By Kyle Roberts

Coming off of a bye week in the first round of the 2023 Non-Select, Division I playoffs, No. 1 overall seed Ruston will be hosting the Westgate Tigers tonight at “The Hoss” in efforts to keep its unbeaten season alive and continue its march to the Super Dome.

And the Tigers will come north from New Iberia, loaded with talent and expecting their superstar quarterback to be back from injury, making their No. 16 seed a likely misnomer.

“They are a really good football team,” Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “That’s just how it shook out. They’ve played some really good competition.”

The Tigers sit 6-4 on the season after playing very stiff competition from undefeated Calvary Baptist to St. Thomas More to Teurlings Catholic.

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Westgate’s junior quarterback Jaboree Antoine is expected to line up as the signal caller tonight and is listed by multiple recruiting websites as a five-star cornerback.. In Week 5, Antoine was injured in a 32-22 loss to Calvary Baptist and has not seen action since. The Tigers would lose four of the six games in the regular season with Antoine absent.

Ruston has a pretty talented junior quarterback, as well, in Josh Brantley, who racked up 450 yards rushing in the regular season with seven touchdowns and 892 passing years with seven touchdowns through the air.

Antoine will be joined junior tailback Tavias Gordon who Baugh said was an explosive playmaker in an interview after practice Wednesday.

“I think we’re going to have to find some ways to get him on the ground and make them make him line back up and do everything over again,” Baugh said. “We’re going to need to tackle really well, because he’s one if you don’t get him tackled, he can take it to the house. And so teams like that that have those really fast guys that can get out and score the ball, you’ve just got to be able to either get them close to the sideline, get them knocked out of bounds or get them tackled, and make them do it over and over.”

Having the bye week will also mean a healthy Dylone Brooks, who will rejoin the backfield for the first time in a few weeks alongside junior Jordan Hayes.

“Dylone got good news from the doctor last Tuesday,” Baugh said. “He practiced a little bit last week and then he’s looked fine in practice this week.

Baugh added that the rest of the team has also benefited the rest of the squad as well when it comes to being fresh and healthy for tonight.

“Other than the normal just bumps and bruises, I think it was pretty well clean,” Baugh said.
“Sometimes you go in there and there’s guys just piled up in there getting ice on this or that and really hadn’t seen much of that. So I think last week was good in a way of getting getting guys kind of healed up going into the playoff run.”

Ruston and Westgate will kickoff at 7 p.m. tonight. The game will be streamed live on BearcatNationNetwork.com and can be heard on Z107.5 FM.

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A man wanted in Mississippi and Alabama was apprehended by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office last Thursday after deputies responded to a call of a person armed with a sword or large knife.

Richard J. Jeffery, 34, was found outside a Beacon Light Road mobile home with a large knife. He appeared to be trying to pry open the front door with the knife.

Jeffery was directed by deputies to drop the knife and a second large knife was removed from a sheath on his waist.

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Jeffery was asked if he had anything he shouldn’t, and he replied he had a pipe for smoking methamphetamine in his pants pocket.

A records check reveal Jeffery was wanted on arrest warrants from Escambia County, Alabama for felony possession of controlled substances, domestic violence, and menacing. A warrant from Simpson County, Mississippi charges Jeffery with possession of methamphetamine.

The warrants were verified by Alabama and Mississippi authorities. Jeffery was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of drug paraphernalia and the warrants.

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by Emma Stone

What would you do if you were pulled over and handed a turkey instead of a ticket?

The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office did just that this week in Dubach, Simsboro, Choudrant and South of Ruston.

Members of the LPSO pulled drivers over. Yet, instead of giving them a ticket, they gave them a frozen turkey.

Major Landon Hunt of the Lincoln Parish Criminal Division helped coordinate the turkeys and the officers. He said this is just one way for the local police to advance their relationship with the community.

“It’s a great way for our deputies to give back to our community,” said Hunt. “You can tell by the smiles on their faces how much joy it brings our deputies to be able to share a blessing with others.”

A total of 100 turkeys were given away this week as the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office partnered with Ruston Super1 Foods.

“A lot of our guys get more fulfillment out of it than even the citizens,” said Hunt. “It’s a way to turn what would be negative experience into something positive.”

Thomas Graham of Forth Insurance came back from a trip with his wife to Lake Charles in 2019 with the idea.

“I saw they were doing it from the Lake Charles local newspaper, and I thought it was a good idea to bring to Ruston,” said Graham.

