For more information on Andy Halbrook at Edward Jones, CLICK HERE.

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It’s almost that time of year when many people start receiving their tax refunds. If you get one, what will you do with it?

Of course, the answer will depend somewhat on how big your refund is. Last year, the average refund amount was about $2,750, according to the Internal Revenue Service’s Filing Season Statistics report.

Whatever the size of your refund, you’ll want to maximize its benefit. Here are a few suggestions:

• Contribute to your IRA. If you were to receive about $2,750, it would go a long way toward funding your IRA for the year — but any amount would help. You still have until April 15 to contribute to your IRA for the 2023 tax year, but if you’ve already “maxed out” on it, you could use your refund for 2024, when the annual contribution limit for a traditional and Roth IRA is $7,000, or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older. And by getting an early start toward fully funding your IRA for the year, you can reduce the pressure of having to come up with large amounts later.
• Build an emergency fund. Your tax refund could help you start or expand an emergency fund. It’s a good idea to keep up to six months’ worth of living expenses in such a fund, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account, separate from the funds you use for your daily expenses. You might need to draw on this fund for unexpected expenses, such as a major home or car repair or a medical bill that’s not fully covered by your insurance. Without such an emergency fund in place, you might be forced to dip into your IRA or other retirement accounts to pay for these types of costs, and such a move could be expensive, resulting in taxes, penalties and lost opportunities for growth.
• Contribute to a 529 plan. If you have children or grandchildren and you’d like to help them further their education someday, you might consider investing in a 529 education savings plan. With a 529 plan, earnings and withdrawals are federally tax free, provided the money is used for qualified education expenses. Based on where you live, your 529 plan may provide state tax benefits, too. (It is possible, though, that 529 withdrawals could affect financial aid packages, depending on who owns the account.) A 529 plan can be used to help pay for college, accredited trade school programs, some K-12 expenses and even to help repay some student loans.
• Pay down debts. Most of us probably wish we could reduce our debt loads. Your tax refund may give you a chance to do just that. But which debts should you tackle first? You could follow the “snowball” method by paying off the smallest of your loans or debts as quickly as possible. Or you could choose the “avalanche” route by making minimum payments on all debts and using extra funds — such as your tax refund — to pay off the debts that carry the highest interest rates. Either method could help you save money in the long term.

Your tax refund can be a valuable asset — so use it wisely.

______________________________

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

This is a paid advertorial

On March 19, 2003, the United States, along with coalition forces primarily from the United Kingdom, initiates war on Iraq. Just after explosions began to rock Baghdad, Iraq’s capital, U.S. President George W. Bush announced in a televised address, “At this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger.”

President Bush and his advisors built much of their case for war on the specious claim that Iraq, under dictator Saddam Hussein, possessed or was in the process of building weapons of mass destruction.

Hostilities began about 90 minutes after the U.S.-imposed deadline for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq or face war passed. The first targets, which Bush said were “of military importance,” were hit with Tomahawk cruise missiles from U.S. fighter-bombers and warships stationed in the Persian Gulf. In response to the attacks, Republic of Iraq radio in Baghdad announced, “the evil ones, the enemies of God, the homeland and humanity, have committed the stupidity of aggression against our homeland and people.”

Though Saddam Hussein had declared in early March 2003 that, “it is without doubt that the faithful will be victorious against aggression,” he went into hiding soon after the American invasion, speaking to his people only through an occasional audiotape. Coalition forces were able to topple his regime and capture Iraq’s major cities in just three weeks, sustaining few casualties.

President Bush declared the end of major combat operations on May 1, 2003. Despite the defeat of conventional military forces in Iraq, an insurgency has continued an intense guerrilla war in the nation in the years since military victory was announced, resulting in thousands of coalition military, insurgent and civilian deaths.

After an intense manhunt, U.S. soldiers found Saddam Hussein hiding in a six-to-eight-foot deep hole, nine miles outside his hometown of Tikrit. He did not resist and was uninjured during the arrest. A soldier at the scene described him as “a man resigned to his fate.” Hussein was arrested and began trial for crimes against his people, including mass killings, in October 2005.

In June 2004, the provisional government in place since soon after Saddam’s ouster transferred power to the Iraqi Interim Government. In January 2005, the Iraqi people elected a 275-member Iraqi National Assembly. A new constitution for the country was ratified that October. On November 6, 2006, Saddam Hussein was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by hanging. After an unsuccessful appeal, he was executed on December 30, 2006.

No weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq. The U.S. declared an end to the war in Iraq on December 15, 2011, nearly ten years after the fighting began. 

For more on This Day in History, go to History.com.

The Ruston Rotary Club will host a Jambalaya Fundraiser in the Super 1 Parking lot Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  To go plates can be purchased in advance through any Rotary Club member or on site Thursday for $10 or a quart container of Jambalaya for $15.

Individuals can contact Rusty Wilfong at 318-265-0985 or any Ruston Rotarian to purchase tickets in advance. Plates feature jambalaya, corn and green beans. 

Funds raised will be used for Rotary Club community related service. Some of these projects include Coats for Kids, dictionaries for third graders, student scholarships and backpacks for needy students.

