Experience Ruston (Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau) is pleased to announce Da’Mon Moreland as the organization’s new Sports Tourism Manager. In this role, Moreland will focus on attracting sporting events to Ruston and Lincoln Parish, helping increase visitation and generate economic impact for the community. Moreland officially joined the Experience Ruston team on November 2, 2026.
The creation of the Sports Tourism Manager position follows a restructuring of Experience Ruston’s destination sales department to pursue new sporting events more proactively. Moreland will lead efforts to identify and develop qualified leads, attract and retain youth, amateur, and recreational sporting events, and strengthen relationships with event organizers and key sports tourism partners. Through these efforts, Experience Ruston aims to build a stronger pipeline of sporting events that generate hotel room nights, visitor spending, and economic benefits for the community.
As part of this restructuring, Moreland will work under Jennifer Mamon, Experience Ruston’s Director of Destination Sales. With dedicated leadership for sports tourism, Mamon will have greater capacity to pursue other sales opportunities that encourage weekday visitation and attract visitors during traditionally slower shoulder seasons. Together, these complementary efforts will help diversify Experience Ruston’s sales strategy and promote more consistent visitation throughout the year.
“Sports tourism has become an increasingly important part of our visitor economy, and we see tremendous opportunity to build on that momentum,” said Tori Davis, President & CEO of Experience Ruston. “By dedicating more resources to recruiting and servicing sporting events, we’re positioning Ruston and Lincoln Parish to attract new visitors, support our local businesses, and drive economic impact throughout the year. Da’Mon brings a well-balanced combination of leadership experience, community connection, and enthusiasm to this role, and we’re excited to have him on our team as we continue growing our sports tourism efforts.”
Moreland’s background includes seven years of professional experience with the Boys & Girls Club, serving across multiple roles over those years. Most recently, he led as Unit Director/Site Coordinator of Ruston, Dubach, and Homer, where he oversaw daily operations and coordinated programming. His experience also includes recruiting youth participants, supervising staff, managing event logistics, and collaborating with families, schools, and community organizations to deliver engaging youth programs.
Moreland brings a deep commitment to sports and the Ruston community to this role. He previously served as a youth soccer coach with Ruston Parks & Recreation, coaching players, recruiting participants, refereeing games, and supporting team development. A 2019 student-athlete graduate of Ruston High School, Moreland understands the role athletics can play in bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences for athletes, families, and communities.
“I’m excited to join this amazing team of people who work to show as many people as possible that Ruston is the place to be.” said Moreland. “I look forward to working with sports organizations, event organizers, and community partners to showcase what makes Ruston such a great place to host sporting events. I’m ready to get to work and help more people discover all that Ruston has to offer!”
Sixty years ago, Ruston Police had a system to help locate criminals shortly after committing a crime.
The system, rather quaint by today’s standards, involved making four phone calls right after a crime where a vehicle description was available. The dispatcher would call a citizen who lived on U.S. 80 east of Ruston, one who lived on U.S. 80 west of town, one north on U.S. 167, and one south on U.S. 167. The citizens would watch for the fleeing car and phone in if it was spotted.
A flawed system, certainly, since the bad guy could leave town before the calls could be made, or he could take a less obvious route. Or one or more of the designated citizens may not be home to answer the phone.
No one remains from the police department of those days to tell us how effective it was. But at least there was an effort to use the technology of the day—a landline telephone—to make a difference in crimefighting.
Technology has advanced since then. Automatic license plate readers use specialized cameras and software to capture license plate numbers from passing vehicles. Each reading generally includes a photograph, the plate number, and the date, time, and location.
Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson said police can compare those readings against lists of stolen vehicles, wanted vehicles, or license plates associated with investigations.
Unlike conventional surveillance cameras, LPR systems make vehicle information searchable. Investigators can determine whether a particular vehicle passed a camera and when.
The cameras do not necessarily identify the driver or establish that the vehicle’s owner committed a crime. A plate reading is an investigative lead that must be evaluated with other evidence.
Across the United States, LPRs are used to locate stolen automobiles, investigate violent crimes, find missing persons, and identify vehicles associated with criminal activity.
A common term for LPRs is Flock cameras but that’s just one brand of LPR. Flock received some criticism for sharing information from the cameras with business entities but that issue has been resolved. And RPD does not use Flock cameras but a LPR system manufactured by Motorola.
Last week, Virgil Mack, Jr. was convicted of murder for a convenience store parking lot shooting in 2025. Both store cameras and LPRs played a significant role in capturing Mack and ensuring his conviction.
Watson said surveillance cameras at the store recorded the suspect and the license plate of his car. RPD entered the information in it automatic plate recognition system and discovered the vehicle had just passed a camera headed west on I-20.
Police to the west were notified and Mack’s car was spotted on I-20 and after a high-speed chase into Texas, he was captured.
“Ninety minutes after the shooting, we had the suspect in custody,” Waston said.
Now Mack faces life in prison plus a trial in Utah for another murder committed before the Ruston case.
Watson said he knows LPRs have faced criticism from members of the public who believe the cameras are an invasion of privacy. But the courts at all levels have been virtually unanimous that no expectation of privacy exists out in public within the cameras’ field of view.
The chief pointed out that those who complain about privacy intrusions invariably carry a cell phone that tracks them much better than a LPR system ever could.
Both Watson and Deputy Chief Ben Thomas are confident the policies RPD has in place protects the information the cameras record.
Thomas closely monitors the records of use of the LPR system. Reports show him when an officer accesses the system, what case the inquiry pertains to, and the reason of the inquiry. Audit procedures include purging data every 60 days that is not being used in a criminal investigation.
“You can’t just look up a license plate number just out of curiosity or to see what your neighbor is doing,” Watson said. Officers must have training to access the system.
Ruston has eight LPR locations with a total of 24 cameras. Most are mounted on utility poles.
“We’re not trying to hide them,” Watson said.
