United Christian Assistance Program is low on food and needs the following items:

Food: – We are really low on food. Most needed items are powdered milk, cereal, crackers, rice, biscuit mix, cornbread mix, canned fruit and canned meats

Clothing: men’s medium and large short sleeve shirts; men’s shoes/tennis shoes

Household Goods: sheets, towels, assorted cookware

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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Springhill Medical Center is now hiring a Clinic LPN.

Work for a friendly, professional and supportive organization.

www.smccare.com or 318-539-1705.

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The Minden Lions heard a report from its District 8-L zone chairman, Lion Sherrie McMurray, during Thursday’s club meeting. Lion Sherrie discussed the CubSight vision screening and eyeglass recycling programs, spoke of upcoming service projects, reported on the decrease in membership among district clubs and ended with some Lions Club trivia. She also encouraged new club members in attendance to get involved and live out the Lions Club motto – “We Serve!” Lion Sherrie was introduced by Lion Buddy Crawford (seated at right).

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Trying to steal from a local dollar store was a bad decision for one Minden man.

George Puffer, 54, of the 1100 block of Shreveport Road, was arrested by Minden Police last week for felony theft and 4 active bench warrants.

Police Chief Steve Cropper said Ofc. Anthony Miller responded to the call from a Shreveport Road dollar store in reference to a theft.

“The officer reviewed video footage of the theft with the assistant manager,” Cropper said. “Ofc. Miller said the suspect looked like a guy named George Puffer. He was wearing a light colored shirt, dark jeans, a hat and reading glasses.”

Puffer was reportedly located at a Shreveport Road motel. According to the chief, he was wearing the same clothes as shown in the video footage.

“Puffer admitted on body cam to stealing a box of pain medicine,” said the chief. “He had 4 active local bench warrants through us and two previous convictions for theft in his criminal history.”

Puffer was booked and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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

August 24

Lee Michael Butler, 35, of the 400 block of 5th St. SE, Springhill, was arrested by WPSO for contempt of court.

August 25

Austin Tyler Davis, 23, of the 300 block of Hosston St., Elm Grove, La. Was arrested by WPSO on 2 counts of theft of a firearm, theft over $5,000 and simple burglary.

August 27

Derrick Benton Walker, 56, no address available, was arrested by WPSO for improper lane usage, driving while intoxicated and no driver’s license.

Boyquez Jaclyn Shehee, 19, of the 1100 block of Syrup Mill Rd., was arrested by LSP-G for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

James Earl Oliver Jr., 61, of the 200 block of Cotton Valley Ave., Minden, was arrested by MPD for DWI first offense and improper lane usage.

Trenton B. Parrish, 27, of the 200 block of East Rd., Cullen, was arrested by Springhill Police for aggravated flight from an officer.

August 28

Demarcus T. Jackson, 22, of the 100 block of Syrup Mill Rd., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on an active warrant, following a traffic stop by MPD.

Latravion D. Minix, 30, of the 600 block of Chestnut St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on a charge of contempt of court.

Ricardo S. Braggs, 34, of FArmerville, was arrested by LSP-G on two fugitive warrants and possession of marijuana.

August 29

Savannah Martin, 23, of the 700 block of 6th St. NW, Springhill, was arrested for monetary instrument abuse and contempt of court (original warrant was possession of schedule 2 controlled dangerous substance.

Brian Raynard Hudson, 37, of Minden, was arrested by LSP-G for DWI second offense.

Kendrick Roshaud Harris, 39, of Cypress, Texas, was arrested by Dixie Inn Police for possession of schedule 2, schedule 4 and introduction of contraband into a penal facility.

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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Domestic Abuse Resistance Team is accepting resumes for an advocate for Claiborne Parish.

This is a part-time position.

DART has been helping keep families safe since 1994.

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Sept. 1

4-H enrollment begins.

Entry forms are now available for the 2022 Fair Pageant to be held Oct. 1 in the Minden High School Auditorium. Princess and Queen will be crowned. For more information or to request an entry form, email wpfairpageant@gmail.com.

Sept. 3 

Vintage Car Club Show and Shine, Car and Bike show, 2nd Kiddie Car show. Downtown Minden.

Sept. 6

5:30 p.m. Public hearing on City of Minden budget followed by a regular session of the Minden City Council. Council Chambers, Minden City Hall. Public is invited to attend.

