By Bonnie Culverhouse

What started as another turndown of the City of Minden’s budget ended in a shouting match between Mayor Terry Gardner and Dist. C Councilman Vincen Bradford.

After Gardner dropped the gavel to end the meeting and stood to leave, his chair was pushed forward and when he pushed it back, the chair struck the American flag, causing it to fall and narrowly miss Bradford.

“I hope that wasn’t meant for me,” Bradford said.

“It was,” the mayor joked.

However, Bradford did not seem to think it was funny.

“Well, come on then,” Bradford said. “If you want to do, do it.”

Minden Police Lt. Joel Kendrick tried to de-escalate the situation between Bradford and the mayor.

“He tried to hit me with it,” Bradford yelled.

“No one tried to hit you,” Kendrick said.

“He just said he did,” Bradford responded, before repeatedly telling Kendrick to, “get your hands off me. I wish he’d hit me, I wish he’d hit me.”

The special session, which began at 4 p.m., gradually became more heated with time, beginning with another failed attempt to pass the city’s $39M budget.

Once again, the vote was 3-2, with councilpersons from Districts A, B and C as the naysayers.
There were two items on the agenda, the budget and request to poll citizens who have electric bills as to whether they would consider having $5 added to their monthly bill to fund raises for police and firefighters.

The second item passed by a vote of 3-2, with District A Councilman Wayne Edwards casting a yea vote along with District D Councilman Michael Roy and District E Councilwoman Pam Bloxom.

However, there was much discussion from the audience concerning the already-too-high utility bills and what an additional $5 could do to persons on fixed incomes. At that point, accusations came from some councilpersons that others would not attend budget workshops in order to work toward a balanced budget that would include those raises.

District B Councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker pointed out that lines between the two agenda items appeared to blur.

“When we started this budget, it was never about the police,” Walker said. “No one here is going to disagree that police officers and first responders do not need a raise. But when we started this budget, it wasn’t an issue about the raise … that was never an issue with the budget. That came along after the fact.

“We had other issues with the budget,” Walker continued. “And the mayor’s aware of that. Everyone sitting here is aware of that. It’s not about the police officers.”

Walker went on to point out the issue was raises for the Economic Development director and the Human Resources director.”

Walker and Bradford have maintained through the budget discussion that Gardner should not have promised raises to the persons in those positions.

“The main focus of the City of Minden is to be transparent,” Gardner said. “My thought is, they (council) need to get onboard, come up here and see me, and we can move this city forward. I told Councilman Edwards I was going to call a city council meeting, and he said multiple times, ‘I am going to do the right thing.’”

Gardner went on to say the city council has to function and has to do so with the mayor.

Edwards said since he has been back on the council, he has never missed a council meeting.

“I missed one workshop – that was beyond my control,” he said. “And I did walk out of one council session because I disagreed with what was going on. I own up to that.”

Gardner adjourned the meeting, asking the council to get onboard and move the city forward.

PHOTO:   Bonnie Culverhouse: Minden Police lieutenants Chris Cheatham (from left) and Joel Kendrick, with the aid of Deputy City Marshal Joe Cornelius (far right), try to de-escalate a shouting match between Dist. C Councilman Vincen Bradford (center) and Mayor Terry Gardner (not shown).

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Journal Staff

The Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce, along with Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC), City of Minden and Louisiana Workforce Commission are joining forces to put people to work.

Professionals of many level and fields will have booths set up from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16 at NLTCC on the service road near Hwy. 531.

Chamber President Jana Morgan said there has been a good response from participating businesses and companies.

“There is a large variety of companies – retail, medical, law enforcement – and we have 15 confirmed and two possibilities,” Morgan said. “Some companies will be interviewing, so applicants should come to the fair dressed to apply and possibly interview.”

Parking will be in the rear of the college. Masks are mandatory.

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The Minden Lions Club will have Jeri Bowen, Executive Director, of Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center, as guest speaker Thursday, September 16.

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.

The Minden Lions meet at noon every Thursday in the American Legion Hall on Pine Street.

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By Josh Beavers

A popular social media app could spell trouble for students using it in local schools.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker reached out to the Webster Parish Journal in an effort to bring awareness to the “Yik Yak” app and potential bullying/harassing behavior being carried out digitally on the platform.

Yik Yak is a social message board that connects people with others anonymously within a five-mile radius.

“Basically, someone makes a statement and others within a five-mile radius who have the app can comment,” Sheriff Parker said. “Yik Yak is an app that can be visually observed on your kid’s phone. To download the app, you have to put in your cell phone number to verify.”

When a person puts in a cell phone number, that can be subpoenaed by law enforcement or civil attorneys.

“It can be used to be a positive networking tool in the community, but what we are seeing is negative, harassing and vulgar comments made about students which could be considered ‘cyberstalking,’” Parker said. “If convicted of cyberstalking you could be fined up to $2,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.”

The sheriff said parents can help by checking the phones of their children or the app and educating young people on the consequences of their actions on the Internet.

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By Josh Beavers

Richardson Elementary has found an innovative way to encourage a true love of reading for its students.

Principal Michelle Finley unveiled the school’s new Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine last week. The machine works by rewarding kids for good behavior, good grades, and good attendance.

“We have multiple incentives at ESR to promote reading, attendance, behavior, and other academic growth,” Finley told the Webster Parish Journal. “Students can earn tickets each week that go in the drawing for the monthly prize balloons. We will draw for two balloons filled with prizes each month.”

