Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Saturday, Jan. 6
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 2 p.m.: LA Tech women’s basketball game (Thomas Assembly Center) 2 p.m.: GSU women’s basketball game (Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center) 4 p.m.: GSU men’s basketball game (Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center)
Louisiana Tech’s men and women’s hoops teams open up CUSA action Saturday when the Lady Techsters host Sam Houston while the Bulldogs travel to face Sam Houston.
Brooke Stoehr and Co., winners of four straight, will host the Bearkats at 2 p.m. at the Thomas Assembly Center in a weekend honoring the 50 years of Lady Techster hoops. All former players, coaches and support staff are invited back and those who return will be recognized at halftime of the women’s game.
Tech (6-9, 0-0) and Sam Houston (5-7, 0-0) meet for only the third time in women’s basketball with the Lady Techsters leading the series 2-0. Tech won the last meeting 82-59 in 2008-09.
The contest can be heard on the LA Tech Sports Network on 97.7 FM with Kyle Roberts providing a call of the action.
Talvin Hester and the Bulldogs travel to Huntsville, Texas, to face Sam Houston as tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
Tech (10-5, 0-0) and Sam Houston (7-8, 0-0) have met seven previous times with the Bulldogs leading the series 5-2. However, the Bearkats won 71-68 in 2019-20 in the last meeting.
Sam Houston is one of the four new teams in CUSA this year and as league play starts, Hester said there is a different feel than past years.
“I think its the unknown with all the changes,” said Hester. “Usually you have an idea of systems because you see teams twice. You know the coaches from the last year. You know how the play, but this year is kind of like the unknown. You have new teams and new coaches. We have lost a lot of players from this league to the portal. I think it”s a new day. I think we are all going in somewhat blind to be honest with you.”
The contest can be heard on 107.5 FM with Malcolm Butler providing a call of the action.
First-year head coach Amy Sargeant announced Thursday the 2024 spring schedule for the Louisiana Tech Tennis team.
The Bulldogs have 24 matches on the slate, including nine at the LA Tech Tennis Complex. They officially open the season the weekend of Jan. 13-14 when they take part in the Hurricane Invite with matches versus Wyoming, Omaha, and host Tulsa.
“I am excited to get this season started and for the players to see their fall and preseason training pay off,” said Sargeant. “Our schedule is travel heavy but all with a lot of opportunities to grow and realize our full potential.”
LA Tech will then head south to Baton Rouge to battle LSU on Jan. 20, marking the first match versus the Tigers since 2006. The Bulldogs will have their home opener on Jan. 27, playing a doubleheader against Southern Arkansas and Louisiana Christian. They close out the month of January with a home matchup versus LSU-Alexandria on Jan. 31.
Next up for the ‘Dogs is back-to-back road games at Houston and Rice on Feb. 10 and 11, respectively. They return home to face Tarleton State on Feb. 16, followed by a short trip down I-20 to take on rival ULM on Feb. 17.
After a home match against crosstown foe Grambling State on Feb. 22, the Bulldogs will have a five-game road swing with matchups at Northwestern State, New Mexico State, UTEP, Cal State Northridge, and Cal State Fullerton.
LA Tech will return home with back-to-back matches versus Incarnate Word and Jacksonville State on March 15 and 16, respectively, and then close out the month of March at Sam Houston on the 30th.
The Bulldogs final home date of competition will be a doubleheader against UAB and Grambling State on April 6. The regular season closes out with road matches at Kansas State and Wichita State.
The Conference USA Women’s Tennis Championship will be hosted in Miami, Florida on the campus of FIU, taking place April 18-21.
With classes back in session and 2023 in the rearview mirror, the Louisiana Tech Softball team opened up the new year with its first official practice under blue skies and sunshine on Wednesday afternoon at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.
“It was nice to get out here under beautiful blue skies and great weather with everyone healthy,” Head Coach Josh Taylor said. “I am excited by what I saw. We had a great first day of practice. The girls looked good. We have a few things to work out before now and February 9. We like where we are at, and we feel that we have a very talented group.”
Many of the Bulldogs feel they already have a leg up on their opponents this season. Thanks to the University being on a quarter system, Louisiana Tech is one of just seven Division I schools to start classes on January 3. The quick return to campus allows the Bulldogs to hit the field over a week before many of their counterparts return to campus.
“From a softball standpoint, the quarter system has been a big difference,” junior outfielder Alexis Gilio said. “I like that we return to school early so we do not take a lot of time off team practices. It is nice to get a head start before a lot of these other schools come back. We get more time to work as a team and find a rhythm.”
The Bulldogs enter year three of the Taylor-era looking to build off of the last two seasons, which saw Tech post a 71-44 overall record and win a Conference USA Regular Season Title in 2022.
The Bulldogs return Conference USA Freshman of the Year Allie Floyd (Pitcher) and Second-Team All-Conference USA selection Kylie Neel (Right Field) in addition to everyday starters Brooke Diaz (Catcher), Katelin Cooper (Left Field) and Caroline Easom (Second Base) from last year’s team that recorded a 32-24 record.
