By Bonnie Culverhouse

A recent Facebook post by the family of 17-year-old Ariel Cage says the Minden High School cheerleader is awake and talking to family after being shot in the back at an un-permitted event in Cotton Valley Saturday night.

“Ariel is talking,” the post reads. “She wants everyone to know she is alive and grateful. A collapsed lung and 3 broken ribs from bullets.”

The post goes on to say Cage is in ICU, and the two young men that rushed her to the hospital likely saved her life. Its also says if the bullet had been 3 centimeters to the right, the outcome may have been tragically different.

“You are our angels,” the post continues. “Please stop this gun violence.”

ORIGINAL STORY

A 17-year-old Minden High School female student was shot in the back and is in critical condition at Ochsner LSU in Shreveport following a Saturday night shooting that occurred during an un-permitted trail ride in Cotton Valley. Two others were injured.

“We got the call around 9:30 last night,” Sheriff Jason Parker said Sunday morning. “It’s property at the dead end of Crow Street, where a portion of the property is in the city limits and a portion in the parish.”

According to public record, one acre of property inside the Cotton Valley town limits is owned by Yolanda Shaw Palmer, whereas the 79 acre-pasture outside the city is owned by Palmer, Reginald Shaw and the late Jarvis Shaw.

Parker went on to say, permits for the one acre are normally applied for by Reginald Shaw’s brother George Shaw, however, no permits – town or parish – were on record as having been assigned for Saturday’s event, something that is required by law in both places if the attendee number reaches a certain number.

“They’ve been skating around this by saying these trail rides are at the front part of the property, which is in the city limits,” Parker said. “But the rest of the pasture area is in the parish. I’ve been telling them that if the number gets to 200-250 and it extends into the pasture, they have to get a parish permit.”

Parker said he believes the organizers knew they needed a permit.

“They certainly did not contact me,” Parker said. “Even the police jury had no idea.”

Parker said the altercation began between two females and escalated into gunfire from multiple shooters.

“We’ve got 9mm rounds, 40 caliber rounds, 223 rounds – which is an assault-type weapon,” he said. “We’ve got one in critical condition – a Minden High School student – shot in the back and transported to LSU. Two other persons were seriously injured, but they are stable.”

He is unsure how many vehicles or attendees were at this event, however, he said the entrance road was almost completely blocked, making it difficult for emergency vehicles, including the ambulance to access the event. Two attendees took the gunshot victim to the hospital.

“That’s why there’s an ordinance,” Parker continued. “So emergency vehicles can get there. They just don’t care. These people just see $15 a head. It’s a money-making deal for them.”

Parker went on to say that until property owners and trail ride organizers are held responsible, “this sort of thing will continue.”

No citations have been issued, but the investigation is ongoing.

“We will do everything we can to hold the organizers and property owners accountable,” said the sheriff. “And since there were no permits, these people are certainly wide open for civil liability.”

Watch for more updates in Webster Parish Journal.

 

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A 17-year-old Minden High School female student was shot in the back and is in critical condition at Ochsner LSU in Shreveport following a Saturday night shooting that occurred during an un-permitted trail ride in Cotton Valley. Two others were injured.

“We got the call around 9:30 last night,” Sheriff Jason Parker said Sunday morning. “It’s property at the dead end of Crow Street, where a portion of the property is in the city limits and a portion in the parish.”

According to public record, one acre of property inside the Cotton Valley town limits is owned by Yolanda Shaw Palmer, whereas the 79 acre-pasture outside the city is owned by Palmer, Reginald Shaw and the late Jarvis Shaw.

Parker went on to say, permits for the one acre are normally applied for by Reginald Shaw’s brother George Shaw, however, no permits – town or parish – were on record as having been assigned for Saturday’s event, something that is required by law in both places if the attendee number reaches a certain number.

“They’ve been skating around this by saying these trail rides are at the front part of the property, which is in the city limits,” Parker said. “But the rest of the pasture area is in the parish. I’ve been telling them that if the number gets to 200-250 and it extends into the pasture, they have to get a parish permit.”

Parker said no city permit (or parish) was obtained by the property owners nor the organizers of the event.

“They certainly did not contact me,” Parker said. “Even the police jury had no idea.”

Parker said the altercation began between two females and escalated into gunfire from multiple shooters.

“We’ve got 9mm rounds, 40 caliber rounds, 223 rounds – which is an assault-type weapon,” he said. “We’ve got one in critical condition – a Minden High School student – shot in the back and transported to LSU. Two other persons were seriously injured, but they are stable.”

He is unsure how many vehicles or attendees were at this event, however, he said the entrance road was almost completely blocked, making it difficult for emergency vehicles, including the ambulance to access the event.

“That’s why there’s an ordinance,” Parker continued. “So emergency vehicles can get there. They just don’t care. These people just see $15 a head. It’s a money-making deal for them.”

Parker went on to say that until property owners and trail ride organizers are held responsible, “this sort of thing will continue.”

No citations have been issued, but the investigation is ongoing.

“We will do everything we can to hold the organizers and property owners accountable,” said the sheriff. “And since there were no permits, these people are certainly wide open for civil liability.”

Watch for an update in Webster Parish Journal.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

After Gov. John Bel Edwards signed into law a bill to raise the age of juveniles to 17, City Judge Sherb Sentell’s courtroom suddenly became more crowded. Unfortunately, cells for those juveniles awaiting adjudication did not expand to meet that need.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper confirmed there are only two beds available at Ware Youth Center in Coushatta for Webster Parish juveniles, and both of those beds are occupied by juveniles that have committed serious felonies.

