Conway Twitty was regretfully low-growling to a woman about how she was standing on a bridge that just won’t burn.

Ronnie Milsap was having daydreams about night things in the middle of the afternoon, somebody with not much sense was making Crystal Gayle’s brown eyes blue, and Barbara Mandrell was singing about sleeping single in a double bed, a situation difficult for a boy like me to contemplate, especially if you’ve ever seen Barbara Mandrell in person, which I did several times in the 1980s.

Country musically, it was a simpler time, a time I thought was forgotten until last week’s effort about the mournful passing of the entertaining singer and keyboard wizard Mickey Gilley at 86 prompted grateful mail that I am still answering. I thought the last fan of the Urban Cowboy music era had been stored away in some dusty attic, like the unwanted steel guitar and dobro.

Wrong. There are apparently more out there like me who wonder what happened to “our” music and have a hard time listening to anything past 1985 billed as “country.” Oh, every now and then a Toby Keith has squeaked in an “I’m Just Talkin’ ’Bout Tonight.” Travis Tritt got “Bible Belt” and “10 Feet Tall And Bulletproof” past the guardians of what passes for today’s country.

And thank goodness the new-schoolers weren’t looking when Lee Ann Womack showed up singing about how she should be ashes by now and also that she was a little past Little Rock but a long way from over you, (something “you” should be ashamed of).

It’s like the Statler Brothers sang when they sensed the sands shifting those hard-to-believe 35ish years ago: “I’ll tell you friend/a mandolin/won’t get you on a TV show/…whoa no…”

But there was a magical time, a bit after the Glory Days of George Jones and Johnny Cash, Mighty Merle and Roger Miller and Tammy Whynot (oops; typo?), Loretta Lynn, Jeannie Seely and Marty Robbins, all the fastball pitchers of my pre-driving days. After them came Gilley and the Gang, Country Music’s last stand.

Gene Watson picked the wildwood flower. Rosanne Cash explained the way we make a broken heart, and Rodney Crowell said she was crazy for leaving, a No. 1 song written by the great Guy Clark.

The Judds had to explain to momma that he was crazy. Don Williams was livin’ on Tulsa time, Keith Whitley was no stranger to the rain, all George Strait’s exes lived in Texas, and Emmylou Harris, the female standard bearer in this bureau, said she’d walk all the way from Boulder to Birmingham if she just had two more bottles of wine, and thank you Delbert McClinton for writing that.

Alabama. Wow. Nothing quite like old Alabama and old flames and Dixieland delights. The pre-Elvira Oak Ridge Boys in the Y’all Come Back Saloon. Janie Frickie was down to her last broken heart, and Con Hunley (“You Lay A Whole Lotta Love On Me”), Earl Thomas Conley (“Heavenly Bodies”) and John Conlee (“I Don’t Remember Lovin’ You”) had sound-alike names but sound-different-but-top-shelf hits.

The Bellamy Brothers. The dynamic Ricky Skaggs, who begged his girl not to cheat in their hometown or he’d tell Uncle Pen. Juice Newton, the queen of hearts. Vern Gosdin, who just wanted Joe to set ’em up and play “Walkin’ The Floor.” Not too much to ask, right?

Kenny gambling and Dolly warning me that it was going to be a hard candy Christmas unless I worked 9 to 5, and together they were islands in the stream.

Marshall Tucker. Charlie Daniels. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and “An American Dream.” And Sir Edward Rabbitt, who loved him on a rainy night and some rocky mountain music.

Two heavyweights were 1) Willie and the geographically challenging, ever-moving whiskey river, and 2) Waylon warning mommas not to let their babies grow up to be cowboys.

But if they did, well, that was OK too. Because Hank “Bocephus” Jr. said country folk and cowboy folk can survive … back when they were playing our song.

I’ll go punch up the next five tunes. . .Anybody got a quarter? A solid? Anyone?

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Opening Date:    

Closing Date:      Continuous until filled

Salary                  Commensurate with experience

Job Type:             Unclassified

Location:              Natchitoches, Louisiana

Supplemental Information:

Northwestern State University Office of Business Affairs seeks a qualified applicant for the position of

Purchasing Director.

Review of applications will begin immediately.

To Apply:  Send letter of application, resume and complete contact information for three professionals

references to:

 Apply@nsula.edu  or submit to:

Human Resources

Northwestern State University

ST. Denis Hall

Natchitoches, La 71497

The successful candidate will be subject to a background check, as a condition of employment.

Northwestern State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion,

Sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, and veteran or retirement status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies (i.e., Title IX):

 

       Employees/Potential Employees- Veronica M. Biscoe, EEO Officer

       (318-357-6359)

       Students- Reatha Cox, Dean of Students (318-357-5286)

 

For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns, contact the Disability Support and Tutoring Director, Randi Washington at 318-357-4460.

Additionally, Northwestern complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act. Information about NSU’s campus security and crime statistics can be found at http;//universitypolice.nsula.edu/annual-security-report/.

Full disclosure statement:  http;//university.planning.nsula.edu/notice-of-non-discrimination/

*Inquiries regarding employment application status should be made to the Human Resources Department

Telephone: 318-357-5965

 Qualifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or related field from an accredited college or university required.

