Loading
crossword puzzle. One moment please.
Play Sudoku online!
Local events
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.
Wednesday, March 18
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, March 19
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
2 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Peach Cobbler Factory (101 N. Service Rd., Unit 2)
4 p.m.: Tween Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal courtesy of Halff Associates and 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry to be served at St. Benedict Church on Main Street in Grambling. All are welcome.
5 p.m.: Library Board of Control Meeting (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Teen Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
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.: Books and Bites Book Club (Lincoln Parish Library; registration required by calling 318-513-5510)
Friday, March 20
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Friends of the Library Children’s Books and Puzzle Sale (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: GSU baseball
Saturday, March 21
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Missions Market 2026; Concord/Union Baptist Association Women on Mission craft and bake sale (Temple Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 1515 S. Service Rd. W., Ruston)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Friends of the Library Children’s Books and Puzzle Sale (Lincoln Parish Library)
2-3 p.m.: Tween and Teen Writer Workshop (Lincoln Parish Library)
3 p.m.: GSU baseball
Sunday, March 22
1 p.m.: GSU baseball
Monday, March 23
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)
Tuesday, March 24
10 a.m.: Storytime (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m.: Crafternoon (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-led exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: GSU baseball
Wednesday, March 25
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, March 26
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4 p.m.: Tween Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Teen Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
Friday, March 27
1 p.m.: Grambling State softball
4 p.m.: Family Fun Friday: Women’s History Month Bingo (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
6 p.m.: LA Tech softball
Saturday, March 28
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Board Game Meet Up (Lincoln Parish Library)
10 a.m.: Master Gardeners present “The Cutting Garden: A Bounty of Blooms” (Jack Beard Room, Lincoln Parish Library)
Noon: Grambling State softball
2 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
2 p.m.: LA Tech softball
2 p.m.: Grambling State softball
Sunday, March 29
11 a.m.: LA Tech softball
1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
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.
COLUMN: Things we can and cannot control
Life has so many variables out of our control that makes navigating our daily situations difficult. But in some instances, there are a few things we can control and it’s up to each of us to make it happen.
One thing we have zero control over is who our parents are. We as individuals have zero say on the DNA we are blessed with, nor the people it came from. Even though we are who we are, we do have the ability to become the person we truly want to be. In most cases, we can pave our own path to success or failure with the skills we have been blessed with.
Even with bad DNA flowing through our bodies, we still have the task of shaping our lives into whatever we want to be. But only if we as individuals take control and ownership of who we are will our direction in life be confirmed.
I learned at a very early age that the good Lord above had blessed me with good athletic abilities. I figured out before the age of 10 that it would be through sports, with hard work and determination, that I could possibly have some success. Sports gave me a purpose!
That’s what we’re all looking for … a purpose! Even if it goes against the beliefs of the people who raised us, we have to take control of our own destiny at some point.
Even when the odds are against us, there are also times when we have to accept the consequences of our actions. We have to make decisions that not only affect ourselves, but those around us.
Sometimes this means hurting the ones we love the most because the direction they want us to go may not be the same as the destination we had in mind.
By the time we reach 17 or 18 years old, most people know who they are and possibly what direction or path they might want to take. They start to see things in a different light than, say, their parents. But as parents, we must recognize that even though we think we know what’s best for our children, that may not always be the case. We must allow them to spread their wings and continue to grow even if they make a few mistakes along the way. It’s called growing up!
I’ve always heard the excuse that he or she was a product of the environment in which they were raised. Sometimes this can be true, but it doesn’t always have to be that way.
For example, my stepdad was a wife beater and treated women like they were worthless. Even though I witnessed many of these incidents first-hand at a young age, I always knew in my heart that this was wrong, and I made a conscious decision to never be that kind of person.
I always felt that God instills in each of us the ability to know right from wrong when we are born. He gave all of us a brain and the ability to reason when we see things that are not right.
Just because you grow up in a house with little to no guidance doesn’t give you the excuse to ignore what is right. Subconsciously we still know right from wrong and it’s up to each of us to make good decisions and do the right thing.
We all need direction in our lives, which was lacking early in my childhood. Hopefully, we have those we can turn to for advice like a parent or maybe a grandparent, aunt, uncle, preacher, teacher or maybe a coach. No matter who it is, it should be someone we trust. A person who has our best interest at heart.
Bottom line is this — at some point in our lives we must take control over our destiny no matter what our background is. But when we make a decision, we must accept the consequences for our actions. This is what we call accountability!
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.
Remembering Jayden Dyson Revels
Funeral services for Jayden Dyson Revels, 19, of Calhoun, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, March 20, 2026, at Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston.
Interment will follow at Rock Corner Baptist Church Cemetery in Dubach, LA. Officiating the service will be Rev. Larry Bullock. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.
Jayden was a member of Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church – Monroe, LA. He was working as a manager trainee at Dollar General in Calhoun, LA.
Left to cherish his memory are his father, Lucas Revels of Calhoun, LA; mother, Crystal Ross of Ruston, LA; grandparents, Thomas and Betty Revels of Dubach, LA; brother, Sterling Bowman; sisters, Amber Spangler, Jewel Ross; uncle, James Steven Revels and wife Marsha; cousin, Madison Revels; as well as several cousins, family, and friends.
Pallbearers will be Lucas Revels, James Steven Revels, Sterling Bowman, Noah Cagle, James Barmore, and Kaid Barmore.
