When he left Northwestern State In March as the winningest college basketball coach in state history, Bossier City native Mike McConathy wasn’t sure what the future held.

Three months later, he’s considering scratching an old itch. McConathy, who counts Louisiana Political Hall of Famer and longtime influential state legislator Billy Montgomery of Haughton among his primary mentors, is considering running for the state Senate in a redesigned district spanning parts of 10 parishes in northwest Louisiana.

With the anticipated revamp of Senate District 31, incumbent Sen. Louie Bernard of Natchitoches announced last week he will not seek a second term. Bernard previously served 24 years as Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court and after over 40 years of public service, the still energetic 71-year-old said he’s going to serve out his term until 2023 and enjoy family life.

McConathy grew up with a first-hand perspective on public service. His father, John McConathy, was the Bossier Parish Superintendent of Schools for 20 years and later was a key collaborator in the development of the modern Bossier Parish Community College campus between U.S. 80 and I-20 in Bossier City.

Among his accolades, the former NSU coach is enshrined in the university’s Hall of Distinguished Educators for his service as a faculty member at Northwestern, and in 2012 he earned an elite Pillar of Education award from the National Association of Basketball Coaches for leading the Demons’ program into continuing educational outreach in area schools. His program was noted for its wide-ranging community service endeavors, and its academic performance – a remarkable 90 percent of his players earned degrees at NSU.

“This is something that has been on the back of my mind for quite some time, because I’ve known people who have served and are serving in Baton Rouge who have made a tremendously positive impact for the people they represented, and for the entire state, for that matter,” said McConathy.

“When Louie made his announcement, I had quite a few friends suggest I ought to consider this. I’m now in the process of visiting with people who have a real understanding of political life and public service,” he said, “along with many dear friends and most of all, my family members, so I can make the best possible decision for all concerned.”

The new District 31 has roughly 70 percent of its population located in Bossier, Caddo, Natchitoches and Sabine parishes, with portions of Webster, Bienville, DeSoto, Red River, Rapides and Winn included. That fits the geographic footprint which was the base of McConathy’s recruiting area and team rosters from 1999-2022 at NSU and for 16 years previously at Bossier Parish Community College.

“Some people might wonder how my career in coaching would translate to serving in Baton Rouge in a legislative body, in the political arena. In coaching, to succeed you have to nurture relationships with a variety of people from high school and college students, to colleagues and opponents, throughout a campus community and a fan base with avid alumni of all ages and backgrounds. You have to listen, you have to be responsive, you have to collaborate, and at the same time, you cannot compromise your values and your integrity.

“We all know politics can be a tough business to navigate, now more than ever. Heck, I’ve spent over 40 years trying to find middle ground with the referees,” he laughed. “As long as we understand each other, we can find paths to the best possible outcomes.”

McConathy said if he runs, he would do so as an independent, not affiliated with a political party. The only announced candidate so far is Shreveport Republican state Rep. Alan Seabaugh, who has served in the state House since 2010 but is term limited there.

Photo by CHRIS REICH, Northwestern State

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Terry Don Bethany

Sept. 6, 1946 – June 14, 2022

Visitation: 9 until 11 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2022 at Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2022 at Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Burial: Springhill Cemetery

Cheryl McBride Lynn

Oct. 18, 1951 – July 7, 2022

Memorial service: Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden, La., date and times to be announced at a later date.

Ryan Benjamin Brown

April 22, 1982 – June 8, 2022

Memorial service: 11 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2022, at Cypress Baptist Church, Benton, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, 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

Keeping his girlfriend against her will landed a local man in jail Monday.

Alexander Gonzalez, 24, of the 1000 block of Shreveport Rd., Minden, was arrested by Minden Police and charged with domestic abuse battery with strangulation and false imprisonment – both felonies.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Ofc. Christopher Cayer was patrolling in the Shreveport Rd. area when he was flagged down by the manager at a local motel.

“The manager told the officer that the victim was being imprisoned at her camper trailer by her boyfriend, identified as Gonzalez,” Cropper said. “The manager also stated the victim was being physically beaten by Gonzalez.”

When Ofc. Cayer arrived on scene, Gonzalez and the female victim were reportedly standing outside of the camper trailer.

“The officer reported that he could see visible lacerations and bruising around the female’s neck,” said the chief. “So the officer had her step to the back of his patrol unit, where he could question her.”

The victim reportedly told the officer that Gonzalez had refused to let her leave their camper trailer all day.

“Anytime she attempted to leave, Gonzalez would place his hands around her neck or grab her arms to force her to stay at the camper,” Cropper said. “She said that at one point, she lost consciousness while he was choking her. She also said Gonzalez struck her arms and left leg in an attempt to force her to stay.”

Gonzalez was booked at the Minden Police Department and transferred to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A Minden City Council workshop, scheduled for next week, will cover at least one item that was on the workshop agenda last month.

One includes a request from Keith McClung at McClung’s Service Station, Inc. to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement relating to the use and expenditure of tax revenues in Minden Economic Development District No. 1.

Other items include job descriptions at the city’s 2022/2023 budget, as well as Minden Site Certification on around 36 acres on Industrial Drive, making it more marketable as commercial property.

The workshop will take place at 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 21 in the Pelican Conference Room at Minden City Hall. The public is invited to attend.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Minden Police have made good on 24 of 26 active warrants for street gangs.

Cameron Parker, 23, of the 800 block of Harris Street, Minden, was arrested Saturday, June 11, for criminal street gangs and patterns of criminal street gangs.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Bossier City Police made a routine traffic stop on Parker.

“We sent a hit confirmation on NCIC to Bossier, and Parker was taken into custody,” Cropper said. “He was transported from Bossier PD to Minden PD for booking and later transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.”

