9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Webster Parish Schools Preschool/PreK Orientation Days. Parents must transport students to school.
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.
9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Webster Parish Schools Preschool/PreK Orientation Days. Parents must transport students to school.
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.
4 p.m. Nominations are due for 5 Under 40 for the Springhill North Webster Chamber.
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
7 until 9 a.m. Candidate Meet & Greet at CAC Building in Springhill. Sponsored by Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce.
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.
August 19
4:30 p.m. Applications due for 4-H conference for members14-18 from across the south Sept. 22-25. Meeting will be held in Crossville, Tenn.
Sept. 3
Vintage Car Club Show and Shine, Car and Bike show, 2nd Kiddie Car show. Downtown Minden
Sept. 12
6 p.m. Tie One On Museum Gala Fundraiser 2022 for Dorcheat Historical Museum.
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.)
Jury selection is scheduled to begin today (Tuesday, August 9), in the shooting death of 37-year-old Anthony John Bruns of Springhill.
Monday’s courtroom was the scene of evidentiary arguments. If a jury is selected Tuesday or Wednesday morning, the trial could start Wednesday afternoon.
Bruns reportedly was found on the side of Percy Burns Road, just south of Reynolds Street on Louisiana Hwy. 157 in June of 2020.
Webster Parish Sheriff’s investigators Phillip Krouse and Tommy Kemp Jr. worked the case and arrested Logan Harmon Smith, who was 21 at the time. Smith is from Taylor, Ark.
Bruns was allegedly killed in another location, and his body dumped at the site where Springhill Police were called. It was reportedly out of their jurisdiction, so Sheriff’s investigators were called to the scene.
In a 2020 story, KTAL news reported Smith confessed to shooting Bruns but did not disclose a motive, claiming he did not know the victim prior to the shooting. He was charged with second-degree murder.
Smith’s trial will be held at the Webster Parish Courthouse under presiding Judge Charles Smith. Assistant District Attorney Jimbo Yocom is the prosecutor and Attorney Mary Ellen Halterman of Shreveport, is defending Smith.
All Webster Parish teachers in K-12 public schools now have access to a “panic button.” The purpose of the “panic button” is to increase the emergency response time in the event of a threat, shooting, fire or any other emergency that may threaten the health or safety of students and staff. If the button is ever initiated in the case of an emergency, a voice call will be made to the Webster Parish 911 center, while simultaneously notifying the rest of the school staff members.
The button is accessible through the RAVE system and is a free app that must be downloaded and installed on the cellphones of teachers and staff members.
This system was first introduced to the Webster Parish schools in 2019 and, now under the direction of the school board, every public school has entered information into the RAVE system. Webster Parish 911 will receive this notification on what is called the Rave Command View, which is essentially a large online map that has been installed in their call center. This map allows them access to the exact location of the emergency, right down to the classroom.
Since this is under the provision of the school board, private schools are not eligible at this time, as well as any school or daycare that is not K-12. Executive Director of Webster Parish E-911 Communications, Angie Chapman hopes this will not always be the case with the assistance of Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
“We met with one private school earlier this week and presented the information to them, and as predicted, they are excited for this resource,” said Chapman. “We have plans to attend another meeting shortly to provide information to staff members about the use of the button and help with any training needs they may have.”
Chapman has been working with RAVE over the last few weeks to have a separate organization, Webster Parish Private Schools, set up within their infrastructure. The goal is to also have all Pre-K, daycares and Montessori schools entered into the system under the existing public-school or the newly created private school organizations.
The 911 call center would receive the “panic button” alerts for the additional schools in the same fashion as the public schools when the project is complete.
One lucky duck awarded $1000 by Greater Minden Chamber
By Paige Nash
Downtown Minden was the place to be this past Friday evening, August 5. The Greater Minden Chamber partnered with Webster Parish Tourism to host their 4th Annual Duck Derby Extravaganza at Miller Quarters. The event included food trucks, vendors, bounce houses, music by a live DJ, a dunk tank, face painting and ducks galore.
“The Chamber Board of Directors and I feel that the event was very successful. We had a great turn out from the community, as well as the vendors who signed up to participate. We decided to utilize our newly built Miller Quarters Park, and think the location turned out perfect. Webster Parish Tourism is a great community partner and made sure that we had everything we needed at the park,” said Greater Minden Chamber President, Stephanie Barnett.