Notice of death — March 17, 2026
Anita Worsham Brown
January 30, 1933 – March 14, 2026
Visitation: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 5:00PM – 7:00PM, Kilpatrick Funeral Homes
Service: Thursday, March 19, 2026, 1:00PM, Kilpatrick Funeral Homes
Final Resting Place: Fellowship Cemetery in Dubberly, LA 531, Dubberly
Jewelritt Sims
Sunday 03/27/1955 — Thursday 03/12/2026
Visitation: Friday 03/20/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Celebration of Life: Saturday 03/21/2026 1:00pm, Zion Traveler Baptist Church, 1201 Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston
Interment: Saturday 03/21/2026 Following Service, George Washington Carver Memorial Park, Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston
Paula Jean Ireland
December 5, 1945 – March 14, 2026
Services pending
Mary Estelle Harrell
July 19, 1931 – March 15, 2026
Graveside Service: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 10:00 AM, Salem Cemetery, 11793 HWY 151, Dubach
Ella L. Jones
Tuesday 08/20/1940 — Tuesday 03/10/2026
Visitation: Friday 03/20/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Saturday 03/21/2026 11:00am, Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ, 1405 South Farmerville Street, Ruston
Interment: Saturday 03/21/2026 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, US Highway 80 West, Grambling
Jerome Dimmer
Friday 06/07/1957 — Wednesday 03/11/2026
Family Gathering: Friday 03/20/2026 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Visitation: Friday 03/20/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Saturday 03/21/2026 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home
Interment: Saturday 03/21/2026 Following Service, Ebenezer Cemetery, Parish Road 214, Ruston
Jackie Lou Holladay
April 19, 1935 – March 12, 2026
Visitation: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home
Graveside: Friday, March 20, 2026, 10:00 AM, Keesee Cemetery, Monarch, AR
Gerald Van Lyles
June 21, 1947 – March 12, 2026
Memorial Visitation: Monday, March 23, 2026, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home
Opinion: Louisiana’s workforce future is being built on ULS campuses
Rick Gallot, Ph.D., J.D., is president and CEO of the University of Louisiana System.
A recent RedEye article examining Louisiana State University’s recruitment of out-of-state students raises an important question for policymakers and taxpayers across Louisiana: Which universities are producing the workforce that stays here and powers our economy?
Recruiting students nationally is a strategy used by many flagship universities, and we fully support LSU competing with other flagship institutions for top students. A strong flagship university strengthens the reputation of Louisiana’s entire higher education ecosystem.
But for a state focused on economic growth and workforce development, an equally important question remains: which institutions are educating the students who will build their careers and grow their families here at home?
The University of Louisiana System schools are already serving as a primary engine producing and retaining Louisiana’s workforce.
Louisiana is currently experiencing one of the largest waves of economic investment in its history, with more than $100 billion in announced industrial, manufacturing, technology and energy projects across the state. From advanced manufacturing and LNG facilities to data centers, these projects will require tens of thousands of skilled workers in the years ahead.
Governor Jeff Landry made it clear in his recent address to the legislature that meeting this new workforce demand will depend heavily on Louisiana’s ability to educate and retain talent. Across the state, the campuses of the University of Louisiana System are serving as a primary talent pipeline feeding those industries.
The University of Louisiana System is our state’s largest university system and one of the largest in the country. Today we enroll more than 84,000 students and award over 15,000 degrees each year. Approximately 88% of students across the UL System are from Louisiana, and more than 65% remain in the state after graduation, joining Louisiana’s workforce and contributing to our economy.
Among graduates who received the state’s TOPS scholarships, the number who stay is even higher. Roughly 75% remain in Louisiana after graduation.
They are teaching in our schools, staffing hospitals and pharmacies, building businesses, and helping Louisiana industries innovate and grow. Our graduates represent one of the greatest returns on investment the state makes each year.
Across Louisiana, UL System universities are preparing graduates for the industries that power our economy.
Louisiana Tech University’s engineering and cyber-related programs support the technology and defense sectors. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s partnerships with the energy industry and programs in computer science and artificial intelligence support Louisiana’s growing technology economy. Nicholls State University’s Louisiana Maritime Academy prepares mariners for the maritime and offshore energy industries that are central to Louisiana’s coastal economy. McNeese State University works closely with petrochemical, industrial and LNG employers across Southwest Louisiana. Grambling State University prepares graduates in cybersecurity, cloud computing, nursing and STEM fields.
Northwestern State University and Southeastern Louisiana University both operate top-ranked nursing and teacher education programs that continue to address shortages in nurses and teachers. The University of Louisiana Monroe operates the state’s only public pharmacy school and nationally recognized programs in construction management and atmospheric sciences.
In addition to preparing graduates for high-demand careers, a recent economic impact study found that the University of Louisiana System generates $13.6 billion in economic activity annually across Louisiana, with an impact felt in every region of the state.
But perhaps the most powerful impact is not measured in dollars. It is measured in opportunity.
University of Louisiana System schools serve thousands of first-generation college students and families of modest means. Many qualify for Pell Grants. After earning their degrees, many graduates go on to earn salaries between $60,000 and $82,000, creating life-changing economic mobility for themselves and their families.
This is exactly what public universities are meant to do.
We expand opportunity.
We prepare the workforce.
And we strengthen our state’s economic prosperity and future.
The Redeye article states that some cities launch campaigns to convince graduates to stay. The graduates of the University of Louisiana System rarely need convincing. They want to stay. They grew up here, they love this state, and when they earn their degrees, they want to build their careers, their families, and their futures right here in Louisiana.
The University of Louisiana System: One System. One Mission. Powering Louisiana’s workforce — and Louisiana’s future.