Cropper said a FBI task force, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Probation and Parole, United States Marshal’s Service and Bienville Parish assisted in the initial 12 arrests.

Since last Fall, detectives have been documenting and photographing everything about TTS (Train To Step) gang members.

(Editor’s note: In this case “Step” is slang for approaching someone with the intention of violence, either to fight or shoot.)

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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Apparently, the government has issued a command or passed a law or sent out a decree that all the world, at least every living person in America, must see the new Tom Cruise movie, Top Gun: Maverick, each in his own city, and not just once but at least two or three times, or else they’ll cut off your … cable?

So, I went to see it.

Wasn’t 100 percent sold on the idea, but if you want to have a decent conversation with anyone these days, you have to have seen Top Gun: Maverick, hereafter referred to as a space-saving Top Gun, the original movie title in 1986.

The current movie is the sequel. In the original, Cruise and his friends were hot-shot fighter pilots in the United States Navy, the best of the best. The cast did an excellent job of portraying what is required from the real pilots defending us as we speak, and let’s take a moment and be grateful they’re on our side.

A couple of things: I haven’t been “to the show” in three years and not to a show on Saturday afternoon, something normal functioning people often do, since—taking a legit guess here—Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968-ish. That show was so bad it kept me out of Saturday afternoon movie houses for decades, even when a good John Wayne or Clint Eastwood was playing.

Became a nighttime guy.

But I went back Saturday, although it was iffy. Online tickets were sold out except for a seat here or there, and this at theaters that were playing Top Gun on several screens.

Somehow, we ended up as fortunate as some of the pilots portrayed in the movie. We got golden tickets. And suddenly there we were, with Tom Cruise onscreen as himself welcoming us to the picture show in what I thought was a nice touch.

Then it started.

If you didn’t see the original, you’ll still “get the picture.” Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, years and years after his graduation from the TOPGUN Naval aviation program — Cruise’s character is basically 718 in pilot years by now — gets called back to instruct elite fliers. One of those youngsters is Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of Maverick’s late wingman and best friend, Goose.

You’ve noticed these need-for-speed pilots have nicknames. Maverick. Rooster. Goose. The new movie is not lacking in this area: there’s Carburetor and Skeeter, Mud Flaps and Truck Nuts. Eat My Rubber. My favorite is Bob. “Bob.” True story. Apparently, any name’s game as long as it can be stenciled onto the front of a flight helmet.

Another holdover from the original: a bad mustache. Goose, who tragically did not make it through the original, had that special kind of very 1980’s porn star mustache. In any strip club in any country, you still see this kind of mustache worn by most all patrons. And by some of the dancers. Not a good look.

So, in the sequel, to make us know for certain that this was Goose’s offspring, they made the son have that same mustache. I’d have bought in without that hammer over the head, but perhaps it made for a key plot element, subliminal and all: Could Rooster overcome a haunting legacy AND the lame mustache?

Glad I bought a ticket to find out (even though the government made me go). It was worth it. Three different times, I thought the film was over, but Things Kept Happening. It was like three movies in one.

And thank goodness they made this thing a couple of years ago before gas prices soared higher and faster than a F/A-18 Super Hornet. If they’d made it today, a ticket would cost $147.

We rate it VG for Very Good. No sex. No cussing that I recall. And just the right amount of sentiment in paying homage to the original. I almost cried one time — but maybe that was because I really needed to go to the bathroom.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

 

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Do you enjoy meeting new people and greeting old friends?

You may be perfect for an account executive’s position with the Webster Parish Journal. You don’t have to fit a particular profile, you just need to be as passionate about spreading the news as those with whom you will be working.

WPJ subscriptions are – and always will be – free. We depend on businesses and advertising to help us meet our goals and keep the public informed.

Contact us at wpjnewsla@gmail.com, if this describes you.

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June 15

10 a.m. Webster Parish Library, Springhill branch. Adult Summer Reading kickoff party.

June 16-17

Free diapers at SEEDS Women’s Center, 402 Broadway. Just make an appointment. Call 318-639-0907 or text 318-459-8579.

June 17

11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sponsored by Men of Courage, Webster Parish,  a  chicken plate fundraiser for burn victims Reagan Hardaway, Chancey Hawk and Daniel Payne. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance. Meals include chicken, beans, potato salad and dessert. Pick up is at Mel Smith’s Marine, 1610 Shreveport Rd., Minden. For more information, including sponsorship and donation inquiries, please contact Ramanda Ketchum at ramanda_lee@yahoo.com or 318-347-2614.

3 p.m. until 7 p.m., Juneteenth Festival – Our Health Matters health fair, co-sponsored by La. Department of Health and Healing from the Heart LLC. Free event, music, food, kid friendly, door prizes.

June 18

Noon until 5 p.m. Pop-Up and Pose event kicks off the weekend at the Minden Civic Center. The event promotes unity, freedom and confidence for all. It is free to the public.

7 p.m. Minden Civic Center, following above event is a fashion show and mini hair show followed by entertainment with comedian and Minden native, Cassie J. All sponsored by Neisa Murray.

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.

June 18

Noon until 3 p.m. at Victory Park. Free bicycles and tablets giveaways.

June 19

Noon until 5 p.m. Father’s Day at The Farm. This is a free event. There will be musical guests, spoken word and poetry readings, and an open mic segment all centered around celebrating Fathers & Juneteenth. Guests are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy it on the grounds during the festivities.

June 21

5:30 p.m. Children ages 7-12. Glob trotting adventure to Brazil to learn about history, legends and food. Minden Main branch. Webster Parish Library. To register, call 318-371-3080 ext. 116.

June 27 – July 1

9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. daily, VBS – Zoomerang, ages 4 years through 6th grade Beech Springs Baptist Church, 15910 HWY 80, Minden. Register at https://beechspringsbc.myanswers.com/zoomerang or through their Facebook page.

