By Bonnie Culverhouse

With a minimal amount of work, the Minden City Council voted unanimously Monday to accept a new map reapportioning city districts.

District B Councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker was the only councilperson absent from the special meeting.

“The City of Minden lost 1,154 people from the 2010 census to 2020,” Doug Mitchell, executive director of North Delta Regional Planning and Development District Inc., said during the public hearing portion of Monday’s meeting. “When we overlaid the maps, we found District C was at 11.69 percent deviation and District E was 14.45 percent deviation. You add those two together and you get your total deviation overall.”

Mitchell said it is legal to be 10 percent or less in deviation. Changes made to the districts brought it to 9.63 percent.

“There were some minor tweaks between the districts. We moved 101 total people from District B into District C, and we moved a total of 92 people from District D into District C,” Mitchell said. “We moved 231 people from District D into B, and with District D into District E, we moved 221 total people. There was no change to District A.”

Mitchell said the 9.63 percent that resulted from the moves satisfied the racial break down representative of the city.

District C councilman Vincen Bradford questioned the dividing line on Brenda Circle, Azalea Street and Methodist Camp Road to Caney Lake.

“We had a dividing line there at one time, where I just had one side of the street,” Bradford said. “District D had the other side.”

Mitchell, with help from a former map, convinced Bradford the line had not changed.

Councilwoman Williams-Walker was also the only councilperson absent during a workshop to discuss district lines  with Mitchell in January. During that workshop, Mitchell impressed that time is important.

“Qualifying (for fall elections) is July 26,” he said. “We have to send the new redistricting packet to the Secretary of State for review. They can take up to 60 days. We also have to send it to the Registrar of Voters and Webster Parish Clerk of Court.”

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The City of Minden will begin a systematic flow test of all fire hydrants as required by Louisiana Property Insurance regulations on Monday, March  21.

Testing will start in the southeast area of the city (east of Sibley Road to Fincher Road) and south of downtown to the city limits.

Work may continue up to 45 days.

Utiliserve is the contractor and will be working out of appropriately-marked vehicles.

Residents may see temporary discoloration in the water supply. Utiliserve recommends opening the cold water faucets and flush until the water clears.

For more information, call Minden City Hall at 377-2144 and ask for the Light & Water Department.

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If you answered yes to the above questions, then we would love to talk with you. 

Webster Parish Journal is looking for a writer to help cover our parish. We want someone who loves to write features about the people who make this community great.

We also need someone who can take on some assignments and perhaps help cover local government.

If this sounds like you, please email wpjnewsla@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Five Minden Police officers, working as a team, went above and beyond the call of duty to save the life of a juvenile who suffered a life threatening gunshot wound to the neck area. 

Their bravery and quick action may have saved a life. They bring great credit upon themselves, the Minden Police Department and the City of Minden.

The 16-year-old male was shot by a 15-year-old male at a residence on Brackin Street, which is located in Minden District D.

When police arrived, the victim was in the yard with a bullet wound to the front of his neck.

“We got the victim to the hospital, and he was airlifted to LSU,” said Chief Steve Cropper. 

The chief said officers were able to speak to the victim, who reportedly indicated the shooting was an accident.

“He even reached out on Facebook and thanked the officers for saving his life,” one of the officers pointed out.

Congratulations to Cpt. Tim Morris, Cat Kirk Morgan (not pictured), Lt. Wayne Young, Ofc. Shawn Griffith and Ofc. Chris Cayer. Your service to the citizens of Minden is unparalleled.

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Guest speaker for the Thursday, March 17 meeting of the Minden Lions Club will be Dan Strange of Minden. He will talk about his hobby of buying and trading uniquely-branded bricks. His current collection features more than 3,600 bricks.

Dan is the fourth of eight children born and raised in Avoyelles Parish. He is a graduate of Northwestern State University and the University of Tennessee. He worked his way through his degrees laying bricks, a trade he acquired from his father.

Dan worked directly in the affordable housing industry for 22 years and then as an affordable housing consultant for more than 20 years. The past 17 years he was an owner and manager of a small consulting company, which he now has passed ownership to his son and daughter – Micah and Jessica.