The Ruston Rotary Coats for Kids program donated over 225 coats for elementary students in Lincoln Parish and Jackson Parish. This year four Lincoln Parish students attending college in the fall will be chosen by a committee of Ruston Rotary members and will receive $2,000 scholarships.

Rotarians pick up food backpacks every Thursday during the school year at Super 1 and drop them off at Hillcrest Elementary for needy students to take home on Friday for meals over the weekend. During the fall, Rotarians give Lincoln Parish third grade students their very own dictionary to keep for in the classroom or at home. Rotarians are also involved in the Med-Camp Fall Halloween Bash held at Camp Alabama in the Douglas community every year the Saturday before Halloween.

Today – the spring equinox – invites us to marvel at God’s intricate choreography. This near-perfect balance of day and night whispers of divine craftsmanship.

I stand in awe of the Creator’s artistry.

Picture this: The sun, that radiant ball of celestial fire, is poised directly above the equator. On this vernal equinox, the world tilts neither toward nor away from the sun. Day and night share the stage equally, waltzing together in harmonious rhythm. It’s as if God is orchestrating a cosmic ballet, reminding us that balance is essential – a lesson for our lives as well.

Step outside, if you can. Feel the softness of the soil underfoot, witness the tender buds unfurling on branches, and inhale the sweet perfume of blooming flowers as the pines sway in rhythm. Springtime – the season of resurrection – mirrors God’s promise of renewal. The same hands that flung galaxies into existence now coax delicate petals from the earth. His love for us is evident in every blossom, every blade of grass, every chirping bird.

Consider the intricate symphony of the seasons. Spring, summer, autumn and winter – each with its uniquely scored collection of colors, scents and sensations. God, the Master Composer, conducts this concerto of change. This overture of nature weaves frost-kissed mornings into sun-drenched afternoons and golden leaves into blankets of snow. Our lives, too, follow such seasons – times of growth, harvest, rest and rebirth.

Then, as today’s hours fade, look up. The night sky, an artist’s canvas splashed with stars, testifies to God’s boundless creativity. The constellations tell stories of ancient heroes and subtle promises. Orion strides across the heavens, and the Pleiades shimmer like diamonds. Our Creator lobbed these luminous specks into space, not merely for beauty, but to remind us of eternity.

Spring births life anew. Seeds buried in darkness push through soil, seeking light. Colts frolic in pastures, and butterflies emerge from chrysalises. God’s attention to detail is staggering – the elegant veins on a leaf, the mathematical symmetry of a flower, the melodious song of a robin at dawn. The Master Designer knows the number of hairs on our heads. How could he not care for the tiniest of creatures? And for us, even more.

Today, as the sun crosses the celestial equator, let us pause. Let us celebrate the God who propelled planets into orbit and painted rainbows after storms. His love for us is woven into the very fabric of existence. The spring equinox sings with his voice: “I am here, and I love you.”

In this delicate equilibrium, I see a reflection of God’s divine plan for harmony in our lives. Just as the earth transitions seamlessly from darkness to light, so too can we find balance and renewal in our spiritual journey – if we draw near to him.

So, let us dance with the daffodils, sing with the sparrows and lift our eyes to the heavens. For in this symphony of seasons, we find God’s signature – a love letter written in petals and murmuring in the wind. Let the azaleas be our hymn, the sunset our benediction.

And may your spring be blessed.

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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.

By Kyle Roberts

Ruston High’s softball squad (13-7) split two district matchups last week after a non-district win over Evangel at home last Monday.

“I think overall we played well last week,” Ruston head coach Lauren Garvie said. “Our bats were a little slow in the West Ouachita, but I’m proud of the girls for coming right back against Ouachita and hitting the ball hard. There is a lot of “want to” for lack of a better word, and this week we start over again. Our word of the week is “pursue”– we really don’t have much regular season left, so we take what we’ve done, be proud of it, and pursue the next thing.”

Monday, March 11: Ruston 7, Evangel 0
The Lady Bearcats shut out Evangel with sophomore Sage Tolar pitching a complete game, striking out five batters. Senior Shelby Freeman doubled in the bottom of the first to score two, while junior Morgan Foster took a bases loaded walk to score another Bearcat run in the bottom of the second. Both Freeman and Tolar finished with multiple hits.

Tuesday, March 12: West Ouachita 10, Ruston 2
Ruston would fall to the Chiefs after taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the second after Freeman score on a wild pitch. West Ouachita would outscore Ruston 10-1 for the remainder of the game.

Thursday, March 14: Ruston 10, Ouachita 9
In an exciting finish, Ruston would get a walk-off win Thursday against Ouachita after senior Murphy DeMoss doubled in the bottom of the seventh inning to score two runs for the win. Ruston led 6-0 at the end of the first, but a furious rally by Ouachita set up the exciting finish. Senior Cala Wilson, DeMoss, Foster and senior Jojo Fernandes all finished with multiple hits on the night.

Ruston returns to action tonight at West Monroe to continue district play.