July 7

10 a.m. Minden Planning Commission Meeting, Pelican Room, Minden City Hall. On the agenda is a request from Carlton Myles Jr. (owner of Bayou Brothers, LLC) for a zoning change from R-4 (Multifamily Residential) to B-4 (Hwy. Commercial) on property owned by them located at the corner of Lee and Columbia Streets (6 lots).

July 17-20

5:45 until 7:45 p.m. Vacation Bible School, The Mighty God, at Eastside Missionary Baptist Church.

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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Guest speaker for Thursday’s Minden Lions Club meeting will be Savannah Jones, director of the Webster Parish Library System.

A Dubberly native, Savannah graduated from Glenbrook School in 2011. She attended La. Tech University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and went on to obtain her MBA. Savannah is currently enrolled at LSU pursuing her master of library information science degree.

Savannah is married to Blake Jones. She is the daughter of Johnny and Shannon Brown, as well as the granddaughter of Dawn Stewart and the late Ken Stewart, all of Webster Parish.

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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 By Robert St. John

Everyone needs at least one friend who is frank and to the point. Someone who speaks their mind no matter what the consequence. A person who will call you out when you’ve done wrong. The guy or gal that will tell you exactly what is on his or her mind. I am blessed with several of those type friends. None are more “to type” than my friend, David Trigiani.

I was in Jackson over the weekend, checking on our businesses up there and decided to check in on him before heading home. A longtime resident of Jackson, Trigiani is 82 but is in much better shape than most 60-year-olds I know (including me). His mind is as sharp as his tongue, and his tongue is razor sharp. When it comes to frank and to the point, he put the “ire” in direct.

I have several friends who are unreserved and unequivocal in their frankness, none more so than my buddy, David. He tops the list.

I like to stay in touch with all my friends. David and I hadn’t seen each other for a while so I popped over to his house for a quick morning visit on Saturday before heading home. He had saved a newspaper article I was featured in, so we walked into his kitchen where he keeps the old papers fastidiously stacked in a neat pile beside the kitchen island.

Three eggs lay in a bowl next to a skillet on the front burner of the stove. “Make me breakfast,” he said, in true Trigiani fashion. I don’t have many friends who would boldly blurt out a demand with such ease. But of the friends I do have that would do it, Trigiani tops the list. To be honest, it wasn’t a stern command, but a more of a lighthearted and joking request, stated frankly. He obviously was about to cook breakfast, I interrupted his morning routine, it would be the least I could do.

I grabbed a fork out of the drawer, cracked the eggs in a bowl, added just a drop of water from the tap, and looked for milk or cream in his refrigerator. I like to add a drop of milk or cream to my scrambled eggs. There was none. “I’ve got some truffle butter in the fridge, use that,” he said. Of all my friends who would have truffle butter in the fridge, Trigiani would top that list, too.

I gently stirred the eggs with the fork. “Aren’t you going to whip them up?” he asked.

“No, I don’t want to incorporate air into the eggs. This is the way Julia Child taught me how to scramble eggs.” I waited for his query of how I came to have a discussion with Julia Child about scrambling eggs, but he was unimpressed. I will admit that the statement was partially ego-driven, because it would be too crass and obvious to say, “I actually had a couple of breakfasts with Julia Child, and we spoke about how to scramble the perfect egg.” But it was also a shot across the bow to let him know, “Hey, I got this. I can scramble an egg.”

Trigiani wasn’t concerned with anyone’s brushes with celebrity, he was more interested in why I wasn’t going to whip up the eggs. As the truffle butter melted in the skillet, I explained that I wanted his eggs to come out smooth and ribbony, not fluffy and airy. “It’s not an omelet at Waffle House where they put the eggs in a milkshake machine before putting them in the skillet.” He chuckled at that comment. I poured the eggs into the skillet and let them sit for a bit before drawing them into the center with a rubber spatula and tilting the skillet so the uncooked portion could reach the empty side of the skillet.

“You’ve got the heat too high,” he said.

“I got this. Trust me.” Within a minute or so, the eggs were almost done. They still had a sheen on them. It’s the sheen that Julia Child spoke of that morning years ago. I didn’t mention that Julia was the one who gave me that advice, because it wouldn’t have mattered to Trigiani anyway. I removed the skillet from the burner, gave the eggs a flip and slid them onto a plate. Perfect. Smooth and ribbony.

Trigiani seemed pleased with the end result. “I didn’t know about not whipping the eggs and not incorporating air into them,” he said. I resisted pulling out the Julia card again, because he was obviously unimpressed. But I was surprised that he didn’t’ know this method of scrambling eggs. Trigiani is an excellent cook and spends a good bit of time in the kitchen cooking gourmet meals for friends, and for himself. Though he is Italian, and many Italians are in a constant who-has-the-better-food battle with the French (Trigiani comes down firmly on the side of the Italians), so maybe that explains his passe attitude towards the French method.

As we sat and visited at his breakfast room table, we spoke, as we typically do, about travel, friends, and food. Still no query from him as to how I came to have breakfast with Julia Child. She was a Francophile, so maybe that explains it. He enjoyed the eggs, so all was well.

On the drive home I wondered what it was that brought out the request, or demand, or whatever it was, “Make me breakfast.” I know he follows my social media and last week’s Facebook and Instagram accounts were filled with posts from the photo shoot of my new breakfast cookbook. Was he testing whether I knew anything about cooking breakfast? Or had I just put him in the mood for eggs?

