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 16

8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Hearts & Hands/MA-6 Sunday school class at First Baptist Church Minden will host a large rummage sale in the parking lot next to Family Life Center, facing Broadway.

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

9 a.m. until sold out. Minden Lions will be selling our famous charbroiled chicken dinners for $10 each in the back of the Walmart parking lot close to Homer Road.

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 5

10 a.m., Minden Planning Commission, Pelican Room, Minden City Hall. On the agenda is the request from Minden City Council for reconsideration and clarification of the MPC’s decision for a zoning request by MGM Development Group.

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.

MAY 21

10 a.m. until noon: Free Pet Vaccines. 202 W. Church St., Springhill. Canine and feline vaccinations available. Sponsored by LaMa.

• 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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Mary Anne Kappelhoff was born on April 3, 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Her father, William, was a music teacher.  Her mother was a homemaker.  Perhaps it was because of her father’s musical influence, but Mary Anne wanted to be a professional dancer.  In the early 1930s, Mary Anne formed a dance duo with Jerry Doherty.  Together, they performed a variety of dancing and comedy skits in local hotels.  In 1937, Mary Anne and Jerry’s performances got the attention of a Hollywood agency which supplied dancers to movie companies.  They signed a contract and were due to leave on October 24 for what they hoped would be promising dancing careers on the silver screen.  Fate decided that Hollywood was not ready for Mary Anne. 

 Just before midnight on October 14, 1937, fifteen-year-old Mary Anne was riding through Hamilton, Ohio, about 25 miles north of Cincinnati with friends 18-year-old Marion Bonekamp, 19-year-old Lawrence Doherty (older brother of Jerry, Mary Anne’s dancing partner), and 20-year-old Albert Schroeder, the driver of the car.  The group chatted as Albert drove the car west down High Street.  As they approached the railroad crossing at Fifth Street, Albert slammed on the brakes, but he had not seen the freight train until it was too late to stop.  The car slammed into the train, whose force spun the car around.  Mary Anne and the other occupants were tossed around inside the car.  (It would be another twenty years before the invention of seat belts.)  Albert and Marion were knocked unconscious.  Marion received cuts to her face and one knee; Albert received cuts on his head and face; Lawrence, the luckiest of the bunch, received only a bruised knee; Mary Anne, who was due to leave for Hollywood in less than two weeks, cried “My leg is broken, my leg is broken.  Get my mother.”  Reporting on the car-train collision, one newspaper reported, “The shattered pieces of a Hollywood dream career lay around the bed of [Mary Anne] Kappelhoff, … at Mercy Hospital tonight, almost on the eve or realization.”  The newspaper reported, “Although the situation may not be as serious as it appears, a broken leg is a tragedy to a dancer.”  Mary Anne was depressed. 

On the following day, Jerry arrived at the hospital to check on Mary Anne.  He had not been told the exact nature of her injuries.  Jerry asked Mary Anne how she was feeling.  She replied, “My leg is broken, Jerry.”  Mary Anne explained that hospital staff told her she would have to remain inactive for at least four months.  Jerry listened intently.  After a few seconds, when the consequences of Mary Anne’s injury sunk in, he broke down and sobbed uncontrollably.  “Don’t worry, I’ll dance again, Jerry,” Mary Anne said in an attempt to console Jerry.  Mary Anne’s mother tried to reassure Mary Anne and Jerry.  “Now we will wait until spring, dear, for that trip to Hollywood.”  

Mary Anne’s recovery was long and boring.  She spent a lot of her time listening to the radio, the height of entertainment technology in the late 1930s.  One day, while listening to the radio, she began to sing along.  Mary Anne discovered a new talent.  She especially liked to emulate Ella Fitzgerald.  Determined to reignite Mary Anne’s dream of a career in show business, her mother hired a singing coach who commenting that Mary Anne had “tremendous potential.”  By December, Mary Anne was performing again, this time as a solo singer. 

By July of 1938, it became clear that the Mary Anne and Jerry duo were not destined for Hollywood.  They had lost their dancing contract.  Mary Anne and two of the other three people involved in the car-train crash sued the city of Hamilton and the Pennsylvania railroad.  They argued that buildings obstructed the view of the train and a watchman failed to signal.  Mary Anne sought the largest amount in damages, $20,000, and claimed that her injuries ruined her career as a dancer and entertainer.  The outcome of the lawsuit remains a mystery.

Mary Anne began a new career as a singer when she landed a job on the radio program Carlin’s Carnival.  In 1939, orchestra leader Barney Rapp was looking for a new singer.  He had heard Mary Anne sing on the radio program and invited her to audition.  Out of approximately 200 singers who auditioned, Mary Anne got the job.  Following her stint with Barney Rapp, Mary Anne performed all over the country with some of the most prominent bandleaders of the era including Bob Crosby and Les Brown.  

