By Paige Nash

The Webster Parish Police Jury will begin receiving bids soon to update the Minden Health Unit and LSU AgCenter located on Homer Road in Minden. The state inspected the building about six months ago and gave the police jury a list of repairs/updates that are needed on both floors of the building. 

The health unit is working by appointment only at this time and is currently screening most patients outside while they remain in their vehicles.

“All clients are encouraged and have been encouraged to make an appointment,” Regional Medical Director/Administrator, Dr. Martha Whyte said. “Most services were moved outside with the pandemic, but some of these have moved back inside already. They all will eventually return to inside the health unit.”

These changes were directed to be done due to Covid-19 and were made to all the health units in the region.  

Some of the services offered at the health unit are pregnancy, STD, HIV, cancer and Covid-19 screenings. They also offer many forms of birth control and function as the local WIC clinic.

“Whether the work will cause any changes to services, I do not see why that would be necessary,” Whyte said, “but if it becomes evident a change in services has to be made, we will let our clientele know.” 

The LSU AgCenter located on the bottom floor of the building provides many services to the people of Webster Parish, as well. These services include family and nutritional information and lessons to SNAP recipients, 4-H development and a variety of services in agriculture and natural resources, including water and soil sampling. They are also the sponsoring agent for the Piney Hills Master Gardeners.  

“Our office, like many governmental buildings, could stand a few updates,” said Lee Faulk, Parish Chair and Area Livestock Agent. “We’re very grateful to be receiving these updates and feel that they’ll increase the professional image of our office and improve our clientele’s experience when visiting.”  

The Health Unit and Agcenter are not expected to be closed while this work is being completed and will continue normal operations.

It’s still quite a view from up here on the peak. It allows us to rock along and peek into public body meetings and, as Will Rogers said, see what the hired hands are up to. 

We were very interested in this city council “agenda” meeting. That’s where the lads and lasses get together to see if personal agendas match up with the city’s needs before the group takes their act to the public. One item scheduled for discussion concerns an appeal from the individual wanting to make Grace Estate an event center.

That could create some creative conversation. Who knows? If there’s discussion, we might learn the definition of event and what determines one that is unacceptable. And it might even lead to a conversation that will define the term “bed and breakfast.” Seems that’s a bit of a sticking point since we might be needing a few of those for the influx of HGTV-inspired tourists. We might need to know soon.

More attention on our local constabulary is expected when Chief of Police Steve Cropper offers some officers for promotion. Three will be presented for promotion to sergeant, and the word from persons in the know is all have very good records. That might not meet muster with a couple of councilists, however. 

We are told there’s a history of some sort between law and the disorderly that might cause the same kind of vote we see consistently when this body is asked to simply approve minutes of a council meeting. Before the governing body meets, maybe somebody needs to brush up on relationships and civil service rules.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get a tip on talks that followed the agenda meeting that allegedly centered on the city’s much discussed, but still dormant, policy and procedures manual. Apparently one counciler still has plenty of nits to pick over content. It must be tough to author a timeless document that is ambiguous enough to defy interpretation and still pass legal muster. 

One might be forgiven for thinking this handbook will, sizewise, eventually become encyclopedic. There has been more time put into authoring this little document than Gen. Lew Wallace spent on “Ben Hur.” As the old saying goes, too many cooks spoil the broth. We can only imagine how the soup will finally taste when a group of politicians picks the content of the cauldron. 

Something that befuddles yours truly is the age old question of whether it’s ignorance or apathy that presents the biggest problem in politics. Surveys show the most common answer among today’s voter is “I don’t know and I don’t care.” The don’t care part was on display Saturday last.

We were asked to go to the polls and decide a couple of issues including who would fill a vacancy on the 26^th Judicial District Court. We’re happy to know an excellent choice will be seated, but we are more than a little consternated over the lack of interest generated for one of our most precious rights.

Final tallies show that just over 15 percent of registered voters in our beloved, progressive, actively involved and in-tune Webster Parish bothered to go to the ballot booth. But that could be reason to celebrate because only slightly more than 13 percent made the effort to vote in Bossier Parish. Such a shame.

Let’s applaud our 15 percent, and give an appropriate prize to those donotgivvadamns who make up the 85. For those who didn’t bother, you are hereby sentenced to 100 days community service cleaning those sweet little portable potties…with a toothbrush. An additional 100 days will be added each time you complain about any elected official. 

By Bonnie Culverhouse

The Greater Minden Chamber has been in south Webster Parish for 80 years, and they are throwing a party to celebrate.

“We are excited to celebrate 80 Years of outstanding service to the Minden Community,” said Chamber President/CEO Jana Morgan. “We take pride in promoting the businesses in and around Minden, and we will continue to build on those relationships.”

Beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, the chamber will host its Annual Awards Gala at the Minden Civic Center, sponsored by Minden Medical Center.

Morgan said there will be no Man and Woman of the Year awards during this banquet.

“The organizations that are over those are wanting them to have a full year reign,” Morgan said.

Sponsored by Young Women’s Service Club, Tokia Whiting-Harrison was named Woman of the Year at a fall banquet, while Jake Chapman was named Man of the Year by Minden Lions Club.

