AS A MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, YOU WILL:

• Evaluate and improve existing equipment and tooling and fixture designs in a high-volume manufacturing environment
• Develop creative solutions to manufacturing process design-related issues
• Solve complex design/tooling issues
• Collaborate with diverse groups of people, to include hourly employees, and upper management
• Relay difficult concepts to multiple business groups

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical preferred) or equivalent experience and previous design experience for Assembly processes
• Proficient in AutoCAD and Inventor
• Familiar with other CAD software packages, to include Solid Works, NX, and Pro-E
• Strong problem-solving experience

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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Congratulations in qualifying to run for office. We at the Webster Parish Journal want to help you get your message across to local voters.

We will announce your candidacy in a free story. Just send it, along with a photo to wpjnewsla@gmail.com. We would also love to have your advertising and will be happy to email our very reasonable rates to you.

Good luck in your campaign for office and watch for coverage of the upcoming political season at http://www.websterparishjournal.com.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Ringgold man last week on drug charges after he was observed making a traffic violation.

Jacob Winiarski and Josh McCormick arrested Jimmy W. Casey Jr., 44, after he attempted to turn into a parking lot at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 80 and 371 where there was no driveway.

Sheriff Jason Parker said the driver, identified as Caskey performed a U-turn before finally pulling into a parking lot of a Dixie Inn liquor store.

“When they engaged emergency lights, the deputy observed the driver and passenger swap seats,” said the sheriff. “Deputies got consent to search the vehicle from a female passenger who was observed changing seats with Caskey.  Caskey claimed there was nothing illegal in the vehicle.”

When deputies searched the vehicle, they reportedly discovered a small black zipper bag under the passenger seat. The bag reportedly contained a white crystal substance suspected to be methamphetamine wrapped in rolling paper and inside a plastic bag tear off.

“Additionally, inside the bag, deputies located Suboxone sublingual strips concealed in a debit card pouch next to a debit card with Caskey’s name on it,” Parker said. “When deputies confronted Caskey about the narcotics, he denied ownership but then eventually said he has a prescription for Suboxone that he does not keep on his person.

“Caskey not only denied the illegal narcotics were his, he said he did not know how his debit card got into the black zipper bag,” the sheriff continued.

Caskey was charged with possession of methamphetamine, Suboxone, synthetic marijuana, driving under suspension, improper lane usage and a fugitive from Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.

He was transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for booking.

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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AS A QUALITY ENGINEER, YOU WILL:

• Investigate quality defects and perform RCA
• Lead and/or contribute to structured problem-solving for corrective and preventive actions
• Analyze no-conformance trends and evaluate the effectiveness of CAPA
• Identify improvement opportunities and drive actions for improvement by analyzing manufacturing processes and conducting process capability analysis
• Lead initiatives to improve non-conformance PPM and cost of quality
• Perform new product and process qualifications
• Direct quality support team members engaged in measuring and testing products and tabulating data concerning product or process quality

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• BS degree in engineering or engineering technology with exposure to quality and lean manufacturing, plus two years of related experience
• Strong interpersonal skills with hourly, engineering and management
• Strong computer skills required
If qualified and interested, please apply online at http://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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Webster Parish Journal is in need of someone to cover Glenbrook School football this fall. No experience needed.

Last year, WPJ published a special Saturday edition of all the parish high school football teams’ Friday night games.

Our goal is to bring the same great coverage this year. Lakeside High School, Minden High and North Webster High School are covered, but there is still a need for Glenbrook. They deserve good, accurate coverage, too.

Please join our team for football season! WPJ pays per story. Email wpjnewsla@gmail.com if you would like to be a part of the fastest growing online publication in the parish.

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Guest speaker for the Thursday, July 28 meeting of the Minden Lions Club will be Matt Little.

Matt retired from the Army National Guard in 2014 after faithfully serving his country for 28 years. His last duty station was Webster Parish, where he was the area recruiter. After retiring from the military, Matt pursued his love of cooking, catering, and fishing rod building. After several years, he realized that creating custom fishing rods was what he wanted to focus his time on.

Matt is the owner of Lagniappe Rods, LLC, offering technique-specific freshwater fishing rods. He also assists Hugh Wood Catering and Specialty Meats with area catering jobs.