BATON ROUGE, La. – Capitol Park Museum and Chinbo, Inc., are pleased to offer a free, five-day immersion program – Immèrsyon kouri-vini: aprenn avèk mitoloji (Kouri-Vini Immersion: Learn with Mythologies) – about Louisiana folklife, myths, art, and storytelling with presentations and workshops in and about Kouri-Vini (Louisiana Creole) from June 3-7, 2024, in Baton Rouge. The Kouri-Vini Immersion will enhance the Mitoloji Latannyèr/Mythologies Louisianaises exhibition curated by Jonathan J. Mayers and on display at Capitol Park Museum until December 2024.

The week will consist of a four-day Kouri-Vini Immersion led by Clif St. Laurent from Monday, June 3, to Thursday, June 6. Clif St. Laurent is a Louisiana Creole language activist, educator, professional entertainer, and former American Idol contestant. The Kouri-Vini Immersion workshop is open to learners age 13 and up. Participants ages 13–17 must register with a parent or guardian also participating in the program. Parents and guardians must register separately. All participants must attend the workshop daily. Parents and guardians must be present with their minors at all times. The workshop is open to the first 20 applicants. If the registration limit has been reached, you will be added to the waitlist.

The program will culminate Friday, June 7, with the workshop Kont pou piti-yé: ékri dan kouri-vini (Tales for Kids: Write in Kouri-Vini) led by Adrien Guillory Chatman, a writer, educator, and founder of Vilaj Bonjwa. Participants will engage in learning about traditional Louisiana folktales with animal characters, such as Bouki and Lapin, in a Louisiana setting. Participants will then create their own children’s tale in Kouri-Vini. To individualize learning and help formulate their tales, words and sentences will be provided according to participants’ abilities. Visual artist and former Baton Rouge Poet Laureate Jonathan J. Mayers will assist with the workshop. The Tales for Kids workshop is open to learners aged 10 and up. Knowledge of the Kouri-Vini language is encouraged; there will be a translator on hand. Registrants must be available to attend the entire day. Participants ages 10-17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants will be selected on a first come, first served basis.

Schedule:
 
Monday, June 3 – Thursday, June 6

9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.     Kouri-Vini Immersion led by Clif St. Laurent
12:30 p.m.–1:00 p.m.     Lunch
1 p.m.–3 p.m.                 Workshops with culture bearers

Friday, June 7

9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.     Tales for Kids Workshop with Adrien Guillory-Chatman
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.     Group Lunch
1:30 p.m.–3 p.m.            Participant Presentations

Registration for both events opens Monday, March 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. Participants registering for the Monday-Thursday immersion will also be registered for the Friday workshop. Those only interested in the Friday workshop can register separately for that event only. Participants can register online at the following links:

Register for Kouri-Vini Immersion Workshop (Monday-Friday)

Register for Tales of Kids: Write in Kouri-Vini (Friday only)

This program is funded through a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this Kouri-Vini Immersion project do not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities. This program is also funded with support from the Louisiana Folklore Society, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Louisiana Division of the Arts, and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

Today marks the spring equinox as the sun will cross the celestial equator – a line directly above Earth’s equator – at 10:06 p.m.

The March equinox marks the sun’s crossing above Earth’s equator, moving from south to north. Earth’s tilt on its axis is what causes this northward shift of the sun’s path across our sky at this time of year. Earth’s tilt is now bringing spring and summer to the Northern Hemisphere.

At the same time, the March equinox marks the beginning of autumn – and a shift toward winter – in the Southern Hemisphere.

The March equinox is known as the vernal equinox (spring equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere and as the autumnal equinox (autumn equinox) or fall equinox in the Southern Hemisphere.

BATON ROUGE, La. – During Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s Love the Boot Week, happening April 20-28, 2024, Coca-Cola will fund the recycling of plastic bottles and aluminum cans for litter cleanup events happening in 13 parishes. Love the Boot Week is Louisiana’s largest litter removal and beautification effort held during Earth Week, with events organized by businesses, non-profits, schools, governments, and families in all 64 parishes.

“Thank you to Coca-Cola for funding recycling during Love the Boot Week,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “According to KLB’s 2023 litter study, 92% of people in Louisiana think litter is a problem. The proper disposal of our trash and recycling is key to ending litter in Louisiana. It’s important to recycle when possible and never litter.”

Osprey Initiative will facilitate recycling for Love the Boot litter cleanup events in the following parishes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa. In addition, West Monroe Recycling Center will be a drop-off site for plastic bottles and aluminum cans picked up at Love Boot Week cleanups happening in Ouachita Parish. To date, 90+ Love the Boot cleanups have signed up to implement recycling.

This is a significant expansion from the 2023 recycling effort, which was successful in collecting 3,506 aluminum cans and plastic bottles at 13 Love the Boot Week events. Last year,12,777 individuals volunteered 61,493 hours, removing 313 tons of litter in all 64 parishes. In addition to litter removal, volunteers focused on community beautification, planting 370 trees and 3,542 plants, and refurbishing 146 gardens.