He is married to Susan Williams Strange, formerly of Leton. Dan and Susan’s children reside in Shreveport with their families.

Due to his history with bricklaying, he has always had an interest in bricks. He acquired his first brick from Northwestern State when one of the original buildings was demolished and the bricks were sold as souvenirs. Dan joined the International Brick Collectors Association (IBCA) in 2004 and attended his first brick swap October 2005. He didn’t attend another swap until October 2013, but since May 2015 he and Susan have attended numerous swaps across the U.S. He currently serves as treasurer of the IBCA.

Dan’s brick collection is approaching the 4,000 mark, and he enjoys finding more bricks to add to his collection and showing his bricks to anyone who’s interested. 

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

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March 29

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Job and Career Expo at NLTCC, 9500 Industrial Dr., Minden.

April 2

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

April 5

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

April 15-17

Spring Highway 80 sale between Minden and Dixie Inn.

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. 

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.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Taking a nap on someone else’s property is never a good idea, as a Kilgore, Texas man learned last week.

Murphy Hall, 41, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies Josh McCormick and Jake Winiarski for possession of Sch. II and drug paraphernalia after he was discovered reportedly parked and sleeping between two 18-wheeler trailers at Clement Industries, just south of I-20 on Hwy. 371.

Sheriff Jason Parker said deputies were dispatched to Clement Friday evening in reference to a silver vehicle parked between the trailers.

“As Deputy McCormick approached the vehicle, there was a black male that appeared to be asleep in the driver’s seat,” Parker said. “The deputy could see in plain view, a glass pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine. There was residue on the passenger side front seat.”

The male, identified as Hall, reportedly awakened and seemed to be confused.

“He was unsure where he was and did not have a reason for being parked at Clement,” said the sheriff. “While the deputy was speaking with him, Hall grabbed a lighter laying directly beside the meth pipe to light a cigarette.”

The sheriff said at that point, Deputy Winiarski arrived on scene to assist and the two deputies placed Hall in handcuffs.

“Hall said the pipe was not his, but he was the only one traveling in the vehicle, and the pipe was laying directly next to his lighter and a bottle of alcohol,” Parker said. “A probable cause search of the vehicle turned up two white pills located in a storage compartment in the dash area. They were identified as Acetaminophen with codeine.”

The sheriff said Hall also denied ownership of the pills. Hall was booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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.

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March 9

Micky Malham, 50, of the 200 block of N. Middle Landing, Minden, was arrested by Minden Police on an active bench warrant and a warrant for contempt of court.

Kelly D. Ely, 45, of the 100 block of Loop Rd., Minden, was arrested by Probation and Parole for a parole violation.

Kaleb M. Mills, 24, of the 100 block of Loop Rd., Minden, was arrested by Probation and Parole as a fugitive from Lincoln Parish.

March 13

Justin D. Volentine, 28, of Sibley, was arrested by Louisiana State Police for driving while intoxicated (first offense) and improper lane usage.

Savannah Danielle Shipp, 31, fo the 600 block of Goodwill St., Minden, was arrested by MPD on bench warrants for disturbing the peace and resisting an officer.

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.

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Annual citywide clean-up for the City of Springhill begins Monday, March 21 and ends Sunday, April 3.

While the City of Springhill encourages citizens to participate in cleaning up and clearing yards, the City is not equipped to handle cut trees and other large, heavy items for disposal.

Burning of yard debris will be allowed from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. during clean-up week.

Citizens may place articles by the curb for city workers to collect. Please call City Hall at 318-539-5681 between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6:30 a.m. until noon Friday to place a name and address on a list to have items removed.

Also, citizens may haul articles to the Maintenance Shop at 800 7th St. SE during clean up (including Saturday and Sunday between 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.). Someone will be on hand to assist.

The City is not allowed to collect tires or batteries during this project.

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When the unthinkable happens, and we lose a loved one, everyone wants the support that comes from contact with friends and family.

What would you like the world to know about your loved one? We publish obituaries at the Webster Parish Journal. Ask your funeral director for information, but if you wish, contact us at wpjnewsla@gmail.com .