Father, son duo highlight All-LPJ 2026 hoops squad
LPJ Staff Report
RUSTON, La. — It’s a Hudson family affair in the All-Lincoln Parish Journal team.
With father Antonio winning Lincoln Prep’s first state championship since it was Grambling Lab in the ’90s to son Ahmad finishing the state championship game with an electrifying 34-point, 24-rebound performance, the Hudsons lead the way on the all-parish team as Coach and Player of the Year, respectively.
Antonio’s Panther squad brought home the title hardware after a 30-3 record and their fifth straight trip to Marsh Madness and defeated Southern Lab 69-42 in the championship game — the first time a Grambling-based high school won a state title since Michael Lyons led the Grambling Laboratory High School Kittens to the 1992 Class 1A crown.
Ahmad for the Ruston Bearcats averaged over 20 points, 14 rebounds and nearly three blocks a contest and was a key component for the Bearcats en route to a No. 2 overall seed and a state championship appearance this past season. Ahmad proved a walking highlight reel with thunderous dunks and a matchup nightmare around the basket defensively while helping pave the way for the Bearcats to go undefeated at home this season and flawless in district play.
Two other Bearcats in junior Keshun Malcolm and sophomore Darren Ford join Ahmad on the list and give Ruston High three total on the team. Lincoln Prep have both senior Zion Hicks and sophomore Jabari Levingston, while both senior Aggies Jackson Ambrose and Braden Pye represent Choudrant on the All-LPJ team.
Both Cedar Creek and Simsboro have one hooper in senior Cameron Temple and sophomore Ahmad Smith, respectively.
See the full team below.
2026 All-LPJ Boys Team
Jackson Ambrose (Choudrant) – Senior
Darren Ford (Ruston) – Sophomore
Zion Hicks (Lincoln Prep) – Senior
Ahmad Hudson (Ruston) – Junior
Jabari Levingston (Lincoln Prep) – Sophomore
Keshun Malcolm (Ruston) – Junior
Braden Pye (Choudrant) – Senior
Ahmad Smith (Simsboro) – Sophomore
Cameron Temple (Cedar Creek) – Senior
Player of the Year: Ahmad Hudson, Ruston
Coach of the Year: Antonio Hudson, Lincoln Prep
Horned Toad’s Demise: Vanished from Louisiana?
by Wesley Harris
The first horned toad I ever saw was on the playground at Ruston Elementary School in the late 1960s. The strange little creature was flat, spiky, and looked like a miniature dinosaur.
Back then, spotting one in north Louisiana wasn’t unusual. Maybe rare, but not unusual. Every now and then a horned toad would appear our playground. Kids would gather around, gently picking it up to admire its prehistoric look and watching it puff up when startled. We called them “horny toads” since their spikes looked like the horns on our plastic dinosaurs.
Most of the horned toads I ever saw in the wild were on that playground. Today, the animal that fascinated generations of Louisiana children has effectively disappeared from the state.
The Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum), the species native to Louisiana, has been in steep decline for decades. Habitat loss, pesticide use, and the collapse of harvester ant populations—its main food source—have erased it from Louisiana’s landscape, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. It went from common backyard creature to something most Louisiana kids today will never see in the wild. It’s even becoming scarce in Texas, its home territory.
The LDWF considers the horned toad is “extirpated” from Louisiana.
Extirpated means a species has disappeared from a specific region (local extinction), but still exists elsewhere, while extinct means the species has completely disappeared from the entire planet.
“The last known record is from 1965 near Quitman in Jackson Parish,” state herpetologist Keri Lejeune with LDWF told me. “There are a couple of confirmed records from the 1920s in Caddo Parish.”
“It is unknown whether any of these records are from wild populations or extirpated introductions,” Lejeune said. “It is speculated that some or all of these records may be from released pets.”
I don’t know if the horned toads we saw at Ruston Elementary were former pets or from wild populations, but we saw them about 1967-69, a few years after LDWF records say they disappeared from the state.
Lejeune noted George Beyer’s 1900 publication Louisiana Herpetology reported the horned toad was common in north central Louisiana.
Of the lizard, Beyer’s pamphlet is brief: “Horned Lizard; Horned Toad. This lizard occurs only in the northwestern section of the state, It is reported from the vicinity of Monroe as fairly common.”
The citizen-scientist site Herpmapper.com logs reptile sightings across North America. None of the horned toad listings in its database have been in Louisiana and few in Texas. Most of the documented sightings come from New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.
While the lizard’s disappearance in Louisiana is stark, a coalition of nonprofits, government agencies, and zoos is working to prevent outright extinction and—eventually—restore populations.
Texas has become the front line in the horned lizard’s comeback story. Conservation programs there have reported successful reproduction in the wild among released lizards, a milestone many thought might never happen again. Although Louisiana is not yet ready for large-scale reintroductions, experts say lessons learned in Texas will be invaluable when the time comes.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, in partnership with the Fort Worth Zoo and other facilities, has been breeding horned lizards in captivity and releasing them into protected habitats. “We’re seeing the first signs of stabilization and even growth in certain release sites,” a wildlife biologist involved in the program said.
Nonprofits such as the Horned Lizard Conservation Society are tackling the problem at its roots, restoring habitat and working with landowners to reduce pesticide use that kills the ants the lizards depend on.
Biologists are focusing on identifying and safeguarding potential reintroduction sites. It’s not enough to breed them. They must have the right kind of sandy soil, open sunlight, and a healthy ant population to thrive.
