Three North Webster Parish residents have qualified to run for Springhill mayor, including the incumbent, Ray Huddleston. His challengers are Ronnie Hearnsberger and Courtney Allen.

The Webster Parish Journal asked the three candidates five questions. Below are their answers in alphabetical order:

1. What makes you uniquely qualified to be mayor?

Allen: I’m unique because I surround myself with others who are stronger in certain areas that I am weak in. I know how to put pride to the side and do what’s best for everyone that is involved. We haven’t had leadership like that since I’ve been here and I’ve been here my entire life. I think it’s time for Springhill to have a Mayor that puts the people first, not his own propaganda. 

Hearnsberger: My education and experience have prepared me to find the best solutions to problems and make good financial decisions that will lead Springhill through this time of financial uncertainty.  I grew up in Springhill and served as an accountant in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for six years after high school.  I have successfully operated businesses here and in Branson during the past forty years.  I have a BA degree in Business Administration & Finance from SAU.  I was the Executive Vice President of Citizens Bank & Trust in Springhill and worked for the FDIC in Bossier City.  I am a member of Central Baptist Church, the Springhill Rotary Club and have served as past chairman of the United Way.  I have served Springhill as Alderman for District Two for the past three years.

Huddleston: My experience as Mayor of Springhill for the last four years makes me uniquely qualified to serve another four years. I have knowledge of grants that are available and how to get them, I have created relationships with legislators in Baton Rouge, besides serving four years as Mayor I was an alderman for 8 years. I am retired after working 45 years of running commercial banks. 

2. What do you propose to bring more businesses to the city?  How would you bring more visitors?

Allen: I propose looking into our infrastructure and incentives to make sure we are attractive and comparable to other cities and let every company know how great our community is and enhance the quality of life. I would bring more visitors by working with the business community, tourism, and the citizens. We would see what type of visitors we would like to see come, what type of events we would want, and what would be best for our City. 

Hearnesberger: Businesses generally prefer to locate in cities that are clean, safe and growing.  In Springhill, we depend a great deal on the North Webster Parish Industrial Board to do the very difficult job of attracting industry and jobs to our community.  What we CAN do is make our city a more attractive place to raise a family.  This means ENFORCING existing ordinances to remove blighted properties and assisting business owners to obtain grants and help in upgrading their appearance.

We can do more to attract visitors to our two annual events we have had for decades, the Springhill PRCA Rodeo in September and the Lumberjack Festival in October.  About a year ago, my wife and I created a monthly Branson-style show in Springhill called the Piney Woods Jamboree.  The show provides music, comedy and family entertainment on the second Saturday night of each month.  More monthly or quarterly shows and concerts will bring more visitors to our city.  We need to research finding more places for visitors to stay overnight in Springhill.

Huddleston: I have been working for four years to beautify our City and clean it up to make it more inviting for businesses, families, and visitors. We have a financially stable City with an award winning hospital and a school anyone would be proud of. As far as a draw, we have the Lumberjack Festival, a monthly Jamboree at a theater venue, world renown rodeo and arena. We have a lot going on for a small community. We were recently awarded a $500,000 grant to build a splash pad, outdoor stage, and large pavilion. This should draw more visitors. We also offer sports programs year round for our youth. We can make additions to the above mentioned. Our cost of living and low crime rate is also attractive to outsiders.

3. With crime on the rise in Webster Parish, particularly crimes committed by juvenile offenders, how do you feel about a juvenile curfew in your city?

Allen:  Being in the school system I know children need structure. Structure can be in many forms and a curfew may be one however, I would leave that up to the citizens. I would have a town hall meeting and hear their thoughts and concerns before we just jump to ordinances and laws without hearing from the constituents. 

Hearnsberger: Springhill has been fortunate to have few crimes committed by juvenile offenders.  Perhaps the fact that Springhill HAS a curfew ordinance has helped keep our juvenile offenders at a minimum.  Persons under 17 years of age are not allowed in any public area after 11 PM Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday.  I support keeping Springhill safe and increasing pay for our police officers.

Huddleston: A curfew would help if reasonable but needs to be enforced.

4. Would you be in favor of broadcasting city council meetings to the public via social media like Facebook or YouTube? Why or why not?

Allen: Yes, I would be in favor of any type of media that is not distracting and still keeps our citizens informed. Some may have to be at work, or at another event and can’t make it physically but they can still watch via mobile device.