Sept. 10

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. First Baptist Church Cornhole Tournament to benefit SEEDS Women’s Center.

Annual W.H.O. Golf Scramble at Springhill Country Club. Three-man team, $300 per team. Lunch to be served. Mulligans, closest to the hole, split the pot, raffles and more. Cash payouts for winners. Register your team at Springhill Country Club clubhouse. Sponsorship opportunities available.

Sept. 12

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

Sept. 13

15 under 40 Awards banquet. Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce, 318-377-4240.

Oct. 1

9:30 a.m. Webster Parish Fair Princess Pageant, Minden High School Auditorium.

2 p.m. Fair Queen Pageant, Minden High School Auditorium.

Oct. 3-8 

National 4-H Week

Oct. 4-7

Parish Fair and Livestock Show.

Oct. 6

10 a.m. Minden Planning Commission meeting. Pelican Room, Minden City Hall. Agenda includes a zoning varian request from Joyful Days LLC, owners of property located at 721 East Street to use existing building as office space for a personal care service company.

Oct. 11

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. 4-H Fashion and Interior Design Workshop #1 at Cultural Crossroads Farm. Pre-registration required.

Oct. 12 

6 p.m. 4-H Jr. Leader Meeting, Minden Extension Office.

Oct. 13

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. 4-H Global Cooking Workshop #1, Minden Extension Office. Pre-Registration Required.

4-H Pumpkin Decorating Contest & LA Commodity Cookery 

Oct. 15

11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Minden Makers Fair

Our 4th annual Minden Makers Fair will take place at The Farm of Cultural Crossroads. A fun-filled day packed with local artists and makers, hands-on demonstrations, activities for children, food vendors, and more! Guests will also be able to view submissions made to our halloween-themed art competition, Moonlight Madness. More information about this event can be found at: https://www.mindenmakersfair.com/

5:30 until 11 p.m. After the gates close on Minden Makers Fair, The Farm will reopen at 5:30 for our 3rd annual Moonlight Madness halloween art competition and haunted house. The gallery reception will begin at 5:30 with awards being announced and refreshments served. Once the sun goes down, we will open our kid-friendly haunted house located under the pavilion and pass out candy. Guests are encouraged to wear a costume. For more information, or to receive an application to submit artwork into the competition, please call (318) 268-8153 or email CulturalCrossroadsOfMinden@gmail.com.

Oct. 17 

5 p.m. LYFE Series Meeting #1, Springhill Library.

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Allie Loree Rachal Clemons

June 12, 1938 – August 26, 2022

Rosary: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Fincher Rd., Minden, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m.

Service: 11 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Fincher Rd., Minden, La.

Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden.

Conrad Emil Soderstrom Jr.

August 4, 1946 – August 21, 2022

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 30 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Minden La.

Coffee and cake reception by the church following service.

Frances Elizabeth Adams Arnold

May 28, 1950 – July 19, 2022

Memorial service: 1 p.m. Sept. 3, 2022, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Springhill, La.

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 Paige Nash

Following the announcement that Hope Medical Group for Women in Shreveport will be closing their doors at the abortion clinic in hopes to eventually relocate, the SEEDS Women’s Center in Minden is preparing for an influx of patients. An abrupt increase in patients means an abrupt demand for resources.  

“We are growing, but to grow means more resources are needed to help our center be available for families in our community,” said Seeds Women’s Center Executive Director, Amber Bradford.  

The center has already experienced a great surge in patients since this time last year, treating more than 160 patients since January and with 67 families currently participating in their parenting classes. Now on top of that they have received an uptick of women just over the past week who would normally travel to the Shreveport clinic, still needing resources and services.  

To raise funds for the center, they will be hosting a Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser on from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday September 10 at First Baptist Church in Minden. The money raised will be used to help pay for general expenses needed to run Seeds, such as utilities and staffing. The funds will also enable the center to continue providing free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests and basic needs for a new or expecting mother, like baby wipes, baby wash, bottled water and diapers.  

“We are hoping that everyone comes out to support Seeds Women’s Center,” Bradford said. “Cornhole is a great sport that anyone can play and it’s a great way to meet new people and at the same time support an amazing non-profit organization that is growing abundantly.” 

