August 2024 – Page 3 – Lincoln Parish Journal (2024)

Betty Marie “Kit” Gilbert
January 22, 1943 – July 30, 2024
Service: Gilbert Art Center, Saturday, August 10, 2024,10:30 am

June Kilpatrick
April 14, 1958 – July 31, 2024
Memorial Service: Saturday, August 10, 2024, 10:00 AM, Bienville Methodist Church, 511 Spruce St, Bienville

By T. Scott Boatright

Ruston’s Board of Alderson passed nine resolutions and an ordinance as the August City Council meeting was held Monday evening at City Hall.

The ordinance was for amending and restating an ordinance passed earlier this year authorizing the issuance of next to exceed $15 million aggregate principal amount of sales tax increment bonds regarding the ongoing Buc-ee’s project on the northwest side of the city.

Agent’s Lucius McGhee of Argent has been working with the city and explained the matter was simply a matter of cleaning up wording for the resolution that was recommended to improve S&P credit ratings.

“We’re just trying to clean up the wording for a better rating that affects the interest that we will pay on the bonds,” McGhee said. “We’re just building on what you’re already doing with good financial management, and we just want to have the right words to continue with that.

Thursday’s meeting began with the City Council voting to table introduction of a proposed ordinance that could authorize the city to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with Lincoln United Community Coalition and to sell property to that group.

No reason was given for tabling that agenda item.

Ruston’s City Council then passed a motion authorizing the city to enter into a professional services agreement with the Riley Company of Louisiana, Inc., for engineering services related to the 2025 Street Overlay Program.

“Work on the 2024 Overlay Program will begin soon but we want to get a job on the 2025 Program,” said Ruston Public Works Director John Freeman. “This is just doing the preliminary engineering work looking at areas we might want to work on.”

Freeman said that his department is still narrowing down streets to be worked on as part of the 2025 Overlay Program.

“We’re still looking at some utilities and things like that before we come up with a finite list,” Freeman said.

That was the first of six resolutions involving the city’s Public Works Department that were passed during the meeting.

The others were authorizing the city to enter into a $45,700 contract related to the Church Street Cross Drain Replacement Project; authorizing the city to enter into a $205,600 project related to the McDonald Avenue Cross Drain Replacement Project; authorizing the city to enter into a $139,000 relating to roof replacement at City Hall as well as $58,000 project for City Hall/Civic Center joint roof replacement.

A sixth resolution involving the Public Works Department was related to striping on the North Frontage Road West Striping Project by Arkansas Fence and Guard Rail for $33,695.40.

“The city is working with JP Morgan Chase on the new facility they’re constructing on the north service road west just past The Hobby Lobby area there,” Freeman said. “In developing their site plans they needed a truck entrance just over the crest of the hill there, and to get that approved by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development there’s some striping that needs to take place on the frontage road.

“It’s two lanes westbound now and we’ll have to stripe that down to a single westbound lane and another single lane to be a turn lane into the shopping center and facilitate that development.

Other resolutions passed authorizing the city to enter a $1,087,253 contract for the Hangar Access Taxilanes and Apron Extension Project at the Ruston Regional Airport that will be fully funded by Federal Aviation Administration grants; authorizing the city to enter into a $1,110,727.57 project with J-Bar related to Phase II of the 2024 Street Overlay Sewer Rehab Project; and authorizing the city to enter into an agreement for emergency assistance by and between the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority member cities.

Ruston’s City Council also introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 11 of the Code of Ordinances for the city of Ruston by adding a section relating to approaching a police officer.

That ordinance is expected to be discussed and potentially voted on during the City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting in September.

The City Council granted permission to start the property condemnation process for buildings and/or structures located at the following addresses:

• 1303 Davis Boulevard
  • 1714 Skyline Drive
  • 603 Eastland Avenue
  • 608 Calcote Avenue

By Kyle Roberts

Following its first championship in over three decades, the Ruston High School Bearcats have begun their official fall practice — now atop a brand new turf at James Field at Hoss Garrett Stadium.

But one thing that won’t change is Bearcat Head Coach Jerrod Baugh’s approach to season prep: working hard every day and fighting complacency.

“It’s no different to what we as a staff have talked about all through the spring and summer — trying to guard against complacency about where our football program is,” Baugh said. “We’ve got some good kids, and we’ve gotten some good work in, but I just think human nature allows you to get comfortable with what your situation has been previously. It’s something we have to be cautious about and make sure that we’re not being complacent about where we are and just continue to work in the way that has gotten our football program to where it is.

“It’s a constant work in progress or our coaching staff and the kids just to realize that we have to continue to come to work everyday and work on the things that got us where we are. There’s a lot of teams in the situation that we had been previously that won some ballgames but had not done enough to win a state championship, and they’re going to be hungry and get after us. Teams on our schedule legitimately have a shot to win a championship regardless of the state they are in, and it they hungry and we’re not, then their preparation and diligence does not need to surpass what we do on a daily basis.”

Ruston High has had tremendous success on the gridiron over the last few seasons and have appeared in the state championship game two years in a row — winning the 2023 crown.

The Bearcats have an experienced offense returning, including the 2023 Non-Select, Division I Most Valuable Player and senior quarter Josh Brantley, along with skill position players at the tailback position in seniors Dylone Brooks and Jordan Hayes.

On the defensive side of the ball, Ruston graduated seven starters who had a tremendous impact on the team’s success last season in both defensive ends Ahmad Breaux and Geordan Guidry, linebacker Jadon Mayfield, and defensive backs Nate Johnson, Ronald Findley, Semaj Jones, and Jacoryian Crowe.