“Re-releasing these juveniles back to their parents is what we’ve been doing,” Cropper said. “We had several juveniles that tried to break in to a local pawn shop a while back. We arrested them and sent them straight back to the house because we have no place to put them.

“Unless they commit a violent crime, it’s hard to get them a bed anywhere,” he added.

Cropper said he is of the opinion the state made a mistake by raising the age to 17.

“We have a backlog, and that’s why,” he said. “You get 16- or 17-year-old kids who are staying home and having riots on their streets.”

Cropper said it is his hope legislators will take a second look at the law.

“I hope they realize how much of a backlog they’ve caused by raising the age,” he said.

The Office of Juvenile Justice is trying to help local entities deal with the problem.

William A. (Bill) Sommers, OJJ deputy secretary, talked with representatives from Webster and Bossier parishes recently on ways his office is working to stop juvenile crime before it happens.

Sommers said he has issues with the “Raise the Age” law that places 17-year-olds in youth lockup.

“Long term, we’re going to need to get a handle on it because we are seeing more and more that are coming into the system,” he said.

In Webster Parish, there are 31 juveniles on probation, 2 in secure custody (Ware) and 1 in residential (jail).

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said juveniles awaiting adjudication aren’t held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center, nor are they placed in the Webster Parish Courthouse with female offenders.

“Once the juveniles are adjudicated, what happens next falls to the Department of Corrections,” Parker said. 

They would then go to a state facility.

“There were a lot of 17-year-olds prior to that law that were being arrested and treated as an adult,” he said. “Now those 17-year-olds are going through the juvenile process, and it’s a whole lot more difficult, not only on the law enforcement side.

“Our hands are tied on where to put them … where to house them,” said the sheriff. “If it’s not a major felony offense, we arrest them, write them a summons and release them to their parents.”

Springhill City Judge Stuart McMahen recently dealt with a group of juveniles from the northern part of the parish who were fighting and had firearms.

“We had to let them go,” Parker said. “Judge McMahen is facing this, too.”

To even hold them is difficult and, like the chief, the sheriff would like to see the law revisited. He said he knows the number of juveniles his deputies have arrested since the law went into effect has grown.

“They have to be out of sight, away from sound (during incarceration),” Parker said. “That law has made it a lot more difficult to deal with the juveniles.”

A compromise would even be welcome.

“If we could come up with something where we could hold them 24 hours or 72 hours, that would help,” he said. “We would have to come up with a secure place at BDCC, though, to hold them.”

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By Paige Nash

There are a lot of new and exciting things upcoming on the tourism front here in Minden.  

Sara McDaniel serves as a Webster Parish tourism commissioner and is also owner of Simply Southern Cottage and the Cottage on Fort, which she rents out as an Airbnb.  

Airbnb is an online marketplace that allows people who would like to rent out their houses, apartments, cabins, or spare rooms to connect with others that are looking for lodging in specific locations. McDaniel is known as a “superhost” on Airbnb, which means she is the best of the best as far as hospitality goes. Superhosts are top-rated and hold the most experience on the platform.  

Directly after the HGTV Hometown Kickstart aired, she received notice from Airbnb that searches for lodging in our area have increased by 50 percent since this time last year. 

“Well, that is now up to 69 percent,” McDaniel said.

Exciting news for the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission, who is also currently working toward establishing a KTBS TowerCam in downtown Minden. The city would be joining a network of cameras which offer a real-time view and live feed on their website. The network already includes a portion of I-49, downtown Texarkana, Summerhill Road in Texarkana, a view in McCurtain County and one in Logansport.  

“We are working on establishing some partnerships with other stakeholders in the community to literally put a spotlight on Minden and this would give us additional advertising with KTBS.com, KTBS television and news,” said Serena Gray, Executive Director of WPCVC.  

Miller Quarters will be hosting the annual Scottish Tartan Festival next year. This year was the last time the Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands was able to hold their event at their usual location at the Scotland Farms in Minden. The organization was looking at possibly having to move the event out of the parish, so keeping them here is a win for the tourism board.  

Miller Quarters will also be undergoing multiple phases of construction soon. It is not set in stone yet, what the phases will include, but a grand amphitheater, seating, a parking lot, bathrooms, a dog park and more are up for discussion. 

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By Tina Montgomery

Mayor Donna Hoffoss will be elected automatically as Mayor of Dixie Inn since Kay Hallmark-Stratton withdrew her name from the race.

Hoffoss has served on the Village of Dixie Inn council as alderwoman off and on for several years and as Mayor Pro Tem in 1998. She was appointed mayor from May 2022 to present.

As Mayor, Hoffoss says she wants to make the Village of Dixie Inn more accessible to people and bring in more business. 

“I really want us [the council] to promote the bayou area, perhaps working with the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau,” she said.

In addition to moving forward with projects funded during the previous Mayor’s term, Hoffoss says she wants to work with Police Chief James Edwards to reinstate the Reserve Officer program. 

“In today’s climate with the police, it’s really good if someone is with the officers on patrol,” she said.

Mayor Donna Hoffoss says she’s a woman of few words, but she is looking forward to working with the council aldermen and continuing to serve the residents of Dixie Inn.

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Well, Minden finally has a mayor until Minden can elect a mayor. All it took was one person to make a decision after five couldn’t make up a collective mind on who should lead the city administration following the untimely death of Mayor Terry Gardner.

We did manage to have a pro tem, though, but that title didn’t last long enough to drive an ant’s motorcycle one lap around Main St. Despite urgings, pro tem Wayne Edwards decided the city’s in-the-red budget needed more council attention than an administrator. Guess what. There’s still no budget resolution. 