Finley said gold coins for the book vending machine can also be earned for reaching Accelerated Reader point clubs at each 20-point increment (20, 40, 60, etc.). “A special ‘thank you’ to our local Minden Walmart for funding the grant to purchase the balloon stuffing machine and other materials used to make these unique prize balloons,” she said.

According to the manufacturer’s website, “We believe that the combination of vending books and your own personalized reward system could bridge the gap between literacy and engagement. Social responsibility should be a big part of any company. We are proud for utilizing our resources and directing them towards literacy for all students. This program is a great way we can prepare children for the future. Let’s bring engagement and excitement to reading books again.”

Finley said the school waited eight long months for the machine to arrive due to COVID delays, but the students have been excited for the arrival.

“Many parents have asked if they could buy a gold coin for their child to pick out a book, but at this time it is strictly an incentive for our students,” she said. “Accelerated Reader is used to motivate, monitor, and manage students’ independent reading practice. Our goal at E. S. Richardson is to help students develop a true love for reading.”

The machine has a custom designed wrap that ties in with the school mascot and Leadership focus.

“Each year we teach the 7 Habits of Happy Kids throughout the school year,” Finley said. “Students learn 7 healthy habits, what they mean, how they can implement them, and how these habits can help them to be successful in life.”

She wanted to thank all the parents who help the school. “If it were not for the parental support of our annual school fundraiser and uniform t-shirt sales, these types of unique incentives would not be possible,” she said.

PHOTO:  Raelyn Goodwin was the winner of the August prize balloon and a gold coin used to select the first book.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

History repeated itself and a Dixie Inn man is behind bars for being a part of it.

Robert R. Scriber Jr., of the 100 block of Southfield Park, was arrested by Dixie Inn Police Chief James Edwards and charged with domestic violence with child endangerment, second degree battery and interference with custody of a child.
Edwards said he received a report of a disturbance at Southfield trailer park in Dixie Inn, where he met with the victim, Scriber’s ex-wife.

“I noticed a large amount of Blood on. Her front porch and on her shirt,” Edwards said. “She said the couple began arguing. During this time, Scriber grabbed for her. She was able to dodge him, but she fell to the floor.”
Edwards said the victim alleged Scriber kicked her in the face, causing damage to her nose.

“The couple has a 2-year-old child together, but the victim has full custody. Scriber grabbed the child and left,” Edwards said. “The child was present when the battery took place.”

The chief said the victim’s injury caused extreme pain and required a visit to the emergency room, where x-rays showed a broken nose.

“Scriber was located in Bossier City and was arrested by Bossier City Police on three Dixie Inn warrants served by Judge Parker Self,” Edwards said. “Scriber is currently on probation due to a previous arrest for domestic abuse battery and resisting an officer.”

Scriber was transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center, where his bonds total more than $100,000.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Hanging around a park after hours can land perpetrators in jail.
Roytavious Keshun Drake, 18, of Homer, was arrested Sept. 8 by Webster Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Josh McCormick with the aid of Minden Police Off. Chris Cayer.

Drake is charged with possession of a stolen firearm, possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker, Dep. McCormick discovered a blue Hyundai at Hinton Park around 1 a.m. on the above date. Closing time for the park is 10 p.m., he said.

“The deputy shined his spotlight into the windows of the car and observed a black female climbing from the backseat into the driver’s seat,” Parker said. “The deputy saw a black male in the backseat of the car. He identified himself as Drake.”

Parker said the deputy smelled the odor of Marijuana coming from the vehicle and saw a suspected Marijuana “Roach” in the door pocket.

“Roytavious and the female insisted there was no Marijuana in the car, saying they had smoked it earlier,” said the sheriff.

“Drake seemed extremely nervous to Dep. McCormick. He was shaking and kept trying to reach into his jacket.”

According to reports, Dep. McCormick called for a Minden Police unit, and Off. Chris Cayer arrived shortly thereafter.

“Due to the odor of Marijuana and Drake’s movements, the two ordered Drake to exit the car,” Parker said. “In doing so,

Drake reached again into his jacket, grabbed a Glock handgun and threw it on the floorboard of the vehicle.”
Once Drake was handcuffed and mirandized, Off. Cayer reportedly secured the firearm – a 9MM that was reported stolen in NCIC (National Crime Information Center).

“The officer also located a glass jar with a large amount of suspected Marijana on the back floorboard,” said the sheriff. “It was packaged into several small baggies. There was also a digital scale.”

Drake reportedly refused to answer any questions about the gun or suspected Marijuana. He was placed under arrest and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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Sept. 8
Kydrick O. Germany, 21, of the 20-0 block of S. Roosevelt, Minden, was arrested while incarcerated at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. He is charged with two counts of theft of a firearm and speeding. Bonds total more than $50,300.

Sept. 9
Patricia A. Lasseigne, 34, of the 300 block of Bounds Road, Minden was arrested by Cotton Valley Police for simple battery.

Dameionia Gilber, 36, of the 600 block of Chestnut St., Minden, was arrested by Minden Police for disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, drug paraphernalia and outstanding warrants.

Juanette R. Yelverton, 44, of Ringgold, was arrested for simple assault and transferred from the Bienville Parish jail to the Webster Parish jail.

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It was a busy week in Webster Parish for local football. Three of our teams were in action this past Friday night while COVID protocols kept one at home.