There is a fee of $80 for unlimited words with a photo, and payment is due before the obituary runs. Funeral announcements (date of birth and death, as well as funeral arrangements) are free.

Again, check with your funeral director as you are making arrangements, or contact us. We hope you don’t need us, but we are here for you.

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Billy Q. McMullan

Oct. 13, 1937 – March 13, 2022

Service: Private

Funeral Home: Rose-Neath, Minden

Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden

 

Mae Grace ‘Patsy’ Johnston

Jan. 21, 1932 – March 14, 2022

Visitation: 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 16 at Rose-Neath, Minden

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden

Burial: White Hall Cemetery, Haynesville

 

Doug Woods

July 18, 1967 – March 12, 2022

Memorial Service: 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Northside Church of Christ, 615 Constable St., Minden

 

Thelma Louise Logan

July 12, 1932 – March 9, 2022

Visitation: 10 a.m. until noon, Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport

Graveside: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2022at Shaw Family Cemetery, 1591 Sloan Rd., Mansfield

 

Heather Nicole Martin

June 6, 1989 – March 8, 2022

Celebration of life: 4 until 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at Old Sawmill Pavilion, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

After more than a decade of discussion and planning, travelers will finally be riding the rails of the I-20 corridor in the near future.

According to the Coordinating & Development Corporation, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was passed into law November 2021, allowing a major appropriation of some $66 billion for Amtrak and passenger rail in the National Network.

“The Corridor Council also obtained $738,000 in federal funding for a feasibility study, carried out by Amtrak and completed in 2015, as well as a capacity study completed in 2017,” said CDC President Jack “Bump” Skaggs. “This helped determine the economic viability of the route and the funding needed for infrastructure improvements.”

The Amtrak route will come across north Louisiana, specifically through Sibley in Webster Parish, on tracks once owned by Kansas City Southern.

“They sold the tracks to Canadian Pacific, and they are the ones pursuing it now,” said Sibley Mayor Jimmy Williams.

CDC is asking all municipalities along the corridor – Dixie Inn, Sibley and Minden – to pass a cooperative endeavor agreement resolution with Canadian Pacific to allow Amtrak to pass through the area.

“It won’t stop in Sibley or maybe anywhere close by,” Williams said. 

Skaggs said the proposed long-distance passenger rail route is from Dallas/Fort Worth to Atlanta in the south. The impact won’t be economical to the towns along the route, but it will have benefits.

“It’s more of a quality of life impact,” Skaggs said. “It allows a relative on the other side of the country to get within potentially 30 miles of visiting their relatives.”

However, if an industry springs up near a stop, “then the job creation for your community could come from a bedroom community because the commute could be zero,” he added.

Theoretically, he said, someone at a stop could catch a train to Dallas, Texas, work the week and ride the train home for the weekend.

Skaggs said the Amtrak-Canadian Pacific project has two phases.

“They are not ready to discuss where the stops are going at this point,” he said. “They just want everybody onboard that we all agree we want an Amtrak line running through the I-20 corridor.”

The next step is to gather the data from Canadian Pacific’s study of rail times and speeds.

“They will get that to the feds to approve the line through the corridor,” Skaggs said. “Once that happens, the local community can start negotiating who gets a stop and who doesn’t.

“We need a united front to even have an opportunity to get a stop,” he continued. “Once we have the line approved, then stops will be determined.”

Skaggs also said Amtrak is not ready to discuss a timeline just yet.

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Your humble occupant was just a tad befuddled by the lack of action on an item presented during the last meeting of our city council, a meeting that showed befuddlement might be shared by the befuddlers.

An ordinance that would have, among other things, defined what constitutes a “bed and breakfast” was up for consideration and died on the table when not one council seat occupant would make a motion for approval. Hizzoner asked but, alas, silence. No movement. 

We’re befuddled because this council had asked for such an ordinance to be drafted, and allegedly discussed the draft during a meeting to review the upcoming agenda. Sources said the ordinance was requested after debates focusing on the “cans” and “cannots” at Grace Estate, formerly a B&B and event center. Seems the key issue to falling from Grace was noisy events.