However, there will be other, Chamber-sponsored awards Tuesday evening. Finalists are as follows:

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – Durrett Law & Title, The Doll House, Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College 

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – Velvet Home & Clothing, Bricktown Boutique, Red Blooms 

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR – Phillip Smart, Lindsay McClaran, Ryan O’Glee, Minden Family Pharmacy 

COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR – Brittany Greer, Webster Parish Library, UCAP 

“On the night of the event, we will also present awards for Home Town Hero and Lifetime Achievement Award,” Morgan said. 

“Chamber membership has its benefits,” she continued. “Our membership is made up of small businesses, corporations, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations, retailers and individuals. We offer many networking opportunities and encourage member-to-member support. We have solutions to help local businesses grow.”

Contact the Chamber office at 318-377-4240 for gala tickets.

An elderly Webster Parish man died Monday when his burn pile got out of control, the state fire marshal said Tuesday in a news release.

The death of the 80-year-old man is the fourth attributed to open burning this year in the state, Fire Marshal “Butch” Browning said.

“These are sad and stunning cases that should bring everyone pause,” said Browning. “Just because there is no burn ban in place in your area, that does not mean that conditions can’t change quicker than you can safely react.”

The most recent happened around 2 p.m. Monday in the 200 block of Wilton Road in Sarepta. Firefighters were called to a report of a large grass fire.

A 911 caller reported her neighbor’s burn pile was spreading to another property and the man could not be found. Firefighters later found his burned body on the next door property, along with evidence he had been trying to stop the spread of the fire, the fire marshal’s office said.

Sheriff Jason Parker identified the man as Jimmy Thompson. 

“Don’t let the fact that you’re burning brush outside keep you from understanding smoke from that fire can and will overtake you if you’re not careful,” said Browning. “Conducting open burning is a dangerous practice, no matter how frequently you do it, and it requires multiple safety steps to be taken every single time.”

By DANIEL GREEN

Written for the LSWA

Winning Class B basketball titles is nothing new for Fairview’s Rylee Cloud or Jordan Crawford of Simsboro. Their teams have won the last three LHSAA Class B championships.

The senior duo now adds another major honor to their career resume. Crawford and Cloud were selected as the Outstanding Player award winners on the Class B All-State squads selected by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

Cloud is a University of Arkansas softball signee. She was the lone returning starter for Fairview, where expectations are always high. However, Cloud and her teammates overachieved, according to head coach Kyle Jinks.

The result was a third title in a row with Cloud in a lead role averaging 26 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals per game to lead the way. Two of Cloud’s teammates, Reesie Jinks and Bella Smith, also made the all-state squad.

Crawford is joined by teammates Nick Maryland and Chilaydren Newton on the LSWA squad. Crawford averaged 16 points a game and grabbed eight rebounds per outing and was a district MVP.

Oak Hill’s Kaci West, who won a state championship as a player at Starks, and Lacassine’s Micah Rasberry netted Coach of the Year honors.

West guided Oak Hill to the most single-season wins in school history and a first-ever appearance. West’s squad rallied past Anacoco to reach the state finals for the first time in school history. Oak Hill’s Alexis Dyer also was selected for the first team.

Rasberry and Lacassine had a remarkable season. The Cardinals earned the No. 4 seed in the playoffs and reached the LHSAA tourney for the first time in many years. The Cardinals lost to eventual champion Simsboro in the semifinals.

LSWA CLASS B ALL-STATE BASKETBALL CHARTS

BOYS

First team

Player School Ht. Cl Avg.

Jordan Crawford Simsboro 6-2 Sr. 16.0

Kenneth Montgomery Zwolle Jr 6-0 Jr. 19.0

Dustin Welch Anacoco 6-3 So. 20.0

Nick Maryland Simsboro 6-3 Sr. 16.0

Aaron Garcia Lacassine 6-0 Jr. 20.0

Second team

Player School Ht. Cl Avg.

Jamaria Clark Doyline 6-2 Jr. 31.0

Chilaydren Newton Simsboro 6-4 Jr. 18.0

Bret Jinks Fairview 5-8 Jr. 17.0

Chris Williams Choudrant 6-2 Sr. 20.0

Ethan Roberts Saline 6-3 Sr. 18.0

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: JORDAN CRAWFORD, SIMSBORO

COACH OF THE YEAR: MICAH RASBERRY, LACASSINE

Honorable mention

Brylon Tyler, J.S. Clark; Jamaria Markray, Doyline; Jake Forbes, Holden; Steve Seamons, Forest; Gage Remedies, Florien; Tyren Thomas, Zwolle; Landon Strother, Fairview; Conner Ashford, Lacassine; Bennett Briggs, Christ Episcopal;  Decorien Dixon, Country Day University Academy; Alex Kovall, Episcopal of Acadiana; Chase Taylor, Anacoco

GIRLS

First team

Player School Ht. Cl Avg.

Rylee Cloud, Fairview 5-5 Sr. 24.0

Alexis Dyer Oak Hill 5-10 So. 17.0

Bailey Davis Anacoco 5-10 So. 14.0

Madison Suire Hathaway 5-4 So. 17.0

Reesie Jinks Fairview 5-5 Fr. 15.0

Second team

Player School Ht. Cl Avg.

