The Lincoln Parish School Board administration proudly celebrates the Ruston High School Bearcat Football Team for advancing to the state finals four years in a row. This is no small feat and is something to be so proud of. You represent your families, RHS, the City of Ruston, and our entire district well and show the whole state what Lincoln Parish is about: strong community.
A special thank you to Coach Baugh and his staff for leading with humility and character and for the opportunities they create for our students. Thank you for building something that brings our entire community together. Your work inspires our youngest children and strengthens the pride of longtime supporters.
Best of luck in the finals, Bearcats! All of Lincoln Parish is behind you.
Ricky Durrett (Superintendent, Lincoln Parish Schools)
John Young (Assistant Superintendent, Lincoln Parish Schools)
Emily Howell (Chief Academic Officer, Lincoln Parish Schools)
On behalf of Ruston High School, I would like to congratulate the 2025 Bearcat football team on a great season. But the work isn’t done yet. I have had the pleasure of being on the sidelines every Friday night, watching the fight in this group and the determination to win in each and every player and coach. What a pleasure that has been.
I have said this many times…when the football team is successful, it feels like the entire school is successful. Even day to day operations seem to flow more smoothly. I couldn’t be more proud of this football team. In a year where a lot of people doubted you, you proved them wrong — time and time again.
You have had the privilege of being coached by THE best coaches in the state of Louisiana. Coaches who truly care about you and want to see you succeed are the cornerstone of any successful program, and RHS is fortunate to have those coaches. To the seniors, what a run. You are living the “glory days”. The impact you have left on this program and school will never be forgotten.
Thank you for all you’ve done and the sacrifices you’ve made for the “R” on your jersey. I am extremely proud to be the principal of Ruston High School. Thank you for taking me on this ride with you.
Let’s go to New Orleans, control what we can control, play hard, play fast, and play smart, and let the chips fall where they may. Let’s finish what we started. I can’t wait for kickoff. Go Bearcats!
New Orleans, La. – The 2025 Kicks Ball Gala, presented by adidas, delivered an evening defined by elegance, unity, and a profound sense of purpose. With a sold-out audience and a ballroom filled with anticipation, alumni, partners, investors, and friends of Grambling State University came together at the Hilton Riverside New Orleans to celebrate tradition, excellence, and impact.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere spoke for itself—elevated décor, striking honoree displays, and the unmistakable warmth of the GramFam gathering with intention. Emcee Ya’Lisha Gatewood set the tone with a powerful reminder of why the community gathers each year: “Tonight, we celebrate the transformative power of education,” Gatewood said. “And the collective commitment that brings us together in this room tonight.”That shared commitment was evident as Grambling State President Martin Lemelle, Jr. reflected on Grambling State’s legacy and forward momentum.
“Thank you all so much for supporting Grambling State University,” Lemelle said. “Since 1901, we have been building pathways and possibilities for students in the state of Louisiana, and currently, we are ranked the number one institution in the state of Louisiana for social and economic mobility.”
The gala’s driving purpose—the GAP Scholarship Fund—became a central thread of the evening. Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation, Brandon A. Logan, emphasized its transformative impact. “What a night,” Logan said. “This room is filled with pride, purpose, and possibility. From the powerful stories to the unmatched energy, we’re doing more than educating students. We are transforming lives and economic futures. Since its inception, the GAP Scholarship Fund has awarded over $1.36 million to help more than 1,600 students stay enrolled and on track to graduate. You’ve reminded us why Grambling State University is the place where everybody is somebody.”
Logan also acknowledged the event’s growing momentum.
“The consistency of the turnout has been awesome,” Logan said. “We’ve seen increases year over year, and it’s a testament to what the institution is doing and where the institution is going.”
The evening’s honorees further illustrated the profound impact of leadership, service, and vision within the Grambling State community.
Honoring a Cohort of Excellence Student Excellence Award — Nyic’Quavayion Willis Raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nyic’Quavayion Willis is a senior criminal justice major with a 4.0 GPA, Chapter President of the Gamma Psi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and a Student Ambassador for the Center for Academic Excellence.
His advocacy spans civic engagement, national policy, and nonprofit leadership through roles with the Campus Vote Project, Caleb W. Hazzing Prevention Task Force, the Congressional Black Caucus, and The HBCU Promise.
He leads with purpose and lives by a commitment to justice, empowerment, and service—making him a standout recipient of the Student Excellence Award.
Service Excellence Award — Janice Critton A native of Heflin, Louisiana, Janice Critton has dedicated over 40 years to helping students navigate their journey from matriculation to graduation.
A 1979 cum laude graduate of Grambling State, she built a distinguished career in the Financial Aid Office, supporting families across generations with compassion, integrity, and excellence. Critton is also a devoted civic servant, a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a woman whose life is rooted in faith. Her legacy of service embodies the heart of the Service Excellence Award.
Business Excellence Award — Denise Young A trailblazer in every sense, Denise Young spent more than two decades at Apple, rising to Vice President under Steve Jobs and becoming the first African American to reach the company’s C-suite.
