RUSTON, La. — Plenty of Ruston High Lady Bearcats have been named to the All-District 2-I team, with junior setter Baylor Cauley earning the District MVP honor.
Cauley held a foursome of firsts for the team in kills (255), aces (91), assists (433) and digs (271).
Junior middle blocker Jane Ramsey joins Cauley with the Offensive Player of the Year superlative, while sophomore outside hitter Bridget Crittenden was named Newcome of the Year. Ramsey finished the season with 229 kills overall — second best for the Lady Bearctast — and was first on the team in blocks with (53). Crittenden was second on the team in assists with 229 and third in kills with 150.
Three Lady Bearcats also made the first team in senior Camille Smith (libero), junior Brooklyn Bissell (Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist), and sophomore Naomi Smith (OH).
Junior middle blocker Kayden Walker was also named to the second team, while both sophomore Ellie Williams and Addie Powell were named honorable mention.
See the complete team below:
Coach of the Year – Trey Long MVP – Baylor Cauley, Ruston Offensive POY – Jane Ramsey, Ruston Defensive POY – Bella Costello, West Monroe Newcomer of the Year – Bridget Crittenden, Ruston
I remember interviewing for a paper mill controller position. I was the controller and operations manager for a smaller plant adjacent to the mill at that time.
I had no experience in a paper mill and was going up against eleven other candidates with mill experience. The mill manager would make the final decision and told me upfront that I was number twelve on his list going into the process.
I either had a good series of interviews or the other eleven all had some bad days, but I got the job.
Less than a few weeks on the job, we had a meeting with the senior leaders of the company. They flew down on a corporate jet and spent the day touring the mill. During the meeting portion of the visit, they were asking plenty of hard questions that our team had few answers for at the time.
One of the more outspoken executives asked who the controller was for the facility. I stood up and introduced myself. He started asking me all types of questions pertaining to the mill operation and how we were going to improve earnings. I couldn’t answer much of anything. My two weeks on the job didn’t prepare me for that onslaught.
He finally told me to sit down and that I was useless in the role if I couldn’t answer those questions. While I wanted to make an excuse that I just got there, I just sat and got angry.
Who was this guy to call me useless? He didn’t know me, and sure didn’t know what I could do if just given a chance.
After the meeting, no one said anything. The executives left and everyone just went back to work. I had to decide. Do I accept his comments and quit? Do I just sit in anger until our next review? Do I do something about it?
Well, I chose to do something and went out and learned that mill operation from top to bottom. At the next meeting, I was fully prepared and that guy had very little to say. We actually had some good conversations over the next few years.
Thankfully, I chose not to hold on to that anger and to take that energy and get better.
We all face those challenges, don’t we? Some of us are still holding on to things from our past, and they are holding us back.
We are holding on to:
· Old grudges that we have never attempted to heal
· Hurtful comments that keep replaying in our mind
· Past failures that keep limiting what we are willing to try today
· Harmful relationships that do more harm than good
· Bad habits that keep us from moving forward in life
· A nagging problem that we really need to address
· A past that we are ashamed of and don’t feel worthy of better today
It could be any number of things. The real key is, are you willing to let go of it once and for all?
Maybe you need to:
· Forgive someone or forgive yourself.
· Choose better over bitter.
· Finally clear the air with a difficult conversation.
· Get support to help you make a change.
· Add positive actions to rid the “room” of empty space for the negative to dwell.
Don’t go through the rest of your life holding on to “junk” that’s holding you back from a fulfilling life.
What do you need to let go of?
Doug provides professional speaking and coaching services to organizations and individuals. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build a team culture, feel free to reach out to Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.
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An Arcadia woman was arrested in Ruston Sunday after citizens reported her behavior was unusual.
Police found Claudia Michel, 40, walking into the woods at East Mississippi Avenue and N. Farmerville Street. A records check showed she was wanted on a warrant from Ruston City Court for theft.