“We’ve seen improvements in the areas that we’ve needed,” Baugh said in regards to spring practice and prep. “The guys understand that there were some guys that graduated that has allowed them to step into some spots, and they know we need them to be good players there. They’ve worked to do that.”

Following the installation of the new turf, Baugh said so far it has met all of his expectations to this point, citing the EcoTherm technology that is keeping the field temperature between 15 and 20 degrees cooler than what it was last summer on the turf.

“This week is probably going to be the hottest week of the summer,” Baugh said. “We’ll still be monitoring the wet bulb out there; sometimes, the grass surface (near the field house) will still be a little bit cooler than the turf. So, when we get full pads on next week, we’ll have to juggle back and forth between part of practice on the grass and part on the turf.

“But the new technology has certainly made a different for us once it was all finished up.”

The Bearcats will practice in the mornings for the remainder of this week in helmets only,and will be in shoulder pads Monday through Wednesday of next week before moving into full gear that Thursday and Friday.

Ruston’s 2024 season is now officially one month away as Acadiana will come to James Field at Hoss Garrett Stadium on Friday, Sept. 6, for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

Louisiana Tech’s College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) welcomed teachers from across North Louisiana for multiple summer workshops to advance skills in teaching young students about STEM education.

Louisiana’s science standards incorporate a three-dimensional approach to address what students should know, how they can apply their knowledge, and the connection between different concepts. OpenSciEd training and Young Engineering Solutions workshops are designed to ensure Louisiana teachers are well-equipped for the upcoming school year.

“Resources for teachers to implement these three-dimensional experiences are limited,” Melissa Wooley, STEM outreach coordinator for the Science and Technology Education Center (SciTEC), said. “Through workshops, current and future teachers experienced firsthand what three-dimensional science teaching looks like. They learned in the same manner as their students, enabling them to identify areas where students will excel, where they might struggle, and what scaffolds need to be in place to ensure academic success.”

In partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) and SCILS Region 8 LaSTEM Center, the OpenSciEd workshop goes beyond traditional science teaching methods by bringing together leading science researchers and educators to create a curriculum aligned with how students learn best. This collaborative approach helps students learn to work together effectively while also building their understanding of science.

Krista Drummond, a fourth-grade teacher at Union Central Elementary in Caldwell Parish, attended the 2023 OpenSciEd workshop and could see an improvement in her students after implementing the curriculum in her classroom.

“While teaching this curriculum last year, I could definitely see an increase in my students’ scores,” Drummond said. “This pushes them to the next level of learning that past curriculums have been unable to do.”

Youth Engineering Solutions provides teachers with valuable training and materials to enhance STEM instruction, focusing on fundamental engineering concepts, and problem-solving strategies. It also exposes educators to hands-on engineering challenges that are accessible and engaging for all students.

These workshops not only show teachers how to implement these units in the classroom but also pave the way for students to master science content and practices as they learn to communicate effectively, think critically, ask insightful questions, and understand the world around them.

“The broader goal is to assist with learning loss recovery in science for Louisiana students,” Tana Luther, LDOE science specialist, said. “We were delighted to partner with our Region 8 colleagues who contribute deep knowledge of both the Louisiana science instructional model as well as the unique needs of the teachers and students in the northern part of our state.”

“This curriculum gives a lot of strategies that are engaging and hands-on,” Drummond added. “It’s very student-based where they create their own learning environment.”

CEHS and SciTEC remain committed to teacher education and will continue to offer summer workshops to enhance STEM education throughout the state.

Lincoln Parish deputies arrested a Ruston woman Sunday after she had allegedly stole jewelry from her cousin.

Brenda Faye Harrell, 49, was arrested on August 4 after a woman reported Harrell had stolen jewelry and later returned some of it.

Harrell had been assisting in cleaning at the residence on earlier dates and was at times left unattended. When Harrell later mentioned jewelry she had found, the victim checked her jewelry box and discovered several items missing.

The victim contacted an individual Harrell was staying with and learned she had given that individual a ring which has been stolen from the jewelry box.

When the victim confronted Harrell, she allegedly returned three or four rings and named another person as the thief of the other jewelry.

Harrell was found in possession of seven prescription medications belonging to the victim that were to be disposed of. One of the prescription bottles also contained a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine.

Harrell was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for theft of property valued over $5,000, possession of methamphetamine, and seven counts of possession of a legend drug.

Bail was set at $22,500.

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.

by Malcolm Butler

With temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s in the afternoons for the entirety of this week, Cedar Creek head coach William Parkerson put his Cougars through morning practice Monday on day one of official fall camp.

The second-year head coach at Cedar Creek said nothing surprised him about the opening day of workouts.

“It was a first day,” said Parkerson. “Lots of enthusiasm. Lots of excitement. Lots of mistakes as well. Typical first day with a lot of guys flying around.

“The goal (for day one) is always just to get them out there. To go back to our base calls on offense and defense. Day one install stuff. Things we want to hang our hat on. Try to get those down pat before we start expanding out.”

Parkerson said day one saw 35 varsity players suit up for practice, while the Creek junior high players were also out there for aspects of practice.

“We are trying to do that this year so we can coach them and they can go through as much stuff as far as individuals periods as they an with the varsity,” said Parkerson. “We didn’t do it (Monday), but starting (today) we will move them when we go to group and team … we will move them to the other end of the field and let them do that against themselves.”