Experience will be a big factor in 2024, with 18 letter winners from a year ago and 10 newcomers (four transfers and six freshmen).
Neel, Cooper, and Diaz all returned for an extra year of eligibility in 2024. The NCAA granted Cooper a sixth year after the 2023 season.
Neel looks to build off a 2023 season that saw her post a team-high .351 batting average with 53 hits, 11 doubles, five home runs, and a conference-leading 45 RBI. Cooper drove in 42 RBI, the sixth-most by a Tech player in a single season, while scoring 29 runs and leading the Bulldogs in home runs (9) and triples (3). Unfinished business and the addition of talented newcomers made it an easy decision for Neel and Cooper to return.
“We had a great team last year, and coming into this year, our coaching staff has built a lot coming into it,” Neel said. “The end of last season left a bitter taste in our mouth, and we are looking forward to just finishing our careers strong and taking it further this season. We want to make a regional and go all the way, which is our game plan this year.”
“It was kind of a roller coaster of emotions waiting to see if my extra year of eligibility would be granted,” Cooper said. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to get an extra year, and we have unfinished business on the field. This year, with all the additions we have, it is going to be a game-changer. I thought last year was my last season, so getting this extra year has me excited and ready to go.”
Cooper also excels in the classroom and is pursuing her doctorate in counseling. While completing Ph.D. work and being a Division I athlete is challenging, Cooper is thankful for the opportunity.
“Pursuing my doctorate and playing softball is all about time management, and I am so incredibly lucky to have this opportunity to get my undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate while playing softball. It is just amazing.”
Floyd, along with junior Brook Melnychuk, headlined a dominant LA Tech pitching staff that posted 12 shutouts and seven complete games while registering a 2.38 team ERA, the lowest by a Tech staff since 1999.
Last season, the LA Tech pitchers emphasized focusing on the task at hand and doing their job no matter how many batters they faced. In 2024, they plan to carry that same mentality into the circle with them.
“Working pitch-by-pitch and just doing our jobs has been important to our pitching staff,” Brook Melnychuk said. In softball, you are accustomed to seeing one pitcher pitch most games; with us, sometimes we do our job for one inning, which is good because that’s three of your 21 outs. Doing your job doesn’t mean pitching all seven innings. It could mean getting one critical out or two outs and helping the pitcher before or behind you.”
Floyd also emphasized the importance of the mentality that pitching coach Chelsea Cohen and the Bulldogs attack opposing batters with.
“Mentality-wise, Coach Chelsea (Cohen) teaches us to go out there and be a dog,” Floyd said. “If you believe in yourself and the team and have the confidence, you will succeed. It is nice because we have such a good staff that we can work off of each other. We do not have a set Friday, Saturday, or Sunday starter. It is more of who the best fit is for each day and who will attack the best. Coach Chelsea teaches the mentality side and also does a great job of utilizing the staff and how to incorporate everyone and mix each person in.”
The Bulldogs brought in five talented transfers with the signing of Alexis Gilio (BYU), Nicole Hammoude (Cal), Claire Raley (Utah State), and Aubree Seaney (Oregon State) in the offseason.
The program, coaching staff, current players, state-of-the-art facilities, and the city of Ruston were all points of interest for the move to Ruston.
“One of the biggest draws to Louisiana Tech was the coaching staff’s mentality, how the team is coached, and how practice is structured,” Raley said. “The people, my teammates, and facilities here are great, and Ruston is a safe community, which was also a big draw for me.”
Raley is projected to bat at the top of the LA Tech lineup in 2023. The third-baseman batted .328 with a team-best 44 hits in 134 at-bats at Utah State last season while tormenting opponents on the base paths with 18 stolen bases. Raley will look to combine her hitting and speed in the leadoff spot in 2024.
“Batting leadoff this season will be a little new for me, but I have been working a lot at it and talking with our coaches,” Raley said. I hope to find multiple ways to get on base and utilize my speed.”
One common observation among the Bulldogs is the chemistry this year’s squad has developed since arriving on campus in September. Chemistry and being well-rounded in every aspect of the game may just be the recipe for success in 2024.
“Our team chemistry is excellent this year, so I can’t wait to see how we will do in competition and in the circle as well,” Floyd said. We will also be very good defensively and well-rounded offensively.
“I am most excited to be playing as a team and see how well we work together,” Gilio added. “We all have really good team chemistry and work well together. Many of us have many different strengths, so seeing all of that come together will be really cool.”
Christopher L. Melton Monday 01/17/1977 — Saturday 12/30/2023 Family Gathering: Thursday 01/11/2024 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Visitation: Thursday 01/11/2024 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Friday 01/12/2024 1:00pm, Macedonia Baptist Church #2, 489 E Sibley Rd, Choudrant
Rodney K. Colvin February 24, 1949 – January 1, 2024 Visitation: Sunday, January 7, 2024, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home Funeral Service: Sunday, January 7, 2024, 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home Cemetery Committal: Sunday, January 7, 2024, 3:00 PM, Greenwood Cemetery, 515 Everett St, Ruston
Going viral might be a frightening term for some around Lincoln Parish right now.
