From left, Lion Denny Finley, Lakeside principal, Josh Utley and Ann Holomon, Lakeside counselor.
By Tracy Campbell
Minden Lions enjoyed hearing from Josh Utley at Thursday’s club meeting. Josh teaches agriculture at Lakeside High School and is a strong advocate for Ag programs in Louisiana high schools. The Minden High and Louisiana Tech graduate said that most young adults today lack basic skills – such as changing a tire, reading a tape measure, checking a thrown circuit breaker, and even rolling up a shop door – and classes such as his introduce them to core skills that they’ll use their entire life.
“Ag is for everybody and will change their lives,” he said. “I want my kids to be productive members of society. Ag classes help them be that.”
Utley’s curriculum introduces students to carpentry, electricity, plumbing, forestry, welding, horticulture, farming, and small engine repair.
“We may not be able to spend but a couple of weeks on each topic, but students get some exposure to all of those things,” he said.
NATCHITOCHES — Greg Burke announced Monday he will step aside after 25 years as Northwestern State’s athletic director to accept another position at the university.
Burke requested to be reassigned to a role in fund raising for the NSU Foundation. He began his NSU career generating revenues as director of the NSU Athletic Association and served for five years as director of athletic development at the University of Akron.
The longest-serving athletic director in Louisiana and the Southland Conference, Burke has guided the NSU athletic department since 1996. Discussions with university officials about his future role at NSU have been ongoing for several months.
Northwestern President Dr. Marcus Jones said, “Greg has been highly respected by colleagues in college athletics in Louisiana, the Southland Conference, and the nation throughout his long tenure at NSU. His fervent commitment to enhancing and expanding the overall experiences of our student-athletes has never wavered.”
Jones said the university will engage a sports consulting search firm to assist in the search for a new athletic director and that an advisory committee of university stakeholders will also be appointed to provide input in the process. He said a new AD should be selected within six to eight weeks.
Vice President of External Affairs Jerry Pierce said, “Northwestern is indebted to Greg for his years of dedicated service and extensive contributions to the university. He has made a positive impact on intercollegiate sports in the state and nationally. I am confident that he will continue to serve the university passionately and effectively in his new role at the school.”
Appointed as Northwestern’s 20th president earlier this month after serving as interim president since July, Jones plans to initiate a major development campaign at the university in 2022. He said Burke’s “experience and expertise in fund-raising will be valuable as we embark on that important campaign.”
Burke’s shift away from athletics comes during one of the most turbulent times nationwide in intercollegiate sports because of such issues as conference realignments; name, image, and likeness rules; transfer portal implications, and COVID-related disruptions.
Pierce said, “With the turmoil surrounding college athletics nationally and the importance of continuity and stability in our intercollegiate sports programs and experiences for student-athletes, we are fortunate that Greg will continue to serve as AD during the national search for his successor.”
Burke, who announced his decision to the Athletic Department staff Monday morning, said, “The timing is right for me to make this transition to the NSU Foundation. Doing so will enable me to focus solely on raising funds for a university which means the world to my family and me. I have always had a great working relationship with (NSU Foundation Executive Director) Drake Owens and look forward to working with him and his staff.”
A native of Alliance, Ohio, Burke is a graduate of the University of Mount Union in Ohio and received his master’s degree from Kent State University.
He was a sportswriter for the Alliance Review newspaper in Ohio and director of news and sports information at Hiram College in Ohio before joining the NSU Athletic Department as an intern in 1985.
Burke held athletic fund-raising positions at Northwestern and the University of Akron before becoming athletic director at NSU in 1996.
Under Burke’s leadership, the NSU Athletic Department produced the lone Southland Conference Triple Crown championship, winning the league’s football, men’s basketball and baseball regular-season titles in the 2004-05 academic year. That trio of championships highlighted a run that included 25 NCAA postseason appearances, 24 Southland Conference regular-season championships, 19 SLC Tournament titles, three Olympians and two individual national champions during Burke’s tenure.
The Northwestern State men’s basketball team produced two NCAA Tournament victories during Burke’s time at the helm of NSU athletics, including one of the most memorable upsets in tournament history – the Demons’ 64-63 upset of third-seeded Iowa on March 17, 2006.
NSU student-athletes flourished away from the competitive surface during Burke’s career, collecting 11 Academic All-American honors, numerous Southland Conference Student-Athlete of the Year acclaim and Southland Conference Steve McCarty Citizenship Award winners. In the most recent NCAA Graduation Success Rate data, NSU student-athletes posted a program-record 87 percent graduation rate.