They sold over 1200 ducks, which were split up into four heats. The top ten from each heat went on to compete in the championship race where they battled it out down the track.
First place went to Paige Woodard who was awarded $1000, Bennie Wood’s duck finished second winning $500. Rounding out the top three was Hugh and Lucia Wood who took home $250.
The contributions of the Greater Minden Chamber Board of Directors and Event Committee, the sponsors, community partners and participants ensured the success of the event.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout-out to our Minden Fire Department. They came out to help us set up our course, and then were with us as we ran our races. We appreciate their help each year. Congratulations to our duck race winners, thank you to our sponsors, and we hope the community will join us next year for our 5th Annual Duck Derby Extravaganza. We already have plans to make it even bigger and better,” said Barnett.
The event was sponsored by Mike’s Hometown Spirits, Minden Family Dental, Living Word Minden, Durrett Law & Title, Visit Webster Parish, Fibrebond, D&T Inflatables LLC, B1 Bank and Jeanne Martin with State Farm Insurance. All proceeds will benefit Greater Minden Chamber future community projects.
Luther Gerald “Pete” Colvin was a true cowboy through and through, as well as an active member of the National Rifle Association, Cattleman’s Association and his church, First Baptist Sibley. Colvin was inducted into the Louisiana Rodeo Cowboys Association (LRCA) Hall of Fame in 2011.
After his death in December of 2020, the Louisiana 4 Ranch & Rodeo Company felt it was only right to honor his life and legacy by dedicating this rodeo to him. They announced in July of last year that the annual Minden LRCA Rodeo would now be presented as the Pete Colvin Memorial Rodeo.
The rodeo was held at the Jack Batton Arena in Minden over the weekend. Events kicked off Friday evening, followed by a parade down Main Street Saturday morning and even more fun that night.
Being a sanctioned LRCA and United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA) event it drew competitors from across the state along with their supporters and fans, packing the arena both nights.
“It was the biggest turnout for the Minden Rodeo since the late ’80s,” said Corey Colvin, Co-owner and Producer with Louisiana 4 Ranch & Rodeo Co.
Participants had the opportunity to compete in multiple featured events including bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and Mutton Bustin’ for the kids.
They showcased bullfighters, Funny Man- Jack Ledoux and rodeo royalty.
The local Minden Riding Club presented their new royalty team during intermission on Friday evening. Last year’s royalty team made up of Georgia Smith Ware (Junior Princess), Addyson Bond (Princess), and Laney Lindberg (Queen) passed on their crowns to the 2022 winners; June Ray (Junior Princess), Carlee Jo Greene (Princess) and Morgan Iman (Queen). They featured the 2022 Sweetheart, Desiree Haymon and Sweetheart contestants, Joslyn Ray and Wylie Kate DeHart.
The Louisiana 4 Ranch & Rodeo Co. is already looking forward to and making plans for next year. Colvin said, “We’re trying to make the event one of Mindens most looked forward to, ‘family friendly’ events each year.”
Mirror talks. I heard someone use that term once. They are the moments you have when you’re alone and at your most vulnerable. Because that’s when we are always the most vulnerable. When we are alone. Teeth brushed, hair (or lack thereof in my case) brushed, deep breath taken. Ready for a new day. Ready for the people and problems that are always coming. Once more into the fray, good friends.
The mirror talk is when you, me, all tell ourselves that this will pass, the struggle of whatever you are contending with will pass. That you have the ability to endure the difficulties of the coming day. As Hamlet said, you can fight through the slings and arrows life throws your way.
Mirror talks. We all have them. Even those people who are about to be the very cause of your problems. Even those people who are the subject of your own moment of self and actual reflection (unless you’re a vampire. No mirror reflection with vampires because, you know, folklore, Hollywood and all).
Mirror talks. The man I heard say this didn’t seem the type to have mirror talks. They are out there, I guess. The totally confident and bullet-proof. Maybe they exist. Yet I doubt it. But if there were a person that wouldn’t have the mirror talk it would a gentleman like this one.
Big. Strong. Imposing. In command. The kind of person that enters a room and eyes fall on them. I don’t think anyone would think this guy would be the kind to have mirror talks. But that’s what made his words so powerful. Because we are all the same. The perceived strong. The perceived weak. The rich. The poor. The liberal. The conservative. The vaccinated and the unvaccinated. The black man and the white man. Though we look different on the outside, we all bleed the same.