Along with the Covid bug, flu bug and RSV bugs, some parish residents have been bitten by the love bug, too.
And there’s no better holiday gift than that.
Ruston’s John Roy Hennigan received such a gift recently, learning that his stepgrandson — John Witt Benton — had been named after him.
The video of Hennigan meeting his grandson/namesake put together by the baby’s mother — Chloe Benton — had drawn 12.3 million hits on TikTok as of Monday afternoon, thanks in large part to it also airing on Good Morning America.
Benton said the importance of family ties made the decision about her son’s name an obvious choice.
“When my daughter was born last year, we named her (Hattie Anne) after my grandmother and my husband’s grandmother,” Benton said. “I’m a sentimental and traditional person, and I like names that have meaning even if they might seem normal to other people, so my husband Joel and I wanted our son to have a name of someone in our lives that held a respectful place because they were special. So that’s how it came to be.”
When Hennigan, who goes by his middle name of Roy, first met his namesake, he had no idea of the significance of the occasion until he started noticing a few changes from the people in the room surrounding him.
“All of a sudden there were two cameras out —- but Chloe and her husband Joel were making videos, but I was just focused on this miracle of a baby in front of me. I was just happy being in the moment,” Hennigan said.
But Hennigan still didn’t realize the significance of the occasion without a little prodding.
“My daughter told me to look at the hat (that the baby was wearing),” Hennigan said. “Chloe had worked so hard at putting John Witt’s room together, but when I saw it I didn’t realize that she had to hide signs with his name on them in the room when I saw it. She said she had taken them down to sanitize them as her excuse (to keep them hidden from Hennigan) and I had no idea. I’m sure she put them back up after I was gone.”
But when Chloe pointed out the name on the baby hat her son was wearing when he first met his grandfather, Hennigan knew then that his life had been changed forever.
“I should have realized, but I was holding and looking at this sweet little baby,” Hennigan said. “Then Chloe said, ‘Look at the hat! Look at the hat.’ I looked at it … and I didn’t want to assume stuff … so it took a moment to realize that they had named him after me. I was already emotional and in the moment, but then they threw that on top of me.”
Becoming Benton’s stepfather when she was 11 was the first big step in building the relationship between Hennigan and his stepdaughter, but Hennigan said he made sure not to rush things as they built their relationship.
“I was guarded with Chloe when her mom and I got married after Chloe had lived in a single-mom situation for so long,” Hennigan said. “And slowly but surely that bond grew. So for her to honor me in this way — I really don’t know if I have the words to express my feelings, other than just saying I’m very proud.”
Benton said it was Hennigan’s patience that helped their relationship grow and strengthen over the years.
“It took a few years, but he never tried to force a relationship — over that period of time he just kind of let things happen,” Benton said. “He stepped up and filled the role and never asked for anything in return, which gives me even more respect for him, because he did it because it was his natural instinct — it was just who he is.”
Benton, who has found success with her TikTok posts, said the now viral video was simply all and only about the moment.
“I’m sentimental and want my children to be able to look back on these memories,” she said. “And I knew there would be emotion behind Roy’s reaction. So I wanted to have that — for me, for him and for the kids. I want this to be a memory to last forever.”
The city of Ruston will be offering a shuttling service for patron of businesses located on Park Ave. and Monroe Street during the 90-day construction slated that will limit parking for located on the corner of the two roads.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday, the city will be hosting a golf cart shuttle service from the parking lot located near The Depot Coffee shop by First Baptist church, weather permitting.
Businesses will remain open during the construction process, which is slated to last for the next three months. These will include Roma Italian Bistro, Danni Jones Physical Therapy, Chartreuse Pear, and Jan’s Optical among others.
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, and the Crewe of Pomona have already seen great 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 has a Facebook following of over 6,700 and an email subscriber list of almost 5,000.
Two people exchanged gunfire in Ruston as part of an argument on Christmas Eve.
Eric Antone Cheffin, 43, and Katrina R. Mattox, 46, both of Ruston, apparently shot at one another, with Mattox allegedly wounding Cheffin, who returned fire but missed Mattox.
Mattox was arrested on Christmas Eve during the preliminary investigation of the Beacon Light Road incident. Mattox reportedly fired first at Cheffin and was booked for attempted second degree murder. Her bail was set at $300,000.
Cheffin, Mattox’s boyfriend, allegedly returned fire, but his three shots missed Mattox, according to Ruston Police.
Investigators obtained warrants on Cheffin, and he was arrested Thursday. He was booked for attempted second degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and simple criminal damage to property. He is also being held for the La. Department of Corrections-Probation & Parole. His bail was set at $105,000.
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.
It’s a new year filled with new opportunities, new challenges, and a new beginning.For many of us, we will contemplate a fresh start in some aspect of our life.We will consider committing to a new year’s resolution.For most of us, we will start off strong striving for that goal.By the middle of January, many will start making compromises and by the end of the month, most will completely forget about the resolution altogether.We are no better off, and for many, we have another failure that reminds us just how inadequate we are to make positive change in our life.