The horned lizard is more than just a conservation case—it’s a cultural icon, particularly in Eastland, Texas. Known locally as the “horned toad,” it has been the town’s unofficial mascot for more than a century. The most famous of them all, “Old Rip,” was a horned lizard purportedly found alive after being sealed in a courthouse cornerstone for 31 years—a legend that still draws curious visitors to Eastland.
Biologists caution that restoring the horned lizard to Louisiana will be a slow, careful process. But the small victories in Texas have given conservationists new optimism.
If we can rebuild the right habitat and keep working across state lines, there’s no reason Louisiana kids can’t grow up seeing horned lizards again.
For now, the horned toad remains a symbol of resilience—a spiky little survivor whose comeback is being written one sandy acre at a time.
Ruston man flees with gun when police arrive at call
A man who allegedly brandished a pistol at in a local apartment complex and then fled when Ruston Police arrived has been charged in the incident.
Devin Jaivon Lewis, 19, of Ruston, was arrested by police about 2:30 a.m. March 10 after officers were dispatched to the Annex Apartments on West Line Avenue regarding a report of men with guns.
Responding officers spotted three men standing by a stairwell of one of the buildings. The men were ordered to get on the ground. Two complied but Lewis fled on foot. He was arrested on Groveland Avenue after a short chase.
According to the report, the complainant told police she feared for her life when she saw Lewis wave around a handgun. The woman provided video showing the man with the gun.
Lewis was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for illegal use of a firearm and resisting an officer. His bail was set at $27,500.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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.
COLUMN: When being green might make sense
It’s not easy being green.
That’s what I was thinking as today – St. Patrick’s Day – approached. And, no, I wasn’t thinking of Kermit the Frog, who memorialized that song on “The Muppet Show.” Or about the lesson the song teaches: that feeling different can be difficult, but those differences can also make someone unique, valuable and worth appreciating.
I wasn’t even thinking of St. Patrick’s Day, which, of course, has long been associated with the color green.
I was thinking that those who don’t know Christ should be green with envy concerning those of us who do.
Oh, I know there are a lot of things that could be said about that statement that we should be wary of.
First of all, none of us is supposed to feel envious of others – whether we’re in Christ or not.
Also, because those who don’t know Christ, well, really don’t know Christ, they can’t fully grasp what there is to envy about our relationship with him (although I think that some of them, deep down inside, really do).
And certainly, whatever Christians might feel about knowing Christ when others do not, the picture that comes to mind is the Pharisee standing on the corner congratulating himself before God on his own righteousness.
But, truly, what Christians have with Jesus and with the Father and with the Holy Spirit – if envy weren’t bad, and if everyone truly understood what that relationship means, we would be the envy of the world.
Borrowing Paul’s encouragement to “think on these things,” consider what God gives to those who follow him:
– God’s love. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God” – 1 John 3:1. And to think: It comes from the Creator of the Universe. We didn’t earn it, and we certainly didn’t deserve it.
– God’s mercy. “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” – Lamentations 3:22-23. Which is a good thing, because most of us need a fresh start every morning.
– God’s grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith … it is the gift of God” – Ephesians 2:8. The greatest gift we will ever receive – and one we could never, ever, ever purchase on our own.
– God’s guidance. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart … and he will direct your paths” – Proverbs 3:5-6. Which is comforting in a world where the road ahead often feels uncertain.
– God’s provision. “My God will supply every need of yours” – Philippians 4:19. Not always every want, but always every need.
– God’s peace. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 4:7.
Yes, God supplies all these things to those who follow him. If the rest of the world could see them clearly, they might well be green with envy.
Would that they would make use of the crimson of Christ’s blood and be washed as white as snow.
———————————————————
Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
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.
Ponderings by Doug
It really does take less square footage to be a kid now than it did back in the olden days—by which I mean the 60s, 70s, and 80s, when dinosaurs did not roam the earth, but teenagers with giant stereos certainly did.
Back then, if you were a teenager, your bedroom looked like the back room of a Radio Shack. You had a stereo system that took up half the wall. Not a cute little Bluetooth speaker—no, no. This thing had a turntable, an amplifier, and speakers the size of end tables. If you turned the volume up, the windows rattled, the dog hid under the porch, and your mother yelled your full name from three counties away.
And the music collection? Albums were thin, yes, but they were the size of pizza boxes. And every album had a jacket, and the jacket slid into a cover, and some artists released double albums, which meant you needed a forklift to move your collection. Then came eight-tracks (which lasted about as long as a snowball in July), then cassettes, which required their own storage system—usually a shoebox with the lid missing.
If you were lucky, you had a phone in your room. It was attached to the wall by a cord, and the receiver was attached to the base by another cord. If you were really lucky, you had the long cord, the one that let you walk around the room, change albums, and still talk to your best friend about absolutely nothing for two hours.
You also had an alarm clock—or a clock radio—because you needed something to wake you up so you could enjoy that magical sleep between the alarm going off and your parent entering the room to announce, “I said GET UP.” Today we call that the snooze button. Back then we called it “living dangerously.”
Some studious kids had a desk with a typewriter on it. If you had a Pica typewriter, your term papers looked longer, which felt like cheating but wasn’t. And there was almost never a TV in the bedroom. The TV lived in the den, a 25-inch RCA color set that weighed more than a small car. The whole family gathered around it, and since there was no remote, the youngest child served as the official channel changer. It built character.
Fast-forward to 2026. Kids don’t need a whole room anymore. They need a pocket. Their music, alarm, computer, TV, telephone, camera, calculator, flashlight, and speakers are all in one device. Pull out your phone and look at everything it does. It’s a miracle of modern engineering.