Michel was placed under arrest and asked multiple times if she had any contraband on her. She was told a search at the jail would find anything she was hiding. She insisted she did not have anything.
However, when she was taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, she admitted she had a empty needle in her bra. A deputy searched her and found a capped needle containing an unknown liquid that Michel identified as methamphetamine.
Michel was booked for possession of methamphetamine, introduction of contraband into a penal facility, and the theft warrant.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
A Bastrop woman was arrested Sunday after she allegedly struck a woman in the eye, causing serious injury during an altercation at a Grambling bar.
Jamaria Quashavia Madison, 19, was arrested by Grambling Police for second degree battery Sunday morning after interviewing the alleged victim.
The victim reported to GPD about 5:50 a.m. Sunday that she had been physically assaulted at a bar on the I-20 South Service Rd. in Grambling.
The woman said she was in the parking lot recording TikTok videos when the suspect, identified as Madison, punched her in the left eye with a closed fist.
The victim said she immediately went to the Grambling Police Department, but due to her pain she left and went to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center for medical treatment. The victim was told her injury was consistent with blunt force trauma, causing significant damage and that she needed to see a specialist due to the severity of the injury.
About 6 a.m. Grambling officers located Madison and questioned her. According to an officer’s report, Madison admitted being in a verbal altercation with the victim earlier in the night at the bar and that she had struck the victim in the face with a closed fist and then left.
Madison was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
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.
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.
Thursday, Nov. 13 9:30 a.m.: Piney Hills Quilt Guild meeting (Grace Methodist Church) 10 a.m.: Grambling Theatre presents “A Raisin in the Sun” (Floyd L. Sandle Theatre, GSU) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 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.: LA Tech volleyball 7 p.m.: Grambling Theatre presents “A Raisin in the Sun” (Floyd L. Sandle Theatre, GSU)
Friday, Nov. 14 10 a.m.: Grambling Theatre presents “A Raisin in the Sun” (Floyd L. Sandle Theatre, GSU) 6 p.m.: GSU volleyball 7 p.m.: Grambling Theatre presents “A Raisin in the Sun” (Floyd L. Sandle Theatre, GSU)
Monday, Nov. 17 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 5:30 p.m.: Ruston Planning and Zoning Meeting (Ruston City Hall) 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Tuesday, Nov. 18 11:30 a.m.: Lady Techsters basketball 2 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating University Crossing (1201 W. California Ave., Ruston)
Wednesday, Nov. 19 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 10 a.m.: RIbbon cutting celebrating Brooks Tendall Insurance (903 Kendall St., Ruston) 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)
Thursday, Nov. 20 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal hosted by 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry served at the Ruston Housing Authority Community Room (615 N. Farmerville St.) All welcome 5:30 p.m.: Ruston Art Ramble (Downtown Ruston) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6 p.m.: Holiday Open House and Kickoff to Christmas (Downtown Ruston)
Saturday, Nov. 22 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 2 p.m.: LA Tech v. Liberty
Sunday, Nov. 23 2 p.m.: Lady Techsters basketball
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.
Louisiana Tech head softball coach Josh Taylor announced the signing of six high school standouts to the Bulldogs’ 2026 signing class Wednesday on National Signing Day.
The recruiting class is ranked No. 50 in the country by Softball America, including No. 7 among mid-majors. It ranks No. 2 among Conference USA schools (trailing only Liberty) and No. 2 among Sun Belt Conference programs (trailing only James Madison). It’s also ranked No. 2 in the state of Louisiana, trailing only LSU.
The newest additions to the program include Ava Klinefelter (Kingwood, Texas / Kingwood Park HS), Maggie Guyotte (Quitman, La. / Quitman HS), Bethany Roper (White Hall, Ark. / White Hall HS), Rhilynn McCoy (Humble, Texas / Atascocita HS), Caroline Brown (Columbiana, Ala. / Chelsea HS) and Lauren McIllwain (Frisco, Texas / Wakeland HS).