When registering for Love the Boot Week at LoveTheBoot.org, events in eligible parishes can sign up for recycling. Recycling bags will be shipped from Osprey to those who sign up for recycling. Osprey will pick these bags up, sort the material, and deliver the recyclables to a recycling facility.

“Coca-Cola is committed to creating a sustainable future and collection is an important part of our sustainable packaging initiative, World Without Waste,” said Scott Ryan, Vice President of Franchise Operations for The Coca-Cola Company. “We’re proud to support Love the Boot Week and commend Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s effort on litter reduction in the state.”

“When items are properly recycled, they don’t end up littering our environment or entering our landfills,” said KLB Executive Director Susan Russell. “Not only does recycling reduce waste, but it also requires less energy to use recovered materials when making products in comparison to virgin materials. We are grateful to Coca-Cola for funding recycling at Love the Boot Week events, so the bottles and cans collected can be repurposed rather than landfilled.”

On May 29, Keep Louisiana Beautiful will present a recycling award to the group that collects the greatest weight of plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

Everyone in every parish is invited to register a cleanup or beautification event and/or sign-up to volunteer at LoveTheBoot.org.

Funeral services for Dr. Charles William “Bill” Tanner, Jr. will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Ruston under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston. Interment will follow at Mt Nebo Cemetery in Downsville, LA.   Visitation will be from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston.  

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Charles William Tanner, Sr., and Callie Mae Tanner, and son Charles William Tanner, lll.

Bill graduated from Springhill High School, then attended and graduated Louisiana Tech University where he earned his Bachelor’s in Pre-Medicine as well as a minor degree in Zoology. From there he attended and graduated Louisiana State University Shreveport receiving his Medical Doctorate degree and then he completed his Urological Residency at LSU Medical Center, Shreveport. He then began his practice as a licensed Urologist at Green Clinic of Ruston and resided there for the last 35+ years.

An outdoorsman for sure, he was an avid duck hunter, bass fisherman as well as skilled scuba diver. But when he wasn’t at the duck camp or fishing along the banks of Lake Erling in Arkansas, his other “happy” place was at home with a dog in his lap, Donna in the chair beside him and watching the Texas Rangers win on TV.

Bill was a family man; his greatest joy was spending time with his family anywhere and anytime. His twin-cesses, Lilly and Layla were the apple of his eye, and he was proud to tell anyone and everyone about them. He was married to his wife, Donna, for 41 memorable years and they had two children, Holly and Heather. Bill was a deacon at First Baptist Church Ruston where he also traveled on 2 medical mission trips. He was never afraid to share his faith with anyone, he was a true good and faithful servant to our heavenly Father. He loved the Lord and served Him well. Bill Tanner has left a legacy of compassion, integrity, kindness and determination that will live on through his family as well as the countless patients that came to see him at Green Clinic.

A special thanks to David Osafo for his attentive and compassionate care. Thank you to all of the doctors and nurses that took care of Bill during his final days. Also, a special thank you to Green Clinic and staff for the wonderful years of serving alongside him during his practice. We are truly grateful for our church family for the outpouring of love and prayers through this journey and before. Thank you to our Heavenly Father for always having His hand on Bill and our family.

Pallbearers will be David Neal, Dr. Jeb Butler, Bill Roundtree, Daniel Murray, Daniel Holder, and Adam Neal

The family request that memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Ruston, or Wounded Warrior Project, or Smile Train.org.

Robert “Rob” M. Roach 
October 20, 1951 – March 15, 2024 
Visitation: Saturday, March 23, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 
Memorial Service: Saturday, March 23, 2024, 11:00 AM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 

Kendra Dean  
Saturday 12/24/1983 — Friday 03/08/2024   
Celebration of Life: Tuesday 03/19/2024 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home  
Interment: Tuesday 03/19/2024, New Prosperity Cemetery, Clay 

By T, Scott Boatritght

To reboot or reroute? That was the question.

And so far the latter looks like it’s paid off for the city of Ruston’s fiber optic system  

That system went down for hours on Thursday, with the city believing the problems were coming from afar.

When it happened again on Friday, Ruston IT Director Dusty Hampton knew it was time to look in house,

And while nothing has looked “out of line” so far, going a different direction as far as the router used to handle city internet services was a likely solution.

After rebooting all systems on Thursday and restoring internet use to subscribers, following an outage for a second straight day, the city tried rebooting again before moving to a new router after another outage on Friday.

And just like that, the problem seems resolved. 

“We still have to investigate to find the definitive cause, be we completely replaced the device (router) the trouble seemed to be coming from, and we’ve been running perfectly,” Hampton said.

Hampton said he and his office would continue working today to figure out what happened, but stressed that it looks like simply going in a new direction with a new router was the answer to the problem.

Experience Ruston is excited to announce 318 Week, a new community awareness campaign taking place from March 18-24. The week will highlight various areas of tourism and the positive impacts tourism makes on the local economy and the quality of life for Lincoln Parish residents.

“While we have celebrated 318 Day for several years in conjunction with our neighboring North Louisiana destinations, we saw an advocacy opportunity within our community this year by extending the concept throughout the entire week,” said Amanda Carrier, President & CEO of Experience Ruston.