Seeds Women’s Center is not run by grants. They rely solely on donations from individuals, organizations and churches to keep the doors open to these families in need.  

If you are interested in registering a team for the tournament you can sign up online at http://www.scoreholio.com or register the day of the event at 9:30 a.m. It costs $50 per team with a chance to win cash prizes. If you are not interested in participating in the tournament, there will still be plenty to do, including a silent cake auction, door prizes and refreshments. Sponsorships are still available. If you have any questions, contact Amber at 318-639-0907 or a.bradford@nwlpcc.org.

Seeds Women’s Center is also preparing for their upcoming banquet on at 6 p.m. Thursday, October 13 at Minden Civic Center.  

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By Tina Montgomery

Saturday night is the night to gather all your gal pals to shop, dance, snack and support a worthy cause. It’s the Minden Junior Service League Let’s Go Girls- Girls’ Night Out.

The Minden Civic Center will be transformed into Nashville where you will enjoy an open bar, dancing, Nashville inspired appetizers, a BBQ nacho bar, a swag bag and more than 20 vendors for a night of shopping. Door prizes will be given away every 15 minutes.

Kayla Rodriguez, chairwoman for the event, says tickets are nearly sold out for this fundraiser event. “We have about 30 tickets left and then we are sold out! It’s going to be the biggest girls’ night in Minden,” she said.

Proceeds from this event will help the Minden Junior Service League continue their community service projects, including their scholarship grant for area high school seniors. This past June they awarded a $5000 scholarship to a future LSU student who intends to major in kinesiology for occupational therapy.

So get your ticket if you haven’t already. Show off your sparkly, fringed outfits, bell bottoms and boots and get ready to go to Nashville from 6 until 10 p.m. Saturday, August 27 at the Minden Civic Center.

Available tickets can be purchased at https://mindenjslgirlsnightout.eventbrite.com

The Minden Junior Service League is a group of young women joined by their desire to serve their community. The JSL volunteer and host events to raise money for Minden and a scholarship given to a graduating senior from Webster Parish each year.

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A few words directed at our leaders of the future. We have a real problem with teens in our home town who believe the basic three-Rs learning principles (readin’, ritin ‘ and ‘rithmetic) have been replaced with the 21st century basic three-Fs of feudin’, fightin’ and firearms.

Over the past several months, local police officers have responded to reports of shots fired in neighborhoods more times than one wants to believe. Bullets, objects with more brains than its handlers, have ripped through homes and in one case, taken the life of a child. We hear the cause of the majority of this violence is gang related. And we hear some members of these crews are recruited as early as 11 or 12.

Violence has moved from the streets into our schools, as witnessed recently by a fight involving several “students” at Minden High School. Aftermaths of that fight, police indicated, resulted in a gun scare which led to the evacuation of the MHS football stadium during a scrimmage game. Welcome, Benton team members, fans and news readers everywhere, to our progressive-thinking friendly city.

Juvenile violence isn’t a local phenomenon, but we’re told solutions for the problem we see here and across the country begin at home. Literally. Many psychologists whose essays we’ve read say family environment and positive influencers are leading solutions to filling an emotional void that often leads vulnerable youths to seek solace in gangs. 

But we digress. Our problem here is a concern for our law enforcement agencies. These men and women in uniform need our help. One critical phrase we noticed while reading of the MHS scrimmage incident came from an investigating officer. To paraphrase, that officer said investigators received no cooperation from witnesses in the football stands where someone shouted “Gun!” 

No cooperation. That phrase also translates to no solution. No safety. No change. And for a city that needs a healthy dose of come-together, it also means no progress. 

Our officers are doing all they can to be everywhere and stop everything, but one of our favorite lawmen told us decades ago that a cop on every corner won’t stop crime. Stopping crime, he said, is a cooperative endeavor between dedicated officers and a public willing to step up and be a part of the solution. 

First step to solving a problem is recognizing a problem exists. We’re there. Next step is to provide the means and support to those who are tasked with solving that problem. There are more eyes and ears in the private sector than in Minden’s public service arena. It’s our duty to use what we see and know to help stop problems here, including that of losing an entire generation. 

We’ve said it before: if you bury your head in the sand, it won’t be long ’til the body follows. And if you’re one of those who believes we shouldn’t talk about these negative things because it gives people a bad impression of our city, sand isn’t your only head-hiding place. 

