Ruston City Council Monday

Ruston’s Board of Alderman will meet Monday, November 1, 2021, 5:30 PM, Ruston City Hall, 401 North Trenton, first floor courtroom.

Here’s the agenda.

4 Paws Defunded by Police Jury

4 Paws Rescue, a Ruston-based non-profit that provides food, shelter, and medical care for stray dogs was denied a $24 thousand funding request by a unanimous vote of the Lincoln Parish Police Jury at last night’s meeting.

For 2021, the agency was given $24 thousand, and in 2020, $36 thousand was allocated. Funding for 4 Paws has been allocated by the jury in various amounts since we began coverage in 2009.

Parish Administrator Doug Postel said the parish has a comprehensive animal control program, with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office implementing it through their animal control officer.

Said Postel, “I don’t know if we have utilized the services of 4 Paws this year – maybe less than ten times have we taken any animals there.”

He added that most animals are taken to Ouachita Parish which has a network of rescue facilities that they work with. Ouachita Parish is paid on a per animal basis, which is what the jury would propose to do in the future for any local facility, he said.

The jury’s Finance Committee recommended – and the full jury approved – all the other entities’ funding requests for 2022. See here the complete list.

Also approved was a 2 1/2% cost of living raise for all parish employees.

A special called meeting of the jury was scheduled for Tuesday, November 16, 5:15 PM to canvass the election results of the upcoming election set for Saturday, November 13. Among the items on the ballot is a 4.49 mil property tax to fund the Lincoln Parish Library.

Last December, a 5.85 mil tax proposal was defeated by Lincoln Parish voters.

The jury also adopted a resolution of condolence on the death of long-time former District Three juror Bobby Bennett. The resolution noted Bennett’s years of service and the many committees that he served on. See here the resolution.

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Lincoln Parish Police Jury Tuesday

The Lincoln Parish Police Jury will meet Tuesday, October 12, Lincoln Parish Library Events Center, 910 North Trenton. Here are the agendas:

Insurance Committee, 5:45 PM – agenda

Public Works Committee, 6:00 PM – agenda

Personnel/Benefits Committee, 6:15 PM – agenda

Finance Committee, 6:30 PM – agenda

Police Jury, 7:00 PM – agenda

National Merit Semi-Finalist Jason Willis Recognized

Ruston High School Senior Jason Willis was recognized as a semi-finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program at last night’s meeting of the Lincoln Parish School Board.

Assistant Superintendent John Young told the board that Willis was one of about 16 thousand semi-finalists nationwide. This number is less than 1% of all US high school seniors, he noted.

Said Young, “Jason will now continue in the competition for some 7500 national merit scholarships worth more than $30 million.” He added, “Over 90% of the semi-finalists will likely attain finalist standing, and about half the finalist ultimately win the National Merit Scholarship.”

Willis was at the meeting, along with his parents Gary and Amy.

The board scheduled a November 2 public meeting, where a resolution will be considered to call a March 26, 2022 election for re-imposition of two expiring property taxes.

Last voted upon in April, 2012, one of the taxes is parishwide and currently is levied at the rate of 9.44 mils, and the other is for the Ruston School District only, and costs property owners 2.28 mils.

Originally, the parishwide tax was approved for a rate of 10.25 mils, but the rate has incrementally declined as property values have increased.

The board approved the payment of November salary supplement checks in the amount of $3200 for certified employees and $1600 for non certified. Business Manager Juanita Duke said this was $200//$100 increase over the supplements paid last year at this time.

The personnel report was presented by Personnel Director Doris Lewis.

City Council Approves Downtown Project

At last night’s meeting of the Ruston City Council approval was granted to move forward on Phase 6 of the ongoing Downtown Revitalization Project. This part will involve about seven blocks along and either side of Trenton Street south from West Alabama to Georgia Avenue.

The work will involve sidewalk and parking construction, burial of utilities, street lighting, and plantings.

Public Works Utilities Manager Andrew Halbrook said that Amethyst Construction of West Monroe was the low bidder. He also said that construction would begin after the first of the year, and would take about 20 months.

Another project about to begin is the second phase of obstruction removal at the Ruston Regional Airport.

Public Works Director John Freeman said this part of the project would acquire the grants from the Department of Transportation, and allow the city to obtain permission from the property owner for tree removal.

The council approved a subdivision on the I-20 North Service Road that will result in a new restaurant between Whataburger and Don Chuey.

Panda Express is a fast food chain with a Chinese menu, and has about 2,200 location across the US.

School Board Meets Tonight

The Lincoln Parish School Board will meet tonight (Tuesday, October 5), 6:00 PM, Lincoln Parish S. T. E. M. Center, 525 Tarbutton Road.

Here is the agenda.

Ruston Board of Aldermen Tomorrow

Ruston’s Board of Aldermen will meet Monday, October 4, 5:30 PM, Ruston City Hall, 401 North Trenton.

Here’s the agenda.

Bobby Gene Bennett: 1941-2021

Bobby Gene Bennett

May 28, 1941 – October 01, 2021

Graveside services for Mr. Bobby Bennett, age 80 of Ruston will be held at 10:00AM, Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at Corinth Cemetery near Dubach, LA with Bro. Jeff Smart officiating.  

Bobby was born May 28, 1941, in Dubach, LA, where he was raised.  He retired in 1993 as a Lab Technician from Claiborne Gasoline Refinery in Lisbon, LA. Bobby was a lifelong member of Cook Baptist Church and he served on the Lincoln Parish Police Jury for 20 plus years, where he met many wonderful friends throughout the years.

Bobby was a Mason for more than 40 years. He enjoyed farming, raising cattle, and making land deals all his life. Bobby loved spending time with his grandkids, who he loved dearly. The highlight of his daily activity was having coffee each morning and eating hotdogs at Coney Island with his beloved friends every week.

Bobby is survived by his two sons: Brad Bennett and wife Beth of Ruston, LA; Rick Bennett and wife Natalie of Midway, CA; the mother of his children and great friend, Tawana Bennett; two granddaughters: Britton Bennett and Rachel Bennett; three grandsons: Larry Bennett; Bryant Bennett and Brycen Bennett; two great-grandchildren: Hailey Bennett and Ava Bennett; two step-grandchildren: Blake Cheatwood and Brooklyn Cheatwood; two nephews: Darrell Ferguson and Dennis Ferguson; and many numerous  family and friends.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents: Ruby and Ben Frank Bennett; sister, Shelby Jean Ferguson; and brother, Junior Bennett.

The family would like to thank Best Home Health and staff also Premier Hospice and staff for all they did during his illness.