Ava Klinefelter | OF | Kingwood, Texas (Kingwood Park HS)
Klinefelter comes to Ruston from Kingwood Park High School in Kingwood, Texas, where she has been one of the program’s most dynamic offensive players. A three-time Offensive MVP and three-time Academic All-District selection, Klinefelter has earned multiple all-district selections, including first team honors as a freshman and junior.
A standout both on the field and in the classroom, Klinefelter ranks in the top 25 percent of her class and is a member of the National Honor Society and HOSA. She holds several all-time records at Kingwood Park, including career stolen bases (76), singles (102), and single-season triples (8), while ranking second all-time in hits (126).
“Ava is an exciting addition to our outfield – a left-handed slapper with good speed and the ability to change the game in an instant,” stated Taylor. “Coming from Kingwood, Texas, Ava plays with energy, confidence, and a love for competition that fits perfectly with our program. Her versatility and athleticism will make an immediate impact in Ruston, and we’re thrilled to have her join the Bulldog family.”
At the club level, Klinefelter competes for Illusions Gold Elite 18U, helping her team place fifth nationally at both the Alliance Fastpitch Nationals in Indiana and the Colorado Sparkler tournament.
Maggie Guyotte | INF | Quitman, La. (Quitman HS)
Guyotte signs with LA Tech as one of the top power hitters in north Louisiana, starring at Quitman High School where she has been a consistent offensive force. A three-time first team all-district and all-state selection, Guyotte has earned Offensive MVP honors in each of her first three seasons while posting batting averages of .585, .531 and .424.
“Maggie is a strong, left-handed hitting corner infielder who plays with toughness and pride,” said Taylor. “Coming from right here in Quitman, she understands what Louisiana Tech Softball is all about – family, hard work, and competing for something bigger than yourself. We’re proud to keep this local talent close to home and can’t wait to watch Maggie grow into a difference-maker in our program.”
She holds multiple all-time records at Quitman and in Jackson Parish, including career home runs (57) and single-season home runs (21).
Off the field, Guyotte ranks first in her class and serves as class vice president. She is an active member of FFA, FCA and Beta Club. She competes for United 18U Albert club team.
Bethany Roper | P | White Hall, Ark. (White Hall HS)
Roper comes to Louisiana Tech as a decorated pitcher from White Hall High School in Arkansas, where she has earned all-state and all-conference honors three times.
“Bethany is a right-handed pitcher with a presence that stands out every time she steps in the circle,” echoed Taylor. “Her size, strength, and command enable her to attack hitters in multiple ways, and her competitive edge fits perfectly with the culture we’re building at Louisiana Tech. We’re excited to welcome this Arkansas native to the Bulldog family.”
Roper will be the first person in her family to play a collegiate sport. She carries a 4.18 GPA and holds officer positions in the National Honor Society, Beta Club and Student Council. At the club level, Roper competes for Top Gun National Arkansas 18U.
McCoy joins LA Tech as one of Texas’ top infield prospects from Class 6A Atascocita High School. Ranked in the top 5 percent of her class, McCoy has earned three all-state honors and three academic all-district selections during her standout career.
She was named the district’s Rookie of the Year as a freshman before earning back-to-back District Offensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore and junior. McCoy also became the first player in Atascocita program history to hit for the cycle. She has played in 111 career games at Atascocita, collecting 177 hits, 166 runs, 99 RBI, and 10 home runs with a .494 batting average.
“Rhilynn brings a rare combination of intelligence, athleticism, and energy to our program,” said Taylor. “As a left-handed hitter with dynamic defensive skills, she impacts the game in every way. Her drive in the classroom as an engineering major matches her competitiveness on the field – and we can’t wait to see her thrive as a Bulldog.”