Mary Anne’s popularity soared while working for the Les Brown Band.  She performed as the vocalist with the Les Brown Band in three movies.  It was while performing with Les Brown that she recorded seven top ten hit songs.  Songwriters Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn heard Mary Anne sing a touching rendition of “Embraceable You” and suggested her for a role in a musical they were writing entitled “Romance on the High Seas.”  She auditioned for the picture and, to her surprise, she got the role.  Then she got another, and another.  The roles kept coming.  She starred as the leading lady alongside such actors as James Stewart, Rock Hudson, and James Cagney in a career which spanned some three decades.  In addition to her movie career, Mary Anne had a successful recording career.  As a vocalist, she recorded twenty top ten albums.  

It is impossible to know what direction Mary Anne and Jerry’s careers could have taken had she not broken her leg in the accident in 1937.  Unfortunately, Jerry Doherty never “made it” in Hollywood.  At the suggestion of orchestra leader Barney Rapp, Mary Anne performed under a stage name which would be easier to fit on marquees.  We know Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff as… Doris Day.

Sources: 

1.  The Cincinnati Enquirer, May 27, 1934, p.54.

2.  The Cincinnati Post, December 7, 1936, p.6.

3.  The Cincinnati Post, October 14, 1937, p.10.

4.  The Cincinnati Enquirer, October 14, 1937, p.9.

5.  The Cincinnati Enquirer, October 15, 1937, p.22.

6.  The Cincinnati Enquirer, July 17, 1938, p.13.

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By Steve Graf

Back in the early days of B.A.S.S. tournaments, professional anglers had to rely on skills, practice, and instincts to win an event. Boy how times have changed!!!! Today’s anglers have so much more information at the touch of a button. The internet, as well as today’s fish-finder units and forward-facing sonars, have revolutionized tournament fishing and taken things to a whole other level. Therefore, today’s young anglers have a distinct advantage on the learning curve and their ability to dissect a lake quickly without even wetting a hook. What used to take years, and a lot of fishing trips by the older generation in order to figure out a particular body of water, is now just a few clicks of a mouse on a computer. Also, learning to read today’s forward-facing sonars has changed the game forever and turned fishing into catching.

But there are a couple of items today’s young anglers are struggling with. These two issues are the result of the influx of so many young anglers into the tournament and bass fishing world…. etiquette and safety! The problem is, no one is teaching these young anglers or their boat captains how to navigate a tournament on our lakes and rivers. I’m not just talking about the running of their big motor, but the trolling motor as well. Incidents and accidents are occurring more and more as our waterways become overcrowded. The best analogy I can come up with is Little League. Little League or Dixie Youth baseball programs all across the country are looking for volunteers who can manage young boys and teach them how to play the game. I truly appreciate people who volunteer to coach these kids, but many have no idea of how to teach the game. They don’t know or possess the skills needed to make kids better baseball players, but their intentions are good. The same is true with SOME of the boat captains who are running the boats for these young high school anglers. Their intentions are good, but they don’t possess the skills necessary to teach today’s young anglers the skills they need.

So how do we correct this issue? I feel that it’s up to us anglers who fish at a high level to share our knowledge any way possible. Every time I’m on the water and see an opportunity to educate a boat captain or a high school angler, I do so not by yelling and chewing them out, but by simply talking to them in a way I know they won’t be intimidated. Sometimes we talk about either the unwritten rules of tournament fishing or fishing etiquette, along with boat navigation and how to run the trolling motor. I’ve also had the opportunity to speak at several high school bass fishing banquets and will talk about these issues as well. If we as skilled anglers don’t take the responsibility to share our knowledge, then we have failed as anglers to educate the next generation.

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf – Owner/Co-host

Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show & Tackle Talk Live

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Bobby M. Scriber

August 29, 1949 – April 11, 2022

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Sharon Baptist Church, 2769 Hwy. 151, Dubach.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Thursday, April 14, 2022 at the church.

Burial: Sharon Cemetery in Dubach, La.

Jamie Sutton

March 10, 1939 – March 31, 2022

Memorial service: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Greenwood Cemetery, 701 E. Tennessee Ave., Ruston, La.

Reginald Boyd Rowell

March 17, 1943 – April 9, 2022

Visitation: 10 a.m. until service time Monday, April 18, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, La.

Funeral service: Noon Monday, April 18, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, La.

Burial: Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville, La.

** 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.)

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Members of the Minden City Council reversed their decision of one week ago by voting unanimously in favor of two issues that will affect the local animal shelter at a special meeting Monday.

The city currently has a state grant for $75,000 which must be spent for the animal shelter by June 30. The rest of the money will be made up in donations.

First, the council was asked to amend the 2021/2022 budget in a way that will keep the budget balanced.

“This is to increase the revenue as well as the expenses for the animal shelter,” interim City Clerk Michael Fluhr explained. “Why are we doing that? The law requires you cannot advertise without having the funds appropriated. So, I propose an amendment to increase the revenue by the $75,000, which is the state grant, as well as $275,000 on donations from local businesses and animal lovers. This increases the revenue but also the expenses because we have to balance the budget.”

Fluhr said he feels comfortable the $275,000 will be raised, but District C councilman Vincen Bradford is not so sure.