Matt resides in Minden with his wife, Teresa. They are active members of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

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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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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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced that current lifetime license holders can now purchase a duplicate lifetime license card online (LouisianaOutdoors.com) or from an approved retail vendor.

As before, current lifetime license holders will still be able to obtain a duplicate card by mail or in-person at the headquarters office in Baton Rouge.

“We are committed to making things more convenient for our customers,” said LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “These new options will be faster and easier for everyone involved.”

The cost of the duplicate card is $7.50. If the duplicate card is purchased online, a $5 convenience fee will be assessed by the LDWF license vendor. The $5 convenience fee will not be assessed if the card is obtained at vendor locations, by mail or at the Baton Rouge headquarters office.

To purchase a duplicate lifetime license online, visit https://louisianaoutdoors.com/licenses-and-permits.

To purchase a duplicate lifetime license card by mail, complete a Duplicate Lifetime Application form:  https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/assets/Licenses_and_Permits/Files/duplicate_lifetime_license_app.pdf.

To purchase a duplicate lifetime license at the LDWF headquarters office, visit 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70898.

To locate an approved retail vendor, visit LDWF’s Outdoor Explorer Tool: https://ldwf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=4c4a4d9526c248c080c3eaa4808b9bea.

LDWF has also released its 2022-23 hunting regulations pamphlet online at the LDWF website. To see the upcoming season’s regulations, visit the LDWF website at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/seasons-and-regulations.

The pamphlet contains hunting rules, regulations and season dates for the 2022-23 season, including hunting information on LDWF’s Wildlife Management Areas and Louisiana’s federal lands. It also contains information on LDWF’s new licensing process and fees.

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July 27

8 a.m. until noon Pack the Bus school supplies, Walmart parking lot, Minden.

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

3:30 p.m. CD & Button Turtle Craft, Heflin branch of the Webster Parish Library.

4 p.m. Special Performer: Steve’s Snaketuary, Cotton Valley branch of the Webster Parish Library.

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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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 Bonnie Culverhouse

As soon as an oath of office can be administered, the City of Minden will welcome back a familiar face to the mayor’s office.

Monday morning, Gov. John Bel Edwards appointed former Mayor Tommy Davis to the position of interim mayor.

“There is still a lot of paperwork to take care of before I am sworn in,” Davis said Monday. “But I will be at City Hall tomorrow (Tuesday) to get started on all that.”

Davis received the call around mid-morning.

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

Davis, who has experience as a city councilman and mayor, will hold the post until a newly-elected mayor takes office in January 2023.

Qualifying to run for office closed Friday afternoon with three candidates for the city’s top spot.

Nick Cox, No Party, is running against, Billy “Bill” R. Mills, Republican and District B Councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker, Democrat. The primary election is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Pine Hills Country Club’s annual fundraiser, The Memorial Tournament, honored the memory of long-time member Joe Ratcliff this past weekend.

Every year, the tournament is held in memory of a member or member’s family who has died in the past 12 months. Proceeds go to course and club upkeep.

“The money we raise on our tournaments we put right back into bettering the course,” Jordan Fish said. “We have several projects that we want to tackle in the next few years, also with the price of all of the materials to keep a golf course running we will have money for rainy day funds. “

A full roster of teams played in the two-day, two-man scramble at Minden’s golf course. All catering was provided by Hugh Wood. Friday night, dinner was served and a putting tournament was held at the club’s new putting green. Putting contest winner Gunnar Burnham.

Flight winners are:

4th flight 

1st Tommy Durritt / Carl Boye 

Tied 2nd Clay Simonton / Spencer white 

Rodney Elzen / Glen Tadford 

3rd flight 

1st George Booth / Jason Bell 

Tied 2nd Jack Bryd / Mike Jewell 

Scott McCullough / Tyler Mandino 

2nd flight 

1st Tommy Sumner / Bobby Taylor 

2nd Austin Booth / Troy booth 

3rd Ed Brown / Johnny Benton 

1st flight 

1st Teddy Brown / Larry Willett

2nd Willie Fox / Tim Vining 

3rd Garrett Vaughn / Andy Pendergrass

Presidential 

1st Travis Randle / Kevin anders 

2nd Lance McGuire / Dalton Gould 

3rd James Hodges / Gavin Neatherland 

Championship 

1st Brian Grubbs / Gage Burnham 

2nd Gunnar Burnham / Chandler Davidson 

3rd Cody Johnson / Taylor Netherton

Fish said the crowd honoring Joe Ratcliff was “great.” 