Experience Ruston has built a schedule of events and special promotions for the week, with each day having a designated theme specifically related to a facet of Lincoln Parish’s tourism economy.

Monday, March 18 will focus on “318 Day,” a day to explore and celebrate the communities within the 318 area code in North Louisiana. Experience Ruston encourages residents to be a tourist in their own town by visiting a local attraction, restaurant, or shop that is new to them. Locals can also find the “3” and “8” numbers in Railroad Park for a unique photo opportunity. These large numbers were painted by local artist Taryn Davidson and give locals a chance to be the “1” in between the 3 and 8.

Tuesday, March 19 highlights sports and the role they play in the local tourism industry. A huge driver of visitation to Lincoln Parish is the various sporting events held at Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State University, and the Ruston Sports Complex. These events generate a significant economic impact every year, allowing for continued community development which can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

On Wednesday, March 20, locals can enjoy a visit to one of Lincoln Parish’s free museums, including the North Louisiana Military Museum, the Lincoln Parish Museum and the Eddie G. Robinson Museum.

Thursday, March 21 will put a focus on the vibrant and diverse culinary scene of Lincoln Parish, encouraging residents and visitors to eat local and discover the dishes and flavors that have gained Ruston & Lincoln Parish recognition as an emerging foodie destination. 

On Friday, March 22 Experience Ruston invites you to “Food Truck Friday” at the Heard Freighthouse Food Park from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. for lunch with a side of live music from area blues musician Ira Barger. Experience the culture and community of Ruston’s thriving downtown district, which draws tens of thousands of visitors a year to its charming, walkable streets.

Saturday, March 23 will feature a free admission day at Lincoln Parish Park from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., another attraction that brings visitors from all over the country to experience the many outdoor amenities of the park. While you’re there, get a sneak peek the new mountain biking flow trails and hub, a project supported by Experience Ruston’s grant program.

Sunday, March 24 will wrap up the week with a focus on reunions. Each year, the area sees its share of reunions and gatherings that bring visitors to the destination. Experience Ruston offers resources and staff assistance for planning events, reunions, group tours, and other gatherings.

For more information about 318 Week or Experience Ruston’s work in the community, please visit experienceruston.com or contact Tori Davis at (318) 255-2031 or tdavis@rustonlincoln.com.

By T, Scott Boatritght

There’s nothing like making history.

The Grambling State University men’s basketball team did just that Sunday as they learned of their NCAA Tournament play-in fate during a Tournament Watch Park in the Black and Gold Room of GSU’s Favrot Student Union.

Elation would be an understatement of the surrounding atmosphere.

“This is history — right here, right now,” said GSU College Hall of Fame Baseball Coach and former AD Wilbert Ellis. “This is Grambling history. We’re coming back. The ‘G’ is coming back.”

Grambling’s Southwestern Athletic Conference win over Texas Southern on Saturday punched the Tiger’s ticket to their first NCAA /Tourney appearance ever.

“We should have won the conference tournament last year, so we’ve had these vibes all year”, GSU F/G  Jordan Smith said. “We have a whole lot of chaos and energy going on. We like playing defense. We’re ready for what comes next.

GSU AD Trayvean Scott knows what it all means.

“This is a signal; It’s a sign,” Scott said,.”I think one of the biggest things we do is try to prioritize every sport, and the mantra now — the last 10 hours – is who’s next?” Scott said Sunday evening. 

Former GSU AD, men’s basketball coach and New Orleans Jazz guard Aaon James was on hand to see Grambling history being made.

“This is great for me, gerat for the university, and great for basketball — not just men’s basketball, but women’s basketball after a great year for the Lady Tigers,” James said, “I think it’s letting people know Grambling is here. Grambling is competitive and we’re here to stay.

Grambling coach Deonte Jackson admitted to being moved by all the hoopla.

“It’s unbelievable,” Jackson said. “I’m excited for this team, excited for this university, it’s just an incredible opportunity to showcase this team on a national stage. This is what we played for all year.

“Right now I;m just living in the moment. The next game is Montana State. I don’t know anything about them but I;m about to watch video so we can go win that game.”

A Ruston man is in custody after he was arrested on drug and weapon charges last Saturday night.

Gabriel Dale McClain, 51, was arrested after Lincoln Parish deputies and the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team investigated a report of an aggravated battery at a Rodgers Road residence. Deputies found McClain in his vehicle parked in front of the residence. Based on the odor of burning marijuana coming from inside the vehicle, a search was conducted yielding Ecstasy, individually packaged baggies of methamphetamine, and a burnt marijuana cigarette.

Authorities were told McClain was dealing drugs out of the residence and there could be additional narcotics and a firearm inside.

A search warrant was obtained and executed on the home. The search located bags of raw marijuana along with multiple packages of THC gummies and a Clerke .32S&W revolver.

McClain has been previously arrested on drug distribution charges. He was arrested for distribution of marijuana, distribution of THC, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon during the commission of a controlled substance crime, possession of MDMA (Ecstasy) with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of marijuana, fourth offense.