Graham presented the Turkeys for Tickets project as a part of the Leadership Lincoln Chamber of Commerce class.

“The sheriff’s office was immediately on board,” said Graham. “Now, it’s something we take pride in and look forward to every year.”

Not only were citizens given turkeys, but they were instructed on how to be better drivers in the future.

The LP Sheriff’s Office expresses their appreciation to Randy and Thomas Graham with Forth Insurance for partnering with them.

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We are entering the season of anticipatory waiting. There is lots of movement in this season. We travel. We welcome out-of-town guests. We hurry to the door when Amazon arrives. We overdose on the saccharine sweet stories on the Hallmark Channel. Soon, we in liturgical churches will talk about the “waiting of Advent.” Before the madness begins, I wanted you to ponder a writing from Sue Monk Kidd’s When the Heart Waits. She wrote:

“One afternoon as the children watched television and I folded laundry; we heard a terrible thud against the patio door. I turned in time to see blue wings falling to the ground. A bird had flown into the glass.

None of us said a word. We looked at one another and crept to the door. The children followed me outside. I half-expected the bird to be dead, but she wasn’t. She was stunned and her right wing was a little lopsided, but it didn’t look broken—bruised, maybe.

The bird sat perfectly still, her eyes tiny and afraid. She looked so fragile and alone that I sat down beside her. I reached out my little finger and brushed her wing.

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A voice came from behind me, “Why doesn’t it fly off, Mama?”

“She’s hurt,” I said. “She just needs to be still.”

We watched her. We watched her stillness. Finally, the children wandered back to the television, satisfied that nothing was going to “happen” for a while. But I couldn’t leave her.

I sat beside her, unable to resist the feeling that we shared something, the two of us. The wounds and the brokenness of life. Crumpled wings. A collision with something harsh and real. I felt like crying for her. For myself. For every broken thing in the world.

That moment taught me that while the postures of stillness within the cocoon are frequently an individual experience, we also need to share our stillness. The bird taught me anew that we’re all in this together, what we need to sit in one another’s stillness and take up corporate postures of prayer. How wonderful it is when we can be honest and free enough to say to one another, “I need you to wait with me,” or “Would you like to me to wait with you?”

I studied the bird, deeply impressed that she seemed to know instinctively that stillness is healing. I had been learning that too, learning that stillness can be the prayer that transforms us. How much more concentrated out stillness becomes, though, when it’s shared.

The door opened again, “Is she finished being still?”

“No, not yet,” I said, knowing that I was talking as much about myself as the bird. We went on waiting together. Twenty minutes. Thirty. Fifty.

Finally, she was finished being still. She cocked her head to one side, lifted her wings and flew. The sight of her flying made me catch my breath. From the corner of my eye, I saw her shadow move along the ground and cross over me. Grace is everywhere I thought. Then I picked myself up and went back to folding the laundry.”

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A vehicle stopped for an apparent switched license plate by Louisiana Tech Police led to the arrest of a Ruston man on warrants and possession of marijuana.

Aaron Kentrell Austin, 25, was stopped on Tech Drive when a temporary license tag displayed on his 2011 Chevrolet Camaro came back registered to a 2017 Kia.

A records check showed Austin was wanted for failure to appear in Ruston City Court for driving under suspension, no driver’s license, and switched license plate.

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Austin’s 4-year-old daughter was allegedly found standing unrestrained on the front seat.

A search of the vehicle yielded a bag of marijuana under the driver’s seat.

Austin was issued several traffic citations and booked for the three warrants and possession of marijuana. Bail was set at $6,000.

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This is a paid advertorial.

Mid South Pecans is still taking preorders for their large and small pecan pies! To preorder, call 318.255.8950 or 800.345.1148. We ship anywhere nationally!

While we’re all gearing up for the holiday season, your friends at Mid South Pecans have you covered.

Located at 1970 Pea Ridge Road in Dubach, La., Mid South Pecans was bought in 2018 by the Ball family, and will be open seasonally Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

And this weekend, you can catch them at Cedartown today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Offerings range from:

• Whole, cracked, and shelled pecans
• Chocolate, white chocolate, cinnamon, cajun spice, roasted & salted, sugar and sugar-free candied pecans
• Highly sought after pralines, fudge and pecan brittle
• Baked goods such as muffins, cookies, and sweet and salty crunch

Mid South Pecans also offers gift boxes for corporate or personal gifting.