Why do so many of us fail with resolutions?For one, although we have great intentions, our focus is on the “prize” not the process.When we focus solely on outcomes, we don’t consider the actions required to achieve those outcomes.I often refer to this concept as “destination disease”.We love the idea of losing 15 pounds, completing a 10K race, reading the Bible in a year, writing a book, quitting some bad habit, saving money, cutting out sweets, or any number of other goals.The accomplishment sounds great; however, we don’t fully consider the process required to achieve those goals.
Not only do we not have a sound perspective of the process required, we also don’t have a good plan to achieve the goal.We have our “eyes on the prize”, play our motivational music in our heads, and jump in with everything we have.At the first sign of discomfort, we start to question the value of continuing.With no plan, we don’t know how to measure progress and quickly rationalize that it’s no longer worth it.
We haven’t told anyone, so there is no real accountability.We just quietly retreat to our old lifestyle with another failure in our memory bank.We may lose motivation for change and find ourselves just seeking a level of comfort to avoid any more challenges that may lead to failure.
Don’t lose your passion for life change, personal development, or the hope of a more fulfilling life.So, whether you are contemplating a new year’s resolution or have given up on those resolutions based on past failures, let me give you an idea for a different approach.This approach focuses on who you are becoming rather than what you are achieving.This approach is process oriented not destination focused.
Consider who you want to become in 2024.What identity would you like to clarify, expand, or develop.For example, do you want to become a runner?If so, you need to purchase running shoes, select a running plan, set a goal to run a race in the next 90 days, identify a route to run, let some close friends know who you are becoming, and get started.You are seeking the identity of a runner.You have a goal of running a race in 90 days, but that’s just a goal. That goal is not your purpose or your identity.You enter races because you are a runner.
The same concept holds true if you want to become a writer, a Bible reader, a health-conscious person, a good steward of finances, etc.Think identity change and not goal.Use a goal to support your identity, but the goal can not be the sole focus.
Set yourself up for success by making it easy to get started.The easier it is to get started, the more likely you are to take the next step toward who you want to become.
Build some accountability into your process by telling others what you are doing.You want these people to ask you about it.If you are really changing your identity, you will want to talk about it.
When you fall in love with the process of who you are becoming, you don’t want to compromise, miss a day, take a break, or consider quitting.Your identity will define who you are not your achievements.
The world may tell you that achievements define success.I would challenge that with something different.Who you become determines significance.Success can be great, but it only lasts in the moment.Significance just might last forever!
A Louisiana state trooper on patrol in Lincoln Parish arrested a Ruston man wanted in Longview, Texas.
Ezekiel S. Cooke, 31, was stopped. 8 a.m. Thursday on La. Highway 33 for speeding 71 in a 55 mile per hour zone. A records check showed Cooke was wanted by the Gregg County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office on warrants for possession of dangerous drugs and DWI with a child under 15.
Cook was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center pending extradition by Texas. He was issued a citation for the speeding charge.
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.
Only a few limited edition Ruston Bearcat posters remain for sale. Anyone wishing to order one of these gold gilded editions should follow the directions below to do so as only 75 of these are being printed.
What a ride it was.
Head coach Jerrod Baugh and the Ruston Bearcats took our community on a memorable journey this year, capturing the 2023 Nonselect School Division I title with a 31-17 win over Zachary in the Caesar’s Superdome.
Baugh and the Bearcats captured the school’s ninth state title, its first since 1990 and they did so in a first-class fashion.
In recognition of the state title run, the Lincoln Parish Journal commissioned local graphic designer Courtney Pugh of Donnie Bell Design to create a commemorative edition and limited poster featuring photos from official GeauxPrep’s state title game photographer Josh McDaniel (FourSix3).
The poster is for sale with 25 percent of all proceeds going directly to the official Ruston Bearcat Football Club.
There are two unique versions of the 18 x 24 inch poster, each printed on 100-pound glossy:
a) a LIMITED edition ($75) with ONLY 75 copies available that features a gold gilded tint and a numbering system to differentiate each poster
b) a COMMEMORATIVE edition ($25) with an unlimited number of sales based on orders.
The posters will be available in late January-early February with additional details provided on pickup/sales dates and locations. However, orders are being taken now.
To order and secure a copy of either poster, email lpjmerchandise@gmail.com and include your name, email address, cell phone number, version of the poster (LIMITED or COMMEMORATIVE), and total number wanting to purchase. The LPJ will take orders on a first come, first serve basis and will continue to sell while supplies last.
The LPJ will take payment via credit card (an email invoice will be sent which can be processed by the buyer with a credit card) or cash. No checks will be accepted.
Don’t miss your chance to purchase this beautiful keepsake depicting the Bearcats title run in 2023. Email lpjmerchandise@gmail.com and include your name, email address, cell phone number, version of the poster (LIMITED or COMMEMORATIVE), and total number wanting to purchase.
Special thanks to Origin Bank and Forth Insurance for their support of this project.
Today I am going way off topic to give my perspective on what has become my own hot button issue….my sanity! The country we live in today is not one any of us thought we would ever see. The division, turmoil, and lack of respect for one another is off the chart.
