January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
Staff report
With the holiday season now in the rearview mirror, school’s and universities in Lincoln Parish will be returning at various times to the classroom.
- Louisiana Tech’s classes will resume today (Monday, Jan. 6) according to the school’s calendar web page
- Lincoln Preparatory School students will return to class today (Monday, Jan. 6) according to their website
- Lincoln Parish public schools and Cedar Creek will both return to the classroom on Tuesday, Jan. 7, following confirmations from staff at both LPSB and Cedar Creek
- Grambling State officially opens for the Spring Semester today (Monday, Jan. 6) and classes will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 8, according to the school website
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
by Hanna Singh
Since 2008, the Louisiana Methodist Early Response Team has embodied its motto, “Providing a caring, Christian presence in the aftermath of disaster,” by supporting disaster survivors and aiding in the reconstruction of communities affected. This volunteer ministry joins together members from all walks of life, united by a commitment to serve others.
Over the past 16 years, the team has served communities in 15 states across the south central and southeastern United States. Responding to damage caused by floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes, the response team comes alongside disaster survivors to offer assistance in their recovery.
Some of their many tasks include mitigation practices like tarping roofs and mucking out homes, along with mildew and mold remediation practices. Often, the crew works with chainsaws to remove downed trees that are impeding folks access to property or their safety.
Team leader and pastor of Dubach Methodist Church, Rev. Bob Deich, described what he feels to be the most meaningful part of the organization’s efforts.
“The greatest work that we do is to sit and listen to people’s stories, as they have weathered the storm and are now dealing with the cleanup, often by themselves,” Deich said. “We have a special heart for the elderly and needy, and we have been blessed to serve many on this trip.”
On their most recent deployment, the team traveled to the mountains of Western North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene had left a trail of destruction. They joined forces with team members from Arkansas and Missouri to provide relief to survivors of the storm. This made their third deployment to aid in disaster relief from the same hurricane, following trips to South Georgia and the Florida panhandle.
The response team included three Lincoln Parish Residents: Jordan Holmes, Jr. Slocum, and Deich. They were hosted by fellow parish resident, Hollis Downs, who owns a home in the disaster area. Together, the volunteers removed over 700 tons of debris and delivered baked goods made by the ladies of Dubach Methodist Church, along with gift cards donated by local individuals and organizations. The baked goods brought unexpected hit with hurricane survivors, with one recipient sharing a heartful response to the gift.
“I bake things for neighbors and friends all the time and these are the best cookies I’ve ever had,” the recipient said. “I can taste love in them.”
For the volunteers, the disaster response is more than just a task, it feels like a calling. One of the volunteer team members, Don Allen, shared his reason for devoting time and energy to the cause.
“There is a sermon in every job we do,” Allen said. “It’s like church outside of church. I can show people what Christians are like without preaching to them.”
Team member Ken Hall echoed this sentiment by describing how he feels his skills can help others.
“I believe we are all called to help people who are hurting and in need of help. Disaster response is a way I feel called to serve and uses some of the skills I have been equipped with,” Hall said. “I enjoy working with like-minded people who have a heart for serving others. It is a joy being able to help storm survivors in some small way.”
The different ways of aiding in relief show how even the simplest of actions, such as providing baked goods, can have such an impact on others. The team members know that although they make a big difference through physical work, they don’t have to run a piece of heavy equipment to show the love of Christ to those who are hurting.
The Louisiana Methodist Early Response Team’s devoted work demonstrates how a combination of physical labor, emotional support, and simple acts of kindness can show God’s love to those facing overwhelming loss. Just a small group of caring volunteers can make an enormous difference in the hearts and lives of others.
For more information about the Louisiana Methodist Early Response Team or to support their mission, contact Dubach Methodist Church or visit their Facebook page (1) Facebook.
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — Thunderous dunks from sophomore Ahmad Hudson and threes from sophomore Keshun Malcolm.
A raucous home crowd enjoyed plenty of both Friday night as Ruston High (7-3) overwhelmed Richwood (10-7) by a final score of 66-42 in Ruston’s Main Gym in the first game of the 2025 calendar year for the Bearcats.
Oh, and a stingy defense helped, too, setting Ruston on a 24-2 run for nearly seven minutes between the end of quarter two and the beginning of quarter three.
“The kids get all the credit for their shooting ability and reading and making athletic plays. But the defense, I want to take a little bit of credit for getting to more and more like what I’ve seen in the past,” Ruston High assistant coach Corey Deans said, tongue-in-cheek. “(Senior Zheric Hill) commanded our first substitution group, and the defense was stifling. He cut off all they’re water. He’s a middle linebacker on the football team, and he’s talking, commanding, and getting everybody in the right place.”
Hudson would score 10 of his 19 total points in the first quarter, leading Ruston to a 14-10 lead at the end of the first quarter, tallying a block and a steal, as well. Ruston then rained in six three pointers to start the second quarter, with junior Zatterion Sutton knocking down the first with 7:26 to go in the first half. Following two consecutive blocked shots by Hudson, Malcolm knocked down his first three of the game with 5:57 to play in the second quarter.
Hill hit his own three-pointer with 4:28 to go in the second quarter to give Ruston a 23-12 lead. Malcolm added another a few minutes later, followed by senior Aidan Anding with a triple at the 2:20 mark before halftime.
Senior Joran Parker scored the sixth three for Ruston with 1:40 to go before halftime, and Ruston would take a 36-20 lead into the locker room after the second quarter.
Deans credited the kids’ commitment to conditioning and high basketball IQ for the good looks at three for the night.
“We attack gaps, and once you understand defense, when you play offense, you realize where the defense is supposed to be,” Deans said. “When they’re not at their gaps and their spots, we attack, make the open read and make the simple play.”
Parker opened the scoring in the third quarter with a made free throw at the 7:13 mark, which then helped Ruston get into a set defense. Anding stole the ball from a Ram, leading to a score by Hudson with a foul on the made shot. Hudson knocked down the free throw to give the Bearcats a 40-20 lead with 6:42 to go in the third quarter.