I have friends of all ages and from all walks of life. Trigiani would be my closest friend who is also an octogenarian. He’s one of my closest friends, period. But again, he acts and looks younger thank most 50 or 60-year-olds I know. His frankness and straightforwardness are usually pretty funny in a sweet, older, get-off-of-my-lawn kind of way. Once a waitress in a diner asked us if we wanted to hear the daily specials. Trigiani pointed to her heavily stained apron and said, “Why don’t you just scrape some of that crap off of your apron, put it on a plate, and serve it to us.” She laughed and gave it right back to him. Everyone needs a friend who can get away with such statements.

I write often about the Five Fs and the things that truly matter in life— faith, family, friends, food, and fun. Friends and food are a natural pairing in my life. When those two come together, fun— and sometimes breakfast— usually follows.

Onward.

Perfect Scrambled Eggs

3 Eggs, large

2 tsp Half & Half

1 Tbl Butter

Salt and pepper to taste.

Crack eggs in a small bowl and stir well with a fork until the yolks and whites have just incorporated. Do not stir too vigorously or you will add air to the eggs. Add cream to eggs and stir well.

In a non-stick skillet over moderately low heat, melt the butter and tilt the pan to coat the entire surface. Add the egg mixture to the skillet. Using a rubber spatula slowly scrape the bottom of the skillet until the eggs begin to coagulate. Continue to carefully stir the eggs until they are “just done”. The eggs should be almost fully cooked and custard-like (Julia Child calls them “custardy lumps”) yet have a slightly wet and shiny sheen to them.

Remove eggs from the skillet immediately and transfer to a plate (the eggs will continue to cook slightly for the next 30-45 seconds so it imperative to remove them just before they are done). Add salt and pepper to taste.

(Robert St. John is a chef, restaurateur and cookbook author. He lives in Hattiesburg, Miss. with his wife, Jill, four cats and a dog named Donut.)

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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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By Brad Dison

In the Fall of 1861, Robert Smalls became the pilot of the CSS Planter, “the most valuable war vessel the Confederates had at Charleston.”  Robert, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, had been piloting vessels in Charleston harbor for several years and knew it well.

The Planter was “a high-pressure, side-wheel steamer, 140 feet in length, and about 50 feet beam, and [drew] about five feet of water.”  Before the war, the Charleston-built vessel was used to transport up to 1400 bales of cotton per trip.  At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the Confederate Navy converted the vessel into a gunboat armed with a 32-pound rifle on its forward deck and a 24-pound howitzer on its aft deck.

The boat’s captain, Charles Relyea, along with his first and second mates, had a habit of sleeping in comfortable beds in homes near the wharf.  Pilot Robert Smalls, engineers John Smalls and Alfred Gradine, and crew members Abraham Jackson, Gabriel Turno, William Morrison, Samuel Chisholm, Abraham Allston, and David Jones had to sleep in the cramped quarters aboard the boat.

One night in the spring of 1862, after the captain and first and second mates had gone ashore for the night, one of the crew aboard the Planter, unhappy about their situation, joked that they should defect to the north by running the vessel to the sea.  Some of the crew members readily agreed.  Robert, the senior most crew member, immediately warned the crew not to discuss the defection while onboard the vessel.  Robert suggested that if they wanted to discuss the defection “in sober earnestness,” that they meet at his home in Charleston. 

During their clandestine meeting, the entire crew, including Robert, decided that they would defect.  Knowing that Robert was born and raised in Charleston, and that he had piloted vessels in the Charleston harbor for several years, the crew left the plan entirely up to Robert.  They agreed to follow Robert’s orders without question, to be ready at a moment’s notice, and swore to absolute secrecy.  All of the men knew that if they were caught trying to defect, or even discussing defection in the prized boat, they would surely be hung.

Robert and the other crewmen waited for the right opportunity to defect.  Robert hid provisions for the crew members in the hold of the boat.  On the night of May 12, 1862, Captain Relyea and his first and second mates went on shore to spend the night.  The Planter was scheduled to leave for Fort Ripley on the following morning with supplies for the fort which included a 7-inch rifled gun, an 8-inch columbiad cannon, an 8-inch howitzer cannon, a long 82-pounder cannon, and about 200 rounds of ammunition.  This, Robert decided, was the perfect opportunity.

Robert quickly put his secret plan into motion.  He sent for his wife and three children, and John Smalls sent for his wife, child, and sister.  The rest of the crew members had no family in Charleston.  The men secreted the women and children onto the boat and aroused no suspicion.  Leaving them in Charleston was not an option because the captain would have arrested them until the crew members returned to face charges.  At about 3:00 a.m., the crew lit the fires under the boilers and waited for the pressure to build.  Their hearts beat fast as the minutes felt like hours.  Finally, steam had built up enough for them to depart and the vessel paddled away from the harbor. 

The crew hoped to pass the batteries of Fort Sumter in the cover of darkness, but the tide was against the Planter and the vessel moved slowly through the water.  It was fully daylight when the boat neared Fort Sumter.  Robert wore clothing which, at a distance, resembled the hat and uniform of the Planter’s captain.  As the boat approached the fort, Robert could see the sentinel.  He reached for the whistle cord.  If the sentinel suspected anything, Robert’s horn blasts would be answered by cannon fire.  Otherwise, the sentinel would motion for the boat to continue.  Robert gave the usual signal—two long pulls and a jerk at the whistle cord.  He watched the sentinel’s every move.  To Robert’s relief, the sentinel motioned for the boat to continue. 

Robert steered the Planter away from the Confederacy and toward the American ships he knew would be waiting.  As the vessel came within sight of the US Navy’s blockading squadron, the crew hoisted the white flag of surrender.  US sailors boarded the Planter, learned of their plan to defect, and allowed them to pass through the blockade.  The boat then proceeded to Port Royal, via St. Helena Sound and Broad River, and reached the Wabash, the flagship of the US Navy, at 10:00 p.m.  The defection was mutually beneficial for the US Navy and the Planters’ crew and its passengers.  The US Navy got what they wanted— “the most valuable war vessel the Confederates had at Charleston.”  The Planters’ crew and its passengers got what they so desired—their freedom.  Robert and the rest of the defectors were slaves.              