People have lost their moral compass and the ability to see clearly. This has led to an erosion of our society and our sanity. But what can we do to change our own mental health? Is there something each of us can do to improve our outlook on life?
America has become a society of selfishness and what can you do for me. Our young generation of Millennials, for some reason, has no regard for our history, nor do they care. Everyone wants to erase our past, both good and bad. They don’t understand that destroying statues and monuments does not change the past. The only thing we can change is the future, by not repeating the same mistakes we made before.
On my weekly radio show, Hook’N Up & Track’N Down that’s been on air for the last 16 years, I made a promise to myself on three things. One, the show would not seek or promote alcohol companies for sponsorship. Two, I would not use the show as a political platform to express my personal viewpoints. I’ve always felt that no one wants to hear MY opinion on how they should think when it comes to political issues or who to vote for. The only exception to rule number two is if there’s a hot topic infringing on our right to hunt and fish. Three, I would cover all things related to God’s great outdoors by educating and entertaining our loyal fans.
With so much negativity going on in this country, the question is, “How do we maintain our sanity?” I’m going to give some great advice on what you can do to help eliminate the depression and anxiety you feel. It’s a simple answer…. stop watching the news channels! Every day we are exposed to all the bad things going on, not just here in our country, but all over the world. You start to worry and stress yourself on things you have no control over.
Sure, we all want to make a difference, but if our own mental health is not good how can we help others? TV is the root of a lot of our mental health issues. Every single day, seven days a week, we are bombarded with political division, mass shootings, wars, and issues that it seems none of us can agree on or resolve. Every news station like CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, or any of the big three CBS, NBC, or ABC, has their own agenda and want you to think like they do whether it’s a conservative or liberal viewpoint.
A good friend of mine gave me some great advice one day as we talked about some political issues over lunch. Even though we don’t agree on many political viewpoints, I still respect his views because I respect him as a person. Sometimes we both have to agree to disagree, but we don’t hold our viewpoints (however different they might be) against one another. We can actually have a decent conversation about Trump or Biden and not walk away enemies. But one day he gave me some great advice as he told me to stop watching Fox News, even though they seem to fall more in line with my conservative views.
So, I decide to take his advice and take a break from ALL news stations. We should all take this advice and eliminate the fog in our brain that inhibits our ability to reason and make good decisions. After taking this advice, I found my mental outlook improved in a rather short time frame. Now I still watch the news channels, but in small doses. This doesn’t mean you can’t stay up to date on what’s taking place in our world but try watching more shows that promote good mental health.
For me that would be hunting and fishing shows, along with collegiate and professional sports. For others, it might be cooking and home fixer up programs or if you really want that warm fuzzy feeling, watch the Hallmark channel!! This will always put you in a great mood especially during the holiday season where the leading man or woman ends up meeting the mate of their dreams and living happily ever after….ON EVERY EPISODE!!!!
From now on I’ll try and stick to writing more about my fishing adventures, but today I felt like this was something I needed to get off my chest. Till next time, remember…stop watching all the news channels and watch more programs that make you feel good. Your mind will thank you and you’ll get your sanity back.
Isaiah Crawford made history in Tech’s 96-55 win over Dallas Christian. (Photo by Josh McDaniel)
Louisiana Tech snapped its three-game losing streak in a big way, defeating Dallas Christian by a final score of 96-55 on Wednesday night inside the Thomas Assembly Center on Karl Malone Court.
LA Tech (10-5) remained undefeated at home in what was its final non-conference game of the regular season. The Bulldogs shot a season-best 60.3 percent from the field, getting much of their production from the front court – Daniel Batcho had a game-high 22 points, Isaiah Crawford posted 18, and Dravon Mangum scored a season-high 15.
They were all three heavily involved on the defensive end as well as the ‘Dogs notched 13 steals and 11 blocks while holding Dallas Christian (4-11) to 35.6 percent shooting.
“It is hard to get two halves, especially when the first half is lopsided,” said Tech coach Talvin Hester. “We had one lapse in the first half and it was a defensive lapse. I got frustrated with that, but we finished the half great. My job was to keep our guys motivated in the second half, trying to push forward and keep everybody healthy. I saw some good things. The guys that have been in heavy rotation were engaged for the most part. We had some guys out with sickness so we hope to get them back soon in the rotation.”
Three of those steals and three of those blocks came courtesy of Crawford. He also tallied a team-high seven rebounds, which put the fifth-year senior in a category all on his own in program history becoming the first Bulldog to reach 1,000 points, 500 boards, 200 assists, 100 steals, and 50 blocks.
It was his front court running mate Batcho who got LA Tech off on the right foot versus DCC, scoring 14 of the Bulldogs first 19 points to give the home squad a 19-5 edge.
“To have those two guys is the ultimate weapon,” said Hester. “We are going to lean on them a lot. I think they have been pretty consistent with their efforts, which is all you really want. To have them anchoring you night in and night out is a good thing. They were 16 of 21 from the field tonight. Our work is just now getting started though.”