On the club level, she plays for Hotshots National, where she helped her team capture the 2025 Summer Games and Colorado Sparkler championships, along with a runner-up finish at the PGF 16U Premier Nationals.
Caroline Brown | UT | Columbiana, Ala. (Chelsea HS)
Brown signs with LA Tech as a versatile two-sport athlete from Chelsea High School in Alabama, excelling in both softball and basketball. On the diamond, she posted 41 hits during her junior season despite missing nearly a quarter of the year due to basketball playoffs. She earned 2025 All-County and All-South Metro honors and was selected to compete in the Alabama North/South All-Star Game.
“Caroline is a powerful right-handed hitter who brings versatility and a competitive edge to our lineup,” said Taylor. “Her ability to play multiple positions and impact the game in different ways makes her an exciting addition to our program. Coming from Alabama, Caroline embodies the toughness, energy, and drive that define Louisiana Tech Softball, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to Ruston.”
On the basketball court, Brown was named to the 2025 All-County, All-South Metro, All-Regional and All-Area teams while helping lead Chelsea to a runner-up finish in the 2025 Class 6A state tournament.
Brown maintains a 4.2 GPA and competes at the club level for Southern Force 18U Palmer, where she has played for the past two seasons.
McIllwain joins LA Tech as a powerful infielder from Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas. She was named the District 9-5A Newcomer of the Year as a freshman before earning back-to-back first team all-district honors as a sophomore and junior.
“Lauren is the definition of a gritty competitor. As a right-handed hitting middle infielder from Frisco, Texas, she plays the game with toughness, intent, and a relentless work ethic,” Taylor exclaimed. “Lauren’s energy and consistency stand out every time she steps on the field, and her competitive spirit aligns perfectly with the standards of Louisiana Tech Softball. We’re excited to add her energy to our program.”
During her junior campaign, McIllwain set Wakeland’s single-season records for RBIs (60) and slugging percentage (1.221). She was also named the 2025 State All-Stars MVP and is ranked among the top 100 players nationally by Line Drive Media.
At the club level, McIllwain competes for Hotshots National 18U Naudin, one of the premier travel programs in the country.
Louisiana Tech tennis head coach Amy Sargeant announced Wednesday the addition of Alexandra “Lexie” Patton, a five-star recruit from Coppell, Texas.
Standing at 5-foot-4, Patton joins the program with an impressive resume. She has been ranked as high as No. 47 nationally and No. 4 in the state of Texas per TennisRecruiting.net, while earning three District Female MVP honors at Coppell High School.
A two-time regional champion and three-time state medalist, Patton recently captured the Girls 16s singles title at the Texas Slam, one of the nation’s premier junior tennis tournaments. The right-hander was also a member of the high school Super Elite Team. Her excellence extends beyond the court as a WFAA Scholar-Athlete.
“I am thrilled to welcome Lexie to the Bulldog Family,” said Sargeant, who is in her third season at the helm. “I first met Lexie two years ago at a recruiting showcase and immediately thought, ‘wow, she is good.’ Watching her journey closely ever since, I have seen her grow tremendously both as a person and in her tennis game. She has athleticism, natural power, and a willingness to learn. The future is bright, and we cannot wait to have her in Ruston!”
Patton said her decision to choose LA Tech was an easy one.
“I chose Louisiana Tech mainly because of Coach Sarge,” Patton said. “From the first time I met her, I immediately respected her as a coach. I feel like she wants to support me not just on the court but off it as well. She has always made me feel seen both as a player and as a person. When I toured the school, I noticed how connected everyone is, even within the community, and how much they genuinely care. I also liked the girls on the team and how genuine they are.”
Patton becomes the latest standout to join a Bulldog tennis program that is coming off a 19-win dual season while advancing to the Conference USA Tournament championship for the first time in program history. LA Tech has won 15+ matches in each of the last four seasons.