Gov. John Bel named former mayor Tommy Davis to chair fill until the people can speak later in the Fall and determine who will try to put things together. Word from down south is the Guv took names and decided a person already familiar with the intricacies of running a city would be best. And, we hear, Guv hoped to take politics out of the mix, if possible. 

Mr. Davis served an unexpired term and was then elected to a full term, opting not to seek reelection. While in office, Davis was known for running smooth meetings and keeping an eye on business. Hopefully, he can bring some harmony to a group that’s known more for its inharmonious moments, and convince them to get something done. Heck. We might even get a unanimous vote on approving minutes of a previous meeting.

Meanwhile, the battle lines have been drawn across the city and there should be some entertainment from now until lever pulling time. At the top of the ballot, three individuals will ask for four years to try to get the city’s ship on course. That, in our humble opinion, is gonna require quite a helmsman.

One mayoral candidate, Nick Cox, has been in the race for months. Two others waited in the wings and pulled the trigger on the final day of filing. 

First, Billy “Bill” R. Mills filed his intentions around mid-afternoon on the last day. His, however, was not the most dramatic. Less than five minutes before the clock struck closing time, Dist. B councilperson Terika Williams-Walker strolled into the room, with photographer in tow, to record the momentous occasion.

We’re not sure, but apparently CNN wasn’t available. Friends tell us the only thing missing from that flair was a blast of Trumpet Involuntary and children tossing rose petals. This, friends, is only the beginning of the big show.

There’s plenty of competition to go around, but we find some of the district races really worth watching. In Dist. A, for example, incumbent Edwards may find himself up to his eyeballs from a pair of challengers. Darrell Morris and Carlton “Buddy” Myles are in the race and word on the streets is some pretty strong support is pulling the ol’ switcheroo over in A. The strings are becoming entangled.

And in Dist. C, current seatholder Vincen “Cheese” Bradford is staring through the peephole at three who would seek to change his nameplate. Again, from friends who keep ears to the ground and fingers testing the winds, we hear Mr. Bradford might be changing his nickname to “Swiss Cheese.” Javelin Hardy, Maretta Gage and Latasha Anderson Mitchell reportedly are already poking holes in past performances. 

Now there’s the Dist. B seat that Williams-Walker is leaving to seek a larger chair. Some are saying the real question is whether or not her coattails are strong enough to pull the chosen successor along, relatively speaking. There’s a white Republican, Joey Frye, challenging Damien Kemp (No Party) and Democrat Levon “Charlie” Thomas for that post. There’s very little wiggle room in this district.  

Next, we’ll gaze into the remaining council districts, plus other races that just might be revealing. 

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By Paige Nash

I know so many of you can relate to this parenting portion of my life, and that is the only reason I feel comfortable sharing some of the things that I do with you. The good, bad, ugly, embarrassing, hilarious, beautiful and shameful moments. I like to think of them as a collection of snapshots we take to remember this journey called parenthood. 

I have had my fair share of these stills over the last almost 9 years, some that I wish I could put away in a scrapbook and never look back at again. Once we get to know each other a little better I may share more about the bad, ugly and embarrassing images, but for now I will stick with the luckily more frequent, hilarious and today perhaps a bit more shameful of the stockpile.  

I am going to preface this by saying that usually I like to turn the crazy things my kids say into life lessons for them, but almost just as often I find that they are life lessons for me. This was one of them.  

My sweet, innocent and hilarious (even though she doesn’t try to be) 4-year-old, Ashton, utterly despises it when I do her hair. Most of the time she puts up such a fight, I just brush it and send her on her way. The other morning, we were getting ready to go have breakfast with a friend. Her hair was a mess from falling asleep with it still wet from bath time the night before, so I talked her into letting me braid it for her.  

Now I am a little out of practice, due to my oldest being old enough to do her own hair and my youngest not having enough hair yet to do anything with. It was a struggle from start to finish. Between brushing out the tangles and her fighting me every step of the way, I finally start the braid, which I have to redo about 5 times.  

In the middle of my third attempt, she says, “I am going to need a drink after this.” 

I absolutely have no idea how to handle this situation, I am laughing on the inside (a little shamefully.) I am standing there staring in disbelief on the outside, with my mouth wide open. I asked her to repeat herself, just to double check I heard her right and give myself a little extra time to compose my thoughts.

She verifies that I indeed heard her correctly and I ask, “A drink of what exactly?” She says, “I don’t know, maybe orange juice.” At this point I am giggling and just tell her after I finish, I will make her a glass of much deserved orange juice and that I may need one, too. 

So, the lesson this week is quite simple: Watch what you say in front of your kids. They are most definitely listening, even when you think they’re not. 

 That’s it. That’s the lesson. I am going to leave it there for today.

(Paige Nash is a wife, mother and journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)

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By Tina Montgomery

The race for Mayor of Dixie Inn is now down to only one candidate, resulting in Donna Hoffoss, who is serving in that capacity now, gaining the title of Mayor in January without actually having to run for the post.

Former Mayor Kay Hallmark-Stratton qualified for election on Friday, July 22 uncertain whether Hoffoss would file or not. 

“About noon on Friday, no one had filed for the position of Mayor of Dixie Inn. I went and filed for the position, not knowing if Mrs. Hoffoss, Dixie Inn interim Mayor, would file or not,” Hallmark-Stratton said in a statement sent to this journalist.

Hallmark-Stratton said she had talked to Hoffoss earlier last week and was told “she planned to file.” When no one had qualified by noon, Hallmark-Stratton filed for the position. She was in Shreveport when she found out Hoffoss was the only other candidate to file, but she did not have enough time to return to the Clerk of Courts to withdraw her name.

