Published Articles on the Journal, after the morning update or breaking news
Douglas Estel Milliron
March 29, 1951 – June 1, 2026
Visitation: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 2:00PM – 3:00PM, Trinity Methodist Church Burkhalter Chapel, 1000 Woodward Ave., Ruston
Service: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 3:00PM, Trinity Methodist Church Burkhalter Chapel, 1000 Woodward Ave., Ruston
Lincoln Parish residents Catherine Williams and Harper Ritter have been crowned as the new Peach Festival royalty.
These two new queens were crowned in the 75th annual Ruston Peach Pageant held June 6 at the Dixie Gin Theatre. Vying for the titles were 16 Princess Peach contestants ages 4-6 and five Queen Dixie Gem Peach contestants ages 14-17.
Harper Ritter, the 4-year-old daughter of Morgan and Paul Ritter, of Choudrant, earned the title of Princess Peach LXXIV. Her court included 1st runner up Emma Wynn and 2nd runner up Evelyn Bowles. Princess Peach contestants participated in an ice cream social and private interviews with the judges on Thursday, and on Saturday they graced the stage in evening wear competition and a fun production number performance to a Jackson 5 medley.
The title of Queen Dixie Gem Peach LXXV was awarded to 16-year-old Cedar Creek rising senior Catherine Williams, daughter of Rebecca and Gerry Williams of Ruston. Her court included 1st runner up Averie Moon. Queen Dixie Gem peach contestants competed in areas of private interview, outfit of choice and evening wear on Saturday.
Other recognitions included the top ad sales award to Scottie Jo McHenry and the people’s choice award winners in each division: Charlotte Dearmon in Princess Peach and Averie Moon in Queen Dixie Gem Peach.
Ritter and Williams will spend the upcoming year representing Ruston’s Peach Festival in the Lincoln Parish community and beyond.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
By Staff Reports
The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed that its Health Standards Section recently conducted an on-site survey at Northern Louisiana Medical Center, a move that comes amid heightened public concerns about patient care.
Amy Whitehead, spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Health, confirmed the survey activities but said the agency could not comment on any potential findings while the process remains ongoing.
“LDH can confirm that its Health Standards Section has conducted on-site survey activities at Northern Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston,” Whitehead said in a statement. “The survey process will determine compliance with federal and state laws applicable to hospitals.”
The survey comes during a period of transition and increased community focus on health care in Lincoln Parish.
Northern Louisiana Medical Center was sold in March 2020 by Community Health Systems to affiliates of Allegiance Health Management, a health care system led by Rock Bordelon. Green Clinic was later acquired by the same entity on Nov. 19, 2024.
The Lincoln Parish Police Jury has become increasingly involved in health care planning and oversight over the past few years because of growing concerns about health care access, service availability and the long-term viability of local health care infrastructure.
In 2025, the Police Jury partnered with the Lincoln Health Foundation and the City of Ruston to fund a comprehensive health care study of Lincoln Parish. Conducted by Whitecap Health Advisors, the study included a parishwide survey of residents and an analysis of existing health care services and future needs.
The final report, released in February 2026, found that Lincoln Parish is expected to continue growing in both population and economic activity and has sufficient demand to support an inpatient hospital, physician outpatient clinics and a cancer treatment center. The study also concluded that health care gaps already exist and will likely worsen without long-term planning and that partnerships and alternative funding sources will be necessary to maintain a viable health care system.
Among the study’s most notable findings was that residents were increasingly seeking health care services outside Lincoln Parish, suggesting declining confidence in local health care options.
The Lincoln Parish Police Jury unanimously requested a state review of NLMC in May.
Whitehead said the department is limited in what information it can release until the survey process is completed.
“LDH cannot comment further on ongoing survey activities at this time; however, if deficiencies are cited against the hospital, such deficiencies will be public record once the hospital has an opportunity to submit a plan of correction,” she said.
While state officials have not released details regarding the scope of the survey or any potential findings, Northern Louisiana Medical Center acknowledged the review process in a statement posted Friday on its Facebook page.
“Over the past several weeks, we recognize there have been many conversations, questions, and concerns regarding our hospital,” the statement read. “We want our employees, patients and community to know that we remain focused on our mission and on continually improving the care and services we provide.”
Hospital officials said the survey process has concluded and pledged to continue addressing areas identified for improvement.