·       Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in State Purchasing preferred

·       Experience with conducting complex RFP’s required

·       Understanding of Louisiana Revised Statutes regarding purchasing and ethics required.

·       Professional certification as a Procurement Buyer or Officer preferred

·       Managerial experience is essential

·       This position also requires the ability to communicate orally and through written reports with/to Subordinates, Supervisors and outside personnel.

·       Experience in operating Procurement Management Finance Software; Ellucian/Banner knowledge preferred

Job Concepts:

·       Daily supervision of all Purchasing Department staff

·       Prepare all necessary documents for bid invitation and opening in accordance with public bid laws

·       Review approval of Sole Source requests

·       Negotiate complex operating service contracts including but not limited to software agreement, property leases and marketing agreements

·       Administer University’s P-Card Program

·       Assist with month-end soft close and year-end hard close

·       Work with Business Affairs offices for invoicing, budgeting and financial related tasks

·       Other duties assigned by supervisor

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By Robert St. John

“What’s it like owning a bowling alley?” That’s a question I am asked a lot these days. To be honest, it’s a question I never thought I would be asked. When I got into the restaurant business more than 40 years ago, all I wanted was to open one restaurant. That’s it. Just one. I wanted to be an independent restaurant owner so I could wear shorts and t-shirts to work every day. Seriously, that was my goal. It wasn’t about money, or accumulating wealth, or anything other than I love restaurants and didn’t want to have to wear a suit and tie to work every day. That part has come true, but the one restaurant thing has grown legs.

The other day, a friend asked, “When will you stop? How many is too many restaurants?” I had to stop and think for a second. The growth in our company, especially the recent growth, doesn’t come from some ego source inside me. Not at all. We currently have 400 people employed in our company. We are creating opportunity and growth. The decisions I make, daily, affect those 400 people and their families. The beautiful thing about the restaurant business is that it creates an opportunity for some to realize and live the American dream.

I am certainly a beneficiary of that principle. I grew up with a single mom who raised my brother and me up on a public-school art teacher’s salary. I paid myself $250 per week for the first two years I was in business (which was a 50 percent pay cut from what I was earning waiting tables). The money didn’t matter. It still doesn’t. I lived in a one-room garage apartment until I was 30-years old. I never considered myself as someone who was living the American dream, but now, in retrospect, I guess I was (and in shorts and t-shirts)

Stacey and Steve Andrews, my business partners at our Italian concept Tabella, are the perfect example of how the restaurant business can deliver the American dream. Steve started with me as a prep cook in 1987. Stacy joined the first restaurant several months later as a hostess. They both worked their way up the restaurant hierarchy, fell in love, got married and then both moved into management. When I was ready to open the Italian restaurant, I knew exactly who to partner with — Steve and Stacey. They had earned the opportunity. Since then, they have more than earned the opportunity. They own 1/3 of the business and run a very tight ship

That’s the way it works in our company. We hired four managers 37 years ago when we opened the first restaurant, and — until this year — haven’t hired a manager since. We just promote from within. People move their way up based on their performance and committment. Men and women who started as line cooks or dishwashers become kitchen managers. Busboys and hostesses become servers or bartenders and then move into management. Sometimes they get ownership. It’s the true American dream.

Back to the bowling alley. That is truly one thing I never thought I would do. But I’m so glad I did. I love the bowling concept so much I’d like to do others in the future. It’s fun, people have a blast doing it and it’s a community activity in which they can drink and eat and compete in a sport.

But the dirty little secret is that it’s not a bowling alley with a restaurant attached. It’s a restaurant that happens to have a bowling alley. So, when I look at it closely, it’s just doing what I know — owning and operating a restaurant.

Another question I get these days is, “What’s it like owning a movie theater?” The people that know me well don’t have to ask that question. They know the answer. They know that I love movies and that I must love owning a movie theater. It’s true. I do.

The Capri Theater was built in 1939 on North State Street in Jackson Miss. at a time where almost all the movie theaters were located in downtown Jackson around Capitol Street. The Capri closed in the mid 1980s and by the turn of the 21^st Century all movie theaters had closed in Jackson. There wasn’t one movie theater in the city limits. When I became a part of this recent Fondren project, the space where the theater is located was being considered for a live music venue. That was something I wasn’t interested in. I knew that the state capital of Mississippi needed the movie theater, and the Capri needed to be reopened. When I brought that up to David and Jason, the two developing partners, they were relieved because that had been their wish all along.

But the theater is a restaurant as well. Sure, there are new business practices we had to learn, such as dealing with major movie studios. But when you boil it down to its core — like the bowling alley next door — it’s a restaurant. Really more like a bar and restaurant. But instead of servers delivering food and cocktails to a table in a dining room, we deliver food and drinks directly to your reclining seat while a movie is playing. A perfect world in my view.