Burke recently began his second of a five-year term on the NCAA Women’s Basketball Committee after previously serving on the NCAA Committee on Academics and Championships/Sports Management Cabinet, the NCAA Division I Football Issues Committee and the NCAA FCS Committee.
Said Burke: “There will no doubt be a void, having worked in college athletics for the past 43 years, but Susu and I will continue to be financially and personally supportive of NSU’s teams and coaches as a fan and advocate. I am forever grateful to Dr. Randy Webb, Jerry Pierce and the Athletic Council led by Dr. Vicki Parrish for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to lead the NSU athletic program. Over the past 25 years, it has been a blessing to have developed relationships with so many student-athletes, parents, faculty, alumni and NCAA staff members, as well as with coaches and administrators at NSU and nationwide. Much has been accomplished over the course of time but there is always more that can be done to position NSU Athletics for success on all levels. With that in mind, I encourage those who love NSU Athletics to either keep supporting or to begin supporting our student-athletes and coaches because every single gift makes a difference.”
A Minden woman, previously banned from her grandmother’s residence has been arrested on multiple drug charges.
Mary Woodall, 29, of the 1100 block of Shreveport Rd., was arrested by Minden Police Saturday afternoon and charged with possession of Sch. II, possession of Sch. I, possession of drug paraphernalia and entry on or remaining after being forbidden.
Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Ofc. Jason Smith and Off. Kayla Little responded to a Webb Court address belonging to Woodall’s grandmother the day after Woodall was verbally banned from the property.
“Woodall was wearing a towel, saying she had just gotten out of the bath, and her grandmother was near the garage, crying and telling Woodall to leave,” Cropper said. “Woodall was yelling about clothes belonging to her boyfriend who was no longer on scene. Apparently, the clothes had been thrown away.”
When officers approached, Woodall reportedly began yelling at them and lifted her arms, causing the towel to fall.
“Officers told Woodall to go inside the residence and put on some clothes,” said the chief. “She reluctantly did so while still yelling at the officers and her grandmother.”
After approximately 60 seconds passed, officers reportedly entered the residence, where Woodall stated she was dressed and gathering her belongings in a trash bag, per the officers’ request.
“Woodall asked if she was going to jail,” Cropper said. “Officers told her she was going to jail because she had been banned from the residence the day prior and returned to it.”
At this point, the chief said Lt. Spencer Tippen arrived on the scene and they arrested Woodall. Off. Little reportedly conducted a search and found no contraband on Woodall.
“When officers entered the residence and went into the bathroom, they discovered a cigarillo package that contained two cigarillos and four green plastic baggies containing suspected narcotics,” Cropper said. “Also next to the sink was a purple paper envelope with a black cat on it. Inside that envelope was a glass Methamphetamine pipe.”
Woodall reportedly admitted the narcotics and pipe were hers and her father gave her the Methamphetamine, claiming she had not used it.
She was booked and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.
A north Webster Parish man has been apprehended by Springhill Police on multiple warrants.
Keith Allen McDaniel, 45, of 3rd St. SW, Springhill, is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, racketeering, simple battery, simple robbery and aggravated second degree battery.
Chief Will Lynd said McDaniel was found to have a backpack with a handgun and ammunition.
“Warrants were obtained for the felon in possession of a firearm and racketeering, due to his several felony convictions,” Lynd said. “Bonds total $125,000.”
According to reports, in June, 2021, McDaniel committed battery on a female victim, grabbing her throat and forcing her to the floor inside her residence.
“He held her down and took $300 from her left front pocket,” Lynd said.
Ge’Tarrius Burton, 22, of Columbia Rd.,Ark., was arrested by U.S. Marshal’s Service as a fugitive from Magnolia, Ark. for attempted capital murder.
Makayla Dill, 18, of the 100 block of W. Roosevelt, Minden, was arrested by Minden Police on a warrant for principal to aggravated assault with a firearm.
Lauren A. Leonard, 32, of Hwy. 371, Cotton Valley, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies for improper supervision of a juvenile.
November 11
Rodney Lamont Marry, 29, of the 100 block of Stanley St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for contempt of court.
Nathan R. Simpson, 20, of Bossier City, was arrested by WPSO for contempt of court.
November 13
Dillion Barnett Tatom, 24, of Springhill, was arrested by WPSO on three outstanding warrants.
