Chester Smith, Sr.
May 13, 1951 – September 17, 2021
Visitation:  Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Services:  10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport
Burial:l will follow at Munnerlyn Chapel Cemetery in Ida, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Brother Don Tinsley.

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

Betty J. Kobs
October 4, 1936 – September 9, 2021
A Celebration of Life honoring Betty J. Kobs will be held Sunday, October 3, 2021 at the home of James and Betty Kobs.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Two Minden City Councilmen addressed current concerns at Minden City Hall with constituents during a community forum Sunday, hosted by St. Rest Baptist Church and Pastor Robbie Dale Williams.
District A representative Wayne Edwards said it is his opinion that one rule fits all.

“If we deviate from policy, there should be a discussion,” he said. “When you have a team with five members on it, you don’t need a 2-3 vote. You need a 4-1 vote or a 5-5 in favor or against. That’s just my opinion. It’s not written anywhere.”
Concerning the $39M city budget, which has not yet been passed, Edwards told the group of close to 100 persons that his issue mostly consists with the “sizable raises” promised Economic Development Director Phillip Smart and Human Resources Director April Aguilar.

“In our city handbook, there are no provisions for a performance increase or a merit increase,” Edwards said. “There are no provisions for the mayor to enter into a contract. If we give a raise to all city employees of 2 percent, then that should apply to those two employees. To me, we’ve got to stay with what the rules say.”
Edwards said he has met with the mayor and said he is willing to compromise on the raises promised the two employees.
“The mayor said he is not willing to move from his position,” said the councilman. “In order for this city to move forward, all five of the council have got to move forward.

“My goal is that we can negotiate with the mayor in some form or fashion with concessions on both sides,” he added.

“Trust me, we don’t want to shut this city down. We can’t afford to shut it down.”

The city handbook has been an issue with some of the council for the past two years.
District C Councilman Vincen Bradford said part of Aguilar’s job in Human Resources was to rewrite the handbook.

“We are operating under the old handbook, and we still aren’t going by it,” Bradford said.

Edwards also addressed an issue from the last council meeting concerning the Minden Animal Shelter. Gardner secured a $75,000 grant to move the shelter from its current location on Ewell St. to a city-owned building on Talton. The council voted against the action 3-2, with Bradford, Edwards and Walker as the naysayers.

“We did not turn down the (grant),” Edwards said. “We turned down the location. The information submitted to the state in order to secure that grant required a location be added to the documentation.

“Had the funding been identified as being separate in the narrative, there would have been no problem,” he concluded.

“At that time, we may have found a more suitable location, but for that amount of money, you can’t build what we were building.”

Bradford said the only way Gardner can secure the money for a new animal shelter is “to have canine (K9) dogs.”

“The layout had several areas just for canine (K9) dogs,” he said. “He’s got to have police dogs or contact other people to bring in their canine dogs. So, he’s not telling you everything.’

Bradford beseeched the group to attend the next council meeting.

“Ask the mayor questions, and let him answer,” Bradford said. “Then we will know whether he’s telling us the truth or telling us a fib. We’re going to have to get more support from the black community.”

Before the meeting ended, Pastor Williams broached an incident that took place at the last city council meeting, where chairs were pushed and heated words exchanged between Bradford and Gardner.

“Mr. Bradford did not bring up the incident with the chair and police because that’s in litigation,” Williams said. “He’s speaking with an attorney right now about that incident, and we don’t know where it is. We are waiting on the attorney’s advice.”

Williams said the community is behind Bradford.

“It’s been discussed whether or not we’re going to press charges against the mayor,” Williams said. “And whatever action we are going to take against the police officer who told him he didn’t have a nickel worth of sense, while his boss stood there and didn’t fire him.

“That’s the guy who leads the Minden Police Association, so if the leader would act like that, imagine what police officers we got on the streets,” he continued. “If a guy will do that in public to an elected public official, what would he do on the streets or a dark road when nobody sees it?”

District B Councilwoman Terika Walker was not present at the forum, and District E Councilwoman Pam Bloxom was asked to leave by Pastor Williams, who pointed out three councilpersons could not be in the same room where city business is being discussed.

“She disagreed,” Williams said of Bloxom, “but I am the administrator of this building, so we’re going to go by my opinion.”

Williams said when Mayor Terry Gardner tried to enter, he was also asked to leave.

“We asked him to not be present for our communities’ A & C’s business tonight,” Williams said.

Gardner said he was stopped as he approached the door.

“I was told this was just for the community, and that I was not a part of this community,” Gardner said.

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Minden  34
North Webster  27

By Whitman McGee

W.W. Williams Stadium was the place to be on Friday night as the Minden Crimson Tide bested the visiting North Webster Knights, 34-27.

The Knights (2-1) started with the ball, and after back-to-back three and outs, scored on a 63-yard pass to tight end Jatareon Robinson.

After a successful onside kick, the Knights scored once again, this time coming off a Cooper Sanders five-yard rush.

Things looked bleak for the Tide, facing a 13-0 deficit, but the resilient group wouldn’t hang their heads. Instead, they put together a 21-0 run, highlighted by Andrew Cooper and Zedekiah Harris rushing scores. These touchdowns were followed by Cooper connecting with wide receiver Jaylin Williams on a 25-yard scoring grab.