Chloey Guidry Hathaway 5-4 Sr. 21.0

Latoya Holmes Florien 5-6 Jr. 10.0

Bella Smith Fairview 5-11 Jr. 14.0

Cambree Courtney Holden 5-9 Jr. 15.0

Natalie Yancey Glenmora 5-4 So. 15.0

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: RYLEE CLOUD, FAIRVIEW

COACH OF THE YEAR: KACI WEST, OAK HILL

Honorable mention

Jalexia Caldwell, Castor; Kylee Portilloz, Choudrant; Cali Deal, Quitman; Ikeia Brown, Simsboro; Lexi Parker, Family Community; Maggie Walker, Stanley; Olivia Sepulvado, Zwolle; Emma Tucker, Oak Hill; Gracie Miller, Midland; Sydnie Cooley, Lacassine; Kaiya Causey, Negreet; Paige Mayo, Anacoco.

North DeSoto 16, North Webster 6

North Webster Knights Varsity fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 16-6 loss to North DeSoto Monday. North DeSoto scored on an error, a single by Kameron Mangum, a walk by Landon Williams, and an passed ball during Elijah Morris’s at bat in the first inning.

Despite the loss, North Webster Knights Varsity did collect six hits in the high-scoring affair. Unfortunately, North DeSoto had eight hits on the way to victory.

North Webster Knights Varsity notched three runs in the fourth inning. North Webster Knights Varsity offense in the inning was led by Collin McKenzie, Kyle Dinkins, and Peyton Ingle, all driving in runs in the frame.

North DeSoto scored ten runs in the third inning. The big inning for North DeSoto came thanks to singles by Williams, Landen LaBlanc, and Dalton Hill, an error on a ball put in play by Peyton Mathews and Sam Odom, a walk by Braden Richardson, and a double by Odom.

Morris was credited with the victory for North DeSoto. The ace lasted three innings, allowing five hits and five runs while striking out two. Mathews and Williams entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.

Dakota Davison took the loss for North Webster Knights Varsity. Davison went two and two-thirds innings, allowing 16 runs on eight hits and striking out three.

North Webster Knights Varsity hit one home run on the day. McKenzie had a homer in the first inning.

McKenzie went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead North Webster Knights Varsity in hits.

North DeSoto racked up eight hits in the game. Hill and LaBlanc all had multiple hits for North DeSoto. North DeSoto was sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Odom made the most plays with four.

Doyline 14, Bossier 2

Doyline Panthers Varsity defeated Bossier 14-2 Tuesday thanks to a timely 11 runs in a big third inning. Doyline Panthers Varsity offense in the inning was led by Dakota Stewart, Kenneth Lee, Noah Kafka, Austin Arbaugh, Noah Spears, and Stewart, all sending runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning.

Doyline Panthers Varsity fired up the offense in the first inning. Spears’s sac fly scored one run for Doyline Panthers Varsity.

Doyline Panthers Varsity tallied 11 runs in the third inning. Doyline Panthers Varsity batters contributing to the big inning included Stewart, Lee, Kafka, Arbaugh, Spears, and Stewart, who all drove in runs.

Cayden Mingo took the win for Doyline Panthers Varsity. The pitcher lasted two innings, allowing one hit and zero runs while striking out four and walking zero. Arbaugh and Caysten Mingo entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.

Jorge Alfaro took the loss for Bossier. Alfaro allowed 12 hits and 14 runs over three innings, striking out two and walking one.

Doyline Panthers Varsity tallied 12 hits. Cameron Johnson, Mingo, Benton Bates, and Stewart all had multiple hits for Doyline Panthers Varsity. Stewart, Bates, Mingo, and Johnson each managed two hits to lead Doyline Panthers Varsity.

North Webster 6, Minden 5

North Webster Knights Varsity took Tuesday’s game in dramatic fashion, with a 6-5 walk-off victory over Minden. The game was tied at five with North Webster Knights Varsity batting in the bottom of the seventh when Ethyn Rader singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run.

North Webster Knights Varsity earned the victory despite allowing Minden to score three runs in the fifth inning. Bower and Huddlestom all moved runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning.

North Webster Knights Varsity fired up the offense in the first inning. North Webster Knights Varsity scored one run when Mason Haynes singled.

In the top of the fifth inning, Minden tied things up at five. Huddlestom singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run.

Collin McKenzie was credited with the victory for North Webster Knights Varsity. The fireballer lasted one inning, allowing two hits and zero runs while striking out one and walking zero.

Winston took the loss for Minden. The pitcher went three and a third innings, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out one.

Haynes started the game for North Webster Knights Varsity. The hurler surrendered five runs on eight hits over six innings, striking out two Jackson started the game for Minden. Jackson allowed four hits and four runs over three innings, striking out four

Rader led North Webster Knights Varsity with two hits in four at bats.

Minden tallied ten hits. Bower and Sheppard each collected multiple hits for Minden.

“Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. 

March 28

Christopher Adam Palmer, 36, of the 100 block of McDade St., Sibley, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies on a warrant for simple burglary.

Jennifer E. Rosypal, 48, of the 300 block of Holoman Loop, Dubberly, was arrested by WPSO for contempt of court, improper lane usage and no driver’s license.

