The North Webster Knights don’t have any time to look back at last week’s 34-27 loss to parish rival Minden.

Another tough opponent awaits.

The Jena Giants will make the nearly three-hour trip north to Baucum-Farrar Stadium Friday for a 7 p.m. showdown of top teams in Class 3A. The Giants are a perennial contender in the same classification as the Knights, yet this will mark the first meeting between the two proud programs.

Jena is 2-1 on the season with wins over Rayville (forfeit) and Vidalia, with the lone loss to Neville. The visiting offense will be a throwback to days of old as the Giants operate out of the veer.

The Knights will look to get their own rushing attack back on track. For the first time this season North Webster failed to have a 100-yard rusher despite the team combining for 171 yards on the ground. That could be tough to do against a Jena defense that held Vidalia to 6 points and a high-powered 4A Neville offense to just 28 points.

North Webster enters the week at No. 12 in the Louisiana Sports Writers’ Association Polls, while Jena currently sits one spot ahead at No. 11.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A driver who refused to stop for law enforcement was arrested on multiple charges over the weekend.

Donald Ray Gillins Jr., 41, of the 600 block of Stone St., Minden, was arrested by Minden Police for aggravated flight from an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, flashing lights, no insurance and expired registration.

Chief Steve Cropper said Lt. Chris Hammontree, attempted a traffic stop when he heard loud music coming from Gillins’ vehicle.

“Lt. Hammontree was at the intersection of Columbia and East streets, and followed him to Columbia and Cherry,” said the chief. “He could see the vehicle had red, blue and green lights alternately flashing, and the vehicle’s registration had expired.”

Hammontree reportedly tried to initiate a traffic stop on Carolina St., but the vehicle continued, turning right on Cherry. It then proceeded to Columbia and turned right again.

“At that point, Lt. Hammontree activated his emergency siren,” Cropper said. “The vehicle crossed, East, Young and Fulton streets while traveling left of center. It ran a stop sign and cut the corner to the left, coming to a stop on Linden St.”

Cropper said Hammontree held the driver at gunpoint until Off. Jason Lee and Sgt. Donald Brice arrived as backup. Gillins was reportedly taken into custody without incident.

“The vehicle had a strong odor of Marijuana,” Cropper said. “During a vehicle search, officers located a used Marijuana grinder, two cell phones and a gab of Cigarillos under the driver’s seat. A partially smoked Marijuana cigar was in the ash tray.”

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Having active warrants put a Sibley woman in the Minden Police’s line of sight.

Erin K. Fowler, 40, of the 100 block of McDade, was arrested for possession of Sch. II Methamphetamine and an active warrant.

Chief Steve Cropper said Ofc. Reece Tewell was on patrol on Sibley Rd. when he noticed Fowler in her vehicle. He had knowledge of her active warrants.

“The officer conducted a traffic stop and asked Fowler to step out of the vehicle,” Cropper said. “He advised Fowler she had a warrant for theft through the police department, and asked if her son, who was a passenger in the vehicle, had a driver’s license.”

Fowler reportedly said he did not, so another family member was contacted to get it.

“Ofc. Tewell then asked Fowler if he could search the car, and she gave consent,” said the chief. “The officer located a Marlboro light cigarette package in the driver’s side door. Inside the package, he observed a crystal like ‘rock’ in the bottom.”

The substance reportedly tested positive for Methamphetamine 0.2g. Fowler was booked at MPD and later transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

 

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Sept. 18

Kelly Thomas, 54, of the 300 block of Ashley Rd., Minden, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies on 2 counts of careless operation of a vehicle.

James Thomas Williams Jr., 50, of the 100 block of Canal St., Heflin, was arrested by WPSO for domestic abuse battery.

Anthony Andrew Raybourn, 18, of the 200 block of Roosevelt, Minden, was arrested by Minden Police for simple burglary of a church and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles (felony).

Robert Lee Dison, 52, of the 100 block of Coyle St., Sarepta, was arrested by Springhill Police on a warrant for illegal possession of stolen things and WPSO for carless operation of a motor vehicle.

Sept. 19

Michael J. Reeves. 47, of the 100 block of Colby Ln., Sibley, was arrested by WPSO for speeding, expired license plate, driving under suspension, no insurance, flight from an officer and resisting by force or violence.

Sara Andrea Green, 42, of the 200 block of Goodwill Rd., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for simple assault, resisting police by violence and batter of a police officer.