“We recently concluded our survey process with the appropriate state agencies and will continue working diligently to address opportunities for improvement while strengthening our hospital for the future,” the statement continued.
The hospital also announced a new leadership team. Northern Louisiana Medical Center named Monica Adams chief executive officer, Arnie Young chief operating officer and Jennifer Patton chief nursing officer.
The hospital emphasized its commitment to serving the community.
“Our commitment is simple: to serve our community with compassion, accountability and transparency while continuing to invest in the people and programs that make Northern Louisiana Medical Center an important part of our region,” the statement said.
The Louisiana Department of Health survey carries significant implications because hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs must comply with numerous federal and state regulations related to patient care, safety, staffing, quality assurance and facility operations. When deficiencies are identified during a survey, hospitals generally are required to submit corrective action plans outlining how and when compliance issues will be addressed.
By Staff Reports
The family of Lux Smith says the Ruston-area freshman football player who collapsed during workouts last week is showing encouraging signs of improvement, although he remains in critical condition and faces a long road to recovery, according to multiple social media posts from the family.
In a Facebook update posted Sunday morning, Lux’s father, Jacob Smith, said his son has remained stable for the past three days while receiving treatment at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.
“Overall, he’s doing much better,” Smith wrote. “He’s been pretty stable the last three days, which is more than we could have hoped for considering where he was.”
Smith said Lux remains asleep and on a ventilator. An MRI performed Saturday showed some injury to portions of his brain, but the family remains hopeful about his recovery.
“He had an MRI yesterday that did show some injury on parts of his brain, but when he wakes up we are hopeful that a lot of rehab and therapy can get him on track,” Smith wrote.
Lux also remains on dialysis to support kidney function while doctors continue monitoring concerns involving his liver. According to the update, his liver-related numbers have shown gradual improvement.
“Lux’s liver is still a concern, but his numbers are improving, slowly,” Smith wrote.
Doctors are expected to begin introducing small amounts of nutrition through a nasal feeding tube in the coming days.
The update marked the latest development in a week that has gripped the Lincoln Parish community.
According to family members and friends, Lux collapsed Monday morning while participating in football activities and suffered a medical emergency. He was later transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, where he has remained under intensive medical care.
The Lincoln Parish School Board released a statement Friday expressing support for Lux and his family.
“Ruston High School and the Lincoln Parish School Board continue to pray for Lux Smith, a student athlete who sustained a heat injury while participating in football activities this week,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Lux and his family.”
School officials said student safety remains their highest priority and noted that the district follows heat-safety guidelines and recommendations established by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association.
“The safety of our students is always our highest priority, and we are following the heat safety guidelines and recommendations of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association,” the statement said.
The school system also said it has remained in contact with the Smith family throughout the week.
Community support for Lux was on full display Friday morning as nearly 200 people gathered at Cedar Creek School for a prayer vigil.
Students, educators, coaches, business leaders and residents from throughout Lincoln Parish joined together to pray for Lux, his family and the medical professionals caring for him.
Lincoln Parish Schools Superintendent Ricky Durrett attended the gathering and said the focus remained on supporting the Smith family.
“We are here to be supportive of Lux and his family — praying for them just like everybody else,” said Durrett, who also said he couldn’t comment on any specifics associated with the incident. “We are praying for his doctors and that he will make a full recovery.”
Cedar Creek girls basketball coach Katie Hall said the turnout at the prayer vigil reflected the strength of the community during difficult times.
“People know in our community; when someone is hurting, we’re here,” said Hall. “It just puts things into perspective, and makes me love being in Ruston, Louisiana. This is a place for a family, and I’m proud to be a part of it and raise my family here.”
In Sunday’s update, Jacob Smith thanked the community for the support his family has received since the incident.
“I’ve learned over the last week these updates have become a crucial part of where we are now with Lux,” he wrote. “We couldn’t do this — Lux couldn’t do this without all of the love and support that we’ve received over the last week.”
Smith said the family remains grateful for the messages, visits and encouragement they have received from across the region.
“We are not out of the woods yet,” he wrote, “but we are heading in the right direction.”
A gofundme page has been set up to help with the medical expenses and as of Sunday afternoon more than $32,000 had been raised.