Monday’s morning session included what Parkerson referred to as a “Get Tough” period followed by an hour of offense and an hour of defense.

The Cougars are coming off a season that saw them finish third in District 2-1A while earning a berth in the Select School Division IV playoffs where they fell to Catholic Pointe Coupee in the opening round. Creek graduated a number of key contributors off of last year’s team, including starting QB Ladd Thompson.

Kade Lukar was penciled in as the starter for Creek at signal caller this fall, but Lukar opted to concentrate solely on baseball leaving the Cougars roster void of a single player who has ever taken a varsity snap under center.

However, Parkerson said his biggest goal for this year’s team is to develop depth so fewer players have to play both ways.

“We want to play as many guys as we trust and that we think can contribute,” said Parkerson. “It won’t happen this year, but we would love to have 11 starters on offense and 11 different starters on defense. It’s their job to earn our trust in order to get out there.”

Cedar Creek also lost starting linebacker Alex Simpson who departed for North DeSoto, but was able to bring in Riverfield transfer Mason Wooten, whose step-father is Kyle Stracener. The former Cedar Creek head coach more than 20 years ago returns to serve as an assistant on this year’s Cougar coaching staff.

“He has lots of insight and lots of ideas,” said Parkerson when asked about the addition of Stracener. “We will lean on him.”

Following Monday morning’s practice, the Cougars returned to the facility during the afternoon to lift weights and watch film.

“In the afternoons we will workout and have position meetings to watch film from practice and install anything that is going in the next day,” said Parkerson.

Creek will practice in the morning every day this week with the exception of Friday when they will practice in the evening.

By Judith Roberts

I don’t remember any of my first days of school.

Maybe that’sstrange, not to have vivid memories of any of my first days, especially considering how much I photographically document my own children’s first days of school. And I certainly remember my kids’ first days.

I remember my older daughter, Alice, having to miss the first day of preschool because she woke up with her first crick in her neck – it was very memorable for all of us, because she didn’t understand why her neck hurt so much, and it was very scary for her little 4-year-old self. I remember her first day of kindergarten, when we walked with her into the classroom and saw her desk and her classmates, and she looked so grown at age 6.

I remember the last days, too – the last days at preschool, the last days of elementary school, when you realize you’ll never be back at that school again. Those days were the hardest for our little girl, Penny. I think with Alice, it was easier because she knew, even if she was leaving her school, baby sister would still be there, so it wasn’t really goodbye.

It was really goodbye for Penny, though.

However, Penny has had easier first of school days – because even though she “graduated” from her old school, we knew she was going to another great school. We knew the teachers, principal, and expectations. I always thought she had it a little bit easier because we knew what to expect for her.

Every year, especially for Penny, she’s worried about her new teachers because she always loved her previous teachers so much. And now, thank goodness, I’m able to say, “Well, but remember last year, you were nervous, too, and then you loved your teacher this past year, didn’t you?” She and Alice have had some amazing teachers, and that does make the academic year transition easier.

So as we trade in our swimsuits for school uniforms, our flip flops for sneakers, and our sleeping late for an alarm clock, I’ll make sure to get out the First Day of School chalkboard out (in fact, I just ordered the markers because we ran out last year!), make space in my camera storage, and recall every second of rushing them out the door to school. And I will wait in eager anticipation to hear all about their first day.

They may not remember their first days – or even their last days. But I will.

Only a handful of limited edition Ruston Bearcat posters remain for sale. Anyone wishing to order one of these gold gilded editions should follow the directions below. Commemorative posters also remain for sale.

The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks those who have purchased their Limited and Commemorative edition posters highlighting the Bearcats state title last December.

With the start of the 2024 season just around the corner, fans who may have missed out on the chance to purchase either a Limited Edition or Commemorative Edition poster still have a chance.

The Lincoln Parish Journal will be on site August 9 for Bearcat Madness from 5 – 8 p.m. at the RHS Main Gym and will be selling both posters (unframed) while supplies last.

And the best news … both editions are on sale. While supplies last, both the Limited Edition and Commemorative Edition posters are 20 percent off and will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.

Head coach Jerrod Baugh and the Ruston Bearcats captured the school’s ninth state title, its first since 1990 and they did so in a first-class fashion.

In recognition of the state title run, the Lincoln Parish Journal commissioned local graphic designer Courtney Pugh of Donnie Bell Design back in December of 2023 to create a commemorative edition and limited poster featuring photos from official GeauxPrep’s state title game photographer Josh McDaniel (FourSix3).

There are two unique versions of the 18 x 24 inch poster, each printed on 100-pound glossy:

a) a LIMITED edition ($60) with ONLY 75 printed that features a gold gilded tint and a numbering system to differentiate each poster

b) a COMMEMORATIVE edition ($20)

To order either poster, email lpjmerchandise@gmail.com and include your name, email address, cell phone number, version of the poster (LIMITED or COMMEMORATIVE), and total number wanting to purchase.

The LPJ will take payment via credit card (an email invoice will be sent which can be processed by the buyer with a credit card) or cash. No checks will be accepted.

Don’t miss your chance to purchase this beautiful keepsake depicting the Bearcats title run in 2023. Email lpjmerchandise@gmail.com and include your name, email address, cell phone number, version of the poster (LIMITED or COMMEMORATIVE), and total number wanting to purchase.

Special thanks to Origin Bank and Forth Insurance for their support of this project.

By T. Scott Boatright

The dog days of summer made it a tough opening day of practice for the Panthers Monday afternoon as the Lincoln Preparatory School football team began preseason workouts.