Tara Hutcherson, 39, of Bossier City, was arrested by Cullen Police for possession of a Legend drug. She was transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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Louisiana is home to museums whose subjects range from the state’s prehistoric inhabitants to the Civil War, Jazz and natural history. Our state’s museums and historic sites have something for every taste, almost all of it available for free or at a modest cost.

A visitor to Monroe’s Biedenharn museum will have the opportunity to see the Coca-Cola Museum as well as a Gutenberg Bible in the Bible Museum and tour a mansion. The Biedenharn Museum is actually three different attractions in one.

I began at the Coca-Cola Museum. Opened in 2008 and located a few houses down from the Biedenharn Mansion and Bible Museum, the Coca-Cola Museum depicts the legacy of Joseph Biedenharn, the first person to bottle the then new sensation, Coca-Cola. Prior to his innovation, Coca-Cola was only dispensed by “jerks” who served the drink by the glass for a nickel. Needless to say, bottled Coca-Cola proved to be quite successful, making the Biedenharn family extraordinarily wealthy. As with every museum I’ve visited, the staff is key to a quality experience. The docent behind the counter at the museum is a history major at ULM and a font of information on the history of the Coca-Cola company. One of the more interesting facts learned on the tour was that the first Cola bottles were not sealed with the caps familiar to our older readers, or the twist tops used today. Rather, a thirsty customer would slap the palm of his or her hand sharply on the top of the bottle. That would break the early “hutch seal” which would then sink to the bottom of the bottle. The distinctive noise led to the expression “soda pop” for the drink.

The Biedenharn Bible Museum is a few doors down. The museum is simply amazing! Emy-Lou Biedenharn collected Bibles throughout her life. The museum contains an original 1611 King James Bible, a page from a 1454 Gutenberg Bible as well as dozens of Bibles of historic note. The museum contains a collection of Russian Icons and religiously themed art from Marc Chagall. There is also an extensive sculpture collection, including a series of statues depicting the Stations of the Cross accompanied by paintings done by local artists.

Lastly, visitors can take a docent led tour of the Biedenharn Mansion. Built in 1914 when the Biedenharn moved to Monroe from Vicksburg, MS. Emy-Lou Biedenharn was one of Joseph Biedenharn’s children who had a successful career in Europe as an opera singer until her return to America upon the outbreak of WWII. She lived in the mansion until her death in 1984. The mansion and gardens were purposely left largely as they were when she lived there. The mansion is an architectural gem, and the gardens are a peaceful oasis.

The Biedenharn Museum is a superb destination for a family road trip. The hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00. The cost is a modest $7.00 for adults and $6.00 for military/seniors. Children one through high school are $4.00.

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City of Minden and Town of Sibley are encouraging their local trick or treaters to observe Halloween Saturday, October 30.

Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce and City of Minden are planning a Minden Fall Fest Trunk or Treat event at the Minden Recreation Center from 5 until 9 p.m., encouraging businesses to decorate their vehicle trunks and provide goodies for Trick or Treaters.

The Minden Police Department is collaborating with the Chamber, along with Minden Fire Department, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Dubberly Police and Wildlife & Fisheries.

Jason Smith, president of the Minden Police Association, said the groups will be handing out candy.

“We are going to try and do some K9 demos, too,” he said.

Donations for candy are greatly appreciated, he added.

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Thursday’s guest speaker at Minden Lions Club was Jeri Bowen, executive director of the Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center. The NWLA Family Justice Center is a collaboration among public and private agencies in Caddo, Bossier/Webster, Claiborne, Desoto, Jackson, Sabine, and Red River parishes, providing support services and resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and exploitation.

Services include advocacy, emergency shelter, restraining orders, law enforcement assistance, and counseling.

Photo credit: Tracy Campbell.
Pictured: Amanda Swanner (assistant director), Lion Kevin McCann and Jeri Bowen. Lion McCann invited and introduced Mrs. Bowen. He also serves as a board member for the NWLA Family Justice Center.

 

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Chester Smith, Sr.
May 13, 1951 – September 17, 2021
Services: Thursday, September 23, 2021at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport
Burial: Munnerlyn Chapel Cemetery in Ida, Louisiana. 

William “Bill” Blankenship
January 10, 1946 – September 14, 2021
Services: 12:00 p.m., Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Noel Memorial United Methodist Church
Visitation: Saturday, September 25, 2021  from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the church.
Interment: Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Spur, Bossier City, Louisiana.

Betty J. Kobs
October 4, 1936 – September 9, 2021
Services: Sunday, October 3, 2021 at the home of James and Betty Kobs

Patricia Elaine Smith
July 11, 1946 – September 10, 2021
Graveside services: Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Barber Cemetery in the Lula Community-Mansfield, Louisiana.