After a Hudson block (he’d finish with six on the night), he’d throw down another forceful dunk with 5:30 to go in the third. Malcolm would have a thunderous jam of his own a few seconds later, sending the crowd into an uproar and putting a huge smile on his face.
“He’s confident right now,” Deans said of Malcolm after giving him the green-light to shoot. “At first, he was kind of rebelling against me a little bit, and now he’s real comfortable. He’s playing defense, taking charges and rebounding — if he does those three things, then I don’t care about the shots he takes.”
The Bearcats would hold onto the lead into the fourth quarter, securing the seventh victory in a row.
Malcolm led the team in scoring with 26 points, while Hudson registered a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
“Ahmad cannot be guarded one-on-one,” Deans said. “Even we don’t run a play for him, he has the ability to go get 15 rebounds. He’s coachable and he has a high IQ. He knows when to block shots, he knows when to take charges. He’s the back line of our defense, so whatever mistakes we make, he erases them. I just don’t have enough adjectives to describe him.”
Friday’s win avenges an earlier loss in the season to Richwood by a final score of 84-42.
Ruston’s win sets up a big midweek matchup at home for Tuesday, Jan. 7, against Calvary Baptist. Junior varsity is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. with varsity playing right afterward.
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. JustCLICK HEREto sign up.
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
Marijuana, gun found on traffic stop
A Minden man was arrested in Grambling last week after he was stopped for a traffic violation and was found in possession of a firearm and marijuana.
Traivion Denyell Sims, 26, was arrested by the Lincoln Paris Sheriff’s Office on December 27 after a deputy found over 40 grams of marijuana and a semi-auto pistol in his vehicle.
The deputy saw Sims exit Interstate 20 and stopped him for a traffic violation. A check showed Sims’s driver’s license was under suspension. The deputy detected a strong odor of burning marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.
As the deputy was preparing to conduct a search of the vehicle, Sims said there was approximately 20 grams of marijuana in the vehicle. The deputy located several containers of marijuana totaling approximately 41.2 grams. A Taurus pistol and Sims’s identification were found in a backpack.
A criminal history check showed Sims to be a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Sims was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the presence of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, and improper lane usage.
Bail for Sims was said at $195,000.
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.
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. JustCLICK HEREto sign up.
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
By Kyle Roberts
BENTON, La. — Following a dominating performance Thursday against Plain Dealing, Ruston High (6-8) dropped the second game of the Benton Lady Tiger Classic Friday to Captain Shreve (16-3) by a final score of 68-34.
Ruston High head coach LaShanda Cooper admitted the offense just could not get going but was happy the team never gave up.
“We were unable to handle the defensive pressure which caused our offensive rhythm to be off,” Cooper said. “We missed a lot of open shots and made a lot of mental errors. We were unable to execute defensively which caused Captain Shreve to capitalize off of those defensive mistakes. Most importantly, we fought all the way to the end and never gave up.”
Captain Shreve shot out to an early lead, getting up 18-7 at the end of the first quarter. Lady Gator Leah Bryant scored 14 of her 20 points in the first stanza. Ruston scored seven points in the second quarter and were unable to close the gap.
Senior Jasmine Summerford (pictured above) led Ruston with 11 points. Sophomore Gioia Tatum added nine points after hitting three three-pointers.
The Lady Bearcats return to action on the road Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 6 p.m. against Wossman.
Lady Bearcat Scoring FG(3FG)-FT=TPJourni Douglas #21, Jr. 1(1) = 3Angelica Green, #4, Soph. 2 = 4Bailee Harrison, #23, Soph 2(1) – 1-4 FT = 6Jasmine Summerford #22 4(2) 1-4 FT = 11Samiya Lewis #3 1-2 FT = 1Gioia Tatum #5, Soph 3(3) = 9
Score by QuarterRuston 7+7+10+10 = 34Plain Dealing 18+19+15+16 = 68
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. JustCLICK HEREto sign up.
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
Traffic violations prompt drug arrest
A Monroe man was arrested in Ruston early Sunday morning on numerous drug and traffic charges.
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Arquist Daronen Edwards, II, 23, after he was stopped for traffic violations, and marijuana and a handgun were found in the vehicle.
At about 2:45 a.m. on December 29, a deputy saw a Dodge Ram truck on W. California Avenue with a loud exhaust and an expired Texas license plate. The truck was stopped on Tech Drive and Edwards found to be the driver.
Edwards said there was a firearm in the vehicle and if the deputy could smell “weed” coming from the vehicle, it was because there were marijuana remnants in the ashtray.
In a search, deputies retrieved a Glock 29 pistol and a bag of marijuana weighing approximately 21 grams. Also located were digital scales with marijuana residue and rolling papers.
A records check showed Edwards’s drivers license was suspended and he had a previous conviction for possession of marijuana.
Edward was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for second offense possession of marijuana, illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, and failure to secure vehicle registration.
Bail for Edwards was set at $75,000.
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.
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. JustCLICK HEREto sign up.
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
This is a paid advertorial.
In celebration of King’s Day today, Ruston’s Krewe of Pomona has proudly announced this year’s king and queen—Jereme and Carmen Johnson, owners of Johnson Physical Therapy. This dynamic duo, well-known in the Ruston community, has built a thriving sports physical therapy brand with locations in Ruston, Monroe, and West Monroe since opening their first clinic in 2017.
The Johnsons’ commitment to Lincoln Parish extends far beyond their professional achievements. Active in community service and devoted to improving the area, they embody the spirit of the Krewe of Pomona.
“We work well together,” Carmen shared. “We complement each other in our work atmosphere, and we’re blessed in that aspect.”
Raised in Lincoln Parish and a graduate of Ruston High School (RHS), Carmen has dedicated her entire career to physical therapy. Her experience spans outpatient care, rehabilitation, and home health, where she’s held both therapist and director roles. Today, she oversees daily operations for their three clinics and continues to propel the business forward. Carmen and Jereme visit all three clinics weekly to ensure seamless operations and patient satisfaction.
