — and eventually with the Chicago White Sox and California Angels.

His career year was as a Brave in 1974  when he was a NL All-Star and won the NL batting title with a league best .353 average while also leading the NL in hits (214) and triples (17).

This year’s Ellis Baseball Clinic will also feature instructors including GSU Baseball Coach Davin Pierre and his staff; former GSU/Major League baseball players such as John Lewis, Ronnie Lewis, Ira Truell, Gary Eave and Bobby Dupree; former GSU baseball players Arthur Herbert, Larry Wayne and Angelo Eave; and longtime GSU supporter and community leader Eddie Robinson III.

“This camp is something I need to do, especially because it’s something I know the kids want and need,” Ellis said. “And that’s why all the volunteers come out and help. We make it a free clinic because we want as many youth who want to come out to join us.”

Campers will receive a free Clinic T-shirt as well as being served a hot dog/hamburger lunch.

Registration for the camp (which will include T-ball for ages 4-7 as well as baseball for ages 8-15) will be held from 8-9 a.m. with the clinic itself beginning at 9 a.m. followed by lunch and closing ceremonies, can be done online at https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/1lbymJaMAITHy9o51FVf1GKuuAbWkCUTw9kvWU41qObc/viewform?edit_requested=true&pli=1.

For more information, email Brenda Dupree at bgdupree73@yahoo.com,  or by calling or texting  Dupree at  (901) 210-2137 or by calling or texting Ronnie Lyons at  (318) 607- 7407.

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I am a sinner!

You knew that about us preachers, didn’t you?

Sin is like this. One day recently I was throwing on my dress shirt. I was not paying attention to what I was doing. The top button I lined up with the wrong buttonhole. The rest of the way down my shirt was off. You can’t button your shirt correctly if you get the top button wrong. That is what sin does in our relationships and to our lives; it throws us one bubble off of plumb.

Now before you go “holier than thou” on me consider this:

Once, D.L. Moody went to meet Charles Spurgeon at Spurgeon’s house in London. Spurgeon had been Moody’s hero and, from a distance, his teacher. When Spurgeon answered the door with a cigar in his mouth, Moody practically fell down the stairs in shock. Looking up at Spurgeon, he gasped, “How could you, a man of God, smoke that?”

Spurgeon took the stogie out of his mouth and walked down the steps to where Moody was still standing in confusion. Putting his index finger on Moody’s rather rotund stomach, he smiled, “The same way you, a man of God, could be that fat.”

Ouch!

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There is no upside to sin. It is destructive. Our world is crazy, evil and mean because we live in a fallen world. We are all sinners and when sinners act out of their nature, bad stuff happens. The problems of culture can’t be fixed with more money, marching behind the slogans on a banner, another program, coming together or more education. Our world is going to hell in a handbasket because there are seven billion sinners alive and active right now.

Sin is not the only story, there is an antidote.

A father caught his son smoking. “You know my displeasure in you right now,” he admonished the boy. “I’ve always told you I would punish you severely if I ever caught you smoking. You deserve three smacks across your bottom with my belt.”

Thereupon, the father got his belt, but he hit the boy only once. Then he sent his son up to his room. (Before you get your liver in a quiver, this used to be the way it was. My mother had a stick she used to stir paint. It was colorful and effective for discipline.)

A short time later, the father climbed the stairs to his son’s room and asked, “Would you like to go out and get some ice cream?” Sitting in the ice cream parlor, the father said, “You do know that when I caught you smoking you deserved three smacks with my belt?”

“Yes, sir.”

“You noticed that you got only one, didn’t you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Son, that is mercy, and I want you to remember the lesson. Are you enjoying your ice cream?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Son, the ice cream is grace. Remember that too.”

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We’ve all heard the stories about how people claim to have been saved by a guardian angel. For years I never really bought into this notion that someone is actually watching over us, that we all have an angel making sure we don’t die before our time is up here on earth. There’ve been several movies depicting the idea of guardian angels like, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Preachers Wife, Heart and Soul, Always, and The Family Man.  

It’s a Wonderful Life is my all-time favorite and a must watch every Christmas Eve. The plot is based off the idea that a guardian angel (Clarence) is trying to earn his wings by showing George Bailey how fortunate he has been during the course of his lifetime and how important George has been to so many people within the town of Bedford Falls, NY. 