Hearnesberger: To increase transparency in government, I have repeatedly made motions and requested that our city council meetings be broadcast to the public on Facebook or YouTube.  Unfortunately, our current mayor will not allow it and my fellow aldermen will not second my motions.  Many people have job conflicts that prevent them from attending our meetings in person.  The written minutes of our meetings are merely a “summary” of the council meeting and usually omit many important comments.  If I am elected mayor, our regular monthly meetings will be recorded on video and broadcast in some format.

Huddleston: This has recently been done and I am fine with it, although our meetings are open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend. Notifications are on facebook, the local newspaper, and City web page.

5. What do you see as the top priority for your city and why?

Allen: Community Development- Springhill has been stagnant for far too long and we don’t know how much more we can remain that way before things get even worse. We must start community engagement and building our community, with school programs, youth involvement, elderly activities, economic development, and so much more. I have served my community for so long and now I still want to serve but I want to lead as well. WE can do this with your prayers and support!

Hearnsberger:  As costs increase and our population decreases, my main priority will be making sure our city is financially stable for years to come.  Our residents want good streets, clean, affordable water, dependable garbage service and police and fire protection.  By reducing wasteful spending and making good financial decisions, we can deliver dependable services with less rate increases.  It is also important to me that our city increase accountability and transparency as we pursue economic development.

Huddleston:  As always my priorities are economic development and infrastructure. We are in the process of obtaining several large grants to improve our infrastructure with the help of Representative Wayne McMahen. We are also working with the North Webster Industrial Park to promote the North end of Webster Parish and attract businesses. 

***

The election is Tuesday, November 8.

Early voting is Oct. 25 through Nov. 1 (excluding Sunday, Oct. 30) from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the registrar’s office in the courthouse.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Nov. 4 by 4:30 p.m (other than military and overseas voters). You can request an absentee ballot online through the Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office.

The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is Nov. 7 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).

On election day, the polls are open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. If you are unsure of your voting precinct, please call 377-9272.

Congratulations Mike Sewell!

Sewell had a hole-in-one on number five during this past weekend’s September Shootout at Pine Hills Country Club.

Sewell is owner of Roma Italian Bistro.

Watch the Webster Parish Journal for a list of the flights and winners.

It’s already Week 4 for the Webster Parish Journal’s High School Pick’em Contest.
Last week’s winner will be revealed in Wednesday’s publication, and you can see how our “celebrity” pickers scored.

Signing up for the contest only takes a couple of minutes. Click on https://tinyurl.com/WPJPickem  to get started with this week’s games. Deadline is 4 p.m. Thursday.

Each weekly winner over the 10 weeks of the contest will be on the receiving end of $100 and will have their photo taken at our title sponsor Under Dawgs Sports Grill, the gathering place featuring a home-field atmosphere. In addition to the $100, weekly winners will receive a $50 gift gas card courtesy of Car Giant, serving Minden by providing quality cars. A photo will be taken there, too.

In addition to the money and gas card, Minden Attorney Jimbo Yocom of Yocom Law Firm will award each weekly winner a cap featuring the winner’s favorite team either high school, college or pro. Winners will pick their cap at Minden Athletic, suppliers of athletic gear since 1973.

By Paige Nash

The Webster Parish Police Jury was recently awarded a Healthy Communities Grant by Keep Louisiana Beautiful. Keep Louisiana Beautiful is a non-profit organization founded in 2000 with the mission to stop littering in the state. Through beautification programs and partnerships, the organization is able to bring awareness to this issue and provide communities with the tools and resources to improve and preserve the state’s natural beauty.  

This grant in the amount of $8,000 will be used to purchase a new litter trailer that will be used to support the WPPJ’s Litter Program. The Litter Program is a parish-wide initiative to reduce the amount of litter along parish roadways in an effort to keep our rural roadways, lakes and waterways free of litter.  

Brian Williams, Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness Director, is responsible for applying and securing this grant and is excited to assist in providing a way for the WPPJ to continue their Litter Program more efficiently. 

“I am always looking for grants that will better our parish,” said Williams. “I discovered the Keep Louisiana Beautiful Grant in a monthly Louisiana Municipal Associate. When I found it, I checked with the Police Jury Secretary and Public Works Director to see if they thought we should apply for any of the allowable items, and both agreed it was time for a new litter trailer. I submitted an application in March 2022 and in July 2022 we were informed that 75 organizations had applied, and they narrowed it down to 21 grants. Out of the 21 grants considered, 12 were awarded and WPPJ was among them.” 

The WPPJ partners with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office to staff a parish-owned van and trailer to pick-up litter and debris along the roads. This partnership is paid for the funding that is allocated annually from within the WPPJ budget.  