Jereme, a 2024 Rising Lincoln Leader, heads PT for all clinics. Focused on continuing education, he has achieved certifications in manual therapy, functional dry-needling, cupping, and other advanced techniques. These skills enable him to treat collegiate and professional athletes effectively, utilizing tools like the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA). Through his work with Grambling State University, Jereme treats athletes in clinic and on campus. You’ll also see him on the Bearcats’ sidelines as the head physical therapist at RHS, working with and treating student-athletes on and off the field.
Jereme attributes their success to the consistent support of their family and the Ruston community.
“I have a fantastic wife,” he said. “I’m so appreciative of what this community has allowed us to achieve. It’s given us a platform to make a difference as a family.”
Originally from Jena, Jereme and Carmen value the opportunities that Lincoln Parish offers. “I grew up in a small town without many of the opportunities we have here,” Jereme said. “To live in it now, I appreciate it so much. I’m proud we have another social avenue for folks through the Mardi Gras krewe.”
Beyond their professional and community commitments, Jereme and Carmen are proud parents to three children—Jaylee (10), Kade (9), and Knox (5). Jereme actively coaches the sports his children play, and the family stays engaged with Temple Baptist Church through Sunday school and retreats. When not working or volunteering, they enjoy traveling and spending quality time together.
Join the Celebration
The Krewe of Pomona welcomes new members! If you’re interested in joining or learning more, visit https://www.kreweofpomona.org/general-5.
Jereme and Carmen Johnson’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, collaboration, and community spirit. As this year’s king and queen, they bring a vibrant energy to the Krewe of Pomona, embodying its mission to celebrate and empower Lincoln Parish.
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. JustCLICK HEREto sign up.
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
Each Monday and 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 [email protected].
Monday, Jan. 610 a.m. to 1 p.m.: GSU New Student Orientation (Black and Gold Room/Atrium, GSU campus)11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 5:30 p.m.: Ruston City Council meeting6 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, Jan. 7Lincoln Parish Schools resume6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting (410 S. Farmerville St.)
Wednesday, Jan. 87-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
Thursday, Jan. 911:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)9:30 a.m.: Piney Hills Quilt Guild (Grace Methodist Church)6-8 p.m.: Mocktail class (Ruston Farmers Market) 6:30 p.m.: GSU women’s basketball6:30 p.m.: Tech men’s basketball
Saturday, Jan. 118:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.)9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market2 p.m.: GSU women’s basketball4:30 p.m.: GSU men’s basketball7 p.m.: LA Tech men’s basketball
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. JustCLICK HEREto sign up.
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
Courtesty of LA Tech Athletics
RUSTON — Louisiana Tech held off a second-half rally by New Mexico State to come away with a 67-58 victory on Saturday afternoon in the Thomas Assembly Center.
Four Lady Techsters scored in double figures as LA Tech (9-4, 2-0 CUSA) shot 51.1 percent from the field. Robyn Lee had her fourth consecutive game with 15 or more points to lead Tech. Jordan Marshall nearly had a double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds.
The Techsters opened the game with six points in the first minute and a half of action, forcing New Mexico State (8-7, 1-1) to use a timeout early. Marshall would extend the run to nine with an and-one. LA Tech would increase the lead to double figures on an Averi Aaron jumper in the paint at the 1:20 mark, but the Aggies closed out the quarter on a five-point run.
“I was really proud of our group’s effort today,” Techster head coach Brooke Stoehr said. “They did a really nice job of understanding and executing the scouting report. We knew it would be a physical game and we’d have to be strong with the ball and on the glass. Kaiser is leading the league in scoring and is a really good player for them. It was solid, team effort on the defensive end of the floor today.
“We were able to convert some turnovers into points and our guards did a nice job of playing through paint and attacking. It’s just the first week of conference play but it’s always important to protect home court and get off to a good start. We have to learn from our 3 games this week and come back to work on Monday to prepare for a tough road trip next week.”
The second stanza saw 16 fouls and 23 free throws combined between the two teams. LA Tech would use 12 makes from the charity strip to grow the lead to 33-23 heading into the locker room.
When it looked like LA Tech would start to run away with the game, Paris Bradley picked up her third foul with 7:37 to go in the third. NMSU would take advantage and use a 12-0 run over the next three and a half minutes to take their first lead of the game.
Stoehr decided to put Bradley back in with the risk of her picking up her fourth foul with over a quarter remaining, that decision paid dividends for the Techsters.
With Bradley back in, Marshall quickly put Tech back up with a layup. On the next Aggie possession, Bradley would steal the ball, race down court, go behind the back, and then spin between two defenders to lay it up and give Tech a three-point lead. Lee would push it out to five, and that is where it would be at the end of the quarter after Jianna Morris hit an elbow jumper as time expired.
Tech finally connected on their first three of the game in the fourth when Lee found Sydney Thomas open in the corner to put the lead back into double figures. The Techsters would go up by 15 after another Thomas three with just under five minutes to play. New Mexico State could only put together two small runs to close the gap to the final margin.
LA Tech finished 23-45 from the field, but just 3-10 from long range and 18-31 from the charity stripe. Bradley had 12 points, four assists, and five steals. Morris was the other Techster in double figures at 11. Isla Ariey had six points, five boards, and three blocks.
NM State finished shooting just 19-56 from the field, 5-23 from deep, and 15-19 from the free throw line. Tech’s defense limited the nation’s 13th-leading scorer to just 13 points and five in the second half. Sianny Sanchez-Oliver scored 12 points and Sylena Peterson had 10 for the Aggies. Fanta Gassama was limited to six points but had a game-high 10 rebounds.
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletics
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Louisiana Tech was unable to secure a win on its first Conference USA road trip of the season, falling by a final score of 78-48 to New Mexico State on Saturday afternoon inside the Pan American Center.
LA Tech (11-4, 0-2 CUSA) shot a season-low 31.5 percent from the field, making just seven of its 33 three-point attempts. Meanwhile, New Mexico State (9-6, 2-0 CUSA) poured it in all game, draining 30 of its 54 field goal attempts. The combination led to the Bulldogs worst defeat in over four years.