Howard D. Younger (Cookie Man) Wednesday 11/04/1953 — Saturday 11/08/2025 Visitation: Friday 11/14/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 11/15/2025 11:00am, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 521 Mt. Olive Church Road, Grambling Interment: Saturday 11/15/2025 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, Highway 80 West, Grambling
Barbre Fields (Trigg) Stokes December 31, 1939 – November 5, 2025 Service: Friday, November 14, 2025, 1:00PM, Kilpatrick Funeral Homes, Ruston
William J. Jenkins Monday 10/03/1932 Died: Tuesday 11/04/2025 Memorial Service: Saturday 11/15/2025 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home
Tanyala Elmore June 20, 1977 – October 30, 2025 Visitation: Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9:00AM – 11:00AM, Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 210 Mt. Harmony Church Rd, Ruston Service: Saturday, November 15, 2025, 11:00AM, Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 210 Mt. Harmony Church Rd, Ruston Final Resting Place: Mt Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery210 Mt. Harmony Church Rd Ruston
Dallis N. Rhone Tuesday 09/14/2010 — Thursday 11/06/2025 Visitation: Saturday 11/15/2025 11:00am to 1:00pm, Temple Baptist Church, 1515 S. Service Road W, Ruston Celebration of Life: Saturday 11/15/2025 1:00pm, Temple Baptist Church, 1515 S. Service Road W, Ruston Interment: Saturday 11/15/2025, George Washington Carver Memorial Park, Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston
Misti S. Cordell, chair of the Louisiana Board of Regents, owner of COR Consulting, LLC, and a 1997 graduate of Louisiana Tech, will serve as keynote speaker for Tech’s Fall Commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 15 at the Thomas Assembly Center.
A Human Resource Management graduate from Tech’s College of Business that is “second to none,” Cordell said, she began her healthcare career as a pharmaceutical sales representative. She served as a member of the Health and Hospitals Transition Team under Governor Jeff Landry and as an outreach representative for the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. She has also served as a Physician Liaison and Accounts Manager for St. Francis Medical Center and physician recruiter for Affinity Health Group, now owned by Baton Rouge Clinic.
Her experience in both healthcare and government has helped her connect healthcare organizations and administrators with state policymakers, an expertise instrumental in forging a mutual understanding of the local healthcare structure and the policymaking process for the benefit of the community.
Reared in Luna in rural Ouachita Parish and a graduate of West Ouachita High, Cordell has always had a heart for her community. She has worked on countless fundraisers and served on many volunteer boards, was a design lead and project manager for the St. Jude Dream Home for five years, and currently serves on multiple boards, including MedCamps of Louisiana, CenturyNext Bank Advisory Board, Ouachita Parish Library Board, and the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum Board.
She and her husband Hardeman live in Monroe and are the parents of two sons. John graduated from Tech in Finance last year and works for Northwest Mutual, and Hank, currently working for the Louisiana Attorney General and planning to apply to law school, graduated from Ole Miss in May.
Her varied pursuits both professionally and personally — “Because I can’t sit still, my ‘side hustles’ have been design and politics,” she said — are fueled by both a focused energy and the example of her mother, Charlene Smith, who started college at age 38 when Misti was a junior in high school.
“She beat me to being a first-generation college student by two years,” Cordell said. “She deserved it.
“Her example showed me that doing the hard things truly pays off, and that when you face your fears with good ol’ grit and determination, you can be unstoppable … Her education was life-changing, not only for her, but for us all.”
Tech was a perfect fit for Cordell, who still gets “a great sense of pride when I walk through the campus today,” she said. “Louisiana Tech gave me more than just great memories and an education. The friendships here and this little town of Ruston are mighty special and will always feel like home.”
Cordell was appointed an At-Large Member of the Board of Regents in January 2024 and Chair in September 2024.
LAFAYETTE, La. — Ruston High Schools’ Speech and Debate team competed against over 20 schools from both Louisiana and Mississippi this past weekend at the 26th Annual Teurlings Rebel Classic at Teurlings Catholic High to start the new season.