Bobby J. Specks, 45, of the 100 block of Hackett St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for driving while intoxicated first offense and improper lane usage.
Joseph W. Jordan, 24, of Frierson, was arrested by Cotton Valley PD for felony theft, possession of Sch. I, possession of Tramadol and on a warrant from Caddo Parish.
Jeffery M. Barb, 45, of Frierson, was arrested by Cotton Valley PD for felony theft.
November 14
Terry Anthony Shields, 38, of Jackson, Miss., was arrested by LSP Troop G for possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance and possession a firearm by a felon.
Ronda Shaunlay Dixon, 39, of Pearl Miss., was arrested by LSP Troop G for possession of CDS Sch. I with intent to distribute.
Vera Weaver June 29, 1938 – November 1, 2021 Graveside Services: Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Bistineau Baptist Church in Heflin, Louisiana.
Charles David Day III September 22, 1952 – November 3, 2021 Service: November 18th at 5:00 pm. at Ridge Room at East Ridge Country Club in Shreveport, La.
Dennis Boyd Holland February 14, 1956 – November 9, 2021 Services: a virtual memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 27, 2021.
Braxton Woodrow “Bragg” Stuckey September 28, 1947 – November 13, 2021 Services: A memorial service will be held at the Brushwood Methodist Church in Dubberly, Louisiana on November 22 at 1 pm.
The Neville Tigers defeated the Minden Crimson Tide 42-0 on Friday night, ending the Crimson Tide’s 2021 season.
Neville (9-1) came into the game seeming as if they felt that they had a point to prove. If that was the case, they most certainly proved it.
Minden (4-7) was never granted the opportunity to get rolling offensively against a stout Tiger defense.
Although the score may imply that the Tide didn’t put up a valiant effort, that is most certainly not the case.
Stacked up against one of the best teams in the state, Minden fought until the very end and never once hung their heads.
The Tide will have to bid farewell to a solid Senior class, but the future is bright in Minden.
The underclassmen have gained invaluable experience by being placed in the middle of the action, competing against tough competition all season.
Junior running back Daylen Robinson entered Friday night’s game just 44 yards short of the coveted 1000-yard rushing mark.
He left the game as the first Tider to surpass 1,000 rushing yards since Brandon Walker in 2006.
Funny enough, Robinson actually tied Walker despite playing 2 fewer games, both finishing with 1038 yards on the ground.
It’s been a pleasure covering Crimson Tide football this season, and I know that I can speak for all of Tide faithful when I say that I’m excited to see what the future holds for Minden.
I’d like to give a huge thanks to Coach Spencer Heard, Mark Chreene, Jake Chapman and Josh Beavers for being incredibly and unselfishly helpful all season long.
Another big thanks to each reader who’s taken the time out to check out and support these articles.
The Journal’s sports coverage doesn’t end here though, be sure to continue to frequently check in, as we continue to provide coverage on all things Webster Parish sports.
The North Webster Knights fought valiantly against Class 3A powerhouse St. James.
The Knights had a puncher’s chance throughout the night in a hostile environment against a talented team, but could not overcome the odds, eventually falling to the Wildcats 34-20.
The Knights struggled to move the football in the first half and St. James did not, leading to a halftime deficit of 24-0.
In the second half North Webster played their brand of football, grinding out tough yards between the tackles with senior running back Ja’marcus Stephens and their offensive line. Stephens had a pair of touchdowns in the second half on the ground as the Knights slowly crept back into the game.
Cooper Sanders caught a pass in the flats from QB Colin McKenzie and dove into the end zone for the Knights third touchdown to bring the score to 34-20 with less than a minute to play, and North Webster would recover the ensuing onside kick, leaving a glimmer of hope for a miracle.
However, the next North Webster pass was tipped up and intercepted to seal the deal for St. James.
North Webster finished the season at 5-6. The Knights will certainly miss the contributions of their 8 senior starters, but should be back in the Class 3A playoff picture once again in 2022.
This was North Webster’s tenth-consecutive trip to the postseason.
On Sunday evening, November 5, 1967, 17-year-old Robin and his 19-year-old girlfriend, Molly, boarded a crowded 12-coach express train at Hastings, England, about 2 hours southeast of London on the English coast. Robin and Molly were returning to London from a weekend at her home in the country. The train cars were packed to capacity and many passengers had to stand for the duration of the trip.