March 29

Tymesica Rashun Reed, 37, no address given, was arrested by Minden Police on 2 counts of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and 2 active bench warrants.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

March 31

6:30 p.m. “Be the Calm in the Chaos,” A discussion on serving those who are suffering, sponsored by WHO of North Webster, Springhill Medical Center and First Baptist Church of Springhill. The event will be held at FBC, Springhill. Speaker: Morgan Grantham.

April 2

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wings & Wheels Fly-In & Car Show at Minden Airport.

April 4-7

8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. school bus driver training course for Webster Parish Schools. Site is Harper Pathway to Excellence Center, 618 Germantown Rd., Minden. For more information, call 318-377-7052 for Jeff Franklin.

April 5

Greater Minden chamber’s Annual Awards Gala, celebrating 80 years. Presented by Minden Medical Center.

April 6

Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School will host an Easter egg hunt. Donations are needed of plastic eggs and small treats. No chocolate.

April 8

9 a.m. Celebration of Growth and Reaching Goals, Brown Upper Elementary School, Easter Celebration Parade.

April 9

10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Egg Hunt sponsored by Webster Parish Libraries. Ages 4 and under: hunt at 10 a.m.; 5 to 9 at 10:30 a.m.; 10 to 13 at 11 a.m.; 14 to 18 at 11:30 p.m.; 18 and over at noon.

11 a.m. until 1 p.m. YWSC Easter egg hunt at The Farm of Cultural Crossroads. Ages 0-3, 4-7 and 8-12. Bounce houses and lunch provided. Free to the community.

April 10

9 a.m. until 1 p.m. LifeShare Blood Center blood drive, West Lake Baptist Church. For more information, call 318-673-1485.

8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., LifeShare Blood Center blood drive, First Baptist Church, Minden. For more information, call 318-673-1485.

April 13

1:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. Minden Community Blood Drive, LifeShare Blood Center. For more information, call 318-673-1485.

April 14

1 p.m. Genealogy meeting at The Quad. Sponsored by Webster Parish Library. Guest speaker; Jessica Gorman.

April 15-17

Spring Highway 80 sale between Minden and Dixie Inn.

April 19

9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Fibrebond, Inc., Blood Drive with LifeShare Blood Center. For more information, call 318-673-1485.

April 21

10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Senior Fun Day for ages 50 and older. Vendor booths, games, door prizes. Springhill CAC Building. Sponsored by Springhill Medical Center. Free admission; free lunch sponsored by Regional Hospice.

April 23

Piney Hills Master Gardeners Annual Green Thumb Jamboree. Plant sale, vendors, food truck and activities for the kids. Vendors of all kinds contact Marilyn Bunton at 318-299-0137. 

10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Bluegrass Festival, Minden Fairgrounds.

10 a.m. until 6 p.m., Scottish Tartan Festival, 224 La-518, Minden.

April 30 & May 1

7 a.m. both days, Minden Evening Lions Club will be hosting a garage sale fundraiser at the Minden Fairgrounds field. They are taking donations now if you have anything you’d like to contribute to help them raise funds you can contact Sherrie McMurray at 294-6346, Dru Brown at 272-2467 or Tommy McMurray. 

May 7

9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tradition with a Twist Quilt Show presented by Piney Needles Quilt Guild. South Main Mall, Springhill. Free admission.

• If you have a non-profit event: church, school or community, please email it to wpjnewsla@gmail.com.* Webster Parish Journal reserves the right to determine if a calendar item is a paid advertisement.

The Dorcheat Soil and Water Conservation District is now accepting applications for their annual scholarships.  This year the District will give two $500 scholarships to two seniors in Webster Parish/Dorcheat SWCD who will major in the field of science. This will include medical science.  This scholarship includes an additional $500 after the first semester/quarter with GPA of 3.0 or better. 

The scholarships are open to public, private and homeschooled students.    

Applications are available at the Dorcheat SWCD Office, 216 B Broadway Street, Minden, LA. 71055.  

Deadline is April 18, 2022.  

For further information, please call the Dorcheat SWCD office at 318-377-3950 Ext. 3.  

The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of March 23:

March 23

Crystal Carter Gates and John Emmett Gates vs. Taylor Brooke Gates, custody.

Amber Bryan vs. Joseph Cavenar, protective order.

March 24

Vicki Alstork vs. Rickey Alstork, divorce.

March 25

Angela M. Lemmons, Melvin G. Lemmons vs. Joshua L. Cook, Alexis N. Powers, custody.

Cheyenne Mayhall vs. Christopher Rogers, custody.

Beverly Ellis vs. Rodger Wright, protective order.

March 28

Cody R. Rowell vs. Amanda Lea Rowell, divorce.

Melissa A. Lottinger vs. Matthew W. Lottinger, divorce.

Bureaus Investment Group vs. Billie N. Germany, monies due.

Kimberly D. Egans vs. Jereaud D. Egans, divorce.

March 29

Amanda Diane Knippers, Rodney Wayne Brown vs. Dana Michelle Brown, Michael Mize, custody.

Detris Davison-Miller vs. Lawrence Deandre Miller, divorce.

Tayla Ferrell Webb vs. Curtis Webb Jr., divorce.

Jodi S. Shaw vs. Thomas E. Shaw, divorce.