Virginia Marie Richards
March 2, 1947 – September 20, 2021
Visitation: Friday, September 24, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m  at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana 71111.
Private Graveside Service: Following day for family only. 

Melinda Ann McCarty
February 7, 1982 – September 20, 2021
Visitation: Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden.
Services: Friday, September 24, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel in Minden, Louisiana.
Interment: Evergreen Cemetery in Minden, Louisiana. 

Clinton J. Tassin
February 10, 1958 – September 20, 2021
Services:  Friday, September 24, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel of Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Marksville.
Burial: St. Joseph’s Cemetery #2. 

John Horrace McGraw
March 22, 1936 – September 19, 2021
Services: Friday, September 24, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Riverpark Church, 3232 E. 70th St., Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation: Friday, September 24, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church.
Burial: Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd. in Shreveport.

Janette Gathright Johnson
February 26, 1939 – September 20, 2021
Services: Friday, September 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk St., Mansfield, Louisiana.
Visitation: Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Burial: Highland Cemetery in Mansfield, Louisiana. 

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A workshop designed to bring young people and government together to discuss some prospective ordinances seemed to be divided between two concerns: a possible curfew for juveniles (under age 18) and a vacant commercial structure ordinance.

Two members of the Minden City Council elected to attend – Dist. D member Michael Roy and Pam Bloxom of Dist. E. In addition, members of the task force Safety Initiative Program (SIP), which has been working on the curfew ordinance and city park ordinances, were in the audience, along with youth from the community and Minden High School.

Elisha Butler, a youth from Dist. C asked if each councilperson felt the curfew would be beneficial to their district and why.

“We have mostly older people in my district, but I am definitely in favor of it,” Bloxom said.

The proposed ordinance, which the SIP commission amended, reads:

“Curfew means a regulation to restrict outdoor activities of juveniles in the city between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. (which was an amendment from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m.) each day, except on Friday and Saturday, on which days the curfew shall be in force from midnight and 5 a.m.; except on designated holidays, on which days the curfew shall be in force from midnight and 5 a.m. (an addition).

Mayor Terry Gardner said SIP amended the curfew ordinance for a reason.

“Walmart and most of your convenience stores close at 10,” he said, while Bloxom noted that weekends are still the later time.

Michael Roy said he likes the 10 p.m. change on schools nights, especially for his own children.

Police officer Jason Smith, president of the Minden Police Association, said there has been an increase in crime throughout all districts.

“The juvenile curfew is a very immediate and specific act,” he said. “If we get them off the street, they are not committing a crime. This is a short term solution that could drop crime by 20 to 30 percent.”

Other students asked how police would enforce the curfew equally when they are understaffed.

“Our intent is to protect victims of crime who are all over town,” Smith said. “It’s a problem all over town.”

City Attorney Jim Yocum told students that every law has the ability to enforced selectively, whether for good or bad.

“You will see disparagement in enforcement from district to district,” he said. “It depends on the age demographic, like Ms. Bloxom said, her district is mostly older people … not many 16 year olds there. You have to consider how many young people are in each area and what is in that area.”

Connor Heard, who lives in Dist. E, asked the council and mayor how they would come to a compromise to pass any of the proposed ordinances.

“We’ve been on the short end of the stick for two years, and we just keep on trying,” Bloxom said. “That’s all I can tell you.”

Roy said it would take all members of the council sitting down in a workshop.

“To try to come together as a group and compromise for the entire city,” he said. “I can’t do just what’s best for my district because what I do affects this entire city. We’ve got to have everybody’s cooperation and logically think through the ordinances and try to find a common ground.”

While the proposed ordinance concerning city parks was never addressed, the one concerning vacant structures seemed to be a concern to the students asking questions.

Connor Woods asked what other things the city might be doing to bring in businesses.

“How exactly do we plan on growing?” Woods asked. “Are there going to be incentives to get new businesses?”

Gardner told him there are TIF (tax incentive financing) districts in the city.

“If a business is in the TIF district, they are charged an extra 2 percent sales tax, which comes to the city,” Gardner said. “Every 90 days, we write them a check. That helps them pay on their mortgage.”

Also making available property that is certified – all of the environmental studies, flood zone and so forth have already been done and that property is ready for industry and business.

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By Josh Beavers

Minden has rallied around six-year-old Cole Benson, the local child battling a rare form of cancer at St. Jude in Memphis.

Whether it be Minden High School having a rally night for the young one to open the football season or a local church holding a fundraiser or local businesses bringing awareness to the cause, Minden has said loud and clear that it unified behind and members of “Team Cole.”