That was not a major surprise for Lincoln Prep Coach Glen Hall.

“They’re still young and not that used to the heat we had today, and that got to them some,” Hall said. “We had to give them some time off before we started back up for preseason practice. Some of them had still been showing up for conditioning workouts on their own and some of them didn’t show for those.

“And for the ones who didn’t come when they didn’t have to, I think that showed today.”

Hall had 26 players on the turf at Panthers’ Field on Monday.

“We were missing some of our linemen today because they hadn’t taken physicals yet so I wouldn’t let them practice,” Hall said. “With it being that hot out there, I wanted it to be safe.”

Hall said he has an idea to try to keep his team fresher while working out in the suffocating heat and humidity that has taken over the region.

“I’m going to go out and try to get in a good hour and a half, mainly from just running plays and do our conditioning with running plays and special teams and not so much running 40 yards, 30 yards and that type of thing,” Hall said. “If we can get them to go hard — run hard — during drills I’m hoping we won’t have to do all that other kind of running, and I think that can help keep us fresher even in this kind of heat.”

“That way they don’t realize they’re still doing conditioning other than just straight running.”

Hall said one thing he needs this preseason is for quarterback Jordan Brown to focus on all phases of the game, including the mental aspect.

“He’s got a year up under his belt and we really need him to become more consistent and become more of a leader,” Hall said about his senior signal caller. “He’s still the type of guy who sometimes wants to play back there in the back of the crowd.

“As a starting quarterback, you’ve got to be more of a leader. He’s got to understand that while he might not be a quarterback that’s going to blow everybody away, if he plays within this system, he has the ability to be very successful. And part of that is him stepping up into the kind of leadership role we need from him.”

Hall hopes Lincoln Prep’s running back corps, including D’Tavion Wright, Jaydon Huntley, Tyler Wimberly and Verlanski Glosson, can help take some pressure off Brown.

“If our running backs are playing well, we don’t have to depend completely on our quarterback, and we have some good running backs,” Hall said. “And if they get going, that opens play action passing for our quarterback.

“I’ve got a few guys — D’Tavion Wright is the real deal,” Hall said. “And when Huntley is on, he is on in a big way. He’s quick. Wright is more of the power back and Huntley provides the quickness. So, If I can them to (combine) for 150-200 yards per game, we are in good shape.”

Hall said he feels good about his defense doing their part to help the Panthers’ offense.

“We have a pair of good linebackers in D’Tavion Wright and Tyler Wimberly,” Hall said. Verlanski Glosson is returning at strong safety. Jaydon Hunley is returning at safety. Trey

Spann and Cenario Wilson return in our backfield, so we have some guys who can run and make plays on defense.

“That is pretty much our strongpoint — being able to run and make plays. We also have my big guy, (lineman) Ryan Randolph that we are going to get a chance to get some blows, and even a little rest will help him because we had to use him a lot last year. A lot.”

Hall said his Panthers will play a scrimmage the week before traveling to Delhi for a preseason jamboree.

“I don’t want to have to drive a long way for a scrimmage when we’ll have to turn around and go all the way to Delhi for the jamboree,” Hall said.

Lincoln Prep begins regular season play on Sept. 6 at D’Arbonne Woods. Following is Lincoln Prep’s 2024 regular season schedule:

• Friday, Sept. 6 Away at D’Arbonne Woods
• Thursday, Sept. 12 Home vs. Magnolia Charter
• Thursday, Sept. 19 Away at Beekman Charter
• Thursday, Sept. 26 Away at Jonesboro-Hodge
• Friday, Oct. 4 Away at Haynesville
• Thursday, Oct. 10 Home vs. Ringgold
• Thursday, Oct. 17 Home vs. Glenbrook
• Thursday, Oct. 24 Home vs. Cedar Creek
• Friday, Nov. 1 Away at Plain Dealing
• Friday, Nov. 8 Home vs. Arcadia

Ruston Police arrested a local man last Friday after he allegedly returned to a residence after being barred and damaged a vehicle.

Everett Pesnell, 45, of Ruston, was arrested August 2 after officers responded to a Robinette Drive residence regarding a damage to property call.

Officers were told Pesnell was at the residence after he was told not to return on July 19. He had allegedly damaged a vehicle at the residence. Pesnell told officers his brother had given him permission to stay for an hour. He said he knew nothing about the damage to the vehicle.

The owner of the residence said he did not give Pesnell permission to return. He said he did not see Pesnell vandalize the vehicle, but the damage was new and officers saw the car was covered in dust except for the damaged area, which had fresh scratch marks and fresh handprints.

Pesnell was arrested and as he was being taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, he threatened retaliation against the victim. He was booked for criminal trespass and simple criminal damage to property.

Bail was set at $1,000.

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.

I confess: I have been watching the Olympics.

That doesn’t mean that, as a Christian, I condone everything that’s been going on with the event. But I don’t think the athletes who have worked so hard to get there and who demonstrate such astounding skills should pay the price for the organizers’ short-sightedness and bad judgment.

So, yes, I’ve been cheering on Simone and Suni and Jade and Jordan from the U.S. gymnastics team.

I’ve been amazed at Katie Ledecky, who continues to dominate her areas of women’s swimming like no other.

I’ve even stayed up till after 3 a.m. sometimes to catch some of the events that I missed.

But do I support the presentation of the Paris Parody? No, I do not. Not the least little bit.