Doris Jean Lear

August 14, 1937 – March 29, 2022

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, April 1 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Eastside Missionary Baptist Church, Minden

Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden

Karen Kay Roper

Feb. 3, 1954 – March 27, 2022

Visitation: 10 a.m. until noon Thursday, March 31, 2022 at Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill

Funeral service: Noon Thursday, March 31, 2022 at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel

Burial: Springhill Cemetery

Jimmy Hugh Thompson

Feb. 20, 1942 – March 28, 2022

Funeral service: 3 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2022 at First Baptist Church, Springhill

Burial: Old Sarepta Cemetery

Shari Lewis Mullins

Dec. 29, 1962 – March 27, 2022

Contact Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden for service information.

** Webster Parish Journal posts paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are free of charge.)

By Bonnie Culverhouse

There were two appeals on next week’s Minden City Council agenda involving Minden Planning Commission appeal requests, however, one has been at least temporarily removed from the list.

One request, from Jeff Glover, representing MGM Development Group concerning property owned by Anti-Pest & Veitch, Inc. on Germantown Road, will be sent back to the planning commission.

“City Attorney Jimbo Yocum has suggested we send that back to the planning commission to get clarification,” Mayor Terry Gardner said. “They (MPC) denied it because the residents didn’t want it. We need to know why the planning commission is not approving it, so he can answer the appeal.”

MGM intends to construct a 50-unit gated, senior citizen retirement community on the site. This would’ve been the second time Glover took  the appeal issue before the council. When asked for a motion to grant the appeal at the December meeting, no council member spoke.

Remaining on the agenda is Huffman Management, LLC’s appeal of the planning commission’s denial of the zoning variance that would allow an event center at 1114 Broadway. Huffman has an option on the property known as Grace Estate.

“They already have the variance to operate a bed and breakfast,” said City Official Brent Cooley. “The request is to be able to have the event center there.”

The bed and breakfast is located in District B. Councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker said she had offered to meet with homeowners in the area.

“Mr. Huffman said his wife had reached out to the neighbors, but none of them wanted to meet,” Gardner said. “From my understanding, nothing has changed. Mr. Huffman said ‘it is what it is.’”

“That’s right,” Williams-Walker said. “It is what it is.”

Minden Planning Commission’s decisions are final unless an appeal is made to the Minden City Council.

By Paige Nash

On March 30, 1933, in Winder, Georgia Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond organized the very first Doctors’ Day. She wanted to have a day where everyone could honor and appreciate physicians. They celebrated by mailing cards and placing flowers on the graves of the communities’ deceased doctors. It was not until almost 50 years later that this day was officially designated as “National Doctors’ Day” by President George Bush.  

“All those Americans who serve as licensed physicians have engaged in years of study and training, often at great financial cost,” President Bush stated in his proclamation, “Most endure long and unpredictable hours, and many must cope with the conflicting demands of work and family life.” 

We all know a physician who deserves to be acknowledged and honored on this day and Dr. Michael Ulich is one of many that serve Webster Parish. Dr. Ulich moved to Minden from New York and has independently owned and operated Minden Pediatrics since 2006. After 16 years of serving the Minden community, he still remembers his first patient.  

“My first patient was a 6-month-old with a 16-year-old mother, said Ulich. “The baby had a fever with a rash, and I told her that it was a virus, and it would just have to run its course.”

The mother said she needed antibiotics and that when she was a baby, her mother always gave her antibiotics. Dr. Ulich said he spent a lot of time with the mother educating her about fever and viruses versus bacteria.

“It is difficult to change culture,” he said, “but I have kept the same philosophy and standard of care throughout. I have to spend more time with patients on education sometimes.”

The term doctor in Latin translates to “teach.”  

“It is well known that Dr. Ulich is a great physician. He is a perfect combination of talent and dedication to doing the best for each individual patient,” said friend and fellow doctor, Michael Chanler, “There have been times where he was not on-call, or he was going to lose money doing the right thing for a child in need and he stepped up without hesitation.”  

Dr. Ulich said he became a pediatrician to make an immediate impact in the lives of his patients and their families, and hopefully an impact on their rest of their lives. As an advocate for children, he says it is hard to see them not get the help they need due to social, financial and educational discrepancies.

“One thing I would like to see is a revamp in the Department of Children and Family Services,” he said. “This is a big problem in my practice. My patients’ medical, school and social homes need to be more integrated. This would start with a change in policies, being consistent and better communication between the pediatrician, educators and social workers.” 

Doctors navigate a lot behind the scenes that most people do not realize. Along with the late-night phone calls, long hours and everyday stress of caring for the ill, they also have to battle a flawed healthcare system, fighting with insurance companies for appropriate care and trying to manage a work-life balance.  

That is why it is important to take some time today to show some appreciation for all the hard work our doctors put in to serve our communities, to save lives and to advance medical knowledge, so that we may live longer and healthier. You can celebrate National Doctors’ Day by hosting a luncheon, offering services, such as a massage or a car detail. You can show appreciation by sending a card or by simply saying “thank you.” 

Kansas is a 4.5-points favorite against Villanova Saturday in the first of two NCAA Tournament semifinal games. Duke and North Carolina will follow at approximately 7:49; the Blue Devils are a 4-points favorite.

Hello, Awesome Saturday Night. Except …

If you see a Kansas fan between now and then, and if he or she is gnawing on tree bark and unable to mumble a complete sentence, move along. Yes, the Jayhawks are favorites. Yes, Kansas has a basketball tradition as rich as anyone’s.