Some of the passengers remarked that the train was travelling faster than they had expected. Just four months earlier, the speed limit on the route connecting London to Hastings was raised to 90 miles per hour. They had only about 30 minutes left in their journey and were nearing Hither Green when the train started to jolt. Molly reassured Robin that the train was always rough over that stretch of track and said it would soon smooth out. She was unconcerned but Robin was uneasy. The ride only got worse. Then, Robin heard “what sounded like rocks hitting the train.” He turned to Molly with a concerned look and said “this train is going to crash!” Without warning, the train lurched to one side. Robin reached up for the train’s emergency chain but missed it and fell. Robin instinctually grabbed Molly and held her tight. At that moment, the train rolled over and over.
Time seemed to pass in slow motion. Broken glass was flying everywhere and tangled in Robin and Molly’s hair. As the train cars tumbled, Robin heard the crunch of metal mixed with screams from some of the passengers. A piece of steel railway line shot through the cab of the train car and missed Robin’s face by only about an inch. Robin, Molly, and surrounding passengers were covered with oil which had spewed from an unknown source. He held tightly to Molly. After what seemed like an eternity, the tumbling train finally came to a stop. Eleven of the twelve train cars were destroyed.
The sound of crunching metal and breaking glass subsided. The screams and moans of injured and frightened passengers seemed to come from all directions. Robin and Molly were in a state of shock but were otherwise unhurt. Robin and Molly looked out of one of the broken windows and saw the silhouettes of what remained of the other carriages. Train cars were upside down, sideways, and some were little more than piles of twisted metal.
Robin stood up and helped Molly to her feet. They climbed out of a window and hurried away from the twisted wreck. Then, they heard explosions and saw bright lights in the sky all around them. The explosions were not a result of the train crash, but were fireworks in celebration of England’s Bonfire Night, sometimes referred to as Guy Fawkes Night. Bonfire Night in England is a celebration of the failure of the gunpowder plot to blow up King James I and the British Parliament. What a contrast it must have been to see celebratory fireworks in the sky above such a horrific scene.
Robin made sure Molly was safe and returned to the crumpled train cars to help other people escape. He helped several people to safety, all the while making sure Molly was okay. Ambulances and surgeons from the nearby hospital rushed to the scene. Surgeons performed at least two major operations at the site before their patients were rushed to the hospital. In total, the crash resulted in 49 fatalities and 78 people were injured.
Robin later compared the sensation he felt to “falling over Niagara Falls in a barrel, tumbling over and over.” He said, “I don’t think I’ve ever been so physically scared in all my life. I mean, once you’ve got in a train you imagine you are perfectly safe.” It took Robin and Molly several days to remove all of the shards of glass from their hair. An investigation revealed that the train derailment was caused by a broken rail joint. Following the Hither Green rail crash, many of the jointed tracks were replaced with continuous welded rails. Even with the improvements to the line, Robin said, “I doubt if I will ever be able to travel over that stretch of rail again.”
Following the crash, Robin returned to work with his two brothers. The musical trio had originally performed in bands called The Rattlesnakes and Wee Johnny Hayes and the Blue Cats with little success. 1967, the same year as the train crash, was a life-changing year for Robin and his brothers. In that year alone, they released five songs which became worldwide hits. Their success continued as they recorded more top ten hits in each of the following four decades. Robin, Maurice and Barry Gibb were… the Bee Gees.
Sources:
1. Evening Standard (London, Greater London, England), November 15, 1967, p.17.
For the past 4 years, our gas prices dropped dramatically and stayed around the $2.00 mark. But with the Democrats taking charge of the White House and Covid-19 making its presence felt, gas is once again soaring. At the time of writing this article, gas was at $2.99 and rising. This has a huge impact on tournament anglers, especially the weekend warriors and those who compete in local and area wide tournaments for the love of the sport. Today, we’ll talk about what 2022 might be like in terms of bass tournaments and how anglers will be affected.
Let’s first start with boats and the demand for parts. It has been, and could continue to be, a problem for boat owners to get parts needed to keep their boat engines running. If you own a bass boat, it’s just a matter of time before you’ll need engine repairs. Getting the parts, like powerheads, filters, or water pumps, has been a real issue ever since Covid hit a year ago last February. Since many parts come from overseas, the back log of the supply chain has also had a ripple effect into boat manufacturing facilities. Without parts, some boat factories have had to cut production in half or even completely shut down. When parts do arrive on American shores, getting the parts off-loaded is a whole other issue. Then to top it off, there are not enough truckers to get the parts to the marine dealers.