So, I guess when one looks at it from a 10,000-foot view, I haven’t strayed too far from the restaurant business. Highball lanes is not really a bowling alley. It’s a restaurant with a bowling alley inside serving the greatest hits from three of our restaurants in Hattiesburg. I believe it’s the best food you’re ever going to eat in a bowling alley. It’s the same with the movie theater the seats are comfortable, they recline, and have a table attached, there’s Dolby 7.1 sound, and a digital laser projector to provide entertainment. But there’s a full menu that we deliver to your seat. It’s a restaurant that shows movies.

In the end, I am endlessly blessed to be at a point in my life where I get to do what I love to do — my hobby, actually — every day and get paid for it. Also, I get to do it while wearing shorts and a t-shirt. For more than three decades I have lived by the tenet that you have to be wed or dead before I put on a necktie. I hope to keep it that way.

Onward.

The Late-Great Louis Norman’s Garlicky-Sweet Dill Pickles

Start with one-gallon of the cheapest dill pickles you can find (Do not use kosher dills). Drain and discard all of the juice and cut pickles into one-inch segments. Next, layer approximately 2 inches of pickle segments back into the bottom of the empty one-gallon pickle jar. Top pickles with approximately two teaspoons of minced garlic and pour enough granulated sugar over the top of the pickles to cover (approximately 1 – 1 1 /2 cups). Repeat procedure until you have filled the pickle jar. Close lid tightly and let sit. Within six hours the sugar will dissolve and make a new, sweeter, pickle liquid. Add an additional cup (or two) of sugar making sure that the pickles are always covered by sugar or liquid.

Store pickles in the refrigerator for three days. Rotate the jar twice a day to thoroughly mix ingredients.

This is not a pickling recipe. True canners will scoff at this procedure since raw cucumbers aren’t being used. But who cares what they think. The end result is worth the loss of authenticity. The hardest part of the recipe is finding plain-old dill pickles. Kosher dills won’t work (they shrivel up). Louis sliced his garlic into small shaved chips (about two heads per gallon of pickles). I use minced garlic.

(Robert St. John is a chef, restaurateur and cookbook author. He lives in Hattiesburg, Miss.)

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Home Federal Bank (“HFB”), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana (NASDAQ: HFBL), last year opened a new location in Minden. Tuesday, May 17, the group held a grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremony at their Homer Road location.

HFB’s new Minden team has more than 100 combined years of banking experience in the Webster Parish market.

“These individuals join us with a high level of experience and proven track record for successfully developing banking relationships in the Minden market. I am confident that we have chosen the best team to execute HFB’s expansion plans into my hometown,” said Jim Barlow, Chairman, President and CEO of Home Federal Bank.

HFB Minden is currently located at 306 Homer Rd., Minden. Call 318-674-2615.

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By Cindy Kemmerly

There once was a man that whispered, God, speak to me.” And a meadowlark sang, but the man did not hear.  So, the man yelled back, “God speak to me!”  And the thunder rolled across the sky, but the man did not listen.  The man looked around and said, “God, let me see you.”  And stars too numerous to count shone brightly, but he noticed it not.  The man then shouted, “God, show me a miracle,” as he looked down upon his newborn son sleeping in his crib.  But the man was unaware.  So, the man cried out in despair, “Touch me, God, and let me know you are here!”  Whereupon God reached down and touched the man, but the man brushed the butterfly off the back of his hand and walked on into the living room.

Another story… A man was having difficulty communicating with his wife and concluded she was becoming hard of hearing.  So, he decided to conduct a hearing test without her knowing about it.  One evening he sat in a chair on the far side of the room.  Her back was to him, and she could not see him.  Very quietly he whispered, “Can you hear me now?”  There was no response.  Moving a little closer, he asked, “Can you hear me now?” Still no reply.  Quietly he edged closer and whispered the same words, but still no answer.  Finally, he moved right in behind her chair and said, “Can you hear me now?”  To his surprise and chagrin, she responded with irritation in her voice, “For the fourth time, YES, I can hear you just fine!  Didn’t you hear me shouting back?”

The premise of these two stories is:

1) When God speaks, make sure you do not miss out on his blessing because it is not packaged the way you expect.

2) The hearing problem is never with God not speaking but 1000% us not hearing.

Recently, I came across these two stories, and although I had read similar stories that were intended to convey the same messages, these were new to me, and they “set me to thinking”, so to speak.  I wondered how many times God had spoken to me or revealed himself to me in ways I didn’t recognize.  I had to chuckle when I read the story of the man who thought his wife was hard of hearing because when praying through something that is troubling to me, seeking God’s will, or asking for direction, I have often reminded God, “You know, God, I’m hard of hearing, so please speak loudly.”  Do you ever feel that way, or am I the Lone Ranger?  I believe he knows he’s got to make it plain for me.