Courtesy of GSU Communications
Grambling State University technology leaders recently contributed to national discussions focused on artificial intelligence, career readiness, workforce transformation, digital innovation, and the future of student success through engagements at the 2026 MS-CC Annual Meeting in New Orleans and IBM at NY Tech Week 2026 in New York.
The engagements highlighted Grambling State’s continued focus on preparing students for an evolving workforce while exploring how emerging technologies can strengthen student support, enhance campus operations, and expand experiential learning opportunities.
At the 2026 MS-CC Annual Meeting on May 29 in New Orleans, Max Ferguson, Chief Experience & Digital Strategy Officer, and Kim Proctor, Technology Manager, participated in a discussion alongside 525 Technologies and Info-Tech Research Group focused on career readiness, AI readiness, and workforce transformation.
Dr. Bharat Rawal, head of Grambling State University’s Department of Computer Science and Digital Technologies, served as a speaker at the MS-CC meeting.
The discussion explored strategies for preparing students for AI-driven workforce changes, building future-ready skills, and supporting experiential learning through interns, STC participants, and student technology teams. Proctor’s participation also highlighted the collaborative role of Grambling State’s technology leadership in supporting student engagement and hands-on learning opportunities.
“The Rhythm of Collaboration” was the theme of the meeting.
“That was a fitting theme because preparing students for the future is not something that happens in one classroom, one department, or even one institution,” Proctor said. “It requires collaboration among faculty, staff, technology professionals, and industry partners who are all committed to student success.” The conversations at the MS-CC Annual Meeting reinforced the importance of working together to ensure students are prepared for an increasingly digital and ever-changing world.
“As technology, artificial intelligence, and workforce expectations continue to evolve, it is important that students have opportunities to apply what they learn beyond the classroom.” Proctor said Grambling State University’s IT Department is committed to working closely with student workers/interns, providing hands-on experiences that will expose them to real-world technology operations, customer service, problem-solving, and teamwork.
“These opportunities will help students develop the adaptability, communication skills, and professional confidence needed to succeed in today’s workforce and navigate the changes that will continue to shape the future of work,” Proctor said.
On June 3, Ferguson joined IBM at NY Tech Week 2026 in New York for a discussion on artificial intelligence in higher education. The conversation focused on how institutions can leverage AI to improve the student experience, strengthen operational efficiency, advance workforce readiness, and support digital transformation across campus environments.
Together, the engagements reflect Grambling State’s commitment to aligning innovation, learning, and student success with the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce landscape.
“I was excited to participate in Tech Week with IBM, focused on AI and the future of higher education,” Ferguson said. “We talked about the biggest challenges universities face in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape from AI adoption and workforce disruption to student engagement and career readiness.”
Ferguson said a major focus of the conversation concerned how universities can better bridge the gap between education and employment by creating stronger relationships with industry partners, embedding digital and workforce-ready skills into the student journey, and connecting students to real-world opportunities before graduation.
“I was also excited to learn from other educators and higher education leaders, bring back new ideas and best practices, and help Grambling State continue expanding AI literacy efforts and connecting our students to the workforce,” Ferguson said. “My goal is to help more students and employees earn digital credentials, strengthen workforce-ready skillsets, close the AI literacy gap across campus, and improve our student experience.”
As artificial intelligence continues to shape higher education and the workforce, Grambling State University remains focused on preparing students with the skills, experiences, and support needed to thrive in a changing digital economy.
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Ruston man last week after he was seen improperly passing other vehicles and once stopped was found to be wanted.
Abraham Paita Priego, 21, was arrested June 4 after a deputy saw him passing at least three vehicles in a no passing zone on U.S. 80.
Priego provided a Louisiana identification card, but said he thought his driver’s license was under suspension.
A records check confirmed the suspended license and also indicated Priego was wanted for failure to appear in Ruston City Court.
Priego was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for driving under suspension, careless operation of a vehicle, and the City Court warrant.
Bail was set at $10,000.
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.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
A Dubach police officer arrested a local man last week for speeding and other charges after the man allegedly cursed and threatened him.
Chris Holland, 46, of Dubach, was arrested June 4 for speeding, illegal carrying of a weapon, and possession of marijuana after he was stopped for traveling at a high rate of speed on a residential street.
And officers report said Holland was driving a Ford pickup west on Boulevard at an accelerated rate of speed. The officer paced the pickup on a parallel street, noting it was traveling 30 to 40 mph in a residential neighborhood.