So, that’s a lot of words to say just something simple – we are all alike, y’all. It doesn’t matter what God you pray to or what politician you voted for or whether you wore a mask or caused a scene at Walmart because you refused. We all have mirror talks. The rich. The poor. Black and white. Democrat and republican. Muslim and Christian. LSU fans and Alabama fans. Your boss. Your enemy. Your friend. The criminal and the victim.
In a world of hate and the crap I see on Facebook, I have to remember we all are the same. All of us. Everyone has mirror talks because everyone is vulnerable in those early, intimate early morning moments.
All children of God. All human beings. All flesh and the same color blood.
Mirror talks. So if I had one wish today, it would be to help me remember that every time I’m having a mirror talk that so too are you.
And that might make me a little bit better of a person. A little bit kinder. A little bit more who I know God wants me to be.
And that’s all I have to say about that.
(Josh Beavers is a teacher and award-winning journalist. He has been recognized five times for excellence in opinion writing by the Louisiana Press Association.)
The 2022 Louisiana Ponytails made history by becoming the first Ponytails team from Minden to win a Dixie Softball state championship.
After falling to South Carolina in their first game last Saturday, they won 4 straight games to enter the final day of the World Series.
They beat Mississippi 20-2, Alabama 10-7, Tennessee 7-3 and North Carolina 13-4. After defeating North Carolina Tuesday night, there were three teams with one loss.
Just like the state tournament, the three teams had to draw for a bye. South Carolina won the bye and awaited the winner of Louisiana and North Carolina.
Louisiana fell to North Carolina. South Carolina went on to win the 2022 Pontytails X-Play World Series. Louisiana and North Carolina are co-runners up.
This year’s Ponytails are Addison Chanler, Kullyn Chanler, Ellie Earnhardt, Audrey Frye, Sariyah Gill, Gracie Heard, Lyle Huddleston, Peyton Malone, Savannah Magnum, Jaidyn Smith, Anna Grace Vining and Emilee Ware.
Coaching the girls are Chris Earnhardt, David Ware and Wesley Chanler.
School is starting back for the kiddos, and that means all hands on deck to make it as easy as possible! What that means for me is planning suppers we are happy to sit down and eat together at the end of the day as well as breakfast the boys actually want to eat. Don’t get me wrong, we love a cereal or Pop Tart morning just like most others, but baking something like these Orange Breakfast Muffins makes me feel as if I’ve contributed to their day a little bit better than that strawberry Pop Tart will.
These are really so so good. I love a muffin that can hold a taste and not taste just like crumbs after a day. This recipe is definitely that! I hope you will try them and enjoy!
Muffins
• 1 3/4 cup flour • 2/3 cup sugar • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup butter, melted • 1 cup sour cream • 1 large egg • 1/4 cup orange juice • Zest of 1 orange • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Glaze
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar • 1/4 cup orange juice • 2 teaspoons orange zest
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl whisk together the butter, sour cream, egg, orange juice, orange zest, and almond extract. Whisk well.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir with wooden spoon until combined. Fill muffin tins. Bake 16-18 minutes.
Meanwhile make glaze. Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice and orange zest. After muffins are done let them cool for 10 minutes before topping with glaze.
*Adapted from Damn Delicious. Shared originally by Emily Porter.
(Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom, contributor to Webster Parish, Natchitoches Parish and Shreveport-Bossier journals, as well as a published cookbook author.)
The reinstatement of the Police Officer Reserve program and the appointment of an alderman to fill a vacant seat will be considered when the Village of Dixie Inn Board of Aldermen meet today (Tuesday, August 9).
Police Chief James Edwards had previously reported to the board that there is a need to bring back the Officer Reserve program.This program enlists unpaid, certified volunteer reserve officers who will provide additional manpower as needed for emergencies and increase available police services.
The board will also consider the appointment ofNell Finley as Alderman to serve the remainder of the current term. There has been a vacant seat since Donna Hoffoss was appointed as Mayor back in May. Finley filed as a candidate during the July qualifying period for election as Alderman. If approved, she will serve until the November 8 election determines who will fulfill the next term on the Board.
Other agenda items for this regular session include department reports and the hiring of a City Clerk to fill in during Dana James’s absence.
The Village of Dixie Inn meeting will be held at 5 p.m. in the Village Hall located at 60 Shell Street, Dixie Inn. The meeting is open to the public.
An event scheduled for Doyline Sunday evening went off without a hitch.