I belong to the camp that thinks the artistic director who created the controversial tableau that many viewers felt resembled Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” knew what he was doing from the beginning, even though he said the scene was inspired by the Greek god Dionysus. I had suspected the da Vinci tie-in from the get-go, and things that have transpired since then have only cemented that view.

Despite the initial denial, the resemblance to the Last Supper was later acknowledged indirectly through subsequent discussions and apologies by Olympic spokespersons. If a celebration of community tolerance and diversity was what was wanted, surely a better method could have been employed.

One of the best writings I’ve seen on this controversy came from my friend Gordon Dasher, whose musings are provided in a post onalandlisarobertson.com/blog, “Parody in Paris: A Believer’s Response.” Rather than recounting just snippets of Gordon’s reasoning here, I heartily recommend that you do a web search and find the post. It’s in-depth, it’s Biblical and it totally makes sense. I don’t want to lessen the impact here by providing mere tidbits. (Thank you, Gordon,)

So … back to personal take-aways from my Olympic viewings so far this year.

– From Simone Biles and Suni Lee: There’s something more important than winning. Even so, never give up.

In 2020, despite criticism from some, Simone knew she had to take care of her own mental health and – God love and bless her – she did. After withdrawing from four events in Tokyo, she came back this year, triumphant almost beyond measure.

Suni has faced health problems as well. In 2023, she was diagnosed with two forms of incurable kidney disease, which forced a pause in her gymnastics career. Despite these challenges, though, she has earned multiple medals at the Paris Olympics, along with the return of good health at this time.

– From Jade Carey: Believe in yourself and what you have to do. At the Tokyo Olympics, Jade experienced a significant misstep during the vault final, tripping on her run and finishing in 8th place. However, this year she, too, made a remarkable comeback, overcoming a fall during the qualifiers to earn a bronze medal in the vault final.

– From Katie Ledecky: Do what you love – and keep on going. At age 27, she has now won the most gold medals of any female swimmer at the Olympics (nine) and is the most decorated American female overall (a total of 14 Olympic medals).

– From the country of Saint Lucia: Be prepared for success – even for greatness – although the world may predict otherwise. This Caribbean country won its first gold medal ever when Julien Alfred toppled reigning world champion Sha’Carri Richardson to win the 100 meters.

– From Snoop Dogg: Be yourself, show love and respect to others, and spread positivity. And sometimes, even people who previously scoffed (ahem, hand raised here), may start to really appreciate you. As a special correspondent for NBC, Snoop has become “America’s Cool Uncle,” always ready with a laugh and some laid-back wisdom.

– From the Paris Parody: Learn to truly exhibit love for your fellowman even though he doesn’t believe as you do, and don’t utter anything that sounds remotely hateful about him. Because remember, “hateful” means “full of hate,” and somehow this doesn’t sound like anything that Jesus would be preaching to his disciples.

Also remember, the women’s U.S. gymnastics team self-named Redemption Tour isn’t the grandest redemption tour that will ever happen. There’s one being offered by the Greatest Coach That’s Ever Existed, and there’s plenty of room on the team for all of us. If you haven’t already, why don’t you sign up?

———————————————————

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 atsallierose@mail.com.

Courtesy of GSU Communications

GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State’s Myles Crawley added another preseason accolade this week as he was named to the Urban Edge Network HBCU+ FCS National Player of the Year watch list.

Crawley, who was picked as the preseason SWAC Offensive Player of the Year and is on the Walter Payton Award preseason watch list, had a remarkable 2023 season at GSU. The Redshirt-Senior from Lithonia, Ga. threw from 2,303 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing 60.1% of his passes (197-of-328). He was the first Grambling State quarterback to throw for at least 2,000 yards in a season since Devante Kincaid in 2017 and the first GSU QB to throw at least 16 touchdowns since Geremy Hickbottom in 2018.

The inaugural Urban Edge Network LLC HBCU+ FCS National Player of the Year Award will extend the recognition in the 2024 season. The award will honor the nation’s best HBCU player – regardless of position – from 21 programs spread across the FCS, including in the Southwestern and Mid-Eastern athletic conferences.

A national panel of voters will select the winner after the regular season. The recipient will be announced on Dec. 9 and invited to the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 5 in Frisco, Texas.

FOLLOW GRAMBLING STATE ATHLETICS
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /GramblingStateTigers1901 (Facebook), @gramblingathletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech Football fans can now purchase single game tickets for the six Bulldog home games during the upcoming 2024 season.

Single game pricing for the matchups against Nicholls (Aug. 31), Tulsa (Sept. 21), Middle Tennessee (Oct. 10), UTEP (Oct. 22), and Kennesaw State (Nov. 30) start at $20 adults and $15 kids for general admission.

West side reserved seats are $36 adults and $20 kids while east side reserved seats are $25 adults and $20 kids.

Single game pricing for homecoming versus Jacksonville State on Nov. 9 will be west side reserved ($40 adults and $25 kids), east side reserved ($30 adults and $25 kids), and general admission ($25 adults and $20 kids).

Kid prices are for those between the ages of 4-17. Ages three and under get in free.

To purchase your Bulldog football tickets go to LATechSports.com/Tickets or call the LA Tech Ticket Office at (318) 257-3631.

The home promo schedule for the 2024 season has also been set.