Minden (2-1) seemed to have the momentum swaying in their favor; that is until North Webster put an end to their run, scoring a touchdown with only 35 seconds left in the half and tying up the game with a successful 2-point conversion.

The Tide also had a last-second Isaiah Thornton touchdown called back due to an illegal man downfield penalty.

Adversity was rearing its head again, but Minden wasn’t giving up that easily.

Coming right out of the gates after half-time, Tide quarterback Andrew Cooper steamed 51-yards downfield for a Minden touchdown.

Both teams would battle back-and-forth, holding each other scoreless throughout the rest of the third quarter.

With 10:27 left in the game, Minden’s Zedekiah Harris would pick up his second rushing touchdown on the night.

The game seemed to be in hand for the Tide until the Knights ran in for a score with 2:47 on the game-clock. They then recovered their second onside kick of the contest.

Minden hunkered down on defense though, forcing the Knights to throw a game-sealing interception right into the hands of Isaiah Thornton.

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 their rushing 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.

Heard also had high praise for first year starter, Andrew Cooper. “This is the best game he’s played as the quarterback for Minden High School. I told him on the sideline that I was very proud of his effort.” Heard laughed, “That’s the guy I’ve been looking for.”

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 next 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.

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By Josh Beavers

Brianna Davis has been named Homecoming Queen for Minden High School. The Webster Parish Journal will have the bios of all court members as well as an interview with Brianna in the coming weeks. Other court members are:

Princesses:
Ada Kennon-Gilbert
Cammy Edwards

Football Sweethearts:
Bailey Paul
Lauren Cheatham

Senior Maids:
Alex Guin
Anna Grace Harris

Spirit Maids:
Kaylaan Washington
Brooke Barrett
Mallory Pesnell

Juniors:
Ariel Cage
Tyliayah Smith

Sophomores:
Breyana Washington
Aliysha Butler

Freshmen:
Leighan Gilbert
Maygan Dison

Minden plays North Desoto for homecoming. There will be a week of festivities culminating in the Oct. 8 crowning of the queen.

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Minden  34
North Webster 27

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.

Minden led 21-13 late in the second quarter when McKenzie found Sanders in the back of the end zone for the Knights’ third touchdown of the night. McKenzie would call his own number on a naked bootleg for the 2-point conversion, and the two teams entered halftime tied at 21-21.

Minden came out blazing in the second half, marching right down the field to reclaim the lead.

North Webster’s offense was held scoreless in the third quarter which proved problematic when the Tide tacked on another touchdown to their lead on a beautiful play action pass.

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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Glenbrook  48
Lincoln Prep  14

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.

The Apache defense took the field for their first series of the night and turned away a nice Panther drive by knocking down a pass on 4th down deep in their own territory, giving the ball back to their offense on their own 20 yard line.

The Apache offense once again found the end zone on a 31-yard Cason Clemons touchdown reception from Ty Feaster.

After both teams traded offense possessions, the Apache defense forced the Panthers to punt from their own 30 yard line. Maddox Mandino quickly scooped up the ball at his own 34 yard line before returning the punt for a 66-yard touchdown. After a blocked extra point attempt, the Apaches held a 26-0 lead midway through the 2nd quarter.

A Hayden Harmon interception on the Panthers’ next possession set the Apache offense up deep in Lincoln Prep territory.

The Apache offense took only three plays for Ty Feaster to find Cale Hollis from seven yards out for his third passing touchdown of the night and a 33-0 lead after the successful extra point.

On the ensuing possession, the Lincoln Prep quarterback dropped back into his own end zone where he was sacked by Jonathan Bryant for the safety, giving the Apaches a 35-0 lead with less than a minute to go in the half.

The Panther defense got on the board after returning an Apache fumble 89 yards for the touchdown to finish out the first half of play with the score at 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

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Bobbye Gwen Talley Nelson, 87, of Minden, moved from this earthly life to her eternal home in Heaven on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Born March 27, 1934, in Emerson, AR to parents Marvin Andrew Talley and Eva Louella Campbell Talley, Bobbye was a graduate of Springhill High School, attended business college for two years and became much beloved in Minden for the daycare service she operated in her home for many years.

Mrs. Nelson’s visitation will begin at noon Saturday, September 18, 2021 at First Baptist Church Minden, followed by a 2:00 p.m. service. Bro. Leland Crawford will officiate, assisted by Bro. Stephen Laughlin. Following the funeral service, interment will be at 4:00 p.m. at Western Cemetery in Emerson, Arkansas.

Bobbye was married to the late Dennis Hayes Nelson, the love of her life whom she absolutely adored. She was also preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Dorothy Lynn Talley Morgan.

“Miss Bobbye” –as she was affectionately known to her children and so many others – is survived by her daughters Faith Gilbert (Andy) of Minden and Erin White (Joey) of Homer, and her son Loyd Nelson (Laura) of Okaloosa; grandson Weston White of Homer, granddaughters Chandler Beard (Jesse) of Monroe, Eleanor Gilbert of Dallas, TX, Meredith Spillers (Chase) of Minden and Abigail Gilbert of Minden; and great grandchildren Lucy Beard and Judah Beard of Monroe.