Minden’s proposed new ordinance, drafted by housing official Brent Cooley, would allow a homeowner/B&B keeper to rent up to two rooms for a short term. Cooley would have been approved to grant an occupational license; neither the city planning commission nor the council would have been involved. Anything more than two would need an MPC/Council stamp of approval, and that speed bump often becomes a dead end.

Councilperson Williams-Walker said the death knell of the proposed ordinance is bypassing the council and planning commission for approval of any potential B&B, whether it’s one- or two-bedroom. Taking no action means no new B&Bs will be allowed inside the city limits unless owners apply for and receive a zoning variance. 

And that, fellow observers, is where befuddlement rears its confused head. Once this much-hyped HGTV special spotlights Minden for the rest of the country (perhaps as early as May), we’re told to expect a near-Disney World stampede of tourists. Business owners have already met to hear what we might expect. But, forgive a skeptic for wondering where this flood of tourists will lay weary heads and find comfort if we follow bureaucratic tradition.

Wonder what’s the time frame for applying for a zoning variance, presenting said request to MPC, awaiting MPC approval, presenting MPC recommendation to our no-motion city council and receiving blessing to proceed? Time’s a’wastin’ and time is money. 

If we find ourselves facing an influx with only one existing B&B in town (not counting the one just south on highway 371), there could be a challenge. At least we’re told there will be plenty of Port O’Potties available, even some double-deckers. And, there’s a new gazebo.

A couple of thoughts, lest we forget. Two of our notables continue their streak of “no” votes on approval of minutes from prior meetings. Also continued is the streak of no explanation for the thumbs down. While disappointing, there is something to be said for consistency.

Last but not least, it might be nice to see a person hoping to run the city in attendance at meetings of the folks who run the city. For this person, it could be informative. For possible constituents, it could be enlightening.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Early voting for the March 26 election kicks off this weekend.

Excluding Sunday, the schedule is from 8:30 a.m until 6 p.m. March 12 through March 19 at the Webster Parish Courthouse.

North Webster voters can vote early from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. March 12 through March 17 (excluding Sunday) at the Springhill Civic Center, 101 Machen Dr., Springhill.

According to the Webster Parish Registrar of Voters Office, verification and sealing of early voting machines begins at 9 a.m. today (March 10).

Webster Parish voters have very little on the ballot.

“Allie” Aiello Stahl, who lists a Bossier City address, and “Doug” Stinson, who is from Benton will be on the March 26 ballot in a race for district judge. 26th Judicial District Court covers Bossier and Webster parishes.

By the end of qualification, no one had qualified to run for Justice of the Peace in District 3 (south Webster Parish).

According to the Webster Parish Registrar of Voters Office, Evergreen Fire Protection District is having a millage renewal during this election.

“In lieu of a millage election, Springhill Fire Protection District No. 11 was given permission by the State Bond Commission to authorize the levy of a special tax variance,” said Denise Weeks, assistant Registrar of Voters.

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By Shanda Gann

Ringgold students were in for a surprise when NFL player Devin White walked into the gym to talk with third through fifth grade students on Wednesday, March 2. 

White is a defensive linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was reared in the small town of Cotton Valley in Webster Parish. His message to the students was encouraging and uplifting. 

“I knew when I was your age that grades were very important,” White said. “I want to encourage you to keep your grades up and do your best on the upcoming LEAP test.”

White spoke for about 15 minutes, then read Green Eggs and Ham to the students for Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’ birthday. He followed that by opening the floor for a few questions. 

When asked what it is like to be an NFL star, White responded,  “It’s amazing, but it also puts you in a place where everyone is watching you at all times. You don’t have much privacy.”

White ended his time by signing a student’s football and taking pictures with each grade level.

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After gaining an hour of sleep in the fall, Sunday, March 13 at 2 a.m., clocks are turned forward 1 hour to 3 a.m. as we Spring Forward into Daylight Saving Time.

Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later on March 13 than the day before. There will be more light in the evening.

Also called Spring Forward, Summer Time and Daylight Savings Time.

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Minden resident and real estate entrepreneur Sara McDaniel will be the guest speaker for the 68th annual Springhill-North Webster Chamber of Commerce banquet.