AUG. 31 VS. NICHOLLS
Game Sponsor: Origin Bank
Promos: Hometown Heroes, High School Band Day
College of the Day: Applied & Natural Sciences

SEPT. 21 VS. TULSA
Game Sponsor: Super1Foods
Promos: Red Out, Military Appreciation, Legend’s Day, Family Day
College of the Day: Engineering

OCT. 10 VS. MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Game Sponsor: CenturyNext Bank
Promos: Education Night, Kid’s Night, Breast Cancer Awareness
College of the Day: Education & Human Sciences

OCT. 22 VS. UTEP
Game Sponsor: Pepsi
Promos: Student Organization Night, Mental Health Awareness
College of the Day: Liberal Arts

NOV. 9 VS. JACKSONVILLE STATE
Game Sponsor: Northern Louisiana Medical Center
Promos: Homecoming

NOV. 30 VS. KENNESAW STATE
Promos: Sportsman’s Paradise
College of the Day: Business

SUPPORT LA TECH ATHLETICS
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BARK LOUDER
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Funeral services for Connie McGrew, age 68 of Choudrant, LA, will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston, LA with Rev. Brad Jones officiating.Burial will follow in the Choudrant Memorial Cemetery under direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.

Connie loved going camping with her husband and family.She also loved nature, her friends, going to Branson, MO, mowing her yard, cooking, helping other people, especially her kids, but most of all she loved her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.Connie is preceded in death by her parents, Troy and Shirley Watt; sister, Sheila Blackwell; in-laws: John Wesley and Gwen McGrew; son-in-law, Gary Cooper; brother-in-law, Lee Fancher and niece, Renee Spears.

Connie is survived by the love of her life of 51 years, Ricky McGrew; daughter, Brandy Cooper; son, Jeff McGrew and wife Candace; sister, Debbie Gunter and husband Charlie; brother, David Watt and wife Pam; brother-in-law, Gary McGrew; sisters-in-law: Donna Fancher and Carolyn Lowery; granddaughter, Sydney McGrew; grandson, Blake McGrew; great-grandchildren; Haelyn McGrew, Chloe Morales, Sebastian Morales, Cody Morrow and Andrew Morrow; a host of nieces and nephews and very special friends, Bonnie and Jack Scott and Earl Neel.

Serving as pallbearers will be Steve Dobbins, Earl Neel, Matt Murphy, Austin Sanders, Chino Morales and Glen Speake.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Friday, August 2, 2024 at Owens Memorial Chapel.To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visitwww.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.

Betty Marie “Kit” Gilbert
January 22, 1943 – July 30, 2024
Service: Gilbert Art Center, Saturday, August 10, 2024,10:30 am

June Kilpatrick
April 14, 1958 – July 31, 2024
Memorial Service: Saturday, August 10, 2024, 10:00 AM, Bienville Methodist Church, 511 Spruce St, Bienville

By Kyle Roberts

A Hilton hotel coming to Ruston? Is it too good to be Tru?

Announced by City of Ruston online and confirmed by Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker, the hotel chain is expected to be opened and ready for travelers by the end of 2025, though no firm timeline has been announced formally for ground-breaking and construction.

“With the growth of our city, and especially the RPAR Sports Complex, the universities, the Exhibition Center, and the new mountain bike trail at the parish park, we’ve had lots of demand for hotel rooms,” Walker said. “These will really help us keep people in Ruston instead of losing them to Monroe and West Monroe. It’s really good for us.”

While it will be in a single structure, it will actually be two hotels: Home2 Suites by Hilton and Tru by Hilton. Home2 Suites is geared for longer stays, while Tru by Hilton has features for travelers looking to stay short-term.

A estimated total of 150 new hotel rooms will be available once construction is complete.

The sign is up on the east side of Tractor Supply on North Service Road East, which has the company name “Wealth Hospitality” of the main investor. The area code “601” is for central Mississippi.

A call to the number listed for more information went unanswered over the weekend as the office was closed.

For Walker, this is yet another sign that Ruston is growing economically.

“Hypothetically, if Buc-ee’s were to break ground in the next 60 days, we would be looking at $210 million in construction,” Walker said. “The boom is here.”

The Hilton brand began in Cisco, Texas, when Conrad Hilton changed his plans from buy a bank and decided to purchase a local hotel, The Mobley, instead.

The first formal Hilton hotel opened in Dallas in 1925, and the company now operates in 76 countries across the world..

Some historical information for this article was taken from http://www.hilton.com.

By T. Scott Boatright

Working with everyone from youth to the elderly, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Iris Winston’s work for the LPSO’s Community Services Division has made her known to many.

“It’s a very fulfilling job when you’re able to help people like I’m able to do through my job,” Winston said. “I get a lot of support from a lot of people, and nothing beats the feeling that will give you.”

Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Winston moved with her family to Monroe when she was in the sixth grade.

“My dad’s job moved us here for him to work at the plant (Graphic Packaging International) in West Monroe,” Winston said. “So, I went to school at Ouachita Junior High and then I went to Carroll High School, where I graduated.”

Winston was a star track athlete at Carroll, leading to a scholarship to run for Coach Bertram Lovell and the Grambling State University track and field program.

“I went to state every year,” Winston said. “I was a triple jumper, and I ran sprints my senior year (in high school). And then I was a jumper at Grambling.”

Winston majored in criminal justice at GSU and did her internship with the LPSO.

“I guess they liked me, because they called me in and offered me a job,” Winston said. “That was 2001. I was there part-time and then in 2004 I left there to start working at Chase (Bank). I worked at Chase for about a year. I worked at both jobs for about six months before Chase hired me full-time.

“Then about six months later the Sheriff’s Office called me and asked me to come back, and I did. I’ve been there ever since.”

Winston said the move to the LPSO’s Community Services Division is one of the best things to ever happen to her.