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Like George, so many of us take for granted the impact we have on family and friends. We forget that each of us leaves a lasting impression of both good and bad.  We don’t realize how much we help shape the lives of those around us.  

But occasionally God shows us through a life experience that maybe there really is someone (an angel) watching over and protecting us in ways we might not recognize at the time. 

This happened to me one evening in the mid 1990’s while working for a company called Holloway Sportswear. My job at this time required me to travel daily to six different factories all across Louisiana. Travel time averaged about two to four hours per day depending on the location I was going to on a particular day. The daily drives were the worst part about the job, but the good far outweighed the bad when it came to the  job overall. 

One evening as I was leaving one of the factories, I hit the road for what was only about a forty-minute drive home. About halfway home, something told me to buckle up. Now this (the mid 90’s) was at a time when there was a push nationwide to always buckle up. Well, me being in my mid-thirties and bullet proof, I resisted this movement with a passion. I hated someone trying to mandate that everyone must buckle up! 

But it was during the driving home that day that I heard the words, “Buckle up!” Normally these words would have been met with resistance. But on this particular day, there was something different about this voice and without hesitation I grabbed the seat belt and buckled up. For some weird reason it wasn’t even an afterthought. One minute later I was involved in a head on collision and rolled my car four times off into the woods. I remember the initial collision but  was knocked unconscious upon impact. I was awake again as the car came to a rest upside down.  

Fortunately, no one was seriously injured which was a miracle in itself! One witness, who had a front row seat to this accident, said he did not want to come to my car because he knew I was dead. After being check over and released from the local hospital, I went home where it hit me just how lucky I was to survive such a crash. 

Then I began to break everything down and analyze what had happened. I asked myself, “What made me buckle up? Why and who was that voice telling me to grab the seat belt and buckle up?”  this was intriguing, especially since I was THAT GUY who never liked to buckle up, who literally hated someone telling me what was best for me!

This is when I knew that there was something of a higher power at work here. It was my guardian angel who made sure that my time here on earth was not up yet, that there was a bigger plan for me than what I had realized. 

Sometimes it takes a life experience to confirm that there really is someone out there looking over our shoulders and making sure we are taken care of. Even when we think we are in control, we’re not!

So, the next time you hear that little voice in your head telling you to do something that might be in your best interest….listen!

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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. 

Friday, July 19
NFA Softball Tournament (Ruston Sports Complex)
7 p.m.: RCT Presents: “Fiddler on the Roof” (Dixie Theatre)

Saturday, July 20
NFA Softball Tournament (Ruston Sports Complex)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
7 p.m.: RCT Presents: “Fiddler on the Roof” (Dixie Theatre)

Sunday, July 21
2 p.m.: RCT Presents: “Fiddler on the Roof” (Dixie Theatre)

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech’s Director of Track & Field/Cross Country, Brian Johnson, announced the addition of Halle McClintock as an assistant coach.

McClintock will oversee the distance runners after spending time as a graduate assistant at South Carolina. Before becoming a Gamecock, she spent five seasons as a distance runner at Georgia.

“I am truly grateful to add Halle McClintock to my staff,” Johnson said. “She is an exceptional person with the desire to be great, and I know with time and good recruiting, she can turn this distance program into a preferred destination for distance runners.”

This past season with the Gamecocks, McClintock helped coach the cross-country team to record its first top-10 finish at the SEC Cross Country Championship for the first time since 2012, finishing eighth overall. It was also the best team result since posting a seventh-place finish in 2001.

McClintock coached Silan Ayyildiz and Judy Kosgei to become the second duo in program history to land on the All-SEC team in the same race. Ayyildiz finished seventh overall, while Kosgei crossed in 11th, missing out on the Gamecocks’ first top-10 duo at the SEC Championship. Ayyildiz’s 19:56.2 was the second-fastest 6k race in program history.

She also helped the Gamecocks to 4th and 11th place finishes at the SEC Championship and 24th and 12th place finishes at the NCAAs during the indoor season. The outdoor teams finished 10th at the SEC Championship and T40th and 15th at the NCAAs.

During her time as a student-athlete, McClintock ran the 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, 5000, and mile and was part of the 4×400 team. She finished with 22 top-five and 33 total top-10 finishes.