The Journal wanted to bring the public up to date on the progress of Cole since he left Minden for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in August.

“Two and a half years of treatment is a long time; so, we have to celebrate every win along the way,” Cole’s mom Ashleigh Benson said in a recent Facebook post. “Today, Cole finished his steroid medicine! After taking this medicine 3x a day, he has finished 84 doses of prednisolone! He is so excited to put that part of his treatment behind him.”

Cole suffers from a rare form of T Cell Lymphoma. Cancer. That dirty, dirty word that has separated friends and families from one another far too often in our community. Little Cole, an energetic and always smiling young man, is fighting the fight that no child should ever have to.

Morris Busby, Cole’s granddad, has given regular updates to the community about the little man’s progress. On Sunday, he posted about the outpouring of support from the community.

“Last night I was honored to be asked to speak at the concert at Eastside MBC about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” Busby posted on Facebook. “Eastside had raised $3,700 in the fish fry. I was told that with the concert they have now raised a great sum to donate to St. Jude. I was able to share with them the experience that Cole and his family have experienced at St. Jude. We are thankful for the excellent care he is receiving. The support by the citizens of our area is AWESOME! Thank you!”

Three decades ago, Field of Dreams taught us “if you build it, they will come.”

Well, Minden is once again proving that “if you need us, we will come.”

Now.

Always.

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By Josh Beavers

Minden alumna Amayah Joseph has been named Cadet Company Commander of the Grambling State University ROTC.

Joseph, a biology major, said the Grambling ROTC is special because of its leadership opportunities.

“In the ROTC program, they mold and groom you to become the best leaders for this nation,” she said. “Cadets are trained to think critically and wisely in order to achieve the best result in any given circumstance.”

Joseph was introduced to the ROTC program while she was a Minden High Crimson Tider.

“Amaya came to our JROTC program her freshman year in 2015,” MSGT Janell Larkin told The Journal. Larkin spent 28 years in the military and has led the Minden High JROTC for 12 years.

Of Joseph, Larkin said, “She was quiet at first and her main goal at the time was to get in physical shape. Her determination to reach her goal was made evident through her consistency in showing up early at least 4 days a week to work out. It was during these sessions that we developed a close bond.”

Larkin said JROTC is important because it helps young people become better citizens. The program also helps prepare students for responsibilities once they graduate by instilling in them leadership skills and placing them in leadership positions. The Minden program also has activities such as Color Guard, Drill Team, Orienteering, and Adventure Team activities that help build team relationships.

Joseph was promoted to a platoon leader position her sophomore year where she displayed her character to lead and motivate others in her own unique way.

“By the time she was a senior she had been selected to be our Battalion Commander,” Larkin said. “She earned the respect of her peers and subordinates because of her character and willingness to work alongside the cadets she was responsible for while also being the drum major for the band here at Minden High. One thing that stands out is that she is dedicated to whatever her goals are and she will help others reach their goals as well.”

Joseph plans to become an active duty physical therapist in the United States Army.

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Some good news came out of the Covid pandemic last week when a local woman went home after a month and a half in the hospital.

Cassandra Abbott was admitted to Minden Medical Center on August 4th and extubated after 22 days of battling Covid-19. Since then, she has been receiving the highest level of rehabilitative care in the hospital’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Department with Therapy Center’s team of Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists and Rehabilitation Nurses.

“It is because of the knowledge, expertise, and compassion of our hospital and rehabilitation team, and Mrs. Abbott’s unwavering motivation to regain independence, that we can share with you all that she is discharging home after 43 days with Minden Medical Center as a Covid-19 survivor,” Minden Medical Center posted in Facebook update over the weekend.

During her down time in inpatient rehab, Abbot wrote her testimony and wanted to be sure that everyone had the chance to read it. She wants to use her story to help inspire others who are battling Covid-19.

“My name is Cassandra Abbott,” she writes. “I want to share a testimony with you. I was hospitalized at MMC for about two months. I don’t remember anything for about 22 days because I was on life support. My body was just like a newborn baby. I thank God for my life, He said in His word that He would never leave me or forsake me. I just want the world to know that there is a God and if you don’t know Him, it’s not too late.”

Abbott praised the medical team at MMC for keeping her alive during the darkest of days.

“I want to thank the ICU Department, Morgan, and most definitely the Therapy Department, Mrs. Anne, Mrs. April, Mrs. Megan, Mrs. Juanita, Mrs. Kim, Mrs. Amy, Mrs. Heather and others, if I forgot your name, charge it to my mind and not my heart,” her testimony continues. “All the nurses who cared for me, and especially Mrs. Trisha Brown, who made it possible to see all my grandkids.