She later served as Executive in Residence at Cornell Tech, advising global leaders on innovation and the future of work. Young also leads in the arts and civic life as Director and Chair of the Board of SFJAZZ and as a trustee for iconic creative institutions. Recognized as a “Most Powerful Woman” by multiple national publications, she perfectly reflects the spirit of the Business Excellence Award.
Community Changemaker Award — Strada Education Foundation Strada Education Foundation supports post-secondary success by investing in pathways between education and career.
Through its HBCU Initiative, Strada has invested $25 million across nearly 48 Historically Black Colleges and Universities—providing scholarships, leadership development, and workforce preparation.
Led by Daryl A. Graham, whose work spans corporate strategy and nonprofit leadership, Strada’s investment in Grambling State students and their futures exemplifies the Community Changemaker Award.
Brandon Logan reflected on the honoree cohort with admiration that resonated across the room.
“Nyic’Quavayion is one of the brightest stars in the galaxy,” Logan said. “Janice Critton is an engine behind helping students get to and through Grambling State University. Strada Education is investing not only in our students but in their development. And Denise Young is the perfect reminder that Grambling State University is synonymous with FIRST.”
A Performance that Elevated the Night
As guests transitioned from the awards to the entertainment portion of the evening, the energy shifted from admiration to pure celebration. The legendary R&B trio SWV took the stage, delivering a performance that brought the ballroom to life. Their unmistakable harmonies and iconic hits—including “Weak,” “Right Here,” and “I’m So Into You”—filled the room with nostalgia, joy, and an electric sense of togetherness.
With the night’s final moments unfolding, the collective spirit of GramFam was unmistakable: united, hopeful, and ready for what comes next.
“The best days for Grambling State University are ahead,” said Logan. “We’re excited to be a part of that journey and really looking forward to seeing what comes next for the institution.”
Movement brought the state culture, education, and hope
by Wesley Harris
Toma Lodge in Ruston is a quiet upscale neighborhood of fine homes, towering pine trees, and well manicured lawns. Right away, visitors note the subdivision is unlike most contemporary growth in which lots are razed to facilitate construction and then replanted with spindly trees and shabby shrubs, giving the landscape an artificial look. In Toma Lodge, it is clear the homes were planned carefully around century-old trees in a park-like setting.
Toma Lodge looks like a park because it served as a semi-private natural sanctuary for decades.
Toma Lodge Estates, an adjacent church, and the Ruston-Lincoln Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce lay on land with a history. Around the turn of the 20th Century, thousands gathered each summer on the grounds now occupied by expensive homes and a beautiful house of worship for sessions of the Louisiana Chautauqua. Among them were the most prominent politicians, religious leaders, and public speakers in the nation.
The Chautauqua Society was founded in New York in 1874 with the goal of providing educational enrichment and inspiration in a picturesque natural setting. Much like a summer camp, A Chautauqua event offered a mixture of education, religion, and recreation. The movement spread quickly across the United States as 45 states established Circuit Chautauquas filled with lectures, music, speeches, and plays in rural and small-town America.
In the 1870s, Louisiana was not only suffering the effects of the recent civil war but reeling from the terrorism and political shenanigans of Reconstruction. Visionary leaders realized Louisiana had a great deal of catching up to do, but improvement in the social, educational, and commercial welfare of the state was slow in coming. In 1889, the Louisiana Educational Association voted to establish a Louisiana Chautauqua on a 15-acre tract just north of the fledgling railroad town of Ruston.
Ruston was selected for the state’s Chautauqua because of its gently rolling hills, forest scenery, and peaceful setting as well as enthusiastic local support for the endeavor. In a report of its 1889 decision, the leaders of the Louisiana Educational Association noted the “refined culture of [Ruston’s] people, their public spirit, their hospitality, their intense interest in all forms of thought and learning showed that they would give generous, united and untiring support to such an institution.”
When Ruston was founded in 1884 with the coming of the railroad, it attracted some of the best educated community leaders from regional towns bypassed by the new line. By the time the Chautauqua was created, Ruston already boasted a small college—Ruston College—an opera house, and other cultural endeavors.
Thomas. D. Boyd, president of the Louisiana Educational Association, wrote in a circular letter in April 1891 that Northern Louisiana was renowned for its “healthfulness and pleasing rural scenery.” Since the Chautauqua programs were held during the summer, the region also offered an escape from the oppressive southern Louisiana heat. The Ruston site encompassed “mineral springs,” offering visitors what were purported to be “healing waters.” A large two-story hotel was erected along with cabins and an outdoor auditorium with a capacity of 2,000.
The popularity of the Louisiana Chautauqua as a place for retreat and renewal quickly spread and people from outside the state attended its annual programs. Those arriving from points east and west on the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Pacific Railroad were transferred the two miles from the Ruston depot by carriage. Many participants were said to have loved the “tonic effect of the pure pine air” while they gathered under the mature trees covering the Chautauqua property. For families who wished to remain all summer, cottages were available with discounted accommodations for servants and attending nurses. A single room for an adult in the hotel went for $25 a month. Teachers paid $15 a month.