There had been an ongoing issue that my heart had struggled with for some time, and these stories reminded me of a particular encounter I had with God.  I was headed to Ruston one day and found myself sitting at the red light at the corner of Highway 80 and Highway 531.  I was on Highway 80 behind a truck burning oil.  I don’t know about you, but the exhaust fumes from a vehicle burning oil will give me an almost immediate headache.  I quickly decided that if the truck turned right, I would go straight.  If it went straight, I would turn right.  Well, the truck turned right.  As I headed toward the Ada-Taylor I20 on ramp, I began to, yet again, pray about my issue.  I don’t always pray aloud, but on this day, I not only prayed aloud, I prayed loud!  I pleaded with God once again to give me clarity – to give me answers – to give me understanding.  I apologized to him for being so hard of hearing.  In tearful desperation mixed with some fear, I asked for his patience with me as I apologetically, like Gideon, threw out a fleece asking for a sign.  Shortly afterward, I found myself turning left onto the I20 on ramp.  At the moment I turn and look toward I20, I was indeed met with my “ sign”.  I don’t know if you’ve seen what I call the Jesus truck, an 18 wheeler with giant letters spelling JESUS that span the entire length and height of the trailer, but that’s what I saw perfectly timed passing in front of me as I sped down the ramp.  God knows I’m hard of hearing, and I guess he thinks I don’t see well either because this massive truck bearing the beautiful name JESUS was impossible to miss.  My loud emotional outpouring immediately turned to equally loud praise and uncontrollable laughter.  I was in complete awe!  I’m sure there have been many times I’ve been too busy, too self-absorbed to see him or hear his voice, but I know that, on this day, he made sure I didn’t miss it.

Some may consider my encounter to be a coincidence.  I don’t believe in coincidences.  I believe that God knew exactly what I needed and provided it in a way that I would finally recognize.  This is certainly not the only time I’ve seen God’s hand, but these two stories reminded me that I need to pay closer attention so as not to miss God speaking to me simply because his voice and his answers don’t come packaged as obviously as in the JESUS truck.

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These last 6 weeks have been some of the worst consecutive for the DOW since 2018.  Safe, no market risk alternatives are becoming more and more popular with investors.

It goes without saying that bank savings and CD rates are at an all-time low.  Just know that there are programs with A-rated financial institutions that provide 100% liquidity, tax deferred growth, no market risk, tax-free distribution, collateral opportunities, liquidity use and control with average returns of over 6% and a 2 ½% minimum lifetime guaranteed interest rate.  This option helps with estate planning, escaping probate and Louisiana forced heirship rules. Interested in hearing more schedule your one on one appointment to review your eligibility.

rfoster@reinettefoster.com
318-481-6539
www.ReinetteFoster.com

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 If you want a healthy, low-calorie snack but don’t want to pay the extra

for convenience, here are some healthy snacks you can prepare yourself. You’ll

save money, reduce waste, and stay fuller longer with these 100- to 200-calorie

ideas that you can portion yourself.

1. Raisins (50 or about 1 oz.): 85 calories
2. Skim milk latte (8oz.): 85 calories
3. Low-fat cottage cheese (4oz.) with 2 canned pear halves (in own juice): 80 calories
4. Air-popped popcorn (3 cups or 1 oz.): 95 calories
5. Graham crackers (8 small rectangles or 2 full squares): 100 calories
6. Thin pretzel sticks (48 sticks or 1 oz.): 100 calories
7. Celery (5 pieces) with peanut butter (1 Tbsp): 100 calories
8. Unsweetened applesauce (1 cup): 100 calories
9. Apple (small) with low-fat cheese (2 oz.): 150 calories
10. Baby carrots (10) with hummus (1/4 cup): 150 calories
11. Peanuts (a handful or 1 oz.): 175 calories
12. Raw or toasted almonds (23 whole or 1 oz.): 170 calories
13. Walnuts (14 halves or 1 oz.): 190 calories
14. Pecans (20 halves or 1 oz.): 200 calories
15. Low-fat yogurt (6 oz.): 175 calories (or less)
16. Tortilla chips (12 chips or 1 oz.) with salsa (1/2 cup): 175 calories
17. Whole wheat crackers (10) with peanut butter (1/2 Tbsp): 175 calories

Shakera Williams, M.P.H. is Assistant FCS Nutrition Extension Agent – General & SNAP- ED 

Webster/Claiborne Parish

The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.

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Brandi Cade and Elaine Eaton, executives from Cultural Crossroads, Inc., will serve as guest speakers for Thursday’s noon meeting of the Minden Lions Club. Cultural Crossroads’ mission is to unite all people through the arts.

Brandi has served as executive director since May 2019. After attending La. Tech University in art communication and design from 2006-2008, she shifted career paths and acquired her associate’s degree in massage therapy. Art found its way back into Brandi’s professional career when she met Katy Larsen of Shreveport. Together they started a handmade jewelry business, which led them to later opening The Agora Borealis, a popular artist marketplace and gallery in downtown Shreveport. She and her husband soon began a family of their own and moved back home to Minden when she became involved in Cultural Crossroads. 

Brandi is actively involved in other local groups and organizations, such as the Webster Parish Healthy Communities Coalition (LSU AgCenter) and the Young Women’s Service Club. She also owns a photography business, Brandi Cade Photography. Brandi and her husband, Ben, have two children, ages 7 and 5.