“You think you’re going to get those donations,” Bradford said. “I’m not comfortable with that. We don’t know about donations.”

Bradford pointed out that Mayor Terry Gardner said in a previous meeting that he could get donations to finish the shelter project.

“Is he still going to get donations if he’s not re-elected?” Bradford asked.

Gardner said he will. “I can probably get it before the election,” he said.

District A councilman Wayne Edwards asked what will happen if the donations are not raised.

“Is the project dead?” Edwards asked.

“That’s correct,” said the mayor. “We have to spend the $75,000 before June 30 on engineering, dirt work, road work, that kind of thing. If we don’t raise one penny, it just doesn’t happen. The project is dead.”

District B councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker said the animal shelter issue is nothing new.

“Even when Mr. (Herbert) Taylor was on the council – the animal shelter has been a concern since we started this administration,” Williams-Walker said.

“We are going to correct that,” Gardner said. “I think you’re an animal lover, too.”

“You’re absolutely right,” she replied.

There were other animal lovers at the meeting, including Ashley McVey, a professor at LSUS, who often fosters dogs from Minden’s animal shelter.

“I have connections that can help them raise donations,” McVey said. “All the rescue people I know locally – Shreveport, Bossier, Minden, DeSoto – all have ties to this huge, incredible national network that helps fund projects like this one.”

With all councilpersons in attendance, the vote to amend the budget, as well as granting the authority to advertise for bids for the shelter, were approved unanimously.

Initial drawings show a minimum of 10 canine kennels, a cat room, dog run, storage and an office.

Building Official Brent Cooley said he would also like an enclosed area to remove dogs from the animal control vehicle in a controlled atmosphere.

“You would be able to pull down the door, and when the vehicle is not in there, that room becomes a place where potential adopters can meet the pets,” Cooley said.

Cooley said an architect will begin work on a plan in a few days.

“This is just a plan I’ve been working on,” Cooley said of the preliminary. “It may not look anything like the preliminary plans when the architect finishes.”

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By Paige Nash

The rededication of Jacqueline Park and unveiling of the new welcome sign at Depot Hill were held Friday, April 8. Many local businesses and community leaders gathered at the ceremony to celebrate and observe all the hard work that has been accomplished over the last few months.  

The committee set a goal of $14,000, and they exceeded that goal by $12,200, bringing the total to $26,200. Part of the funds raised were used to repair the gazebo and create a brick slab that includes bricks with the names of the sponsors. The money was also used to build and install a new welcome sign, install new birdhouses in the park, plant trees and additional landscaping. 

“We had a committee that spearheaded this project, but I want you to know this was a community project,” said Johnnye Kennon with Webster Parish Tourism. “We had people from all over the community that helped make this day what it is today and when we have guests coming in, whether they come in from Lee Street or Highway 80, they will see that beautiful sign down there.” 

The gazebo at Jacqueline Park also plays a big role in the community.

“This gazebo has hosted many weddings, birthdays and family reunions,” said Mahala Hutto, Director of Downtown Development. “Our beautifully renovated park, gazebo and welcome sign will continue to host our citizens and be a wonderful photo opportunity for visitors.” 

It is possible the park could appear in a future movie or commercial or two.  

The remainder of the money that was raised will be used on upcoming projects, such as additional trash receptacles and benches throughout the downtown boulevards.  

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Around 12 high school seniors with Leadership Webster came away from the noon meeting of the Minden Lions Club Thursday with life lessons from those who have lived them.

Lion President Tracy Campbell moderated a forum where the teens spoke with a panel that included Lions Club members Paul Kitchens, senior attorney and partner at Kitchens Law; Robbie Hayden, patrol captain for the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office; Dr. Ray Spurlock with Ray Spurlock Optometry; Tommy Davis, retired businessman and former Minden mayor; Col. Carleton Prothro, retired educator and U.S. Army aviator; and Reed McLendon, agent with Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance.

Students asked the panel about career risks and advice they wish they had known before they ventured into the world.

Several advised the students, regardless of whether they attend college or work to become a skilled laborer, to listen to their hearts.

“If it’s some place you don’t think you need to be, don’t be afraid to fail or change your course,” McLendon said. “Do your due diligence. If there’s something that interests you, identify someone who has that job or skill set and spend time with them.”

Have a good work ethic and try waiting tables while in school, some of the Lions said. 

“You learn a lot about people and how to deal with them, when you wait tables,” Fred Cabaniss said.

“No matter what your career is, it’s important that you learn how to work,” said Tommy Davis.

Students were also advised to set goals and work toward them.

“Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone,” Campbell told the students. “Never forget where you came from.”

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North Webster 18, Bossier 0

Judd Wesson didn’t allow a single run as North Webster Knights defeated Bossier 18-0 on Saturday. Wesson allowed just two hits.

North Webster secured the victory thanks to 12 runs in the fourth inning. The big inning was thanks to singles by Cooper Sanders, Mason Haynes, Wesson, Kyle Dinkins, and Conner Budwah, a walk by Peyton Ingle, by Collin McKenzie, and a double by Dakota Davison.