Bobbye was a faithful member of First Baptist Church for more than 50 years. She served many years as a Sunday morning greeter, and loved giving and getting hugs as the church members arrived for Sunday services. She taught Sunday School, was a dedicated prayer warrior and sang in the Sanctuary and Senior Adult Choirs. “Miss Bobbye” had a great love of music, and enjoyed seeing her children grow their talents in piano, guitar, and voice. She knew that these gifts would serve her children well for the remainder of their lives, and this has certainly held true. Each of her grandchildren inherited and nurtured musical talent and — to their Grandmother’s delight — they have all put those talents to great use in the service of Jesus Christ. It was very clear to everyone who knew Bobbye that she devoted her life to serving her family and The Lord. She was also a gracious host, a wonderful cook (her Sunday dinners were legendary with her family!) and she absolutely loved growing flowers and keeping the yard looking beautiful.

After working for the City of Minden, Miss Bobbye began in 1975 the work which would endear her to so many Minden families. She opened a daycare in her home on Rathbun Drive, and this turned out to be her calling as she was able to put her great love for children to use while still being home for her family. The first child enrolled in the daycare was Karrie Hodges (Woodard), whose family became one of several extended families of the Nelsons. Over the next 25 years, Miss Bobbye took care of dozens of children, and she was very proud that many of them went on to become doctors, successful business professionals, nurses, teachers and attorneys. Most of all, she was proud they turned out to be fine young people. Bobbye always remarked that she had the privilege of serving the best children and parents in Minden.

In 1986, tragedy struck the Nelson family when Mr. Dennis, a respected banker in Minden, drowned while fishing. It was a crushing blow to Bobbye and her family, but she remained strong as the matriarch of the family, held tightly to her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and guided her three children through college and on to successful careers.
In her last few years of running the daycare service Miss Bobbye had the privilege of looking after all five of her grandchildren. The last in the line of grandchildren was Abigail, who was Miss Bobbye’s final daycare child before she retired in the year 2000.

For Bobbye Nelson’s family and friends there will be a great void as we long for the big heart-felt hugs, the beautiful flower gardens, the delicious food and the joyous laughs that were all part of who Miss Bobbye was. But we know Heaven is just a bit brighter today, and we have the great comfort of knowing we will get to be with her again in the twinkling of an eye.

Pallbearers for the service will be Weston White, Jesse Beard, Chase Spillers, David Dumas, Sid Simms and Jason Woodard with honorary pallbearers Dr. Keith Morgan, Dr. Ricky Jones, Don Campbell and Billy Reeve.
A sincere thank you is expressed to Dr. Cliff Salmon and staff, Regional Hospice, and to Bobbye’s caregivers Wendy Pyles, Julie Noble and Tina Woodard. The family would also like to thank Judy Willett who was Miss Bobbye’s hair stylist for over 30 years. Her final days were made sweeter by these special people.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church Minden.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home
211 Murrell Street
Minden, Louisiana 71055
(318) 377-3412

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By Josh Beavers

The text came at 3:31 on an overcast Thursday afternoon.

It read simply: “Men of Courage starts tonight at 6 p.m.”

I really didn’t want to go. I’d been out every night this week, covering the news or at soccer practice with my youngest or this or that. I was drained and my better half was making spaghetti. She uses a little dab of brown sugar, and it is – in a word – delicious.

But I knew I needed to go to Men of Courage. So, at about 5:45, I pulled on my shoes and pulled myself from the couch and drove the 4.3 miles between my house and the Forestry Building in Minden.

I waited too long. Waited too long to arrive because the place was packed, and I missed out on the free hamburger. And waited too long to go to this monthly meeting of men because it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had in a long time.

Background:

According to the Webster Parish Men of Courage Facebook page, “Our mission is to encourage, equip, & empower the Men of God to become spiritual leaders in their home, local church, community, and workplace.” That’s a simple way to say the event serves as a way for men, no matter whether married or single, divorced or widowed or childless, black, or white, Baptist or Methodist or any other denomination, to come together to discuss how to better the world around them via a rededication to their faith, their family, and their common bonds of humanity, decency, and respect.

And that’s what I saw Thursday night. Familiar faces, foreign faces. Fathers and sons. Rich and poor. All equal in God’s eyes. All wanting to make a difference. Humanity. Decency. Faith. Family. God.

Chris Plants, one of the organizers of Men of Courage, called it “Christian deer camp” and an event where you can call or text a friend and say, “hey dude, come eat a burger and hang out with guys you like to talk to and have fellowship and talk about God and Jesus.”

And that’s what happened. Prayers were offered, calls for aid were made, songs were sung, testimony was given, and a message of hope was proffered by the Rev. James Hester of Social Springs Baptist Church in Ringgold.

I won’t go into the words shared because I wouldn’t do them justice. But just know that the words spoken by the men behind the microphone moved me to put my fingers to the keyboard and encourage others in the community to learn more about Webster Parish’s Men of Courage.

It’s new and growing and needs support and attendance. Search for them on Facebook. The next meeting is October 21st at 6 p.m.

I plan to be there.

And I hope you are as well.