There’s a tool that lets us do things we never dreamed possible.
iPhone.
But here’s the thing: for all the problems life throws at us—grief, illness, broken relationships, guilt, confusion, decisions that keep us up at night—there is no app for that. There’s no setting to toggle, no update to install, no notification that says, “Your peace has arrived.”
When you don’t know what to do…
When you’ve lost something or someone…
When the doctor is puzzled…
When your child or parent won’t listen…
When you’ve messed up and don’t know how to make it right…
When you need direction and can’t find the map…
There is one place to go.
Jesus.
He doesn’t fit in your pocket.
He doesn’t need charging.
He doesn’t go out of date when the next model comes out.
And He’s the only One who can hold everything your phone can’t—your fears, your hopes, your grief, your sin, your future.
Kids today may need less space to grow up. But all of us—no matter our age—need the same Savior to grow into the people God calls us to be.
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.
Today’s weather forecast
Daily puzzles
Local events
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.
Tuesday, March 17
10 a.m.: Storytime (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m. Crafternoon (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-led exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
Wednesday, March 18
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, March 19
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
2 p.m.: Ribbon cutting celebrating Peach Cobbler Factory (101 N. Service Rd., Unit 2)
4 p.m.: Tween Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Free meal courtesy of Halff Associates and 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry to be served at St. Benedict Church on Main Street in Grambling. All are welcome.
5 p.m.: Library Board of Control Meeting (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Teen Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
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.: Books and Bites Book Club (Lincoln Parish Library; registration required by calling 318-513-5510)
Friday, March 20
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Friends of the Library Children’s Books and Puzzle Sale (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: GSU baseball
Saturday, March 21
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Missions Market 2026; Concord/Union Baptist Association Women on Mission craft and bake sale (Temple Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 1515 S. Service Rd. W., Ruston)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Friends of the Library Children’s Books and Puzzle Sale (Lincoln Parish Library)
2-3 p.m.: Tween and Teen Writer Workshop (Lincoln Parish Library)
3 p.m.: GSU baseball
Sunday, March 22
1 p.m.: GSU baseball
Monday, March 23
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)
Tuesday, March 24
10 a.m.: Storytime (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m.: Crafternoon (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-led exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: GSU baseball
Wednesday, March 25
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, March 26
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4 p.m.: Tween Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Teen Time (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
Friday, March 27
1 p.m.: Grambling State softball
4 p.m.: Family Fun Friday: Women’s History Month Bingo (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
6 p.m.: LA Tech softball
Saturday, March 28
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Board Game Meet Up (Lincoln Parish Library)
10 a.m.: Master Gardeners present “The Cutting Garden: A Bounty of Blooms” (Jack Beard Room, Lincoln Parish Library)
Noon: Grambling State softball
2 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
2 p.m.: LA Tech softball
2 p.m.: Grambling State softball
Sunday, March 29
11 a.m.: LA Tech softball
1 p.m.: LA Tech baseball
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.
Diamond Dogs host UCA tonight
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
The Diamond ‘Dogs (13-8, 3-0 CUSA) look to close out the homestand with the Central Arkansas Bears (11-9, 1-2 ASUN) tonight at JC Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.
First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT and the game can be seen on ESPN+.
This is the first time the two clubs meet since 2010, when the ‘Dogs and the Bears split a two-game home-and-home series. Tech won the most recent matchup at the Love Shack, 13-5, after falling to the Bears, 1-0, on the road in Conway, Arkansas. That was the lone game played at UCA’s home field, with five of the six all-time matchups being played in Ruston.
Tech looks to extend their three-game winning streak before heading into their first conference test on the road this season, coming off a sweep to open CUSA play at home against Delaware. The ‘Dogs secured their first shutout win to open conference play since 1987 with a 5-0 victory Friday night.
The series was clinched with a 9-3 win on Saturday before a massive 17-4 eight-inning run-rule on Sunday capped off the series. Tech’s 31 runs scored over the weekend were the most runs scored against a conference opponent scoring 39 at New Mexico State in 2024. The last time the ‘Dogs scored at least 31 runs in a CUSA weekend at home was against WKU in 2022.
The Bulldogs have struggled in midweeks so far this season, holding a 1-4 record when not playing on the weekend. The lone midweek win for the ‘Dogs this year was a 5-2 victory over Northwestern State on February 24.
UCA is coming off a series loss, dropping two of three games to Eastern Kentucky to open ASUN play. The Bears won a 16-12 shootout to open the series before losing Game 2 by a score of 16-3 and dropping the rubber match, 6-5.
The Bears have three hitters batting over .340 thus far in Nate Negre, Parker Gwyn and Zeb Allen. Allen leads the club with a .358 average and starts in all 20 games this year, along with 22 runs, seven homers, 5 total bases and eight stolen bags on a perfect eight attempts.
Floyd, Dahl earn CUSA weekly awards
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Floyd Earns CUSA Softball Honor
Senior pitcher Allie Floyd earned her second Conference USA Pitcher of the Week honor of the season and the fifth of her career, the league office announced Monday afternoon.
The right-hander tossed two complete-game shutouts, including a one-hitter and recorded a save against Delaware as the Bulldogs swept the Blue Hens this past weekend. The senior logged 13 innings in the circle and allowed just five hits, none for extra bases. She posted a 0.00 ERA with 15 strikeouts.
Floyd pitched seven innings on Friday night, allowing four singles while striking out eight for a season high. She earned a one-inning save on Saturday, striking out one and not allowing a hit, walk or run.