The next issue is the increase in pricing for both new and used boats. It’s all about supply and demand. When the demand is higher than the supply chain, boat dealers can and will increase their prices as well. The other side of the coin is that, if anglers continue to buy these high-priced boats, dealers will continue to raise the prices. As for the boat manufacturers, they have had to increase prices because the cost of materials continues to skyrocket. Furthermore, after a boat has been built, there is a major challenge to get a new outboard motor to put on the boat. Dealers will tell you that you’re probably looking at 6 months before they will see a new motor. The brand of engine does not matter at this stage of the game. Some guys who have always run a certain brand like Mercury or Yamaha, are now taking whatever, they can get.
Last, but not least, tackle! Companies like Strike King, V&M and Berkley are having a hard time keeping up with the demand for products like spinnerbaits, crankbaits, or jigs. This is mainly due to the lack of hardware needed to produce these types of baits. Hooks, swivels, wire, and plastic are just a few of the thing’s manufacturers are having trouble getting their hands on. For months, retailers have been out of stock and are doing their best to keep up with the demand. But as fast as manufacturers can get it to the dealer, customers are grabbing them up, and in some cases, one customer will buy every bait on the peg just because he does not know if or when they’ll be restocked. It’s created a type of panic mode similar to the ammunition demand.
So, if you’re an angler, try and exercise a little patience as manufacturers push to get caught up. But don’t expect to see any relief anytime soon as this could go all the way into 2023. Nothing will change until the supply chain gets back to a normal mode. Tune into the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show on AM 1130 The Tiger KWKH, every Wednesday at 11:00 and Saturday mornings at 6:00 for the latest outdoor news. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook.
Marion Wyatt Bevill March 31, 1935 – October 14, 2021 Interment: Whitehall Cemetery in Leton, LA, Saturday, November, 13, 2021, at 2:00 p.m
Lisa Kay Berridge Pearson August 17, 1959 – October 23, 2021 Services: Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. It will be held at First Christian Church, 2205 Shed Road in Bossier City, LA.
Vera Weaver June 29, 1938 – November 1, 2021 Graveside Services: Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Bistineau Baptist Church in Heflin, Louisiana.
Leonard Wallace November 30, 2021 – October 18, 2021 Services: Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Camp Harris in Minden, Louisiana.
Charles David Day III September 22, 1952 – November 3, 2021 Service: November 18th at 5:00 pm. at Ridge Room at East Ridge Country Club in Shreveport, La.
Delmar Dale Kracman January 12, 1934 – November 3, 2021 Visitation: Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana. Services: Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana. Burial: Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd., Shreveport, Louisiana.
J.W. Jones April 15, 1928 – November 9, 2021 Visitation: Sunday, November 14, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana. Services: Monday, November 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Chapel. Interment: Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd. in Shreveport.
Mary Katherine Boswell September 9, 1923 – November 9, 2021 Visitation: Sunday, November 14, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana. Services: Monday, November 15, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Westview Christian Church, 7188 Greenwood Road in Shreveport. Burial: Forest Park East Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Avenue.
A few sparks flew but for the most part, Minden City Council’s workshop Thursday went off without a hitch. It also went off with no definite decisions concerning fire and police pay raises, as well as water rate increases and the three ordinances up for discussion.
All five councilpersons attended the workshop, along with around 20 other department heads and citizens.
Police Chief Steve Cropper and two officers and Fire Chief Kip Mourad and three of his firefighters answered questions concerning the pay raises and councilpersons asked them to help determine how the raises would be funded.
“Our budget is tight,” District A Councilman Wayne Edwards said. “We don’t have any room at all for raises, but if you all will help us figure out a way, then we will do it.”
District B Councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker said she appreciates everything the fire department does.
“And I appreciate the way you have handled this whole thing about the raises,” she said.
District D Councilman Michael Roy said he has some ideas on how to fund the raises but wants to talk with interim City Clerk Michael Fluhr before he would have something concrete.
Three prospective city ordinances were also on the workshop agenda, as well as a possible water rate increase.
A juvenile curfew ordinance brought about some heated discussion, as Lt. Joel Kendrick, vice president of the Minden Police Association, tried to explain the reason behind the proposed law, which would take young people 17 and under off the streets between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on week nights, holding their parents or guardians accountable for their actions.
“It’s not to target the juveniles,” he said. “It’s to keep them safe.”