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. 

Courtesy of GSU Communications

Grambling State University (GSU) staff endeavor daily to serve the whole student. That means providing resources that serve every need, including food insecurity.

The goal has become more attainable thanks to a $25,000 grant from No Kid Hungry, a national campaign overseen by Share Our Strength, a nonprofit working to solve problems of hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world that has recognized the institution as an HBCU Nutrition Hub.

The funding will be used to support existing food access initiatives, create sustainable solutions through collaboration, expand reach and impact, support enrollment in federal food assistance programs, and promote access to nutritious meals for children through meal programs. 

GSU currently has existing food access initiatives, including the Tiger Resource Room powered by What-A-Burger, a Campus Garden, and the Hunger-Free Campus Task Force. 

Students at GSU can access the Tiger Resource Room, which has nonperishable food items, bottled water, and other snack food free of charge at their leisure.

The office of Campus Living and Housing oversees the garden, and the planting of vegetables is underway for the season.

“We allocate human capital in the form of staff volunteers, and student organizations to manage food access initiatives and provide additional support services,” said Marcus Kennedy, Director of Campus Activities, Student Engagement, and the Favrot Student Union. “These initiatives are housed in Campus Activities and Student Engagement, a division of Student Affairs. We collaborate with student organizations, and various departments within the university, to ensure a holistic approach to addressing food insecurity.” 

“These partnerships allow for a comprehensive response that considers not only food access but also other support services that students may require. We often conduct awareness and educational programs to reduce the stigma surrounding food insecurity, increase understanding of available basic needs services, and promote a culture of empathy and support within the campus community.”

As part of ACT 719 of the Louisiana Regular Legislative Session, GSU has established a Hunger-Free Task Force that addresses the hunger needs of our students. The application for the newly-awarded grant was completed by the members of a task force headed by Kennedy that includes GSU staff members Barbara Payne, Gavin Hamms, Katrina Burks, Tyra Muhammad, Bridgette Williams, Tisha Arnold, Britni Grayson, Dr. Gavin Hamms, Dawn Holmes, Antionette Livingston and Dr. Rudolph Ellis along with students Elijah Neal and Kamille Corner.

Kennedy said that fighting against food insecurity at GSU and the surrounding community is crucial for ensuring the well-being and success of its students and residents, adding that expected outcomes and metrics of success in addressing food insecurity could include increased access to affordable and nutritious food options, decreased reliance on emergency food assistance, and improved overall health and academic performance among students.

“Some students are not aware of the food assistance programs available to them leading to underutilization of resources,” Kennedy said. “Our program relies on limited funding and resources, which can restrict our ability to fully address the needs of all food-insecure students. Insufficient resources result in limited food availability, restricted operating hours, and a lack of diverse nutritional items.

“The operating hours of our food pantry can sometimes be inconvenient for all students, especially ones with busy schedules or transportation challenges, and the stigma associated with seeking food assistance and cultural barriers can prevent some students from accessing available resources. Programs may not always be culturally sensitive or cater to the diverse needs of a student population.”

On March 18, 1852, in New York City, Henry Wells and William G. Fargo join with several other investors to launch their namesake business, today one of the world’s largest banks.

The discovery of gold in California in 1849 prompted a huge spike in the demand for cross-country shipping. Wells and Fargo decided to take advantage of these great opportunities. In July 1852, their company shipped its first loads of freight from the East Coast to mining camps scattered around northern California.

The company contracted with independent stagecoach companies to provide the fastest possible transportation and delivery of gold dust, important documents and other valuable freight. It also served as a bank—buying gold dust, selling paper bank drafts and providing loans to help fuel California’s growing economy.

In 1857, Wells, Fargo and Co. formed the Overland Mail Company, known as the “Butterfield Line,” which provided regular mail and passenger service along an ever-growing number of routes. In the boom-and-bust economy of the 1850s, the company earned a reputation as a trustworthy and reliable business, and its logo—the classic stagecoach—became famous. For a premium price, Wells, Fargo and Co. would send an employee on horseback to deliver or pick up a message or package.

Wells, Fargo and Co. merged with several other “Pony Express” and stagecoach lines in 1866 to become the unrivaled leader in transportation in the West. When the transcontinental railroad was completed three years later, the company began using railroad to transport its freight. By 1910, its shipping network connected 6,000 locations, from the urban centers of the East and the farming towns of the Midwest to the ranching and mining centers of Texas and California and the lumber mills of the Pacific Northwest.

After splitting from the freight business in 1905, the banking branch of the company merged with the Nevada National Bank and established new headquarters in San Francisco. During World War I, the U.S. government nationalized the company’s shipping routes and combined them with the railroads into the American Railway Express, effectively putting an end to Wells, Fargo and Co. as a transportation and delivery business.

The following April, the banking headquarters was destroyed in a major earthquake, but the vaults remained intact and the bank’s business continued to grow. After two later mergers, the Wells Fargo Bank American Trust Company—shortened to the Wells Fargo Bank in 1962—became, and has remained, one of the biggest banking institutions in the United States.