“MMC became my family, all the love and compassion they showed was unremarkable. I am forever indebted to you. God Bless all of you. Thank you for taking good care of me in my time of need. PSALMS 23.“

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

“I just remember there were no birds … from Grand Isle to Thibodaux … you couldn’t see or hear any birds,” said Sibley Mayor Jimmy Williams, following a trek to the southern tip of Louisiana and the site of destruction from Hurricane Ida.

The only sound was heavy machinery, moving four to five feet of sand from roadways, so residents could travel to and from what remains of their homes.

Williams was there to deliver donations from the Town of Sibley and to meet with the Louisiana Municipal Association, of which he is past president.

“Words can’t describe what we saw,” he said. “Pictures don’t do it justice It looks like a bomb exploded.”

Affected areas also include Houma, Slidell, Lockport and Golden Meadow.

LMA has already made donations of water, generators and other much-needed items. In fact, Williams said, someone from the LMA staff makes a daily trip from Baton Rouge with supplies to one of the affected areas.

“The people’s eyes just lit up when we delivered supplies,” Williams said. “The mayor of Lockport, Edward Reinhardt, had tears in his eyes because they were running out of everything. When we got to Grand Isle … it’s just sad. Those people lost everything.”

Williams said Grand Isle mayor David Camardelle, is currently living in “half a house. The other half is blown off.” Winds there were clocked at 195 mph. When asked why he stays, Camardelle responds, “This is home.”

Williams said Camardelle made an interesting point. Grand Isle is a barrier island to New Orleans. If Grand Isle is wiped out during a hurricane or other natural disaster, New Orleans ceases to exist.

Residences built post Katrina were still at least partially in tact, Williams said. Many of them were constructed on concrete piers. Others were completely destroyed.

“The residents that stayed, they aren’t leaving,” Williams said. “These are their homes. They don’t want to leave.”

But one of the biggest problems in staying … and returning to some semblance of normalcy … is the lack of power.

Williams said it is predicted those towns will not have power restored before some time in November or December.

“I think that’s a conservative estimate,” he said. “All the transmission lines that go through the swamp … they’re gone.”

At this point, Williams said LMA has met and the next step is to provide as many generators as possible to the area.

“We want the individual 6,000 to 8,000-watt generators that will allow people to hook up their refrigerators and a fan so they can stay kind of cool at night,” he said. “At least they will have something.”

Williams was very complimentary of LMA Executive Director John Gallagher, as well as Cliff Palmer, executive director of LaMATS (Louisiana Municipal advisory and Technical Services Bureau) and Patrick Cronin, RMI (Risk Management, Inc.) General Manager for contributions of AC units, water and ice for Golden Meadow and Grand Isle. Around 40 generators have been purchased, and now they want to collect as many donations as possible to purchase more.

“We will store some in north Louisiana, as well as south Louisiana,” Williams said, “so when a municipality has a need, we don’t have to go buy them.”

He said gas cans are a necessity, too.

Williams said the Louisiana Army National Guard has been trucking in gasoline, and lines are extremely long.

Monetary donations are preferred, and LMA will determine transport after the generators are purchased.

To help the people of So. Louisiana, please send your donations to:

LMA Disaster Fund

Town of Sibley
345 N. Main
Sibley, LA 71073

OR

LMA Disaster Fund
City of Minden
520 Broadway
Minden, LA 71055

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The largest pro rodeo in the state was held over the weekend in Springhill.

Hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls entered this year’s PRCA Rodeo events. They were vying for a chance to participate in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

Results are as follows:

All-around cowboy: Zeb Chapman, $1,276, tie-down roping and team roping.

Bareback riding: 1. Kade Sonnier, 81 points on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Minnie Pearl, $1,567; 2. (tie) Tim Murphy and Mark Kreder, 80, $1,021 each; 4. (tie) Braden Smith and Bill Tutor, 79, $451 each; 6. Matthew Smith, 78.5, $237.

Steer wrestling: 1. Tyler Waguespack, 3.6 seconds, $1,838; 2. Trey Green, 3.7, $1,598; 3. Riley Duvall, 3.9, $1,358; 4. (tie) Kyle Irwin and Cody Devers, 4.1, $999 each; 6. Jacob Talley, 4.2, $639; 7. Sam Goings, 4.3, $400; 8. (tie) Zach Peterson and Justin Shaffer, 4.6, $80 each.