He thanked title sponsor Gibsland Bank & Trust, also Waller Petroleum, David Botzong and Dennis Botzong.

“We will rest this week,” Fish said. “But the next week we will hit the ground running for the Minden Open 4-man golf tournament August 20-21.”

To sponsor or play in the tournament, call Fish at 318-465-8913.

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By Paige Nash

The Webster High School: Cradle of Champions traveling memorial is now on display for public viewing at Webster Parish Libraries- Minden location.  

This presentation was a group effort made possible by Project Reclaim Youth of Minden and Webster Parish Legacy Project. Both projects partnered with Janetta Robinson, history archivist with Webster Parish Libraries, Anne Easley with Easley Photography Studios, Meriwether Wealth and Planning and more than 60 donors.  

The 10-by-7-foot display features 12 African Americans who played a major role in providing a better school facility for the colored children in the community, despite numerous hurdles and hardships. 

“It was our pleasure to assist Ron Anderson with Project Reclaim and others with researching Webster High School history,” said Robinson. “Those honored are just a portion of the great legacy that is Webster High. They are examples of what can be accomplished with dedication, sacrifice, integrity, and hard work. We look forward to future collaborations that utilize our library’s resources.” 

View this piece of history at the library for another month, before it leaves heading to its second location. The church of Reverend Terry Combs will be its next stop, before making its way to various other places across the parish.

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AS A TEAM LEADER, YOU WILL: 

• Supervise utilizing strong interpersonal skills 
• Use technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, as applies to such supervision 
• Utilize computer skills to facilitate processes and software used 
• Pursue objectives with organizational skills to meet goals 
• Work with personnel at all levels of the organization 

REQUIRED EDUCTION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 

• Two (2) year Associates Degree, plus one year of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience 
• Excellent communication skills; both oral and written 
• Great computer skills (Excel and Word 

Benefits 

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

Shift is 11:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m.  Overtime requirements are based on customer needs to meet business objectives. 

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

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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AS AN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER, YOU WILL: 

• Identify opportunities to introduce flow and visual management into processes and work alongside area leadership to implement 
• Utilize process mapping, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis 
• Capture manufacturing cycle time data in the production department, develop improvement plans, and execute action plans 
• Create, review, and update standard work 
• Maintain plant and workstation layouts to reflect the current state and to provide potential future state options to project leaders and management 
• Lead improvement activity by facilitating kaizen events or acting as a project resource 
• Develop area leadership through lean daily management process 
• Train new employees on continuous improvement concepts in Orientation and in other settings 

REQUIRED EDUCTION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 

• BS degree in engineering, manufacturing, or equivalent degree and a minimum of two years’ experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in manufacturing identifying opportunities for the efficiency of manufacturing processes and operations  
• Experienced in lean manufacturing principles 
• Project management experience 
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD 2D for managing plant layouts 
• Analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Excellent communication skills 

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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Congratulations for qualifying to run for office. We at the Webster Parish Journal want to help you get your message across to local voters.

We will announce your candidacy in a free story. Just send it, along with a photo to wpjnewsla@gmail.com. We would also love to have your advertising and will be happy to email our very reasonable rates to you.

Good luck in your campaign for office and watch for coverage of the upcoming political season at http://www.websterparishjournal.com.

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Damien Kemp has announced he is running for Minden City Council District B on the platform that he is fair, honest, open to ideas and accessible to you.

“Minden needs leadership that can effectively manage growth. My entire professional life as a researcher has been about listening to those who are affected by change and growth, then partnering with them to implement the best solutions. Our community wants to keep and improve the safety of our streets, parks, and neighborhoods,” Kemp said. “I will work with law enforcement to reduce crime. We want to strengthen stability and give our citizens the opportunity to contribute to Minden success – that objective defines my life’s work. We want to ensure Minden economic success and financial stability as a small business owner working with community organizations, I understand the return on investment that can be achieved if the community is involved.