Floyd capped the weekend with a five-inning complete-game shutout on Sunday. She added six strikeouts, and the lone hit she allowed did not leave the infield.
The Texas native is 7-6 this season and leads the Bulldogs with a 2.50 ERA across 78.1 innings. Floyd has struck out a team-high 68 batters, which ranks fourth in the league, while her seven wins rank fifth. The fourth-year Bulldog has 50 career wins and 377 strikeouts.
_________________________
Dahl Earns CUSA Baseball Honor
Right-handed pitcher Declan Dahl was named the Conference USA’s Pitcher of the Week, per the league’s release Monday afternoon.
The Azle, Texas native tossed seven shutout innings in Friday’s 5-0 win to open the series with Delaware. He scattered two hits and two walks while striking out eight batters, while picking up his third win of the season.
His seven innings was the longest outing of any CUSA starter in the opening weekend of conference play, and the second-most innings he’s recorded in a single game this year.
His eight strikeouts are the second-most in a game for the junior, as well as tied the second-most recorded by a CUSA pitcher this past weekend. His 31 overall strikeouts on the season are tied for the third-most in the league, and his three wins are tied for the second-most.
Dahl’s Pitcher of the Week recognition is the second time a Diamond ‘Dog received weekly honors, following Trey Hawsey’s Hitter of the Week awarded on February 23.
The Bulldogs return to action for a midweek clash with Central Arkansas at the Love Shack on Tuesday, March 17. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
Remembering Mary Estelle Harrell
Graveside services for Mary Estelle Harrell, 94 of Dubach, will be held 10:00 AM, Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Salem Cemetery, 11793 Hwy 151, Dubach, LA 71235. Estelle was born July 19, 1931 to Horace Columbus Henry and Eva Dell Fallin and passed away March 15, 2026 in Ruston, La.
Known by family and friends as someone who could sew and make just about anything, Estelle had a remarkable gift. Whether it was mending a torn sleeve, crafting quilts that warmed generations, or designing something entirely new from imagination alone, there was no project too big or too small. Fabric, needle, and thread seemed to come alive in her hands.
The same talent could be found in her kitchen. Estelle could cook just about anything and make it taste like home. From simple comfort meals to large family gatherings, her kitchen was always filled with wonderful smells, laughter, and full plates. No one ever left Estelle’s table hungry, and every dish was made with the same care and love found in every stitch.
Estelle was a lifelong member of Salem Church. She is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Harrell; her parents, Horace and Eva Dell Henry; son, Bobby Harrell; sister, Ann Magee; and daughter-in-law, Kay Harrell.
Those left behind to cherish her memory include her children: Jerry and Frances Harrell of Shreveport, Donnie and Beverly Harrell of Dubach, Dell Wood of Dubach, and daughter-in-law, Ann Harrell of Monroe; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, and many friends.
The family extends a thank you to the staff of The Arbor and The Terrace of Ruston, with a special thank you to Christine Williamson.
Though the needle has been laid to rest and the kitchen has grown quiet, the warmth of Estelle’s creations and the love shared at her table will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Serving as pallbearers will be: Danny Harrell, Philip Wood, Aaron Wood, Dustin Harrell, Mark Wood, and Michael Berry.
Remembering Gerald Van Lyles
A memorial visitation for Gerald Van Lyles, age 78 of Ruston, LA will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Monday, March 23, 2026 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA. Gerald was born on June 21, 1947 in Weatherford, TX to Virginia Blalock Lyles and Van Edwin Lyles and he passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026 in Ruston, LA.
Gerald was a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and a mentor to many who were fortunate enough to know him. He left a lasting impression on family, friends, and coworkers. Gerald dedicated 43 years of service to TL James, where he built a respected career. His character earned him the admiration and respect of many fellow employees throughout the years. Outside of work, Gerald found joy in the simple things. He was an avid NASCAR fan. He also enjoyed spending time tinkering in his shop working on whatever project caught his interest.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Van Lyles; brother, Wayne Lyles; and sister, Glenda Credeur. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Denise Tucker Lyles; sons: Thomas Alan Lyles and wife Joanna, Jack Murray Lyles and wife Hollis, and James Lindsey Lyles and wife Mary; a chosen son, Jason Bullock; grandchildren: Zackary Lyles, Matthew Lyles, Ethan Brickley, Addison Lyles, Emily Lyles, and Ally-Kate Lyles; niece, Laurie Credeur, and a host of other family and friends.
Remembering Anita Worsham Brown
Anita Worsham Brown, 93, born January 30, 1933, to William Hassel and Sybil Miller Worsham in Shreveport, La, went to meet her Lord and Savior on March 14, 2026, after living with Alzheimer’s disease for many years.
Visitation will be held Wednesday March 18, 2026, from 5-7 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston. A memorial service will be held at Kilpatrick Funeral Homes on Thursday March 19, 2026, at 1 PM. Interment will follow the service at Fellowship Cemetery in Dubberly, La.
Anita grew up in LaSalle Parish and graduated from LaSalle High School in Olla. She attended Northwestern State College and graduated with a B.S. degree in Nursing in 1955 and worked in the Homer Hospital (Claiborne Memorial) followed by many years at the Natchitoches Parish Hospital where she was instrumental in the establishment of the ICU there. She later completed her Master’s of Science in Nursing at Northwestern State University. After that, she began teaching in the nursing program at Natchitoches Parish Vocational Technical School, later transferring to Caddo Parish Vo Tech where she continued teaching and earned the nickname “The General”. She remained there until retirement.