“I mailed the withdrawal letter on Monday [July 26]. Mrs. Hoffoss has done a great job as interim Mayor and will serve Dixie Inn well as Mayor” she added.

Hallmark-Stratton resigned from the Mayor’s position in May 2022 after having served since 2016. Her reason for resignation was that she was ready to enjoy retirement and pursue personal interests.

Starting from the time she was elected Hallmark-Stratton said she learned all she could about the position and the day to day workings of the office. She received guidance from the other Village officials and worked to bring theVillage business office up to date. She and Mike Chreene, Utility Director, and Police Chief James Edwards made the ability to accept payments for utility bills and traffic fines by debit and credit card possible by learning how to utilize the credit card machine which had sat idle for several months. 

“Mrs. Dana James joined Dixie Inn as Clerk in late January 2017, and we learned so much together,” she said. “I felt the people of Dixie Inn deserved the city hall to be open each day of the week from 8 AM-5 PM, except holidays and weekends, and be able to do business with the Village in 21st century fashion. Computers were upgraded and business was conducted in a business manner, which I am proud of.”

During her 5½ years in office, the former Mayor accomplished many needed projects, including a new water treatment plant with a new generator, a workshop and storage shed for Village equipment as well as a place for the workers to work on the equipment, new electronic-read water meters, a pavilion for the Children’s Park, and other small improvements. 

There are several projects which the Village has received funding for prior to her resignation that Dixie Inn will benefit from in the future. Among those projects are a new elevated storage tank at the wastewater treatment facility, a new wastewater treatment facility addition, a bathroom facility at the Children’s Park, and a generator for the City Hall and Police Department. 

Hoffoss along with Aldermen Judy McKenzie and Lance Milligan (all of whom were on the council during Hallmark-Stratton’s term) will carry these projects through with the help of Mike Chreene, Utility Director, and the new alderman to be elected in November. 

Lastly, Hallmark-Stratton received information from Leslie Durham (Delta Regional Authority) that funding for high speed internet service in Webster Parish has been announced. 

“It looks like Dixie Inn residents can look forward to reliable internet service in the near future. The council and I worked on this project for quite some time and I know they are excited also,” she said.

Hallmark-Stratton ended her statement saying, “Now I can continue with my retirement, as planned in May when I resigned the office. I wish all of them the best.”

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TO THE CITIZENS OF MINDEN: 

My name is Javelin Hardy and I’m running for District C Councilwoman for the  City of Minden.
For the past thirty-two years I’ve worked in the field as a Social  Worker. I’ve worked in all systems of criminal justice, court, parole/probation,  hospitals, and college education.
During the pandemic we were all able to see  what resources are needed in the community so we can continue to heal from  tragic loss. With my experience and expertise, I will be able to apply for grants for  our community and to help the City of Minden as well as updating and creating new policies  and procedures to create a prosperous and safe community.  
My campaign platform will focus on creating resources for the community to help  with houselessness, job insecurity, food insecurity and recovery support. I will also  support the city finding affordable solar energy to eliminate these expensive  electricity bills.
Your support and prayers are greatly appreciated. I look forward  to working for the community of District C and the City of Minden. I solicit your  support and prayers.
If you wish to volunteer or support me in any way, please  email me at hajavelin@gmail.com.

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Dear Editor, 

Since early adulthood, I have suffered from Grave’s disease, a common autoimmune disorder that causes the overproduction of hormones in the thyroid gland.  My doctor’s only choice was to remove my thyroid entirely.

The current treatment options for Grave’s disease are limited, but thankfully research and development into new cures continues daily. I fear, though, that any push to enable government price-setting of prescription medications could dissuade the pharmaceutical industry from investing in new hormone-related treatments.

Currently in the Senate, legislators are pushing through a reconciliation package that will install price controls that will set a maximum rate that the government will pay for Medicare Part D drugs – effectively eliminating countless drugs as treatment options for patients. On its face, a measure like this sounds like a quick fix, but it will likely hurt patients in the long term. By capping the prices of certain drugs and decreasing the returns investors can expect on successful drug launches, they limit research in innovation and deprive people of access to future medicines in the long term. 

Price-setting measures are not fair to patients like me, and they do not offer us anything beyond closing the door on a potential new cure or treatment. Medical innovation could forever change if the government implements price controls.

I hope for the sake of the millions of patients suffering from Grave’s disease and other incurable conditions, Congress will make the right choice and strike down these price-setting measures.

I urge our Louisiana Congressional Delegation to stick up for patients and vote NO on price controls.

Sincerely,

Lisa Gould

Dubberly, Louisiana

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REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 

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After much thought and prayer, I am announcing my candidacy for re-election to the Minden City Council District D.  I have served District D for the last year and I also served a 4 year term in 1999. There are several items I would like to address over the next 4 years. A few of those items would be to continue the rehabilitation of the animal shelter; prepare for a new electric contract; continue the development of a solar plant and to enhance our economic development efforts to bring more business to the city. I believe together these things can be accomplished to benefit the entire city. I humbly ask for your support on November 8, 2022 to help move MINDEN forward. 

Yard signs are available so call, text or message me and I will be glad to drop off a sign!!

Michael Roy

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A Minden pair was arrested Sunday for aggravated assault with a firearm.

Domonic Markell Rasco, 24, of the 1300 block of Young St. and Keatavia Deaquanise Morris, 21, of the 1300 block of East St. were taken into custody around mid-afternoon.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Officers Kayla Little and Logan Clingan were dispatched to a Leary Street address in reference to a possible assault with a firearm.