But yes, Kansas come Tournament time is a heartache waiting to happen.

East Coast. West Coast. Midwest. Deep South. Historically, the Kansas basketball program has arguably left more hoop-loving hearts broken all over this great land and on the Final Four Road than any other program that’s ever dared nail up a peach basket.

They’ve got the awesome old-school gym. The simple, bright, cheerful uniforms you could probably wear to church and get away with. That happy-go-lucky Jayhawk mascot.

It’s a program that’s strung together a ridiculous 31 straight NCAA Tournament appearances, the most ever. All the Jayhawks do is win.

Until it’s time to finish. Kansas has only three NCAA Tournament titles in its illustrious history.

Which is three more than lots of programs, for sure. Most anyone would trade for what Kansas has been able to do, generation after generation.

And still, their reputation is that of a Bracket Buster. Kansas giveth, and Kansas taketh away. Saturday will mark the program’s 16^th trip to the Final Four, which means that for all their trips to the mountaintop, the Jayhawks have left as King of the Hill only once every five times.

They’ve been runners-up six times, college basketball’s equivalent of baseball’s 1950s’ Brooklyn Dodgers and 1990s’ Atlanta Braves.

Bridesmaids City.

Recent history:

In 2010, Northern Iowa, historically one of the finest programs in all of the great state of Iowa, bounced them out.

In 2011 as the Tournament’s No.1-seed, Kansas was dismissed by VCU in the Elite Eight. (Time flies; Shaka Smart seems like last week.)

2014, they got Stanford-ed, although it’s important to remember that Kansas was Joel Embiid-less thanks to an unfortunate injury.

2016 and 2018, well, we’ll come back to that in a sec.

In 2020, the Jayhawks were ranked No. 1 in some polls and … The Ultimate Indignity … the Tournament was pandemically cancelled.

So here they are again with head-scratching Kansas, never ranked No. 1 this season, yet champions of the Midwest Regional and the only No.1 Regional seed left in the ballgame. If you are a Kansas fan, you are probably preparing for a dagger where it hurts.

But who knows? Bill Self could become just the 16^th guy in the college game to win multiple national titles. Kansas could do what the 1952 and Self’s 2008 team did and win it all.

Very un-Kansas-like, they’ve even won it when they weren’t supposed to. I happened to be there hanging around in Kemper Arena in Kansas City in 1988 when “Danny Manning and the Miracles,” a 6-seed, upset No.1 Oklahoma, 34-3 and winners of 21 of its last 22 games, 83-79. The game was tied 50-50 at the half, the small (for a Final Four) arena was an explosion of cheers and colors and gasps and drama, and the whole thing was more fun than a little bit.

And maybe the same will be true this weekend. Maybe. With Kansas being a favorite over Villanova in the Saturday semis, that’s a step in the right direction.

Except … remember we mentioned 2016 and 2018? Kansas played Villanova in the tournament both those years. And lost. First, in 2016 when the Jayhawks were the top-seeded team in the tournament.

And then in 2018, when Kansas lost to the underdog Wildcats … in the semifinals.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

By Shakira Williams, LSU AgCenter

There are a couple of different strategies to peel and prepare a pineapple. For quartered pineapple slices, slice off the crown and the bottom of the fruit.

Step 1: Quarter the pineapple lengthwise. Stand the sections up and slice downward to remove the tip, which is a hard tough core.

Step 2: Slice the pineapple into thin slices before running a knife under the slices to remove them from the tough skin.

Step 3: Or remove the fruit in one piece with a flexible knife or grapefruit knife.

Step 4: For round slices, use a cook’s knife to cut off the rind in large panels. Follow the natural curve of the fruit. Use a paring knife, tip of a peeler or a small melon ball scoop to remove any “eyes” left in the fruit.

Step 5: Press a pineapple corer through the fruit, if you have one. If you don’t have this special tool, slice the pineapple into rounds and either core out with a knife or punch it out with an apple corer or small cookie cutter.

Outpatient Medical Center is recruiting a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or a physician to provide primary care at its Natchitoches or Leesville location.  We are a federally-qualified health center offering weekday ambulatory primary care to anyone, but especially the underserved.  

A rewarding career serving those with greatest need, excellent benefits, no Holidays, and competitive pay for a workstyle that supports a family life.  

Anyone interest may contact us at hr@outpatientmedical.org or call 318-357-2071 (ext. 3202).

March 31

6:30 p.m. “Be the Calm in the Chaos,” A discussion on serving those who are suffering, sponsored by WHO of North Webster, Springhill Medical Center and First Baptist Church of Springhill. The event will be held at FBC, Springhill. Speaker: Morgan Grantham.

April 2

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wings & Wheels Fly-In & Car Show at Minden Airport.

April 4-7

8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. school bus driver training course for Webster Parish Schools. Site is Harper Pathway to Excellence Center, 618 Germantown Rd., Minden. For more information, call 318-377-7052 for Jeff Franklin.

April 5

Greater Minden chamber’s Annual Awards Gala, celebrating 80 years. Presented by Minden Medical Center.

April 6

Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School will host an Easter egg hunt. Donations are needed of plastic eggs and small treats. No chocolate.