Minden District E resident Dennis Myles said he feels the ordinance is poorly written.
After three hours of discussion, Mayor Terry Gardner asked the council to take the ordinances and other paperwork provided by department heads to study.
“I think this was a very productive meeting,” Gardner said. “Please take these ordinances and redline changes. I’m not going to put these on the agenda for a vote before we go over them again …. Maybe in about a week.
“I’m not going to put them on the agenda to fail,” he continued. “I want to put them on the agenda to pass to help our police officers.”
See next week’s Webster Parish Journal for more in-depth stories concerning the workshop items: Police and fire raises, water rate increases and three ordinances covering juvenile curfew, use of city parks and property and vacant structures.
As landlines become a thing of the past, Webster Parish E-911 is taking steps to stay up to date in the new world of technology.
Director Angie Chapman said 911 has partnered with RapidSOS to transform emergency response.
“It’s a new location technology used for cell phone calls, and it provides us almost real time updates on a location,” Chapman said. “If the caller is in a moving car or walking around outside, we can locate them.”
RapidSOS functions on GPS tracking that’s in the person’s device, whether it’s a watch or tablet or cell phone.
“As long as it’s on your network that you pay for, it can locate you in the event you can’t locate yourself,” she said.
Being RapidSOS Ready also means Webster Parish 911 has been approved to receive other critical information automatically when the cell phone connects.
“This can include a crash notification, alarm information for your home, personal medical information,” Chapman said. “If your phone has a health application and you store your medical information in there, it is provided to your 911 operator immediately when your phone connects.”
For persons without those devices, Chapman said to go online and register for a free health profile.
“You can put whatever information you want in there,” she said. “It’s active in about 5 to 10 minutes and it includes the information you put in. It’s extremely helpful to EMS.
“I urge every resident of Webster Parish to sign up for their free Emergency Health Profile so critical information can be shared with our 911 telecommunications in the event of an emergency,” she continued. “The process is simple and only the information entered into the system is provided to our team at 911.”
Chapman said in October, 911 received 2,966 calls. Of those, 994 required they dispatch emergency response of police, fire or EMS. She said 105 were fire service calls, 232 were EMS and 552 required law enforcement response.
“Unfortunately, 911 hang up calls were up,” she added. “Of the 552 law enforcement calls, 161 were hang up calls that we had to send police officers out to see if it was an emergency because we could not get anyone on the line when we called back or we couldn’t get an adult to the phone because a child was on the phone and wouldn’t give it to an adult.”
Your favorite rockin’ chair occupant has been keeping ear to the ground and eye on the pigeon cage (where top secret communications arrive daily), and we’re slightly disturbed at some of the incoming messages. It’s not our intention to beat a dead horse, but repeat offenders deserve recognition. Repeatedly.
We’re told efforts to pick up enough signatures from city council districts A and B are continuing, but reaching the required number is proving more difficult than city fathers imagined. According to somebody who knows somebody who’s trying to get anybody to sign on the dotted line, a lot of folks aren’t answering knocks on doors.
One can only guess whether the residents are away or, as speculators suggest, residents have been urged to refrain from answering knocks from what looks like a city employee. One Rocker source says this “don’t answer the door” tactic was devised by a patron who reportedly resides in Ouachita Parish.
As discussed previously, signatures from roughly 10 percent of the residents are needed to secure grant money to make sewer repairs and upgrades in the above mentioned districts which are represented by Wayne Edwards (A) and Terika Williams-Walker (B). We are told when Hizzoner asked for assistance from the council reps in these districts, Mr. Edwards said he’d help. Ms. W-W’s response to Bump’s email seeking support: “Not interested.”
Not surprised. Ms. Not Interested seems to be interested only in making waves. This is the counciler who consistently votes “no” on accepting the minutes of the previous meetings. Understandable. She apparently doesn’t want her actions on the record, and who blames her. This is the counciler who refuses to raise the hand when asked to non-electronically cast a vote. Again, understandable. This is the “I’m not gonna and you can’t make me” stance many children adopt.
It appears Ms. W-W has little (or no) interest in the quality of life of the people in District B. This (free) money is dedicated to one of the most basic needs of residents and families. One would think a person residing in District B would leap at the opportunity to secure the reliable service a new sewer system would deliver to hundreds of households.
But, we also understand that persons who are not a resident of District B would be “not interested.” Or, even worse, maybe somebody just doesn’t care.