They are currently operating with a trailer that was converted into a trash trailer when the police jury originally began this program. It is over ten years old and has been experiencing continuous mechanical issues over the last few years, so the new trailer is very much needed.  

“By receiving the new trailer our Public Works Department will be able to save on costly repairs they are currently having,” said Williams. “The litter program is important to our parish because no one likes to drive down a roadway lined with trash on their way to work or home. When people visit our parish their first impression needs to be a good one so that they return and also tell others about their positive experience.” 

Our parish hosts many events throughout the year that bring in visitors across the state, including the Holiday Trail of Lights, Lumberjack Festival, Main to Main Trade Days, Scottish Tartan Festival, as well as numerous rodeos, parades and kayaking opportunities. 

I definitely do not have a vocabulary deep enough to express HOW. DANG. DELICIOUS these are!!!! I sure wish I did so you could really know. But trust me when I tell you – JUST MAKE THEM! Someone tagged me in a recipe similar to this, but when I got to studying it I wasn’t too wild about it so I changed it up to make it my own. This Whiskey Sauce is the absolute best. It would also be just as good over pasta, but stuffing these potatoes with crawfish, shrimp, and cheese was for sure the right move. I ate the entire thing. Skin and all. Maybe a bite or two or ten of Hank’s that he did not finish. And I cannot wait to make these again! ENJOY!

Potatoes

• 4 large baked potatoes
• 1 pound boiled shrimp, peeled (divide these in half as you’ll want some for topping)
• 1/2 pound cooked crawfish tail meat (reserve other 1/2 pound for sauce)
• 16 ounces Italian cheese blend, shredded
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Tony’s Cajun seasoning

Whiskey Cream Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 green onions, diced
• 1/4 cup whiskey
• 2 cups sherry cooking wine
• 1 cup shrimp stock (can use chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 pound cooked crawfish tail meat
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced for garnish 

Directions

Bake potatoes.  Let cool while making sauce. 

Make the sauce: In saucepan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter, garlic, and green onions.  Sauté lightly for 2 minutes and add whiskey.  Stir constantly. 

Add sherry cooking wine, shrimp stock.  Reduce by half.

Add heavy cream and continue cooking.  When the sauce is a smooth consistency, stir in remaining butter and mix well.

Add remaining crawfish tail meat and cook another 2 minutes.  The sauce should have the consistency of Alfredo sauce.  If the sauce is too thick thin it out with a little chicken broth.  If the sauce is too runny add more cream.

Hull out insides of potatoes and drop in a stand mixer.  Reserve the skins.  Finely dice shrimp.  To the mixing bowl add the shrimp, crawfish tails, cheese, butter, and Tony’s.  Mix until combined in stand mixer.  Fill the potato hulls with the mixture.

Top potatoes with the sauce.  Top with remaining shrimp and green onions.

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

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Minden Police arrested a local pair after conducting a routine traffic stop and locating drugs.

Courtney Alexandria Vining, 31, of the 200 block of Clerk St., Minden, was arrested by MPD for possession of methamphetamine and obstruction of justice. She was also charged by Dixie Inn police on two active warrants.

Patrick Jackson, 47, of the 100 block of Lorex Rd., Minden, is charged with driving under suspension, no headlights, possession of methamphetamine, obstruction of justice and is on a hold for Probation and Parole.

Police Chief Steve Cropper said his officers Reece Tewell, Heather Feeback and Sgt. Jeremy Sitter were part of the arrests.

“Officers stopped a vehicle that exited the Exacta Inn without headlights on,” Cropper said. “The vehicle headed south on Highway 371, continuing without headlights.”

The suspect vehicle was reportedly pulled over at the intersection Penal Farm Road and Hwy. 371.

“After gaining consent to search the vehicle, the suspects, Vining and Jackson were asked to exit the vehicle,” said the chief. “While searching the vehicle, a clear crystal like substance suspected to be methamphetamine was found all over the driver seat and floor board and the passenger seat. Also, in the passenger seat was a soda bottle containing suspected methamphetamine.”

Cropper said the substances field tested positive for methamphetamine. Jackson and Vining were transported to Minden Police Department and transferred to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named 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.

I want to say something to you. I want to say something to my friends. I want to say something to anyone who needs to hear it. 

If you are tired, it can be good. It can be because you have worked hard. If you are dejected, it can be good. It can be because you aren’t satisfied with the status quo and want more out of life. If you are sad, it can be good. It can be because you know the world should be better and it upsets you because it isn’t. 

You don’t have to be happy all the time. You don’t have to be happy most of the time. That’s a great lie fed to us by social media and pharmaceutical companies. Always being happy makes people complacent. It makes people stop working. It makes people stop being the best they can be.