“Upon Off. Little’s arrival, the suspect, identified as Rasco, was gone,” Cropper said. “The officer was approached by a female complainant who reported Rasco was texting threatening messages and videos on Snapchat. Then he was yelling and threatening her again through the window of his car.”

She told officers Rasco presented a black firearm through the car window as he made alleged threats to her life.

“The victim said Rasco was driving a green Camaro and was headed toward the ‘projects,’” said the chief. “Lt. (Chris) Hammontree, K9 officer Tigo and Off. Clingan located the Camaro in the driveway of the East Street residence. There were no occupants.”

Morris reportedly exited the residence and told officers Rasco was not there. While talking with Morris, Rasco reportedly attempted to leave the residence through a back door, where he was stopped by Lt. Hammontree and K9 officer Tigo.

“Rasco was arrested then,” Cropper said. “He was mirandized and told officers he owns a 9MM handgun matching the description given by the complainant. He admitted it was inside the residence in a dresser drawer.”

The chief said Morris refused to give them permission to search the home. A search warrant was obtained and executed, however, no firearm was found in the house.

“Off. Little spoke with Morris,” Cropper said. “It was later determined Morris knew Rasco was involved in a shooting earlier that day.”

Accessory after the fact was added to Morris’ charges.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named 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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Immediate Past Lion President Tracy Campbell (pictured at left) presents Immediate Past Lion District Governor Jerry Madden with a plaque commemorating his year of service to District 8L.

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If qualified and interested, please apply online at www.emerson.com 

Benefits 

We offer medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more. We also provide you flexible time-off plans, including parental leave, vacation, and holiday leave.  

 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.  

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July 28

10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Brown Upper Elementary Back to School Registration Event.

4:30 until 7:30 p.m. Teen Game Night at Minden branch of Webster Parish Library. Board games, video games, pizza and drinks. Call Aubrie at 3188-371-3080, ext. 135 to register or for details.

July 29

3:30 p.m. Steve’s Snaketuary at Heflin Branch of Webster Parish Library. Registration required.

July 30

4 until 7 p.m. Pack the Bus, parking lot of Walmart, Springhill, La.

4 until 7 p.m. Pack the Bus, parking lot of Walmart, Minden, La.

July 31

8 until 11 a.m. Pack the Bus, parking lot of Walmart, Springhill, La.

8 until 11 a.m. p.m. Pack the Bus, parking lot of Walmart, Minden, La.

1:30 until 3 p.m. Minden High School back-to-school registration day. Minden High School gym.

2 until 5 p.m. Webster Parish School Board’s Drive-Thru Back-to-School-Bash. Harper Pathway to Excellence, 618 Germantown Rd., Minden. Grades PK-12 will be provided a portion of their school supply list.

6:30 until 7:30 p.m. Webster Junior High School Social Sunday. Registration, tours, family activities, food, music and prizes.

August 1

Noon until 2 p.m. Yoga Workshop for teens and adults with Javelin Hardy. Minden library. No experience required. Please bring a yoga mat and towel. Contact Aubrie at 318-371-3080 ext. 135.

6 p.m. Glenbrook Elementary Football Practice. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday until school starts. Grades 3-6. Contact coaches if a second grader is interested. Shorts and T-shirt fine for first couple of practices.

August 4

Webster Parish Schools Preschool/PreK and Kindergarten Registration Day.

August 5

Webster Parish Schools Preschool/PreK teachers will contact families to share Orientation Day/Parent Meeting Information.

August 5 and 6

8 a.m. each day. Minden Evening Lions will hold a rummage sale. To donate, call Sherrie McMurray at 318-294-6346.

8 p.m. nightly. Pete Colvin Memorial Rodeo presented by Car-Giant of Minden. Jack Batton Arena, Minden, La.

August 5-10

9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Webster Parish Schools Kindergarten Orientation Days. Parents must transport students to school.

August 6

9 a.m. Community prayer at the Park (Babb Park), featuring Jimbo Yocom, Rev. Linda Baker, State Trooper Jeffrey Walker. Prayers for our children, parents, teachers, staff, leaders, first responders and community as a whole. For more information, contact Michael Walker at 318-210-1799 or Chequella Walker at 318-707-3532. Refreshments donated by Jazzy Crafts.

August 8

Noon until 2 p.m. Yoga Workshop for teens and adults with Javelin Hardy. Minden library. No experience required. Please bring a yoga mat and towel. Contact Aubrie at 318-371-3080 ext. 135.

5 until 7 p.m. Chicken Spaghetti fundraiser benefitting Kristen & Bubba Fish and baby Bryer. $10 includes green beans, roll and dessert. Pickup only. Sarepta Community Building. Sponsored by Women Helping Others of North Webster. Tickets must be purchased in advance from any W.H.O. member.

August 8-11

9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Webster Parish Schools Preschool/PreK Orientation Days. Parents must transport students to school.

August 9

6:30 p.m. New Student Orientation at Glenbrook Multipurpose Building.

August 10

6:30 p.m. Grades 7-12,”Hot Dog We’re Back at School,” schedules to be distributed at this meeting. Glenbrook Multipurpose Building.

August 11

9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Webster Parish Schools’ Boys’ Day. Parents must transport students to school. Parent meeting at 1:30 p.m.

August 12

9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Boys’ Day Webster Parish Schools Preschool/PreK program.

9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Webster Parish Schools’ Girls’ Day. Parents must transport students to school. Parent meeting at 1:30 p.m.

August 15

9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Girls’Day Webster Parish Schools Preschool/PreK program.

First full day for all Kindergarten students in Webster Parish Schools.