Final thought: Hug a veteran today. Their service, and their sacrifices, has made it possible for us to live free.
United Christian Assistance Program has needs for the week of Nov. 8:
Food: soup, crackers, cornbread mix, rice, pasta
Clothing: men’s jeans sizes 32 and 34 waist, men’s socks and underwear
Household Goods: towels, king and queen sheets, pots, pans and skillets
UCAP is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only. Thanks to the community for your support.
Two local high school seniors will play softball at the next level following a signing ceremony held Wednesday morning at THE Doyline High School.
Layla Baker and Lexi Normand signed to play for the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain in Mena during a special event at school.
“I’ve been coaching these two virtually nonstop since they were 7-8 years old,” Doyline coach Michael Normand told The Journal. “I’ve coached them in softball, basketball and even soccer. These two have played on so many different teams together – league softball, All-stars, travel ball, jr. high softball, varsity softball, upwards basketball, jr. high basketball, varsity basketball, track and soccer. If there ever were two athletes that define the word ‘teammates’ it’s these two.”
The coach said an athlete signing is the proudest day a coach can have. “As a dad and coach, it’s a roller coaster of emotions. These two will forever be linked, and I think it’s only fitting that they chase their dreams together.”
Layla Baker told The Journal that she gives all credit to God for this opportunity. She also wanted to thank those who helped her reach this day.
“I just want to really give a shout-out to the coaches I’ve had which would include Mr. Watson, Coach Hayes and especially Coach Normand,” she said. “And I have to thank my school for always supporting me.”
Lexi Normand said the signing, and playing together, was a dream she and her friend have had since they were children.
“We realized there was a slim chance we could attend the same college and playing softball,” she told us. “But clearly that was God’s plan all along. We were on different teams when we made this decision. I had caught interest in Arkansas Rich Mountain during the summer, having no idea Layla did, too. Then within the same month, we both committed there. Clearly our journey together wasn’t meant to be over yet.”
Tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 12) is the last day to submit votes by mail for Saturday’s election. According to the Clerk of Court’s Office,there was record breaking early voting numbers for Webster Parish: 774 in-person voters on Tuesday was the highest single day number ever in Webster Parish; 7,041 in-person early votes(5,016 in the last Presidential Election);
1,460 mail in ballots received and counting; 8,501 people have already cast their votes.That’s more than 33 percent of total registered voters.
Saturday, November 13 is the election, and there are four Constitutional Amendments on the ballot, two of which are important to tax payers.
If you didn’t make it in to cast your vote, locate your polling place and cast your vote between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday.
The American Pickers are excited to return to Louisiana! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout the area in February 2022.
AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them.
As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.
American Pickers continues to take the pandemic very seriously and will be following all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state and CDC. Nevertheless, they are excited to continue reaching the many collectors in the area to discuss their years of picking and are eager to hear their memorable stories!
The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to:
americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-OLD-RUST. facebook: @GotAPick
Did you know that Webster Junior High has a competitive soccer program on the rise? Also, did you know that the Wolves compete in the North Louisiana Middle School Soccer League where they go up against 13 other schools including Calvary, Benton and North DeSoto?
In short, soccer (the world’s most popular sport) has finally arrived in Webster Parish and Webster is leading the charge. They are taking that lead to a new level here at home as they plan to host the first Fall Soccer Jam on Saturday at the Minden Rec Center.
Teams from Ruston, Haughton, and the newly created Lakeside Jr. High squad will join the Wolves for an all-day preseason event. All teams will play in a round robin format, and both boys and girls teams will participate.
Games begin at 9 a.m. and will run until around noon. The cost of admission is $5. Those five and under get in free. All proceeds go to charitable organizations sponsored by the Webster Wolves Soccer Club.
“We put this event together to gauge the progress of all our programs but also to give our players some fun and motivation to continue with the preseason workouts,” Webster head coach Wes Barnett told The Journal. “Our season doesn’t begin until February, so this event creates a collaborative atmosphere on a day built around fun and playing the game.”
When the playoff brackets were released on Sunday morning, a sigh of relief exhaled from the town of Minden as the Crimson Tide had squeezed into the post-season, ranked at #31 in Class 4A.
The Tide (4-6) finished out the 2021 regular-season last week with a playoff-determining battle against the (1-8) Franklin Parish Patriots.