Lakeside’s regularly scheduled opponent, Block High, was hit by COVID and had to cancel the game. The Warriors took the win via forfeit. This week was already scheduled as a bi-week, but Lakeside coach Mike Santelices is still looking for an opponent. As of this writing, the Warriors were still scheduled to be off Friday. That may change, and the Journal will make you aware if it does.

Minden High

The Minden Crimson Tide needed to bounce back in a big way after their week one loss to Parkway and they did just that, manhandling the visiting Green Oaks Giants 48-6 Friday night, recording the school’s 500th all-time regular-season win.

Minden (1-1) scored on its first series, igniting the home crowd, with junior running back Daylen Robinson posting Minden’s first points on an 8-yard touchdown run.

Robinson did it again on the Crimson Tide’s next possession, running hard and scoring from four yards out for the rushing TD.

The Tide held Green Oaks (0-2) scoreless throughout the first half and scored twice more, both coming on the legs of quarterback Andrew Cooper.

Speaking on the magnitude of Minden’s 500th all-time regular-season victory, Coach Heard stated, “I’m blessed to be the head coach when that happened. It’s a monumental thing for Minden High School and the community of Minden.”

While it truly is a huge milestone for the Tide, in typical Coach Heard fashion, he urged his players not to get complacent and to be ready to prepare themselves for the challenge ahead this week in the big parish rivalry game against North Webster.

North Webster

The North Webster Knights sent a message that their offense takes a backseat to no one, scoring at will en route to a 53-30 win over the North Caddo Rebels Friday night at Baucum-Farrar Stadium in Springhill.

North Caddo’s offense came in with the hype thanks to the talents of LSU wide receiver commit Omarion Miller, who finished with more than 100 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns, but it was North Webster (2-0), led by the excellence of senior Jamarcus Stephens, that looked the part of a well-oiled machine.

The Knights will look for a 3-0 start in a huge Webster Parish rivalry matchup of week three at Minden against the Crimson Tide Friday night.

Glenbrook

For the first 18 minutes of Friday’s matchup against the defending Division IV state champion and Class A’s No. 1-ranked powerhouse, the Calvary Cavaliers, the visiting Glenbrook Apaches made a statement that they belong in the LHSAA.

The 58-14 final score isn’t indicative of the quality of the Apaches’ efforts in their first year in the LHSAA, and their first ever District 1-1A contest, despite going in overmatched by the established Shreveport football program.

After a Maddox Mandino opening kick return set the Apaches up at the 50-yard line, the offense quickly moved down inside the Cavalier 15 before a costly turnover. Like championship teams usually do, Cavaliers went on a 12-play 68-yard touchdown drive to go up 7-0.

As the quarter wore on, the Cavaliers’ depth proved to be too much as turnovers and missed assignments on defense allowed the Cavaliers to stretch their lead. The young Apaches continued to fight as the final seconds ticked off and the Apaches (1-1) had fallen in their district opener by a margin anticipated by many outside observers – but not without some very encouraging minutes of action early in the matchup.

“We were really proud of our effort tonight. Our inexperience, lack of size, and lack of depth showed. We did play really well on defense early,” said Glenbrook head coach David Feaster. “We gave really great effort throughout the whole game. Even some of the guys who left with cramps, they came back out later to finish the game and played like warriors.”

This week the Apaches will try to get back on track as they travel to take on the Lincoln Prep Panthers (2-0) in another District 1-1A contest at Grambling. Lincoln Prep has scored 40-plus points in two lopsided wins.

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By Josh Beavers

Minden High School notched its 500th regular season win Friday on a cool late summer night in the Pit.

The Tiders who put together that win have, by and large, been with one another since their early days, and the first taste of football many of them had came over on the practice field at Webster Junior High.

The Wolves have been prepping future Minden High players for a long time, and the man in charge of the Junior High program now wants to do more. His desire is for every young man he sends across town to be ready and able to help brings wins and pride to the community.

“The team is coming along very well,” second-year coach Rodario Rogers told The Journal in an interview last week. “The 8th grade team has the potential to make a lot of noise this year and in the near future. The 7th grade team has a lot of potential, but they are very inconsistent when it comes to being at practice. Our 8th and 7th grade team needs to mature a lot more for us to reach our main goal. Our 6th grade team has players that can help improve boththe 8th and 7th grade teams. Overall we have a lot of work to do to become a better team.”

Becoming a better team. That is an important line. Team over self. Team over the individual. That’s the message Rogers wants to send to the young men under his tutelage.

We asked him why he loves coaching:

“I love to make the kids day. I know a lot of the kids go through a lot at home and just being able to see them laugh and smile makes my day. I just want to provide them with the education and knowledge they need to become asuccessful young man. Coaching gives me the opportunity to do so.”

The impact a good coach can have on a young person’s life is immeasurable. That’s why Rogers thinks it’s important for all students to give sports a try.

“I believe that it is important because sports can teach kids a lot about life in the real world,” he told us. “Sports canteach kids patience, how to follow rules, teamwork, respect and responsibility.”

As for the season, Rogers said the team faces some well coached teams that have operated the same way every year.

“So, we are basically the new kid on the block that plans on taking some whippings and handing some out as well,” he said. “Eventually we will be operating at their pace, too.”

He said there are numerous ways for the community to get involved with the team and school.

“We just want the community to come together and support the kids at our games,” he said. “The community can getinvolved by following our Webster Jr. High Football Facebook page and participate in all sport activities at Webster Jr.High School.”

He also wanted to thank the Webster alumni.