Once Holland was stopped, he exited the truck and allegedly raised his voice, cursed, and threatened to beat the officer.
When asked if he had any weapons on him, Holland reportedly said he had a knife. While the officer attempted to retrieve a large lock-blade knife clipped to Holland’s pocket, Holland allegedly continued to shout threats.
The report noted Holland took a fighting stance and did not comply with the search until the officer produced a chemical agent.
Holland was arrested and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where a small marijuana cigarette was found in a cigarette package.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Effective Monday, June 8, 2026, The Lincoln Parish Police Jury will begin construction on the parking lot at the corner of S. Vienna Street and E. Texas Avenue, across from Newk’s.
The work is expected to last approximately four weeks. We respectfully ask the public and employees not to park in this lot during construction. Vehicles remaining in the lot will be subject to towing.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue to make proactive improvements.
A 63-year-old man riding a bicycle was killed in West Monroe Thursday afternoon after he and a pickup truck collided at an intersection.
The crash occurred about 4:10 p.m. on June 4 at the intersection of Cypress Street (U.S. 80) and North 7th Street, according to West Monroe Police.
The preliminary investigation revealed cyclist Donald Conway was traveling east on Cypress Street and was crossing the intersection. At the same time, a 2014 GMC pickup truck was traveling north on North 7th Street in the outside lane.
Another motorist was stopped at the red traffic signal in the inside northbound lane of North 7th Street. As the GMC truck approached the intersection, the traffic signal changed from red to green. Conway was still crossing the intersection on his bicycle and passed in front of the stopped witness vehicle. As he entered the outside northbound lane, the GMC proceeded through the intersection and struck him.
Conway was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
West Monroe Police say the investigation is still underway.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
LPJ Staff Report
RUSTON, La. — Members of the Pi Tau, Gamma Gamma and Alpha Delta Delta chapters of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. distributed approximately 35 box fans Saturday during the fraternity’s annual Fan Drive aimed at assisting elderly residents in Grambling and Ruston during the summer heat.
The event was held June 6 at Zion Traveler Baptist Church as part of a community outreach effort the fraternity has conducted since 2013.
Organizers said the program was created to help senior citizens cope with rising utility costs during the hot summer months. The donated fans are intended to help residents stay cool while reducing the need for excessive air conditioning use.
The annual drive serves elderly residents throughout the fraternity chapters’ local service areas, including Ruston and Grambling. Volunteers distributed fans Saturday morning to community members who attended the event.
Fraternity members said the outreach effort remains one of their signature service projects and thanked supporters and volunteers who helped make this year’s drive possible.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our communities through this annual fan drive,” said Eric Outley Sr. “Seeing the appreciation from the residents reminds us why this work is so important, and we look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”
by Malcolm Butler
There is really just one shortcoming when it comes to trash cans.
We actually have to put our trash into them for them to be effective.
Sounds pretty simple. One would think.
As I walked the trails at Cook Park last night, there was a lot of things that made me smile. Kids laughing at the splash pad. The old American basset hound walking his owners. Families enjoying a relatively cool early June evening. And the beautiful sights and sounds of north Louisiana.
And then, there was trash. Trash here. Trash there. Trash, well, it felt like everywhere (although that may be a little over dramatic).
It wasn’t for a lack of trash cans. As I looked around there were big trash cans. Small trash cans. Medium sized trash cans. It seemed like there wasn’t a shortage of garbage receptacles.
We are very fortunate to live in a parish that has so many public parks and trails and lakes and playgrounds. The older I get, the more I appreciate them.
It’s one of the real selling points to our parish. I know it’s something Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker points to anytime he talks about recruiting businesses and families to the 318
Bottom line, our area is a pretty great place to live and to raise a family. So why not do our part in keeping it that way?
Cook Park, like most of the parks in our parish, has picnic tables and pavilions and plenty of places for families and friends to enjoy food and fun. And yes, there are plenty of trash cans.
So why all the trash scattered around?
One pretty simple answer. Laziness and lack of respect.
It takes very little effort to put trash into a trash can. And for the most part, I would say the vast majority of folks do just that. Trash into trash can.
But plenty don’t as proven by paper plates and paper cups and plastic bags and plastic containers scattered about the grounds. It’s one of my pet peeves.