Offerings at the Chautauqua ranged from sermons by nationally-known ministers to theatrical productions. Lecture subjects included poetry, art, and languages. William Jennings Bryan, three-time Democratic Presidential candidate, was one of the most popular of all Louisiana Chautauqua speakers. As the program increased in variety and magnitude, a building was constructed for music classes and another for the science curriculum. When the Arkansas Southern Railway laid its line along the property in 1900, a small depot was built for travelers arriving from the north and south.
The project flourished for about fifteen years before it closed in 1905 in bankruptcy and the property of the Chautauqua was sold. The grounds and buildings fell into disrepair. In 1906 a similar project for African Americans started at Grambling with the creation of the Louisiana Colored Chautauqua but it lacked the financial backing and statewide support of the earlier effort.
In 1922, Thomas L.and Maggie Hodges James acquired the Chautauqua property as well as adjoining tracts for a total of about 90 acres. James was a prominent Ruston businessman responsible for constructing some of the major highways across America. His wife Maggie came from a prominent Louisiana family with a love for nature. Maggie’s brother, A.J. Hodges, a pioneering conservationist, established Hodges Gardens near Many, a 4,700-acre natural haven operated one of the state’s prime tourist attractions for many years.
Maggie inherited her family’s passion for the outdoors, conservation and gardening. Together with her husband, she created a family botanical garden and extensive arboretum, calling it Toma Lodge, an integration of the names TOm and MAggie. Maggie designed sweeping gardens and arbors and supervised the construction of barns, greenhouses and a hen house. A staff of seven full-time gardeners maintained the family retreat, including a magnificent rose garden, fountains and a swimming pool.
Following the deaths of Maggie and Tom, the T. L. James & Company assumed management and maintenance of the estate in 1964. James family members continued to spend summer afternoons enjoying the pool and the grounds were open to public viewing. The gardens maintained their popularity as a backdrop for photography sessions for school groups and brides-to-be. Motorists routinely cut through Toma Lodge to enjoy a short drive among blooming azaleas, daylilies, and roses. Over the years, many Ruston teens were guilty of sneaking into Toma Lodge at night to enjoy the pool and a police officer was installed in a small cottage on the property to watch over the grounds. But the sanctuary slowly assumed an unkempt appearance without Maggie James to preside over its upkeep.
Trott Hunt, great grandson of James, bought Toma Lodge in 2000. Hunt’s plan for restricted development in conjunction with tree preservation struck a balance between perpetuation of an urban forest and new construction. Trees were selectively cut and dilapidated buildings removed. Large azaleas and other large plantings by Maggie James were preserved or moved to new locations. The swimming pool was refurbished, tennis courts added, and the original James Lodge retained as a community center.
Christ Community Church—now renamed The Bridge—relocated to the property in 2004. Church members were drawn to the appealing natural sanctuary with its convenient and visible location just minutes from downtown Ruston. Construction priorities included saving as many trees as possible and giving the impression that the church had always existed in the forest. Curving driveways and strategically-designed parking lots circumvent mature trees. To further integrate the church into the setting, harvested oaks were transformed into exposed ceiling beams, a pulpit, and a 15-foot cross.
The influence of the Chautauqua persists in the form of Louisiana Tech University, an institution growing in stature and prestige. Hallie Townsend, a longtime principal at Ruston High School, noted in his 1929 college thesis that Ruston’s support for the Chautauqua was instrumental in Tech’s creation in 1894. The Chautauqua was then at the height of its popularity and, according to Townsend, the notoriety it brought to Ruston among the powerbrokers in Baton Rouge aided in bringing Tech into existence.
The neighborhood still displays the handiwork of Maggie James and her staff. Although all evidence of the Chautauqua facilities disappeared long ago save a historical marker, ancient azaleas and camellias from James’s gardens dot the landscape. Sequoias and an impenetrable tangle of bamboo grow incongruously among the southern pines and white oaks. Gnarled crepe myrtles and magnificent magnolias stand out from newly planted ones. A sense of solitude remains despite the stately homes that somehow refuse to intrude on the majesty of nature.
The Louisiana Chautauqua played a small but significant role in transitioning the state out of the dark and dangerous days of war and reconstruction.
In preparation for the Bearcats’ march to a fourth-straight Superdome appearance, the Lincoln Parish Journal will have a special FREE email coming Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. with full coverage of all things Ruston High Football.
Go ‘Cats!!
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A Bastrop man was arrested in Lincoln Parish last week after a deputy spotted him driving a stolen vehicle.
Tradarrius Markezz Mitchell, 37, was stopped on Interstate 20 in Ruston on December 6 at about 1:20 p.m.
A Lincoln Parish deputy spotted the vehicle westbound on I-20 near milepost 89. Once the stolen status of the vehicle was verified, it was stopped near the Tech Drive exit. As the vehicle stopped, Mitchell, the driver and sole occupant, threw a bag of marijuana out the window.