Elaine has served as president of Cultural Crossroads since 2020, although she has been a member and contributor since 2007. As a child Elaine was involved in numerous Cultural Crossroads productions and events through art, acting, and singing. She participated in her first Spring Arts Festival in 1997. After graduating with her master’s degree in communication arts and returning to Minden, Elaine joined Cultural Crossroads as a volunteer in 2011. She is passionate about promoting the arts in Webster Parish.

Elaine has served as the Theodore Harris Roberts Endowed Professor of Rhetoric and Debate at Northwestern State University since 2018. 

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

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Irma Johnson Teutsch

Nov. 22, 1933 – May 15, 2022

Visitation: 10 until 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Graveside service and interment: 11a.m. at Springhill Cemetery.

 

Kason Paul Beraud

May 12, 2022 – May 12, 2022

Graveside service: 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at Western Cemetery, Emerson, Ark., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

 

Sue Tatom Bryant

April 22, 1934 – April 21, 2022

Graveside service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden, La., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

 

Rodney Rhone

Sept. 13, 1958 – May 12, 2022

Visitation: 9 a.m. prior to service at the church

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Friday, May 20, 2022 at Heflin Baptist Church, Heflin, 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

It was a night to remember one of the greatest days of their lives.

Fifty years and one day after it happened, almost the entire Minden High School 1972 championship baseball team gathered Saturday night at Orleans on Main to relive not only the award-winning game, but the playoffs leading to it.

Jimmy Williams, who played second base, said one of the reasons he wanted to have the gathering was for his brother, Coach Butch Williams. Williams, along with two of the players, Alan Sherrill and Steve Baugh, have passed away. 

“Butch would’ve loved this,” Williams said.

Butch’s wife, Kai pointed out the trophy displayed Saturday night was given to the team by the community, rather than the school.

She also said the game changed the course of their lives.

“If it weren’t for y’all winning the championship game, Minden Athletic might not be here,” she said, speaking of their family business. “We knew there was a need for it, and that win helped us realize that dream.”

After a meal and sharing of memories, Mark Chreene with KASO/KBEF Radio rebroadcast the 1972 championship game. It was called by Charlie Collier with Bo Cook as commentator and M.S. “Digger” O’Dell as statistician.

It seemed only fitting to hear the final out of the game was a throw from shortstop Rob Valentine to first baseman Pat Woodard.

“Pat was an All-State hurdler,” Williams said. “Pat wanted to come play baseball his senior year, but he hadn’t played since maybe seventh grade.”

At the time, Joe Stewart was Athletic Director and Butch Williams’ boss.

“He told Butch to cut Pat and send him back to track,” Williams said. “Butch said he thought Stewart was going to fire him before Pat even had a chance to play.”

The team beat Bossier 3-0, and Ronald Martin pitched a no-hitter. Bossier had beaten Minden three times that year, and Williams said Bossier had already sized their championship rings.

“Butch knew we were going to win and he instilled that in us,” Williams said. “He had faith, so we had faith.”

The 1972 team didn’t receive championship rings that year, but they did Saturday night … fifty years late and not a moment (nor a memory) too soon.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A day of celebration for retiring Minden Police Captain Julie Harmon became the second day she will never forget.

You see, after more than 30 years, some things get hazy … sometimes it’s hard to remember certain events and how they unfolded.

But there are two women who will always remember December 23, 1988 when Salena was kidnapped from a convenience store on Lewisville Road. Well, maybe three, if you count the baby who doesn’t remember the event but knows she did not have to grow up without her mother.

After Salena was found safe and her kidnapper arrested and sent to jail, she never saw then-patrol officer Harmon again. Until Thursday, May 12, 2022, when Salena and her daughter, Heather, surprised the retiring Harmon with a visit to the Minden Police Department.

“She’s alive and well, in part thanks to you,” said Heather, who was less than a year old when her mother was kidnapped.

Hugs and tears. More hugs and tears. For all concerned it was a very emotional moment.

“If it weren’t for you and Sammy (late Minden police officer Sammy Spillers) … y’all always checked on me,” Salena said, shrugging at the thought of what could’ve happened.

Harmon remembers how frightened Salena was as she worked the “graveyard” shift at the convenience store. She would hide behind a partition and Harmon and Spillers checked on her multiple times every night.

Then, came the night Salena wasn’t there. Harmon was on patrol.

“He might not have kidnapped me if I’d had money in the register,” Salena said. “He was there to rob me. But then, again, he might have killed me instead.

“I used to remember every detail,” Salena continued. “But I just don’t any more. The man was like a drifter … not from around here.”

But the more they talked, the more seemed to come back to them.

“Usually, when you’d walk in the door, her head would pop up, but that night, nobody was there,” Harmon said, choking up. “I thought maybe she was in the bathroom, but I checked and there was nobody there. Her car was, but she wasn’t.”

Harmon called the station and then Det. Jack Tucker, took over the investigation. But any detective will tell you, the first hours are critical, and Harmon’s quick call to MPD may have made the difference.

Although her kidnapper told her he was going to kill her, he didn’t. Instead he took her to a Marshall, Texas motel, rented a room and left her there.

“He said he was going to kill me, but I think it’s because I just kept talking about my baby girl and how I was never going to see her first birthday,” she said. 