For a second straight game, the ‘Dogs had some early momentum as Kaden Cooper and Amaree Abram connected on three-pointers to give the visitors a 10-6 edge a little over five minutes into the contest.
“We did not show up,” Bulldog head coach Talvin Hester said. “I did not have them prepared for how tough this road trip would be. Saying it does not always mean you get the message across. We knew this would be a super physical road trip against two really good teams. Two teams that are gritty, well coached, and are physical. We did not bring our fight and I must find a way to get the fight out of us. We started this year with some fight and ended non-conference with some fight. We must figure out what is going on. We have to get tougher to win in this league.
“We have guys that have been through this and have bounced back. But my concern with the way we lost Thursday carried over to today. If you could on the road and you compete and fight and lose, you can live with that. It is my job to get them fighting. We are going to figure this thing out.”
It was all Aggies after that in the first half. NM State went on a 17-0 run before Sean Newman Jr. got a driving floater to fall at the 8:17 mark. The bleeding did not stop though as the Aggies drilled four triples the rest of the stanza to build a 25-point halftime lead.
LA Tech was never able to chip into the lead in the second half as the deficit ballooned to as much as 35 points. One of the positives was bench play as Sean Elkinton scored a team-high 12 points and Landren Blocker added five while matching his most playing time this season with 14 minutes of action.
“That was a real plus,” Hester said his team’s bench production. “I played the bench most of the second half and we only lost it by five. I challenged those guys to compete in practice and push those guys that are playing. I have a good staff and I have been through this before. We will get the right guys on the floor.”
NM State, which set new season highs in field goal and three-point field goal percentage, had four Aggies score in double figures led by Christian Cook who had 19.
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS | Grambling State (4-9, 1-1 SWAC) claimed its first SWAC win of the season with a commanding 67-44 victory over Prairie View A&M (3-8, 0-2 SWAC) at the William J. Nicks Building.
Grambling shot 34.4% from the field, including 75% from the free-throw line, and dominated the boards with a 43-33 rebounding advantage.
Lydia Freeman led the Tigers with 13 points, going 7-of-9 from the free-throw line and pulling down six rebounds. Kahia Warmsley contributed eight points and six boards, while Douthsine Prien added eight points and four rebounds.
The Tigers defense created 22 turnovers, converting them into 32 points, while also recording 10 steals and four blocked shots.
Prairie View struggled offensively, shooting just 26.9% from the field and 15.8% from three-point range. Nyam Thornton paced the Lady Panthers with 11 points and seven rebounds, while Kayla Chairs added 11 points and five boards. Despite their effort, Prairie View couldn’t overcome Grambling’s suffocating defense and offensive runs.
The Tigers seized control in the second half with a 14-0 run that pushed their lead to 31 points at one stage. The Lady Panthers made a late push, but Grambling’s solid free-throw shooting and clock management sealed the victory.
Grambling State will host Florida A&M University on Thursday, January 9. The game will take place at Willis Reed Court in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center in Grambling, Louisiana, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
Courtesy of GSU Athletics
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas | Grambling State, the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) men’s basketball champions, were hoping to open conference play with a win, but stumbled out of the blocks, falling 73-55 to Prairie View A&M on Saturday afternoon at the William J. Nicks Building.
GSU (3-11 overall, 0-1 SWAC) struggled to protect the basketball, committing a season-high 23 turnovers.
Despite shooting 55.6 percent (25-of-45) from the floor, the Tigers were just 3-of-10 from three-point range and 2-of-8 at the free throws line. In comparison, PVAMU (2-12, 1-0) drained 61.1 percent from behind the arc (11-of-18) and 85.7 percent at the charity stripe (6-of-7).
PJ Edwards scored a team-high 15 points on 7-of-11 shooting. He added six rebounds to his tally. Kintavious Dozier registered his eighth double-figure scoring game of the year, contributing 12 points with five boards, one steal and one assist.
Ernest Ross also reached double-figures for the Tigers, adding 10 points with a pair of rebounds and an assist.
Grambling State started the game off strong, surging to a 20-13 lead with 11:30 remaining in the first half. The Tigers went cold from that point as the Panthers used a 12-0 run, capped by a Tanahj Pettway triple, to grab a 25-20 advantage with 7:09 on the clock.
Edwards put GSU back in front briefly, 26-25, on a jumper with 4:05 to go until halftime. That, however, was last time the Tigers led the contest. Dozier’s three-pointer with 2:28 on the clock tied the game 29-29, but PVAMU’s Braelon Bush responded with a triple of his own to give the Panthers a lead it wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the way.
Grambling State couldn’t find its rhythm in the second half, running out of steam midway through the period.
The Tigers look to bounce back when they travel to Houston, Texas, to face Texas Southern on Monday night at the H&PE Arena in a rematch of last season’s SWAC title game.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPNU.
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
Funeral services for Norman E. “Buddy” French, Sr, 87, of Simsboro, LA will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Antioch Methodist Church in Eros, LA. Officiating the service will be Pastor Robbie Robertson. Interment will follow with Military Honors being observed at Antioch Cemetery in Eros under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston, LA.
A visitation for family and friends will be 5:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.
Buddy was born on November 24, 1937, in Cadeville, LA and died January 4, 2025, in Simsboro, LA. He was a longtime member of Antioch Methodist Church. Buddy retired from the United States Air Force after serving for 23 years.
He is preceded in death by his wife Alberta A. (Berta) French; parents, William Eugene French and Edith Era Edwards French; 8 siblings, Jack French, Eugene French, Audra Taylor, Laverne McNeese, Mary Frost, Janice Sullivan, Charles French, Sr, and Bonnie Culpepper.
Buddy is survived by his children, Tamara D. Dozier (Kerry) of Grady, AL; Norman E. French, Jr of Brandon, MS; Robert Ray French (Bernadine) of Simsboro, LA; 7 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren; and other family and friends.
Pallbearers will be Marvin Crain, Kerry Dozier, Michael French, Pedro Olguin, Robert Smith, Jack Taylor, and Bill Wyatt. Honorary Pallbearer will be Joseph French (Grandson).