Although billed as Sunday Fun Day, the flyer distributed showed horses and trailers, as if the event was a trail ride.
“Less than 200 people attended … no horses or trail ride,” said Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker. “We did start getting noise complaints of loud music from locals around 9 p.m.”
Parker said the event, which took place on Shiloh Road, lasted until 11 p.m., and the organizer was “very cooperative.”
Parker’s concerns stemmed from a shooting that took place at a Cotton Valley un-permitted trail ride event two weeks ago.
“It’s about educating the public,” Parker said. “These things (permits) need to be acquired 30 days prior to the event, not the week of or two or three days beforehand. I’ve got to get off-duty deputies to come in on their days off. We have to scramble to make sure we have traffic control. We just want to do the right thing, but we need cooperation from the people who want to do these events.”
Parker said he talked to some Doyline residents that seemed concerned about Sunday’s event.
However, he said, the organizer and property owner wanted something small and were unaware of the flyer.
“They (organizer) just want something small,” Parker said, “and I don’t want to discourage that.”
Minden Lions would like to thank Kevin Ypya, owner of Minden Coin & Collectibles, for serving as our guest speaker on Thursday. Kevin gave an informative presentation on collecting and grading coins, what to avoid, investment versus hobby, and protecting your collection.
Lions were particularly interested in the coin and currency displays he shared with the club. Stop by and visit with Kevin at 716 Main St. in downtown Minden.
Kevin was invited and introduced by Lion Jim Frazier.
Red River High School graduate Ryder Hogan didn’t settle on his college choice during the school year, but his impressive record of academics and extracurricular activities earned him a $3,000 scholarship to attend Northwestern State University in 2022-23.
Hogan, 18, has received one of the new Journal Services NSU Scholarships, which will award three new Northwestern students up to $3,000 in the next school year. Lakeview High’s Meagan Corley was the first recipient to be announced, and the final winner will be acknowledged shortly.
Hogan graduated cum laude with a 3.5 grade point average and earned membership in the National Honor Society. He has earned certification in carpentry in levels 1 and 2 while at RRHS.
A native of nearby Pelican, Hogan earned all-district honors in two sports. He was honored as a kicker and punter for Red River’s outstanding football team, and earned first-team all-district in baseball as a utility player.
The scholarships were designed to assist Class of 2022 high school students who hadn’t settled on a college choice, or students currently enrolled at other higher-education institutions who are considering transferring to NSU in Natchitoches.
They are being provided by Journal Services, LLC, based in Natchitoches, which supports 12 locally-owned journals covering north central and northwest Louisiana.
“We congratulate Ryder and the other two scholarship winners,” said Bill Vance, general manager of Journal Services LLC. “We were gratified by the response to this opportunity and are committed to expanding the opportunities and providing more support for new Northwestern State University students for the 2023-24 school year.”
Applicants provided their high school GPA (and college GPA if applicable), and also, reported their ACT score along with listing honors, extracurricular activities and other relevant information on the form. That information provided a basis for selecting the three winners.
Scholarship winners must live in Natchitoches Parish during the upcoming school year. They are also required to have in-person, face-to-face instruction for 75 percent of their classes in 2022-23.
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.
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 3
Marquisa McWright, 24, of Frazier Ave., Sibley, was arrested by WPSO for simple battery.
Sean E. Smith, 55, of Bossier City, was arrested in Webster Parish by LSP-G on three active fugitive warrants.
Juan Miguel Vargas Camacho, 31, of Fort Worth, Texas, was arrested in Webster Parish by LSP for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, improper plate display and no tail lights.
Billy Jack Bailey, 61, of Seagoville, Texas, was arrested by Minden Police for driving while intoxicated, second offense. His bond was set at $2,000.
Crystal Dawn Maness, 40, of Cotton Valley, was arrested by Cotton Valley police on an outstanding warrant for unauthorized use of a moveable.
August 4
Royon O. Ward, 21, of the 1900 block of Field Rd., Magnolia, Ark., was arrested by Springhill Police for home invasion. His bond was set at $45,000.
August 5
Kenneth Wayne Davis, 44, of the 100 block of Robertson Dr., Minden, was arrested by Minden Police on warrants for simple battery and criminal trespass.
August 6
Cherish Mosley, 35, of the 700 block of Clay St., Minden, was arrested by MPD for disturbing the peace by intoxication and sagging pants.