He said Ruston’s location on major north-south and east-west highways allows people who commit crimes in the city to “get out of here fast.” That’s where the LPRs come in handy, Watson said.
Many crimes have been solved by Ruston’s LPRs as well as apprehension of wanted criminals and stolen vehicles that were coming into Ruston. LPRs played a critical role in building a case against suspects who were committing numerous vehicle burglaries around Ruston.
“LPRs solidified those cases,” along with other technologies, Watson said.
Watson said the LPRs allow city officers to be more effective in protecting Ruston. A big improvement on the phone system of 60 years ago.
“Anything we can do to work smarter, not harder benefits the Ruston Police Department and the public,” he said. “When you look at the big picture, investing in LPRs is an investment in keeping crime out of our town.”
Three Farmerville residents were arrested Sunday night after a Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy searched a vehicle outside a Highway 33 travel center and found suspected methamphetamine, buprenorphine and a glass smoking pipe.
Charles Smith, 33; Lacey Holleman, 28; and Amy Holleman, 55, all of Farmerville, were arrested at 11:23 p.m. Nov. 1.
According to arrest affidavits, a deputy walked into the travel center at about 11 p.m. and Amy Holleman, upon seeing the officer, immediately walked out the back door. The deputy drove behind the building and found a white Kia with Lacey Holleman standing next to it.
Deputies brought Amy Holleman outside and advised both women of their rights. Smith, who had ridden in the vehicle with them, was also advised of his rights.
A search turned up two bags of suspected methamphetamine, numerous doses of buprenorphine and a glass smoking pipe. The buprenorphine was in Amy Holleman’s wallet, behind her driver’s license.
Smith said the methamphetamine belonged to him. The affidavits state that all three were within arm’s length of the drugs while riding to work.
The Hollemans were handcuffed and taken to Lincoln Parish Detention Center in the deputy’s patrol unit. Smith was taken by another deputy.
Smith and Lacey Holleman were each booked on charges of possession of a Schedule II drug (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Amy Holleman was booked on those two charges and a count of possession of a Schedule III drug (buprenorphine).
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 6:45 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Louisiana voters approved seven of the 10 proposed amendments to the state constitution on Tuesday and rejected three, according to unofficial results.
The proposals covered property tax exemptions, bail for certain offenders, term limits for governors, retirement system funding, water line replacement and more.
Here is how each amendment fared statewide:
Amendment 1: Surviving spouse property tax exemption — Passed Amendment 1 allows the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with a service-connected disability, who receives the additional property tax exemption, to make a one-time transfer of that exemption to a subsequent qualifying property. It passed with 74% of the vote. The change takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Amendment 2: Lower millage rate — Failed Amendment 2 would have allowed a local taxing authority to continue levying a lower millage rate without losing its ability to adjust to the maximum authorized millage rate from a prior year’s reassessment. It failed with 58% of voters opposed.
Amendment 3: Post-conviction bail — Passed Amendment 3 prohibits a defendant from being released on any post-conviction bail if convicted of an aggravated offense against a minor child. It passed with 68% of the vote.
Amendment 4: Governor term limit — Passed Amendment 4 prohibits a person who has served more than one and one-half terms as governor from being elected governor for any future term. It passed with 58% of the vote.
Amendment 5: Retirement system funds — Failed Amendment 5 would have authorized a state retirement system to apply any nonrecurring state money it receives to any of its unfunded accrued liability, rather than requiring that it go to the oldest. It failed with 62% of voters opposed.
Amendment 6: Property tax exemption for owners 65 and older — Passed Amendment 6 authorizes parishes and municipalities to extend an additional property tax exemption for homestead property owned and occupied by a person at least 65 years old who qualifies for the special assessment level. It passed with 64% of the vote. The change takes effect Jan. 1, 2028.
Amendment 7: Water service lines — Passed Amendment 7 allows political subdivisions to use public funds to identify, inventory, remove or replace drinking water service lines made of or affected by certain materials, as specified in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, on property owned by utility customers. It passed with 65% of the vote.
Amendment 8: Foreign adversary expropriation — Passed Amendment 8 prohibits the expropriation of property by a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary. It passed with 62% of the vote.
Amendment 9: Homestead special assessment income limit — Passed Amendment 9 increases the maximum income a person may receive and still qualify for the special assessment level for residential property receiving the homestead exemption. It passed with 58% of the vote. The change takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Amendment 10: Rehabilitated blighted property — Failed Amendment 10 would have allowed property tax exemptions for blighted or derelict properties that have been rehabilitated, and would have required the Legislature to enact laws providing for administration of the exemptions. It failed with 53% of voters opposed.
Results are unofficial until certified by the Louisiana Secretary of State.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Phil Waltz is back behind the pharmacy counter! Phil has joined the Parkway-Ruston Pharmacy at his old location at the corner of Trenton and Mississippi. The new shop encourages you stop by, say hello, and let Phil know how much he’s been missed.
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Big things are happening at the old Ruston airport site. Radiance Technologies has officially broken ground on a $370 million secure microchip packaging facility off South Farmerville Street. That’s a pretty substantial investment in a piece of Ruston property once devoted to getting airplanes off the ground. Now it’s preparing for a different kind of high-tech future.
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Dinner and a movie may soon mean something entirely different in Dubach. The Gem Theater is beginning renovations on the historic Dubach State Bank building next door, turning it into a restaurant. The Hanna family previously operated Monjuni’s and Little Pizzoli’s in Ruston and plans a similar menu. Best of all, the restaurant will connect to the theater stairwell, allowing food to be served at the balcony tables. A movie, a meal, and no need to leave your seat. What’s not to like?
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FMOL Health/St. Francis Hospital has announced the opening of its new clinic at 1809 Northpoint Suite 202 off the Farmerville Highway. The clinic will have interventional and non-interventional cardiology, pulmonology, and oncology services and opens Nov. 9.
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The forecast promised rain last weekend. Delivery was delayed until Tuesday and that small amount was hardly enough to wash the dust off the campaign signs. Don’t expect the burn ban to be lifted just yet.