Her senior season saw her run personal bests of 56.16 in the 400 and 2:07.90 in the 800 at the Torrin Lawrence Memorial Invite. Earlier that year, McClintock would clock a 1:31.25 in the 600m at the Razorback Invitational.

Her 1500, 5000, and 1000 times came during her sophomore season. She ran a 4:34.33 in the 1500 at the Spec Towns Invitational, 18:40.68 in the 5000 at the Yellow Jacket Invitational, and 2:57.97 in the 1000 at the UAB Blazer Invitational

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Funeral services for Norma Jean Schodlatz, 81, of Ruston will be held at the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel of Ruston on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 2:00 pm.   Officiating will be Father Charles Ssennyondo .    Visitation will be prior to the service at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.   Interment will be later at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Jackson Center Pennsylvania.  

Norma Jean was born in Jackson Center, Pennsylvania, and passed away in Ruston, LA.    She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents Norman and Alma Pearl Oakes.

Left to cherish her memories are her husband Bill Schodlatz, Jr., of Ruston, LA, sons Bill Schodlatz III, of Paris IL, and Mike Schodlatz, wife, Kimberly of Terre Haute, IN.; grandchildren Ryan, Briley, Kolar, and Parker Schodlatz.; one brother, Jim Oakes, and one sister Ruth Shannon, and numerous nieces and nephews and other family and friends. 

Online condolences may be made to the family at http://www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

 

 

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On Wednesday, July 17, David went home to be with his Lord. Services will be at New Hope Baptist Church (Choudrant), 10:00 AM Saturday, July 20 with Rev. Chuck Johnston officiating. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:00 AM in the sanctuary of the church. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Choudrant.

David and his wife recently moved from Quitman to Ruston, but he lived most of his life in Choudrant. David graduated from Choudrant High School, served in the Army, and was then employed by Louisiana Power & Light (Entergy), where he worked for 35 years. David loved horses and trained and showed timed-event horses for many years. The last 20 years he really enjoyed traveling. (He always had his suitcase ready.) David was an active member of New Hope Baptist Church and dearly loved his church family. He had great memories of Wednesdays in the church kitchen.

David is survived by his wife of 50 years, Brenda; by their son, Ronnie Sanderson and his wife Jennifer; and three grandchildren, whom he cherished: Trace Sanderson, Ty Sanderson, and Taylor Sanderson. He is also survived by a brother, Donald Sanderson along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Walton and connie Sanderson, his brothers, Howard and Buck Sanderson, and his sister, Mary Speights.

Pallbearers will be Reggie Hammons, Bob Davis, Tommy Smith, Dennis Hood, Charlie Morganthal, Danny Speights, Woody Leggett, and Josh Pitts.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Funeral services are being handled under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston, LA.

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Quentella Mangham  
Thursday 04/30/1959 — Friday 07/05/2024   
Visitation: Friday 07/19/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home  
Celebration of Life: Saturday 07/20/2024 11:00pm at King’s Funeral Home  
Interment: Saturday 07/20/2024 Following Service, New Prosperity Cemetery, Clay, LA 

Patricia A. Goldsmith Williams (Tricky) 
Monday 03/31/1958 — Monday 07/08/2024  
Visitation: Friday 07/19/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Celebration of Life: Saturday 07/20/2024 1:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Interment: Saturday 07/20/2024 Following Service, Liberty Hill Cemetery, 619 Liberty Hill Rd., Simsboro 

Eula M Dunn 
Thursday 12/22/1949 — Friday 07/12/2024  
Visitation: Friday 07/19/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Celebration of Life: Saturday 07/20/2024 10:00am, New Prosperity Baptist Church, 1378 Prosperity Church Road, Clay 

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by Wesley Harris

One way to tour the great state of Louisiana is to plan stops around a theme. You can visit a selection of state parks, art galleries, or antebellum homes. Several planned tour routes are available online, including at explorelouisiana.com, a site maintained by the state’s Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

The traveler in north Louisiana might consider a tour of museums commemorating the state’s contributions to the nation’s military efforts. Four fine museums north of Alexandria form the basis for an excellent themed excursion.

The Louisiana Maneuvers and Military Museum is an often overlooked museum located at Camp Beauregard in Pineville. It preserves the story of the Louisiana Maneuvers—war games conducted to prepare hundreds of thousands of troops and their commanders for World War II. 