Online condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
Jane Fuller Ball, 86, passed away peacefully Wednesday January 1, 2025, with her loving husband, James Ball, by her side.There will be a Private family Graveside Service and A Celebration of Life Service for family and friends, at a later date, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA.
Jane was born September 26, 1938, in Ruston, Louisiana to Robert and Margaret Fuller. She enjoyed Ruston life of music, family, clubs and many friends. Jane, a Ruston High Graduate, met her husband James “Jimmy” Ball who was attending Louisiana Tech University. Jim and Jane married at Trinity United Methodist Church August 29,1957. They were blessed with two wonderful children Margaret “Meg” Bullock and Robert Ball.She was a caring wife, mother, and grandmother. Jane is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margaret Fuller.
She is survived by her children Robert (Alicia) Ball of Ruston, LA, Meg (Doug) Bullock of Owensboro, KY and her grandchildren Brandon Ball, Molly Thornton (fiancé Aaron Leach), Chris (Katie) Bullock and Dylan Bullock. She was also blessed with great grand children Ellison Rae Bullock and Benjamin James Bullock.
Family was important to Jane her entire life. Although an only child, she had beloved cousins who filled family gathering with joy.
Jane was appointed to the Louisiana State Music Commission and Jim and Jane were inducted into the Louisiana State Music Hall of Fame.She accompanied Jimmy for many years performing throughout Louisiana including the World’s Fair of 1984, Louisiana Hayride and many other historic functions.
Jane enjoyed her time as a member of many Ruston Clubs including Junior Guild, Garden Club, PTO and Louisiana Tech Alumni Association. During her time at Tech she pledged to Kappa Delta Sorority, in her later years Jane remained faithful to the sorority with donations, attendance to events and well wishes.
Jane was known for her beautiful smile, love of people and most of all her love for animals. Over the years Jane has rescued many animals, including the time she stopped a school bus on Highway 167 North to rescue a kitten to the cheers of many school children.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Methodist Children’s Home or a Cancer foundation of your choosing.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 / kylelpj
Mildred C. DossJuly 19, 1947 – January 3, 2025Visitation: Fellowship Baptist Church, Tuesday, January 7, 2025,5:00 pm – 7:00 pmService: Fellowship Baptist Church, Wednesday, January 8, 2025,2:00 pmCemetery: Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery, Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Jane Elizabeth Fuller BallSeptember 26, 1938 – January 1, 2025
Carolyn MitchellFriday 03/20/1959 — Monday 12/23/2024Visitation: Sunday 01/05/2025 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral HomeFuneral Service: Monday 01/06/2025, Springhill Baptist Church, 727 Dicks Store Road, GramblingInterment: Monday 01/06/2025 Following Service, Springhill Church Cemetery, Dicks Store Road, Grambling/Simsboro
Joe DunawayWednesday 12/22/1943 — Friday 12/27/2024
Mary BlankenshipSunday 07/07/1946 — Wednesday 01/01/2025
January 3, 2025January 3, 2025 / kylelpj
By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — Thunderous dunks from sophomore Ahmad Hudson and threes from sophomore Keshun Malcolm.
A raucous home crowd enjoyed plenty of both Friday night as Ruston High (7-3) overwhelmed Richwood (10-7) by a final score of 66-42 in Ruston’s Main Gym in the first game of the 2025 calendar year for the Bearcats.
Oh, and a stingy defense helped, too, setting Ruston on a 24-2 run for nearly seven minutes between the end of quarter two and the beginning of quarter three.
“The kids get all the credit for their shooting ability and reading and making athletic plays. But the defense, I want to take a little bit of credit for getting to more and more like what I’ve seen in the past,” Ruston High assistant coach Corey Deans said, tongue-in-cheek. “(Senior Zheric Hill) commanded our first substitution group, and the defense was stifling. He cut off all they’re water. He’s a middle linebacker on the football team, and he’s talking, commanding, and getting everybody in the right place.”
Hudson would score 10 of his 19 total points in the first quarter, leading Ruston to a 14-10 lead at the end of the first quarter, tallying a block and a steal, as well. Ruston then rained in six three pointers to start the second quarter, with junior Zatterion Sutton knocking down the first with 7:26 to go in the first half. Following two consecutive blocked shots by Hudson, Malcolm knocked down his first three of the game with 5:57 to play in the second quarter.
Hill hit his own three-pointer with 4:28 to go in the second quarter to give Ruston a 23-12 lead. Malcolm added another a few minutes later, followed by senior Aidan Anding with a triple at the 2:20 mark before halftime.
Senior Joran Parker scored the sixth three for Ruston with 1:40 to go before halftime, and Ruston would take a 36-20 lead into the locker room after the second quarter.
Deans credited the kids’ commitment to conditioning and high basketball IQ for the good looks at three for the night.
“We attack gaps, and once you understand defense, when you play offense, you realize where the defense is supposed to be,” Deans said. “When they’re not at their gaps and their spots, we attack, make the open read and make the simple play.”
Parker opened the scoring in the third quarter with a made free throw at the 7:13 mark, which then helped Ruston get into a set defense. Anding stole the ball from a Ram, leading to a score by Hudson with a foul on the made shot. Hudson knocked down the free throw to give the Bearcats a 40-20 lead with 6:42 to go in the third quarter.
After a Hudson block (he’d finish with six on the night), he’d throw down another forceful dunk with 5:30 to go in the third. Malcolm would have a thunderous jam of his own a few seconds later, sending the crowd into an uproar and putting a huge smile on his face.
“He’s confident right now,” Deans said of Malcolm after giving him the green-light to shoot. “At first, he was kind of rebelling against me a little bit, and now he’s real comfortable. He’s playing defense, taking charges and rebounding — if he does those three things, then I don’t care about the shots he takes.”
The Bearcats would hold onto the lead into the fourth quarter, securing the seventh victory in a row.
Malcolm led the team in scoring with 26 points, while Hudson registered a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
“Ahmad cannot be guarded one-on-one,” Deans said. “Even we don’t run a play for him, he has the ability to go get 15 rebounds. He’s coachable and he has a high IQ. He knows when to block shots, he knows when to take charges. He’s the back line of our defense, so whatever mistakes we make, he erases them. I just don’t have enough adjectives to describe him.”