A word of advice to parents and guardians of young people who seem to be heading in the wrong direction. Buy a dictionary and underline the word “respect.” Show these youngsters the word works for both self and others. Neither a strong right hook nor an AR-15 guarantees respect.   

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By Josh Beavers

Lakeside High is getting the chance to unveil its new state-of-the-art turf football field two weeks earlier than expected following the decision to move Friday’s annual Pineland Jamboree from Springhill down to Sibley. 

North Webster High was slated to host the event, which rotates annually between schools, but due to heavy rains the season kickoff was moved to Lakeside. 

The schedule and format of the Jamboree remains unchanged:

6:30 start time 

Game 1. Haynesville vs Minden 

Game 2. Minden vs Homer

Game 3. Haynesville vs Lakeside 

Game 4. North Webster vs Homer

Game 5. North Webster vs Lakeside

In addition to the venue relocation, the Webster Parish school district has unveiled new safety precautions for  school events. 

PROHIBITED ITEMS 

∙ No Outside Food or Drink 

∙ No Ice Chests or Coolers 

∙ No Umbrellas 

∙ No Laser Pointers/Lights 

∙ No Oversize Bags, Backpacks, Non-Clear Bags 

∙ No Pets or Animals (except service animals) 

∙ No Weapons, including Pocket Knives or Pocket Tools (Swiss Army Knives, etc.) 

ALLOWED ITEMS: 

∙ Clear Tote Bag no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” 

∙ Clear & Non-Clear Handheld Clutches/Wristlets Measuring Smaller than 4.5” x  6.5”  

∙ Medical Items 

∙ Seat cushions 

OTHER ITEMS: 

∙ WPSB “Clear Bag” Policy is in effect for all athletic venues and is designed to  speed up gate entries and enhance fan safety 

∙ All Bags are Subject to Search 

∙ Metal Detectors Will be in Use 

∙ Fans Cannot Store Prohibited Bags & Items Near Stadium Entrances 

∙ All Unattended Items will be Removed & Discarded 

RE-ENTRY 

No Re-entry – Anyone Leaving the Stadium Must Have a New, Unused Ticket to Re enter 

TOBACCO USE 

Smoking & Use of All Tobacco Products (Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, Cigars, Pipes,  Smokeless Tobacco, Snuff, Chewing Tobacco, etc.) is Prohibited Everywhere on Webster Parish School Board Property.

And, each weekly winner over the 10 weeks of the contest will take home $100 plus a $50 gift card from one of our local merchants. Anyone is eligible to participate. All it takes is an email address and a combination of skill and a little luck.

Each week, 10 local and area high school football games plus two tie-breakers based on total points of two selected teams will be posted in the Webster Parish Journal. And just like the Journal, there’s no cost to enter. 

Signing up for the contest only takes a couple of minutes. Simply click on the portal for Pick’em and go from there.

Entries are now open for Friday night games scheduled to begin September 2. Entries will remain open until 4 p.m. each Friday before the listed games. Weekly winners will be notified Sunday, and will be announced in the Wednesday edition of the Journal. A photo of each winner will also be published at the site of the merchant handing out the $50 gift certificate.

Also picking during the contest will be members of the Journal staff plus three well-known local residents and officials. These pickers will not be eligible for the cash prize but will be rewarded by their success.

Winners will be revealed each week, but all picks are kept confidential.

The Webster Parish Journal will publish an extra day (Saturday) during the football season. Look to us for the best coverage of local high school action plus college teams of interest locally.

Good luck and remember entries into the contest, and subscriptions to the Webster Parish Journal, are free.

 

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Village of Dixie Inn is hiring a clerk.

Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. with one hour for lunch.

The applicant must have the following qualifications: 

• Friendly
• Good customer service skills
• Able to work with others
• Able to take directions
• Must be organized and neat
• Able to take directions
• Proficient in Quickbooks
• Payroll experience

Send resume to mayor@villageofdixieinn.com

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If you follow me on Facebook, you have already seen that we are in a transition period over at the Nash household. My four-year-old completely gut punched me this past Monday outside of her new preschool. She didn’t literally punch me in the gut, but it definitely felt like it.  