Stop by Mid South Pecans today and make this holiday even sweeter!

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Dentist by day. Chef by night.

Our good friend Trey Hanna at Ruston Smiles is at it again!

Trey is providing the Lincoln Parish Journal a cooking column/recipe periodically. This month Trey’s menu includes jambalaya po-boys. You won’t want to miss it.

Just click on the link below for ingredients and direction.

 

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech came into Fant-Ewing Coliseum and came away with a 73-63 victory on Thursday night behind a 24-point, 9-rebound effort by Isaiah Crawford.

Crawford was Mr. Versatile as usual. On top of leading LA Tech (2-1) in scoring and rebounding, both season highs, the forward also tallied three assists, two blocks, and steals.

He was the anchor to a defense that limited ULM (1-2) to just 36.5 percent shooting and only four made three-pointers.

Despite leading for almost the entire game, the Bulldogs were never able to really pull away from the stingy Warhawks. With scoring hard to come by through much of the first half, Crawford broke a 19-19 tie by scoring seven straight points – two three-pointers and a free throw – to help LA Tech take a 28-23 halftime lead.

He was clutch in the early part of the second half too. After getting an offensive rebound and putback layup, he rejected a jump shot and then kicked it out to Jaylin Henderson who flushed a highlight-reel dunk. Then he stole someone’s ball and went full court for the fastbreak layup to force a timeout by the Warhawks with a 37-29 advantage.

ULM kept hanging around though, cutting it to a two-possession game on multiple occasions. But, the Bulldogs responded with big buckets every time. Up six with 10:42 to go, Sean Newman Jr. and Tahlik Chavez buried three-pointers to give LA Tech its biggest lead of the game at 53-41.

The Warhawks got back to within five after a made jumper by Makai Willis, making it 64-59 with 2:37 left (still plenty of time). Then, arguably the biggest shot of the game came from Henderson who hit a step-back, late-shot clock triple from the wing that silenced the home crowd and ignited the Bulldog crowd.

“Jaylin Henderson continues to put the ball in the basket for us,” said Hester. “He is consistent at the free throw line. Down the stretch, he hit a big basket. He also hit a couple of big free throws.”

Free throws did the trick to seal it. The Bulldogs made 14 of their 15 attempts at the charity stripe in the second half to pick up their first road win of the season.

Henderson joined Crawford in double figures with 12 points. Also with double-digit points was Daniel Batcho, recording 12 points and four rebounds in his much-anticipated Bulldog debut.

“I thought (Daniel) looked solid,” said Hester. “I don’t think his rebounding legs are there yet, but I think ULM did a good job of running multiple bodies at him. His timing was a little off in his shot blocking, but that will come with time.

“He gave us a big presence inside. We managed to hit some threes in the second half because of the double teams on him. I am looking forward to seeing him get better.”

LA Tech shot 31.1 percent from the field (22-51), 34.6 percent from three (9-26), and 71.4 percent from the foul line (20-28).

Nika Metskharishvili and Tyreke Locure led the Warhawks with 15 points apiece.

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Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com. 

Friday, Nov. 17
7 p.m.: GSU Visual and Performing Arts presents “Skeleton Crew”) (Floyd L. Sandals Theatre)

Saturday, Nov. 18
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
10 a.m.: Fall commencement ceremonies for Louisiana Tech (TAC)

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This is an advertorial.

It’s a great time to commit to your health! Do something for yourself & let us help you get your nutrition in check! We are all eating macros, whether or not you choose to track them! Macro counting is a fantastic tool to reach your goals…. the ONLY way to fail is to never begin! 

Grab our Black Friday special available from 11/17/23- 12/1/23 and choose your start date. 

We offer nutrition coaching for a flexible lifestyle. Once you learn to count macros, it’s truly a way you can eat forever whether you are wanting to maintain your weight, lose weight, improve body composition, or gain muscle mass. Nothing is off limits, you are able to consume all of the food groups.

Macros stands for Macronutrients, which are protein, fat & carbs. Our body needs each macronutrient! We provide our clients with start up target numbers (calories, protein, fat, carbs) personalized to each person. You will log your food daily & each evening will submit your information via a quick method of contact. Your information is reviewed daily & you will receive feedback. The daily accountability of checking in is huge for most & keeps people on track. Weekly, your targets are reviewed & adjusted as needed to keep you making progress. Within the group we post recipes, snack ideas, etc.