The Knights got things moving in the first inning by scoring two runs when Sawyer Wages doubled.

North Webster scored 12 runs in the fourth inning. Their big bats in the inning were led by singles by Sanders, Haynes, Wesson, Dinkins, and Budwah, a walk by Ingle, by McKenzie, and a double by Davison.

One bright spot for Bossier was a single by Kaleb McClinton in the second inning.

Wesson was credited with the victory for North Webster Knights. The hurler allowed two hits and zero runs over four innings, striking out four and walking one.

Kody Harlow took the loss for Bossier. The bulldog surrendered 13 runs on ten hits over three innings.

North Webster totaled 14 hits. Wesson, Sanders, and Wages each managed multiple hits. Wages, Sanders and Wesson each collected two hits. North Webster stole 16 bases during the game as four players stole more than one. McKenzie led the way with four.

St. Mary 15, Doyline Panthers 0

Doyline Panthers fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 15-0 loss to St. Mary on Friday. St. Mary took the lead on a single in the second inning.

The Panthers struggled to contain the high-powered offense of St. Mary, giving up 15 runs.

St. Mary fired up the offense in the second inning, when Ethan Busby singled on a 2-1 count, scoring one run.

A single by Kenneth Lee in the third inning was a positive for Doyline.

Busby was the winning pitcher for St. Mary. The ace went two innings, allowing zero runs on zero hits, striking out three and walking zero. Nathan Slaughter, Payne Williams and Ben Bienvenu all put in work in relief out of the bullpen, steering their team towards the victory.

Noah Spears took the loss for the Panthers. The righthander allowed seven hits and five runs over five innings, striking out six and walking one.

Lee went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead the Panthers in hits.

Graeme Fidelak led St. Mary with two hits in three at bats.

Glenbrook 10, Mangham 1

Glenbrook Apaches won big over Mangham Saturday.

In the first inning, Glenbrook got their offense started. Cale Hollis drew a walk, scoring on run.

Glenbrook tallied four runs in the seventh inning, thanks to home runs by Landry Powell and Turner McLelland.

McLelland was the winning pitcher for Glenbrook. He allowed six hits and one run over five innings, striking out 10.

Easton Sanders threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen. Sanders recorded the last six outs to earn the save for the Apaches.

Curtis took the loss of Mangham. The bulldog lasted five and two-third innings, allowing six hits and six runs while striking out eight.

Glenbrook saw the ball well, racking up 10 hits in the game. Cason Clemons, Seth Magnum and Hayden Harmon each managed multiple hits for the Apaches. Clemons went 3 for 3 at the plate to lead the team in hits.

Mangham scattered eight hits in the game. Huber and Almond each collected multiple hits.

Minden 12, Taylor 2

Minden Crimson Tide had all cylinders firing on offense Saturday, winning big over Taylor.

Taylor got on the board in the first inning when an error scored one run for Taylor.

Brandon Winston took the win for Minden, allowing seven hits and two runs over six innings, striking out seven and walking one.

Cranford took the loss for Taylor. The hurler allowed six hits and six runs over two innings, striking out one and walking one.

The Tide smacked one home run on the day. Jacob Jackson went deep in the first inning.

The Crimson Tide totaled 12 hits. Andrew Cooper, Jackson Mayfield, Price Miller and Jackson each racked up multiple hits for the Tide. Cooper went 3 for 4 at the plate to lead the Tide in hits.

Taylor racked up seven hits in the game. Cranford and Smith each managed multiple hits in three at-bats. Taylor was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Pitre had the most chances in the field with four.

Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. 

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United Christian Assistance Program needs the following items:

Food: powdered milk, cornbread mix, biscuit mix, canned fruit

Household goods: king and queen sheets, towels

Clothing: men’s socks, men’s shoes (sizes 9 – 10 1/2)

Thank you for supporting UCAP.

UCAP is open  from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispensed on Wednesdays only. They will be closed Good Friday, April 15.

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Job Position Available LPN and MA at Minden Pediatrics

Job Description: Full-time position Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., triaging patients, collecting vitals, performing in house lab testing, administering vaccines and injections, stocking rooms and basic patient care.

Pay based on experience.

Contact Nursing Manager: Hillary Alexander Minden Pediatrics

Send resumes to mindenpediatrics@yahoo.com

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Village of Dixie Inn will discuss Community Development Block Grant funds at 5 p.m. today (Tuesday, April 12) at Village Hall, 60 Shell St. Dixie Inn.

The beginning of receiving grants is agreeing to name April 11-15 as National Community Development Week.

Other items on the agenda include awarding a bid contingent on approval of request for additional funds, budget workshop and water/maintenance report.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

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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

9 a.m. until sold out. Minden Lions will be selling our famous charbroiled chicken dinners for $10 each in the back of the Walmart parking lot close to Homer Road.

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 5

10 a.m., Minden Planning Commission, Pelican Room, Minden City Hall. On the agenda is the request from Minden City Council for reconsideration and clarification of the MPC’s decision for a zoning request by MGM Development Group.