She has been at home with me practically her whole life up until last week, when she started school. I had mentally prepared for her to be the kid hanging on to the door handle of the car as the teachers were prying her away every morning. I was incredibly happy when things did not transpire this way. She was actually very excited to get away from me.  

This first week went off without a hitch. No tears from her or I. I did not cry like I thought I would, but instead I felt immensely proud of her, and I know she felt proud of herself, as well. She was a big girl now, going to big girl school (which is only three days a week for three hours a day.) Baby steps, right? These baby steps I soon realized were more for me than her.  

She only goes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The first Tuesday that she woke up and realized she didn’t have school that day like her big sister, cue complete meltdown.  

Going from spending almost every waking moment with her “momma” for the last four years to starting school. Yes, that is a transition, but that is not the transition I am referring to.  

The transition I am referring to is my new title, and not one I was really working toward, at least not just yet.  

This past Monday after I dropped Emerson off at school, we made our way to Ashton’s new school. We pulled into the drop off driveway. She climbed up front and strapped her backpack on. As her teacher approached the car to help her out. She looked back at me and said, “Bye Mom,” before hopping out and walking in.  

I don’t even think I said anything back. I just sat there in disbelief staring after her with my mouth wide open, wondering to myself if I heard her correctly. Did my four-year-old baby actually just call me, “Mom?”  

I have spent every day of my motherhood journey being called, “Momma.” It was all three of my girls’ first word. A word I hear about 5 billion times a day. A word that makes up most of my identity as a human. A word that I realized in this moment that I take for granted.  

I may not have cried on her first day of school, but I definitely cried on her fourth. How could this be happening already? I am not ready to be “Mom” yet. It doesn’t sound appealing at all. When I think of the word “mom,” I think of mom buns, mom jeans, helicopter mom, soccer mom. None of those sound like much fun to me.  

I thought back to my childhood trying to see if I could remember when I started calling my mother, “mom.” It had to have been those preteen years. I surely gave her more time than this to prepare herself. I didn’t even know until that moment that this was something I needed to prepare myself for.  

After I cried though, I felt overwhelmingly proud again. Another accomplishment, another milestone, another day of watching my baby grow up. That is the whole end goal of parenthood after all – to equip your children with the life skills required to be functioning, contributing adults, confident in themselves and able to forge a path of their own in this world.  

Even if I am not ready, I will take on this new title of “Mom” with a little bit of sadness, but mostly with pride. Now, if she starts calling me, “Bruh,” that is where I draw the line.

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

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Local businessman hoping for a vote for change and a vote for unity 

Hello, My name is Habacu Morales. I am humbly asking for your vote for councilman in District D in the City of Minden. I have lived in Minden since 2008 and have seen the good and bad of the city government. 

I moved to the United States legally in 2005. In 2011, I opened Habacu’s Mexican Restaurant at the truck stop located on Highway 532. A year later, I purchased a downtown building in Minden and opened the Habacu’s Mexican Restaurant that you know today. In 2016, I completed and passed the grueling U.S. Citizenship Exam. This was one of my proudest moments! I have been married to my wife, Kaley, for seven years and together we have five children. All of whom attend schools in Minden and I want them to be proud to call Minden home. 

I have donated to multiple organizations in the area including St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Minden High School, Glenbrook School and Minden Main Street, among others. I have assisted in providing public soccer camps for the area youth. 

I am running my campaign on the platform of “Unity.” I believe you can disagree and still be unified in the ultimate outcome. Divided we fall, united we overcome. As a firm believer in God, I will continue to support issues that I believe are righteous. 

As a businessman in Minden, I have personally seen and experienced the “ups and downs” in the local economy. I will strive to support economic development in the area, as well as helping businesses that are already established. I understand that the people elect someone to represent them, but I feel that too many office holders are in it for personal gain. If I am elected, I will make decisions based on facts and for what is in the best interest of my district and my city. 

If you would like to join our team or if you would like a yard sign to show your much appreciated support, please call 318-422-6873. 

Thank you and I hope you will entrust me with your vote, a vote for change and a vote for UNITY!!

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Springhill Medical Center is now hiring a Clinic LPN.

Work for a friendly, professional and supportive organization.

http://www.smccare.com or 318-539-1705.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A routine traffic stop led to the arrest of a man on multiple drug charges.