We would love to have you! No lengthy contract required. Please check us out on Instagram or Facebook and feel free to reach out with questions.

Email or text Emery at emery@geauxmacros.com / 318-381-9707 or Jana at 318-243-6362 if you’d like to take advantage of our special pricing or if you have questions!

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To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE!

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The deadline to enter this week’s pick’em is 5 p.m. today. Don’t miss it.

It’s a FREE chance to win $200 (and maybe more).

Other winners have done it. Why can’t you?

Week #12 of the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Heard Construction and Martin Presence is winding down.

One lucky winner will claim $200 … with the potential to make it $400 if they are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).

This week YOU could be our lucky winner. It just takes a few minutes to click on the link above and fill out a form for FREE. It could mean $200 in your pocket if you choose wisely.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $200 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 13 selected college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two other games).

The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Martin Presence and Heard Construction will be conducted over the 13 regular season weeks of the college season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 2) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Lincoln Parish Journal. 

All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the LPJ. Individuals are eligible to win multiple times during the season.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $200 each week (or $400 if you can have a perfect week with the correct tiebreaker).

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The Lincoln Parish Journal wants to thank Karl Malone Toyota, Martin Presence and Heard Construction for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s college football pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Super Movers, American Mattress Outlet, the Dugout, the Ensure Agency, National Jewelry, Hart Designs, Tanyard Creek, Ginn’s Autobody, Ruston Eye and Vision, Pearce Lumber and Bearcat Nation Network for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

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Louisiana Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech Women Soccer welcomed 10 new members to Ruston for the 2024 season as Head Coach Steve Voltz announced the addition of the newest Bulldogs to the pitch.

Tech signed Mary Helen Burford, Taylor Cassidy, Grace Clay, Maeva Constenaro, Lydia Daniels, Olivia Ewing, Madeline Gray, Caroline Martin, Annie Meador, and Alexandria Weatherspoon to National Letters of Intent. 

“This group not only brings an amazing amount of talent and ability with them, they’re outstanding young people that understand the qualities we’re looking for in our program,” said Voltz. “They will make us better on and off the field.

“We love their competitiveness and how committed they have been to our process all along. They bring a high level of character and passion with them as well. We’re excited to welcome them to the Bulldog Soccer family.”

Tech is coming off a semifinal appearance in the Conference USA Championships hosted in Ruston.

Mary Helen Burford 
Defender 
Shreveport, La

• Louisiana State Soccer Championship Game Division III MVP (2022) 
• Division IV district 1 Defensive Player of the Year (2022). 
• All State Division IV soccer team (2 years) 
• Soccer All Metro first team (2 years).

 
Taylor Cassidy 
Midfielder 
Ottawa, Canada

• Two team MVP of the Year
• Most improved Player of the Year award
• Finalist in the OPDL 2023 Championships.

 
 
Grace Clay 
Forward 
Richmond, Texas

• 2^nd leading in goals as a sophomore 

 
Maeva Constenaro 
Midfielder 
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

• Champions of Quebec league (LSEQ) U15AAA / U16AAA / U17AAA 
• Won Quebec Cup U17AAA 
• Champions of Canada U17AAA at nationals with Union Lanuadiere
• 4 goals in 10 games 
• Canadian National Tournament: 4 goals in 5 games

 
Lydia Daniels 
Center Defensive Midfielder 
Columbia, South Carolina

• 5A Region Champion x3, 
• Made school history freshman year by making it to the 5A State Quarter-Final and again the following two years. 
• Made school history junior year by making it to the 5A State Semi-Final.
• 3x BHS 5A Region Champion
• 3x BHS 5A State Quarterfinalist
• 1x BHS 5A State Semifinalist
• 2x BHS All Region Player

 
Olivia Ewing 
Defender 
Richmond, Virginia

• All Region Girls Soccer 2021 / 2022 / 2023

 
Madeline Gray
Defender 
Corinth, Mississippi

• First and second team all-district in 6A, winning district 3 years in a row in 6A,
• North All-State team sophomore year.
• 2-time state finalist in the 4×200 and 4×400
• As a junior year: 5 goals, 9 assist as defender
• As a sophomore year: 4 goals, 7 assist as defender

 
Caroline Martin 
Defender 
Colleyville, Texas

• 2-time 1st team All-District selection 
• Newcomer of the year for team 
• 5A Girl’s soccer Texas State Champion 
• 20 goals and 12 assist in 3 years (CAREER STATISTICS)

Annie Meador
Defender
Denton, Texas

• 4xFirst Team All-District Texas HS Soccer player of the week
• 4xTeam MVP 4-year varsity starter and now captain
• Starter for USPL Semi pro summer league

Alexandria Weatherspoon
Defender 
Milton, Georgia

• 1^st team All-Region 
• Defensive Player of the Year 

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By Wesley Harris

Estelle Brown remembers Elvis Presley as a nice person who had a special gift. She should know. She sang backup behind Elvis during his comeback years of 1969-1977.