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Bobbye Nelson
March 27, 1934 – September 14, 2021
Visitation:  Noon Saturday, September 18, 2021 at First Baptist Church Minden
Services:  2pm at First Baptist Church Minden
Interment:   4pm at Western Cemetery in Emerson, Arkansas.

Frank John Hooper
July 26, 1943 – September 8, 2021
Services:  Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Greenwood, Louisiana.

Carter J. Moreau
October 27, 1931 – July 30, 2021
Visitation:  9:00 am until time of service
Services:  September 18, 2021 at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Plaucheville, Louisiana
Rosary and Mass will begin at 11:00 am

Kin Michael Fulton
July 18, 1964 – September 6, 2021
Services: Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. 

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.

Agnes Dupas Batiste
July 1, 1926 – September 6, 2021
Visitation: Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral home in Marksville, Louisiana at 8:00 a.m.
Rosary: at 10:00 a.m.
Mass Burial:  11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Marksville, Louisiana

Gary Ratcliff
May 18, 1949 – September 13, 2021
Services: Saturday, September 18, 2021at 10:00 a.m.  at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana.
Visitation:   Friday, September 17, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. 
Burial:  at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Spur, Bossier City, Louisiana. 

Linda Kay George Smith
September 2, 1951 – September 9, 2021
Services: Pending for a later date

Ja’Kerryion A’Mir Anderson
July 31, 2021 – September 1, 2021
Services:  Friday, September 17, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at Round Grove Memorial Gardens, 2869 Round Grove Lane, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation: 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana. 

Ann Hughes Hinds
May 22, 1935 – September 12, 2021
Services: Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation:  Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial:  Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd., Shreveport, Louisiana.  

Juanita Carpenter Stevenson
September 6, 1934 – September 12, 2021A
Services: Thursday, September 16, 2021at 2:00p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana.
Visitation: 12:00 p.m. until time of service.
Burial:  Rose-Neath Cemetery. 

Paul Allan Schmidt
October 26, 1957 – September 4, 2021
Services: Thursday, September 16, at 11:00 a.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Broadmoor Baptist Church, 4110 Youree Drive, Shreveport, LA 71105. 

Shirley Jean Briggs Nutt
March 6, 1935 – September 14, 2021
Services:  Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.  at Trees Baptist Church, 11391 Trees City Road, Vivian, Louisiana
Visitation:  Thursday, September 16, 2021 beginning at 1:00 p.m. until service time
Interment:  Vivian Cemetery.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

After two meetings, a new community task force is ready to present options on two possible safety ordinances in a workshop with the Minden City Council.

Safety Initiative Program (SIP), with community leaders from each of the council districts, has been studying two possible ordinances that will hopefully reduce crime.

They will meet at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17 in the Minden Civic Center at city hall, along with council members.

“We are meeting there, so we can invite the community and be able to observe Covid guidelines,” Minden Mayor Terry

Gardner said. “Our hope is also to have representatives from the youth community. This affects them, too.”

One of the ordinances would be to make parents accountable for their children’s whereabouts, especially during the hours of the curfew – from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and midnight to 5 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

The second ordinance focuses on hours and permits for gatherings in city-owned parks.

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In 1955, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned Congress with a resolution; this week of observance for the foundation of the American form of government was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 2, 1956. The commitment of the NSDAR is to encourage study and educate the public about the Constitution, which was adopted by the American Congress of the Confederation on September 17, 1787.

Celebration of Constitution Week includes Bells Across America in which everyone is encouraged to ring their bell at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (3:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time) on September 17, 2021, to remember the signing of the Constitution.

Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution are celebrating Constitution Week with a proclamation presented by Minden Mayor Terry Gardner to Chapter Regent Kathy Johnson, Donna Sutton Creech, Spencer Creech and Vice Regent Cindy Madden. DAR members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to securing the independence of the United States of America. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible. If interested contact dorcheatbistineau@yahoo.com.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A Minden man was arrested by police early Wednesday morning, after striking another man with his vehicle.
Noah Lee St. Jacques, 22, of the 200 block of Pecanview, is charged with driving under the influence, first offense, and first degree vehicular negligent injury.

According to Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper, Lt. Chris Hammontree was stationary on Shreveport Road when a passing motorist stopped to inform him of a pedestrian struck by a car in front of Dairy Queen.

“Lt. Hammontree found a man lying in the roadway with serious injuries, passing in and out of consciousness,” Cropper said. “St. Jacques was standing over the man – he admitted to the officer that he had struck the man with his vehicle and directed the officer’s attention to his White Dodge Ram.”

As St. Jacques stood beside his vehicle, Off. Jason Lee, Lt. Chris McClaran, Off. Donald Brice and Captain Kirk Morgan reportedly arrived on the scene to assist.

“Officers transported St. Jacques to the PD for an Intoxilyzer 9000 test, which is standard procedure following all vehicle and pedestrian accidents,” said the chief. “He provided a sample of .116g%.”

St. Jacques was transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

There has been no update on the victim’s injuries.

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By Whitman McGee

After a dominating 48-6 blowout victory against Green Oaks last week (their 500th all-time regular-season win) the Minden High Crimson Tide has no time to celebrate.

They’ll be too focused on preparing for their intense rivalry matchup against a talented North Webster Knights team.