One of the best examples of being happy killing drive is the story of the average heavyweight champion. Boxing is hard. It’s tough. It’s easier to eat ice cream and watch Netflix. It’s called hunger but not for Rocky Road. Hunger makes you fight. It pushes you to succeed. When you lose that hunger, you lose that drive and then you lose that fight. 

You can feel the system is rigged. You can feel the red tape will only tie you up and drown you in a sea of paperwork and ink. It’s easier to give up. It’s  easier to sell your soul to the company store. To die a little more each day under the fluorescent lights of drone and drudgery and to exist on a diet of sugar and Amazon and alternating between doom scrolling and watching cat videos on TikTok. 

It is what it is. It can’t be stopped. The machine is too big. The entire modern world is designed to make you fat and complacent and to feel bad if you feel bad. Social media algorithms glorifying stupidity in an effort to normalize the behavior. To normalize bafoonery and crash what it means to be independent, a free thinker, an entrepreneur, a thinker, a risk taker. 

Be a drone. “But Brawndo’s got what plants crave. It’s got electrolytes.” 

The machine can’t be stopped. No. But your part in it can be.

One of my favorite poems is Invictus by William Ernest Henley.

Out of the night that covers me,

      Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

      For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

      I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

      My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

      Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

      Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

      How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

      I am the captain of my soul

No matter what happens in your life, do not stop fighting. Do not let the cruel and the ignorant break your spirit. Do not let the litigious make you afraid of doing what is right. Do not let the world change who you are.

Believe. Be proud. Be tired. It’s ok. 

Do not bow your head. Do not bow to the mobs. Do not bow to the politicians. Do not bow to the parasites. 

Take risks. Tell someone you love them. Do something for passion and not money. 

Make yourself the right kind of tired. Because that kind of tired means you are making a difference even if you feel like you aren’t. Even if it’s growing a single plot of grass in the desert of the real world. To change one life is to change the world.

That’s all I wanted to tell you. I’m going to go to bed now.

I’m tired. 

And it feels good.  

(Josh Beavers is a teacher and a writer. He had been recognized five times for excellence in opinion writing by the Louisiana Press Association.)

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT to the CEO and CFO

This qualified candidate should have strong computer, organization and people skills.

Join the team at Springhill Medical Center.

Saturday, September 24 is Minden Lions Club Fall Chicken Charbroil. Mark your calendars … 9:30 a.m. until sold out. Half-chicken dinners are $10 per plate. Location: back of Walmart parking lot. Proceeds help Minden Lions’ projects.

Glenbrook School is announcing Students of the Month for August in two divisions.

Maggie Pesnell-Grades 7-12 August Student of the Month

When you think of the kind of student you want to have in your classroom, you envision a student like Maggie Pesnell.  She works extremely hard in every area she pursues.  Maggie is always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, both at school and in the community.  In the two years I have taught her, I’ve never seen her angry or upset over anything.  She always has a smile on her face! She is always in a great mood, and she never complains about anything.  Maggie does not boast or brag, but she leads by example.  She is the definition of an exemplary student!

Emma Kratzer-Grades K-6 August Student of the Month

Emma Kratzer is a 4th grade student at Glenbrook School. She is kind to all students and has a ready smile. She is well-liked by her classmates and teachers. Emma is full of enthusiasm about everything we do in class and has a positive attitude always! She is always prepared for class, respectful of her teachers and peers, and is a true joy to teach.

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

Food:   milk, cereal, biscuit and cornbread mix, canned fruit

Clothing: men’s shoes (tennis and dress)

Household Goods: king and twin sheets, pots, pans, skillets

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.

By Bonnie Culverhouse

By law, convicted felons and firearms can’t mix. But one local man tried anyway, and was arrested for his efforts.

Carl Rugly, 35, of the 300 block of Plateau Street, Minden, was arrested by Minden Police and charged as a felon in possession of a firearm.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said an anonymous tip led officers to Front Street where a witness had seen Rugly wearing a backpack and holding a firearm.

Officers responded and saw a male with a backpack trying to hide between a mobile home and trash can.

“The subject, Rugly, was called out and detained,” said Cropper. “Officers walked over to the trash can and located a handgun on the ground.”

Cropper said Rugly, a multi-time convicted felon, admitted the firearm was his.

“Lt. Kenneth James asked Rugly about the weapon,” said the chief. “He told the detective that the firearm belonged to his mother and he’d had it for about two days.”

James reportedly told Rugly that as a convicted felon, he could not have a firearm.