Dylan Issac Thomas, 20, of the 2300 block of Franklin Rd., Minden, was arrested by Minden Police around 11 p.m. Saturday and charged with possession of Schedule 3, possession of a legend drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and expired registration.

Chief Steve Cropper said Off. Jared McIver initiated the traffic stop on Shreveport Road. It was reportedly for an expired registration decal on an Arkansas license plate.

“The driver was identified as Thomas, who told the officer that he was unaware of the expired license plate,” Cropper said. “It was also discovered that Thomas had never purchased nor applied for a driver’s license.”

Thomas reportedly told the officer the vehicle belonged to his girlfriend’s mother.

“He was asked twice if there was any type of weapons or anything considered illegal inside the vehicle,” said the chief. “He advised he didn’t think so.”

Lt. Chris Hammontree reportedly arrived on the scene to assist.

“Thomas was displaying nervous behavior, so after officers checked his outer clothing, they conducted a search inside the vehicle,” Cropper said. “Off. McIver checked for weapons within wingspan reach and attempted to locate paperwork regarding the vehicle. He noticed what appeared to be a black bag underneath the driver’s front seat.”

The bag reportedly contained one set of digital scales, 11 pills labeled MX32 legend drugs and one film strip of Sublingual.

Thomas was arrested and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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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Generally, people in the United States consume more sodium on average than is recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,2020-2025. Your body needs approximately 500 milligrams of sodium to conduct nerve impulses, contract, and relax muscles, and maintain the proper balance of water and minerals. Consuming too much sodium in your diet can lead to serious health complications, such as elevated blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, calcium losses, and stroke. Sodium, which is a mineral, is an element found in salt. The biological name for salt that you eat, or drink is sodium chloride. The words are not the same but are often used interchangeably, and both may be found on a nutrition fact label. Did you know that adults should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day? Foods that are likely to be packed with high-levels of sodium are deli meats, frozen pizzas, tacos, burritos, soups, savory snacks, poultry ,burgers, eggs, and pasta mixed dishes. Here are some useful tips below to help you reduce your sodium intake, while grocery shopping.

1. Pick fresh or frozen chicken that has not been injected with a salt solution. Look for terms such as “broth,” “saline,” or “sodium solution” on the packaging.

2. Choose condiments with care. Items like soy sauce, bottled salad dressings, ketchup, jarred salsas, pickles, and olives can be high in sodium. Choose those that are labeled “low sodium” or “low salt.”

3. Choose canned vegetables labeled as “no salt added” and frozen vegetables without sauce or purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

4. Read nutrition fact labels. Compare labels and choose the item that is the lowest in sodium.

5. Watch for frozen, prepared meals (TV dinners). Read the food labels and choose those with less than 600 mg of sodium per meal.

Shakera Williams, M.P.H.

Assistant FCS Nutrition Extension Agent – Nutrition 

Webster/Claiborne Parish

Office: (318) 371-1371

Fax: ( 318) 371-9005

sswilliams@agcenter.lsu.edu 

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Domestic Abuse Resistance Team is accepting resumes for an advocate for Claiborne Parish.

This is a part-time position.

DART has been helping keep families safe since 1994.

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

August 21

Shannon Keith Boyd, 25, of the 1400 block of 7th St. S.E., Springhill, was arrested by Springhill Police on three counts of distribution of marijuana.

August 23

Melvin Donnell Bradford, 62, of the 100 block of W. Roosevelt St., Minden, was arrested by Dixie Inn Police as a fugitive from Bienville Parish.

August 24

Charnissia Samone Nichols, 28, of the 400 block of McArthur Loop, Cotton Valley, was arrested by WPSO on 12 active warrants.

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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By Bonnie Culverhouse

One Minden man discovered mid-afternoon on a Friday may not have been the best time to charge your phone in a “vacant” residence.

Billy Joe Culverhouse II, 28, of the 100 block of Sarah Circle, Minden, was arrested by Minden Police for burglary, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Chief Steve Cropper said officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Berry Drive in reference to a subject entering and exiting a vacant residence.

“Lt. Chris Hammontree met Culverhouse as he was exiting the residence,” Cropper said. “Culverhouse told officers he was there because a friend of his used to live there, but no longer did.”

Lt. Kenneth James reportedly checked the residence, while Hammontree frisked Culverhouse and mirandized him.