“Ya’ll are the people that keep us going every day,” he said. “Without your knowledge and dedication, we wouldn’t beable to provide for our team. Just hearing your stories about how this program used to be pushes me and my staff to make this program great again.”

The Wolves will play at North Desoto tonight. The first home game is next week against Rusheon. Game is at Minden High at 5 p.m. on Sept 21.

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North Webster High School’s Baucum-Farrar Stadium recently underwent a renovation to improve and gain up-dated lighting.

The lights were made possible through a grant from the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Communications between Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell’s office and Webster Parish Police Jurors Daniel Thomas and Bruce Blanton initiated the grant talks and parties on both sides were eager to work together to make the improvements happen.

Blanton brought the grant proposal to North Webster High School Principal Gabe Lyons, Webster Parish School Board member Margaret Edens, and Head Football Coach of North Webster High School John Ware. Once Mr. Blanton proposed the grant to the group, talks for a plan and timeline were developed and the plan was implemented. There is much enthusiasm and appreciation for the efforts of this grant by all parties involved.

Webster Parish Schools Superintendent Johnny Rowland said, “We are extremely appreciative of the generous grant provided by the Public Service Commission and specifically, Mr. Foster Campbell. New lighting at our football stadium has been much needed and now it’s a reality. I know I join with the entire community of North Webster Parish by saying ‘thank you!’ Thank you for investing in the students of our school system!”

Police Juror Daniel Thomas added, “North Webster High School (Baucum-Farrar Stadium) has had one of the best, if not the best, field and stadium for a school of its size for many years. With the installation of the new lights, it will really showcase what a jewel we have. I really want to thank Commissioner Foster Campbell and all of his colleagues for their support. This would not have happened without their help.”

Additionally, Police Juror Bruce Blanton said, “I would like to thank Foster Campbell for making it possible for North Webster High School to have a lighting system that is second to none anywhere and will save on power and maintenance cost for 25 years plus.”

“This project took a lot of people and moving parts to get accomplished. We are very proud to get updated lighting at North Webster High School’s Baucum-Farrar Stadium. We are also very thankful for Foster Campbell and this investment in the North Webster Parish community,” Principal Gabe Lyons commented about the lighting grant project.

Head Football Coach John Ware said, “From everyone that we have spoken with, these are the original lights that were installed on the football field. Not only does these lights improve visibility, but the removal of the old poles from the sidelines addressed some safety concerns.”

The grant for the new lights totaled $385,000. Baucum-Farrar’s new stadium lights were unveiled during the first home football game on 9/3/2021.

Pictured are Superintendent of Webster Parish Schools Superintendent Johnny Rowland, WPSB member Margaret Edens, NWHS Principal Gabe Lyons, NWHS Head Football Coach John Ware, Webster Parish Police Jury Members Daniel Thomas and Bruce Blanton, and Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A pair of 911 calls sent Minden Police to a disturbance involving a firearm last week.

Around mid-morning Sept. 8, DeDarren Montez Willis, 29, of the 500 block of Hillside Lane, Minden, was arrested and charged with disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, possession of a firearm by a felon and Probation & Parole hold.
Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Lt. Spencer Tippen and Lt. Chris Hammontree were dispatched to the address due to a disturbance and were informed that a second 911 call stated there was a male subject holding a female at gunpoint.

“Lt. Tippen said he observed a male in a grey muscle shirt and grey pants walking on Industrial Drive near the entrance to some apartments,” Cropper said. “Then he noticed a female wearing a multi-colored shirt and pink pants walking in the parking lot near the entrance. When approached by the officer, the female said she was not a part of the disturbance and directed him around the corner.”

When Lt. Tippen proceeded toward the apartments, an older female reportedly flagged down his vehicle and told him the first woman was part of the disturbance with the observed male.

“Then, she told the officer that the man, Willis, pulled a gun on the female,” Cropper said. “Lt. Tippen contacted Lt. Hammontree by radio and then turned back in the direction of the subjects.”

Lt. Hammontree attempted to make contact with Willis, but he reportedly fled on foot into nearby woods. After a search of the area, Willis was located in front of the Hillside Lane address.

“While Willis admitted arguing with his girlfriend – the one who said she wasn’t involved – he denied having a firearm,” said the chief. “A search of the area was conducted and a Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380 caliber handgun was located along the path where Willis fled. Officers, including Det. Lt. Keith King Jr., attempted to locate the girlfriend but were unsuccessful.

Willis, who is a multi-time convicted felon and currently on parole, was arrested and transported to MPD where he was booked.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Cullen Police have arrested a local man for assaulting his girlfriend.

Troy Roth, 47, of Murphy St., Cullen, is charged with battery of a dating partner, domestic abuse battery by strangulation and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to reports, police were dispatched to the 300 block of Nelson St., where they talked with a female subject who claimed Roth hit her as she was trying to walk away from an altercation.

She reportedly stated she was trying to call for help, but Roth took her phone, and as she tried to run away, he grabbed her with both hands around her neck, choking her.

When the female subject was finally able to get away from Roth, she told police she ran to a neighbor’s home for help. She also said Roth had a gun on his person and she was afraid he was going to use it.

Officers reportedly located Roth sitting in front of his vehicle on East Road. A 9mm firearm was located in the vehicle.

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United Christian Assistance Program is in need of the following items:

Food: biscuit mix, pasta, rice, canned or powdered milk
Clothing: men’s tennis and dress shoes sizes 9 1/2 and larger
Household Goods: king and queen sheets, towels

In August, UCAP filled 71 requests for clothing, supplied 20 families (50 individuals) with food and paid $6,185 in utilities.
UCAP is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed Wednesdays only.