If everyone would just do their part in throwing paper plates and paper cups and plastic bags and plastic container into the trash cans after they are done with them, man it would sure help make our parks and playgrounds and ballparks that much nicer and that much cleaner.
Bottom line is it’s not other people’s job to pick up after us. And it’s really not that hard to respect our surroundings by doing so.
Now, let me go yell at a cloud (and pick up some trash).
Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Monday, June 8
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
4 p.m.: Storytime : Insects (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
6 p.m.: AI for Real Life (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Tuesday, June 9
6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.)
10 a.m.: Storytime : Insects (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
10 a.m.: Summer movie series: Bolt (Dixie Theatre)
2 p.m.: Crafternoon : Bowl Ladybugs (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m.: Teen Time : Popsicle Stick Wall Art (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-Led Exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
7 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Police Jury meeting (Lincoln Parish Courthouse)
Wednesday, June 10
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
2 p.m.: Author/Musician Rickey Pittman performance (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Thursday, June 11
9:30 a.m.: Piney Hills Quilt Guild meeting (Grace Methodist Church)
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
2 p.m.: Tween Time : LSU Ag Center Smoothie Bike (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m.: Teen Time : LSU Ag Center Smoothie Bike (Lincoln Parish Library)
4:30-5:30 p.m.:Free meal provided by Chick-fil-A and 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry to be served at Simsboro Grace Methodist Church, Highway 80 in Simsboro. All are welcome.
6 p.m.: Video-Led Tai Chi class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
Friday, June 12
9:30 a.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Ruston Parks Inclusive Play Communication Boards (2800 Kavanaugh Rd., Ruston)
2 p.m.: American Chemical Society at Lincoln Parish Library
3:30-5:30 p.m.: Summer DND Campaign for Teens & Tweens (Lincoln Parish Library) Please call 318-513-5518 for important information about participation.
6 p.m.: Juneteenth Pageant (TH Harris Auditorium, Reed St., Grambling)
Saturday, June 13
8:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.)
Noon: Historic Landmark unveiling (City Park Pavilion, 119 Park St., Grambling)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
Monday, June 15
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
4 p.m.: Storytime : Special Guest: LA Center for the Blind (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
5:30 p.m.:Ruston Planning and Zoning meeting (Ruston City Hall)
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Tuesday, June 16
6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.)
10 a.m.: Storytime : Special Guest: LA Center for the Blind (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
10:30 a.m.: Summer movie series: “Wall-E” (Dixie Theatre)
2 p.m.: Crafternoon : Butterfly Suncatchers (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m.: Teen Time : Seed Bomb Pollinators (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-Led Exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
6 p.m.: Louisiana Orphan Trains: The Untold Stories presented by the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum (Lincoln Parish Library)
Wednesday, June 17
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)
2 p.m.: CPR Class for Kids (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Thursday, June 18
10 a.m.: LSU Ag Center Play Street at Lincoln Parish Library Events Center
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
2 p.m.: Tween Time : Mushroom Lanterns (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m.: Teen Time : Tiny Tin Library (Lincoln Parish Library)
5 p.m.: Library Board of Control Meeting (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-Led Tai Chi class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
6:30 p.m.: Books & Bites Book Club; registration required 318-513-5510 (Lincoln Parish Library at Utility Brewing Co.)
Friday, June 19
Juneteenth
8 a.m.: Juneteenth car show (Downtown Grambling)
5 p.m.: Juneteenth parade (Downtown Grambling)
6 p.m.: Juneteenth fish fry (Grambling)
Dusk: Fireworks (Grambling Park)
Saturday, June 20
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
3-5:30 p.m.: Ruston Juneteenth Celebration (Thomas Assembly Center)
7-11 p.m.: Juneteenth Gala (Black and Gold Room, 403 Main Street, Grambling)
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
DUBLIN, Ohio — Sam Burns knocked on the door again challenging for his sixth PGA Tour win, and first since 2023, but had to weather knocking into the same tree twice to seriously contend Sunday at The Memorial.
Burns survived a bizarre third-round double bogey Sunday morning on the par-5 11th hole, when both his second and third shots struck a tree. He recovered to surge into a tie for the lead Sunday afternoon on the back nine, but more trouble, leading to a bogey on the 17th hole, and narrowly-missed putts on the final two holes relegated him to a tie for fourth.