The Crusaders had their best stretch of basketball right after that, going on a 9-0 run to slice their deficit down to five with 12:42 to go in the first half.
LA Tech responded though by outscoring DCC, 34-9, to end the first stanza. Part of the reason was Mangum who had a late stretch of eight straight points, including a three-pointer and a dunk (plus the foul) as the Bulldogs held a 53-23 halftime lead.
The ‘Dogs stretched out the lead to as much as 42 points, primarily by dominating the paint where they outscored the Crusaders, 54-24, and by getting out in transition with 27 fastbreak points.
Sean Newman Jr. and Jordan Crawford, making his first start of the season, were the floor generals, combining for 15 assists. Newman Jr. also added 13 points as LA Tech’s fourth player with double-digit points.
DCC had one lone player score in double figures, getting 12 points from Joseph Gipson.
Smoke Harris (6) earned two spots on the LSWA all-state team. (Photo by Josh McDaniel)
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech football had five players selected to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s (LSWA) 2023 All-Louisiana Football Team, the organization announced Sunday.
Return specialist Smoke Harris, punter Blake Ochsendorf, and defensive back Willie Roberts all earned first-team honors. Harris also made the second team as a wide receiver in addition to linebacker Jeslord Boateng, while offensive lineman Bert Hale earned honorable mention recognition.
A panel of LSWA and sports media relations personnel voted on nominations submitted by the schools at each of the positions through the regular season. School media relations members could not vote for their own players.
Harris was electrifying in the return game with 283 punt return yards and one touchdown. He had the two highest single-game punt return yards in Conference USA this season, registering 72 at UTEP and 70 against WKU. At UTEP, he became the first Bulldog since 2017 to return a punt for a touchdown with a conference-long 67-yard punt return during the victory. He was one of the most reliable receivers in the country, hauling in 83 receptions for 796 yards and four touchdowns. He led all CUSA players with four games of 10+ receptions this season while tying for third among all CUSA receivers in scrimmage plays over 10 yards with 31. The St. Francisville native ended the season, having caught a pass in 44 consecutive games.
Ochsendorf made an immediate impact during his lone season at Tech, leading CUSA and ranking 15th nationally with a 45.72 punting average while recording a 48.09 punting average during league contests, which ranked third nationally. The Minnesota native had 17 punts of 50+ yards, while 18 were downed inside the 20-yard line. Ochsendorf ended the season as the all-time leader in career punting average at Louisiana Tech at 45.72 (minimum of 50 punts).
Roberts was one of the top defensive backs in the country in 2023. The 2023 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist led the conference and ranked fifth nationally with 12 pass breakups during the regular season, nine of which came during league play. Opponents completed 34.8 percent of passes against him (16-48) during the season. The Fort Worth product also totaled 38 tackles and an interception, forced fumble, and fumble recovery.
Boateng led LA Tech with 93 total tackles this season, including a team-high nine tackles for loss. He finished the regular season ranked fifth among all CUSA players in total tackles (93), and tied for sixth in tackles for loss (9). Boateng led the Bulldogs in tackles in consecutive weeks with 13 against Liberty and 11 against Sam Houston while posting nine or more tackles in four games in 2023.
Hale started 11 games on the Bulldogs offensive line in 2023, helping pave the way for seven 100+ yard rushing games. The Epps product played a vital role in protecting the quarterback in the Bulldogs’ passing offense which ranked third in CUSA at 260.9 yards per game and pass blocked in four 300+-yard passing performances.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels of LSU was named the state’s offensive player of the year, defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins of Tulane was defensive player of the year, and Tulane’s Willie Fritz was named coach of the year. Additionally, Tulane running back Makhi Hughes earned freshman of the year honors, and quarterback Pat McQuaide of Nicholls was named newcomer of the year.
Funeral services for Rodney Colvin, age 74 of Simsboro, LA, will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Owens Memorial Chapel with Rev. Paul Watts officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston, LA under direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Rodney Kimbell Colvin passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024 in Bossier City, LA. Rodney was born on February 24, 1949 in Ruston, LA to John C. Colvin and Bonnie (Valentine) Colvin. He was married to Penny Frasier Colvin on March 3, 1978.
Rodney was an avid hunter and fisherman. Rodney didn’t just enjoy hunting and fishing, but more than that he enjoyed being with his closest friends that were more like family than just friends. He loved fox hunting and his grandchildren. Watching and cheering on his granddaughters while they played softball was his favorite thing to do.
Rodney worked at Lincoln Parish Highway Department for 33 years and was Superintendent for his last 13 years. He is preceded in death by his father, John C. Colvin and his mother, Bonnie Virginia (Valentine) Colvin.
Rodney is survived by his wife of 45 years, Penny Frasier Colvin; son, Dusty Kimbell Colvin; daughter, Katie Virginia (Colvin) Bennett; son-in-law, Hank Bennett; granddaughters: Bristol Bennett and Josie Bennett; brother, Gary Colvin and wife, Gloria; sister, Bonnie Chaudoir and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Kane Kennimer, Scotty Johnson, Heath Davis, Mark Theodus, Mike Martin and Ricky Barmore. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Burt, Max Otwell, Johnny Henderson and Dr. Jesse Roberts, Jr.