“I guess even though he’d done bad things, maybe he had a little conscience,” Heather added.

Before leaving, Salena said the man told her that he had signed his real name on the motel register – Brian J. Bush.

A 1989 Shreveport Journal article states Bush, 27, was from Florida. He was wanted in Pennsylvania, California, Nevada and Kentucky, as well as Minden and Caddo Parish.

He was never tried for Salena’s kidnapping, but that’s OK, she said. It was three strikes and you’re out, so she knew he would spend the rest of his life in jail.

Bush was recently released from Angola but only because Pennsylvania had a “room” waiting for him. Now Salena and Heather can rest easier knowing not only is he still in jail, he’s no longer in Louisiana.

It’s been difficult for Salena and Heather. Salena has a good job, but she doesn’t like crowds, her daughter said. Hence, the reason they decided to come see Harmon before her retirement party, rather than during a celebration where she knew there would be a number of people.

For a while, Salena and Heather moved away, but then some time ago, they moved back to Webster Parish. So close, and yet so far away.

“I had no idea you were still around here,” Harmon said, as she continued wiping tears.

Some people prefer to forget about bad experiences, but Salena and her daughter were willing to put it all aside to thank Harmon.

“Partly because of you, I didn’t have to grow up without my mama,” Heather said.

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Officers of the Minden Lions Club stand with 594 pairs of used eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses that were collected locally over the past nine months. Combined with the 286 pairs collected in August, 880 pairs were collected – making 2021-22 a record year for Minden donations! All donated eyeglasses will be processed, recycled and distributed to those in need.

As a reminder, the Minden Lions Club is always collecting new and used reading glasses, prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses throughout the year. You may drop them off at the yellow donation box across from Roma Italian Restaurant, the American Legion Hall (Thursdays at noon), Dr. Spurlock’s Eye Clinic, Moss Eyecare, Meriwether Wealth & Planning, b1BANK, GBT Bank and other designated locations.

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United Christian Assistance Program needs the following items:

Food: cornbread mix, biscuit mix, powdered milk

Household goods: king and queen sheets, towels

Clothing: men’s medium shirts

Thank you for supporting UCAP!

UCAP is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays at 204 Miller Street, Minden, for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only.

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‘Tis the season for weddings and celebrations of weddings.

The Webster Parish Journal “WPJ” will publish paid engagement and wedding announcements, as well as anniversaries, for couples who reside in the parish, who have relatives in the parish or who are getting married in the parish. (Fees apply.)

This move by the Journal allows couples to showcase their announcement. 

Information for engagement announcements include: 

Digital photograph of the couple 

The couple’s names 

The couple’s hometowns 

High school and/or college of the couple 

Parents’ names and/or grandparents’ names 

Ties to the parish 

Wedding time, date, and place 

An interesting fact about the couple 

Information for the wedding announcements include: 

Digital photograph of the couple 

The couple’s names 

The couple’s hometowns 

High school and/or college of the couple 

Parents’ names and/or grandparents’ names 

Officiant  

Attendants 

Ties to the parish 

Wedding time, date, and place 

For engagement and wedding announcement fees and/or to submit information for publication, please email wpjnewsla@gmail.com. 

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The Center for Literacy & Learning has awarded its annual Literacy Advocate of the Year award to Louisiana State Sen. Robert Mills (R-Minden) for helping advance the vision of empowering everyone through literacy.

The award was presented during Literacy Day at the Louisiana State Capitol on Wednesday, May 4. Louisiana State Rep. Jason Hughes (D-N.O.) was also recognized with the award in the Louisiana House of Representatives. Both the Louisiana House and Senate designated the day as Literacy Day to recognize The Center for their work on improving reading proficiency in all of Louisiana’s students, as well as bring attention to the work and policy changes that still need to be made to continue improvement.

“We appreciate the overwhelming support of the Legislature as we work to put in place legislative and policy changes that will help us increase the state’s literacy rates,” said The Center’s President and CEO John E. Wyble, Ph.D. “It is through the work of legislators like Senator Mills that we will break the cycle of illiteracy and realize our vision that everyone is empowered through literacy.”

During the 2021 Legislative Session, Sen. Mills sponsored SB 216, which put into place requirements for kindergarten through third-grade teachers, as well as administrators at the school to complete a foundational literacy skills instruction course.   The bill, which was signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards, also put requirements in place for teachers and newly hired teachers to complete professional development courses based on the science of reading.

As part of Literacy Day, the Center for Literacy & Learning provided every member of the Louisiana legislature with a children’s book written by a Louisiana author and/or with a focus on Louisiana. Also, various partners and stakeholders provided information to legislators, stakeholders, and the general public through various displays occupying the Capitol Rotunda for the day.

Louisiana ranks 49^th in literacy among the nation with only 1 out of every 4 fourth graders reading proficiently, according to the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The pilot program is widely regarded as an important first step toward implementing comprehensive reforms modeled after the state of Mississippi, which currently leads the nation in student growth for literacy.
 
In January 2020, the Early Literacy Commission released a report of recommendations that urged the legislature to commit recurring funding specifically for literacy. The Early Literacy Commission was legislatively created in 2019, led by the efforts of the Center for Literacy & Learning in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education.