Thank you, Community, for enabling us to furnish this assistance.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Following Hurricane Ida, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin and Gov. John Bel Edwards agreed to reschedule the Oct. 9 election to Nov. 13. The election for Nov. 13 has been postponed until Dec. 11.

The Webster Parish Journal, with the aid of Public Affairs Research Council (PAR) of Louisiana and District 10 State Rep. Wayne McMahon, is taking a look at the Constitutional Amendments that will be on the Nov 13 ballot.
According to PAR, the first two amendments are weighty tax reform proposals.

“All of these amendments are worthy,” McMahon said. “Amendments 1 and 2 are the ones that can make a difference moving forward.”

Today’s story focuses on Amendment 2 (a story about Amendment 1 was published Tuesday, Sept. 7).
Amendment No. 2 proposes a major overhaul of the state income tax rates and deductions.

A vote FOR would lower the maximum rate of the income tax and allow removal of a major state tax deduction, triggering statutory reforms for individual and corporate income and franchise taxes.

A vote AGAINST would keep the Constitution’s current tax rates and the requirement to allow a deduction for federal taxes paid, which would stop all the statutory reforms.  Individual income tax rate changes include the following:

First $12,500 of net income for single filers ($25,000 for joint files) – current rate is 2 percent, proposed rate is 1.85 percent;

Next $37,500 of net income for singer filers ($75,000 for joint filers – current rate is 4 percent, proposed rate is 3.5 percent; and,

Net income in excess of $50,000 for single filers ($100,000-plus for joint filers) current rates 6 percent, proposed rate is 4.25 percent.

“The state controls the income tax, and most states are moving away from income taxes altogether,” McMahon said.

“Those states tend to have higher property taxes, but you know what you can afford before you buy a property. This puts the people in the position to where they can make the decision which tax they are willing to pay.”

Corporate income taxes will be affected, too.

First $25,000 of taxable income – current rate is 4 percent; proposed is first $50,000 of taxable income, 3.5 percent

Above $25,000 but not in excess of $50,000 – current rate is 5 percent, proposed above $50,000 but not in excess of $150,000 – 5.5 percent;

Above $50,000 but not in excess of $100,000 – current rate is 6 percent, proposed is income in excess of $150,000 – 7.5 percent;

Above $100,000 but not in excess of $200,000 – current rate is 7 percent and would not change; and,
Income in excess of $200,000 – current rate is 8 percent and would not change.

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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. 

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By Josh Beavers

It was between Sibley and Doyline, on that peaceful stretch of road with a railroad track on one side and the waters of Bistineau on the other, when I got the call. Our voices connecting through the radio waves despite the thousands of miles between us.

It was the first time we had spoken since he was a Minden High Crimson Tider. Years ago. Now he was a man. A soldier. A defender who chooses to put his life on the line for my sake, your sake, his country’s sake.

“Ian?” The words in the ether.

“Yes, sir.”

We knew each other. I taught his brother years ago. Noah, also a soldier, was a special young man. Near and dear to me. I was never fortunate enough to have Ian in class; he was a Minden man; but every time I saw him in the community, he was kind, respectful, and always said “sir.”

This time though, that “sir” came with a hint of caution. You see, I’d already communicated with Ian. I’d heard a comment from a friend at MHS that Ian, a 2018 grad, knew some of the 13 American soldiers killed in Afghanistan. The tragedy underscored the mismanagement of the war by the White House and the power vacuum left after our boys and girls bid adieu to that hard desert country.

A madman with a suicide bomb killed those 13 along with 90 innocent Afghanis.

These are our fallen heroes per Stars and Stripes:

Lance Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas

Sgt. Nicole Gee, 23, of Roseville, Calif.

Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah

Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, 23, of Knoxville, Tenn.

Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, 20, a Marine from Bondurant, Wyo.

Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, Calif.

Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, 20, of Norco, Calif.

Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Mass.

Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Ind.

Cpl. Daegan William-Tyeler Page, 23, from Omaha, Neb.

Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, 20

Seaman Maxton “Max” Soviak, 22, of Ohio

Two of those names were special to Ian Ruff, a corporal in India Battery of the 1st 10th Marines, and I wanted him to share some thoughts today, on the anniversary of the worst terror attack in American history.

“Lcpl Shmitz,” he told me. And then after a handful of heartbeats, a few thoughts I imagine he was having about whether he could trust the journalist asking him questions, he added the second name. “Lcpl Espinoza.”

“They were both boots.” The words were distant. Full of memories. Contemplation. Consideration of a soldier’s mortality and purpose.

He was clear with me and wanted me to be clear with you, the constant reader, that he was not best buddies with the fallen. He wasn’t the Best Man in a wedding. He didn’t exchange texts or snaps or fight in a foxhole with them.

But he knew them well enough that they knew each other’s names. They would nod during off time at Camp Lejeune. They spent time doing what young people do when they are off the clock and being young and alive. Espinoza in particular was special because he and Ian were junior Marine friends from boot camp.

They were brothers in arms. Joined forever in common bonds of dedication, desire to protect, and the will to do what people like me, the too fat, too comfortable, too consumed with wants rather than needs, would never do.

“In the Marine Corps we all have a tight connection no matter our backgrounds,” Ian told me. “It’s hard to talk about these Marines. I can’t shake it out of my head.”