Source:  Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), May 20, 1862, p.2.  

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By Steve Graf

Time is a funny thing…it’s always changing, and it never seems to stop. But like everything, there is a past, present and eventually a future. The sport of bass fishing goes way back, and today we’ll take a hard look into the past and see just how the sport has evolved into what it is today. They say if you want to see what the future may hold, you must first look into its past.

Bass fishing goes as far back as 1791 when Naturalist William Bartram wrote an account of Indians in the American South catching largemouth bass with a “bob” and long pole in 1760. This is apparently the earliest reference, not only to American bass fishing, but also to fishing with hair bugs. Then in 1897 William Shakespeare, Jr. patented a level wind device for baitcasting reels, making their use easier and more popular. This revolutionized the fishing world on all levels for both fresh and saltwater anglers.

It was in 1948 that things really changed for bass fishing with the creation of the first bass boat designed and built by Skeeter Boats, still one of the leading boat manufacturers today. Because of this innovation, now anglers not only had good quality gear, but they had a better means to get around on larger lakes and rivers, opening up America’s waterways. The following year in 1949, fiberglass fishing rods were invented, replacing bamboo rods. Also in 1949, Nick and Cosma Crème of Akron, Ohio, melted plastic on their kitchen stove, poured it into molds, and created the first modern soft-plastic worm….the Creme Wiggle Worm.

Now onto the 1950’s with the first ever organized bass tournament put on by outdoor writer Earl Golding on Lake Whitney, Texas, in 1955. A total of 73 anglers participated in this first ever one-of-a-kind event. Then in 1957, the beginning of the sonar revolution began with Carl Lowrance introducing the first portable sonar capable of detecting both the bottom and individual fish. It was in 1959, when more than 20,000 fingerling bass were stocked in California’s upper Otay Lake, that the United States had its first fish management program. This is also where the first creel limits were set, along with season dates and the establishment of a bass lunker program. Twenty-one of the top twenty-five bass on record were caught from California waters.

I hope you’ve enjoyed a look back into bass fishing history to see how it all began. Next week, we will continue our journey by looking at the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, which had a huge impact on where the sport is today. 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

Use the Angler’s Main Image in your file

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Judge (Ret.) Grayson Kitchens Jr.

Celebration of Life: 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2022, First Baptist Church, Minden, La.

Cheryl McBride Lynn

Oct. 18, 1951 – July 7, 2022

Memorial service: Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden, La., date and times to be announced at a later date.

George Benny Reeder

Jan. 27, 1947 – June 13, 2022

Visitation: from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Sarepta Missionary Baptist Church, Sarepta, La.

Burial: Old Sarepta Cemetery, Sarepta, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Ryan Benjamin Brown

April 22, 1982 – June 8, 2022

Memorial service: 11 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2022, at Cypress Baptist Church, Benton, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, 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

The City of Minden is in good financial shape for the fiscal year 2021, according to the accounting firm of Allen, Greene & Williamson LLP.

 Auditor Tim Greene told the council last week the only matters that need addressing include “component units,” such as City Marshal’s Office and City Court.

“They (Government Auditing Standards) would like you to include those in the report,” Greene said. “If you do not include it, they want to ensure an unfavorable opinion. They would like to see a comprehensive report.”

The part that received a favorable report was the City of Minden, Greene said.

“You have a clean, unmodified opinion, and the report so states that,” he added.

Financial Highlights: 

• The assets and deferred outflows of the City exceeded its liabilities and deferred inflows at the close of the most recent fiscal year by over $38.7 million.
• During the year, the revenue of the City’s governmental activities exceeded expenses by $.24 million dollars before transfers. Last year, expenses exceeded revenues by $3.4 million.
• The City’s total revenues were $5.5 million more than prior year. The increase occurred in both the governmental and the business-type activities.
• The total cost of all of the City’s programs was approximately $35.8 million.

The City of Minden paid the following amounts for compensation to members of the city council for the audited year:

Pamela Bloxom – Compensation: $12,600, Car Allowance: $1,200.

Vincen Bradford – Compensation: $12,600, Car Allowance: $1,200.

Tommy Davis (10/1/20 to 3/29/21) – Compensation: $5,961, Car Allowance: $600.

William Michael Roy (3/30/21 to 9/30/21) – Compensation: $6,155, Car Allowance: $600.

Wayne Edwards – Compensation: $12,600, Car Allowance: $1,200.

Terika Williams Walker – Compensation: $12,600, Car Allowance: $1,200.

Total – Compensations: $62,516, Car Allowances: $6,000.

Of the 14 regular sessions and 11 special sessions from the beginning the 2020 audit date to current, District B Councilwoman Terika Williams Walker was absent from 2 special sessions and 1 regular meeting. She was available by phone for a third special session.

District C Councilman Vincen Bradford missed 1 special session and was not absent from any regular sessions, while District D Councilman Michael Roy missed 2 special sessions and no regular sessions.

District A Councilman Wayne Edwards missed 1 special session and no regular sessions.

District E Councilwoman Pam Bloxom missed zero meetings, special or regular.

District D Interim Councilman Tommy Davis was present, beginning in October 2020 following the resignation of Keith Beard and before the appointment of Michael Roy.

Mayor Terry Gardner – Salary: $84,000, Benefits (retirement): $24,780, Benefits (Medicare): $1,305, Car Allowance: $6,000, Reimbursements: $2,582, Travel: $1,135.

Total compensation for the mayor was $119,802.

Mayor Gardner was present for all meetings.