“This was one of our best season openers yet,” Sydney Phillips said. “Bruce (Peterson) and Cecilia (Sheptoski) are both new members on the team and having them place at their first tournament is a great sign of the season to come. I am incredibly proud that 10 of the 12 competitors we took to this tournament made it to either Semis or Finals. They compete against some really great schools and tons of talented kids, so to hold our own is truly a testament at how hard these kids have been working. I am so proud of them.”
See below for results:
Novice Impromptu Speaking Semifinalists- Bruce Peterson and Cecilia Sheptoski Varsity Impromptu Speaking Semifinalists- Melissa Le and Josie Bishop Declamation Semifinalist- Nyah Metoyer Original Oratory Semifinalist- Ruqaya Ali 6th Place in Original Oratory- Melissa Le 6th Place in Declamation- Kylin Harris 5th Place in Novice Impromptu Speaking- Nyah Metoyer 5th Place in Varsity Duo Interpretation- Caed and Elena Baines 2nd Place in Novice Dramatic Interpretation- Cecilia Sheptoski 2nd Place in Novice Humorous Interpretation- Bruce Peterson
1st Row: Marlee Jones and Kami Young 2nd Row: Taylor Batterton, Madeline Chreene, Caroline May 3rd Row: Reese Caroline Phillips, Olivia Starks, Sadie Collinsworth 4th Row: Stella Antis, Reese Brown, Alyssa Bell Top Row: Hannah Bryan, Piper Jackson, Sadie Jones
Choudrant High School is proud to announce our 2025-2026 Homecoming Court.
Choudrant High will celebrate its 2025 Homecoming on Friday, November 21 when the Aggies will host Darbonne Woods at 6:00. The court will be presented prior to the game at 5:30. The Homecoming Assembly will be Friday, November 21 at 1:30 in the new gym.
The Lincoln Parish Journal congratulates these young ladies for their honor in representing their school.
A Minden man has been charged with damage to a vehicle after he allegedly introduced a fluid into the fuel system with intent to disable it.
Joshua Evan Bordelon, 31, was arrested by Louisiana Tech Police on November 4 after two apparent incidents meant to disable a woman’s car while parked on campus.
Police found the woman’s vehicle stalled in a busy intersection, placing the woman in a hazardous situation. The vehicle was towed to an auto service center where a technician determined a fluid had been added to the fuel system causing it to stall.
A similar situation occurred several days earlier and the same technician determined “DEF fluid,” diesel exhaust fluid, which will damage gasoline-powered vehicles.
Tech Police viewed surveillance video of the victim’s parked car on campus and was able to follow a suspect loitering near the fuel fill area and then to the student center
where he used a card to pay for a meal. Bordelon was identified as the suspect from the card transaction.
Bordelon’s arrest report noted the vehicle was intentionally damaged which placed the victim’s life in jeopardy of the engine shutting off, causing the accelerator, power brakes, and power steering to fail.
No motive for the damage was mentioned in the report synopsis on file at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
Bordelon was booked at the detention center for aggravated criminal damage to property and criminal mischief.
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.
As a longtime volunteer with Ruston Parks and Recreation, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the positive impact that our parks, facilities, and programs have on the citizens of Ruston and surrounding area. On November 15, 2025, voters will be asked to renew the tax that supports Ruston Parks and Recreation. I respectfully urge all residents to vote YES on this renewal.
Personally I enjoy RPAR programs which include; youth basketball, youth football, and youth soccer. They also have several options for adults as well such as Pickle Ball, senior adult fitness class, and adult basketball.. This property tax renewal is not a new tax, but a continuation of the existing one which supports our community to maintain safe, well-kept parks and provide valuable recreation opportunities for people of all ages. From youth sports to community events, these programs strengthen families, build friendships, and foster a true sense of belonging among our residents.