Team roping: 1. Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 4.5 seconds, $1,946 each; 2. Tyler Waters/Tyler McKnight, 4.9, $1,692; 3. Peyton Holliday/Kolton Good, 5.0, $1,438; 4. (tie) Paul David Tierney/Tanner Braden and Wyatt Imus/Caleb Anderson, 5.3, $1,058 each; 6. Aaron Macy/Zane Bruce, 5.4, $677; 7. Zeb Chapman/Dalton Totty, 5.6, $423; 8. Rance Gantt/Boogie Ray, 7.0, $169.

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Mason Laviolette, 85 points on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Cheap Sunglasses, $1,567; 2. Jacobs Crawley, 84, $1,187; 3. Keene Justesen, 80, $854; 4. Dean Wadsworth, 77, $570; 5. Treyson Antonick, 76.5, $332; 6. Michael Womack, 75, $237.

Tie-down roping: 1. Riley Mason Webb, 7.8 seconds, $2,065; 2. Tyler Milligan, 8.4, $1,795; 3. Blane Cox, 8.6, $1,526; 4. Cody McCartney, 8.8, $1,257; 5. (tie) Zeb Chapman and Andrew Burks, 8.9, $853 each; 7. Ryan Thibodeaux, 9.0, $449; 8. Macon Murphy, 9.1, $180.

Barrel racing: 1. Abby Phillips, 15.23 seconds, $1,678; 2. Sarah Rose Waguespack, 15.39, $1,438; 3. JJ Baldwin, 15.45, $1,199; 4. Alishea Broussard, 15.49, $1,039; 5. Christine Laughlin, 15.50, $799; 6. (tie) Michelle Alley, Brittney Barnett and Suzanne Brooks, 15.52, $479 each; 9. Timber Allenbrand, 15.56, $240; 10. Carly Taylor, 15.60, $160.

Bull riding: * 1. (tie) Cody Teel, on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Nervous Wreck, and Braidy Randolph, on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Political Promise, 85 points, $2,279 each; no other qualified rides. *(all totals include ground money).

Total payoff: $56,489. Stock contractor: Big Rafter Rodeo. Sub-contractor: Mo Betta Rodeo. Rodeo secretary: Darla Kelley. Officials: Phil Smith and DeWitt Forrest Jr. Timers: Darla Kelley and Mary Emmett. Announcer: Trey Windhorst III. Specialty act: Cody Sosebee. Bullfighters: Brody Smith and Cade Parks. Clown/barrelman: Cody Sosebee. Flankman: Payden Franks. Chute boss: Jack Simmons. Pickup men: James Rogers and Tell Evans. Music director: Dakota Riggin.

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Councilman Michael Roy, Chairperson for National Night Out, along with Mayor Terry L. Gardner, Police Chief Steve Cropper and the other members of the City Council, invite neighborhoods city-wide to support the theme, “Give Neighborhood Crime & Drugs A Going Away Party”.

Neighborhoods throughout the City of Minden are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nation-wide for the Annual National Night Out (NNO), crime and drug prevention event.

NNO is designed to (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts: (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

On Tuesday, October 12, from 6 until 8 p.m., residential neighborhoods throughout the City of Minden and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police.

Many neighborhoods in Minden will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from police, flashlight walks, contests, youth activities and anti-crime and anti-drug rallies.

Those interested in hosting a block party can register at City Hall or call 377-2144, beginning immediately. You may also print the registration form via the city’s website, http://www.mindenusa.com. The deadline for registering a party is 4 p.m. on Friday, October 8, 2021.

The NNO campaign is a way to build neighborhood unity and strengthen police-community partnerships.

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Dr. Jayda Spillers will be the guest speaker for the Thursday, Sept. 23 meeting of the Minden Lions Club.

Dr. Spillers is the Vice Chancellor of Education and Workforce Partnerships at Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College. She joined NWLTCC after serving 26 years in secondary career and technical education. Dr. Spillers brings her leadership experience as a high school and school district administrator. She served as Bossier Parish’s Career and Technical Education supervisor and as the principal of the Bossier Parish School for Technology and Innovative Learning (BPSTIL), which was named a “World-Leading Learners” school through the America Achieves network.

She is passionate about all things career and technical education. At NWLTCC, her mission is to positively impact the community as she strives to place students on paths to high wage, in demand careers, as well as providing upskill opportunities to our regional workforce. She and her husband, Allen, who is a mechanical engineer at Barksdale AFB, live in Minden, and they have one son, AJ.

The Minden Lions Club meets Thursdays at noon at the American Legion Memorial Home, located at 119 W. Pine St. in Minden.