“Minden faces many challenges but also is an amazing community with diverse commerce and engaged citizens,” he continued. “I want to use the skills I learned academically and professionally to keep Minden a thriving community. I’m dedicated to listening to people to address the issues behind community concerns. This approach distinguishes my work and is what is needed on city council.”

For questions, concerns, yard signs or more information, please feel free to contact Kemp at Damienkemp@mail.com or TeL. 318-754-7841.

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One early morning last week, I was out walking and happened upon an encouraging sight that transported me back to a simpler time when I was young, had more hair, and much less belly. 

I was out on Industrial, down the hill at the Rec, making my now long-memorized loop around the ball fields and on past the football and soccer arenas and into the parking lot where parents and loved ones cheer on the youngins who make their way (sometimes in the wrong direction) around the T-ball diamonds. 

I was three miles into the walk, talking heads debating the future of Cristiano Ronaldo playing in my ears, when I saw a young man up at the head of the lot, over by what I think was either a No Parking sign or a Slow Down sign. I really don’t know which. 

He had his hands on his hips, and he would bend down ever few seconds in the universal language of someone trying to fill his body with oxygen. 

I walked about another 20 yards or so and watched him drop his hands, face the big hill that Lakeside cross country runners call the Anthill, and take off at full sprint. I kept my eyes on his ascent. He didn’t stop until he was at the top of the hill. He paused, hands on knees now, and looked back the way he came in a “why am I doing this to myself” kinda way. 

Training for football season is the reason why I would imagine. I never got a look at the young man’s face. I kept on walking, and he kept on sprinting. Don’t know what school he lays claim to nor what position he plays. In truth, it’s presumptive of me to assume he’s a football player and not just someone out punishing his body for the fun of it. So please humor this Southern boy, who grew up on the voice of Jim Hawthorne and the arm of Joe Montana, when I called this fella a gridiron gladiator. 

Watching him reminded me it was nearly August, and it took me back to those dreaded heat-filled days. Back when two-a-days were still a thing, and if you didn’t put in summer workouts, you were ostracized by the older, veteran players. This fella was working hard like we used to, and it did me good to see it. 

Now this isn’t a “kids are lazy” spiel. I know that it’s human nature for older generations to deem those who follow them to be soft and weak. I really believe a lot of Baby Boomers think Millennials are still in high school when in actuality they are all in their 30s and early 40s. Older generations reckon they were tougher, smarter, and not the “snowflakes” that young folk are today. I’m not really going to get into that other than to say I absolutely disagree with it. Remember that the Silent Generation deemed their kids to be lazy and shiftless until World War 2, and those same lazy and shiftless kids went on to be called the Greatest. All kids are different, you know. 

Putting that debate aside (for this bit of scribble at least), watching this dude sprint up that hill made me happy. I try to talk to God on my walks, give thanks for creation as I listen to the bird calls and see all that is green and good in the world. I humbly ask Him to show me ways to please Him and to see purpose in everything that comes my way no matter the dismay. And invariably I always see or feel something that touches me in the soul. The sprinter filled that role on this day. 

The atheist or Deist or just generally grumpy skeptic would attribute these moments to be nothing more than my brain rewarding me with endorphins for getting my prodigious butt off the couch and raising my heart rate, breaking a sweat, and soaking in some Vitamin D. To them, everything is ones and zeroes, coincidence, and nothing more. A simple turn of chance that two people were out exercising at the same time at a place built for moving your body. 

To them I say, phooey. 

It did my old, middle-aged heart good to see a young one putting in the work to make themselves better and stronger for the tough days ahead. But I feel that way about anyone who works hard with a goal in mind. Laziness is rampant in our world, but it’s always been that way. It’s not a virus that circulates only among the teens (or as us GenXers and the Boomers incorrectly label Millennials). It’s all around. We just see it more now as we live in our own echo chambers where likes and hits drive our dopamine receptors and others laughing at our silly jokes makes us feel good. 

The truth is that there will always be hard workers. There will always be people who will do more than others because they have something inherent inside of them. It’s called drive, grit, determination. It cannot be taught. It cannot be instilled. You either have it or you don’t. No one can convince me otherwise. And every time I see someone working hard, my heart is lifted. Because I know that where there is hard work there is also good, and God still moving among us. The hard workers help keep the world a place worth living in. 