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A new I-20 interchange may be coming to Lincoln Parish. On Nov. 5, an informational open house will be held for a proposed Interstate 20 Interchange at Rough Edge Road. The project would construct new interstate entrance and exit ramps, widen the overpass over I-20, and provide roadway improvements along Rough Edge Road and US 80 at its junction with Beacon Light Road. The come-and-go open house will be held Thursday, Nov. 5 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Grace Point Baptist Church, 216 Rough Edge Rd.
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Some Ruston traditions are worth getting up early for. The Ruston Kiwanis Club’s annual pancake breakfast returns Friday, November 6, from 6:30 to 9 a.m. at the Ruston Civic Center. For $10, you can enjoy breakfast and support the club’s community projects. And somebody else does the cooking.
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Temple Baptist Church celebrates its centennial this weekend, marking 100 years of worship, fellowship, and service to the Ruston community. The occasion brings a century of church history into focus, from its earliest congregation to the generations of families who have filled its pews. One hundred years, countless Sunday mornings, weddings, baptisms, and friendships. That’s quite a legacy, and certainly something worth celebrating!
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Halloween candy may still be sitting on the kitchen counter, but Ruston is already looking toward Christmas. Home for the Holidays — A Taste of Ruston is scheduled for November 12. Around here, the holiday season doesn’t wait for Thanksgiving.
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Let’s have a contest! Which political candidates, winners or losers, can round up their campaign signs the fastest? Those signs have a way of hanging around long after the votes are counted. Win or lose, let’s see who can make their signs disappear first.
A Dry Prong woman was arrested early Sunday after a traffic stop in Ruston.
McKayla Danzy, 21, of Dry Prong, was arrested at 2:51 a.m. Nov. 1 by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office at Tech Drive and Alabama Avenue.
According to an arrest affidavit, a deputy stopped her vehicle after seeing it travel south on Tech Drive and accelerate at a high rate of speed, causing it to drift into the left lane of the multi-lane roadway. The road was wet.
A second deputy who arrived to assist asked Danzy whether she had been drinking, and she said she’d had one beer. She agreed to field sobriety tests and performed poorly. After she was advised of her rights, she said she had actually had two mixed drinks and two shots.
Danzy was handcuffed and taken to Lincoln Parish Detention Center. She was observed for 15 minutes and given the opportunity to take a breath test on an Intoxilyzer 9000. She agreed and her result was 0.234 percent.
A records check showed she was arrested in July 2026 on a first-offense DUI charge.
Danzy was booked on charges of DUI, second offense, and improper lane usage.
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 6:45 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Louisiana Tech University’s Visual Integration of Science Through Art (VISTA) Center welcomed alumna Almira Bradford Winans back to campus Oct. 5 for an art exhibit celebrating her artistic journey and the connection between art, science, and personal expression.
Winans, a 2016 Louisiana Tech School of Design graduate, is known for her large-scale, realistic floral paintings that explore light, color and the natural world. Her work has been exhibited throughout the Denver metropolitan area, where she continues her career as an artist and educator.
Born in Kazakhstan, Winans discovered art at an early age as a means of communication and self-expression. After being adopted and moving to the United States as an early teen, she relied on art to navigate the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture.
“Art has always been a quiet, grounding space for me, a universal language that helped me express emotions when I couldn’t yet articulate them fully,” Winans said. “That early connection to art continues to shape the way I create today.”
Winans initially pursued engineering at Louisiana Tech before transitioning to graphic design and earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. As a student, she participated in an interdisciplinary art and science initiative that helped establish the foundation for today’s VISTA Center. In 2016, she won a student digital art competition for her illustration of an antibody-antigen interaction, demonstrating the power of visual communication in science.
Her return to campus highlighted the lasting impact of mentorship and interdisciplinary education while providing an opportunity to support future artists. Proceeds from a silent auction featuring Winans’ artwork will help fund a VISTA student’s study abroad experience through the University’s Tech Rome program.
“Almira’s story is an example of what makes Louisiana Tech special,” said Nick Bustamante, director of the VISTA Center. “I often remind students that they aren’t simply taking classes in Ruston for four years. They are part of a community, with opportunities to make a lasting impact. Almira embraced those opportunities, and her journey reflects the mission of the VISTA Center: providing meaningful experiences beyond the classroom that shape not only careers but lives.”
The exhibit, held in University Hall, was free and open to the public. It was sponsored by Louisiana Tech alumni Justin and Jeanette Hinckley and hosted by the VISTA Center.
Grambling voters overwhelmingly supported the status quo Tuesday night, reelecting Mayor Alvin Bradley by a decisive margin while returning four incumbents to the City Council and electing one newcomer.
Bradley defeated former Mayor Edward R. Jones, receiving 536 votes (65%) to Jones’ 286 votes (35%) to secure another term leading the city. A total of 822 votes were cast in the mayoral race, with unofficial voter turnout reported at 41.2%. All five precincts and early and absentee ballots had been counted.
Bradley did not respond to multiple phone calls and text messages from the Lincoln Parish Journal seeking comment on his reelection.
The race for five seats on Grambling’s City Council was considerably more competitive, with four incumbents retaining their positions and Mary Goree Gipson earning the fifth seat.
Incumbent John F. Brown Jr. led the eight-candidate field with 527 votes (15%), followed closely by fellow incumbents Delores Wilkerson Smith with 517 votes (15%) and DeVaria Hudson Ponton with 504 votes (15%). Incumbent Cathy Holmes secured another term with 465 votes (14%), while Gipson rounded out the five winning candidates with 392 votes (11%).
Incumbent Jerry Lewis fell short of reelection, finishing sixth with 378 votes (11%), just 14 votes behind Gipson for the final council seat. Former Lincoln Parish School Board member David Ferguson finished seventh with 357 votes (10%), while Garnet Wagner I received 289 votes (8%).