Their deaths. He means their deaths. He can’t shake their deaths.

We talked for a while longer. He told me things that I don’t think I should share here. Thoughts of a young man who lost a lot. Thoughts of a soldier who knows the deaths in Afghanistan could have been any of his brothers and sisters in arms. There was anger in his voice as well.

He asked me why I cared what he thought? The question shocked me, and it was my turn to be silent.

“People need to be reminded of what is going on,” I answered. “It doesn’t matter if you just say ‘hey’ to them. This story is about the sacrifices of our people in the Armed Forces. Nobody gets that anymore. People say they do, but the names will be forgotten. People move on. I just want to remind them.”

He opened up a little more at that and began to tell me what was next for him. He’s about to be redeployed to deal with the refugee crisis that the White House has exacerbated. My words. Not his.

I say “my words” not his because a soldier doesn’t speak ill of those in command. That’s not a soldier’s job.

Talking to Ian reminded me of the words of General Douglas MacArthur in his 1962 speech to the grads of West Point.

“Others will debate the controversial issues, national and international, which divide men’s minds. But serene, calm, aloof, you stand as the Nation’s war guardians, as its lifeguards from the raging tides of international conflict, as its gladiators in the arena of battle. Let civilian voices argue the merits or demerits of our processes of government. Whether our strength is being sapped by deficit financing indulged in too long, by federal paternalism grown too mighty, by power groups grown too arrogant, by politics grown too corrupt, by crime grown too rampant, by morals grown too low, by taxes grown too high, by extremists grown too violent; whether our personal liberties are as firm and complete as they should be.

“These great national problems are not for your professional participation or military solution. Your guidepost stands out like a tenfold beacon in the night: Duty, Honor, Country.”

That last line: Duty, Honor, Country.

That’s the soldier. That’s the 13 who died in Afghanistan. That’s the local Minden boy, a product of the Tide ROTC and MSGT Larkin.

While we care about Frosted Flakes and football, baseball and Bitcoin, the soldier dies in the frozen fields and fire of the desert wastes. Such is the way of us who pretend evil doesn’t exist. And evil isn’t the liberal or the conservative. It’s not Barack Obama or Donald Trump. Stop thinking so small. Real evil Exists. And the soldier lives it. So on the 20th anniversary of the Terror Attacks of September 11, 2001, I say thank you to the soldier – the politician’s tool, the fat man’s protector. I’ll likely forget within an hour as our problems take precedence. We are the center of our universes no matter how little water they contain (shallow). But I know, even if I won’t remember, that the soldier is there. So thank you. And forgive us for the way we are. You are the best of us. And the best of us always do their job without much thought. And that is why (the most important reason why) you exist. Thank you my protector.

Thank you to the 13.

Thank you to Ian Ruff.

Thank you for making the world a little bit better.

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For the first 18 minutes of Friday’s matchup against the defending Division IV state champion and Class A’s No. 1-ranked powerhouse, the Calvary Cavaliers, the visiting Glenbrook Apaches made a statement that they definitely belong in the LHSAA.

The 58-14 final score isn’t indicative of the quality of the Apaches’ efforts in their first year in the LHSAA, and their first ever District 1-1A contest, despite going in overmatched by the established Shreveport football program.

After a Maddox Mandino opening kick return set the Apaches up at the 50-yard line, the offense quickly moved down inside the Cavalier 15 before a costly turnover. Like championship teams usually do, Cavaliers went on a 12-play 68-yard touchdown drive to go up 7-0.

The Apaches offense hit another snag on their next possession as a sack and fumble gave the Cavaliers another two points on a safety. A short kickoff gave Calvary outstanding field position and the Cavaliers capitalized with yet another quick touchdown to give them a 16-0 lead.

After a three-and-out by the Apache offense, the momentum seemed to be mounting for the Cavaliers. However, on the next possession, Glenbrook’s Maddox Mandino stepped in front of a Landry Lyddy pass and brought the interception back to the Cavalier 40-yard line. Six plays later, Ty Feaster found Mandino on a short screen pass for a 10-yard touchdown, making the score 16-7.

On the ensuing possession, Landry Powell picked off a Lyddy pass and gave the Apaches the ball at their own 48 as the first quarter expired. The Apache offense mounted an eight-play, 53-yard drive that was capped by a DJ Carter 3-yard touchdown run that cut the the Cavalier lead to 16-14. Threatened, with 6:43 left in the half the Cavaliers scored to go ahead 23-14, dimming any chance of an Apache rally.

As the quarter wore on, the Cavaliers’ depth proved to be too much as turnovers and missed assignments on defense allowed the Cavaliers to stretch their lead. The young Apaches continued to fight as the final seconds ticked off and the Apaches (1-1) had fallen in their district opener by a margin anticipated by many outside observers – but not without some very encouraging minutes of action early in the matchup.

“We were really proud of our effort tonight. Our inexperience, lack of size, and lack of depth showed. We did play really well on defense early. “ said Glenbrook head coach David Feaster. “We gave really great effort throughout the whole game. Even some of the guys who left with cramps, they came back out later to finish the game and played like warriors.”

Next week the Apaches will try to get back on track as they travel to take on the Lincoln Prep Panthers (2-0) in an other District 1-1A contest at Grambling. Lincoln Prep has scored 40-plus points in two lopsided wins.

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By Whitman McGee

The Minden Crimson Tide needed to bounce back in a big way after their week one loss to Parkway and they did just that, manhandling the visiting Green Oaks Giants 48-6 Friday night, recording the school’s 500th all-time regular-season win.