About The Center for Literacy and Learning

Founded in 1992, The Center for Literacy & Learning is an educational non-profit whose mission is to advance literacy and learning through evidence-based practices in the classroom, home, and community.

The Center, celebrating its 30^th anniversary, works toward helping close the achievement gap by providing educators with customized professional learning that is designed to empower educators in recognizing, assessing, and responding to the multiple needs of diverse learners. The Center’s proven and research-based methods are built on the Science of Reading which has resulted in positive change in schools and communities.

The Center‘s core programs include Louisiana Reads!, Cornerstones, Lit Academy, and Growing Reading Brains. The Center also hosts in New Orleans every February Plain Talk about Literacy and Learning®, the largest literacy conference in the world, bringing together literacy and learning experts and attracting education industry professionals from all levels.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Friday the thirteenth was unlucky for a local man who was arrested by Minden Police following a fight.

Tadazion Jackson, 25, of the 500 block of Penal Farm Rd., Minden, is charged with flight from an officer, illegal carrying of weapons (brass knuckles), driving without a license and possession of natural marijuana, hydrocodone, drug paraphernalia, a firearm by a convicted felon, a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, and a firearm during an act of violence.

Police Chief Steve Cropper said Sgt. Mitch Hackett, and patrol officers Logan Clingan and Kayla Little were dispatched to Pershing Street around 5 p.m. Friday in reference to a fight.

“While officers were en-route, dispatch advised them that a black male subject in a white shirt and blue and red shorts had left the scene in a grey Honda,” Cropper said. “The subject, later identified as Jackson, was headed down Lee Street. Dispatch also advised them that Jackson had a handgun in his waist band.”

As the vehicle in question neared Sheppard Street, Sgt. Hackett reportedly observed it and pulled in behind it, activating lights and sirens. The vehicle reportedly turned left and entered Sibley Road where it rolled to a stop.

“The front vehicle passenger, identified as Zytwone Robinson, opened the door and attempted to run,” said the chief. “Once Robinson realized Sgt. Hackett had him at gunpoint, he jumped back in the car.”

Cropper said when Off. Clingan arrived on the scene, Sgt. Hackett covered both subjects while Clingan secured them in handcuffs. Jackson allegedly gave consent to search the vehicle.

Officers reportedly discovered a Hi-point .380 handgun, natural marijuana, drug paraphernalia and hydrocodone. There was also more than $1,000 in cash in the vehicle.

“Jackson confessed that all the narcotics in the vehicle belonged to him, but he denied possession of the firearm,” Cropper said. “Robinson said that once Sgt. Hackett got behind them in his patrol car, Jackson pulled the firearm from his waist band and handed it to Robinson. Then, Jackson told Robinson to run when he stopped the vehicle.”

Cropper said Robinson stated he put the firearm under the passenger seat and denied possession of any narcotics in the vehicle.

According to witnesses, Jackson was carrying the firearm while in the act of the fight. Robinson was released.

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.

May 11

Brigetta White, 30, of the 300 block of Taylor St., Springhill, was arrested by Springhill Police for illegal possession of stolen things.

May 12

Kevin Ledoit Eckroat, 50, of Thomasville Rd., Sarepta, was arrested by Cullen Police for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute.

May 13

Hallie R. Watson, 18, of Big Bax Rd., Springhill, was arrested by Springhill Police for possession of methamphetamine.

Sarha Faye Dance, 38, the 1300 block of Blue Run Rd., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on two active warrants for no license plate light and driving under suspension.

Wesley Allen Haynes, 44, of the 1000 block of Goodwill, Minden, was arrested by WPSO for criminal trespassing.

May 14

Code Bryant Thompson, 22 of Haughton, was arrested by WPSO for driving while intoxicated (second offense) and open container.

Shawn Matthew Dowling, 29, of the 100 block of Callahan Circle, Doyline, was arrested by WPSO for aggravated battery, simple criminal damage to property and a warrant for no seat belt.

John Franklin Powell, 47, of the 600 block of Nursery Rd., Sibley, was arrested by MPD for felony theft (shoplifting), and five active warrants.

Zachariahe Jermon Walker, 26, of the 300 block of Shane Dr., Minden, was arrested by MPD for driving while intoxicated (first offense), flight from an officer and obstruction of justice.

May 15

Nathaniel Paul Haney, 46, no address, was arrested by MPD for unauthorized entry and altered/switched tags.

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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All 4 people wanted for escaping the Ware Youth Detention Center have been captured in Houston. The 3 inmates and the female guard accused of helping them escape, were captured outside of a Houston hotel, along with a suspect’s family member who is accused of aiding the group.

Just before 3:00 a.m.,  Saturday, May 14, 17-year-old Tyjuan Lafitte, 17-year-old Na’varaya Lane, 15-year-old Jeremiah Durham, escaped from the Ware Youth Center in Coushatta. Lafitte was incarcerated for attempted first degree murder. Lane was incarcerated for attempted second degree murder.  Durham was incarnated for armed robbery.  Employee 21-year-old Victoria Tune reportedly aided them in the escape

All have ties to the Shreveport, Bossier, and DeSoto Parish areas.  Durham, Lafitte, and Lane were all wanted for simple escape, and Tune was wanted for three counts of accessory to simple escape.