“I think I was on probation for about 19 years,” Winston joked. “And right before (Sheriff Stephen Williams) took office, he asked if I could go over to the TRIAD department. It was different, especially because most everybody who was working in TRIAD left when COVID hit.

“And that was the time I went into the Community Service division. I started doing the Higher Youth Program and started doing elderly protection calls, which I still do, and the more I did the more I wanted to get involved with the community and build the bridge between the community and the sheriff’s office and police.”

Winston said Williams was very supportive of her work.

“That was something he was big on and really wanted to do — kind of bridge the gap and try to bring the community together,” Winston said. “I wasn’t sure when I first started because I had no clue what all that division entailed. But it kind of just took on a life of its own and we just started doing more community programs. So, it all turned fun.

“I like putting on different events and doing things like planning the office Christmas party and retirement parties and stuff. I just like doing it.”

Williams said it is her dedication to the LPSO and the Lincoln Parish community that makes Winston special.

“Iris is such a loyal and dedicated employee,” Williams said. “She has a deep desire to serve the public and truly wants to help. She always has a smile on her face and is willing to put in the work.

Winston said working with youth is one of the best parts of her duties.

“This was our third year doing the Cadet Youth Academy,” Winston said. “That’s so much fun. You see when the kids first come in that they’re all kind of at least a little shy and don’t know what to expect and by the third day, they’re all playing with each other. They meet new friends and learn new things.

“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from that program. I’m happy about that and I’m looking forward to trying to expand on that in the coming years, so I’m really looking forward to that.”

LPSO Chief Deputy Landon Hunt said Winston’s work with senior citizens has been just as successful as her work with youth.

“It is such a pleasure to work with Sgt. Winston and we are so blessed to have her running our community services division,” Hunt said. “No matter what project she is working on Sgt. Winston goes above and beyond.

“She is extremely gifted in coordinating events, large or small, paying great attention to every detail. Our annual senior expo is a testimony of her amazing dedication. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside her.”

Winston recently returned from a trip to Mexico and said that travel is one of her favorite pastimes.

“I love traveling,” Winston said. “I try to go out of the country at least three times a year. Last year I went to Morocco, Africa, and Milan, Italy. And I went to Cozumel and Cancun last year. I went to Africa and Milan on the same trip. And I’ve been to Paris twice.”

Winston said that right now, she cannot envision working any other job.

“I can see myself staying because I love what I do,” Winston said. “The sheriff’s office gets a lot of support from the community, and that feels good. We’ve got some new community programs under our sleeves that we’re going to try to make happen.

“And hopefully they’ll get the same kind of support our existing programs are receiving.”

A Monroe man was arrested by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office July 26 after drugs were found in his vehicle.

Alfonso Fuller, 36, was stopped on La. Highway 33 at about 11 p.m. after a deputy observed his Honda Accord had extremely dark window tint. When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, it traveled an extended distance, passing several safe places to stop. The deputy knew through training and experience that this is a tactic used to give occupants time to conceal contraband.

When the vehicle finally stopped, and the deputy approached, and an overwhelming odor of air freshener was detected, a tactic used to mask the odor of narcotics. Fuller was found to have a recent narcotics history.

A K-9 was deployed to conduct an open-air sniff of the vehicle, and he alerted to the odor of narcotics.

A search was conducted and an aspirin bottle containing numerous pills was found between the passenger seat and the center console. Pills included tramadol hydrochloride, a Schedule IV controlled substance, and gabapentin, a legend drug.

Fuller was asked to name any prescriptions he was taking, and he did not list either drug that was recovered. Fuller allegedly said he knew nothing about the tramadol but had obtained the gabapentin from a family member.

A warning was given for the excessive window tint which allowed only 7% light transmission.

Fuller was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of a Schedule IV substance, possession of a legend drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $5,000.

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.

By Kyle Roberts

“Life is a mosaic of small details.” — Socrates, probably

Vehicles have never really been my thing.

I see them as only a means of getting from Point A to Point B, which is why I’ve only ever driven bland makes and models: a Ford Taurus, a Mitsubishi Galant, a Mercury Milan — you get the idea.

Since my fifteenth birthday, I have always only ever owned used cars. A total of six sedans over the years and nothing to write about.

Well, okay — I’ll write about the sixth one.

For starters, Judith and I have an informal policy with our vehicles: unless something mechanical fails, we drive our cars/SUVs to 200,000 miles. No exceptions.

So far, it’s served us well. When we replace one, we look for a “new-to-us” car that has less than 50,000 miles and the cycle repeats.

In the summer of 2018, it was time for the black Milan to go to pasture. Heated seating, nice interior, moon roof, navigation system — it had some sweet bells and whistles. But we hit the vaunted 200,000-mile mark and I was due for this particular upgrade.

Talking with some former co-workers over lunch, one of them had told me about buying a car online.

“It’s magical,” he said. “You buy the car for the lowest possible price, and they’ll deliver to you for a nominal fee.”

I’m always one for an adventure, so I figured why not. Now defunct, I used a subsite for Vroom.com and found a car for a terrific price (too terrific, as we’ll get to soon) and started the process.

It took seven days from start to finish for a big-rig to pull my 2015 silver Ford Fiesta into the Temple Baptist Church parking lot. I had promised my then-five-year-old that she could be the first one to ride with me, and she was ecstatic.

After the driver asked me to look around the exterior to make sure everything was up to snuff, I opened the driver’s door, wide-eyed with excitement.