Brown expressed his appreciation to Grambling voters for their continued confidence in his leadership.
“I’m delighted that the citizens of Grambling believe in me and know how much I want to serve them,” Brown said. “I am so proud to serve this job and the citizens of Grambling. This is what I am meant to do and meant to be.”
A total of 3,429 votes were recorded in the council race, with unofficial turnout listed at 34.4%.
Tuesday’s results mean Bradley will begin another term with a largely familiar City Council, as four of the five seats will continue to be held by incumbents. Gipson will replace Lewis as the lone new member of the city’s governing body.
Grambling State University recognized 32 distinguished faculty members and academic leaders during an Emeritus Faculty Recognition Breakfast on Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Student Success Center. Held in conjunction with the University’s 125th Founder’s Day observance, the ceremony honored educators whose careers in teaching, scholarship and academic leadership have contributed to the University’s growth and the success of generations of students.
The Emeriti Faculty Class of 2026 represents a broad range of disciplines, including education, business, mathematics, science, engineering, the humanities and performing arts. Among those recognized were longtime professors, department heads and deans who served the University throughout its history.
“As we commemorate 125 years of Grambling State University, it is important that we honor the people who helped build and sustain this institution,” said President Martin Lemelle, Jr. “These educators dedicated their careers to preparing students, advancing academic programs and strengthening our University. Their contributions are part of Grambling State’s history, and we are proud to recognize them.”
Emeritus status is an honorary distinction recognizing retired faculty members and academic administrators for their distinguished service and professional contributions. The designation acknowledges their accomplishments and honors their longstanding association with the University.
Dr. Connie Walton, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, addressed the significance of emeritus status during the breakfast. Walton joined President Lemelle and Dr. Roshunda Belton-Cardoza, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, in presenting certificates of recognition and gifts to the honorees.
“Faculty members help define the academic experience of a university, and their influence often extends well beyond the classroom,” said Walton. “The individuals recognized today have contributed through years of instruction, research, mentorship and leadership. This distinction is an opportunity to acknowledge their accomplishments and thank them for their service to Grambling State.”
The ceremony included a welcome and blessing from Dr. Kenyatta Shamburger, Chief Operations Officer, and music by the Grambling State University Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Ye Tao.
The University also paid tribute to three faculty members honored posthumously: Dr. Loretta Walton Jaggers, Mr. Karl Norman and Dr. Yenumula B. Reddy.
Emeriti Faculty Class of 2026
The following individuals were recognized:
Dr. Subhadra Abraham, Associate Professor Emerita of Psychology
Dr. Arun Agarwal, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics
Dr. Reginald A. Bess, Associate Professor Emeritus of Foreign Languages
Dr. Willie Daniel, Professor and Head Emeritus of Kinesiology, Sport & Leisure Studies
Dr. Ronnie Davis, Professor Emeritus of Sociology
Dr. Tsegai Emmanuel, Professor Emeritus of Business
Dr. Elaine Foster, Associate Professor Emerita of Education
Dr. King Godwin, Professor Emeritus of Theatre
Dr. Andolyn Harrison, Dean Emerita of Education
Dr. Raymond Hicks, Professor Emeritus of Education
Dr. Felix Ifeanyi, Professor and Head Emeritus of Biology
Dr. Uju Ifeanyi, Associate Professor Emerita of English
Dr. Glenda Island, Professor Emerita of Family and Consumer Sciences
Dr. Loretta Walton Jaggers, Professor Emerita of Education (Posthumous)
Dr. Patricia Johnson, Associate Professor Emerita of Education
Dr. Ghebre Keleta, Professor and Head Emeritus of Business
Dr. Shueh-Ji Lee, Professor Emeritus of Engineering Technology
Dr. Bennie Lowery, Professor Emeritus of Education
Ms. Donna McGee, Professor Emerita of Art
Dr. Nanthalia McJamerson, Professor Emerita of Education
Dr. Benny Miles, Professor Emeritus of Biology
Mr. Karl Norman, Associate Professor Emeritus of Theatre (Posthumous)
Dr. A. K. Nur-Hussen, Professor Emeritus of Education
Dr. Olatunde Ogunyemi, Professor Emeritus of Education
Dr. Larry Pannell, Department Head Emeritus of Music
Dr. Pamela Payne, Associate Professor Emerita of Education
Dr. Yenumula B. Reddy, Professor Emeritus of Computer Science (Posthumous)
Dr. Parashu Sharma, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics
Dr. Mahendra Singh, Professor and Head Emeritus of Criminal Justice
Dr. Frances Staten, Professor Emerita of Sociology
Dr. Donald White, Dean Emeritus of Business
Dr. Russell Willis, Professor Emeritus of Sociology
Lincoln Parish Journal readers have an opportunity each week to win FREE money in the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em presented by Johnson Physical Therapy, Ruston Athletic Supply, and The Rental Association.
And the best part is it’s FREE … just like your subscription to the LPJ.
Bigger question. Are you ready to win $150 in cash … with the potential to make it $300 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).
The Lincoln Parish Journal is holding the 5th Annual Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by The Rental Association, Ruston Athletic Supply, and Johnson Physical Therapy.
If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!
Anyone is eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $150 cash prize. Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 15 selected college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Ruston Athletic Supply, Johnson Physical Therapy, and The Rental Association will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with Week 1 games.
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
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 in the following week’s LPJ.
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 $150 each week!
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
For the last four and a half years, I have been building a leadership coaching/speaking business. One of the statements that I make repeatedly at workshops, conferences, and to individuals is:
Doing fewer things better, consistently over time may just be your key to success!
The two keys to that statement are doing FEWER things and being CONSISTENT.
The premise being to find those things that are most impactful and placing one’s focus on those things (not all things) and to be rigid with consistent focus.
Well, I wasn’t the teacher this weekend, but rather the observer.
We were with our grandkids over Halloween weekend and got to see our son and daughter-in-law parenting. They are awesome parents! I have told my daughter-in-law many times that she is a “pro”! No question. She studies her craft and executes it with precision.