Beyond recreation, our parks enhance the overall quality of life in Ruston. With 8 public parks, the Sports Complex, Rock Island Greenway, 2 stocked fishing ponds, and 3 splash pads the Parks and Recreation department keeps well-maintained public spaces which make Ruston an attractive place to live, work, and invest.
As someone who has dedicated many years to serving through Ruston Parks and Recreation, I know how much these services mean to our community. Please join me in voting YES for the renewal of the Ruston Parks and Recreation tax on November 15. Together, we can ensure that Ruston continues to thrive as a healthy, vibrant, and connected community.
Respectfully, Jeff Miller, Jr. BIG Ruston, Louisiana
But now and then, something glorious would happen, something to make those long elementary school days all seem worthwhile. Because every now and then, some kid would throw up.
We’d talk about it for weeks.
Don’t say you don’t remember. Don’t act as if you’re above it, above remembering one of the most basic experiences of childhood. You might forget the class motto or the words to your alma mater, but it’s difficult to forget the day the guy who sat in front of you threw up on his Keds.
These are the ties that bind.
When it happened at our school, the janitor — ours was one of the kindest men ever to walk on Earth — would amble in with a sack and start sprinkling stuff on the, well, he’d start sprinkling stuff on the pile. We watched this from a distance: there was an imaginary 6-to-8-foot circle drawn around the offending pile, and only our janitor, willing and intrepid, could — or would — enter it.
But here’s my question: What was that stuff he sprinkled? It looked like some kind of thick sawdust to me. Possibly pine shavings. All I know is that I’ve never seen this product anywhere else. If someone throws up in the rec hall at church camp or even in a hospital, mops and buckets and towels appear.
But no sawdust stuff.
This is evidently a product sold only to and used only by elementary schools. I don’t think there was even a brand name on the bag. The product was wrapped in mystery and remains that way, an unsolved puzzle from elementary school, something you never learn the answer to.
Like pi.
After the ceremonial sprinkling, The Big String Mop for hazardous waste spills such as these would make an appearance along with its faithful sidekick, The Big Rolling Bucket with the vise-like apparatus on it that would squeeze out the mop when you pressed its handle.
I always wondered where they dumped that mop water. In another county, I prayed.
Eventually, the damp spot “where it happened” would dry and some degree of order would be restored. Couldn’t do anything about the smell, though. It lingered, a haunting reminder, an olfactory calling card that would not die until it got good and ready. Two weeks was the minimum, whether they brought in The Big Fan from the auditorium or not. Trying to blow the smell away was like trying to blow an incoming wave back into the ocean.
Like the smell, word spread quickly from classroom to classroom.
“Somebody threw up?” This was always asked not with worry but with anticipation. It was followed by other standards:
“Who?”
“Where?”
“Did they get to go home?”
“Did it GET on anybody?”
And a personal favorite: “What WAS it?”
I admit it’s sad that some of us find an almost silly moment of glee in remembering moments like this from our misspent grade school educations. No everyone has this genetic flaw. So if this story has offended you, please forgive me; you might try sprinkling a little sawdust on it.
First Baptist Church of Ruston invites local residents, along with LA Tech and Grambling State students to a community Thanksgiving meal as part of “To Ruston with Love” on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. a the Ruston Civic Center.
First Baptist Ruston has been hosting this even since the early 1990s when the original idea was feeding local college students who remained on campus during Thanksgiving break, but it was eventually moved up a week and expanded to include Ruston area residents. The goal is to offer a good meal along with fellowship, encouragement, and a message reminding us of why we can be truly thankful.
“First Ruston has been doing this event for over 30 years now,” said FBC Pastor Chris Craig. “It is such a blessing to share Christ love with our community and to get to have a wonderful meal together. We invite anybody and everybody to come and be a part of this special time.”