Housed in a replica of a WWII military barracks, the museum pays tribute to the soldiers and civilians involved in the maneuvers with exhibits displaying uniforms, equipment and maneuvers-era armament, with contrasting presentations of horse cavalry next to tanks. Experimentation in new forms of mechanized warfare took place in the exercise. The maneuvers performed here in Louisiana helped America and its allies win the war.

Also included are displays of uniforms and equipment dating from the Louisiana colonial days up to the conflicts in the Middle East.

Named after Confederate General Pierre G. T. Beauregard, the camp was established during World War I, training many soldiers to fight in France during the war. The camp closed after World War I, but National Guard units trained there until it was reactivated as a federal facility in 1940. Today it is used by the Louisiana National Guard as a logistical base and training base for engineer and aviation units.

The Barksdale Global Power Museum is not only a memorial to American success in battle, but a recognition of the many years spent training to deter war. The outside exhibits include some of the American military’s most famous aircraft, including B-17 and B-24 bombers of World War II along with the P-51 Mustang. Also displayed are the several versions of the plane Barksdale is best known for, the B-52 Stratofortress as well as the highest and fastest flying jet aircraft ever, the SR-71 Blackbird.

Inside, visitors find exhibit galleries relating the story of the Barksdale Air Force Base from its dedication as Barksdale Field in 1933 to the present. The namesake of the base is Lieutenant Eugene Hoy Barksdale, a Mississippi native and U. S. Army Air Corps pilot who lost his life August 11, 1926, while flight testing an observation airplane near Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio.

The base served as an air training base during World War II, and shortly after the war became the home of Headquarters Army Air Forces Training Command. New pilots continued to earn their wings as the field was renamed Barksdale Air Force Base in 1947. In 1949 the base transitioned to a new mission to support Strategic Air Command operations. The activation of 2nd Air Force Headquarters in 1949 marked the start of a significant role for Barksdale in the development of massive, long-range striking power. In 1957, Barksdale received its B-52s, the aircraft most associated with the base.

Since Barksdale is a functioning military base with some sensitive areas, security precautions are necessary. Visitors must request a Barksdale Museum Access Pass 30 days prior to their visit. See instructions at barksdaleglobalpowermuseum.com.

The North Louisiana Military Museum in Ruston chronicles American conflicts from the Civil War to the present day with an emphasis on local personalities. Housed in a nondescript two-story building surrounded by huge pieces of military hardware from helicopters and jets to tracked vehicles and cannons may cause visitors to wonder what awaits inside. The impressive collection of militaria that illustrates the close ties between the community and America’s armed conflicts surprises visitors.

What makes the North Louisiana Military Museum unique is how it tells the story of the response of common men and women when American freedom is threatened. The museum connects real people and every American conflict since the Civil War. It’s not just a collection of guns, uniforms, and other relics, but a history of a community’s willingness to serve.

Many exhibits include a name and a photograph to accompany a uniform full of medals or a weapon. The stories of heroism come alive for many locals when they recognize a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine as the same man or woman they see at church or the grocery store.

One local hero honored with a large exhibit is Navy Commander Guy Bordelon. Bordelon received the Navy Cross—the nation’s second highest medal for valor—for his record as a naval combat ace in Korea.

Commander Bordelon is just one of many faces this museum recognizes. The enemy is given a face, too. There are manikins in Japanese and North Vietnamese uniforms. Nazi weapons and medals from World War II are displayed.

The Chennault Aviation & Military Museum’s story began in 1986 with a reunion of those who trained at Selman Field during World War II and their descendants. Attendees vowed to work to establish a repository of Selman Field artifacts and memorabilia. A museum was opened in 2000 in one of the last remaining World War II-era buildings used by the Air Corps’ largest school for flight navigators.

The museum has grown to encompass more of the rich aviation and military history of Northeast Louisiana. The museum honors all U. S. veterans, and features exhibits on all wars from World War I through Iraq and Afghanistan.

Featured prominently is the story of General Claire Chennault who grew up locally and commanded the famed “Flying Tigers” in China during World War II. Chennault is still a hero to the Chinese and the museum has developed connections with China leading to many international visitors to the facility.

Check the websites or Facebook pages of the museums for details in planning your visit.