Minden (1-1) scored on its first series, igniting the home crowd, with junior running back Daylen Robinson posting Minden’s first points on an 8-yard touchdown run.

Robinson did it again on the Crimson Tide’s next possession, running hard and scoring from four yards out for the rushing TD.

The Tide held Green Oaks (0-2) scoreless throughout the first half and scored twice more, both coming on the legs of quarterback Andrew Cooper.

Tyreese Lane’s 42-yard punt return, Isaiah Thorton’s 50-yard pick-6, and Cameron Mitchell’s 21-yard TD reception provided the Crimson Tide’s second-half scoring.

Senior kicker Carter Barnett scored on all but one of his seven extra-point attempts.

There was one thing Minden coach Spencer Heard wasn’t happy about – a second-half letdown.

“We came out a little flat to start the second half. We had a couple of bad snaps that put us in a hole.” Heard said. “The one thing in this game I was disappointed with was that we didn’t really finish the way I wanted us to finish. Other than that, I was very proud of everybody.”

Robinson has been extremely impressive to begin the season. With back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances, he has already accumulated 210 yards on the ground and 4 total touchdowns.

“He’s very, very important to what we are doing right now,” said Heard. “He runs extremely hard and has good vision.”

Speaking on the magnitude of Minden’s 500th all-time regular-season victory, Coach Heard stated, “I’m blessed to be the head coach when that happened. It’s a monumental thing for Minden High School and the community of Minden.”

While it truly is a huge milestone for the Tide, in typical Coach Heard fashion, he urged his players not to get complacent and to be ready to prepare themselves for the challenge ahead next week in the big parish rivalry game against North Webster.

Thanks to Mark Cherene and KASO/KBEF radio for supplying the Journal with the stats for Friday’s game.

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The North Webster Knights sent a message that their offense takes a backseat to no one, scoring at will en route to a 53-30 win over the North Caddo Rebels Friday night at Baucum-Farrar Stadium in Springhill.

North Caddo’s offense came in with the hype thanks to the talents of LSU wide receiver commit Omarion Miller, who finished with more than 100 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns, but it was North Webster (2-0), led by the excellence of senior Jamarcus Stephens, that looked the part of a well-oiled machine.

The Knights scored on their opening possession when junior quarterback Colin McKenzie found Jamarcus Stephens for a short touchdown pass. Senior kicker Garrett Brown added the PAT to make the score 7-0.

After Miller’s first touchdown of the night made it 7-6, McKenzie took a shotgun snap and went straight ahead through a gaping hole for a 30-yard score on the ground. Following a punt, the Knights capped a nice drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown from Stephens to make the score 20-6 as the first quarter expired.

North Webster continued to pour it on in the second quarter, as a busted coverage by the Titan defense led to a 61-yard touchdown strike from McKenzie to senior receiver Seth Dehart, making it a 26-6 Knights lead. Junior running back Cooper Sanders got loose for yet another rushing score from 20 yards out to make the halftime score 32-6.

North Caddo (0-2) tried to claw back into the game, scoring on its opening possession of the third quarter, but the Knights’ offense just kept humming, answering the Titans with a 10-yard score from Stephens to halt any hope of a comeback.

Stephens cemented a career night by adding two more rushing scores to finish his night with a whopping five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving). Stephens now has eight total touchdowns on the young season.

The Knights will look for a 3-0 start in a huge Webster Parish rivalry matchup of week three at Minden against the Crimson Tide next Friday night.

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One question that the pros are asked more than anything else…”How do I become a professional bass fisherman?” Now this is a loaded question and one that I’ll try to answer for all you want-a-be professional anglers. I’ll give you not only my perspective but a dose of reality as well. For those of you trying to make it to the highest level, you might not like what you read in this article, but you’ll definitely have a greater understanding and appreciation for how difficult it is to make a living as a touring pro.

Today’s anglers actually have a more difficult time trying to become a pro than 30 years ago. There are a limited number of spots available on the two major circuits (B.A.S.S. Elite Series and Major League Fishing- MLF). But the rewards of making it on either of these two tours, makes it worth the gamble…or does it? What an awesome way to make a living….bass fishing! This is the dream and goal of so many youngsters growing up today. For me, my dream was to play professional baseball, and nothing was going to get in the way of me accomplishing that goal. I’ll use baseball as a comparison so you can see the similarities. In 1983 I was drafted by the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals) and was sent to New York for minicamp along with 40 other draft picks. Our first meeting, the general manager of the Expos (Bob Gebhart) walked into the room and stood in front of all 40 draft picks and said, “Congratulations guys, each of you represent one out of every 10,000 baseball players in the country and only one of you will make it to the Major League level.” Turns out, he was exactly right…only one guy made it from our draft class: a fifteen-year-old shortstop from Dominican Republic by the name of Esteban Beltre. Now this was a dose of reality and it hit me at that point just how difficult it is to make it to the Major Leagues.

There’s an old saying in baseball, ”Baseball players are a dime a dozen.” Well, you can say the same thing about bass fishermen. They are everywhere and once again, there are only so many slots available. It used to be years ago, that the best path to becoming a professional angler, was to move south and become a guide at either Toledo Bend or Sam Rayburn. Make a name for yourself while learning how to catch bass in every condition imaginable. So many guys took this path like legendary pros Tommy Martin, Larry Nixon and Jack Hains to name a few. The other thing you had to do… quit your job and dedicate yourself to nothing but finding and catching bass. Becoming a guide makes you a better angler overall because it teaches you how to catch bass under various conditions. One of the toughest jobs you can have is guiding for a living. You have to learn to find and catch bass in order to make your customers happy. Now that’s a high-pressure job!