The Choudrant resident carded a 10-under 278 (68-69-71-69), with all four rounds under par on Jack Nicklaus’ demanding Muirfield Village course.
He collected his biggest paycheck of the 2026 season, $920,000, running his season’s total winnings to $3.4 million and his career earnings over $38 million since he turned pro in 2017.
J.T. Poston won the playoff on the second extra hole over Ryan Gerard to collect The Memorial’s $4 million top prize after both shot 12-under in 72 holes.
Burns notched his third top 10 finish of the season and sixth top 25 in 13 starts, heading into the Canadian Open starting Thursday at TPC Toronto. Last year, the Shreveport native was the victim of a late rally by Ryan Fox and lost in a playoff in the event.
Storms Saturday stopped Burns when he had birdied two of the first five holes to move into third place. When play resumed early Sunday, he bogeyed the ninth hole, then a drive into trouble on the right side of the 11th led to disaster. His second shot squared up a tree and bounded backwards near the same spot. The next shot glanced off the same tree and angled across the fairway into a creek. After a penalty drop, Burns hit the green in regulation and two-putted from 27 feet for the potentially fatal double bogey 7.
“I guess I need to go cut that tree down. It wasn’t very good to me,” said Burns, chuckling a bit, to media late Sunday afternoon.
He posted a pair of birdies to wrap up the third round. Three front-side birdies, two on the first three holes, completed his comeback and he was tied for the top spot for much of the back nine.
In a five-way jam atop the leaderboard teeing off the penultimate hole, Burns was only a few yards to the left of the fairway, but had a waist-high lie with an awkward stance. His 6-iron effort on his second shot led to a precarious lie on the third and his blind pitch to a green 12 feet above his ball wasn’t near the flag.
Still, his par putt brushed the side of the cup and he fell out of the first-place tie.
“Unfortunate there on 17,” he said. “Of course I should have hit a better tee shot, but I thought I’d made the putt. You can’t rely on making a 40-footer for par.
“Overall I played a pretty good round of golf, but just got beat. This golf course is too good to get frustrated. It doesn’t do you any good. You try to brush it off, move on, focus on the next shot. It was unfortunate, but I’m the one who hit it.”
The former two-time LSU All-American, who graduated from Shreveport’s Calvary Baptist Academy, took solace in how he and caddy Travis Perkins overcame the double bogey to challenge for the win.
“It’s such a fine line. If I hit the ball on the (17th) fairway, give myself a chance (to birdie) on the green, hole a putt on 18 … it’s one little thing here or there,” he said. “I’m really proud of how we fought today. I felt I played a really good round of golf. You gotta take away the positives.”
Douglas Estel Milliron
March 29, 1951 – June 1, 2026
Visitation: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 2:00PM – 3:00PM, Trinity Methodist Church Burkhalter Chapel, 1000 Woodward Ave., Ruston
Service: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 3:00PM, Trinity Methodist Church Burkhalter Chapel, 1000 Woodward Ave., Ruston
At 4:22 p.m., the Lincoln Parish School Board communications department sent out the following statement:
“Ruston High School and the Lincoln Parish School Board continue to pray for Lux Smith, a student athlete who sustained a heat injury while participating in football activities this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lux and his family. We ask that the community keep him and his family in their thoughts while respecting their privacy.
“The safety of our students is always our highest priority, and we are following the heat safety guidelines and recommendations of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association.
“We have remained in touch with Lux’s family, and we are thankful for the concern and support shown for his well-being by the entire community and region.”
Garrett Smith is the winner of this year’s Peach Hunt Prize!
This year’s prize was located on a power box on the corner of W. Louisiana and Monroe St. next to the public parking lot by The Depot.
LPJ Sports Staff
RUSTON, La. — Nearly 200 members of the Ruston and Lincoln Parish community gathered Friday morning at Cedar Creek school to pray for local student Lux Smith, a freshman football player who collapsed Monday morning at practice from heat exhaustion as posted on social media throughout the week.
According to multiple Facebook posts from friends and family, Smith has been transferred to Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, Ark., and is currently in critical condition.
Lincoln Parish School Board Superintendent Ricky Durrett was in attendance at the gathering and spoke briefly with the LPJ. He was unable to go into the specifics the Monday’s event.