August 15-17

3-4:30 p.m. Mini cheer camp sponsored by Glenbrook Booster Fan Club. Registration form must be returned by August 12. Performance will be August 18 during Back to School Night.

August 16

First full day for all Preschool/PreK students in Webster Parish Schools’ program.

August 18

10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Children’s Book Club for ages 4-7. Springhill Branch of Webster Parish Libraries.

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.

Sept. 12

6 p.m. Tie One On Museum Gala Fundraiser 2022 for Dorcheat Historical Museum.

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Sue Harper

Dec. 26,1937 – July 26, 2022

Graveside service: 10 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2022 at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden, La.

 

Lee Roy Mixon Jr.

Graveside service: 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Brushwood Cemetery, Dubberly.

 

Syble Overstreet Wise

March 22, 1938 – July 20, 2022

Graveside service: 10 a.m. Monday, August 1, 2022 at Old Shongaloo Cemetery, Shongaloo, La.

Burial will follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

 

Webster Parish Journal publishes 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 Brad Dison

A New York television show was due to begin broadcasting in two weeks.  In the 1950s, television was broadcast live before a studio audience.  There was no editing.  The production had one serious problem; they were having trouble casting an actress to play the lead character’s wife.  They had considered numerous actresses but could not find one who fit the role.  The lead character had the final say in who played his wife.  Actresses were either too tall, too short, too big, too small, too loud, or too quiet.    

Audrey Cotter was performing in the Broadway production of Top Banana and had appeared on several television shows including The Amazing Mr. Malone (1951), The Bob & Ray Show (1951-1952), and Lux Video Theatre (1952).  She agreed to help the production find the right actress.  She suggested just about every actress she knew, but the leading man always had a reason why none of them would fit the part.  Finally, Ms. Cotter said she knew the perfect actress for the part, herself. 

Ms. Cotter, an experienced professional actress was immaculately dressed in the current style, her makeup and hair were flawless, her movements were graceful – the leading man knew she was all wrong for the part.  He quickly pointed out that the character was supposed to be a blue-collar housewife who, along with her husband, portrayed their daily struggle for survival in New York City.  He explained that she was “all wrong.”  She was too young, too pretty, and, above all, too glamours for the part.  No one would believe she could be married to him.  Ms. Cotter left the meeting feeling rejected, although being rejected for being too young, too pretty, and too glamorous must have softened the blow somewhat. 

Ms. Cotter was not too serious about getting the part until she was turned down.  She became a determined woman.  On the walk back to her apartment, she told her agent to return to her apartment the following morning with a photographer.  Ms. Cotter stayed in bed until the agent and photographer rang her bell.  She let the men into her apartment.  Her hair was mussed up, she wore no makeup, she wore a blouse—she had torn one of the sleeves for the occasion—and donned an apron.  She walked into her cluttered kitchen and the photographer took several pictures.  They developed the photographs and sent them back to the casting person with no name attached.    

The lead man looked at the pictures.  Her shoulders were slumped, one hand rested on the countertop as if to keep her from collapsing from utter exhaustion.  Rather than a smile, Ms. Cotter’s expression was one of disdain as if she were about to ask, “What can happen next?”  The lead man said in rapid succession, “Oh, My God. That’s [her]. Who is she?  Where is she? Can we get her?” 

Ms. Cotter got the part.  The lead man was unaware until sometime later that he had already rejected her for the part.  Although the television sitcom lasted just a single year, Ms. Cotter’s character became one of the most beloved in television history, Alice Kramden. 

Few people know the actress as Audrey Cotter.  The world knows Alice Kramden by her stage name, Audrey Meadows.  The man who rejected her for the part played her husband in the show.  His name was Jackie Gleason.  She, along with her husband, Ralph, and upstairs neighbors Ed and Trixie Norton, were… The Honeymooners.  

Source: “Honeymooners Stars Audrey Meadows and Joyce Randolph on the Joan Rivers Show.” YouTube. Last modified August 4, 2020. Accessed July 17, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zpcywEQHxQ .

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

At 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Tommy Davis became the official Mayor of Minden … again.

Davis was appointed Minden’s interim mayor by Gov. John Bel Edwards Monday. Tuesday, he was sworn in by Webster Parish Clerk of Court Holli Vining, while his wife Nelda held the Bible, which Davis described as “the best law book ever.”

During the most recent term, Davis has served as interim mayor and councilman for District D.

Davis followed Joe Cornelius as interim to fill almost one year of the unexpired term of late Mayor Bill Robertson. 

“Joe was interim mayor, and then I ran for the rest of his term,” Davis said. “Before that I was seven years on the council.”

He then ran for and became mayor from 2015 to 2019 when the late Terry Gardner was elected.

The governor’s appointment comes on the heels of Gardner’s death after which the Minden City Council had a deadline to appoint a mayor. Once that date passed, the issue fell to the governor.

Davis will hold the post until a newly-elected mayor takes office in January 2023.

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Minden 11u has returned from the World Series in Monroe where they were 3-3, bringing home third place.

“They were undefeated district champions and undefeated state champions,” said Coach Marcus Gibson. “Ours is only the fourth baseball team in Minden Dixie history to ever win state.”

The games were played in Monroe last Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Game 1: Minden 3- Mississippi 5

Game 2: Minden 11- EORD Host Team 0

Game 3: Minden 4- Alabama 3

Game 4: Minden 3 – Texas 5

Game 5: Minden 6- Mississippi 5. 

The boys were down 5-3 in the bottom of the last inning. Minden scored 3 runs on back-to-back hits from Cason Gibson and Davis Powell to walk off with the win.