Mitchell was taken into custody and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for illegal possession of stolen things and possession of marijuana.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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A Ruston man was arrested Monday after a patrol officer found multiple illegal drugs in a search.
Gene Green, Jr., 43, was arrested December 8 on South Trenton Street after he was stopped for walking in the middle of the roadway, obstructing traffic.
An officer on patrol in an area known for drug trafficking and other criminal activity saw Green walking in the middle of the roadway with his back toward traffic just before midnight Sunday night. According to the officer’s report, this created an immediate safety hazard and a violation of state law regarding pedestrians in roadways.
The officer stopped to talk with Green and ensure his safety. Green repeatedly reached into his right pants pocket without producing anything. The officer’s report noted this behavior is consistent with nervousness and attempts to conceal contraband or weapons.
Green gave inconsistent statements about his intended destination. A records check showed he had a criminal history involving drug possession and distribution.
A search located a large plastic bag containing over 35 ecstasy tablets in Green’s right front pants pocket. Additional ecstasy tablets were found in a second jacket he was wearing under his outer jacket along with multiple Xanax pills, prepackaged baggies of crack cocaine, and approximately 7.4g of methamphetamine. A search of the backpack located a glass methamphetamine smoking pipe, several baggies used for packaging and distributing illegal narcotics, a scale, and approximately 4 grams of marijuana.
Green was arrested and asked if he had anything else on him and he said no. The officer told Green multiple times that if he got to the jail with additional contraband on him that would constitute an additional charge. When Green was booked, detention center staff found additional baggies hidden in Green’s underwear. Before the baggies containing methamphetamine could be seized, Green placed them in his mouth to attempt to dispose of them.
Green was booked for possession of MDMA (ecstasy), possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, obstruction of justice, and introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
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.
During the holidays, we spend a lot of time and effort on what we eat. One mandatory item on most of our tables is bread, one of the oldest prepared foods. In 2018, scientists discovered the earliest known evidence of bread-making, including a bread oven and 24 charred bread crumbs, from a 14,400-year-old dig site in the Black Desert in Jordan. The stone age bakers ground flour from wild wheat and barley, mixed it with the pulverized roots of plants, added water, and then cooked it. This was before the advent of farming, when people were hunter-gatherers. The bread they made looked similar to modern flatbread because it contained no rising agent such as yeast and tasted like today’s multi-grain bread. Professor Dorian Fuller of University College London said, “this is the earliest evidence we have for what we could really call a cuisine, in that it’s a mixed food product.” Dr. Amaia Arranz-Optaegui of the University of Copenhagen, who discovered the remains of the bread, said “bread is a powerful link between our past and present food cultures. It connects us with our prehistoric ancestors.”
Fluffy loaves of bread that look like the bread most of us eat today came several thousands of years later. In 2017, archaeobotanist Lara González Carretero studied the remains of unbaked, leavened bread found at the ancient Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük in southern Turkey. They dated back to 6600 BCE, making it the oldest evidence of leavened bread found to date.
Through the ages, people bartered for bread rather than bake it themselves. The barter system had a major disadvantage in that the two parties involved each had to want what the other party was offering to trade. Sometime around 640 BCE, people in China began to mint the oldest known standardized forms of metal coinage. As money became the more common medium of exchange, bakers sold their bread. The problem was that money was standardized but bread was anything but standardized. It came in a variety of sizes, qualities, and prices. Unscrupulous bakers took advantage of the situation and sold poor-quality bread for premium prices. In 1266, the Parliament of the United Kingdom created the “Assize of Bread and Ale” to regulate the production and sale of bread and ale. Under this law, the weight and quality of a loaves of bread were specified and the price was set according to the fluctuating price of wheat. Bakers whose bread was not to up the standards set forth by the law were subject to the wrath of King Henry III. This law slowly began to weed out the dishonest bakers, but honest bakers became worried that a simple mistake could get them into trouble. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, they could be fined, placed in a pillory (where the community was expected to throw things at them), be jailed, or have their trade taken away. Honesty was the best policy. They were able to make bread that was good quality and sold it according to the law, but getting a standardized weight for each loaf was difficult. To ensure that they were well within the weight limit prescribed by law, bakers began adding a bonus loaf, what they called the “vantage loaf,” when someone bought 12 loaves of bread. That is why when visiting a bakery, you sometimes get a baker’s dozen.
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RUSTON – Louisiana Tech’s Devin Gandy was named a Third Team All-American kick returner by Pro Football & Sports Network (PFSN), the organization announced on Wednesday.
The graduate student from Sacramento State led Conference USA in kickoff return yards (467), touchdowns (two) and average (31.1). Gandy, who earned first-team All-CUSA kick return honors, was the only player in the league with more than 400 return yards.
The Victorville, Calif., native recorded an 85-yard touchdown return against WKU and a 93-yard return against Missouri State.
He had two games with more than 100 kick return yards and registered six returns of 25 yards or more.