Dominique L. Smith, 29, of the 1000 block of 4th St., SW, Springhill, was arrested by WPSO on five outstanding warrants.
August 7
Robert David Robinson, 31, of the 600 block of Woodmill Rd., Heflin, was arrested by MPD for disturbing the peace by intoxication and resisting an officer.
August 8
Randavioous Mosely (aka Tookie) 28, of the 1200 block of Shreveport Rd., was arrested by Probation and Parole for a parole violation.
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.
9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Webster Parish Schools Preschool/PreK Orientation Days. Parents must transport students to school.
6:30 p.m. New Student Orientation at Glenbrook Multipurpose Building.
August 10
9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Webster Parish Schools Preschool/PreK Orientation Days. Parents must transport students to school.
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.
9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Webster Parish Schools Preschool/PreK Orientation Days. Parents must transport students to school.
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.
August 19
4:30 p.m. Applications due for 4-H conference for members14-18 from across the south Sept. 22-25. Meeting will be held in Crossville, Tenn.
Sept. 12
6 p.m. Tie One On Museum Gala Fundraiser 2022 for Dorcheat Historical Museum.
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.)
7 until 9 a.m. Candidate Meet & Greet at CAC Building in Springhill. Sponsored by Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce.
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.
August 19
4:30 p.m. Applications due for 4-H conference for members14-18 from across the south Sept. 22-25. Meeting will be held in Crossville, Tenn.
August 20
8 a.m. until noon Minden Farmers Market. Local food vendors will be set up under the pavilion at The Farm of Cultural Crossroads. This is our last scheduled Farmers Market date for now, but interested vendors still have time to submit an application using the following link: https://www.culturalcrossroadsofminden.org/farmersmarketvendor
August 22
6 p.m. Cultural Crossroads of Minden, Inc. Meeting of the Board of Directors. Open to the public at The Farm of Cultural Crossroads.
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. 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 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.
When Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker received a video via text message Wednesday, concerns about last weekend’s trail ride shooting came flooding back.
The video flyer advertises a trail ride Sunday, August 7, on Shiloh Road in Doyline. The event is sponsored by DLW Transportation LLC and the flyer depicts trail riding and rap music.
Before Wednesday was over, Parker had his investigators checking with the property owners and organizers, who had not filed permits for the event.
“The owner/organizer has been contacted,” Parker said Thursday morning, “They’re working and cooperating with us.”
Parker said that person was talking with investigators and is willing to go to the Webster Parish Police Jury office to fill out permit papers.
“They say they were initially going to put on a small roping-type community event, which we don’t want to discourage,” said the sheriff. “Then somebody saw that opportunity to put out this flyer and make it into a bigger deal.”
Parker said the owner told him that was not going to happen.
“It was somebody taking advantage of the situation or an opportunity to put something else out there,” he said.
The permit will show parish law enforcement the type of event that will be hosted, as well as the number of attendees expected. It will also let them know who is responsible, if another tragedy occurs as in the Cotton Valley shooting that injured 3 persons last weekend.
“It’s about educating the public,” Parker said. “These things need to be done 30 days prior to the event, not the week of or two or three days beforehand. I’ve got to get off-duty deputies to come in on their days off. We have to scramble to make sure we have traffic control down there. We just want to do the right thing, but we need cooperation from the people who want to do these events.”
Parker said he talked to some Doyline residents who are concerned about the event.
“They just want something small,” he said, “and I don’t want to discourage that.”
A similar event in Cotton Valley last weekend ended in a fight and gunshots. The event was un-permitted, therefore, no law enforcement was present.
Sometimes when a juvenile commits a crime, it’s one and done. They may go into the courtroom of Judge Sherb Sentell or Judge Stuart McMahen, where they attempt to place them in juvenile detention while awaiting adjudication. According to reports, there is a 70 percent chance once that child or teen spends a couple of nights at Ware Youth Center, they never want to see it again.
But Ware is full … a head in all 32 beds. Then what happens? The kids are returned to the streets, and what kind of signal does that send?
Ware Chief Operating Officer Kenneth said, “It tells the kids it’s OK to do what they did. There won’t be consequences for it.”
In 2014, Ware contracted with the state to fill vacant beds. At that time, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Sabine, Red River and Webster parishes were under that plan, and at that time, Ware had 34 beds.
The state would pay a per diem to help keep the doors open. Then, the state Office of Juvenile Justice canceled the agreement and pulled state kids out of the facility, along with some of the funding.