More than 100 volunteers help with the event with special assistance in the organizational and promotional side from church members Brittany Jackson, Brenda Martin, David Magee, as well as kitchen assistance from Chris Garriga, Meg Brown, Chad Wages, Rita Thompson, and many others. FBC members also chip in by providing home made desserts.
Individuals who wish to attend but who may need a ride can call 255-4628 by noon on Tuesday. More information on the event, including info on signing up to help with the event, can be found at FBCRuston.org under Events.
The City of Ruston announces, weather permitting, that Jones St. at Union Ave. will be closed to thru traffic, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 8:00 am to 2:00pm.
This closure is necessary to allow for installing utility services.
The City of Ruston regrets any inconvenience this necessary work may cause residents and motorists. We appreciate your patience, and any questions can be received by the Public Works Department at (318) 242-7703.
A Ruston man was arrested early Saturday morning after he allegedly made a false 911 call falsely reporting a robbery.
Dexter L. Birdon, 61, was arrested Nov. 8 at about 4:20 a.m. for false communication with the intent to cause an emergency response.
Ruston Police responded to a Clay Street residence at about 4:15 a.m. regarding a report of a residential robbery in progress. Officers found two individuals sitting outside the front door of the residence. Birdon, the caller, had left the residence and walked down the street.
According to an officer’s report, Birdon called 911 to report a robbery. He was found on Martin Luther King Drive where he told police he called about three unidentified suspects inside the Clay Street residence attempting to rob him.
After interviewing the tenants of the Clay Street residence, it was determined Birdon made a false report of a felony crime. He was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
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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Choudrant’s boys and girls basketball teams picked up non-district wins over Elizabeth Tuesday night at CHS Gymnasium.
Aggies 54, Elizabeth 38
After a slow start offensively, the Aggies scored 38 points over the final two quarters to pull away for the 54-38 win to improve to 3-2 on the young season.
Both teams came out of the gates slow on the offensive end of the floor as Elizabeth led 7-6 at the end of the first quarter. The low scoring continued through the second stanza as the Aggies held a slim 16-15 advantage at halftime.
“Heading into the game, we knew it was going to be a lower scoring, defensive battle,” said Aggies head coach Ryan Smith.
However, Chourdrant began heating up in the third quarter. Clarence Menyweather scored 10 of his 14 points during the eight-minute stretch while Carson Carrico added five points as the Aggies extended their lead to 35-21.
Elizabeth had no answer in the fourth quarter with Choudrant outscoring them 19-17. Tobey Cooper scored 12 of his team-high 15 points in the final quarter, including hitting a trifecta of three-pointers.
“I’m proud of how the guys continued to work together on both ends,” said Smith. “They stuck with the plan. The players deserve the credit for continuing to fight until the final buzzer.”
Cooper (15), Menyweather (14), and Carrico (12) all scored in double figures while Brayden Pye added eight points.
Tucker Stalsby led Elizabeth with 16 points.
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Lady Aggies 53, Elizabeth 23
Sadie Jones scored 16 points and Choudrant used a balanced attack and stellar team defense to run away from Elizabeth 53-23 at CHS Gymnasium Tuesday night.
The Lady Aggies improved to 5-0 with the win.
“We played awesome, both defensively and offensively,” said Choudrant head coach Brandy Roberson. “We shut down their scoring opportunities early.”
Reese Brown netted five points and Jones four in the opening quarter as Choudrant jumped out to a 17-5 lead over the Bulldogs.
While the scoring slowed down in the second and third quarters for the Lady Aggies — who totaled nine points in each frame — Elizabeth wasn’t able to get any closer due to the stingy Choudrant defense.
The Lady Aggies held the Bulldogs to a total of 10 points during those to frames as they increased their lead to 35-15 entering the final quarter.
Jones scored nine points and Alyssa Bell added five points in the fourth quarter to help seal the Lady Aggies win.
In addition to Jones 16 points, Brown added nine points, and Bell and Katherine Hernandez each scored eight points.