Friday’s win avenges an earlier loss in the season to Richwood by a final score of 84-42.
Ruston’s win sets up a big midweek matchup at home for Tuesday, Jan. 7, against Calvary Baptist. Junior varsity is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. with varsity playing right afterward.
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. JustCLICK HEREto sign up.
January 3, 2025January 2, 2025 / kylelpj
by Wesley Harris
Some stories from our past are tragic, even horrifying. Violence is not a modern-day invention, obviously, and the events of March 12, 1872, while shocking, helped shape individuals of the day and the parish in which they lived.
Although every community in the South suffered deprivations and despair during the Civil War, some were spared the horrors of armies turning their cotton fields and pastures into battlefields. North central Louisiana, between Monroe and Shreveport and from north of Alexandria to the Arkansas state line, was such a pocket never penetrated in force by federal troops until the war ended and Reconstruction began.
The small town of Vienna, then in Jackson Parish, was located in the center of this pocket. Vienna watched the war go by as plantation owners marched their slaves west toward refuge in Texas and meager military supplies came through headed east. Confederate armies marched through and trained on the outskirts of town, but the fighting never reached the little village.
The real war, North Louisiana’s war, began with the chaos and lawlessness of Reconstruction as white Democrats fought Radical Republicans who, with the assistance of federal troops, controlled most local offices and the state government. More blood flowed from crime and clashes with the government and freed blacks than was ever experienced in the region during the war. Vigilantism was the norm to correct perceived wrongs that the so-called “carpetbag government” refused to rectify.
But Vienna thrived after the war, rivaling the parish seat of Vernon in size. It boasted hotels and a number of stores and churches and even cultural activities. There was a dancing school, operated by two men—Peace and Whatley—who also gave lessons in Vernon and perhaps elsewhere. Rumors abounded, however, about what was really happening at the men’s dance studio. There was something sinister and disturbing about the men. Supposedly, they were from Natchitoches but had spent time in Texas where one of them had killed a man.
On the evening of March 12, 1872, a young local man who had imbibed too much liquor accompanied Peace into Dr. Jackson’s drug store. The man was loud and obnoxious. Jackson told the rowdy youth to leave the store. He snapped back with a rude remark and the doctor replied in kind. Peace then stepped forward in support of the youth and made remarks of his own. “Do you take it up?” the doctor asked. The men were now in front of the store where 54-year-old John Huey, Jr., and Whatley, Peace’s partner, were standing. The exchange of words led Huey to step forward to back up Dr. Jackson and say, “Fighting is the game, is it?”
Whatley said, “No, but it’s pistols,” and fired three shots into Huey’s chest and abdomen, causing instant death. Simultaneously, Peace shot Dr. Jackson through the left arm, the bullet entering his side and passing through his chest. Jackson stepped back into his store, and reached the back room, where he slumped over on a bed, saying as he fell, “I am dead!”
One of the two men then shot a Mr. Hedgepeth who had been attracted by the gunfire. Hedgepeth fell to the ground with serious wounds through his thighs. Spencer Colvin, a well-respected local, tried to arrest Whatley but received several severe blows in the face from Whatley’s empty revolver, causing him to retreat. Eugene Howard, who would later serve many years as Lincoln Parish sheriff, fired at the two as they ran off, but without effect. They reached their hotel, procured fresh revolvers, saddled their horses, and galloped away. Just south of Vienna, they encountered a young man, robbed him of his pistol, and demanded his money.
That evening, Peace and Whatley reached Vernon, the parish seat about sixteen miles southeast of Vienna. Peace had recently been married to a local widow. He called for her without dismounting from his horse, spoke a few words with her, got a pair of boots he had in the house, and spurred his horse out of town.
Vienna mourned the loss of two of its finest citizens. Dr. Jackson had served as a surgeon in the Confederate army and had been practicing medicine since the war.
Huey was one of the first settlers of Vienna, well known as the only hotelkeeper in town for many years. He was considered a warm-hearted, frank and courteous gentleman with a host of friends.
The Ouachita Telegraph in Monroe reported, “The affair has cast a deep gloom over the entire parish and has justly incensed its inhabitants to a high pitch against the murderers.” A party of men set out from Vienna in pursuit of the killers. Sheriff James Grisham Huey, stationed in the parish seat of Vernon, formed a posse and joined the chase. The sheriff was deeply moved by the death of the cousin who had raised him. The Monroe newspaper announced, “We anticipate bloody work if the men meet, as the pursuers and pursued are well armed, and the latter will fight for life, as well they may, for if caught we learn that Louisiana justice, as interpreted by courts and juries of late, will not be invoked in the case of these desperadoes.”
A correspondent at Vienna supplied the paper with the descriptions of the murderers: “J.M. Peace is about thirty years of age; five feet seven inches high; dark complexion; black hair, eyes and mustache; has remarkably small feet, wears No. 2 shoes; and has a contracted and bad countenance. W.R. Whatley is about twenty-three years of age; five feet eleven inches high; fair complexion; light hair and eyes; rather pleasant countenance; is a violinist.”
The sheriff’s posse overtook the two fugitives at Clear Lake not far from the Red River opposite Natchitoches. Peace and Whatley raced their horses toward a fence, the only chance of escape, intending to leap it and get away.
The horses refused to jump. Peace and Whatley turned, drew their revolvers, and charged full speed at the posse, firing as they rode. Sheriff Huey and his eight men fired on the killers as they advanced. Whatley fell from his horse, shot in the head; Peace’s horse fell after receiving numerous wounds and its rider arrested. None of the posse were hurt but one man was saved when a bullet intended for him struck a small pistol he carried in his side pocket.
The posse found Whatley gravely wounded and beyond help. His last words were to request his horse and pistols be sent to his wife in Sabine Parish. After Whatley took his last breath, the posse returned Peace to the parish jail in Vernon.