“We asked the five parishes if they wanted to make up the difference and keep Ware open,” Loftin said. “They chose not to … said they didn’t have the money.”
At that point, Ware contracted with Bossier Parish, who had an outdated “antiquated” youth center.
“They moved their operation from Bossier City to Ware,” he said. “They contracted for 24 beds and we had 34, so we gave each parish 2 beds a piece.”
Loftin retired in 2015, and in 2019 Ware experienced 2 suicides.
“State licensure reduced the bed capacity from 34 beds to 32,” said Loftin, who returned to Ware to offer aid under extenuating circumstances. “Which, math says, the parishes don’t have 2 beds any more. But because Bossier doesn’t always use all those beds, others utilize those beds, and Bossier is fine with that.”
Cost to house a juvenile is around $128 per day. Webster Parish Police Jury pays if the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office or one of the smaller jurisdictions makes the arrest. According to a WPPJ spokesperson, the smaller towns are asked to pay it, however, they most often call the sheriff’s department to make the arrest and WPPJ ends up with the tab. If Springhill Police make the arrest, City of Springhill pays for it. If Minden Police make the arrest, City of Minden foots the bill.
That cost is going up because earlier in the year, 3 juveniles escaped Ware with the help of a staff member. Loftin said insurance for the facility is being canceled, and he is seeking coverage elsewhere. It will be expensive, although he is unsure how much more cost will be needed for each bed.
Loftin said he is aware that since the legislature raised the juvenile crime age to 17, all the parishes need beds.
“It’s horrible,” he said. “It’s the worst thing the legislature has ever done for juvenile corrections.”
Loftin said the 17-year-olds present a unique group of problems.
“It’s not necessarily the bed space. What happens is, with 15, 16 and 17s, once the juvenile is indicted as an adult, they are put back in the juvenile detention center,” he said. “Once they come back to juvenile detention, they know they’re an adult. They know they have a trial date in the adult court system.
“They could care less what they do to my staff, the facility or anybody else because nothing they do – besides killing somebody – is going to raise the charge they already have,” Loftin continued.
In 2011, the state took away mace and other defense tools detention centers once used.
“All we have are staff and room restriction,” he said.
Loftin said he knows the judges see the limited bed space, but everyone’s hands are tied.
There is one light at the end of the juvenile bed space tunnel.
There is talk of building another facility on the Ware property in Coushatta that would allow the older juveniles to be separated from the younger ones.
Bossier Parish Police Jury (BPPJ) Administrator Butch Ford said the idea is in the “talking” stage.
“There were discussions earlier this year or late last year to build a new facility to hold 17-year-olds and isolate them from the younger ones,” Ford said. “The older, more violent crime juveniles are difficult to handle.”
Ford said Loftin approached BPPJ about the separate facility.
“We haven’t pulled the trigger on that,” said Ford. “They have enough beds for Bossier, and we are paying a good chunk of funds for them to house them for us.”
Having said that, Ford said BPPJ is willing to help other parishes, if the separate facility comes to fruition, however, the “ball is in Loftin’s court.”
“If they need the separate facility, that is Kenny’s call,” Ford said of Loftin. “Kenny will decide if and when that has to happen, and he will come back to us.”
But Bossier Parish will not be funding the construction.
“He will have to go back to the state and request money to build it,” Ford said. “We like our agreement with Ware. It’s working. They handle all of our cases and farm out to other parishes if there is available space.”
Ford said the parish bumped up their budget by a half million dollars when Loftin approached them for funds to help “shore up” Ware.
“They have enough property to build it, but like everyone, they are having manpower issues,” Ford said. “They don’t have enough people to work. We agreed to pay them more money to help with that situation.”
Ford said BPPJ will go to the state with Loftin and help in anyway they can to secure funds when the Ware head decides it is time.
“I’ve watched this the last six or seven months, and they are having to move some of those kids to Angola,” Ford said. “So, we will help him come up with a plan to seek state dollars.”
And Webster Parish, which needs a minimum of five beds, could be part of that plan.
“I had not heard Webster needs five beds,” Ford said. “Our two parishes work hand-in-hand, and if Webster is in need, we will sit down and work with them to try and resolve the problem.
“If Webster wants to sit down with us and Ware, we will do that,” he continued.
NLTCC Chancellor Earl Meador (left) and Dr. Jayda Spillers prepare to put paperwork in the mail for Phase 1 of the accreditation process.