Gandy becomes the fourth Bulldog to earn All-America honors under head coach Sonny Cumbie, joining Marquis Crosby (2022), Michael Richard (2023) and David Blay (2024), giving Cumbie one All-American each of his four seasons.
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.
Friday, Dec. 12 5:30-9 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Light Up the Pines (Lincoln Parish Park)
Saturday, Dec. 13 8:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 2 p.m.: LA Tech men’s basketball 5:30-9 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Light Up the Pines (Lincoln Parish Park)
Sunday, Dec. 14 1-4 p.m.: Ruston Cookie Crawl (Downtown Ruston) 2-5 p.m.: Homes for Hope – Holiday Tour of Homes (Pine Hills Children’s Advocacy Center)
Monday, Dec. 15 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 4-7 p.m.: Ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex (2001 Champions Way) 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, Dec. 16 Noon: Ribbon cutting celebrating Sweet Treasures Gift Shop (Located in The Diabetes Care Center, 707 S. Vienna St., Ruston) 2 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Ruston Tax and Accounting (2300 Commons Ct., Unit 3) 4-7 p.m.: Ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex (2001 Champions Way)
Wednesday, Dec. 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) 6:30 p.m.: Lady Techsters basketball
Thursday, Dec. 18 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 4-7 p.m.: Ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex, 2001 Champions Way) 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.: Ruston Rudolph Run 5k (Ruston Sports Complex, 2001 Champions Way) 7 p.m.: Holiday Portraits Concert by Russ-Town Band (212 N. Vienna, Ruston)
Saturday, Dec. 20 9-11 a.m.: Christmas at the Complex (Ruston Sports Complex, 2001 Champions Way) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 12-2 p.m.: Free ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex, 2001 Champions Way) 2 p.m.: Lady Techsters basketball 5:30-8 p.m.: Holiday movie and hot cocoa (Ruston Sports Complex, 2001 Champions Way)
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John Dale Ropp, one of Louisiana’s most prolific football coaches, passed away on December 10, 2025, at the age of 95. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches on Thursday, December 18, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A private family burial service will be at the American Cemetery.
John was born on March 13, 1930, in Natchitoches, to parents Dr. R.L. Ropp and Effie Lee Jones Ropp. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Quincy Lincecum Ropp, and by his brother, Col. Ralph L. Ropp, and sister, Linda Lou Ropp.
John was one of very few to coach at the elementary, junior high, high school and college levels. He was the first coach at Airline High School in Bossier City and coached the offensive line at Northwestern State University for nine seasons. He was named to the Bossier Hall of Fame and also to the Northwestern Graduate N Club Hall of Fame. During his 20-plus years as a teacher and coach, John touched many young lives and stayed close to several of his student-athletes, especially dear friend Russell Jones.
Following his retirement from Northwestern, John was a successful businessman selling hydraulic fitness equipment. In later life he enjoyed hobbies including poetry, magic and ventriloquism. He delighted different groups and organizations with his performances, and family events always included raucous calls to be entertained by Uncle John.
Although John and Quincy didn’t have children of their own, they were loving role models to nieces Meg Ropp Mattei, Karen Green Cox, Kelley May Bingham and Kirkland Ropp Crosby, and to nephew R. Lewis Ropp. John is also survived by his sister-in-law Fran Moses Ropp, and by 13 great-nieces and -nephews, and 17 great-great nieces and nephews, most of whom have been thrilled to see Uncle John make a dime disappear into a small tattoo on his arm … and reappear behind your ear! We’re not sad that he’s gone to be with the Lord; we’re sad to be deprived of his fine company.
John enjoyed the Christian fellowship of his Sunday School class called Couples Too and was happy to be a member of the Walter Ledet Coffee Club.
The family suggests memorials in John’s remembrance be made to First Baptist Church of Natchitoches, 508 Second St, Natchitoches, LA 71457.
Billy Jim Garrett, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, age 87 of West Monroe, LA passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in West Monroe. He was born on January 11, 1938 in Calvin, LA to Ellen Carter Garrett and Douglas E. Garrett.
Billy grew up in Ward 8 in Calvin. He graduated from Winnfield High School in 1956, then furthering his education he attended Louisiana State University and graduated in 1961 with an Engineering Degree. Billy was drafted into the United States Army, during the Cuban Crisis, and was stationed in Fort Polk, LA. His engineering career was with the Army Corps of Engineers in New Orleans, LA, then later in Washington D.C.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Constance James Garrett; and his son, Thaddeus James Garrett. Those left to treasure his memories are his daughter, Lucretia Lynn Garrett and husband Robert LeJune; brothers, Donald W. Garrett and Colvin R. Garrett; sisters, Patsy Garrett Smith, Carolyn Garrett, and Judy Garrett; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to charity of your choice.