At first glance, the Tide looked to have played near-perfect football. However, as is with any team only two weeks into the season, there is plenty of room for improvement.

“We’re going to continue to emphasize tackling,” Coach Spencer Heard told The Journal. “I think we need to focus and work on the passing game a little bit as well so we can get a bit more efficient in that area.”

Dating back to the 2015 season, Minden has seen its fair share of success against the Knights. The Tide has a 5-1 record in the last six games.

North Webster will surely offer an intriguing challenge this year, as they boast a 2-0 record (both victories coming rather handily) going into Friday night’s showdown at W.W. Williams Stadium.

Coach Heard made note of senior North Webster linebacker Jatereon Robinson who has been a central piece of the Knight defense. “#44 (Robinson) is making a lot of their tackles on defense,” the coach said.

With all of the excitement that a home rivalry game brings, it’s easy to lose focus on the task at hand. Coach Heard realizes that, saying, “With a rivalry game like this, where a lot of these kids know each other, you have to talk about controlling emotions. You want them to play with passion and energy, but at the same time we want to let our play do the talking and not get caught up in the emotional stuff.”

Though the magnitude may appear to change for this particular game, every match is of equal importance to the Tide, and this one is no exception.

“It’s a fun situation,” Heard said. “I think it’s going to be an intense game.

Action from this much-anticipated face-off begins this Friday at 7 p.m. If you can’t make it to “The Pit” on Friday night, the Journal encourages you to tune in to 104.5 KBEF for radio coverage of the game.

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By Josh Beavers

There’s more great things heading to Lakeside Jr. Sr. High School.

Following the recent announcement that soccer is at the Junior High level, it’s now been confirmed that powerlifting is coming to the South Webster school. The Webster Parish School Board approved the move at Monday’s meeting.

“We already have students competing in the sport of powerlifting,” Lakeside principal Denny Finley said. “One of my goals as the principal of Lakeside is to find something for every student at Lakeside to enjoy.”

Since there were students already involved in powerlifting, Finley said it only made sense to make it an official school sport.

Powerlifting is an individual sport where the goal is to lift the most amount of weight possible in the squat, bench press and deadlift in a specific weight and age category.

Athletes have three attempts to reach their maximum capacity and must follow strict technique rules so that everyone is compared equally. For example, everyone must squat to a certain depth or else the lift doesn’t count.

The heaviest squat, bench press, and deadlift that are successfully lifted are added up to give athletes a “powerlifting total.” This total is what’s used to rank athletes amongst each other. So just because someone may have a strong bench press doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be a good powerlifter. “The sport requires young people to push themselves to new limits everyday if they plan to compete,” Finley said. “You get out of it whatever you put into it, which is exactly like life itself.”

Finley said powerlifting will benefit every sport at Lakeside because athletes are going to become stronger and more competitive.

“The coaching staff at Lakeside works well together and pushes the athletes to play multiple sports,” Finley said. “While they will all help train the athletes in the sport, Coach Fabrecia Roberson will be the head coach.”

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A vehicle chase through a school zone and several residential areas ended in the arrest of a Minden man on multiple charges.

Delandro W. Washington, 59, of the 5100 block of Dorcheat Rd., was arrested by Minden Police after being clocked at 39 mph through a 25 mph school zone.

Police Chief Steve Cropper said Ofc. Reece Tewell followed Washington with overhead lights and a warning siren down Fort, Walnut and Spann streets with speeds in excess of 40 mph in 25 mph zones.
“When Washington’s vehicle came to a stop sign on Spann, he attempted to go around another vehicle but couldn’t because that vehicle was in his way,” Cropper said. “It was run off the road in the process.”

Cropper said Washington drove across Sheppard St. and continued down Spann until he turned onto Pennsylvania Ave, running a stop sign.

“He crossed into the opposite lane of travel before turning onto Second St.,” Cropper said. “Lt. Joel Kendrick attempted to stop the vehicle by creating a road block and was almost struck. Washington swerved in front of the patrol vehicle and continued straight on Broadway.”

According to the report, Washington turned onto Buchanan St and continued to a stop sign at Buchanan and East and West St, where he pulled into a driveway on Ferguson.

“Once stopped, Washington jumped out of the truck and was ordered on the ground,” said the chief. “He was taken into custody, transported to the PD and then to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Minden Police had to use a battering ram to get to a man who is charged with battering his ex-girlfriend.
Travis Wayne West, 42, of the 900 block of Park Hwy., Minden, was arrested for second degree battery, two counts of resisting an officer and three outstanding warrants.

Police Chief Steve Cropper said Off. Jason Lee was dispatched to Minden Medical Center’s Emergency Center Monday evening in reference to a female battery victim.

“The female told the officer she had been in bed at her residence when West entered, yelling profane statements at her and calling her profane names,” Cropper said. “When the victim told West he needed to leave and go stay at a family member’s house, he became enraged and began striking her in the head and face area with closed fists.”

The victim reportedly got away and ran into the bathroom, however, West followed her and kept striking her in the head and face.

“While West was yelling at her, she tried to use her cell phone to call police, but West snatched the phone from her and threw it through the bathroom window,” said the chief. “At some point, the victim was able to phone a coworker for help. She somehow got away from West, but she said he followed her out of the house. She got in the coworker’s vehicle, and was driven to the hospital.”