By Bonnie Culverhouse
In their never ending efforts to “raise the bar,” Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College is about to complete the first phase of SACSCOC accreditation.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states.
Accreditation by SACSCOC is a statement of each institution’s continuing commitment to quality and integrity as well as its capacity to provide effective programs and services based on agreed-upon accreditation standards.
“It’s an unbelievable amount of data you have to send in,” said NLTCC’s Karen Nash. “You have to show them what you are doing and how you’re doing it, including enrollment numbers.”
NLTCC has had community college status for three years.
During a reception Wednesday celebrating completion of Phase I, Chancellor Earl W. Meador, J.D. said of the 12 community colleges in Louisiana, NLTCC was the only one that was not a SACSCOC accredited community college.
“We are here because good people love our community,” Meador said. “We are celebrating a milestone in a journey that began 3 years ago.”
Meador has been chancellor for 5 years, but he said only a few weeks into his first year, he realized NLTCC was in a financial crisis. He credits community leader James Madden with helping him begin the healing process.
Madden, he said, pointed out that NLTCC was not charging the correct tuition and was not part of the community college equation.
“So our tuition was wrong, our funding model was wrong,” Meador said. “All we were doing was cutting and cutting and getting smaller and smaller every year.”
As Meador and Madden began to work on “fixing” the problem, Wayne McMahen became state representative for District 10.
Meador said McMahen submitted a bill in his first legislative session that would make NLTCC a technical community college. With Sen. Ryan Gatti’s help, the bill, which had 64 co-authors, passed the house and senate unanimously.
The entire SACSCOC process is a long one. Meador said it takes some schools up to 10 years to complete, but thanks to hard-working staff members and community supporters NLTCC is on track to accreditation in 5 to 6 years.
He specifically named Dr. Jayda Spillers, Stephen Long and Sheri Butler.
“These three focused, focused, focused,” he stressed.
Meador said the process will be worth it when the school expands its curriculum to include programs available at the college level. After that, the problem will be finding space for all the new students and classes.
“This is a big step,” he said Wednesday. “Today we officially become a candidate to be an accredited body.
“We want our students to be inspired, equipped and ready to work,” Meador concluded. “That’s not just a saying. It’s a way of life.”
NLTCC staff and community leaders join (front row from left) Chancellor Earl Meador, Sheri Butler, Jayda Spillers and Stephen Long.
The Webster Parish Police Jury opened the discussion at last month’s meeting regarding the current pay for the Webster Parish Public Works Department. After July’s meeting, a small committee was formed to deliberate on the matter further. After much consideration, they decided the road crew and office employees should receive a $2 an hour raise effective immediately, pending approval by the complete jury.
This will bring the starting pay for new hires from about $11/hour to $13/hour.
This department is an extension of the police jury and oversees the preservation of roads, parks, trails and some city streets in the form of trash pick-up, water treatment and road repairs. It relies heavily on laborers and truck drivers.
They have been having a hard time hiring and keeping employees on crew and recently lost two employees to neighboring parishes that have been able to offer higher starting pay. This decision to present and approve the raise was crucial in order to compete with parishes like Bienville and Claiborne.
“We have lost a couple of guys to Bienville Parish, so we looked to see how we compared to our surrounding parishes. This would get us comparable to Bienville and Claiborne. We would still be a little bit behind Bossier,” said WPPJ President, Jim Bonsall.
The public works department has been stretched thin with more work than the current crew can handle. As of last month, they were down to a total of 18 employees from the usual 28. Instead of having so many employees on staff, the jury decided to cut the number of employees and use those leftover funds to pay new hires and current employees a higher wage.
Nobody will be in jeopardy of losing their jobs. Instead of looking to fill the current 10 vacancies, they will now only be hiring 4-6 new employees and spread those funds out among them.
The decided-on amount of a $2 raise ended up being within the already approved budget, but if by chance it happened to be more, the jury decided they would use the severance tax to cover the overage.
Severance tax is a state imposed tax or fee on the extraction or production of oil, gas and other natural resources.
Bonsall said, “I propose to take that money out of the severance tax. We are living on $850,000 right now and have been for two years, but I believe it is going to go back up. At the end of the year when we start doing our budget, we will really look at this closer. We have some money budgeted that we aren’t spending, let’s give this money to those guys that are showing up. Let’s reward them.”