April 8

9 a.m. Celebration of Growth and Reaching Goals, Brown Upper Elementary School, Easter Celebration Parade.

April 9

10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Egg Hunt sponsored by Webster Parish Libraries. Ages 4 and under: hunt at 10 a.m.; 5 to 9 at 10:30 a.m.; 10 to 13 at 11 a.m.; 14 to 18 at 11:30 p.m.; 18 and over at noon.

11 a.m. until 1 p.m. YWSC Easter egg hunt at The Farm of Cultural Crossroads. Ages 0-3, 4-7 and 8-12. Bounce houses and lunch provided. Free to the community.

April 10

9 a.m. until 1 p.m. LifeShare Blood Center blood drive, West Lake Baptist Church. For more information, call 318-673-1485.

8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., LifeShare Blood Center blood drive, First Baptist Church, Minden. For more information, call 318-673-1485.

April 13

1:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. Minden Community Blood Drive, LifeShare Blood Center. For more information, call 318-673-1485.

April 14

1 p.m. Genealogy meeting at The Quad. Sponsored by Webster Parish Library. Guest speaker; Jessica Gorman.

April 15-17

Spring Highway 80 sale between Minden and Dixie Inn.

April 19

9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Fibrebond, Inc., Blood Drive with LifeShare Blood Center. For more information, call 318-673-1485.

April 21

10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Senior Fun Day for ages 50 and older. Vendor booths, games, door prizes. Springhill CAC Building. Sponsored by Springhill Medical Center. Free admission; free lunch sponsored by Regional Hospice.

April 23

Piney Hills Master Gardeners Annual Green Thumb Jamboree. Plant sale, vendors, food truck and activities for the kids. Vendors of all kinds contact Marilyn Bunton at 318-299-0137. 

10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Bluegrass Festival, Minden Community House.

10 a.m. until 6 p.m., Scottish Tartan Festival, 224 La-518, Minden.

April 30 & May 1

7 a.m. both days, Minden Evening Lions Club will be hosting a garage sale fundraiser at the Minden Fairgrounds field. They are taking donations now if you have anything you’d like to contribute to help them raise funds you can contact Sherrie McMurray at 294-6346, Dru Brown at 272-2467 or Tommy McMurray. 

May 7

9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tradition with a Twist Quilt Show presented by Piney Needles Quilt Guild. South Main Mall, Springhill. Free admission.

• If you have a non-profit event: church, school or community, please email it to wpjnewsla@gmail.com.* Webster Parish Journal reserves the right to determine if a calendar item is a paid advertisement.

By Brad Dison 

Photo caption: William Porter Working in the Teller Cage of First National Bank of Austin circa 1892

When Mary Porter was in her final year of high school, she wrote an essay entitled “The Influence of Misfortune Upon the Gifted.”  She had no way of knowing how well that title fit the life of her son, William Sydney Porter.  In 1882, twenty-year-old William Sidney Porter decided to relocate from Greensboro, North Carolina to rural Texas to alleviate his persistent coughing.  While in Texas, William worked as laborer on a sheep ranch, as a surveyor, as a newspaper writer and cartoonist at the Houston Post, and finally, in 1891, as a paying and receiving teller for the First National Bank of Austin.  During his tenure at the bank, William worked part time on a humorous weekly newspaper of his own creation called The Rolling Stone.

It was while he was working for the First National Bank of Austin that misfortune struck.  In 1894, William’s boss accused him of embezzling $1,100.00.  William defended himself as well as he could, but the bank’s accounting ledgers were rarely balanced due its “loose methods.” He explained that he had been a loyal employee of the bank for four years.  There was nothing William could say that would save his job.  After being fired, William worked on The Rolling Stone full time.  He was lucky not to be prosecuted. 

In 1895, William moved with his family to Houston to work at the Houston Post after The Rolling Stone failed to turn a profit.  William’s luck ran out when the First National Bank of Austin was audited.  After reviewing the bank’s ledgers, the federal auditor found evidence of embezzlement.  William’s ex-boss told the auditor that William had been fired for embezzling money.  William was indicted on the embezzlement charge and arrested in Houston.  William’s father posted bail and William was released.  His trial was set for July 7, 1896. 

On the day before his trial was to begin, after much discussion with his wife, William fled to New Orleans then took a ship to Honduras.  At the time, Honduras had no extradition treaty with the United States.  William’s wife, Athol, and daughter, Margaret, were to join William in Honduras at a later date.  Misfortune struck William again when his wife contracted Tuberculosis.  Despite being a fugitive, William quickly returned to Austin to be with his wife.  William’s wife, 29-year-old Athol Estes Porter, died on July 25, 1897. 

While grieving over the loss of his wife, William stood trial for embezzlement.  He tried to persuade anyone who would listen that he was innocent, but on February 17, 1898, he was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison.  He began serving his prison sentence at the Ohio Penitentiary in Columbus, Ohio the following month.  It must be noted that William’s predecessor in the job had a nervous breakdown and his successor tried to commit suicide.  The First National Bank of Austin, the loosely-run bank in which William was convicted of embezzling of money, eventually failed.