Your next option on pursuing a professional bass fishing career, is to fish the lower levels of bass fishing circuits and work your way up. For example, with B.A.S.S., there’s high school bass fishing circuits, college tours and what’s called The Open Series. The Open Series has three divisions nationwide (Southern, Central and Northern) and the top three finishers from each division’s points standings will receive an invitation to fish the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series, as will the top three from the overall standings accumulated in all three divisions. We’re talking 716 anglers all across the nation vying for 12 spots in order to become a professional bass fisherman. This total does not include the over 850 college anglers who are trying for 1 spot on the Elite Series. Only one college angler (National Champion) from across the nation will get that opportunity.

Now let’s look at the other route you can take by fishing with MLF (Major League Fishing). They to have a difficult path but it is an avenue that’s available to anglers all across the country. They have what’s called the Big 5. This includes, Tackle Warehouse Pro Tour, Toyota Series, Phoenix Bass Fishing League, Abu Garcia College Fishing and the U.S. Army High School Fishing. It’s a series of tours that if you do really well, you can possibly advance to the highest level called the Bass Pro Tour. This tour has a unique format that allows anglers to catch, weigh and release their catch immediately while on board officials record their every fish that weighs two pounds or better. Unlike B.A.S.S. in which anglers bring their best 5 bass to scales for weigh-in. Once again thousands of anglers nationwide are fishing the Big 5 Tours attempting to progress and advance to the Bass Pro Tour.

Today’s angler has to be not only GREAT, but a businessman, speaker, road warrior, mechanic and put in long 10-to-12-hour days on the water. This level requires family sacrifices like missing birthday parties, school programs, recitals, holidays and athletic events. These guys are on the road for weeks and months at a time. I asked legendary Pro Shaw Grigsby one day when was the last time he slept in his own bed in Florida? He said he had only slept in his bed two days the entire month of March.

So, you think you still want to be a professional bass angler? The odds of making it are really slim to none as you can see from the numbers above. You might have better odds of being struck by lightning! But I’m not here to discourage you from trying, I just want to make sure you understand how difficult it is to make it to the highest level of professional bass fishing. Many an angler have gone broke trying to make it to the highest levels, not to mention the number of divorce attorneys that have been hired. It can be very rewarding both from a personal standpoint and financially if you’re one of the lucky ones. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

The Minden City Council will meet in special session at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13 in council chambers at Minden City Hall to try again to pass a budget.

Minden Mayor Terry Gardner said he is more optimistic about the budget passing on this, the fourth try.

“I have met with Councilmen (Wayne) Edwards and (Michael) Roy and Councilwoman (Pam) Bloxom” Gardner said.
“Councilwoman (Terika) Williams-Walker and Councilman (Vincen) Bradford have not returned numerous phone calls.”

The other item on the agenda is a request for authorization to poll utility customers regarding a proposal to attach a $5 surcharge on all utility bills in order to fund a salary increase for fire and police personnel.

The public is invited to attend.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Even though she was approved unanimously at a meeting of the Minden City Council, Tuesday, Sept. 7, an applicant for the job of Minden City Clerk has declined the position.

Karen Walker reportedly told Human Resources Director April Aguilar that she did not feel comfortable “coming onboard with the city because of the lack of knowing whether or not she would actually be appointed both now and in the future.”
In a phone call, Walker told the Webster Parish Journal that she had already accepted another position before the vote, and she made the city aware of it.

“The other company called Friday, Sept. 3 to offer me a job,” she said. I called April and the mayor to let them know I could not go forward with the appointment of the position because of the uncertainty of the approval, and my other offer was a sure thing. At that point, I was told it was too late to remove it from the agenda,” she said.

“I had a really good offer, and I was apprehensive about accepting the job when I didn’t know if the council was going to accept me,” Walker said. “I had a sure thing compared to ‘I didn’t know.’”

Walker, a former Webster Parish resident, has lived away for 12 years. She said she needed the “sure thing” in order to move back and spend more quality time with family and be able to take time to travel with her elderly mother.

“After hearing about how council meetings go, I did have some reservations (about the job),” she continued. “However, that was not the sole reason I didn’t take it. The other position allows me more time with my elderly mother and family.

This was a defining factor in my decision making process. I felt like my mom was the most important thing.”
Minden Mayor Terry Gardner said District E Councilwoman Pam Bloxom was the only member that interviewed Walker.

“There was a conflict for Michael Roy (District D),” the mayor said. “None of the others responded to my email, asking them to interview her.”

Bloxom said she is disappointed buy understands Walker’s decision.

“She was a highly-qualified candidate,” Bloxom said. “We had an opportunity to have someone filling Mr. (Michael) Fluhr’s place with experience and character. Now, we have to start over.”

“I truly appreciate everything the mayor, all council members, and April (Aguilar) did to assist with my appointment as City Clerk of Minden,” Walker said. “I wish everyone with the City of Minden the very best and hope for success with the community. Please accept my deepest apologies if my decision has caused any inconvenience for anyone.”
Aguilar has reposted the position and the search for applicants will continue, the mayor said.

“We will keep moving forward, looking for a qualified candidate,” Gardner said.

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