Minister Catherine K Dunn Monday 02/01/1954 — Tuesday 12/09/2025 Celebration of Life: Friday 12/12/2025 10:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Friday 12/12/2025, Mt. Olive Cemetery, Summerfield
LaWanda Gail Johnson Thursday 08/04/1960 — Thursday 12/04/2025 Memorial Service: Sunday 12/14/2025 3:00pm, Tri-District Boys & Girls Club, 2920 Louberta Street, Monroe
Deborah A. Hall Davis Sunday 11/02/1958 –Tuesday 12/02/2025 Visitation: Saturday 12/13/2025 11:00am to 1:00pm, Travelers Rest Baptist Church, Jonesboro Celebration of Life: Saturday 12/13/2025 1:00pm, Travelers Rest Baptist Church, Jonesboro Interment: Saturday 12/13/2025 Following Service, Travelers Rest Baptist Church Cemetery, Jonesboro
While the Spanish-American War was a pivotal moment in history that established the United States as a global power, its brevity (four months) and the timing (before the World Wars) contribute to its low profile in public knowledge today. In other words, most Americans do not know we fought a war with Spain.
It is barely, if ever, mentioned in history classes around the country. The memorial marker at the City Hall does not list the war among the conflicts in which Lincoln Parish men died.
The war, fought in 1898, stemmed mostly from American support for the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain, fueled by sensationalist yellow journalism regarding Spanish atrocities. Following the mysterious sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in the Havana, Cuba harbor, the U. S. declared war. The short but decisive conflict resulted in swift American victories in Cuba and in the Pacific.
In the last week of April 1898, Captain Emmett Leroy Kidd of the Ruston Rifles visited Homer and possibly other local towns on a recruiting mission. A state guard unit, the Ruston infantry would soon be joining the rest of the First Louisiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment in New Orleans for shipment to Florida, the closest point in the United State to Cuba. Preparations would be made there to ready the men for the attack on Cuba.
The Ruston Rifles were organized as Company F of the state militia in 1887, just a few years after Ruston was formed. One writer reports formation of the company was a “patriotic movement. The younger men felt that some such organization was a part of their duty as young citizens; neither officers nor men received pay nor even uniforms for a number of years. The interest in the organization varied, of course, from year to year … when the war was declared in 1898, Company F came speedily into prominence. There was excitement, naturally, over the goodly number of youths and young men who were volunteering and the large number of younger youths who wanted to volunteer.”
Kidd, only twenty at the time of the war, needed more men, so just days before his regiment was scheduled to board a train that would carry them to Jackson, Mississippi and then to New Orleans, he was rushing to fill his ranks. In Homer, he signed up two men to join the thirty or so from Ruston. Telling his new recruits the company would be called the “North Louisiana Hill Company” with the inclusion of those outside Ruston, Kidd instructed them to join him in Ruston when notified.
Kidd left additional enlistment papers with Bridgeman who made the rounds to sign up others. At least one other Claiborne Parish man, Casper Morgan, joined the cause.
Kidd’s company left Ruston by train on May 1 to join the First Louisiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Organized and mustered into the service of the United States at New Orleans May 8-18, 1898, the regiment was composed of companies from various Louisiana communities with a total of 46 officers and 977 enlisted men. They left New Orleans on June 1, stayed briefly in Mobile, and arrived in Miami, Florida on June 26. The men were removed further north to Jacksonville on August 10.
Troops from across the nation flooded Florida ports like Tampa (main hub), Key West, and Jacksonville. The men concentrated in camps for training while awaiting transport the short distance to Cuba to launch the invasion to liberate the island from the Spanish. Tampa served as the primary staging area, especially for Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, with massive troop concentrations there. Jacksonville and Miami also hosted camps.
But a lack of transport vessels meant many of the units that traveled to Florida found themselves stuck there without a means to get to Cuba.
The Louisiana men suffered greatly in camp at Jacksonville. The food was awful, the climate debilitating, and disease was rampant.
Lieutenant William Marvin “Willie” Holland of Ruston and Quartermaster Sergeant James N. Goff of Bienville Parish but attending Louisiana Tech in Ruston, were part of the Ruston Rifles serving with the Claiborne men. Holland died of typhoid fever on August 31, 1898, and Goff of the same disease on October 2, just one day before his unit was relieved to be sent home.
The First Louisiana was mustered out of the service of the United States at Jacksonville on October 3, 1898, with 42 officers and 1,114 enlisted men. Despite never seeing combat and never even reaching Cuba, 17 Louisiana men died. Four officers died of disease. Among the enlisted men 10 died of disease, one was killed by accident, one drowned, and one was murdered. Ten men deserted.
Holland and Goff were the only Ruston Rifles to die during the deployment. Only Holland is buried in the Vienna Cemetery; Goff is interred at the Old Mount Calm Cemetery in Bienville Parish.
While the company never reached the battlefield, the men were ready to do their duty. Only the lack of transportation and the brevity of the war kept them from combat.
The Spanish-American War of 1898 ended Spain’s colonial empire in the Western Hemisphere and secured the position of the United States as a global power, especially in the Pacific. A peace treaty compelled the Spanish to relinquish claims on Cuba, and to cede Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States. The United States also annexed the independent state of Hawaii during the conflict. Thus, the war enabled the United States to establish its predominance in the Caribbean and to pursue its strategic and economic interests in Asia.