An arraignment was held in district court before Judge E. M. Graham, one of the most celebrated jurists in north Louisiana. Former Confederate General John Young and Captain E. E. Kidd served as the prosecutors. Former General Henry Gray, well known in the region for his command of the 28th Louisiana Infantry during the war and Colonel Robert Richardson, formerly of the 17th La. Infantry were appointed to serve as defense counsel. The hearing lasted two days with numerous witnesses traveling from Vienna to testify. Peace was bound over for trial on a charge of murder with a court date set in May.
On March 20 at about 2:30 a.m., a party of 25 men appeared at James Huey’s house in Vernon while the sheriff was out of town. They inquired of Mrs. Huey for Deputy Sheriff Dickerson, who lived with the Hueys. Mrs. Huey said he was not home, either. The men entered the house and discovered Dickerson and wrested the jail key from him, leaving two men to guard the deputy. Dickerson later reported he saw distinctly the faces of at least twelve men in the bright moonlight but oddly recognized no one.
The party proceeded to the unguarded jail. Peace slept on the second floor; another man slept in the room below. Screams were heard. Someone asked for a rope. In the morning, only Peace’s pants, hat, and drops of blood remained in the jail. The Ouachita Telegraph noted, “the supposition is that the confederate of Whatley has joined his comrade in another world.” Peace’s body was never found.
“What a commentary upon the outlawed condition of the country,” the paper continued, “is this deplorable tragedy! Ten years ago [in the middle of the Civil War] such an occurrence was never heard of in this peaceful land. Now, we see four men killed, in the heart of a most tranquil region, a terrible crime and a swift retribution, within the period of ten days. Why is this? The good people of the last decade are good yet, but the bad men have the power and enjoy immunities, under our hybrid form of a government, that stimulate them to take life in their own hands . . . We shudder at the taking of life — it is a terrible responsibility — but what are good men, women and children to do, when the protection of their government is but as pledges written on the sands of the seashore — when their rulers are corrupt, irresponsible and depraved?”
Vienna would recover from the violence and the murders were largely forgotten. In 1873, it became the seat of government for the newly created Lincoln Parish. When the railroad was finally completed between Monroe and Shreveport in 1884, completely bypassing Vienna, most people packed up and moved to the new town of Ruston.
Both James Huey and Spencer Colvin would continue to serve the community after moving to the new town—Huey as police chief and Colvin in a number of positions, including mayor.
January 3, 2025January 2, 2025 / kylelpj
Miss Louisiana’s Teen award winner Melissa Le was one of three competitors awarded with preliminary talent awards Thursday evening at Miss America’s Teen at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Orlando.
An accomplished pianist, Le played “Hungarian, Op. 39, No. 12” by Edward MacDowell. She has studied piano for twelve years under the tutelage Jeanne Patterson of Ruston.
A student at Ruston High School, Le will represent Louisiana on Saturday at the finals of Miss America’s Teen.
January 3, 2025January 2, 2025 / kylelpj
Lincoln Parish man charged with 911 abuse
A Lincoln Parish man was arrested last Monday after he made repeated false calls to the 911 emergency line.
James Morales, 36, was arrested December 23 after the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office received at least six 911 calls from him.
At about 6:00 a.m., Morales made about five 911 calls to LPSO. When deputies arrived at his residence, he said he had an audio recording of someone trying to break into his house. Deputies reviewed the recordings but found no evidence to support Morales‘s claim. He was warned about abusing 911 and he said he understood.
At about 10:30 a.m., Morales called 911 stating someone was trying to break into his house. When deputies arrived, Morales said people were crawling under his house trying to get inside. Deputies reported Morales appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and deputies found no evidence to support Morales’s claims. He was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for false communication with intent to call an emergency response.
Morales made a similar call on December 20, where he was also cautioned about abusing 911.
Bail for Morales was set at $2,500.
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. JustCLICK HEREto sign up.
January 3, 2025December 19, 2024 / kylelpj
Step up to the plate, young boys and girls!
D-Bat Ruston is offering the perfect opportunity for area boys and girls to learn the game of baseball while growing their love for it.
In the month of January, D-Bat Ruston will offer eight sessions of the “Born to Play Indoor T-Ball League” for ages three through six years old.
The one-hour sessions will run on Saturdays (Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25) from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and on Wednesdays (Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29) from 6 to 7 p.m.
“We are starting this 100 percent because we want to get the love of the game started at a young age in these kids lives,” said D-Bat Ruston owner Keeton Tennison.
“The kids will play in a fun, energetic environment that is controlled so failures aren’t magnified the way they are on an outdoor field,” said Tennison, who also owns Ten-10 Training in Ruston. “For example, because of the size of the cages, if a kid overthrows first base they only have to run a few feet to pick up the ball as opposed to 30 feet on a regular outdoor field.
“These kids will get a lot of reps. There will be a lot of failure and because of that we don’t want a kid to get discouraged at a young age. We want them to love the game.”‘
The league will focus on hitting, throwing, base-running, catching, and throwing motions.
The cost is $30 per session or $160 for all eight sessions.
“They will be grouped up each select day of teams of five or six,” said Tennison. “Each kid will play an infield position and we will rotate them through and put them in different scenarios. We want each kid to get a chance to experience each position on the field.”
To sign up for the “Born to Play Indoor T-Ball League”, call 318-788-3228 or go to http://www.dbatruston.com.
Tennison also said that a number of renovations have occurred at D-Bat Ruston recently, providing additional opportunities for participants.
“We have put in a sports performance and speed training station where we can help baseball and softball players of all ages improve their strength and speed,” said Tennison.
The staff at D-Bat Ruston is loaded with former collegiate athletes and professional trainers.
For more information on Tennison and D-Bat Ruston, CLICK HERE.
This is an advertorial.
January 3, 2025January 1, 2025 / kylelpj
by Malcolm Butler
When Kasten Furr trots out to shortstop this afternoon when the Bulldogs open the Conference USA Championship against Middle Tennessee, he will do so knowing his family and friends are in the stands rooting for him.
It’s a little different feeling this year for the fifth-year collegiate ball player, who played the first four years of his career at UNO – a more than four-hour drive from home.