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, April 14 in the Springhill Civic Center, 101 Machen Dr., Springhill.

Table sponsorships are still available. Call 318-539-4717 for tickets or more information.

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When the unthinkable happens, and we lose a loved one, everyone wants the support that comes from contact with friends and family.

What would you like the world to know about your loved one? We publish obituaries at the Webster Parish Journal. Ask your funeral director for information, but if you wish, contact us at wpjnewsla@gmail.com .

There is a fee of $80 for unlimited words with a photo, and payment is due before the obituary runs. Funeral announcements (date of birth and death, as well as funeral arrangements) are free.

Again, check with your funeral director as you are making arrangements, or contact us. We hope you don’t need us, but we are here for you.

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March 10

4:30 p.m. Open House, Sen. Robert Mills, Minden Office

March 11

9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Registration for Webster Ready Start. Infants, toddlers, PreK and Head Start, birth to 4 years old. Minden Recreation Center, 1001 Recreation Drive.

9 a.m. Quilting Bees, Webster Parish Library

March 12

2 p.m. Puzzle Club, Webster Parish Library

March 14

5 p.m. Webster Parish School Board Finance Committee at the Educational Services Center on Sheppard Street.

5:30 p.m. Special meeting of the Minden City Council at Minden City Hall to vote on reapportionment. 

6 p.m. Webster Parish School Board monthly meeting at the Educational Services Center on Sheppard Street.

March 29

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Job and Career Expo at NLTCC, 9500 Industrial Dr., Minden.

April 2

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

April 5

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

April 15-17

Spring Highway 80 sale between Minden and Dixie Inn.

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. 

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.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A call for disturbing the peace netted Minden Police a local woman on drug charges.

Melinda Patton, 33, of the 1300 block of Sheppard St., Minden, was arrested on 2 counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, contempt of court and a bench warrant.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said OFC. Anthony Miller answered the call Sunday afternoon and discovered the subject had an active warrant through MPD.

“The officer took her into custody, while Lt. Chris Hammontree searched her backpack,” Cropper said. “He located marijuana-related drug paraphernalia – such as a used grinder – a used marijuana pipe and a cigar cutter.”

The chief said Hammontree also located a used glass methamphetamine pipe.

Patton was booked at MPD and later transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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.

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March 7

Brooklyn N. Eubanks, 28, of Lake Charles, La., was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies on 2 counts of contempt of court, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Desmond Myles, 32, of Dallas Texas, was arrested by Minden Police for driving under suspension, illegal carrying of a weapon and fugitive from Texas for a theft warrant.

William Joseph Nelson, 41, of the 400 block of Nursery Rd., Sibley, was arrested by Sibley Police on a fugitive warrant through Bienville, Parish.

Nathan L. Thomas, 26, of Cullen, La., was arrested by Springhill Police for possession of a weapon during a violent offense and as a felon in possession of a weapon.

Jakyle Simon Oliver, 35, of Center Park Dr., Springhill, was arrested for possession of a weapon during a violent offense.

Shoncey B. Lister, 39, of the 700 block of Brooks Alley, Minden, was arrested by MPD on 3 active warrants and 2 as a fugitive from Webster Parish.

TyChristopher Harris, 22, of the 800 block of Claiborne Ave., Minden, was arrested by MPD on a warrant for criminal street gangs and as a fugitive from Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Justin Ricardo Bailey, 33, of the 200 block of Clerk St., Minden, was arrested by MPD on a probation and parole warrant.

Johnathon W. Watts, 39, of the 400 block of Old Sarepta Church Rd., Sarepta, was arrested by WPSO in Fordyce, Ark., on 5 active warrants.

March 8

Nathan Thomas, 26, of the 2100 block of Barrett St., Cullen, was arrested by Cullen Police for domestic abuse battery on a dating partner.

Barry Jefferson Pegg, 60, of Jr. Edwards Rd., Doyline, was arrested by WPSO on 3 counts of contempt of court.

Jamaica N. Taylor, 40, of the 500 block of Sunset Lane, Minden, was arrested by MPD on warrants for aggravated second degree battery, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension and possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.