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By Tracy Campbell

The Minden Lions Club mourns the loss of one of our long-time members, but we also rejoice because he’s now healed and with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Judge (Ret.) Graydon Kitchens Jr. earned his heavenly reward this afternoon.  He joined the Minden Lions Club on July 1, 1965, making him a member of just shy of 57 years. Judge Kitchens loved his Lord, his family, his church, Minden, LSU Tigers and he considered it a distinct privilege to serve as an attorney and judge. He was a man of integrity and believed in fighting for what’s right – as was evident by the life he led. Rest In Peace, Lion Judge. Thank you for the man you were and the legacy you leave behind.  Please join us in lifting up Mrs. Roberta and the rest of the family in prayer. 

– Love, the Minden Lions

(ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be held Tuesday from 5-7 pm at First Baptist Church Minden. Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday at 10 am at First Baptist Church Minden.)

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By Paige Nash

Webster Parish Tourism is in the initial stages of partnering with “Heroes on the Water.” This non-profit organization is designed to offer recreational wellness experiences to veterans and first responders who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety and depression.  

The primary recreational wellness experience offered by this program is kayak fishing. It has been proven that fishing could offer non-traditional mental health benefits for participants. It can provide cognitive and emotional support, reduce PTSD symptoms, while increasing healing and overall well-being.  

“Heroes on the Water ” began in 2007 and has almost 50 chapters spread across the country. Louisiana currently has three chapters: Southwest, Lafayette, and New Orleans. 

“I am still in the early stages of partnering with this organization, but aside from tourism and on a personal level, my hope is to start our own Minden Chapter,” said Serena Gray, Webster Parish Tourism Director.  

The first step would be to install launches that help to provide anyone with a physical handicap access to the water in a safe manner, and in doing this, provide an opportunity for them to do something fun with their families in the parish.  

“I am currently having conversations with other locals to gain more interest and more importantly their time to commit to starting a local chapter,” said Gray. “While I am not a veteran myself, I have friends and family who have served and I don’t think there is anything I could do to really show my gratitude for their sacrifice and dedication to our country, but I can’t sit and do nothing either, right?” 

The “Heroes on the Water” program has found a simple and proven solution to a very intense and complicated issue that many veterans and first responders deal with. Their solution? Paddle, fish, heal. Webster Parish has many scenic waterways and lakes that would make for a perfect opportunity to do just that.  

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By Josh Beavers

The Webster Parish School Board wishes to congratulate Minden High School teacher John Dillon on being named the 2022 recipient of the Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Distinguished Alumni Award from the Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University.  Dillon received his Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Social Thought at the Louisiana Scholars’ College at NSU in 1997, earned a Master of Arts in Philosophy at Louisiana State University in 1999, and completed his teacher’s certification at LSU in 2002.  He has been an English teacher at Minden High School in Webster Parish since 2006 and founded the school’s Nature Club in 2007.   Dillon is the first teacher to receive the award.

According to the Scholars’ College website, the Jimmy D. Long, Sr, Distinguished Alumni Award was created in 2017 to “recognize alumni…who have exemplified the tradition of service shown by Jimmy D. Long, Sr. and/or distinguished themselves in their career.”  Dr. Becky Wilson, Principal of Minden High School, says of Dillon, “We’re so proud of Mr. Dillon, and we’re so happy the college chose him for this honor.  I know how much it means to him that teachers are recognized for what they do.  We throw a lot of responsibilities to Mr. Dillon, and he loves to be part of the team here at MHS.  He teaches three honors classes plus regular classes, he’s almost always part of the Leadership Team, he serves on our Graduation Committee every year, and he’s in charge of most of our ACT prep programs.”

In addition to his work at Minden High, Dillon is an active birder and field ornithologist.  He is President of the Louisiana Ornithological Society (LOS), the state’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to the study of birds.  Since 2011, he has served on the Louisiana Bird Records Committee as one of nine experts in bird identification who review submitted records of rare bird species in Louisiana.  Additionally, he is a records reviewer for Cornell University’s eBird.org, the largest online database for bird observations.  Dillon’s expertise in birds and bird identification, as well as his expertise in native plants, also keeps him busy as a public speaker at many parish libraries, nature parks, garden clubs, and birding organizations outside LOS, having given “over 20 public lectures in the last 5 or 6 years,” he says.  He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Briarwood Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve in Natchitoches Parish.  

Dillon also has co-written a number of grant applications with Jill Waltemate, Executive Director of Center for Counseling and Psychological Resources in Ruston, for nationally competitive grants focused on mental health and teen substance abuse for Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Morehouse, Sabine, and Union Parishes.  These grants have ranged from sources such as the US Department of Education to the Centers for Disease Control, and many also have come with impressive funding.  One mental health grant for Bossier and Caddo Parishes received total funding of $450,000, and two others for Bienville and Union Parishes were funded for $625,000 each.  This has also led to other work for Dillon, including speaking at a teen “Leadership and Prevention Conference” in Shreveport and leading workshops for teens involved with U-ACT, the Union Parish Alliance for Community Transformation.   

Dr. Curt Phifer, Professor of Biology at the Louisiana Scholars’ College and member of the selection committee for the award, noted that Dillon’s efforts “strongly reflect the dedication and service to Louisiana by Jimmy Long, whom the award honors.”  Dillon was nominated by Professor Emeritus Dr. Fraser Snowden, who taught him Philosophy during his undergraduate years at the Scholars’ College.  When asked about the work for which he is most proud, Dillon says it was publishing a lengthy article about the Minden High School Nature Club in the American Birding Association’s Birding Magazine in 2019.  “It was about how the kids worked with biologists from Audubon Louisiana to find and band Yellow Rails and Black Rails in the salt marshes along the coast in Cameron Parish.  Black Rails are now an endangered bird species, and they’re generally considered to be the most difficult to observe bird species in North America.  The fact that kids from Minden High helped biologists find and study those creatures still amazes me.  This is all about opportunity for these kids.  If you give them the opportunities, they’ll surprise you with what they can do, and I’m incredibly lucky to work with them.” 