Anita was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Natchitoches for over 40 years. She continued to help those in need by working at the church mission store, providing meals when needed to church members and serving as a Pink Lady at the hospital or providing transportation for any friend in need for medical appointments or anything else. Anytime family members needed her she always was there. Anita also loved traveling with friends and family, both stateside and overseas. Two of her favorite places being Switzerland and Italy. She moved to Ruston in 2012 to be closer to her girls and joined First Baptist Church of Ruston. Anita spent her last weeks at Forest Haven Nursing Home in Jonesboro, LA.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Shelton J. Brown, sister Patsy Carter, and niece Kelli Carter.
She is survived by her daughters, Ann Tidwell (Gary), Sherry Hauser (Cecil Jr.), and Mary Atkins; Grandchildren, Angela Hennigan (John Roy), Cecil Hauser III (Jessica), Christopher Hauser, Grant Hauser (Nicole), and Rachel Rushing (Ryan); Great-grandchildren, Caleb Witt, Chloe Benton (Joel), Carson Witt, Joaquin VegaHauser, Sophia VegaHauser, Alexandria Tedder, William Hauser, Jonathan Hauser; Great-great-grandchildren, Hattie Anne Benton and John Witt Benton; Brother-in-law, Marvin Carter; nephew Ray Carter (Karen); great niece and nephew, Dillon and Alessandra Carter: and special long time friend Loretta Parkison.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the American Heart Association.
Notice of death — March 16 2026
Jewelritt Sims
Sunday 03/27/1955 — Thursday 03/12/2026
Visitation: Friday 03/20/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Celebration of Life: Saturday 03/21/2026 1:00pm, Zion Traveler Baptist Church, 1201 Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston
Interment: Saturday 03/21/2026 Following Service, George Washington Carver Memorial Park, Martin Luther King Drive, Ruston
Paula Jean Ireland
December 5, 1945 – March 14, 2026
Services pending
Mary Estelle Harrell
July 19, 1931 – March 15, 2026
Graveside Service: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 10:00 AM, Salem Cemetery, 11793 HWY 151, Dubach
Ella L. Jones
Tuesday 08/20/1940 — Tuesday 03/10/2026
Visitation: Friday 03/20/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Saturday 03/21/2026 11:00am, Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ, 1405 South Farmerville Street, Ruston
Interment: Saturday 03/21/2026 Following Service, Grambling Memorial Garden, US Highway 80 West, Grambling
Jerome Dimmer
Friday 06/07/1957 — Wednesday 03/11/2026
Family Gathering: Friday 03/20/2026 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Visitation: Friday 03/20/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Saturday 03/21/2026 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home
Interment: Saturday 03/21/2026 Following Service, Ebenezer Cemetery, Parish Road 214, Ruston
Keith Wallace Elliott
July 4, 1931 – March 12, 2026
Funeral service: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 10:00 AM, Owens Memorial Chapel
Cemetery Committal: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 12:00 PM, New Hope Cemetery – Dodson, 7223 LA-126, Dodson
Jackie Lou Holladay
April 19, 1935 – March 12, 2026
Visitation: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home
Graveside: Friday, March 20, 2026, 10:00 AM, Keesee Cemetery, Monarch, AR
Gerald Van Lyles
June 21, 1947 – March 12, 2026
Memorial Visitation: Monday, March 23, 2026, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home
BREAKING: ULS files amended lawsuit vs. CUSA; league responds with Notice of Removal filing
by Malcolm Butler
Punch. Counter punch.
Louisiana Tech fans (and all of the college football world) were entertained late last week when the Bulldogs 2026 gridiron schedule was released.
Twice.
While the Conference USA basketball championships were in the middle of the final game of the quarterfinals on Thursday night, league officials released the football slate.
After sending out a notification to its current member schools around 8:35 p.m. alerting them to the impending announcement, just minutes later CUSA released the slate — which included LA Tech — via social media avenues. Tech officials did not recognize the announcement with one of its own.
Less than 18 hours later, the Sun Belt Conference office released its 2026 football slate Friday with the Bulldogs as part of it. Tech officials immediately joined in with social media posts and an email announcement of the Dogs slate in Sun Belt Conference play.
It was the latest move in a game of conference affiliation chess. It sparked plenty of national publicity, most jokingly asking how the Bulldogs will play 16 “league games” in 2026.
They won’t.
In response to the schedule releases, the Board of Directors for the University of Louisiana System filed an amended lawsuit (see attachment below) late Friday afternoon with the Third Judicial District Court in Lincoln Parish on behalf of Louisiana Tech University versus Conference USA. The amended suit replaces the original March 5 filing which was first reported by the Lincoln Parish Journal.
When asked for an official comment, Louisiana Tech University released the following statement Monday.
“In our February 13 letter to CUSA we urged them not to include Louisiana Tech in the football schedule. We have made it perfectly clear since July 2025 that Louisiana Tech will not play any football games as a member of the Conference in 2026. To include our university in any schedule is misleading and, frankly, disingenuous given the exchanges of communications over the past months.
“The Conference knew that Louisiana Tech was withdrawing long ago and had ample time to adjust its scheduling accordingly. This move is crucial to the health and well being of our student athletes. For our fans, we look forward to renewing rivalries in the Sun Belt Conference this fall with UL-Lafayette and Southern Miss in Joe Aillet Stadium and a visit to our neighbors in Monroe.”
Conference USA then responded Saturday by filing a Notice of Removal (see below) to federal court in the Western District based on diversity jurisdiction, requesting that the lawsuit be dealt with in federal court instead of state court.