Brown will speak at the Claiborne Parish Library Saturday about her work with Elvis and other musical superstars.

As part of “The Sweet Inspirations” formed in the late sixties, Brown sang on Van Morrison’s track “Brown Eyed Girl” and with Dusty Springfield on “Son of a Preacher Man” before working with Elvis.

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After her time with Elvis, Brown toured and recorded with The Sweet Inspirations as an Elvis tribute band and sang on various TV shows and special events.

Elvis starred in many movies and recorded scores of soundtracks but got his start in small venues like the Louisiana Hayride at Shreveport’s Municipal Auditorium. He played other North Louisiana spots like Minden’s drive-in theater and Monroe’s Neville High auditorium before he hit the big time.

After a slump in his career, Presley staged a big comeback in 1969 and Estelle Brown was along for the ride.

Elvis worked with Aretha Franklin during the comeback years. Jerry Wexler, Franklin’s producer, helped release The Sweet Inspirations album that went Gold with Atlantic Records. Brown and The Sweet Inspirations sang on R-E-S-P-E-C-T with Franklin.

Brown is the only surviving original singer who worked directly with Elvis. She has been interviewed by various TV show hosts, film makers, and DJs. This event is a rare opportunity to hear directly from Brown about her time with Elvis.

Meet Brown and listen to her share her experiences with Elvis and other stars at the Claiborne Parish Library on Saturday, November 18 at 2 p.m. The library is located at 909 Edgewood Drive in Homer. The event is free of charge and refreshments will be provided.

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Funeral Services for Dr. Connie E. Ward, age 89 of Ruston, will be 1:00 P.M., Monday, November 20, 2023, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel of Ruston.  Officiating will be Dr. Reggie Bridges, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home.  Visitation will be prior to the service, Monday, November 20, 2023, from 12:00 – 1:00 P.M.  Interment will be in Mulhearn Memorial Park of Monroe, LA.

Connie Ward was born on July 19, 1934, to Otis and Orelle (Turnage) Ward of Spearsville, LA.  He passed from this life on November 16, 2023. 

He spent his life as a gracious husband, father, pastor while reaching and touching lives through his ministry and service to the Lord.  He was a true ambassador of Christ.

Connie is preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Orelle (Turnage) Ward; his beloved wife, Betty (McCormick) Ward; and his son, Marcus Ward.

He is survived by his daughters, Janita Maxwell of Monroe, LA, and Angela Mitchell and husband Ricky of Ruston, LA; grandchildren, Casey Laird and husband Alex of Lindale, TX, Molly Mitchell of Tyler, TX; and sisters, Shirley Hinson of Mobile, AL, Kathy Burns and husband Floyd of Summerfield, LA; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended and loving friends.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Mitchell, Jimmy Kay, Floyd Burns, Jason Hinson, Chris Burney, Mike Burney, and Barry Joyner.  The Honorary Pallbearer will be James Maxwell.

Donations may be made in his honor to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, Samaritan’s Purse, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.   

 

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Samuel E. Spearman 
Tuesday 08/09/1949 — Sunday 11/12/2023  
Family Gathering: Friday 11/17/2023 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Visitation: Friday 11/17/2023 3:00pm to 7:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 
Celebration of Life: Saturday 11/18/2023 11:00am, Cherry Hill #2 Missionary Baptist Church, Green Lane Rd, Mer Rouge 
Interment: Saturday 11/18/2023 Following Service, Cherry Hill #2 Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Mer Rouge 

Flo Miskelley   
June 1, 1936 – November 3, 2023
Visitation: 11/25/23 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Temple Baptist Church Chapel
Memorial Service: 11/25/23 11:30 a.m. Temple Baptist Church Chapel

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Ruston – On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigation/Monroe Field Office was requested by Louisiana Tech Police Department (Tech PD) to investigate the deadly stabbing incident that occurred Monday, November 13, 2023, on Louisiana Tech University’s (LA Tech) campus. The stabbing incident injured four women, in which two of the victims received severe injuries. On November 14, 2023, one of the victims succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital. As a result of her death, LSP assumed lead in the investigation, and Tech PD will assist.