West reportedly called and texted the victim several times while police were interviewing her at the ER. Reports state she suffered several cuts and scrapes on both hands and her left forearm. She also has bruising on her upper, inner left arm. Both sides of her face were reportedly swollen and her upper lip was split on the inside of her mouth.

At around 9:30 p.m., Capt. Kirk Morgan, Lt. Chris McClaran and Sgt. Donald Brice attempted to make contact with West at the Park Highway address.

“West refused all orders to exit the residence,” Cropper said. “Officers formed a small perimeter around the front of the residence and repeatedly commanded West to exit the residence.

“Off. Lee, with Lt. McClaran, Lt. Chris Hammontree, K9 Tigo and Lt. Keith King stacked up on the front door of the residence at around 11 p.m., to make entry,” the chief continued. “When a house key, provided by the victim, didn’t work because of a deadbolt, officers forced entry using a battering ram. Lt. Hammontree deployed Tigo to search the first room of the residence.”

Officers reportedly located West in a locked bedroom and once again used the battering ram to gain entrance.

Cropper said West was standing in the center of the room and eventually complied with orders to approach officers with hands in the air.

He was transported to Minden PD where he was placed in a hold cell to await bail.

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Sept. 13

Cody Beason, 25,of the 200 block of 2nd St. Pinehill, Springhill, was arrested by Springhill Police for failure to register as a sex offender, unlawful use of social networking site and driving under suspension.

Steven Stacy, 37, of Bradley, Ark., was arrested by Springhill PD for felony criminal damage to property.

Christopher D. Nipper, 37, of Emerson, Ark., was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies as a fugitive through Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and resisting an officer.

Yolanda H. Jenkins, 47, of the 200 block of Mason Dr., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for disturbing the peace.

Morgan E. B Ailey, 37, of the 300 block of Airport Rd., Springhill, was arrested by WPSO for resisting an officer and accessory after the fact.

Janice R. Jordan, 40, of the 300 block of Airport Rd., Springhill, was arrested by WPSO for distribution of Sch. II Methamphetamine, fugitive from Bossier Parish SO, resisting by force, accessory after the fact and three active warrants.

Sept. 14

Ayanna DeMarquine Shelton, 28, of Harris Rd., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for remaining after forbidden and a warrant for criminal damage to property.

Samantha Duck, 37, of Castor, was arrested for 3 counts of distribution of Methamphetamine. She was transported from Bienville Parish to the Webster Parish Jail.

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The Glenbrook Apaches are looking to get back in the win column this week with an impromptu home game vs. 2-0 Lincoln Prep.

By Monday morning the location of Friday’s game vs Lincoln Prep was up in the air. The Panthers’ new stadium has yet to be completed, and a conflict with scheduling kept the game from being played at Grambling State University. By Monday afternoon, the two schools agreed to play the game in Minden.

The Panthers will bring a 2-0 record into Apache Stadium where their offense has averaged over 45 points per game and the defense has only allowed their opponents to cross the goal line once so far this season.

The Apaches, fresh off a 58-14 loss at the hands of the #1 ranked Calvary Cavaliers, will look to build off a moral victory of sorts. The Apaches were only down 16-14 midway through the 2nd quarter and had plenty of reasons to feel good about their efforts. “We put up a fight and our kids knew they belonged and they held their own with the best team in the state for a portion of the game,” said coach David Feaster.

The Apache defense, led by Rhett Johnson and Hayden Harmon, will look to slow down the high powered Panther offense.

Maddox Mandino and DJ Carter will lead the offense in its efforts to score early and often against an extremely stingy Panther defense that has held their opponents in check in their first two games.

Kick off will be at 7 p.m. Friday night at Glenbrook, as the Apaches look to earn their first district 1-1A victory.

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The Webster Parish Library is gearing up to host a Family Friendly Parish Wide Trunk or Treat Halloween Celebration.

The theme for the event is “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

Two dates are set:

1. Minden Main Branch Date – Thursday, October 28, 2021, 4:30 to 6:30 pm. The Minden Main Branch has partnered with the Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce for this date.

2. Mack Memorial Branch – Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 4:30 – 6:30 pm. Attractions for both events include face painting, leap land bounce house, and Pam’s Ponies & petting zoo.

Kids can come in costume for Halloween library fun and Trunk or Treat with members of the local community in the safety of our parking lot. The event is for kids of all ages parish-wide.

Kids are encouraged to stop by the Webster Parish Libraries van, where a select number of golden tickets are in the candy bags being give away. If you find one of the golden tickets in your bag, come to the library the following week to redeem your prize.

The library is asking area businesses or organizations with vehicles to sign up for a parking spot. Then, the idea is to decorate the trunks of those vehicles in the Halloween spirit and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. Set up time will begin at 3:30 for both events.

The library encourages area businesses or organizations to bring prepackaged business cards, information packets, and brochures to pass out with your candy.

If inclement weather occurs, the event will move inside of the library.