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Ewell Park’s grand re-opening, after months of renovations, was a success with great turnout Saturday, according to Minden Mayor Terry Gardner.

“We had hot dogs, hamburgers, basketball and bouncy houses,” Gardner said. “When the day was winding down, there was bingo with great door prizes.”

See the photo carousel below.

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By Josh Beavers

Lakeside has selected its homecoming court for the 2021-2022 school year.

High school homecoming will be celebrated October 8 while Junior High Homecoming will be on October 5. The queen for 8th and 12th grades will be announced at the coronation ceremony at halftime of each game.

Court members are:

6th
Morgan Miller
Avery White

7th
Emily Jones
Adeligh Moore

8th
Teal Austin
Adeline Hedrick
Bailey Mangrum
Meredith Robinson
Isabella Vise

9th
Rita Dillon
Jaslyn Maxie

10th
Raine Hughes
Laiklyn Squyres

11th
Krystal Cornelious
Clara Robinson

12th
Jayla Braggs
Alyssa Culpepper
Claire Gray
Sydney Robinson
Kendall Squyres

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Week 3 is in the books, and our Webster Parish football teams are already looking toward midseason and district competition.

But before our Thursday previews of this week’s games, let’s take one more look at Friday’s competition.

Lakeside:

The Warriors were the only Webster team to not play Friday night. The week was already slated for a bye when the schedule came out. However, Lakeside Coach Mike Santelices turned over every stone to try and find an opponent because the Warriors were also idle in week 2. Their week 2 opponent, Block, had to forfeit due to LHSAA Covid protocols.

As is stands, Lakeside is 2-0 even though they have played just one game – a 39-0 victory over Magnolia School of Excellence. The Warriors travel to West Monroe on Friday to take on 5A West Ouachita.

Minden

The Crimson Tide (2-1) came out on top in the oldest Webster Parish rivalry Friday night at The Pit. Minden bested North Webster 34-27.

The Crimson Tide finished the night with 295 all-purpose yards. Only 45 of those yards came through the air.

Tide Head Coach Spencer Heard spoke on therushing attack after the game, saying, “We knew going in that it was always going to be a big part of our game plan.”

It’s clear that the game plan is working, as Minden has already racked up 612 rushing yards only three games into the season.

Quarterback Andrew Cooper ran for 143 yards on 13 attempts. Daylen Robinson added 86 yards on the ground on 17 carries. Jaylin Williams caught two passes for 37 yards. Carter Barnett was 4 of 5 on point after attempts

Coach Heard continued, “I was really proud of our kids. I thought they battled through adversity early in the game and even with some hiccups here and there, they kept playing extremely hard.”

Minden will hit the road this week to match up against Mansfield (1-2), who lost their game against Red River (3-1) on Friday night, 44-55.

Special thanks to Mark Chreene and KASO/KBEF radio for supplying The Journal with stats for Friday’s game.


Glenbrook

On Friday night in front of a large home crowd, the Glenbrook Apaches were able to get back in the win column by knocking off the previously unbeaten Lincoln Prep Panthers, 48-14.

After recovering an onside kick attempt by the Panthers, the Apaches capped off an 8 play, 55-yard opening drive with a 17-yard rushing touchdown by DJ Carter. After a successful extra point by Ty Feaster, the Apaches quickly led 7-0.

The Apache special teams followed the opening touchdown with an onside kick of their own that they recovered at the 50 yard line. The offense then went on a 6 play, 50-yard drive that culminated in a 7-yard Turner McLelland touchdown reception from Ty Feaster. After a failed extra point, the Apache lead was 13-0.

Leading 35-6, the Panthers received the second half kickoff and looked to build on the momentum of their last-second touchdown to end the first half. However, a hard hit on the Panther running back by Hayden Harmon dislodged the football and the Apache defense recovered the fumble.

The offense jumped on the board once again after a 13 play, 65-yard drive where Tre Kent found the end zone from 10 yards out to put the game well out of reach for the Apaches.

“Tonight was a great night for us. We got after them from the opening quarter and stayed on them and got to play all of the young guys,” said Coach David Feaster. “This sets up a great match up between us and a really good Homer team next week in front of a huge home crowd.”

Passing: Ty Feaster, 15 of 20 for 186 yards 3td
Rushing: Rhett Johnson, 6 for 60 yards 1td; Tre Kent, 8 for 50 yards 1td
Receiving: Turner McLelland, 7 receptions for 101 yards 1td, Cason Clemons 3 receptions for 53 yards 1td

It’ll be Glenbrook at home against Homer on Friday night.