Following a disturbance this past Monday, 23-year-old Jacoby Johnson of Tallulah entered the parking lot of Lambright Health and Wellness Center located on LA Tech’s campus and stabbed four women. He has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder (three counts). He is currently incarcerated in the Lincoln Parish Detention Center without bond.

Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP Investigators by calling (318) 362-4597.

In addition to the option above, citizens can anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting https://dpsweb.dps.louisiana.gov/suspicious.nsf/WebForm?OpenForm or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

The investigation remains ongoing, with further information to be released in coordination with the Lincoln Parish District Attorney’s Office at the appropriate time.

 

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A charge of second degree murder has been lodged against Jacoby L. Johnson, 23, the Louisiana Tech student being held for the stabbing attack of four women on the school’s Ruston campus Monday morning.

Johnson was arrested on the new charge of about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night by a Louisiana Tech Police investigator. The new charge follows the death of Annie Richardson who passed away in a Shreveport hospital Tuesday afternoon.

Richardson was one of four women who allegedly suffered stab wounds from a pocket knife wielded by Johnson.

A bloody knife was recovered just minutes after the attack when a Tech patrol officer spotted Johnson and arrested him walking near the Tech baseball stadium. He was booked Monday on four counts of attempted second degree murder.

According to Tech Police, Johnson first pursued another student who fled out the east door of the intramural center. After the student ran away, Johnson allegedly turned his attention on a new target, the four women.

Louisiana law defines second degree murder as “the killing of a human being when the offender has a specific intent to kill or to inflict great bodily harm.”  Upon conviction, the law provides for a mandatory sentence of life in prison, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

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Kronospan, a leading producer of wood panel products, has executed an asset purchase agreement with Roseburg Forest Products to acquire Roseburg’s Simsboro particleboard facility. Completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. After the closing, the Simsboro plant will accelerate the growth of Kronospan’s wood panel production in North America.

“The acquisition of the Simsboro mill, along with its talented and experienced team of managers and associates, will allow us to bring products to market more efficiently and will improve service to our customers,” said Hans Obermaier, CEO of Kronospan’s North American operations.

The former Flakeboard plant was acquired by Roseburg in 2011.

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Kronospan is committed to modernizing the Simsboro particleboard facility in the post‐acquisition period and has a proven track record in this regard from prior acquisitions.

“Given Kronospan’s plan to continue modernizing and operating the mill, this is good news for the longevity of the Simsboro facility and our 176 team members who work there,” Roseburg President and CEO Stuart Gray said. “Simsboro has been a high-performing asset for Roseburg, and we believe it will continue to deliver value for its new owners.”

Kronospan began operations in 1897 as a sawmill in Lungotz, Austria. A privately held, family-owned company, Kronospan employs about 14,000 people and operates wood‐based panel production facilities worldwide. In the U.S., Kronospan currently operates two modern manufacturing locations in Alabama and Pennsylvania, servicing the market with MDF and particleboard, decorative products and laminate flooring.

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By Malcolm Butler

It was the perfect night for a powder puff football game.

Cold. Wet. Muddy.

About 60 high school girls at Cedar Creek School divided up into four teams based on classification and overcame the elements in order to raise money for a good cause.

“It is a fundraiser that was put on by DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), one of our clubs on campus,” said Hope Merchant, Director of Development at Cedar Creek. “It’s a national organization designed for kids who think they might have an interest in the area of business when they graduate, areas such as entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, hospitality and so forth.

“Every year we go to the state conference in the early spring which is usually in Baton Rouge. We try to fund as much of it as possible so it isn’t so expensive for the kids. We want to raise as much money as possible in order to help with the expenses.

“Last year we had several kids qualify for nationals in Disney World. Having that extra money really helps with the expense. This year its at Disney Land in Anaheim. It usually will go towards travel expenses and dress attire. It just helps pay for some of those costs.”

Although Merchant said they try to raise money for the club every year, this was the inaugural year for the flag football game.

“This was our first year to do the power puff game,” said Merchant. “It was fabulous. I’m not sure how much money we were able to raise, but I think it was a great night. I was pleasantly surprised considering how yucky the weather was … there were lots of people that came out and watched. It meant a lot to those kids to have all of those people there.”