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By Brad Dison

Dutch’s boy was born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. on New Year’s Eve of 1943 in Roswell, New Mexico. Dutch, as his men called him because it was easier to pronounce than Deutschendorf, rose to the rank of major in the United States Army Air Force and was squadron commander of the B-58 Hustler bombers. Dutch set three speed records in his B-58 which earned him a place in the Air Force Hall of Fame. Dutch’s military career came before anything else. His unwavering loyalty meant his family moved often.

As Dutch’s son, people called him Dutch’s boy. Many of the people who attended school with him, albeit it briefly, described Dutch’s boy as being shy and a loner. He struggled to fit in at school because his family moved so often. Dutch and his family lived all over the United States.

Dutch’s boy was usually too shy to ask a girl out on a date. Finally, he asked a girl out, and, to his amazement, she said yes. Dutch’s boy arranged to pick up his date later that evening, after Dutch returned home in the 1950 Mercury, the car that Dutch’s boy was allowed to drive. There was no sign of Dutch as the time drew near for Dutch’s boy to pick up his date. Dutch’s boy had no choice but to cancel the date, which left him angry and upset.

Several hours passed before Dutch arrived home in a drunken state. His commanding officer had invited him to “beer call” at the officer’s club, and Dutch, showing unwavering loyalty, eagerly agreed. Dutch saw no reason to call home to let his family know he would be late. Dutch’s boy was fuming.

Dutch and his son rarely got along well. One summer, Dutch bought a ski boat for the family. Dutch would only ski with his son driving the boat. He was expected to drive the boat exactly to Dutch’s liking or Dutch would come down hard as if he was one of the men under his command.

On the night of the broken date, Dutch’s boy had no chance to speak with his father. As soon as his father walked in the door, Dutch’s parents began arguing. Dutch’s boy had never heard his parents argue before and this was a real humdinger. The argument was so serious that Dutch’s boy thought his parents would surely divorce. His broken date seemed less important than it had earlier in the evening.

Not wanting to be the cause of friction between his parents, Dutch’s boy came up with a plan. He would run away from home. Dutch’s boy usually worked a part-time job at a store on the weekends. Early the next morning, while his parents were still asleep, Dutch’s boy loaded some clothes, some school papers, a drawing board, and a guitar into his father’s car. He called the store and said his family was going to Oklahoma to visit a sick relative. This would buy him at least eight hours before his family realized he had run away.

On that Saturday morning, Dutch’s boy left Fort Worth, Texas, and headed for Los Angeles, California, where some of his parents’ old friends, the Harts, lived. They had visited them several times in California through the years. His plan was to get a job as a sailor on a boat and start his life anew. After driving all day, spending the night in Tucson, Arizona, and finally making it into Los Angeles late the following day, Dutch’s boy was unable to find the Harts’ home. Almost broke, Dutch’s boy spent the night in the car in a grocery store parking lot.

By Monday morning, Dutch’s boy was out of options. He swallowed his pride and called home. He did not mention running away but said he was just looking for serious work. His father asked no questions but Dutch’s boy could tell he was concerned. Dutch gave him directions to the Harts residence and told him to call when he arrived. When he called his father from the Harts’ residence, Dutch asked if he would come back home. Dutch’s boy reluctantly agreed.

Dutch flew to Los Angeles and the two spent some time together before they drove back to Fort Worth. For the first time, Dutch’s boy realized that his father really cared for him but was unable to express his emotions. Dutch was the type of man who kept his feelings deep inside.

Although the two continued to have disagreements, Dutch’s boy never ran away from home again. After high school, Dutch’s boy had a successful career which, like his father, took him all over the world.

Later in life, Dutch’s boy and his father bonded over a common interest. They both loved flying. Early in his career, Dutch’s boy wrote a song about flying, a song which was a number one hit for the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary. Sadly, flying would end Dutch’s boy’s life. On October 12, 1997, Dutch’s boy died when the experimental aircraft in which he was flying crashed. His ashes were scattered high up in the Rocky Mountains. He wrote a song about the Rocky Mountains too. Some of his best-known songs include “Leaving on a Jet Plane”, “Rocky Mountain High”, “Annie’s Song”, and many others. The world knows Dutch’s boy, Henry John Deutschendorf Jr., as… John Denver.

Source: Denver, John. Take Me Home. New York: Harmony Books, 1994.

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The North Webster Knights and Minden Crimson Tide meet for Webster Parish supremacy
Friday at 7 p.m. inside Minden’s W..W. Williams.

This pairing has produced high drama, with four of six matchups being decided by one score.
Minden boasts a 5-1 head-to-head record over North Webster since the schools began playing
in 2015.

The Knights enter this year’s game 2-0 with convincing victories over Haynesville and North
Caddo, while the Tide are 1-1 with a loss to Parkway and win over Green Oaks.

Defenses have dominated the matchup with Minden reaching the 20’s twice in six tries to North
Webster’s once. North Webster has reason to believe that could change, coming into this
week’s contest averaging 43.5 points per game. The Knights have done it thanks to a
three-headed rushing attack featuring senior Jamarcus Stephens, junior Cooper Sanders and
junior quarterback Colin McKenzie. In the passing game, it’s been steady doses of Stephens,
tight end Jatareon Robinson and receiver Seth Dehart getting things done.