North Webster

The North Webster Knights could not complete a gutsy fourth-quarter comeback in what is becoming one of north Louisiana’s greatest rivalries.

After the Knights raced out to a 13-0 lead, it was the Minden Crimson Tide that took control, storming back for a 34-27 victory in the latest installment of the Webster Parish Super Bowl.

The Knights jumped on top swiftly thanks to a long touchdown pass from Colin McKenzie to Jatareon Robinson. After a successful onside kick, North Webster was right back in the end zone. This time the score was on the ground from running back Cooper Sanders.

From there, the Tide got rolling.

Minden pounded out back-to-back scoring drives on the ground while the Tide defense stiffened and stifled North Webster’s potent offense for most of the remaining half.

Down 34-21 late in fourth quarter action, the Knights were able to find paydirt on a short McKenzie touchdown run, but the extra point try was no good, making it 34-27.

With less than three minutes left in the game, North Webster seized all the momentum by recovering their second onside kick exactly when they needed it.

The Knights couldn’t capitalize on the moment though, as the Tide defense locked in, stopping the Knights on three straight downs before recording a fourth-down interception to seal the game.

The Knights (2-1) will be back home next week to take on the Jena Giants.

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The following items are needed this week for United Christian Assistance Program:

Food: biscuit mix, pasta, rice, canned or powdered milk, crackers

Clothing: men’s tennis and dress shoes sizes 9 1/2 and larger

Household Goods: king and queen sheets, towels

UCAP is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 1p.m. for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only. Many thanks to the community for your support!

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

An Emerson, Ark. woman who was stopped in Springhill for a missing rear tail light, was arrested by local PD on drug charges.

April Rowe, 40 of the 14,000 block of Hwy. 19, was stopped Friday, Sept. 17, by Springhill Officer Julian Dilorenzo.

According to police reports, Rowe gave permission for a vehicle search, and Sgt. Cliff Causey arrived with his K9 narcotics dog.

Officers reportedly located one plastic Methamphetamine pipe with suspected Methamphetamine inside, one Xanax pill one Montelukast pill, 10 Viagara pills and six Mirazapine pills, none of which were prescribed to Rowe.

She was charged with possession of Methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, Xanax, Sch. III Legend drug and defective tail light.

Rowe was transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on the felony charges.

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Sept. 7

Robin Coker, 62, of Green Park Loop, Doyline,was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies on an active warrant for domestic abuse battery.

Sept. 16
Mitzi Ray Adams, 47, of the 100 block of Tharpe Lane, Sibley, was arrested by WPSO on an active warrant.

Erin K. Fowler, 40, of the 100 block of McDade St., Sibley, was arrested on an active warrant and also charged with possession of Sch. II.

Sept. 17
Kevin Bass, 25, of the 1200 block of Dorcheat Rd., was arrested by WPSO deputies on an active warrant.

April Rowe, 40, of Emerson Ark., was arrested by Springhill Police for possession of Methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, Xanax, Legend Drug #3 and for a defective brake light.

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An exciting event in the local arts community is coming to Minden this Saturday.

The Minden Makers Fair is focused on creating and fostering both an appreciation for the arts and a sense of community and connection. The event will be held at The Farm of Cultural Crossroads on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Elaine Eaton, President of Cultural Crossroads’ board of directors and the event coordinator for Minden Makers Fair, said the event is modeled after the Makers Fair movement that has taken root in the U.S. At the event, makers, whose goods are handmade, gather to sell their wares to the public, artisans demonstrate their craft, and fun activities are available throughout the event.

This is part of Cultural Crossroads mission to “Unite All People Through the Arts.”

Eaton said creating and hosting events like the Minden Makers Fair is one of the ways Cultural Crossroads tries to serve the community.

“All vendors will have personally created the goods that you will see displayed,” Eaton told The Journal. “From artwork, home goods, clothing, jewelry, pottery, stained glass, and much more. If you want to start shopping for Christmas, the Minden Makers Fair is a great place to start.”

Eaton said that in addition to handmade goods, attendees will find several activities and demonstrations to help them learn about what goes into creating art, create art themselves, or just have some fun.

There will be food vendors and demonstrations scheduled throughout the day. Ivy Woods from Rachet City Glass will demonstrate glassblowing; Mandie Ebard will let kids use her pottery wheel; Amanda Peevy will set up her slackline for kids to test their balance.

Brandon Manning will be featuring Mocktail Making demonstrations with his business Brandezvous Productions. Jennifer Aldridge from Turn Up Dance Fitness will host workshops teaching kid-friendly dance moves.

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