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.

MAY 21

10 a.m. until noon: Free Pet Vaccines. 202 W. Church St., Springhill. Canine and feline vaccinations available. Sponsored by LaMa.

• 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

Dixie Inn Police have arrested a Sibley woman on drug warrants.

Kathleen Erin Fowler, 40, of the 100 block of McDade St., Sibley, was taken into custody at her residence by Chief James Edwards.

According to reports, Fowler dropped a syringe of brown liquid on the floor at a Dixie Inn casino in the early hours of February 12.

The syringe was reportedly confiscated by a casino employee and given to Dixie Inn Police. The substance was tested by the North Louisiana Crime Lab and reportedly found to be methamphetamine.

The reports state the syringe fell out of Fowler’s pants pocket while she was sitting on a stool at a video machine. The incident was caught on casino video surveillance cameras.

Fowler was arrested April 6 for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

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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The following arrests were made by local law enforcement agencies. Minden Police Department (MPD), Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO), Louisiana State Police (LSP) and others which are named.

April 6

Marty Flow, 42, of Harrison, Texas, was arrested by WPSO for possession of synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Matthew Harold Clayton, 24, of the 400 block of Jessica Dr., Springhill, was arrested by WPSO on an active bench warrant for domestic abuse battery with child endangerment.

Joseph Peace, 28, of the 500 block of E. Spring St., Taylor, Ark., was arrested by Springhill Police on 5 counts of felony theft (catalytic converters removed from church buses in the Springhill area).

Justin Lavance Elkins, 22, of the 15,000 block of Hwy. 371S, Taylor, Ark., was arrested by Springhill Police on 3 counts of felony theft (catalytic converters removed from church buses in the Springhill area).

Samual Cody Miller, 33, of the 100 block of Parkside Landing, Doyline, was arrested by WPSO on warrants for domestic abuse battery with serious bodily injury and domestic abuse battery with child endangerment.

April 7

Ryan Steven Hoffman, 31, no address, was arrested by Springhill Police for distribution of methamphetamine.

Derrian T. Markray, 41, of the 600 block of Pershing St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO  for contempt of court/child support.

Ashley Sue Byrd, 38, of the 1800 block now Hwy. 792, Heflin, was arrested by WPSO for cruelty to a juvenile.

Joshua Evan Byrd, 40, of the 1800 block now Hwy. 792, Heflin, was arrested by WPSO for cruelty to a juvenile.

April 8

Anthony Ary Jr., 57, of Haughton, was arrested by Minden Police of three active bench warrants, including contempt of court in Webster Parish.

Christian G. Hall, 21, of Shreveport, was arrested by MPD as a fugitive from Caddo Parish.

April 9

Jason A. Smith, 48, of the 200 block of Country Pl. Rd., Minden, was arrested by Louisiana State Police for multiple arrest warrants from Webster and Bossier parishes.

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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Johnnye Lee Wynne

Nov. 10, 1954 – April 7, 2022

Funeral service: 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2022, Spring Branch Cemetery, Taylor, Ark.

Burial follows under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

 

Everett Graham Cathey

July 17, 1945 – April 6, 2022

Graveside service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Rd., Bossier City.

 

Bobby M. Scriber

August 29, 1949 – April 11, 2022

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Sharon Baptist Church, 2769 Hwy. 151, Dubach.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Thursday, April 14, 2022 at the church.

Burial: Sharon Cemetery in Dubach.

** 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.)

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Some say the test of a compassionate government is how they treat the lowest among those under their jurisdiction.

If that’s the test, Minden may need to take a trip to its own animal shelter to see if it’s a successful government.

During last Monday’s meeting, the city council voted 3-2 not to place on the agenda a grant item that would benefit the Minden Animal Shelter. A unanimous vote is required to put something on the agenda during a regular council meeting.

“We’ve already been promised the money,” said Building Official Brent Cooley, referring to a $75,000 grant for improvements. “We just don’t actually have the check in hand. We just recently learned we have to spend it before June 30 or we lose it. It takes time … 30 days to go through the public bid process. And right now, we only have 60 days left.”

District C Councilman Vincen Bradford said his reason for voting against putting the grant on the agenda was because he feels more discussion needs to take place.

“We haven’t talked about this,” Bradford said. “We don’t know if we are going to build a new one or renovate the old one.”

Mayor Terry Gardner disagreed.

“Yes, we have,” he said. “We made a decision.”

“Who made a decision? You and Pam?” Bradford responded, referring to District E Councilwoman Pam Bloxom. “I’m done.”

“I’m done, too,” Gardner said. “You are just embarrassing yourself now.”

Previous council talks, also controversial in nature, centered around placement of a new animal shelter. 

In October, the City of Minden voted to enter into a cooperative agreement with the State of Louisiana for the grant funds for the relocation and rehabilitation of the shelter.

In November, Minden City Council members agreed unanimously to accept the $75,000 grant after the previous month’s motion was amended to require council approval for the site. 