Still, Minden’s has proven a tough puzzle to solve for North Webster in recent years and the Tide certainly will boast the best unit the Knights have faced this season.

The North Webster defense will also have its hands full trying to contain a Minden offense that
got on track in a big way against Green Oaks, featuring running backs Daylen Robinson and
Tyrese Lane. Senior signal-caller Andrew Cooper is also a threat by air and ground.

North Webster’s defense was hit for 30 points in last week’s game against North Caddo, with
LSU wide receiver commit Omarion Miller doing much of the damage. One thing the Knights
have done well both on defense and special teams is create turnovers, including three last week against the Titans.

While Minden may not have a player with Miller’s offer sheet, the Knights defense will have to
be at their best if they hope to slow down the balanced attack the Tide bring into Friday night’s
game.

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A funny thing happened this past Monday. Your favorite rocker occupant settled in to watch the latest non-doings of our Minden City Council and, lo and behold, a WWE smackdown broke out.

In a pretty good imitation of a pre-wrestling event diatribe, Mayor Terry Gardner and District C Councilman Vincen Bradford spewed some post-gavel decibel challenging exchanges. Kindergartners have shown more restraint. One can bet only Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair would have been more entertaining.

With a twist to football fouls, these verbal combatants should be flagged for unstatesmanlike conduct.
While the end of the meeting was unexpectedly ludicrous, the build-up was disappointingly predictable. For the fourth time, this council (by, surprise surprise, a 3-2 vote) said “no” to the city’s 2021-2022 fiscal year budget.

This time, though, during their comments a couple of council members gave reasons for continuing a path toward a potential half-budget lesson in city management. One said all the “issues” have not been settled. Another hinted there are shortfall problems in the $39 million document.

If there’s a shortfall problem, Rocker has a solution. Put your meetings on Pay Per View. It’s amazing how many folks will tune in for buffoonery and mayhem.

And the unresolved issues? Seems like there’s two and they’re both pay raises. The mayor apparently promised the city’s economic development director and human resources department head hikes totaling $11,000. For want of an amount slightly less than a council person’s annual salary, a budget lies dormant with a looming deadline before halfsies kick in.

It’s interesting to note that $11,000 is a whopping 0.0002825 percent of the proposed $39 million operating budget. What’s more interesting is one council person offered to give up his $12,000 annual council salary to cover the raises.

Guess what. No takers.

After the comic opera, Rocker thinks he heard one observer suggest this budget will never pass without compromise. We’ve already explained the art of compromise, but it seems there are no artists in this group.

In his “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” Benjamin Franklin observed in 1758, “A little neglect may breed great mischief.” Mr. Franklin must have been gazing into his crystal ball and seeing Minden a little more than 260 years later.

Rather than compromise, how about we settle this dispute using a medieval method. Once upon a time, rather than fight a pitched battle between armies, the best warrior from each side would meet in single combat. To the victor went the war.

Since the misters Gardner and Bradford seem to be WWE ready, let ‘em armor up. The winner has the honor to decide the budget. Makes as much sense as what’s happening now, and the Pay Per View income will offset any deficits.

 

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Frank John Hooper
July 26, 1943 – September 8, 2021
Services:  Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Greenwood, Louisiana.

Carter J. Moreau
October 27, 1931 – July 30, 2021
Visitation:  9:00 am until time of service
Services:  September 18, 2021 at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Plaucheville, Louisiana
Rosary and Mass will begin at 11:00 am

Kin Michael Fulton
July 18, 1964 – September 6, 2021
Services: Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. 

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.

Agnes Dupas Batiste
July 1, 1926 – September 6, 2021
Visitation: Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral home in Marksville, Louisiana at 8:00 a.m.
Rosary: at 10:00 a.m.
Mass Burial:  11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Marksville, Louisiana

Gary Ratcliff
May 18, 1949 – September 13, 2021
Services: Saturday, September 18, 2021at 10:00 a.m.  at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana.
Visitation:   Friday, September 17, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. 
Burial:  at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Spur, Bossier City, Louisiana. 

Linda Kay George Smith
September 2, 1951 – September 9, 2021
Services: Pending for a later date

Ja’Kerryion A’Mir Anderson
July 31, 2021 – September 1, 2021
Services:  Friday, September 17, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at Round Grove Memorial Gardens, 2869 Round Grove Lane, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation: 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana. 

Ann Hughes Hinds
May 22, 1935 – September 12, 2021
Services: Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation:  Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial:  Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd., Shreveport, Louisiana.  

Juanita Carpenter Stevenson
September 6, 1934 – September 12, 2021A
Services: Thursday, September 16, 2021at 2:00p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana.
Visitation: 12:00 p.m. until time of service.
Burial:  Rose-Neath Cemetery. 

Paul Allan Schmidt
October 26, 1957 – September 4, 2021
Services: Thursday, September 16, at 11:00 a.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Broadmoor Baptist Church, 4110 Youree Drive, Shreveport, LA 71105. 

Shirley Jean Briggs Nutt
March 6, 1935 – September 14, 2021
Services:  Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.  at Trees Baptist Church, 11391 Trees City Road, Vivian, Louisiana
Visitation:  Thursday, September 16, 2021 beginning at 1:00 p.m. until service time
Interment:  Vivian Cemetery.

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