For more historical info, go to History.com.

A Dubach man was arrested Tuesday after he was found in possession of a car stolen in Union Parish.

Jimmy Mitchum, 43, was arrested for possessing stolen property after the stolen vehicle was found in his residence.

The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office notified the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office that a stolen vehicle could be located at a Kay Road residence in Dubach. Deputies responded and located the stolen vehicle. Investigation revealed Mitchum had listed the vehicle for sale on a social media marketplace. Mitchum told deputies he paid $400 to someone but could not provide a name. He said he paid $400 for it.

Mitcham was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for illegal possession of stolen things valued over $1,500.

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

by Malcolm Butler

It was a pretty good week for the Ruston High girls golf team last week.

It was a great week for Lady Bearcats Kate Boersma and Amaya Morelos.

Boersma won captured the individual title at both the event leading the Lady Bearcats to a pair of team titles at the Morehouse Golf Tournament and the Black Bear Tournament.

Boersma and teammate Amaya Morelos finished first and second in both events as the Ruston girls ran away from the field in the two tournaments.

In the Black Bear Tournament Wednesday, Boersma shot a nine-hole total of 46 while Morelos registered a 50. Marlee Davis finished fifth with a 54 while Addison Wood finished seventh with a 58. Teammates Stowie Richmond was ninth with a 63 and Lyla Turner was 10th with a 65.

Ruston won the event with a team total of +24 besting the nearest competitor Neville by 23 strokes.

On the boys side of the Morehouse Tournament, Ruston finished fourth with a team total of +33, behind Neville (+21), West Monroe (+22) and OCS (+27). Cedar Creek’s boys were fifth with a +34.

“We have really been progressing nicely,” said RHS coach Chris Rathburn. “There are definitely still some things we need to get cleaned up before the post season, but I like the direction the scores are headed. We are moving in the right direction.”

Ruston’s Drew Bowling placed in a tie for 10th (42), Jackson Murry t19th (44), Kyle Caston t23rd (45), Charlie Rogers t26th (46), Drew Brennan t39th (49), Jack Elliot t54th (53), and Wes Altic 60th (55).

The Cougars were led by Triston Floyd in t10th (42), Gray Worthey t15th (43), Alex Roebuck t23rd (45), Anderson Maxwell t33rd (48), and Cameron Temple t39th (49).

Earlier in the week at Morehouse Country Club, Boersma and the Lady Bearcats ran away from the field in the team competition finishing at +20 followed by Claiborne Christian (+38), Neville (+43) and St. Frederick (+64).

Boersma captured the individual title with a 42 followed by Morelos in second with a 50. Other Lady Bearcat finishers included Marlee Davis tied for 5th (55), Addison Wood t8th (59), Lyla Turner 11th (65), and Abby Seney 12th (66).

On the boys side, the Bearcats were third at +31 behind only Neville (+7) and West Monroe (+23). Cedar Creek finished fourth at +41.

Kyle Caston led RHS, tying for 15th (43), along with Jackson Murry t15th (43), Jack Elliot t18th (44), Drew Bowling t20th (45), Charlie Rogers t24th (46), Wes Altic t33rd (50), and Drew Brennan t33rd (50).

The Cougars were led by Grey Worthey t9th (42), Anderson Maxwell t24th (46), Alex Roebuck t26th (47), Triston Floyd t33rd (50), and Cameron Temple t38th (52).

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. 

Monday, March 18
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
5:30 p.m.: Ruston Planning and Zoning meeting (Ruston City Hall)
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-9 p.m.: Creative meetups (Creative Exchange)
6 p.m.: RCT’s “Annie” auditions (Dixie Theatre)

Tuesday, March 19
10 a.m.: Storytime at Lincoln Parish Library
6 p.m.: GSU baseball

Wednesday, March 20
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
6 p.m.: LA Tech softball

Thursday, March 21
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Rotary Jambalaya Fundraiser (Ruston Super 1 Parking Lot)
5:30 p.m.: VFW monthly meeting (Historic Fire station; all combat veterans welcome)

Friday, March 22
6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
6 p.m.: GSU baseball
6 p.m.: LA Tech softball

Saturday, March 23
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
2 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
2 p.m.: LA Tech softball
3 p.m.: GSU baseball

Sunday, March 24
1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
1 p.m.: GSU baseball
1 p.m.: LA Tech softball

Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications

No. 2 seed Grambling State University lost a nail biter Friday against No. 6 seed Alcorn State University 61-59, bringing an end to a storybook season for the Lady Tigers. 

Despite the loss, the Lady Tigers earned a spot in the 48-team WNIT field. The bracket and first-round matchups will be announced today.

The first round of the annual women’s basketball postseason event will start Wednesday and the championship game is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT, Saturday April 6, on CBS Sports Network.

Kahia Warmsley and Jazymne Jackson opened the game red hot, combining for 13 of The Lady Tigers’ 20 first quarter points. Jackson scored the final six points for GSU in the quarter. 

The game remained close throughout the first half with neither team being able to gain a substantial lead. The largest lead of the first half was Grambling State by six, but the score heading into the break saw Alcorn up 31-29. 