District A Councilman Wayne Edwards – whose district is where the shelter is currently located – District B Councilwoman Terika Walker-Williams and District C Councilman Bradford pushed to keep the shelter in its current location on Dianne Street near Ewell Park.

Sen. Robert Mills enabled the city to apply for the grant, but that money will only get things started.

“We are looking at a $350,000-project,” Cooley said. “We will have to get donations to pay for the difference.”

All five councilpersons were contacted and asked if they have toured the current Animal Shelter facility. Bloxom said she has not, but District D councilman Michael Roy said he spent several hours there and was disturbed by the conditions.

“It’s horrible,” Roy said. “The drainage is nonexistent.”

However, he believes the money can be attained to complete the project.

“We have so many animal lovers here, we can get the money,” Roy said.

By publication time, Edwards, Williams-Walker and Bradford had not responded to the question.

A special workshop and council meeting have been scheduled for 8 a.m. Monday, April 11. The agenda includes the authority to advertise for bids to build a new Minden Animal Shelter.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Time is running out for the City of Minden to use a $75,000 grant that will bring an animal control facility, built in the 1950s, into a humane housing situation for four-legged friends while they wait for their forever home.

“We are looking at a $350,000-project,” Building Official Brent Cooley said. “We will have to get donations to pay for the difference.”

While the department has a budget of $190,000, none of that money can be used for a building project, Cooley said. It is for salaries for two workers, maintenance and upkeep. Fortunately, much of the food is donated.

Renovation of the current facility is likely out of the question. Not only was it built more than 60 years ago, the terrain around the building has changed over the years.

“It’s really futile to put more money into it,” Cooley said.

Outside kennels are unusable because of flooding issues.

“The drain in the center of the kennels is actually uphill,” Cooley said. “So, they don’t drain at all. Then the ground around them is higher, too.”

The same is true of the main building, which floods if it rains faster than it can drain. Thousands of dollars have been sunk into the concrete block structure, as well as sewers and drains.

“We’ve done everything we can do to this building,” Cooley said. “But there’s nothing we can do about the land around it.”

Animal Control Officer Carrie Ford has used social media to communicate with the public, but the city Animal Control facility is not for adoptions. Instead, they work closely with local veterinarians and humane associations.

“If you come here and find a dog, or see one on social media – providing the dog is adoptable – we release it to a veterinarian or a humane association group,” Ford said. “The vet will spay or neuter and the humane association vets the applicant to make sure the home is right for the dog.”

But every day, Ford receives phone calls from people who don’t want their dogs.

“They want us to come get them, but we don’t do that,” she said. “We don’t take owner surrenders. We only pick up strays. After 10 days has passed, the dog needs to be headed to a new home.”

Despite the state of the concrete building – with cracks and missing chunks – Cooley feels the current site is the best one for the new facility.

“Because we pick up a lot of roadkill and dead animals, we have an on-site incinerator,” he said. “It’s very old, but it’s grandfathered-in to the current laws. We don’t euthanize animals. The veterinarians come here and take care of it humanely.”

The new metal building will be placed before the old ones are razed. The ground around it must be graded in order to avoid future drainage problems.

As a city-owned facility, the animal shelter is not allowed to take monetary donations. Ford said they have accounts at most of the local veterinary clinics, and money can be donated there to help take care of surgeries, as well as spays and neuters.

“We can worm and vaccinate at the facility,” she said. “So, the vets can help with that and medications, through donations.”

 

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A North Webster Parish High School student was arrested Wednesday after bringing a gun on the school campus, Police Chief Will Lynd said.

The 16-year-old was brought to the police station later in the day by his mother, Lynd said.

School officials learned about the gun when the student had to report to the office after getting involved in an argument with another student. A school administrator saw the teen swap backpacks with another student and that prompted a search of both backpacks, Lynd said.

The school administrator pulled a bag out of the backpack and felt a handgun and loose ammunition inside, Lynd said.

The student grabbed the bag and ran out of the building.

“No one was ever threatened,” Lynd said.

(Story courtesy of ktbs.com)

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Northwood 3, Minden 2

Minden Crimson Tide fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 3-2 loss to Northwood on Wednesday. Northwood scored on a single by Mccobe, a fielder’s choice by Flournoy, and a fielder’s choice by Little in the second inning.

The pitching was strong on both sides. Northwood pitchers struck out zero, while Minden sat down 11.

Northwood got on the board in the second inning when McCobe singled on a 0-1 count, scoring one run.

Bentzler led things off on the pitcher’s mound for Northwood. The bulldog lasted seven innings, allowing seven hits and two runs while walking one.

Brody Bower was on the hill for the Crimson Tide. The righthander allowed four hits and three runs over five innings, striking out seven. Brandon Winston threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Bower went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Minden Crimson Tide in hits.

McCobe led Northwood with three hits in five at bats.