Lakisha Lacole Davis, 42, of the 400 block of Shane Dr., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on 4 counts of issuing worthless checks.

Patrick Jackson, 47, of the 100 block of Lorex Rd., Minden, was arrested by probation and parole and WPSO on an active warrant and parole violation.

March 9

Cory K. Hudson, 38, of Sarepta, was arrested by Cullen Police on six active warrants. Some of those warrants include speeding, possession of Sch. II with intent to distribute, flight and possession of Sch. I with intent to distribute.

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.

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Reverend Conrad Paul Edwards

August 5, 1931 – March 5, 2022

Visitation: 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall St., Shreveport

Funeral service: 1 p.m.Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 3715 Youree Dr., Shreveport

Burial: Immediately following the service in Forest Park Cemetery

 

Gracie Mae Dean

June 19, 2019 – March 4, 2022

Private service: later date, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill

 

Branch ‘Buddy’ Lee Young

Sept. 29, 1936 – Feb. 10, 2022

Celebration of Life: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Plain Dealing Community Center

Burial: Salem Cemetery, Plain Dealing

 

Terry Leroy Schmidt

Nov. 14, 1948 – Feb. 22, 2022

Graveside Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Union Springs Cemetery, Converse

 

Glenn Wilson Robbins

Oct. 15, 1842 – March 4, 2022

Memorial Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Henrietta Congregational Methodist Church, Converse

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

An ordinance that would have allowed lodging rentals anywhere in town failed to get off the ground, due to lack of a motion from any Minden City Council member during Monday’s meeting.

“So, we just stay with the original ordinance,” said City Building Official Brent Cooley. “Nothing changes. No bed and breakfasts are allowed within the city limits unless they apply for and receive a zoning variance.”

The change in the law would have allowed a homeowner to rent up to two bedrooms in their residence for short term. 

Pennsylvania Ave. resident Emily Hunt asked the council the process of approving a lodging house or bed and breakfast, if the ordinance passed.

“Will it go through the process of going through the planning commission and then the city council,” Hunt asked. “Or will it be a rubber stamp approval because it will be an acceptable home occupation?”

“If it passed as written, a bed and breakfast with no more than two bedrooms would be able to come through my office, just like any other occupational license,” Cooley said. “I would be able to approve it just like home offices or anything else. If it’s more than two bedrooms, they can’t get a home occupation license. It would have to start with the planning commission.”

Cooley clarified the two bedrooms would have to be rented individually, which was under the lodging house description.

The business would also have been able to erect a 2 by 3 sign (previously 3 by 3) in the yard, advertising their rooms.

Realtor and Tanglewood resident Catherine Hunt asked about location.

“If my neighbor decides he wants to rent two bedrooms, he can put a sign out in front of his house – anywhere in the city,” she asked Cooley.

“They would just come to me and get a home occupational license,” he responded, “for a lodging house up to two bedrooms rented individually

“But they have to live there,” Cooley added.

Joshua Hunt told the council that he studied 15 different ordinances in cities where bed and breakfast lodging was popular.

“None of the ones I could find was the home occupation adjusted, so I was going to tell you that I did find, for example, Natchitoches allows bed and breakfast exceptions for residential districts,” he said. “It’s an exception so it has to go through the planning commission and city council. They also have a separate bed and breakfast definition that’s not a lodging house. Again, they do not include a bed and breakfast in their occupational license.”

Hunt named other cities and towns that required zoning commission approval to open a lodging business.

Cooley said when drafting the ordinance, he did not call the same locations.

“A lot of those ordinances have been in effect for many, many years … long before those definitions were established,” Cooley said. “Bed and breakfast covers a whole gamut of different things.”

District B Councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker said the ordinance was a concern for her.

“When would you have a bed and breakfast and not have it go before the planning commission or the council,” she asked. “Whether there’s one bedroom, two bedrooms, being able to have a bed and breakfast and it not go before the planning commission and the council is the main issue.”

Williams-Walker said she also had a problem with the home occupation listing.

When it was time for the council to vote on the ordinance, none of the council members made the motion, causing the item to fail.

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