The Lady Tigers regained control in the third period going on a 7-0 run before an Alcorn timeout slowed the momentum. An Anijah Grant jumper brought the GSU lead up to 44-40 heading into the fourth quarter. 

The Lady Tigers gave up an 8-0 run late in the fourth quarter to fall behind 57-49. Grambling State tied the game at 59-59 after a three-pointer by Warmsley. With two seconds left in the game Alcorn State’s Tyginae Wright hit the game winning jump shot to send her team to the SWAC Championship.

GSU’s record currently stands at 22-9 overall. 

Staff Reports

Baseball

Louisiana Tech swept a three-game non-conference series from in-state foe Northwestern State at JC Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.

The Bulldogs won 11-9 Friday, 7-5 Saturday and then run-ruled the Demons 15-5 on Sunday to improve to 16-5 on the season.

“I’m proud of our guys to get a sweep against a good team,” said Lane Burroughs. “Don’t let their record fool you. Northwestern State is good and more than capable of winning a lot of games.

“We had the delay (Sunday), some rain, and had to fight through some elements. You worry about the mindset of a team when that happens. I thought our guys came out smoking and made a statement with three and five runs. When we get our guys rolling like that lineup becomes nasty.”

Tech plated 35 runs on 40 hits, including 11 doubles and four home runs as it avenged a midweek loss to the Demons in Natchitoches.

In Friday night’s series opening win, Tech was led offensively by multi-hit performances by Dalton Davis (3-5, 2 runs, 2 RBI), Ethan Bates (2-3, 2 runs, 3 RBI, HR), Adarius Myers (2-5, run) and Grant Comeaux (2-5, 2 runs). Cole McConnell and Michael Ballard also drove home two runs each.

Grant Hubka and Ethan Bates combined to toss the final 3.1 innings of scoreless baseball with Hubka picking up the win and Bates picking up the save.

Kasten Furr and McConnell led the way in Saturday’s 7-5 win with two RBI each, including the sixth home run of the season by McConnell.

Ryan Harland, Nate Crider, Connor Nation and Bates combined for 7.2 innings of solid work in the relief, allowing just two runs on three hits after the Demons plated three runs in the top of the second. Nation got the win and Bates picked up his second save in as many days.

Sunday saw Tech break out the bats (and the brooms) as the Bulldogs recorded a season-high 19 hits in the 15-5 win.

Dalton Davis (5-6, HR, 4 RBI), Jorge Corona (4-5, 3 RBI), McConnell (3-5, 4 runs, 2 RBI), Bates (3-6, HR, 3 runs, 3 RBI), Furr (2-5, 2 runs), and Logan McLeod (2-4, run, RBI) all registered multi-hit games in the win.

Turner Swistak picked up the win on the mound, tossing 5.1 innings while allowing five runs on five hits with six strikeouts. Reed Smith tossed the final 2.2 innings, striking out five.

Tech travels to face LSU Tuesday.

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Softball

The Bulldogs took two out of three on the road against Conference USA foe Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro.

Tech won 5-1 on Friday and 5-3 on Saturday before falling 5-1 on Sunday as the Bulldogs improved to 19-5, 5-1 in league action.

“It’s always great to take a series on the road,” said head coach Josh Taylor. “However, offensively we struggled all weekend and will need to figure some things out on that side of the ball moving forward.”

In Friday’s opener, Tech trailed 1-0 until erupting for five runs in the fifth inning. The Bulldogs used RBI hits by Claire Raley and Caroline Easom and a bases-loaded walk by Katelin Cooper to push five runs across.

Alexis Gilio recorded a pair of hits in the win.

Sophomore Allie Floyd went the distance in the circle, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out seven in picking up her eighth win of the year.

Saturday saw another game that came down to the final innings. A Cooper solo home run in the bottom of the third inning gave Tech the 1-0 lead until the Blue Raiders tied it with a run against Floyd in the bottom of the sixth.

However, the Bulldogs responded in the top of the seventh, plating four runs on five hits. Back to back fielders choice RBIs from Gilio and Easom plated two runs and then Aubrey Seaney recorded a two-run single to centerfield to make it 5-1.

MT got a two-run home run in the bottom of the inning, but Floyd shut the door.

Brook Melnychuk was stellar in the circle, allowing no runs on just three hits in 4.1 innings of work before giving way to Floyd, who picked  up her ninth win of the season in relief.

Raley (2-4, SB), Nicole Hammoude (2-4) and Cooper (2-3, run, RBI, HR) led Tech at the plate.

In Sunday’s finale, the Bulldogs committed three errors, walked five batters and only recorded three hits in the loss to the Blue Raiders.

Middle Tennessee scored runs in four of its six at bats.

Trailing 4-0, Tech plated its only run on a single by Easom and an RBI double off the wall by Hammoude in the top of the fifth inning.

The Bulldogs had an opportunity to make it close in the sixth with runners on second and third and no outs, but failed to push them across.

Tech hosts UL-Lafayette Wednesday at 6 p.m.