Visitation will be 12:30 PM until service time, Sunday at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston.
Gaylon Davis Simmons December 23, 1936 – January 1, 2024 Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Thursday, January 4, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Thursday, January 4, 2024, 2:00 pm Cemetery: Kilpatrick’s Memorial Garden, Thursday, January 4, 2024
Rodney K. Colvin February 24, 1949 – January 1, 2024 Visitation: Sunday, January 7, 2024, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home Funeral Service: Sunday, January 7, 2024, 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home Cemetery Committal: Sunday, January 7, 2024, 3:00 PM, Greenwood Cemetery, 515 Everett St, Ruston
It was another banner year for the Lincoln Parish Journal in 2023.
Thanks to our loyal readers, social media followers and advertising partners, the Lincoln Parish Journal continued to show major growth as one of the premier media outlets in north Louisiana.
The Lincoln Parish Journal saw an 86 percent growth in its readership over the past calendar year as it saw more than 4.1 million views, an increase from 2.2 million in 2022. The final 10 months of last year saw at least 325,000 views each month with September, October and November eclipsing 400,000 views each month.
On the social media side of things, the Lincoln Parish Journal’s Facebook page gained more than 3,000 new followers in 2023 for a total of just under 6,800 — an increase of more than 80 percent during the year. Our Facebook page reached over 1.4 million views during the calendar year, more than double our total from the previous year.
Our email subscriber list stayed strong with just under 5,000 email subscribers with an open rate in excess of 65 percent (national average is 26 percent).
All of these analytics point to a continued growth for our journal and an increase in the value for our advertising partners as the LPJ continues to be one of the most affordable means of advertising in our area.
The Lincoln Parish Journal Family wants to thank everyone for their support and we wish each and every one of your a very Happy New Year!
I said the words over and over from our subway seat that morning. Judith, the girls, my dad (their Pops) and I found ourselves jam-packed headed from Grand Central Station to Central Park with visions of ice skating on Christmas Day, just a few blocks from the Balto statue and close to the Gapstow Bridge. I’m not much of a skater, but I certainly wanted to have the memory.
We had a connection to make on 59th street to our next train. And so I said the words again so my dad could hear: “Fifty-ninth street.”
Or so I thought.
As Judith, the girls and I all exited, I started looking for the signs to our next stop. Judith whirled around and said, “I don’t think Pops got off the subway.”
I laughed. “Of course he did. I kept saying 59th Street.”
A scan of the stop led me to my horror: 71-year-old Pops was still on the train; his first time in New York, no less. I felt the rise of both anger and fear, normally reserved for a child wandering off in a crowd.
I said some words under my breath (I’ll let you guess which ones) as I frantically tried to call his cell phone.
Straight to voicemail.
_____________
Our family has new traditions for birthdays and Christmas: rather than parties and gifts, we have shifted to trips. As our house began to clutter over the years with two wonderful daughters, Judith and I (wisely) made the call to start encouraging our girls to travel instead of waiting on the latest toy. To our joy, they both have become fantastic travelers, learning airport and plane etiquette that rival any frequent flyer.
Recently, we started including my dad and their only surviving biological grandparent on either side (and we are incredibly grateful for the many people who over the years have filled those remaining spots for them).
But in a world where our futures are not remotely guaranteed past today, spending time with my dad has become paramount for us. We eat together frequently, do church together– you name it. And as the last grand to Alice and Penny, we air on the side of inclusive when we can.
So I told him a few months ago that we were going to surprise the girls with a trip to New York. And we wanted to bring him with us.
This was my fourth (Judith’s fifth) time coming to New York. I have fallen in love with it over the years. My first time was on our 10-year anniversary in 2015 (before we had our Penny), the second time was with my former boss and his wife, and the third with the kids.
Other than losing my wallet (and having most of it returned the same day) in May of 2022, our trips to New York have been nothing but fond memories.
But my dad didn’t have the same take on New York as me, and I can empathize with why. When you live in North Louisiana for nearly your entire life, New York can seem scary and as foreign as a trip to Mars. After thanking us for including him, he shared his trepidation with us.
“I’m just worried,” he said, more than once. All I could do was remind him to stay with us, and that he’d be okay.
He just forgot that on 59th Street.
___________
“Dad? Can you hear me? Where are you?”
I’ve calmed down in the eternity of 30 seconds. He picked up once he had reception at the following stop. But the call keeps cutting.
I hang up and switch to text. “When you get this, just get off at your next stop, and tell me where it is.”
Seconds pass.
Thumbs up emoji– followed shortly by “86th Street.”
___________
We arrive late on Saturday, Dec. 23, and head straight to our hotel for a rooftop dinner in view of the Empire State Building. From there we had five wonderful days of museums, site-seeing, endless walking, good food and shopping. We spent hours at the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum, the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Public Library.