At the heart of her approach are clear standards, a narrow focus, and consistent execution. She executes her craft as a mother much like what I talk about as a leadership coach. The standards are clear, the focus is on target, and there is a commitment to consistent execution.
When the standard is “eat all your eggs”, that’s the standard even though grandad may be trying to encourage “just three more bites”! Nope, the standard is the standard. Consistent execution and application. I love it!
Consistency is a powerful driver in every facet of life. Just consider the benefits of consistency:
· Trust – We build credibility, reliability, and dependability.
· Identity – We validate who we are both internally (to ourselves) and externally (to others)
· Intentionality – We develop a process or system for life – removes uncertainty
· Compound Effect – Repeated actions drive powerful outcomes over time
· Mindset – Clarity and progress build momentum for growth
· Lowers Stress caused by Uncertainty – Both internally as well as what we project to others
There are very few areas of life where consistency would not be beneficial. I love the phrase: Consistency over Intensity!
Seven 20-minute workouts a week are better than one three-hour workout. The key is not the math for total minutes worked out in a week, but rather the impact of validating that we are becoming a person that works out regularly. Not to mention, one three-hour workout isn’t going to feel very good the next day!
The same holds true in various areas of life. Consistency matters!
Most of us desire it in our lives, but struggle with committing to it (consistency) for various reasons. Rather than continue to be frustrated with the lack of consistency in various areas of life, consider just one area for your next step toward more consistency.
What’s one thing you need to be more consistent with going forward in your life?
Just focus on building a plan on being consistent in one key area!
· Make it visible
· Tell someone(s) about it to hold you accountable
· Make it winnable – easy to execute and easy to remember
· Check in daily on your consistent application
· Begin the day with a reminder and end the day with a review
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Doing fewer things better consistently over time may just be your key to a more fulfilling life!
Doug equips leaders to make organizations better. He has two leadership books available on all online platforms. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build an authentic team, contact Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Playing in the opening round of the Division I volleyball playoffs, the Ruston Bearcats aced their first postseason test Wednesday night by defeating 25th-seeded Live Oak in straight sets — 25-15, 25-15, 25-13.
Ruston dominated both service lines, dishing up 15 service aces while taking advantage of a plethora of service errors by the Eagles from Denham Springs.
In the opening game, it was a service ace by freshman Josie Cauley, daughter of RHS coach Mandy Cauley, that sparked a 9-0 run that allowed the Bearcats to move out to a 18–9 advantage before Live Oak finally added another point on its side of the scoreboard.
“(Live Oak) gave us a lot of points in the first set and we were able to capitalize on those missed serves,” said RHS coach Mandy Cauley. “We’ve been there. It’s not a fun place to be. But we were on the other side of it tonight.
“”I thought we served really well and I thought we passed really well. Every team’s going to have a couple of errors here and there but I feel like we controlled the tempo of the match from start to finish.”
Baylor Cauley led Ruston with seven service aces while Bridget Crittenden added four, Lilly Bissel chipped in with two and Ellie Williams and Ava Madden recorded on each.’
In the second game, Ruston built as much as a 8-2 lead before the Eagles went on a 6-1 eun of their own that forced Cauley to call a timeout and give her team the opportunity for a mental reset.
“I think they knew we shouldn’t be neck and neck and (the Bearcats) decided to just put their foot on the gas and play well,” Cauley said about calling the timeout at that point. “During those timeouts, a lot of times we just talk about what’s working well for us. And I’ll let them tell me what’s working well for us so that they are processing and thinking through what’s working on our side of the court more than I’m telling them.
“And, I’ve learned to listen more than talk sometimes. It helps for them to process their emotions and what’s happening out on the court so that they can make the changes. They tend to respond to that better than me just barking orders at them. I’ve learned that over the years. So they were able to talk to each other really well. I feel like Baylor was really the hype person and the leader tonight. She celebrated and I felt like she led with passion and enthusiasm tonight.”
After the timeout, Ruston came out with a quick score on an Addie Powell kill before Live Oak quickly battled back and took their first and only lead of the night before a pair of emphatic kills by Ava Crowe pushed the Bearcats’ advantage to 17-12.
Ruston ended the second game with a dink kill by Baylor Cauley, a power kill by Josie Cauley and a service ace by Bridget Crittenden.
Mandy Cauley credited Crowe for energizing the Bearcats in that second game.
“She did great tonight — Ava did phenomenal,” Cauley said. “Ava’s been very versatile this season and I think that she shined tonight.”
Ruston dominated the final game, which ended with a walk-off blocked shot by Baylor Cauley.
Josie Cauley led the Bearcats with 11 kills, but Mandy Caulty said all of her ninth players (Lily Bissell, Emma Bissell, Reese Pyles and Bess Cotton are the others) for playing key roles in the win.
“Our freshmen are not normal freshmen,” Cauley said. “They’re really special. All of them. They love each other. They had fun out on the court tonight, so I don’t feel like nerves got the best of them. What I kept saying to them, and we’ve been repeating this mantra, these four sentences over and over — ‘We belong in the room. We have a seat at the table. We’ve put in the work. And we’re a great team.’
“And so, I just wanted them to believe that, and so we’ve been saying it over and over and I think they bought into that.”
Crowe added six kills for the Bearcats, who also got four from Lily Bissell and two each from Addie Powell and Jane Ramsey.
Ruston will host No. 9 Chalmette Saturday, Nov. 7, at 12 p.m.