Of the award itself, Dillon says, “I don’t want this to be about me.  This award is about service.  And my hope is that people take notice of these pursuits because they’re worthy of service.  People should look at Minden High and see the work that good educators provide there.  I want people to see the conservational stewardship of LOS and the cultural and environmental heritage of Caroline Dormon and Briarwood.  I want people to recognize the need for mental health awareness, especially in our schools.  I don’t do these things for myself.  I’m involved in these things because they’re worthy of good service, and that’s what this award is about.”  Dillon wishes to thank current and former students and others who wrote on his behalf in support of his selection.  He will be presented with the award at the Northwestern State University Homecoming football game later this fall.  

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The Minden Foundation Board of Directors wishes to offer their deepest thanks to their sponsors for the Minden Charity Classic Golf Tournament this year.

“As always our faithful Title Sponsor b1 BANK, and all of our wonderful sponsors enabled us to raise $60,521 at the event this year,” said foundation Chairman Andy Pendergrass. 

B1 BANK, Title Sponsor

Harper Chevy Buick GMC

Kristin & Jeremy Utphall

Foy Chevrolet Buick GMC

Laura & Mike Woodard

John C. Campbell

Debbie Garrison

The Gardner Group

Jack & Peggy Byrd

Benton & Brown, LLC

The West Foundation

Minden Family Dental

Pat Woodard

Hodges Services, LLC

Dr. Richard Campbell & Larry Burrell

Clay & Barry Teague

Chad & Ann Marie Teague

David & Mary Ogwyn

Mason & Jennifer Woodard

Feather Heart Foundation

AJ Price Tire

Alex & Lindsey Collins

Redemption Outdoor Maintenance, LLC

Louisiana Land Bank

Meriwether Wealth & Planning

Dr. John McConnell

Rose Neath Funeral Home

Wimberly Agency, Inc.

Minden Homecare

Waller Petroleum

Minden Medical Center

Madden Contracting Company, LLC

Stan & Lea Ratcliff

Wise, Martin & Cole, LLC

Michael’s Men’s Store

North Louisiana Benefits Group

Dr. Fred Cabaniss

CW&W

FWM Mechanical

Hollingsworth Construction

John Collins

Terry Schlimgen

Mike J’s Lawn Care

Aeropres

Coca Cola Bottling Co. of Minden

James & Ryan Oglee

Mike & Jan Elshout

Tim & Holli Vining

Jason Parker

Home Federal Bank

Southern Pipe

A/C Services

Newt Brown

Holcomb’s Body Shop

Town & Country Health & Rehab

Nick & Cayla Cox

Jonathan & Lauren Smith

Danny Wilson

Judge Jeff & Susan Cox

Timberland Services

Dr. Michael Ulich

Fleming Subway Restaurants

Webster Machine Works

James & Lyda Madden

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana

Advanced EMS

Minden Family Medicine

Marvin & Judy Jones

Dr. Michael & Jill Chanler

Bryce & Catherine Reed

Webster Door & Millwork

Jim Towns

Chatty Bakes

Southern Sugar Mama 

Joan Almond

Dr. Zach Goodman

David Schoonover

Jason & Abby Ogwyn

Parish Design Co.

Jay Kumar

Ace Hardware

Tournament winners include the following:

Championship Flight

First: Lance McGuire/Dalton Gould

Second: Brian Grubbs/Peyton Wells

Third: Joe Ellis Michael/Scott Morgan

Fourth: James Hodges/Gavin Neatherland, Ryan Garcia/Matt Flynn

Presidential Flight

First: Marvin Jones/Mike Harper

Second: Hubert Hippler/Tommy Sumner

Third: Tim Vining/Kit Hardback

Fourth: Ken Rams/Kevin Dutton, Bobby Taylor/Mike McNabb, John McConnell/John Earnhardt, Chad Teague/Jack Teague

First Flight

First: Mike Woodard/Luke Guin

Second: Marshall Harper/Adam Founds

Third: Richard Randle/Casey Corley

Fourth: Gene Corley/Barry Hammons

Second Flight

First: Tyler Adams/Patrick Harbor

Second: Mike Jewell/Murrell Procell

Third: Guy Mandino/Tyler Mandino

Fourth: Caleb Hayden/Justin Wilkins

Third Flight

First: Stan Ratcliff/Michael Ratcliff

Second: Taylor Campbell/Jesse Waller

Third: Rob Valentine/David Valentine

Fourth: Ryan Oglee/James Oglee, Terry Schlimgen/Jerry Bradford

Fourth Flight

First: Dakota Haynes/ Derek Cupples

Second: Randy Stevenson/Matt Alexander

Third: Donnie Irby/Danny Clanton

Fourth: Zach Goodman/Jordan Cupples

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United Christian Assistance Program needs the following items this week:

Food: Ramen noodles, powdered milk, cereal, crackers

Household goods: king & queen sheets, towels, cookware

Clothing: men’s medium and large short sleeve shirts, men’s shoes sizes 9 1/2 -10

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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By Chris Singleton

Whenever a big play was needed, Vandebilt Catholic pitcher Owen Schexnaydre and North DeSoto third baseman Mia Norwood provided it for their teams during championship runs in the 2022 season.

Both Schexnaydre and Norwood highlighted the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 4A All-State baseball and softball teams.