And it’s something he doesn’t take for granted.
“It’s been amazing,” said Kasten who transferred back to Louisiana Tech last summer. “My family didn’t get to travel too much to New Orleans to watch me play so getting a chance to see me play this year is awesome. I see them sitting above the first base dugout. I always know where they are at. It’s cool seeing them being able to see me live out my dream.”
Kasten, the son of Chip and Heather Furr and older brother of Tech softballer Allie, has been a staple in the Bulldogs lineup this season. He has started all 56 games at shortstop while batting .290 with 61 hits and 65 runs scored.
And as fun as this season has been for the former Ruston High Bearcat, it’s been just as enjoyable – if not more – for his family.
“It’s been amazing,” said his mother, Heather. “I’ve watched him play more this year than I have over the past four years. For Kasten to have everybody that he knows, this community, behind him has been special.”
Special may not be strong enough word.
Kasten grew up going to Bulldog baseball games with his maternal grandfather Fred Jewell, a longtime Tech baseball season ticket holder who passed away in 2017. Kasten remembers those days fondly.
“Sure, I remember. I wish I could have gone to more,” said Kasten. “Tech was always playing when I was playing. I played a lot of baseball growing up. I went with him to the (Tech) games when I could. He always had his front row handicap parking spot. We would get there before batting practice started. He loved Tech baseball.”
Love may be a better word.
“It was undeniable,” said Heather of her late father’s passion for Bulldog baseball. “He wouldn’t miss a (Tech) game. He basically would sometimes miss Kasten’s game to go to a Tech baseball game.”
Although Kasten was still playing for the Bearcats when his grandfather passed away, his mother knows how much it would mean to him for his grandson to be wearing the Tech uniform now.
“(Fred) wanted Kasten here,” said an emotional Heather. “He passed away before Kasten ever committed to UNO. Every time I walk into the Love Shack now …. The few times he has hit a home run, I’m like ‘That was for Fred.’”
Fred was such a mainstay in the old J.C. Love Field that when he passed away in 2017, the Louisiana Tech administration and Tech baseball staff honored him by placing flowers in his reserved seat.
It was a small but impactful gesture.
“It would mean the world to him being able to see me play,” said Kasten. “I know it means the world to his wife (Daphne), She comes to every game she can. Every time I see her after the game she is crying saying, ‘Granpa would be so proud.’ I know he would be.”
It truly is a family affair for Kasten and his clan. Parents. Siblings. Grandparents. Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. They all show up in force to watch their senior Bulldog.
“I got a letter from his step grandmother (Daphne) the other day,” said head coach Lane Burroughs. “It really was unbelievable. It was the old school letter on three pieces of paper. Just the words she said about (Fred) always wanting to see Kasten play here were moving.
“She said that although he has passed away, she is able to watch him and knows just how much it means to the family. It was one of the best letters I’ve ever gotten. That’s what it is all about. I know how much it means to him. He doesn’t have to tell me. I know how much it means to his mom and dad and his entire family.”
Kasten has been an integral part of the Bulldogs success, ranking among the nation’s leaders in runs scored and playing a solid shortstop as well.
Burroughs attributes his success to a number of factors.
“One thing about Kasten is he is a pane of glass,” said Burroughs. “He is never too high. He is never too low. Even when he makes a mistake … you wouldn’t know it when you walk in the dugout. Whether he got a big hit or made a crucial error, you would have no idea. He is steady and so professional. He has a routine, and he never varies from it. To me it’s a professional approach. It’s maturity.”
After batting leadoff for a large portion of the season, Kasten was moved down towards the bottom of the lineup over the latter third of the year. He responded by hitting safely in 16 of the last 18 games of the season, another sign of his maturity.
Coming back home has had its benefits for Kasten, but it has also come with pressure. He admitted to having some doubts last summer even after making the decision, but the results and the experience for him have been proof that it was the right call.
“I definitely had some doubts, but it had nothing to do with the school or the coaches,” he said. “It was all me. But it has been way more than I ever imagined. I knew we were going to win a lot of games, but to win 40-plus games and the conference title … it’s been the best senior year that I could ask for.”
Even Burroughs understands the complications of returning home, but he is sure glad Kasten did.
“I know coming back home to play means pressure,” said Burroughs. “You have to worry about, ‘What if I don’t play?’ It doesn’t look good. There is pressure with family being here and all his friends.
“Right out of the gate you are playing shortstop, and you are leading off. That’s a lot of pressure, even if you are playing 1,000 miles away from home. He has handled it about as good as anybody I have ever seen. He is a huge reason why we won the championship.”
With the regular season championship under their belts, Kasten and his Bulldog teammates begin the postseason journey today. Their eyes set on claiming the tournament title and the automatic berth in an NCAA Regional.
It means more baseball for Tech.
And at least a few more opportunities for Kasten’s family and friends to see him lace up his cleats, don the Bulldog logo and run out on the same field where he grew up watching Tech games with his grandfather.
“Being able to play my senior year in front of my family and friends and people who know me, it’s been pretty cool,” said Kasten. “And when you add in the season that we have had, and it makes it all surreal. I am not ready for it to end.”
Neither is his family and neither are Bulldog fans.
January 3, 2025January 3, 2025 / kylelpj
Shoplifter caught by patrol officer
Ruston Police arrested a Choudrant man last Saturday after he allegedly shoplifted at a local grocery store.
Benton Bernard Bullard, 50, was arrested December 28 for theft by shoplifting at the Shoppers Value near downtown Ruston. Bullard was also booked on two warrants for failure to appear in Third District Court on charges of simple battery and simple assault.
After the store reported the theft, an officer patrolling the area saw Bullard matching the description of the suspect. The store had reported the suspect left on a bicycle holding a black umbrella.
Bullard was arrested when the officer learned of the warrants. When he was searched, two large packages of sausage were found inside his jacket. The manager said it was stolen from the store.
Bullard was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. Additional charges of misdemeanor probation violation were later added. His bail amount was not available at publication time.
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. JustCLICK HEREto sign up.
← Older posts