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. 5 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall; Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting,please notify Richard Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121) Noon: Louisiana Master Gardeners Easy Pruning Workshop (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 4pm: Tween Time (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal sponsored by Trinity’s Game Changers and Ruston Rotary Club to be served at the Ruston Housing Authority office, 901 MLK Drive. All are welcome. 6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (410 S. Farmerville St., Ruston) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6pm: Teen Advisory Board (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Friday, Nov. 6 7-9 a.m.: Kiwanis Pancake breakfast (Ruston Civic Center) 6 p.m.: GSU volleyball 6:30 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball 7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep v. Cedar Creek (at Cedar Creek)
Saturday, Nov. 7 Ruston Community Men’s Shed Open House; ShedEats at noon 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 2 p.m.: GSU football 6:30 p.m.: LA Tech volleyball
Sunday, Nov. 8 6 p.m.: GSU volleyball
Monday, Nov. 9 11 a.m.: Veterans Day program hosted by Lincoln Parish branch of NAACP (Ruston Sports Complex, Origin Bank Room) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 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)
Wednesday, Nov. 11 Veterans Day 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)
Thursday, Nov. 12 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall; Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting,please notify Richard Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121) 4 p.m.: Tween Time (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 5-8:30 p.m.: Holidays in Cedartown (Ruston Civic Center) 6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers) 6 p.m.: Teen Nutcracker Decorating (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center) 6 p.m.: Bonds, Blooms, & Building the Future: Americans and the Holocaust, with Louisiana Tech University (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
Friday, Nov. 13 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Holidays in Cedartown (Ruston Civic Center) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Out to Lunch concert series (Heard Freighthouse Food Park)
Saturday, Nov. 14 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 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Holidays in Cedartown (Ruston Civic Center) 4 p.m.: LA Tech football
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Louisiana Tech basketball fans will have two opportunities to watch their teams in action Thursday as the Lady Techsters and Bulldogs look to build on season-opening victories when they host opponents at the Thomas Assembly Center.
The Lady Techsters (1-0) will open their home schedule at 11 a.m. against Texas A&M-Texarkana in the program’s annual Education Day game, while the Bulldogs (1-0) will host Arkansas-Monticello at 6:30 p.m.
Both games will be televised on ESPN+.
The two Tech teams opened their seasons Monday with impressive victories against Mid-American Conference opponents as part of the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge.
Brooke Stoehr’s Lady Techsters rallied from a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Toledo 61-57 on the road, giving Stoehr her 250th career coaching victory.
The Lady Techsters outscored the Rockets 21-14 in the final quarter, shooting 72.7% from the field and closing the game with a 7-0 run in the final minute. Jordan Marshall led Tech with 14 points and 11 rebounds, recording the 16th double-double of her collegiate career.
Several newcomers also made immediate contributions. Brittani Wells finished with 11 points and six assists, while Alana Obianozie added 10 points and five rebounds. Freshman E’Marriha Johnson scored nine first-half points in her collegiate debut.
The Lady Techsters will face a Texas A&M-Texarkana team still searching for its first victory.
The Eagles (0-3) are coming off a 67-61 loss to Biblical Studies in which Chioma Treasure Emeh scored 19 points, grabbed seven rebounds and recorded five steals. Emeh leads the Eagles in scoring at 16.3 points per game while shooting 50% from the field. Texas A&M-Texarkana is coached by Mary Chris Vogt, who is in her first season as head coach after previously spending 10 years on the staff at UL-Lafayette.
Thursday will mark the first meeting between the two programs.
In the nightcap, Talvin Hester’s Bulldogs will look to build on an 85-75 victory over Kent State that extended Tech’s streak of consecutive home-opening wins to 20.
The Bulldogs, who feature 12 newcomers on their 13-man roster, received outstanding performances from a pair of transfers in their season opener. Braylon Winger poured in 28 points, connecting on eight of 12 shots from the field, including four 3-pointers. Ethan Blackmon recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Tech’s defense also played a significant role in the victory, limiting Kent State to 32.4% shooting from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs held preseason All-MAC first-team selection Chansey Willis Jr. scoreless on six field goal attempts.
Arkansas-Monticello, an NCAA Division II program, will be playing its first game of the season Thursday. The contest will count toward Louisiana Tech’s regular-season record but will be considered an exhibition for the Boll Weevils.
Arkansas-Monticello finished 10-18 last season and was picked to finish 12th in the Great American Conference preseason coaches poll. Sixth-year head coach Chad Tapp leads the Boll Weevils, who have lost all three previous meetings against Louisiana Tech.
The programs last met Nov. 27, 2001, when the Bulldogs posted an 83-66 victory in Ruston.
Ronny Walker (far right) and Bruce Siegmund (middle) will continue their partnership on the Ruston City Council following Tuesday’s election.
By Malcolm Butler
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker cruised to a fourth consecutive term Tuesday night, capturing nearly 76% of the vote in a decisive victory over challenger William Faulkner and earning another four years to build on the city’s growth and economic development.
Walker received 3,780 votes (75.6%) to Faulkner’s 1,222 (24.4%), according to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office, easily winning his first contested mayoral race since 2014.
The victory extends Walker’s tenure leading the city he has served as mayor since January 2015. He was first elected in 2014, defeating Bill Elmore, before running unopposed in both 2018 and 2022.
In the city’s only contested alderman race, incumbent Bruce Siegmund also won comfortably, defeating challenger Galen Turner for the Ward 5 seat on the Ruston City Council.
For Walker, Tuesday’s victory represented more than another four years in office. It was a vote of confidence in the direction Ruston has taken over the past decade and the administration that has helped guide that growth.
“First of all, I appreciate so very much the confidence in this administration — not me, but this entire administration — over the last 12 years, and I look forward to four more years,” Walker said.
“The people of Ruston decided 11 years ago that they wanted to grow this town because they voted for Moving Ruston Forward, and that is the reason we’re in the position we’re in today. I just thank them for that and hope that we can continue the growth that we’ve seen in the last 12 years for four more years.”
Moving Ruston Forward, a voter-approved three-quarter-cent sales tax initiative passed in 2016, has been a cornerstone of Walker’s administration, helping fund more than $250 million in infrastructure improvements throughout the city.
Those investments, along with an emphasis on economic development and partnerships with local institutions, have helped transform Ruston during Walker’s first three terms. Among the accomplishments Walker has emphasized are the development of the Ruston Sports Complex, continued downtown revitalization, improvements to streets and utilities, and efforts to attract new businesses and private investment.