“We are here to be supportive of Lux and his family– praying for them just like everybody else,” Durrett said. “We are praying for his doctors and that he will make a full recovery.”
Cedar Creek Girls Basketball Coach Katie Hall, whose daughter Kennedy read scripture and prayed, applauded the community for coming together as the crowd was a mix of students and faculty from area schools as well as business leaders and other parish residents.
“The community, whether you’re Cedar Creek, whether you’re Ruston High; just seeing them come together for this cause–it’s emotional,” Hall said. “People know in our community; when someone is hurting, we’re here. It just puts things into perspective, and makes me love being in Ruston, Louisiana. This is a place for a family, and I’m proud to be a part of it and raise my family here.”
Friday, June 5 – Clue #5:
The spot is green and so is the card,
Gosh, we must have made this hard.
Try not to cause traffic when you find the avenue
Grab it off the box and we’ll pay you.
Thursday, June 4 – Clue #4:
The signs are there and the clues lead the way.
If you don’t find it, you have one more day.
A magnolia flower sure is great,
Have you found anything representing our state?
Wednesday, June 3 – Clue #3:
Don’t think too hard, it’s just a game.
To tell you the truth, it’s all in the name.
Use your brain you hold the power.
The festival is closer by the hour.
Tuesday, June 2 – Clue #2:
Grab this year’s shirt to up the winnings, where it’s hidden you can’t watch innings.
The trick, you see, to find the prize, is east and west, so open your eyes.
Monday, June 1 – Clue #1:
Up or down? Left or right?
We know this clue can cause some spite.
The rules of the game are strong and steady.
Clues presented by RightFiber.
Stay on public property, go on, we are ready.
Celebrate the Louisiana Peach Festival’s 76th year with free admission, a wide range of entertainment and activities, and plenty of peachy events to enjoy leading up to the festival. Browse our guide below and start planning your trip to Downtown Ruston for the weekend of Saturday, June 6.
EAT:
From June 1-6, enjoy Peach Culinary Crawl, a weeklong tasting tour featuring over 20 local restaurants. Each participating location will offer special peach-inspired items. From peach BBQ and burgers to peach cocktails and desserts, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The full Culinary Crawl menu is available on the Peach Fest website.
SEE:
Get a preview of all the arts of the festival with the 39th Annual NCLAC Peach Art Exhibit. Check out the display of local artist of all ages in the Lincoln Parish Library Events Center happening all through July.
– Peach fest hack: After visiting the exhibit, take the quick drive to explore downtown Ruston, scope out the festival grounds, and snap a picture at one of the colorful murals!
EXPERIENCE: There’s plenty to enjoy Friday before the festival:
Saturday June 6: Festival Day!
Festival activities start at 9:00 AM and there’s plenty to eat, see, and experience—all located on the festival grounds.
EAT:
Festival Eats
Local Eats
Feeling like a sit-down meal? Check out these local restaurants that are walkable from the festival:
SEE:
EXPERIENCE:
SUNDAY:
After a busy Saturday, sleep in, take Sunday slow and enjoy Ruston’s cozy charm:
EAT:
SEE:
While you’re at the festival Saturday, you will likely spot a few of Ruston’s unique bulldog statues scattered throughout downtown. In total, there are 22 bulldogs placed around the city—each with its own charm. Stretch your visit a little longer and turn your Sunday into a scavenger hunt to track down the ones you missed.
EXPERIENCE:
Wind down with a peaceful visit to Lincoln Parish Park. This park offers mountain biking and walking trails, kayaking, fishing, and a playground for the kids. It’s the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of Ruston and cap off your Peach Festival weekend.
From peachy treats and live music to charming shops and peaceful parks, the 76th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is the perfect way to kick off your summer. Soak up the fun, explore Ruston, and celebrate 76 years of sweet traditions and unforgettable memories!
To learn the insider tips and tricks all seasoned festival goers know, read up on our How to Peach Fest blog.
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Louisiana Orchard Realty will give away a Little Tikes “Peachy Playhouse” following the Peach Parade. Visitors are invited to stop by 302 W. Mississippi Ave., enjoy a bag of popcorn and sign up for a chance to win.
In addition, Creekwood Gardens will sell ferns and tropical plants Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents are invited to celebrate the Peach Festival, visit with local businesses and learn more about real estate opportunities in Ruston.
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