Louisiana Maneuvers and Military Museum

Camp Beauregard, 409 F Street, Pineville

Open Tues-Fri: 9:00-5:00

Phone the museum for tours outside those hours (318) 641-­5733

North Louisiana Military Museum

201 Memorial Drive, Ruston

Open Wed 12:00-4:00 pm, Thu-Sat 10:00-4:00 pm

For appointments or group tours call (318) 251-5099

Barksdale Global Power Museum

Barksdale AFB, 88 Shreveport Road, Bossier City

Open Mon-Fri 9:30-3:00

See http://www.barksdaleglobalpowermuseum.com/ for instructions on visiting a working military base

Chennault Aviation and Military Museum

701 Kansas Lane, Monroe
Open Tue-Sat 9:00-4:00 pm

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

The College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) recently welcomed young students to explore the world of robotics and programming at the 2024 Robotics and Programming Camp.

Thirteen fifth through eighth grade students designed, built, programed, and tested two robots over the week. They used LEGO EV3 Mindstorm kits to construct a robot that can flip over an opponent in the designated “combat arena” and then create a robot of their own design.

“We want the students to leave with a love for problem solving and have some fun while they do it,” Chris Campbell, camp director, said. “It is rewarding to see students work on a build for hours, figure out any hiccups in building and programming, and have a lot of success by the end of the week.”

For experienced campers returning for their 2nd or 3rd year, additional challenges and team-building activities are included to keep them engaged. These returning campers often mentor younger participants, creating a supportive environment.

Campers also learn about incorporating sensors into their build and programming the robot to work independently. They explore careers in robotics and computer science, and are told about local and national robotics competitions while also encouraging them to join their school robotics teams or start one of their own.

“STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education is all about problem-solving, persistence, and patience,” Campbell said. “Students have to learn to push through the frustration and work with others as they figure things out together. A lot of teamwork is encouraged throughout the week.”

Spring 2024 Louisiana Tech graduate and co-director, Taylar Rankin, expressed enthusiasm for the camp’s impact on young students and the way it encourages innovative thinking and creativity.

“It’s great to see the different ideas students come up with to complete a challenge or meet the building requirements,” Rankin said. “The camp allows students to be creative while also introducing them to the wide field of computer science.”

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Courtesy of GSU Communications

In a historic collaboration with Louisiana State University and McNeese State University, Grambling State University will serve as the host location for the 2024 Louisiana Call Me MiSTER Conference.

Set for September 5-7, 2024, the event will take place in the Betty E. Smith Nursing Building auditorium, bringing together educators, students, and community leaders from across the state to discuss and promote diversity in education.

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Student participants are largely selected from underserved, socio-economically disadvantaged, and educationally at-risk communities. The 2024 conference aims to foster a community of support and development for these future educators, providing them with the tools and inspiration necessary to succeed and lead in their careers.

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Karl Malone Toyota has their own version of Stockton to Malone — in a general manager type of way.

The two NBA Hall of Famers formed one of the most successful pair of teammates in the history of the league during their playing days with the Utah Jazz.

Now, the Toyota dealership in Ruston owned by Malone has its own one-two punch with the recent promotions of Joel Benton and Julie Martin.

Joel is the new General Manager while Martin is the new General Sales Manager. The move came when James Necaise was promoted to General Manager of Karl Malone Ford of El Dorado and Operations Manager for the southern dealerships.

“Joel is a god fearing man’s man, who is an outstanding leader and friend to the organization and community,” said Necaise. “He is the first guy to show up and the last guy to leave. We are honored and grateful to have him as the face of our Ruston store. He has a big heart with bigger dreams. Someone you can look up to. There is a bright future for the community with him at the lead.

“Julie is outgoing and understanding. She is good at reading the situation and turning a bad situation into a positive one. She can talk with the best of them. She is honest and apologetic. She’s the one who finds the impossible vehicle to get and makes it possible, always finding a way to get the job done.”

Joel joined the Karl Malone Toyota team in 2019 as the Used Car Sales Manager when the dealership was purchased by Malone. He had previous experience as a salesman at another local dealership prior to making the move over. The Choudrant native has worked his way up, most recently serving as the General Sales Manager and is currently the youngest GM in the organization at age 32.

“I am pretty much the go-to guy,” said Joel about his new role. “I am pretty much the daddy of the dealership. I don’t know any other way to easily explain it. I am the guy if there are any issues or problems or decisions.”

Joel said he loves being a part of the Karl Malone Toyota family.