The city has also strengthened relationships with state and federal officials, helping secure more than $70 million in grants during Walker’s tenure.
In announcing his reelection campaign in April, Walker pointed to several major developments as examples of the momentum he wants to maintain, including the Buc-ee’s travel center, Willis-Knighton Health Center and Radiance Technologies microchip facility. Those three projects represent approximately $210 million in anticipated investment and are among the developments Walker has said he wants to see through to completion.
Walker has also emphasized the city’s financial growth during his administration.
In April, he said annual city revenue had increased from $59 million in 2015 to $94 million in 2026, while annual expenses had increased from $55 million to $71 million. He said the city’s net position had grown from $116 million to $256 million during that same period.
“A city is no different than a business,” Walker said when announcing his candidacy in April. “You are either rolling or you are failing. I feel like we have our city now in the position of growth, only because of the citizens of Ruston voting in Moving Ruston Forward in 2016.”
Looking ahead, Walker said continuing Ruston’s relationship with Louisiana Tech University remains among his highest priorities.
“My goal for the next four years would be, one, to continue the incredible partnership that we have with Louisiana Tech,” Walker said. “Jim Henderson has done an incredible job. He and Tanya, we’re going to all miss them, but at the same time, we know someone else will come in in that position. Our plan is to work closely with them, just like we did with the Hendersons, and continue the growth that we’ve had as the city and the university.”
Walker also pointed to the continued implementation of Moving Ruston Forward, originally envisioned as a 20-year initiative.
“We’re 11 years into it,” Walker said. “I look forward to finishing at least part of that, hopefully four more years of that, to try to get us where we want to go as far as the city, as far as infrastructure and companies coming here.”
Faulkner, a 39-year-old Ruston native and 2005 Ruston High School graduate, challenged Walker after returning to his hometown in 2022. A 12-year U.S. Air Force veteran who also worked for the U.S. Treasury Department before establishing a consulting business, Faulkner entered the political arena for the first time this year.
During his campaign, Faulkner acknowledged the city’s accomplishments under Walker while arguing that Ruston could benefit from a different approach to progress and development.
“I’m running because … I don’t disagree that there’s been progress in Ruston, but I feel like I’m looking for a different kind of progress,” Faulkner said in an August interview with the Lincoln Parish Journal. “I’m giving Ruston a choice for something different.”
Faulkner emphasized the importance of public input in decisions affecting the city’s future, offering voters an alternative to Walker’s emphasis on continuing the initiatives already underway.
Walker, meanwhile, said his desire to continue serving Ruston remains as strong as it was when he first took office.
“I think the biggest thing I want to do is continue the momentum that we have with the city of Ruston,” Walker said when announcing his reelection bid. Kay and I have enjoyed serving the city of Ruston tremendously.”
While Walker secured another four years in the mayor’s office, Siegmund also earned another term representing Ward 5 on the Ruston City Council. Siegmund defeated challenger Galen Turner by 150 votes, receiving 360 votes (63.2%) to Turner’s 210 votes (36.8%).
“I feel honored and privileged and humbled,” Siegmund said following Tuesday’s election. “You just never know what people are thinking. I’m excited about the direction that we’re going and the opportunity to work with them.
“It’s really been a joy to work with them and just kind of see the progress. The unity that we have in the City Council, you just don’t see a lot of that in other places, and I think that’s part of the success — just everybody going the same direction rather than everybody trying to go their own way.”
Walker echoed those sentiments, pointing to the ability of city leaders to work together as one of the reasons Ruston has experienced continued growth.
“I think it speaks volumes for what’s happened in the last 12 years, the fact that myself and the entire City Council has not had opposition until this year,” Walker said. “I think it shows in what we get done. It shows that we don’t sit there and argue and basically fight like so many other cities do. We’re all trying to pull in the same direction and get things done for our city.”
Siegmund will join Carolyn Elmore Cage (Ward 1), Angela Mayfield (Ward 2), Melanie Lewis (Ward 3) and John Denny (Ward 4) on the council for another four-year term.
RUSTON, La. — Phillip Ellis won the race for 3rd Judicial District Court judge, Division B, on Tuesday, while Mike Smith and Addison “Add” Goff advanced to a Dec. 12 runoff for Ruston city judge, according to unofficial results.
In the district court race, which covers both Lincoln and Union Parishes, Ellis received 11,975 votes (61 percent) to 7,532 votes, for Lewis A. Jones.
Ellis said he was humbled by the result and thanked the people of Union and Lincoln parishes.
“I’m just greatly humbled and honored to be elected to this position,” Ellis said. “It’s been a great pleasure for me to be running, and for the people of Union and Lincoln parishes to see the quality that’s there. We’re looking forward to serving and to being a part of the community and serving this jurisdiction as well as I possibly can.”
Ellis also credited the people who supported his campaign.
“I just want to thank everybody that’s been a part of the campaign, all the people that’s been behind us, because it’s not anything that I could have done on my own,” Ellis said. “From the get-go, we’ve always said that this was a God thing. We’re just going to be still prayerfully doing what we do.”
In the race for Ruston city judge, no candidate cleared the majority needed to win outright, sending the top two finishers to a runoff. Smith led with 5,433 votes (41 percent). Goff finished second with 4,424 votes (33 percent). Gina Jones received 3,503 votes and did not advance.
Smith said he was glad to reach the runoff and thanked Jones for her campaign.
“We’re really excited to have the opportunity to make the runoff, and I’m proud of Gina and how she ran her campaign and everything,” Smith said. “We’re grateful to her and wish her the best, but we’re excited, and we got a lot more work to do. I also want to express my gratitude and thanks to all my supporters.”
Goff said his campaign got a late start but has built momentum.