My older daughter is obsessed with Van Gogh, so I was delighted for her to see “Starry Night” at MOMA and one of Van Gogh’s self-portraits at The Met. My younger daughter loved seeing the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. We all collectively awed ourselves at a Cirque show, at Madison Square Garden of all places, a pantheon of sports venues.
We ate Indian, German, Italian. We had breakfast at Penelope’s one morning and then at Alice’s that night. We went to Christmas Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
We saw our dear friends Binni and Katie along with their new baby, Sophia.
And all the while, I kept checking in with Pops. “How are you feeling?”
“Man, this is AWESOME,” he’d say repeatedly in his Pops’ tone, rich in southern drawl. New York had been on his bucket list for a while, and our overall visit did not disappoint.
________
We’re back on the subway, headed the three stops to collect our lost Pops. Sure enough, he’s right under a sign that says 86th Street, leaned against a wall waiting for us.
As we exit the subway, we’re all laughing at this point.
“Dad, how many times can I say 59th Street?”
“I didn’t hear you,” he said in retort. Not a good enough excuse for me.
“I don’t care! You watch where we are at all times and stay with us. And if we get separated, find a nice person wearing an MTA vest and wait there for us.”
“Yes, Dad,” Pops replied, sarcastically. We make our way back to the right train, and we get to Central Park.
By this point, and for the rest of the trip, we all were practically yelling our stops to each other so it doesn’t happen again.
It’s a memory that I and the girls will have for the rest of our lives.
Only a few limited edition Ruston Bearcat posters remain for sale. Anyone wishing to order one of these gold gilded editions should follow the directions below to do so as only 75 of these are being printed.
What a ride it was.
Head coach Jerrod Baugh and the Ruston Bearcats took our community on a memorable journey this year, capturing the 2023 Nonselect School Division I title with a 31-17 win over Zachary in the Caesar’s Superdome.
Baugh and the Bearcats captured the school’s ninth state title, its first since 1990 and they did so in a first-class fashion.
In recognition of the state title run, the Lincoln Parish Journal commissioned local graphic designer Courtney Pugh of Donnie Bell Design to create a commemorative edition and limited poster featuring photos from official GeauxPrep’s state title game photographer Josh McDaniel (FourSix3).
The poster is for sale with 25 percent of all proceeds going directly to the official Ruston Bearcat Football Club.
There are two unique versions of the 18 x 24 inch poster, each printed on 100-pound glossy:
a) a LIMITED edition ($75) with ONLY 75 copies available that features a gold gilded tint and a numbering system to differentiate each poster
b) a COMMEMORATIVE edition ($25) with an unlimited number of sales based on orders.
The posters will be available in late January-early February with additional details provided on pickup/sales dates and locations. However, orders are being taken now.
To order and secure a copy of either poster, email lpjmerchandise@gmail.com and include your name, email address, cell phone number, version of the poster (LIMITED or COMMEMORATIVE), and total number wanting to purchase. The LPJ will take orders on a first come, first serve basis and will continue to sell while supplies last.
The LPJ will take payment via credit card (an email invoice will be sent which can be processed by the buyer with a credit card) or cash. No checks will be accepted.
Don’t miss your chance to purchase this beautiful keepsake depicting the Bearcats title run in 2023. Email lpjmerchandise@gmail.com and include your name, email address, cell phone number, version of the poster (LIMITED or COMMEMORATIVE), and total number wanting to purchase.
Special thanks to Origin Bank and Forth Insurance for their support of this project.
A Ruston man was arrested last Tuesday afternoon after he allegedly damaged a Winona Drive residence on two occasions.
Ruston Police responded to the home about 3:30 p.m. and were told Kaleb M. Mills, 41, had damaged a door by kicking it open. Mills was issued a summons for criminal simple criminal damage to property and was released.
At about 4:30 p.m., officers were called back to the residence regarding a second complaint against Mills. Mills was spotted nearby and was taken into custody.
Police were told after officers left the previous call, Mills returned and kicked the door again and broke it off the hinges. Officers verified the door had been knocked off the hinges and interviewed a witness who allegedly saw Mills kick the door four or five times.
A small amount of methamphetamine was found on Mills at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. He was booked for simple criminal damage to property and possession of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $4,500.
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.
Ruston Police arrested a local woman last Saturday afternoon after reports she was falling in the street and blocking traffic.
Officers responded to the intersection of M.L. King Drive and South Farmerville Street where they found Iresha M. Percy, 32, walking in the middle of the street. Percy was carrying a plastic bag filled with empty beer cans and nearly fell twice while walking in the street. She was directed to leave the roadway but refused. Percy approached a passing vehicle that had stopped in the roadway and began hitting the driver’s window.
An officer attempted to arrest Percy, but she repeatedly pulled away and grabbed the officer’s handcuffs. When she would not release her grip on the handcuffs, a Taser was used to gain compliance.
After being seated in a patrol car, Percy began yelling, and when officers checked on her, she attempted to rapidly leave the patrol car. She had to be restrained and secured again in the back seat.
Percy was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for simple obstruction of a highway, disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, and simple escape. Bail was set at $8,500.
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.