Loyola College Prep 14, North Webster Knights 10

North Webster Knights fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 14-10 loss to Loyola College Prep on Thursday. Loyola College Prep scored on a single by Coyle in the first inning, a single by Means in the first inning, a groundout by Collin Lirette in the first inning, a single by Coyle in the second inning, a single by Peyton Thomas in the second inning, and a single by Soignier in the second inning.

Despite the loss, North Webster did collect nine hits in the high-scoring affair. Unfortunately, Loyola College Prep had 14 hits on the way to victory.

In the first inning, Loyola College Prep got their offense started when Coyle singled on a 3-2 count, scoring one run.

North Webster notched four runs in the fifth inning. The Knight’s offense in the inning came from an error on a ball put in play by Sawyer Wages, Ethyn Rader, and Nathan Bernard.

Loyola College Prep scored five runs in the seventh inning. The offensive firepower by Loyola College Prep was led by Coyle, Thomas, Soignier, Lirette, and Deaxon, who all drove in runs.

Means earned the win for Loyola College Prep. Means lasted four and a third innings, allowing seven hits and six runs while striking out five. Coyle and #17 entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.

Mason Haynes took the loss for North Webster. Haynes went one inning, allowing seven runs on five hits and striking out two.

The Knights collected nine hits. Peyton Ingle, Cooper Sanders, and Bernard each collected multiple hits. Bernard, Sanders, and Ingle each collected two hits to lead the team.

Loyola College Prep racked up 14 hits on the day. Coyle, Carnahan, Soignier, and Deaxon each racked up multiple hits for Loyola College Prep. Coyle went 3-for-5 at the plate to lead Loyola College Prep in hits. Loyola College Prep stole seven bases during the game as two players stole more than one. Coyle led the way with two.

Lakeside Lady Warriors 11, Jonesboro Hodge 0

Lakeside Lady Warrior’s two pitchers didn’t allow a single hit, as the Warriors defeated Jonesboro Hodge 11-0 Tuesday. Maggie Mandino struck out P. Cribbs to get the last out of the game.

Lakeside fired up the offense in the first inning. McKenna Chreene drove in one when she doubled.

Chreene led things off in the pitcher’s circle for Lakeside. The ace surrendered zero runs on zero hits over four and two-thirds innings, striking out 11.

Lakeside racked up 13 hits. Rainie Hughes, Mandino, Chreene, McKenzie Hamiter and Laiklyn Squyres each had multiple hits for the Warriors.

Hughes went 4 for 4 at the plate to lead in hits. Madiso McGraw made the most plays with 12.

Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media.

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Jamie Sutton

March 10, 1939 – March 31, 2022

Memorial graveside service: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022, Greenwood Cemetery, Ruston, La.

 

Patricia L. Treadway Martin

July 9, 1949 – April 2, 2022

Visitation: 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Monday, April 11, 2022 at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens, Vivian

Graveside service: 1 p.m. following visitation

 

Douglas Garrett Keck

June 15, 1945 – April 5, 2022

Graveside service: 2 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2022 at Taylor Memorial Cemetery, Taylor, Ark.

Burial: under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill

 

** 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.)

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Four Minden Police officers are moving up the ranks, thanks to a thumbs-up from the Minden City Council Monday.

“These promotions are important to these officers,” said Police Chief Steve Cropper. “They do a good job, and this helps with morale.”

Although only one officer garnered a unanimous vote, all were approved.

Officer First Class Brandon Shane Griffith’s promotion to sergeant was approved by a vote of 3-2, with District B councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker and District C councilman Vincen Bradford casting the two dissenting votes. Griffith is a detective with the Minden Police Department

Officer First Class Michael Shawn Griffith, a patrol officer, was promoted to sergeant by a vote of 4-1, with Williams-Walker voting no.

Officer First Class Jason Smith, also a patrol officer, received the same 4-1 vote, advancing him to the rank of sergeant.

“This puts a sergeant on every shift,” Cropper said. “That’s something that has been needed.”

The unanimous council vote was to promote patrol officer Jason Lee to Officer First Class.

In other business, the city council denied a request to add two items on the agenda, including the authority to advertise for bids for the construction of a new animal shelter and adoption of a resolution – making April 11 through 15 National Community Development Week.

The vote was 3-2 with Williams-Walker and Bradford voting against adding the items. It requires a unanimous vote of the council to add items to the agenda.

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By Paige Nash

When Ashley Madden Rowton started her Facebook group, The Copper Whisk, more than 3 years ago she never imagined she would be putting together a cookbook to share with the world. Her love of eating turned into a love for cooking, which turned into a love for sharing.  

“I began sharing recipes from the circus that is my kitchen,” Rowton said, “I never would have imagined that people love the sharing of recipes as much as they tell me that they do. It has been extremely rewarding.”  

After sharing her recipes for a little while, “The Copper Whisk” Facebook members began suggesting she put together a cookbook. She had no lack of encouragement from this constant group of supporters, many of whom she has never even met. With their support, along with her husband, family and friends, she began the process of gathering, sorting and organizing a collection of her favorite recipes.  

“I decided to go for it,” Rowton said. 