They counterbalance the lazy and slothful. The deceitful and delusional. The pariahs and the parasites.  The politicians. They are a reason for which the world should be thankful. 

About 30 minutes later, I came back around on a second loop. He was still at it. So, to that sprinter, I say good luck come fall. Maybe all those grueling trips up the hill will pay off under those Friday Night Lights. And even if they don’t, that’s no matter. Just run faster, stretch out your arms further, and one fine morning …

(Josh Beavers is a teacher and former award-winning journalist. He has five times been awarded for excellence in opinion writing by the Louisiana Press Association.)

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Minden Ponytails will travel to Tioga, La. to compete for the Dixie World Series title July 29–August 4.  The girls will face South Carolina on Saturday in their first game (time TBA).  

The team went 4-1 in the Louisiana Dixie Ponytails X-Play Tournament defeating Jena 12-2 in game 1.  

They dropped game 2 to West Carroll 7-1. On the third day of the tournament, the bats came to life, and the Minden Ponytails defeated Oakdale 16-0 in 4 innings and beat West Carroll 20-3 in 4 innings later that night.  

After the win over West Carroll, Sabine, Minden, and West Carroll all had one loss in the double elimination tournament.  Minden drew the bye into the championship and awaited the winner of the Sabine/West Carroll game.  

West Carroll handed Sabine its second loss and moved on to face Minden in the championship game.  After being down 2-0 after 4 innings, Minden came back to win the 2022 Louisiana Ponytails X-Play Championship 13-2 in 5 innings.  

Front row:  Kullyn Chanler, Emilee Ware, Addison Chanler, Savannah Mangrum, Ellie Earnhardt 

Back row:  Peyton Malone, Lylah Huddleston, Jaidyn Smith, Gracie Heard, Audrey Frye, Sariyah Gill, Anna Grace Vining 

Coaches:  Chris Earnhardt, Wesley Chanler, David Ware

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Supper idea via Delish. I LOVED it. The boys thought eh?, but that’s because they don’t like sundried tomatoes. Little do they know, sundried tomatoes are one of life’s greatest pleasures! I love them in anything and everything. I couldn’t convince them otherwise so they ate just the chicken and no delicious saucy goodness. Their loss. Totally leave them out if you’re like my crew.

You know we are huge fans of cast iron skillet meals.  This one always stays at the top of that list.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Freshly torn basil, for serving

cDirections

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and butter.  Season chicken generously with salt and pepper.  Sear, skin side down, until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side.  Transfer chicken to a plate covered with a paper towel.

Add garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.  Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Stir in broth, heavy cream, tomatoes, and Parmesan.  Season with more salt and pepper.  Bring to a simmer, then return chicken to skillet, skin side up.

Transfer skillet to oven and bake until chicken is cooked through, 20 minutes.

Garnish with basil and serve.

*Recipe from Delish.

(Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and cookbook author.)

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 United Christian Assistance Program is in need of the following items:                                                                                                                                          

Food: Ramen noodles, powdered milk, cereal, crackers

Clothing: men’s medium and large short sleeve shirts

Household Goods: sheets, towels, assorted cookware

Funds: for Utility Assistance:

Thank you for supporting UCAP! We appreciate any help you can provide!

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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Minden Lions heard an informative presentation from William Green, acting resident agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration – Shreveport office, during their Thursday club meeting.

Agent Green spoke on challenges the DEA faces, from the uptick in pharmaceutical drug use to staffing problems within the agency. He also touched on the problems Shreveport is having with drugs and how most of the shootings within the city are drug-related. Agent Green said Shreveport is a hub for illegal drugs and once they reach the city, they are distributed into neighboring parishes such as Webster and Claiborne.

“One of the most important things we can do is educate our kids,” he said. “Start talking to your kids early, make them aware of their surroundings and teach them about the danger of drugs.”

Agent Green also spoke on the importance of interagency cooperation, such as the relationship the DEA has with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“We can never catch it all, especially by ourselves,” said Agent Green, “so we depend heavily on local law enforcement.”

Agent Green was invited to speak Thursday by Lion Sheriff Jason Parker (seated at right).

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