Everything looked great inside. I immediately started looking for how to connect my phone’s Bluetooth to the media play. It may not have the heated seats and moonroof from my previous car, but it was exactly what I wanted.

“Crank ‘er up,” the truck driver told me. “Make sure everything runs good.”

I inserted the key to crank the engine.Click. Nothing. I try again.Click. The radio is on, so it’s clearly not a battery issue.

Maybe it’s not in park, I think to myself. I check the shifter.

Huh, that looks different. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and R.

I look down. There’s a third pedal to the left of the brake.

My heart falls through the floor. It’s a manual stick shift. Apparently, I’m sitting in the only Ford Fiesta in history that’s a standard.

I roll the window down, and Judith sees my pale face.

“It’s a stick shift,” I managed to get out in squeaks. “Keep Alice in your car — I’ve got to figure out what to do from here.”

I talk to the truck driver again.

“This may not be the right car,” I tell him, wishing into the great void that this was a clerical error.

Incredibly kind, he checks the paperwork. “Nope, this is it. If this is not what you want, it will be $500 for me to take it back.”

I call the company next. Staying as calm as possible, I plead my case.

“Could you please make sure this is the correct car?”

Turns out, it was. When I found the car on the website, it was in plain English: “Standard Package.” Standard to me meant cloth seats, no butt warmers, and limited digital connectivity.

Nota standard.

Luckily for me, I was trained as a youngster on my dad’s Ford F-150, and my time riding 4-wheelers helped me figure out how to shift with a clutch. So in stubbornness, I spent an entire weekend re-teaching myself to drive a stick shift in order to keep the car. Stalling out plenty of times in the process, it finally all clicked together a few weeks later, even as my kindergartener asked me in the drop off line if I was sure I knew “how to drive this car.”

I still have the car today. It’s symbolic to me of learning a very valuable lesson moving forward: always check the details. Standard to one is stick-shift to another. And when you spend thousands of dollars on something, you want it to be as close to what you had in mind when it arrives or when you drive it off the lot.

Sometimes, I still rush things. Sometimes, I still make quick decisions. I’m not perfect — but if the Fiesta experience has taught me one thing — it’s to make sure to try to gather as much information as possible before making a decision. Overall, I think it’s proven effective.

But you can bet I’ll be going to Karl Malone Toyota in-person the next time I need a car.

What better fundraiser for folks living in Sportsman’s Paradise than selling tickets for a chance to win a Ranger Side-by-Side.

That’s what the Ruston Rotary Club is doing.

With all proceeds from ticket sales going to fund community-related projects, the Ruston Rotary Club is raffling off tickets for $10 with a chance to win a Polaris Ranger 1000 with a Load-and-Go 12-foot trailer valued at over $23,000. The Ranger 1000 accessories include Front Half Door, Lock & Ride Pro-Fit Rear Glass, Fixed Windshield, and Sports Poly Roof.

“The Rotary Club of Ruston has been doing good in Ruston and beyond for over 80 years,” said Kevin Smith, President of the Ruston Rotary Club. “This is the major fundraiser that supports many of our projects including scholarships for high school seniors, dictionaries for 3rd graders, coats for children, backpacks of food for students, and many other projects.”

Tickets will go on sale this week and the fundraiser is a coordinated project of Karl Malone Power Sports and Team Karl Malone Auto Group and the Ruston Rotary Club.

“We are pleased to be part of this effort to raise funds and give back to the community,” said Ruston Rotarian and Service manager at Karl Malone Toyota Rusty Wilfong.

Individuals can purchase tickets from any Ruston Rotary Club member and the Ranger 1000 side-by-side will be displayed at different locations over the next 12 weeks. Tickets may also be purchased at service department of Karl Malone Toyota, or by calling Rusty Wilfong at 318-224-3543.

The drawing will be held October 30 at the noon meeting of the Ruston Rotary Club.

Fundraiser benefits the community

Ruston Rotary undertakes numerous local service projects each year. Funds generated from the $10 ticket donation will be used for many school and community projects

One of these is the Backpack food program Ruston Rotary started under the direction of Allen Tuten in Ruston about 15 years ago. Bags of easy access food are placed into a child’s back pack to be consumed over the weekend. Students needing this nutritional help are selected by their teachers.

“We started at one school helping about sixty students each week,” said Tuten. “After a couple of years other organizations partnered with the effort in leading and support roles. Now hundreds of food insecure students are helped each week.”

The program is now under the direction of the United Way in coordination with Super 1 Foods.

Other community related projects include Coats for Kids, dictionaries, student scholarship, Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) and more. Last fall, the Ruston Rotary Club gave away 225 Coats for Kids to schools in Lincoln and Jackson Parishes in coordination with the Children’s Shoppe and Jonesboro State Bank. Each year the Ruston Rotary Club donates dictionaries to Lincoln Parish third grade students across the parish and will again kick off this project this year.

Each month during the school year, Chris Barr leads the Ruston Rotary Club in hosting high school seniors from Ruston, Choudrant, Lincoln Prep, Simsboro and Cedar Creek highlighting their high school careers and future college plans.

“These meetings are generally our highest attended monthly meeting and every member and guest listens intently to the student’s speech,” said Ruston Rotarian Jerry Pye.

These students speak of their accomplishments and future plans. Every year during the month of May, the Ruston Rotary Club donates four $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors for college.

Ruston Rotary provided for three Lincoln Parish students (one from Cedar Creek, Ruston High and Choudrant High) to attend RYLA held every year at Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center in Dubach (OWL Center).