The Lincoln Parish Memorial at City Hall includes servicemen killed during wartime, whether by combat, illness, or accident. Space exists to add Holland and Goff as Spanish-American War casualties. Their addition would acknowledge the small group of men who volunteered to protect their community and their nation.
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Note: Kidd’s house at 609 N. Vienna now serves as the Lincoln Parish Museum.
Ruston Rifles at camp in Jacksonville, Florida.Captain Emmett Kidd, commander of Ruston Rifles.
Students showcase innovation, discipline, and entrepreneurial excellence during Bayou Classic Weekend
Courtesy of GSU Communications
In the inaugural Bayou Business Bowl—an all-new student pitch competition launched during Business at the Bayou—two Grambling State University teams delivered a commanding performance, claiming first and second place against top innovators from Southern University and A&M College.
The event not only marked the beginning of a new tradition for both institutions, but also signaled a powerful chapter of collaboration, innovation, and regional impact.
The dominance of Grambling State’s teams showcased the university’s commitment to developing entrepreneurs who are ready to solve real problems, lift communities, and lead industries. As Grambling State expands opportunities through the Thomas & Joyce Moorehead College of Business & Entrepreneurship, the Bayou Business Bowl affirmed a simple truth: when preparation meets purpose, Tiger excellence rises to the top.
Held inside the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, the event was backed by the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Bayou Classic partners who remain committed to elevating student talent, sharpening entrepreneurial readiness, and expanding pathways for economic mobility.
Delivering at the Highest Level
Team ScrollDoor, the first-place winners, demonstrated a powerful blend of creativity, technical skill, and mission-centered thinking. For team member Favour Aina, the moment carried deep meaning.
“Winning this competition was such an honor and a blessing to represent the College of Business and GSU at large,” Aina said. “The Bayou Bowl was more than a pitch to me; it was my avenue to showcase the excellence that being a GSU student has taught me!”
Her teammate David Nintang shared how prior competitions shaped his confidence on stage.
“Competing in the Bayou Business Bowl was a great experience,” Nintang said. “Having already worked with the same team during the HBCUMI Competition helped us perform strongly, and I’m grateful to Prof. Penn, Dean Warren, and Ms. Amanda Sapp for their consistent support.”
As the team reflected on their journey, Christotes Nartey-Tetteh emphasized the strength of their collaboration.
“ScrollDoor is one of the best teams I’ve worked with so far,” Nartey-Tetteh said. “Everyone is brilliant, skilled, and brings something unique, and I’m grateful for the continued love and support from Dr. Warren, Ms. Sapp, and Professor Penn.”
Nonso Duaka highlighted the pride he felt in bringing their idea to life.
“Competing in the Bayou Business Bowl was an incredible experience,” Duaka said. “Moments like this remind me that young innovators truly have the power to change the world.”
For Samuel Torto, the competition reaffirmed the purpose behind their innovation.
“Participating in the Bayou Business Bowl was a humbling and empowering experience,” Torto said. “Seeing our idea resonate with others reminded me why innovation matters—because it creates real solutions for real people.”
Closing out the reflections from Team ScrollDoor, Prevailer Nchekwube described the personal meaning behind their shared success.
“The Bayou Business Bowl was truly surreal,” Nchekwube said. “Pitching to the judges and placing at the top was incredible, but what stays with me most is the growth, the journey, and the resilience we built as a team.”
Team Whisppr, led by Life Makarudze, brought forward a concept rooted in connection and community impact—earning them a strong second-place finish. Makarudze reflected on what the moment symbolized for him.
“Standing on that stage, alongside brilliant innovators from both Grambling State and Southern University, reminded me how far determination, creativity, and community can take you,” Makarudze said. “Competitions like this push us to think bigger, build bravely, and lead with purpose—and this is only the beginning.”
A Legacy of Excellence and a New Tradition
For Dr. Derrick Warren, Dean of the Thomas & Joyce Moorehead College of Business & Entrepreneurship, the wins were especially meaningful. Several of the participating students had already distinguished themselves nationally through victories in Golden Pitch and the HBCUMI Business Brand Competition.
“I was ecstatic, to say the least,” Warren said. “Once third and fourth place were announced and both were Southern, we knew Grambling State students had secured the top spots. I’m extremely proud of all our participants.”
He emphasized that the Bayou Business Bowl was born from a shared belief between Grambling State and Southern University: students need more opportunities to bring their classroom learning into real-world application.
“We both believe very heavily in the power of experiential learning,” Warren said. “At Grambling State, students get more than a degree—they get the kind of experience that helps them succeed in career and life.”
The Coaching Behind the Win
As the Entrepreneur in Residence and Adjunct Professor for the Moorehead College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Kimberley Penn has coached high-performing teams across multiple competitions. She said the selection for the Bayou Business Bowl came down to discipline, focus, and entrepreneurial readiness.
“Everyone has the potential to be a successful pitcher,” Penn said. “We look for work ethic, focus, and the mindset that allows students to do the things that need to get done.”