William was able to turn the misfortune of prison into a fortunate situation.  One newspaper reporter claimed “The prison term, to a man of Porter’s sensitive temperament and culture—he was of the best blood of Virginia and North Carolina—was crushing, yet it revived and stimulated his genius.”  For the entirety of his prison term, William wrote short stories with a fervor.  He knew no one would publish stories sent from a convicted criminal in the penitentiary, so William enlisted the help of a friend.  Each time he completed a story, William mailed it to his friend.  Upon receiving it, his friend discarded the prison envelope, addressed a new envelope to William’s publisher, and the publisher was none the wiser.  To ensure that no one learned that the stories were written by a convict, William chose a pen name that he had used on occasion.  

William’s stories became wildly popular.  Newspapers proclaimed after his death that his “name and fame…is secure in American literature.  He was one American writer who was touched with the fire of genius.  After Poe, he was the greatest American master of the short story, and in depicting American life he excelled Poe and was equal to Mark Twain.”  William entered prison “a man chastened by misfortune.”  He emerged as an American icon, a man “whose genius had been stimulated and inspired.”  William Sydney Porter became famous for stories such as “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Ransom of Red Chief,” and “The Caballero’s Way” in which he introduced his most famous character, Cisco Kid.  His pen name was … O. Henry.

 Sources:

1.  Austin American-Statesman, August 1, 1897. P.3.
2.  The Chattanooga News, November 3, 1916, p.4.

In a football game, you have four downs to make a first down. If you fail at getting a first down after three attempts, you have three choices: go for it, kick a field goal if it’s within your kicker’s range, or punt. Now most coaches choose the latter, depending on their field position. Bass fishing is like football in that it’s all about the decisions you make and when. Today let’s look at why these two sports are so similar.

A couple of weeks ago I was fishing at Toledo Bend with little to no success. It was too early for fish to be on beds and spawning, but there were a few buck bass (males) roaming around the shallows looking for a place to start preparing a bed for their chosen female. I tried all the typical baits an angler should throw this time of year, but I had zero bass to show for my effort. I threw the standard rattle-in-style baits like the SPRO Aruku shad, I slowly rolled a spinnerbait, drug a Carolina-rig off the points, and threw a crankbait as well. Nothing, no bites whatsoever, so I sat down and decided it was time to back up and punt by taking a totally different approach from a bait and technique standpoint.  

Turns out this was the U-Haul move of the day, as I tied on a Reaction Innovations bait known as the “Sweet Beaver.” This bait falls into the category of what anglers call a “creature bait.” Over the years, this bait has proven itself to be one of the best lures an angler can tie on, as it has won its fair share of tournaments. Again, I tried every type of moving bait known to man with no results. So, I decided to slow down and try pitching or flipping brush tops and laydowns (basically wood). The results were immediate as I boated several fish which were holding mostly on brush piles. 

Now this is not unusual for bass, especially during cold snaps, but I did let the bass tell me what and how they wanted a bait. The bass told me in no uncertain way (no bites) that they were not in the mood to chase a lure. They wanted a bait that was slow and dropped on their nose. My best 5 bass that day would have pushed the scales to around 15 pounds. Point being, that due to my desire to back up and punt, it made me adjust my approach and do something that the bass really wanted. So, the next time you’re struggling to get a bite, back up and punt, and try a totally different approach and you just might find the magic to make a bass bite. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf                                                                                                                                   Gamakatsu Hooks/SPRO Pro Staff

Karen Kay Roper

Feb. 3, 1954 – March 27, 2022

Visitation: 10 a.m. until noon Thursday, March 31, 2022 at Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill

Funeral service: Noon Thursday, March 31, 2022 at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel

Burial: Springhill Cemetery

Mack Eugene Ford

August 24, 1927 – March 26, 2022

Visitation: 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden

Funeral service: 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden

Burial: Sibley Cemetery at Camp Alabama Presbyterian Church near Choudrant

Shari Lewis Mullins

Dec. 29, 1962 – March 27, 2022

Contact Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden for service information.

** Webster Parish Journal posts paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are free of charge.)

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Heading up the Minden City Council’s agenda for the April 4 meeting are police promotions and a new hire.

Police Chief Steve Cropper is requesting the council approve Joe Chandler, currently a corrections officer, as his newest addition to the force.

“Joe is not P.O.S.T. certified, but he has a background in law enforcement,” Cropper said. “He would be an asset to the department.”

Chandler has a current score of 87 percent on the Police/Fire Municipal Civil Service test.

In addition, Cropper is requesting promotions to the rank of sergeant for Ofc. Brandon Shane Griffith, Ofc. Michael Shawn Griffith and Ofc. Jason Smith, along with Off. Jason Lee to Officer First Class.

Cropper told the council these promotions will allow each shift to have a sergeant.

“We reduced the number of lieutenant positions by three,” Cropper said. “As we lose lieutenants, we will not be replacing them. Right now, we just have two sergeants on patrol. This will give us two more on patrol and one as a detective.”

Other items on the agenda include:

• Low income household water assistance vendor agreement;
• An appeal request from Huffman Management LLC;
• Adopt a resolution to grant signatory power to sign checks to Heather Feedback,  Assistant City Clerk and to leave Councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker on the list as Mayor Pro Tem;
• Award surplus property bids on two transformers, scrap metal and a used Ricoh copier;
• Budget/financial report for February 2022; and,
• Police Report for February, 2022.