“It is family,” said Joel. “There is competition between the stores but if you need anything or have a question, everyone is there to help one another. Everybody covers each other and looks out for each other. We are family.”

And according to Joel, that culture and mindset bleeds over to the dealerships customers.

“We treat the customers the same way,” said Joel. “James always says, ‘We aren’t here to sell you a car. We are here to help you buy a car.’ We are here to help you figure out a way to put yourself in the vehicle. Yes. We make money selling the car, but we have fun helping the customers.”

His tag-team partner Julie Martin most recently served as the Sales Manager for the dealership prior to her promotion to General Sales Manager. Julie has been with Karl Malone Toyota for the past three and a half years.

Born in California, Julie’s family moved to Louisiana when she was young. Although she left the area early in her adult years, she returned to north Louisiana where she has made her home.

“Eighteen-year-old Julie wanted no part of Ruston, but 42-year-old Julie loves it,” said Julie with a smile.

In her new role Julie will manage the sales floor, manage inventory, and provide day-to-day assistance to Benton.

“We have always worked as a team,” said Julie about her and Joel’s working relationship. “Joel is like my baby brother who is my boss too. We fight and we argue sometimes, but we always have each others back. I would do anything in the world for him.”

Julie echoed Joel’s sentiment about what makes Karl Malone Toyota special.

“I think it starts with the people,” said Julie. “We take care of each other. We are family. Sometimes we spend more time here than we do with our other family. We treat each other right. I think it translates into success.

“It’s a choice here. Here we choose to be positive. We choose to care about our customers like they are family.”

It’s no wonder with people like Joel Benton and Julie Martin, Karl Malone Toyota is a first class dealership.

“We our proud of Joel and Julie’s accomplishments, and we are honored to have them helping the community and building leaders for the future of our company and for Ruston,” said Necaise.

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Ruston Police arrested a local man last week after he allegedly shoplifted cases of beer from the Neighborhood Walmart.

Officers were called to the store about 8 a.m. on July 8 where they were told a man wearing a red shirt and red plaid pants had taken items from the store without paying. An officer on patrol spotted a suspect matching the description a few blocks away. George Anthony, 51, of Ruston, was arrested and returned to the store.

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A Walmart loss prevention agent said Anthony had walked out of the store without paying for four cases of Budweiser beer and an onion. Anthony admitted to an officer he did take the items.

A warrant was found for Anthony for failure to appear in Ruston City Court on an aggravated assault charge earlier this year.

Anthony was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for theft and the warrant. Bail was set at $3,000.

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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Do you have an event that you want to publicize in Lincoln Parish? How about a new business opening? How about a sale?

Well the Lincoln Parish Journal has recently tailored an affordable advertising package that is perfect for you!

Our Events Package allows you to flood our readers with pertinent information and reminders about your subject matter. It’s a one-week package that includes (1) week of clickable email ride along (1) advertorial run twice during that week and (2) designated Facebook posts on the Lincoln Parish Journal Facebook page.

The advertorial is a story complete with all the details and information about your upcoming event, sale or opening. All three inventory items can contain direct links to your website or Facebook page.

It’s the perfect way to get the word out about your event or business during a five-day publishing period.

The Lincoln Parish Park Fest, Holiday’s in Cedartown, Lincoln Parish Light Up the Pines, Dixie Center for the Arts, the Crewe of Pomona, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Senior Expo, Custom Curbing and Blue Sky Yoga have already seen success utilizing the events package.

Interested individuals can contact us at LPJNewsLA@gmail.com for rates and more information. Don’t wait to schedule your Events Package as there are a limited number of email ride alongs available on a weekly basis.

The Lincoln Parish Journal received more than 4.1 million views in 2023, and it is on pace to pass that this calendar year. The LPJ currently has a Facebook following of over 8,700 and an email subscriber list of over 5,200.

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Following Ruston High’s historic run in volleyball last year, then-interim head coach Mandy Cauley expected the season to be one-and-done for her. Now, with Lucie Hunt moving on, Cauley reinherits the very program she began. We sat down her for a brief Q&A to see how things have changed knowing that her role now is the full-time head coach.

The conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Lincoln Parish Journal: “We’re getting towards the middle of July, so what’s your perspective on how you’ve been able to re-acclimate back into the role as the full-time head coach to get ready for the new season?”