Her coaching philosophy—refined through experience training defense-industry entrepreneurs and multimillion-dollar startups—centers on courage, communication, and disciplined excellence.
“Don’t let perfect get in the way of excellence,” Penn said. “It’s okay to be scared, but you have to be brave—that’s required in pitching and in life.”
And when the placements were announced, she felt no surprise.
“I always state who’s going to win before it’s announced,” Penn said. “The confidence is there, and it reflects in what you see.”
While Lincoln Parish Park is an enchanting and beautiful destination year-round, it truly shines during the holiday season for Lincoln Lights Up the Pines, the park’s annual drive-through holiday light display.
This dazzling display turns the woods of Lincoln Parish Park into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights. This year’s Lincoln Lights up the Pines — the 11th annual — takes place on December 4-6 and December 11-13 from 5:30-9 p.m. each night, offering two weekends to experience the 3-mile long, stunning display.
Admission is only $10 per car and $20 per bus for a drive through the sparkling pines of Lincoln Parish Park.
The idea for the annual display came from a vintage camping group that had visited a similar trail of lights in Tyler, Texas, more than a decade ago and thought it would be a great idea to bring something like that to Lincoln Parish.
It has become an annual favorite for folks in Lincoln Parish and the surrounding areas as families pile into their cars, pack thermoses full of hot chocolate, tune the radio to holiday music, and enjoy the magic of the season from the warmth and comfort of their vehicles.
A feature that makes this cherished community event truly special is the participation of local businesses that decorate and join in the festivities. Adding to the magic, vintage camper owners set up their holiday themed trailers, which is the true highlight of the event. This blend of local support, holiday lights, and charming retro campers makes Lincoln Lights Up the Pines a one-of-a-kind experience that showcases the warmth and creativity of our community.
A special thank you to JTB Rentals, this year’s Lincoln Lights Up the Piney title sponsor. The event also wouldn’t be possible without support from the Lincoln Parish Police Jury, HiTech, all the participating local businesses, and the Lincoln Lights Up the Pines planning committee.
Don’t miss out on an opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit at the 11th annual Light Up the Pines on Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 11-13 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Lincoln Parish Park.
A passionate Lincoln Parish Educator has been recognized for her dedication to teaching foreign languages.
Lincoln Parish School District’s French Immersion Coordinator and German Instructor at Ruston High, Mrs. Corrine Nutt, was named the runner-up for the Louisiana Foreign Language Teachers Association Teacher of the Year.
Over 20 foreign language educators across the state of Louisiana where nominated for the Teacher of the Year award. In October, Nutt was named one of the top 3 finalists in the state, and was most recently announced as the runner-up for the award.
Nutt has spent the last 20 years teaching foreign language at Ruston High School, a large part of her impressive total of 28 years in education. Ruston High School Principal, Dan Gressett, praised Nutt’s contribution to the language program and her students.
“Mrs. Nutt is a fabulous teacher and a great asset to Ruston High School,” Gressett said. “She’s a tireless worker and her students truly benefit from being in her classes. I really enjoy having her here at RHS. She is great.”
Despite always having a love for languages, Nutt was initially set to obtain her masters in international business. She had spent many years coaching gymnastics and developed a deep passion for teaching and working with youth as well.
“I always said that when I retired I’d actually do my dream job, which is teaching,” Nutt said. “But for the sake of income I was planning on getting my masters in international business. It was my dad who suggested that I just do what I really wanted to do.”
So, 28 years ago she stepped into the world of education. Her concerns were buried in the joy of teaching young students and building them up. Today she says that she wouldn’t have changed a thing.
“I love that no day is ever going to be the same when teaching,” Nutt said. “I love getting to see the children learn. That’s the best thing about teaching a language. How they come in knowing nothing and I get to see them getting to know the language and growing throughout the semester.”
Nutt serves as not only the German language teacher for RHS, but also as the French Immersion Program Coordinator for the parish’s elementary schools. The program has allowed students in Kindergarten through 5th grade to be introduced to foreign languages alongside their regular school curriculum. Superintendent Ricky Durrett, highlighted the important work that Nutt does in both roles.
“Corrine’s been a great advocate for our foreign language classes and programs in Lincoln Parish for many years,” Durrett said. “She is a great German teacher and also does an amazing job leading our French Immersion program for the elementary students. She has truly just been a great asset to our foreign language programs in the parish overall.”
Parents of a 15-month-old infant who tested positive for methamphetamine were arrested by Ruston Police Wednesday.
The mother, Kristine Woodall, 28, and the father, Jimmy Klobas, 40, both of Choudrant, were arrested December 10 for cruelty to a juvenile during an investigation.
Police responded to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston on December 9 at about 2:30 a.m. regarding the child testing positive for the drug.
Woodall and Klobas admitted to the infant was sick but denied knowing how he got methamphetamine in his system, according to a RPD press release.
Ruston Police said the investigation is continuing and additional charges may follow.
Both Woodall and Klobas were arrested on bench warrants for failure to appear. Court records show Klobas has a history of drug offenses.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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