“Culverhouse told officers he had left the Sarah Circle residence because of ‘drama,’ and he went into the Berry Street residence to charge his phone,” said the chief. “He then showed officers his cell phone and charger. When asked if he paid utilities at that residence, Culverhouse said no.”

When asked about property in one room of the house, Culverhouse reportedly told officers he had syringes and methamphetamine in the room.

“His property was spread out like he had been staying there at least overnight,” Cropper said.

Officers recovered several used syringes and .8 grams of methamphetamine inside the room.

“Culverhouse then advised he was on probation for possession of methamphetamine, “Cropper said. “A Probation & Parole agent was advised of his arrest.”

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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August 25

6 p.m. Meet the Tide. MHS gym. Must have a ticket to enter. Only clear bags allowed – metal detectors in use.

August 26

7 until 9 p.m. Fourth Fridays at The Farm. Twang Darkly will play a 2 hour set of their rural space music. Their ethereal sound is made possible with the use of hand-built instruments. Herm’s Meals on Wheels will be selling BBQ plates, and artist Trent Dion Soto will have his artwork for sale. We are currently looking to add more artists on this date so that we can support our local art community. There is no vendor fee and artists keep 100% of their sales. Admission to this event is FREE, and it is family-friendly. Guests are invited to bring their lawn chairs and money to tip the band, buy food, or purchase artwork. Guests are also welcome to bring a cooler with their own food and nonalcoholic beverages for just $5 at the gate. Link to facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/325187109781570/325187113114903/

Sept. 1

4-H enrollment begins.

Sept. 3 

Vintage Car Club Show and Shine, Car and Bike show, 2nd Kiddie Car show. Downtown Minden.

Sept. 10

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. First Baptist Church Cornhole Tournament to benefit SEEDS Women’s Center.

Annual W.H.O. Golf Scramble at Springhill Country Club. Three-man team, $300 per team. Lunch to be served. Mulligans, closest to the hole, split the pot, raffles and more. Cash payouts for winners. Register your team at Springhill Country Club clubhouse. Sponsorship opportunities available.

Sept. 12

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

Sept. 13

15 under 40 Awards banquet. Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce, 318-377-4240.

October 3-8 

National 4-H Week

October 4-7

Parish Fair and Livestock Show.

October 6

10 a.m. Minden Planning Commission meeting. Pelican Room, Minden City Hall. Agenda includes a zoning varian request from Joyful Days LLC, owners of property located at 721 East Street to use existing building as office space for a personal care service company.

October 11

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. 4-H Fashion and Interior Design Workshop #1 at Cultural Crossroads Farm. Pre-registration required.

October 12 

6 p.m. 4-H Jr. Leader Meeting, Minden Extension Office.

October 13

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. 4-H Global Cooking Workshop #1, Minden Extension Office. Pre-Registration Required.

4-H Pumpkin Decorating Contest & LA Commodity Cookery 

October 15

11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Minden Makers Fair

Our 4th annual Minden Makers Fair will take place at The Farm of Cultural Crossroads. A fun-filled day packed with local artists and makers, hands-on demonstrations, activities for children, food vendors, and more! Guests will also be able to view submissions made to our halloween-themed art competition, Moonlight Madness. More information about this event can be found at: https://www.mindenmakersfair.com/

5:30 until 11 p.m. After the gates close on Minden Makers Fair, The Farm will reopen at 5:30 for our 3rd annual Moonlight Madness halloween art competition and haunted house. The gallery reception will begin at 5:30 with awards being announced and refreshments served. Once the sun goes down, we will open our kid-friendly haunted house located under the pavilion and pass out candy. Guests are encouraged to wear a costume. For more information, or to receive an application to submit artwork into the competition, please call (318) 268-8153 or email CulturalCrossroadsOfMinden@gmail.com.

October 17 

5 p.m. LYFE Series Meeting #1, Springhill Library.

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of August 18-24:

August 18

Nurses Direct LLC vs. CLGH Minden, LLC, monies due.

Janie Brooks vs. Rodney Brooks, divorce.

August 22

Deere & Company vs. Joseph L. Willett, monies due.

August 23

Curtis Davis vs. Progressive Paloverde Insurance Co., damages.

August 24

Bank of America NA vs. Hope Elisabeth Champagne, monies due.a

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