The Red River Sheriff’s Office says with help from the Houston Police Dept, the getaway car was discovered at the hotel. Law enforcement waited until they returned to the car, and arrests were made at around midnight. No other information was released.

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May 17, 24, 31

2-4 p.m., 4-5 p.m., 5-7:30 p.m. Hula Hoop Group The Quad, Mindewn Main Library Branch. Limited spots available. Call Aubrie at 318-371-3080 ext. 135 to register.

May 21

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

May 21, 27; June 18; July 16

9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. Louisiana Christian University Football Camps. All camps at Wildcat Stadium in Pineville. Cost 9s $40/$50 walk-up.

May 26 

National Honor Society Induction at Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School.

May 28

4 p.m. until … 232 Horseshoe Loop, Doyline, VFW Post 2885 will be hosting a free hamburger meal for veterans and families. Good food; great visiting.

May 31

9 a.m. Senior Awards at Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School.

June 9

7 p.m. Lakeside High School graduation

June 10

8:30 a.m. High School awards at Lakeside.

10:30 a.m. Junior High Awards at Lakeside.

• 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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Georgena Turner Lyle

Jan. 12, 1950 – May 14, 2022

Funeral service: 11 a.m. May 17, 2022 at First Baptist Church, Minden, La.

Burial: Gardens of Memory in Minden.

Kason Paul Beraud

May 12, 2022 – May 12, 2022

Graveside service: 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at Western Cemetery, Emerson, Ark., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Sue Tatom Bryant

April 22, 1934 – April 21, 2022

Graveside service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden, La., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Rodney Rhone

Sept. 13, 1958 – May 12, 2022

Visitation: 9 a.m. prior to service at the church

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Friday, May 20, 2022 at Heflin Baptist Church, Heflin, 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

At least one of the three men injured in a propane explosion is improving at Ocshner LSU Health Center.

Cynthia Payne said Thursday, doctors are pleased with her son, Daniel’s condition.

“It is going to be a long road, but he is blessed,” she said.

Bobby Igo Jr. said his daughter’s husband, Reagan Hardaway, remains about the same.

“He is still critical,” Igo said. “Kidneys are still function well and his lungs are OK, but he’s still on a ventilator.”

The explosion took place Monday morning at an Aeropres site just south of Cotton Valley.

Jonathan Odom, Public Information Officer for Troop G, said the location is a propane truck-loading facility.

“One of the trucks caught fire,” Odom said. “Propane is very volatile, and these incidents are becoming too common.”

Minden Medical Center, along with Lifeshare Blood Center, conducted a blood drive for the men Thursday.

According to Mandi Hart with MMC, 126 people showed up to give blood.

“We had 105 units of blood donated,” Hart said.

The Webster Parish Journal has been unable to get a progress report on the third man, Chancey Hawk. If anyone has any information, please email wpjnewsla@gmail.com.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A workshop and special meeting of the Minden City Council were over before they began on unlucky Friday the thirteenth.

Extra chairs were brought into the Pelican Room at Minden City Hall to handle overflow audience members, but chairs around the conference table were mostly empty.

With District D councilman Michael Roy as the only representative in attendance, there was no quorum for the meeting, and Mayor Terry Gardner decided it would be fruitless to conduct a workshop.

“I see no reason to even call this meeting to order,” Gardner said.

District B Councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker and District C Councilman Vincen Bradford were absent, as well as District A Councilman Wayne Edwards and District E Councilwoman Pam Bloxom.

“Councilman (Wayne) Edwards had surgery yesterday, but I didn’t know that until now,” Gardner continued. “I knew Councilwoman Bloxom had a prior engagement, but the others did not let me know they would not be here.”

Both agendas included new hires for the police and fire departments. Heather Feeback and Justin Richardson will have to wait to learn if they have jobs.

In addition, water main and street improvements are on the back burner, as well as a request from Keith McClung at McClung’s Service Station to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor agreement relating to the use and expenditure of tax revenues.

But possibly the most controversial issue on the workshop agenda was a juvenile curfew ordinance. Several workshops have already been conducted on the subject, and it has been before the council in a meeting at least twice.

“After the last council meeting, when it was tabled, Mr. Edwards said there were things he was still not comfortable with concerning the curfew ordinance,” Gardner said. “The next day I asked him what those were, he never answered.”

Gardner said he believes the rest of the council knew Bloxom would not be in attendance Friday.

“If the others had attended, there would’ve been four, and my vote would’ve been the tie breaker,” Gardner said. “In my opinion, that’s what caused the ‘no-meeting.’ They would not get their vote out.”

Gardner said he plans to schedule another workshop on the curfew before June’s meeting.

The proposed curfew ordinance pertains to juveniles under the age of 18 and would help hold their parents or guardians accountable if they are on the streets between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Special dispensation is made for holidays and parent-accompanied events.

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