“We got in the race a lot later than everybody else, but we’ve got great momentum,” Goff said. “Happy to make the runoff, and I look forward to a good, hard-fought battle coming up. I’m super proud of family and friends. I give all the glory to God, of course, number one, but all my supporters, families and friends. I’m so happy with the support that we’ve gotten through this. And I look forward to serving the citizens full-time.”
Louisiana’s runoff election is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12. Early voting for the runoff runs Nov. 28 through Dec. 5, excluding Sunday, Nov. 29.
A Ruston woman was arrested early Saturday after police responded to a fight at a Ruston apartment.
Tamia Perry, 22, of Ruston, was arrested at 2:42 a.m. Oct. 31 by the Ruston Police Department.
According to an arrest affidavit, an officer was dispatched at about 2:17 a.m. to the apartment in reference to a fight. It was the second call about the same incident. When the officer arrived, Perry was talking loudly and using profanity.
The officer grabbed Perry’s left arm to place her in handcuffs, and she pulled away. The officer grabbed her arm a second time and she pulled away again. The officer ordered Perry to the ground and told her to put her arms behind her back, then placed her in restraints and put her in a patrol unit. She was advised of her rights.
Perry told the officer she only wanted to get her key fob from her vehicle because she was trying to leave. She admitted to drinking alcohol that night.
The apartment’s owner told the officer Perry was not allowed inside and had damaged a WiFi box worth about $65 and a leg of a television. A witness said she saw Perry push the front door open and get into a verbal argument with a woman who was gone before the officer arrived. The witness said Perry struck that woman.
The witness also said Perry and another woman began fighting inside the apartment, and that Perry struck the other woman first. She said she told Perry to leave several times, but Perry would not and began damaging property around the apartment.
The officer saw small to medium shards of glass on the kitchen floor and pillows and other items scattered across the living room.
Perry was taken to Lincoln Parish Detention Center and booked on charges of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, simple criminal damage to property, two counts of resisting an officer and disturbing the peace by fighting.
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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RUSTON, La. — Troy Brooks Sr. won the District 9 Police Jury seat, and Sandra Woods, Evelyn “Lewis” Cooper and Richard Bates won Lincoln Parish School Board seats in Districts 2, 11 and 12, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s election.
In the Police Jury District 9 race, Brooks received 404 votes (67 percent) to 201 votes for Nakisha R. Evans. Unofficial turnout was 34.4 percent, with 605 total votes cast and all four Election Day precincts reporting.
Brooks credited his faith and said the win gives him a chance to use his experience on behalf of the district. He said he works as a branch manager with a major bank, owns an insurance company and is involved in community work for children and seniors.
“First, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity, because I always want to put him first in my life and in the things that I’ve done,” Brooks said. “Without him, I couldn’t do anything.
“What this means to me is that I have an opportunity to use my experience as a branch manager with a major bank, as owner of my own insurance company, and in the work I’m doing in the community for our kids and our seniors. It’s going to allow me to do a lot more for my constituents in District 9. I see a grave need in our area, and I want to hear from my constituents. I know I can make a big difference, not only in District 9 but also by collaborating and networking with our other police jurors to make Ruston a better place.”
In the School Board District 2 race, Woods received 302 votes (63 percent) to 174 votes for Greta Carter. Unofficial turnout was 36.4 percent, with 476 total votes cast and all three Election Day precincts reporting.
Woods said the position will let her connect parents and the community with the schools.
“What it means to me is that I’m going to be able to bridge the gap between the community and the parents so we can help the students succeed in our district,” Woods said. “I want to thank everybody who supported me, and I want to thank all of my constituents who got out and cast their vote. It has been a pleasure, and it will be a pleasure to serve as the Lincoln Parish School Board District 2 member.”
In District 11, Cooper led a three-candidate field with 465 votes (60 percent). Richard Ray Anderson received 161 votes and Marsha Davis received 144 votes. Unofficial turnout was 38.8 percent, with 770 total votes cast and all five Election Day precincts reporting.
Cooper said she plans to focus on keeping the parish’s schools at the top. She said she served as a teacher and a principal for 41 years.
“It means the world to me to be able to serve on the Lincoln Parish School Board,” Cooper said. “I am super excited to serve the students, the parents, the community, the staff and all stakeholders, because I do want to help continue to keep Lincoln Parish at the top. I would like for them to achieve and thrive in every area of education.
“I love education. My heart is in education. I served as a teacher and a principal for 41 years, so it blesses me to be able to help impact the lives of other educators and students.”
District 12 was the closest of the four races. Bates received 297 votes (52 percetn) to 279 votes for Dr. Aimee L. Blackham, a difference of 18 votes. Unofficial turnout was 44.7 percent with 576 total votes cast and all five Election Day precincts reporting.
Bates said he wants to build partnerships in the community and support teachers.
“It would be a great opportunity to serve our community and District 12 for the Lincoln Parish school district,” Bates said. “We can create pathways to make better partnerships in the community and help support our teachers.”
Asked what the win means to him personally, Bates said it “feels great” to represent and serve the community.
A Grambling man was arrested early Sunday after a traffic stop on South Maple Street.
Maleik Bradford, 23, of Grambling, was arrested at 4:12 a.m. Nov. 1 by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office at South Maple Street and West Barnett Springs Avenue.
According to an arrest affidavit, a deputy traveling north on South Maple saw a vehicle fail to dim its high beams while passing. The deputy turned around, got behind the vehicle and stopped it.
The driver told the deputy he had no identification and gave a name and date of birth. The deputy couldn’t find anyone by that name in two law enforcement databases. After the driver was ordered out of the vehicle, he gave the same name again and was placed in handcuffs after being advised of his rights.
The driver was later identified as Bradford. He said he gave his brother’s name because he knew he had bench warrants. A records check showed his driver’s license was suspended.
Bradford was taken to Lincoln Parish Detention Center and booked on charges of resisting an officer by giving false information, failure to dim headlights and driving under suspension. He was also booked on three Ruston Police Department warrants for speeding, driver’s license not in possession and defective or improper equipment.
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.