Game 6: Minden 3-Texas 12

“We will make another run at it next year,” said Gibson, who has coached the boys since they were age 6. “We almost won state at 8u.”

Team members are ages 11 and under and are a part of the Minden Recreation program.

Players: Davis Powell, Cason Gibson, Jaxon Branch, Craten Ware, Holden Williams, Brayden Watkins, Kaiden Kinsey, Sawyer Harris, Weston Duck, Andrew Locks, Noah Smith and Ryder Malone.

Coaches : Marcus Gibson, Greg Powell, Steven Williams and Wesley Duck.

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Unless you were born with four-leaf clovers in both hands, you are semi-cursed with the Give-Take Principle, or the GTP. Also called the Law of Staying Behind. 

Whenever you get a little extra money, something will happen to snatch that money right out of your greedy little paws. Seldom does this fail. 

My first real run-in with this reality was December, 1987. I went to The Great Louise at the newspaper — besides having a heart as wide as the Red River, she knew Everything about Everything — handed her an envelope and told her I’d accidentally been given an extra paycheck that week. 

“That’s your Christmas bonus,” The Great Louise said. 

Those were the days. 

When the tears had cleared enough for me to see, I drove my truck straight to what was then Pioneer Bank — “The bank with the open door from 9 ’til 4” — deposited my check, wept some more, then started to crank my truck. 

Key broke off in the ignition.  

Cost 80 bucks to fix. Merry Christmas to the locksmith, not so much to me. 

Fate giveth money, fate taketh money away. 

For some reason at the first of this month, we had a little extra money. So it was not a big hit when the envelope came in the mail, as it does every six months, with the car insurance due. 

$461.57. 

But also in the mail was the annual termite prevention bill. 

$289.00. 

An attention-getting one-two punch, but not one that would put you on the mat. 

Except then the electric bill notice came by email. I was scared to open it. 

And … for good reason. It shattered the previous monthly record by nearly $200. 

Good thing I was sitting down. 

Something was going on. The Give-Take Principle. The indisputable Law of Staying Behind. 

It was more expected than surprising that evening when the musty smell under the sink turned out to be a plumbing leak in an old cast iron pipe, a pre-PVC situation. Easily fixable — once a carpenter moved a cabinet and cut some holes in the wall. 

Plumbing cost? $509.00 the first day, $1,013.20 the second. 

Carpentry? Jury is still out on that one, but we’re saving up. 

It would have been easier to save up if, during the weekend before the plumbing was totally fixed, the plumbing in the back of the house hadn’t backed up. So, while plumbing was getting fixed in the kitchen, the “clean-out” guys were on the roof, running a roto-rooter thingy down the old cast iron pipes back there, ones that will eventually leak of course, and mercifully cleaning that out. 

$330.00.

Thought it was going to be worse so was grateful. What was worse were the two new tires I had to get the next day. 

$427.74. Gotta have tires.  

Two days later I took those tires and the rest of my car to my stud mechanic friend because my AC had gone out, the battery was draining, and surely that meant alternator trouble and another story for another time but the bottom line equals $357.19 and I wept like a small wet child for joy because I thought it would be much worse. 

It’s at times like this I’m grateful to mow grass. Nothing can get to you when you’re out there mowing grass. So that’s what I did — until my mower broke. 

Of course, it did. 

The next day I put it in my repaired car and left my repaired home and drove it to the shop and left it. The next day I called to check on it. 

Needs just one part. Just That One Part. 

Unfortunately, Just That One Part is on backorder. 

Of course, it is… 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu. 

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It’s right at 1,000 miles from his 70-acre farm in Harvard, Illinois to Benton, La., but it’s a trip Gregg Rang has made a half dozen times. And, if he has his way, it will be only the next of many more.

To say Rang is an animal lover would be to understate the term. He and his wife of 54-years have opened their acreage to a variety of animals that, in many circles, would be considered unadoptable. 

“They’ve got room to roam and explore at the farm,” he said. “We have open fields, creeks and ponds. It’s a great environment for them to enjoy the life they have now.”

Included in his menagerie are eight dogs (four from Louisiana), including four that had been scheduled for euthanasia. One of those animals, a now-Rang family member named Katie, introduced Rang to the person who has become the local contact for his passion for helping the helpless. 

“I came down here about four years ago to adopt an absolutely unadoptable pet,” Rang remembered. “My wife asked me to find a dog no one wanted. That’s when I came to the Bossier City animal shelter and met Judy (Stewart). It was my last stop of the day. I was very impressed by her care and concern for her animals. You are blessed to have Judy and Cody.”

Stewart and Cody Hughes make up the Bossier Parish Police Jury’s animal control department. She has been with the police jury a little over two months after 13 years at the Bossier City shelter. Hughes, who is only days away from attending certification classes, has been in the department since last year.

“When I found out Judy had come to the parish, I decided I wanted to help in whatever way I could,” Rang said. “These kind of departments are always in need of basic supplies, so that’s what I thought would be best to do. And to help people like Judy is a real pleasure.”

Now, Rang periodically loads his van with vitals for the animals including food and basic hygiene equipment plus whatever else “…will fit in the back…” and heads south. He buys the supplies and pays his own travel expenses. His trips and deliveries never cost the parish a dime.

On this trip, Rang delivered pallets of dog food plus a couple of items he thought would be useful.

“Judy had asked if I might be able to find some portable sinks for the dogs and cats, so I picked up some of those. I also found some stainless bowls and buckets that should last a long time,” he said.

“I’m happy to do it,” he added. “This has never cost Bossier Parish one penny. Everything is a donation. To me, that’s the way it should be. People should be willing to step up and help out when they can. We’re not here long, so we ought to do something good while we are here.”