Schexnaydre, a LSU-Eunice commitment, helped Vandebilt win its first LHSAA state championship since 1971. The senior pitcher had a 11-3 record, allowed 46 hits, 28 runs, 14 earned runs and 24 walks. He finished with 115 strikeouts and 1.176 ERA. As a batter, he had 29 hits, 23 RBIs, 11 runs, .290 batting average. He hit 4-for-4 with three RBIs during a 12-2 win over University Lab in Division II state championship game, which he was named outstanding player.

Norwood helped lead North DeSoto to its second straight Class 4A softball title. The sophomore had a .517 batting average with 21 home runs, 62 RBIs and 59 runs. She hit .727 during the playoffs, and she was District 1-4A MVP.

Coaches of the Year winners were Mike Barba of South Terrebonne in baseball and Kayla Shirley of Franklin Parish in softball.

Barba led South Terrebonne to its first LHSAA baseball championship in school history, defeating state defending champion North Vermilion 7-6 in the Class 4A final. As a No. 15 seed, South Terrebonne beat No. 2 Neville, No. 7 South Lafourche on the road along with No. 6 Lakeshore and No. 1 North Vermilion at the LHSAA tournament. The Gators played their entire season on the road after their school campus and baseball field in Bourg was damaged due to Hurricane Ida. They finished the season with a 21-15 record.

Shirley guided Franklin Parish to a 20-11 record and a trip to the Class 4A state finals, where it lost 11-1 to North DeSoto. Franklin Parish made the finals as a No. 10 seed.

2022 LSWA CLASS 4A ALL-STATE CHARTS

BASEBALL

Pos Player School Cl stats

P Haydan Toal Tioga Sr. 9-3

P Owen Schexnaydre Vandebilt Catholic Sr. 11-3

P Josh Pierce South Lafourche Sr. 9-2

P Aiden Leonard North Vermilion Jr. 9-0

C Robert Ashley North DeSoto Jr. .500

IF Shea Pitre South Terrebonne Sr. .402

IF Tyson Leblanc North Vermilion Jr. .468

IF Dalton Hill Northwood Sr. .454

IF Daniel Breard Neville Sr. .361

OF Zeb Ruddell Neville Sr. .434
OF Jonah Callais South Lafourche Sr. .398
OF Dorien Jackson Breaux Bridge Sr. .436

UT Tucker McCabe Northwood So. .492

UT Jackson Martin South Terrebonne Jr. .317

UT Eli David Vandebilt Catholic Sr. .398

UT Dominick Letort Lakeshore Jr. .415

UT Kameron Mangum North DeSoto Jr. 10-0

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: OWEN SCHEXNAYDRE, VANDEBILT CATHOLIC

COACH OF THE YEAR: MIKE BARBA, SOUTH TERREBONNE

Honorable mention

Layne Lacaze, DeRidder; Cole Simoneaux, Assumption; Alex Brannan, DeRidder; Andrew Simon, Cecilia; Reid Godchaux, Teurlings Catholic; Morgan Sauber, Lakeshore; Eli Benoit, St. Thomas More; Gavem Jones, Tioga; Andrew Cooper, Minden; Duece Cheramie, South Lafourche; Andon Dupre, Assumption; Lake Grant, Neville; Kaden Sanders, Tioga; Tanner Hornback, St. Thomas More; Josh Bardwell, Tioga; Jakobe Jackson, Minden; Kody Jackson, Evangel; Dominic Archilia, Vandebilt Catholic; Reece Turner, Assumption; Jack Stefanski, St. Thomas More; Ryan Gardner, Northwood; Colbi Dennis, Plaquemine; Sage Rivere, Assumption; Chrisian Arceneaux, South Terrebonne; Cale Comeaux, Teurlings Catholic; Eli Lirette, Lakeshore; Wes Allemand, South Lafourche; Robbie Harrison, St. Michael.

SOFTBALL

Pos Player School Cl stats

P Ava Prejean St. Thomas More Jr. 12-4

P Kairah Williams Tioga Sr. 13-6

P Laney Johnson North DeSoto So. 23-4

P Kalyn Dehart Vandebilt Catholic Sr. 18-4

C Peyton Miller North DeSoto Fr. .453

IF Gabby Mitchell Eunice Jr. .535

IF Ellie Loftin Neville Sr. .433

IF Mia Norwood North DeSoto So. .517

IF Corin Talbot Vandebilt Catholic So. .423

OF Ari Townsend St. Thomas More Jr. .481
OF Khynzi Jackson Tioga Sr. .464
OF Lillie Mazur Vandebilt Catholic Sr. .443

UT Aly Delafield North DeSoto Jr. .514

UT Kaitlyn Worsham Neville Jr. .527

UT Emerson Blanchard Pearl River Fr. .543

UT Gracie Toledano Academy of Our Lady .479

UT Sage Champagne Cecilia Sr. .485

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: MIA NORWOOD, NORTH DESOTO

COACH OF THE YEAR: KAYLA SHIRLEY, FRANKLIN PARISH

Honorable mention

Caroline Vienne, Eunice; Lexi Gautreaux, Beau Chene; Addie Bagwell, Neville; Emerson Blanchard, Pearl River; Ca’Terra Bates, Academy of Our Lady; Gabbie Stutes, St. Thomas More; Jailah Rideau, Beau Chene; Cloe Bonvillain, Beau Chene; Zoe Roland, Tioga; Regan Henderson, North DeSoto; Frances Boudreaux, Vandebilt Catholic; Anna Brunet, South Terrebonne; Hannah Woodlawn, Northwood; Ella Mabile, Assumption; Vyctorhea Romero, Teurlings Catholic; Kirsten Lalonde, Beau Chene; Cara Rankin, Lakeshore; Olivia Rhodes, South Terrebonne; Abbi Troquille, Tioga; Allison Turner, St. Michael; Gabbi Olauge, Evangel; Danielle Robinson, Huntington; Jacey Adams, Minden; Madison Gray, Morgan City.

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