As the cold drizzle steadily fell from the skies under the lights at Cougar Field at Origin Bank Stadium, two games consisting of two 10-minute halves unfolded on each end of the field. The opening round featured Team Freshmen vs. Team Seniors and Team Sophomores vs. Team Juniors.

While the girls showed off their football skills, some of the Cougar players served as coaches while others served as … well, some version of cheerleaders and dance team. A good time seemed to be had by all.

“I enjoyed getting to see what Friday nights are like when I’m not cheering and what it is like actually playing on the field,” said sophomore cheerleader Emma Phillips. “I have a new appreciation for our football team. I can see how stressful games can be at times. I have a new respect for how hard they work.”

Team Freshman pulled off the first upset of the night, defeating the veteran upperclassmen in a close contest on the east end of Cougar Field. Team Senior head coach Gray Worthey pinpointed the issue in his team’s loss.

“It would probably be our offensive coordinator, Ladd Thompson,” joked Worthey. “Wait, don’t print that. No, I’m kidding. We will blame it on the conditions. It was raining. The freshman had one girl (Mary Grace Hawkins) who was a real athlete. We tried to get a spy on her, but we couldn’t contain her.”

Regardless of the conditions or the reasons, the high school rookies overcame the elements and the odds to move on to the championship game.

Meanwhile on the west side of the stadium, Team Juniors was putting it on Team Sophomores in a bit of a blowout.

“It was fun getting to enjoy a good game of flag football with my friends even though we got our butts kicked,” said sophomore Emerald Entertainer Addison Taylor. “I would say the most difficult part was getting open on offense.”

Following the first round results, the championship game was set between Team Freshmen vs. Team Juniors while the consolation game pitted Team Sophomores vs. Team Seniors.

As all eyes focused on the title match-up, once again the youngsters prevailed as Team Freshmen defeated Team Juniors by a couple of touchdowns to claim the championship title.

“The freshmen just knew they were going to lose when they found out they were playing the seniors,” said Merchant. “I was proud of them. They got really aggressive.”

“It was a lot of fun,” said Worthey. “I’m sad we didn’t get to do it all four years, but better late than never. It was really competitive. I wasn’t expecting it to be that way. The girls weren’t playing around.”

So will this be a one-year wonder? Or will the members of the title team get a chance to defend next year when they comprise Team Sophomores?

“I had a parent come up to me at the end and say, ‘Please tell me you will do this every year,'” said Merchant. “‘I have never seen my kid participate in something like this. She really stepped out of her comfort zone and she loved it.’

“So I definitely think we will do it again next year.”

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A Ruston man is in custody after the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team executed a search warrant on his residence Monday.

Dennis M. Jones, 64, of Pecan Street, was arrested following the search which recovered crack cocaine, marijuana, a firearm, and numerous items used to package and distribute narcotics.

Officers approached Jones and asked him if there were any drugs in the residence. He replied crack cocaine and marijuana. In a search, crack cocaine was found on a digital scale and wrapped in a paper towel, marijuana in a backpack, MDMA (ecstasy) tablets, plastic bags for packaging, crack smoking pipes, and paraphernalia for “cooking” crack.

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A .22 caliber handgun was recovered. Jones is a convicted felon and cannot possess a firearm, according to his arrest affidavit. The residence is within a drug-free zone because of its proximity to a church.

Jones was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for illegal possession of a firearm during a drug felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, violation of the controlled substances drug free zone law (2 counts), possession of drug paraphernalia, distribution of Schedule II drugs (2 counts), possession of a Schedule I substance with intent to distribute (2 counts), possession of a Schedule II substance with intent to distribute, .

Bail was set at $120,000.

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Lincoln Parish property tax notices were mailed Monday, according to the Sheriff’s Office, the tax collector for the parish.

Tax payments are due by December 31 and can be paid in person, by mail or online. Payments can be made in person at the Tax Collector office with cash, personal check, money order, or credit card. The office is located on the ground floor of the courthouse located at 100 West Texas Avenue in Ruston. Business hours are 8-5 Monday-Friday.

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Online payments via credit card can be made by clicking the “pay your taxes” link on the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office website (lincolnparishsheriff.com). The credit card processing company charges a processing fee for all credit card transactions.

Checks may be mailed to the address provided in the tax statement.

Payments received after January 5, 2024, will be assessed interest and penalties.

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