It’s the “something good” that Rang hopes to continue as long as he can. 

“You can’t take it with you, and a person should want to help someone or something,” he said. “I truly wish more people would simply do good things and expect nothing in return.” 

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By Robert St. John

Last week I spent seven days in the Florida Panhandle on “vacation.” I used the word “vacation” because that is the easy, go-to, and common nomenclature one uses when describing time off from work. The problem with using that term is that I never really take time off from work. I’m not complaining, I like it that way. I love what I do. I don’t fish, hunt, play golf, or gamble. I love restaurants, food, and the restaurant business. If I have any hobbies I would have to state— other than the restaurant business, which is also my hobby— that movies, music, and football are what I enjoy in my pastime. But I am a spectator in all those activities. I am an active player in the restaurant business.

My vacations are a little different than most. I don’t vacation well. I take the family to the beach once a year. My son and daughter each bring a few friends and they all spend most days on the beach. My wife typically reads a book and does the things that one needs to do to take care of a lot of people crammed into a vacation home.

I never go to the Florida Panhandle without thinking about the two times I lived down there in my youth. The first time was in the spring of 1983, and I worked at a pizza/barbecue restaurant for several months. Those were during my wilder days, and I had yet to stop partying and settle down. My second stint in Destin was in 1987. I was four years sober and on the verge of opening my first restaurant. I was very serious about the restaurant business though life had a different pace.

My kids are sick of hearing all the stories about my early days in the Panhandle. As soon as I start to spout out a remembrance it’s quickly interrupted, “We know, dad. You lived at Sandpiper Cove. You got up every day went to the beach. You went to work. You went out at night. We know. We know. We’ve heard it all before.” This time I didn’t bore them with war stories from my glory days in the restaurant business in Destin. But I did do a lot of thinking about those days and how formative they were in my current situation.

In those days I could sleep late. These days if I’m still awake at 7:00 AM something’s wrong. I typically wake up at 5:00 AM. But back then I could sleep until 10:00 a.m. or 11 even. I would wake up in my apartment— which was a two-bedroom, two-bath, fully furnished spot on the beach for $500.00 a month— walk down to the beach, head to my favorite little breakfast joint, June’s Dunes (even in those days I never missed breakfast). Then I would lie on the beach until mid-afternoon, shower, dress, go to work as a server and Harbor Docks, make good money, go home, shower, go back out to hear music or visit with friends, then sleep, rinse, wash, repeat. In those days I had the stress level of piece of driftwood.

Last week I thought about my beach schedule in 1987 versus my vacation schedule of 2022. These days I get up between 5 and 6 a.m., shower, dress, find a breakfast joint that is open at 7 a.m., eat breakfast, attend a 12-step recovery meeting at 8 a.m., followed by a 9 a.m. breakfast if I couldn’t find a 7 a.m. place open. Then I head back to the house where my wife is typically awake (but everyone else is asleep), visit with her as she makes breakfast for the kids (who end up waking up around 11 a.m.). Once they have gone to the beach, I either hop on a bike or back in my truck to drive around and check out other restaurants.

Again, restaurants are my hobby. After a few hours of R&D I pick my wife up and we go to lunch at a restaurant I have scouted out, preferably with a beach view as neither of us are into lying in the hot sand. After lunch we’ll shop or I will take her back to read a book or nap. I will drive around and check out even more restaurants. I know it sounds monotonous but it’s relaxing to me. R&D is my R&R.

If we go to the beach, it’s typically after 6 p.m. We are the vampire family. Everyone else is coming in off the beach, sunburned and inebriated, and we are stone-cold sober and fish-belly white heading down to sit in a chair to watch the sun set. We have plenty of food to eat in the vacation house we rent because my wife always overbuys groceries for the trip, and we typically go out to dinner (because— once again— I’m in the restaurant business and I love restaurants). We get home around 10 p.m. and the kids typically go back out. I’m in bed and asleep by 11 p.m., only to get up rinse, wash, repeat, and do it all over again the next day.

That may not sound relaxing to most people. But it’s the only way I can do it. I’m extremely hyperactive and don’t do well sitting in one place. I just don’t do well lounging in someone else’s home while there are undiscovered restaurants in the area.

While on vacation, we usually bring a lot of groceries from home. Actually, we bring way too many groceries from home. Our intentions are good. We plan to have dinners and lunches in the rental home, but we rarely follow through on that plan. We go out to restaurants because that is what we do. Though we still find ourselves at the grocery store a few times during the week to buy more food. We always come home with more groceries than we brought down. It’s baffling. But it’s also the nature of our family dynamic. We are a restaurant family. Always have been. Always will be.

Onward.

Cilantro Spiked Corn, Crab, and Avocado Dip

Corn, crab, and avocado work well when paired together in a cold offering. The cilantro adds an additional coolness which makes this the perfect summer dip.

3 Tbl lime juice, freshly squeezed

2 Tbl Tequila

1 /4 cup olive oil

1 tsp salt

3 avocados

1 1 /2 cup fresh cooked corn, cut from the cob (use frozen kernels if fresh is not available)

2 Tbl red bell pepper, finely diced

1 tsp garlic, minced

1 /4 cup onion, finely chopped

1 cup fresh lump crab meat, picked of all shell

1 /8 tsp cayenne pepper

1 Tbl hot sauce

1 Tbl fresh chopped cilantro

Combine tequila, lime juice, olive oil, salt, hot sauce and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl.

Peel and small dice the avocado, quickly placing the avocado in the lime juice mixture and tossing well so avocado is well coated.

Fold in remaining ingredients.

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

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