Franklin Parish put up their best effort of the season against Minden, but the Tide fought through adversity and grinded out the tough victory by a final score of 35-34
It’s been a turbulent season for Minden, starting off 2-1 before dropping 4-straight against steep competition.
The last of these losses came at the hands of the (8-1) Neville Tigers, who shut out the banged-up Tide squad, 30-0.
Following their early-season loss to St. Thomas More, the Tigers astonishingly shut out all of their last 4 opponents by a combined score of 171-0.
This playoff matchup will be a sequel of sorts, as last year these two teams duked it out in the quarter-finals, where Neville came out on top 27-0.
It won’t be easy, most don’t even think it’s possible, but don’t count out the Tide just yet, as Coach Heard most definitely still has a trick or two left up his sleeve.
The No. 24 seed North Webster Knights will travel more than five hours south to Vacherie for a matchup with No. 9 seed St. James as they hunt for an upset that will keep their Class 3A state championship hopes alive.
The Knights won two in a row to cap the regular season and enter the playoffs with a record of 5-5. St. James enters the postseason with a record of 6-3 following a loss in their regular season finale against E.D. White.
The Wildcats have talent for days, led by the abilities of senior receiver Shazz Preston. The 6-foot-1 speedster boasts offers from the likes of LSU and Alabama to go with plenty of others, and will be the focal point for a North Webster defense that has been up and down throughout the season. St. James is hardly a one-man band though, with capable weapons in wide receiver No. 4 Kobe Brown and running back Daniel Jupiter. Quarterback Marquell Bergeron has been solid pulling the strings for the Wildcats.
It will be pivotal that the Knights secondary of Jacobreious Walker, Ja’marcus Stephens, Cooper Sanders and Jalon Thomas come ready to play.
On offense, the Knights have also been a bit of a mystery, looking explosive on one night and stagnant the next. The biggest key for North Webster will be avoiding the turnovers which have plagued them in close losses this season. If the Knights can control the clock and win the line of scrimmage, Stephens has proven as good a weapon as any athlete in class 3A. Quarterback Collin McKenzie has also played well as of late, running and passing for big gains. In the passing game, the Wildcats will have to contend with senior receiver Seth Dehart, who caught his fourth touchdown of the season in last week’s 44-0 win over Green Oaks.
The Knights and Wildcats will kickoff the first round playoff matchup at 7 p.m.
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker has joined an elite group of sheriffs to form a permanent committee with the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association.
“I am honored to be nominated to serve on this committee,” Parker said.
The organization proudly announces the creation of an annual award for sheriffs or deputies who are injured in the line of duty.
The award was inspired by the late Union Parish Sheriff, Bob Buckley. While Buckley served as president of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association (2012-2013), he made it his mission to “Do More” for Louisiana’s sheriffs and deputies. In that vein, the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association is honored to continue his legacy with the creation of this annual award.
Permanent Committee members are: Chairman, Sheriff Steven McCain, Grant Parish; Sheriff Julian Whittington, Bossier Parish; Sheriff Leland Falcon, Assumption Parish; Sheriff Blaise Smith, St. Mary Parish; Sheriff Brian Spillman, West Feliciana Parish; Sheriff Mark Wood, Rapides Parish; Sheriff Jason Parker, Webster Parish; Sheriff Clay Bennett, Caldwell Parish, and Sheriff Sammie Byrd, Madison Parish.
Nominations may be submitted from all 64 sheriff’s offices throughout the state. The committee plans to review their first set of nominations in March, and to honor their inaugural winner(s) this summer at the association’s annual conference.
This will be the first time the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association has ever given an award to deputies and sheriffs who are injured in the line of duty.
The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association is a bipartisan organization, composed of Louisiana’s 64 sheriffs and nearly 14,000 deputy sheriffs, established to represent Louisiana’s chief law enforcement officers across the state. The Association’s purpose is to maintain the constitutional authority of the sheriff as chief law enforcement officer, ensure the delivery of first-rate services, and to sponsor legislation that promotes the administration of criminal justice.
Nicholas Willis, 31, of Hwy. 79, Haynesville, was arrested by Louisiana State Police Troop G on two active warrants and resisting by false information, no seatbelt, window tint and no driver’s license.
Tommy DePaul Hawthorne, 54, was arrested by Cullen Police for second degree kidnapping.
November 10
Levi J. Conklin, 31, of Buckner, Ark., was arrested by Springhill Narcotics Division and charged with distribution of Methamphetamine and distribution in the presence of a juvenile. His bond is $50,000.