Mandy Cauley: “We’ve already been working really hard, basically. We’ve been going three days a week all of June. And we’ve been lifting and conditioning. And that has been freshmen, junior varsity and varsity, so that our freshmen can learn from our upperclassmen really quickly that the pace is very different from junior high. The expectations are different just because we’re at a higher level now. Everything is supposed to get more technical — a little bit tougher.

“I would say we had a really great June. We had a summer game for varsity and an evening of summer games for the freshmen and J.V. teams, and everybody has won everything so far. That gives me some optimism as we continue into July. Then, we’ll be getting ready for team camp at Louisiana Tech, and then I’ll be hosting a team camp in the main in both gyms at Ruston High at the end of the month. And we want to be competitive there as well.”

LPJ: “It sounds like the grind is really about to start here in a couple of weeks.”

MC: “Honestly, I feel like the grind started the first week of June for us. And that’s with practicing and then going to lifting and conditioning in the heat of the day. That was a big change especially for our underclassmen. Because it’s hot and it’s humid, and, you know, the girls have to get acclimated to that in a hurry. Because we are indoors and there’s no need for us to really persevere with that heat being what it is, we decided to move the weight and conditioning to 6:30 a.m to 7:30 a.m. before football gets in there, because there’s no need for us (to be in the heat). It’s good for some character building (laughs). You know, I don’t mind it. But at the same point, with it getting hotter and hotter, there’s no need for it. And then that will be followed by our practices now.”

LPJ: “How about mainly for you — how has your approach to this offseason compared to last season for you personally?”

MC: “It is a different mindset because going into last season, I thought “I’m going to do a good job for Lucie and then, she’ll be back.” And these are her girls. And my mindset now is that I’ve got a continued vision. I want this year to be great, but I want next year to be great. And the following year. And I’m training and thinking four years out as opposed to next week and the next week. So I’m working on building those relationships while also developing some of my players in specific positions. And trusting my defense because that’s where most of the returners are.”

LPJ: “That was my next question: as far as the roster goes, you graduated a couple of big names on the offensive side. Are you expecting there to be a rebuilding mode for part of the year?”

MC: “I look at it more as reloading. I don’t ever want to lower the expectation — I just might be a little bit more patient with things. As much as I am expecting the players to to meet my expectations, they do have big shoes to fill and that does take time, but I know they can do it. I believe in these girls. They have grown tremendously in the offseason. Several girls have really showed me that, and I love it. There’s a battle in several positions for who’s going to get that court time, and that will play out over the season. And I think that’s healthy. I think that’s good.”

LPJ: “Obviously, last year was an historic season for the program. As far as the schedule goes, how do you maintain the type of competitiveness to get your team ready for what will hopefully be another run?”

MC: “I’m trying to balance two things. I’m trying to balance being competitive and getting those South Louisiana tournaments in along with supporting our football team. I mean, we’re playing at the same time and it is important to these girls (to support the Bearcat football team). That’s one thing I learned: they have to miss a lot and that’s hard on them. So we’re balancing and adjusting alongside the football schedule. We’re going to miss some; we’re going to be at some.

“I think our trips down south are going to get us a lot of reps and be super competitive. We’re going to stay in the North-South tournament in Lafayette as our opening tournament because we get to see some tough teams there. We’re going to host our tournament that’s already full. We’ve got 20 teams in that. And then we’ll go to Fountainbleu and we’re going to play Chalmette, Thibodaux and Baton Rouge-Central in really strong weekend, as well as when we go to the Sam Houston tournament. And this will be the first time I’ve ever gone down to that tournament in Lake Charles.”

LPJ: “Last thing — obviously I know you and the school were appreciative to play in the Ruston Sports Complex last year, so how excited are you to be back in the Ruston High gym?”

MC: “I’m very excited because this is familiar to me, as well. I love being in our home gym and to rebuild the Cat Box, and come up with some fun ideas to get the student section involved. They’ll be more comfortable cheering. There will be more room for them to cheer. We’ll try to do some creative things to bring the crowd in, as well. We’re going to have an elementary night and try to bring in some youngsters and inspire the next generation of volleyball athletes. But then we also want to bring in our alumni and recognize them and everything that they’ve done to lay the foundation for this team. I’m very excited to have our new locker room. The foyer looks amazing. The concessions looks amazing. We’re just very happy to be practicing and playing at what feels like home.”

LPJ: “Thank you for your time.”

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