Ashley’s sister-in-law, owner of Southern Shutter Photography, took the photos used to bring her recipes to life. While her friends, Rachel and Patrick Miller, owners of Parish Design Co. helped to design and develop “The Copper Whisk” website.

“When Ashley started working on her cookbook, she was quick to reach out about developing a web solution,” said Rachel. “We wanted to make sure the website was easy to use, matched Ashley’s aesthetic and provided a set of tools to fulfill orders as they came in.” 

This has been a long yet rewarding process from start to finish.

“I really do feel that cooking and serving others is a love language I have been able to tap into. I have filled my cup through this process,” Rowton said. “If nothing else, it would be something I could have for my 3 boys one day.”

She describes her sons as “countertop babies,” always helping in any way that they can, and says they are the reason she loves to cook. 

Spending time together in the kitchen is a family tradition, after all. Ashley remembers both of her grandmothers and parents cooking when she was growing up and they always let her in on the action.

“Being able to be a part of the process was just something we did,” she said, “and it has carried forward for me in the most satisfying way.”  

If you order “The Copper Whisk” cookbook you will find it to be 200 pages worth of Southern home-style cooking through and through. Many are family recipes that have been passed down and staples at her personal dinner table and holiday celebrations.  

You will find recipes named, “Dad’s Pork Chops,” “Mom’s Brownies,” “The Best from Heaven Brown Sugar Caramel Cake,” and her hands down favorite, “Minnie Porter’s Chicken and Dumplings.” 

If this sounds like your kind of cooking (and eating), this full color, binder-style cookbook is available for pre-order for $34.99. It can be ordered now through “The Copper Whisk” website and is expected to arrive sometime in June. They will be available to ship or pick-up locally at Parish Design Co. In Minden.  

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A funny thing happened this Monday past. A clown car pulled up in front of Minden City Hall and jokesters piled out and entered the building. Shortly after, a Minden City Council meeting broke out.

We’ve seen plenty from our rocker’s perch, but that thing billed as a public body meeting might be one for the books. A Saturday Night Live parody couldn’t come close. We had it all. Prominently displayed was the how-to of consistently voting “no” on worthwhile issues to redefining the words “rude” and “clueless.” Our Classless of 2022 gave us quite a performance.

Golly gee, Mr. Perplexed. There are so many places to start. Let’s begin with what wasn’t on the agenda and still isn’t. Failing to get the necessary unanimous vote to be added for consideration were a couple of items that would have benefitted our fair community, but let’s not let something good get in the way of demonstrative ineffectiveness. 

First item would authorize the city to advertise for bids for the construction of a new animal shelter. A portion of the money for this little compound, a tidy seventy-five thousand, is already on hand in the form of a state grant. 

But a pair of our feckless leaders, displaying typical fecklessity, decided to treat homeless canines like ordinary Minden citizens and “just say no” to using free money for anything. No to adding to the agenda and, potentially, good-bye to another batch of free money. 

You see, unless our floundering few spend that seventy-five thousand by June 30, we lose it. Not to worry, though. Mr. Bradford says we still have time. Ms. TW-W agrees. But if Bradford can show us how we can advertise for bids, award a bid, award necessary permits and unravel other assorted red tape, we’d be interested. 

Forgive a skeptic for believing this isn’t about animal housing. It’s simply another “the mayor wants it so we’re against it” travesty played out for the public. And naturally, neither of our petulant pair feels the need to explain the negative vote. Remember, it’s Bradford who has consistently said he doesn’t have to explain how he votes. And, likewise, Rocker can’t explain why he bothers. 

Next failure seems so peevish as to be bizarre. Ms. Bloxom’s motion to amend the printed agenda to add the adoption of a resolution declaring a National Community Development Week in Mintopia failed for lack of unanimity. Continuing actions that cause head-scratching, Bradford voted against. Again, no reason given. But his vote could have fired a BB-gun across a federally-funded bow.

Declining to declare this special week could possibly hamper (again) Minden’s chances of accessing an important stash of federal cash. Purpose of the special week is to raise awareness of Community Development Block Grant Program and the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program. There’s nothing nefarious or prejudiced about a few set aside days in April. 

Both programs are designed to help communities with infrastructure and affordable housing needs apply for and obtain federal grants. Apparently there is one person in town who couldn’t care less. While dedicating one week to community development doesn’t guarantee funding for anything, federal eyes love to see local acknowledgement. 

We’re sure grant readers will give special attention to grant requests from the community that “no’s” it’s way around accepting freebies that could add to quality of life. Money? We don’t need no stinkin’ CDBG or HOME money.

We’ve mentioned less than half of how this collection of seatsitters is keeping Hanlon’s Razor finely honed and making us more than a little mifftified about how government isn’t intended to work. Monday’s meeting had much more to offer for those who ask the question, “Huh?”

 Tune in next week, please, when we’ll try to unravel the root cause of Historical hysteria. We will also present the inaugural Ernest T. Bass Rood Award. And, most likely, there’ll be other news coming from the clowns. They just can’t seem to help themselves.

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