This means the state court is immediately divested of jurisdiction, meaning the hearing originally scheduled for Thursday (March 19) will not take place. The ULS and Louisiana Tech will likely file a motion requesting to bring it back to state court.
The amended lawsuit filed by the ULS on Friday has two key changes to it.
The first has to do with Count 1 (Temporary, Preliminary and Permanent Injunctive Relief) and the second was an additional Court 3 (although it fell at the end of Count 2 on the amended lawsuit, see below attachment).
At the time the original petition was filed, Louisiana Tech was not on the Sun Belt Conference’s schedule since it had not been released. However, once the Sun Belt released the schedule with Louisiana Tech as part of it, it created an operational impossibility as its teams cannot compete in two leagues at the same time which became the basis of the amended Count 1 for injunction (paragraphs 26, 31, 33-38, 40-42).
Count 1 now states “Tech’s participation in the SBC for the 2026-27 academic year is not a development that arose from this litigation. Tech’s July 14, 2025 withdrawal notice expressly identified July 1, 2026 as its exit date and Tech has consistently stated it would be departing for the SBC on that date from that point forward. The operational conflict now before this Court is the direct and foreseeable consequence of CUSA’s decision to pursue financial resolution exclusively for months before unilaterally placing Tech on its schedule publicly released on March 12, 2026.”
Count 2 is exactly the same but the amended lawsuit effectively included a 3rd Count added on the end of Count 2 under Declaratory Relief: Grant of Rights Agreement (see page 26 of amended lawsuit, paragraphs 87 through 92).
Conference USA has alleged Louisiana Tech has to buy out of a Grant of Rights Agreement executed June 26, 2023, and effective July 1, 2023.
The amended lawsuit states “CUSA has invoked the GoRA as both a basis for financial demands extending through 2029 and as leverage against Louisiana Tech’s withdrawal from the Conference. An actual and justiciable controversy therefore exists concerning the parties’ respective rights and obligations under that agreement. A declaration of the GoRA’s proper scope and effect is necessary to resolve the dispute between the parties and to prevent CUSA from asserting rights under the GoRA that exceed its contractual purpose.”
This is asking the court to interpret Tech’s obligations under the GoRA with Conference USA.
Tech officials have stated their reasons for notifying CUSA of it’s plan to depart on July 1, 2026, and the desire to reach what it considers fair financial terms with their current league.
“Our move to the Sun Belt enhances the experience of our student athletes, renews regional rivalries, and significantly benefits the Louisiana economy,” said an official statement on March 5. “Additionally CUSA has previously acknowledged the difficulty of crafting an 11-team schedule if we were to remain next year. We have tried to offer a fair financial resolution to this dispute and are hopeful that we can resolve it without resorting to prolonged litigation.”
For now, the game of chess continues for Tech fans.
Seven Lincoln Parish natives among 36 recognized in Tech’s winter nursing pin ceremony
Courtesy of Louisiana Tech University Communications
Thirty-six Louisiana Tech University students, including seven Lincoln Parish residents, received their professional nursing pins in a Pinning Ceremony the evening of March 3 then graduated at Winter 2026 Commencement Saturday, March 7 in the Thomas Assembly Center.
The graduates and their hometowns are as follows:
Caden Adcock – Shreveport
Lauren Aulds – Ruston
Sadie Rowe – Jonesboro
Emma Bishop – Shreveport
Anna Brooks – West Monroe
Ally Byars – Dyersburg, Tenn.
Sara Cagle – Ruston
Brianna Delhommer – Prairieville
Gracie Dupont – Blanchard
Alisha Eppinette – West Monroe
Crawford Finley – West Monroe
Sarah Glover – Monroe
Claudia Hayes – Choudrant
Joey Hayes – Bossier City
Emily Hildebrant – Shreveport
Kellie Latson – Shreveport
Kiia Littleberry – West Monroe
Naomi Logan – Choudrant
Damaris Marcelino – West Monroe
Haley Mayon – Morgan City
Molly McDowell – Shreveport
Kaitlyn Medaries – Bossier City
Kaleigh Nale – El Dorado, Ark.
Sophia Parkman – Ruston
Savannah Pesnell – Ruston
Luca Rieger – Germany
Kyle Russell – Ruston
Taylor Snowden – West Monroe
Josephine St. Dizier – Lake Charles
Addie Stokes – Sterlington
Jaden Taylor – Bossier
Kara Watson – Minden
Brittney A. Whitlock – Calhoun
Cason Womack – Quitman
Clara Womack – Quitman
Luke Wood – New Orleans
Graduates who were members of the Student Nurses’ Association, Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society, or Men in Nursing were recognized with the presentation of cords.
The following awards were presented:
Academic Excellence Award:
Molly McDowell
Tenets of Tech Award:
Ford Alexander
Spirit of Patient Care Awards:
Sara Cagle
Luke Wood
SNA (Student Nurses’ Association) Award:
Molly McDowell
Benefactor Award for Excellence in Nursing:
Kiia Littleberry
Luca Rieger
Sadie Rowe
Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society Members:
Ford Alexander
Anna Brooks
Sara Cagle
Gracie Dupont
Naomi Logan
Haley Mayon
Molly McDowell
Kaleigh Nale
Sophia Parkman
Luca Rieger
Jaden Taylor
Clara Womack
Luke Wood
Each graduate was also presented with a commemorative Nightingale lamp by Northern Louisiana Medical Center. Following successful completion of the NCLEX-RN national licensing exam, the graduates are registered nurses.