“Rugly said he knew that he was a convicted felon and not supposed to have the firearm, but he did for protection,” Cropper said. “He denied ever using a firearm in a crime.”

In April 2016, Rugly was convicted of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling. In June, 2021, he was convicted of possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

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.

By Bonnie Culverhouse

A Minden man is in jail for stealing property from a Town of Sibley employee. 

David Hawk, 54, of the 17000 block of Highway 80, is charged with simple burglary.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said Sgt. Josh McCormick, Deputy Spencer White and Sibley Police Officer Josh Davis responded to a direct call made to Davis by the Sibley employee in reference to someone stealing from his property.

“When they arrived on scene, the property owner was talking with Hawk,” Parker said. “According to the property owner, he arrived at the residence and found Hawk in the yard taking apart his dining room table.”

Hawk then reportedly attempted to sell the property owner two dog houses and an aluminum boat.

“He didn’t realize he was talking to the property owner,” said the sheriff. “The property owner said the dining room table came from inside the mobile home on his property, but Hawk would not admit he had been in the trailer.”

The arrest report states that it was early morning and even though there was dew on the grass, there was none on the table.

“Hawk admitted none of the property belonged to him,” Parker said. “He was arrested and booked, and he has a lengthy history of thefts and burglary arrests.”

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.

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.

Sept. 14

Robin Page Foster, 33, of the 400 block of Katie Ln., Minden, was arrested on a warrant for improper passing.

Sept. 15

Steven Leroy Cox, 50, Of the 1300 block of Hwy. 163, Doyline, was arrested by WPSO for possession of methamphetamine and possession in the presence of a minor.

Candy Streetman, 42, of the 100 block of Middle Rd., Doyline, was arrested for the possession of methamphetamine.

Johnni L. McCaleb, 30, of the 800 block of Fincher Rd., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Dillon L. Sexton, 23, of the 2200 block of Hwy. 162, Benton, was arrested by WPSO as a fugitive from Bossier Parish.

John S. Hoffman, 67, of the 100 block of Greenpark Rd., Doyline, was arrested by WPSO on 3 active warrants, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Zyan. Thomas, 20, of Reynolds St., Cullen, was arrested by Cullen Police on a warrant for aggravated assault with a firearm.

Sept. 16

Demarcus D. Williams, 37, of the 100 block of Wiggins Ln., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for driving while intoxicated fourth offense. Williams’ parole was revoked.

Sept. 18

Crystal D. Gill, 35, of the 1100 block of 5th St. NE, Springhill, was arrested by WPSO on six active arrest warrants, including three for issuing worthless checks, improper supervision, speeding and driving under suspension.

Kevin Wade Hicks, 53, of the 100 block of Sugar Creek Rd., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for aggravated cruelty to animals.

Amanda Martin, 46, no address, was arrested by MPD on two active bench warrants.

Jamaica N. Taylor, 41, of the 500 block of Sunset, Minden, was arrested by MPD for four active warrants, including criminal damage to property.

Anthony S. Graves, 36, of the 100 block of Earl St., Cotton Valley, was arrested by WPSO on warrants for criminal neglect of family.

Sept. 19

April M. Daigle, 38, of the 1300 block of Middle Rd., Minden, was arrested by WPSO as a fugitive from Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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.

Sept. 20

Permission slips and money ($30) due for 2022 Mini Cheer Camp, hosted by Doyline High School Cheerleaders. Grades Pre-K-5th. Contact Kelsey Morris at 318-5647324 or Whitney Vollmer at 318-525-2173.

Sept. 22

5:30 p.m. Springhill Rodeo Parade. To participate, contact Butch Lynd (318) 423-0928 or Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce at (318) 539-4717.

Sept. 24

9 a.m. until sold out. Minden Lions Club Fall Chicken Charbroil. Walmart parking lot.

3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022 “Jesus” presented by United in Christ Pentecostal Church, Minden Civic Center. Masks required.

Sept. 26

Entry forms due for Webster Parish Fair Queen and Princess pageants.

Sept. 27

4:30 until 7 p.m. Teen Study Hall for high school students, Minden library Stewart Center, 521 East and West St., Minden. Study, work on a project or do homework.

Sept. 28

7:30 a.m. Coffee with the Candidates, Webster Parish Council on Aging, 1482 Sheppard St., Minden.

Sept. 30

Entries due for the Webster Parish Fair Parade.

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

5 p.m. Webster Parish Fair Parade, downtown Minden.

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.

6 p.m. Political Forum for Springhill mayor, council and school board members at CAC Building. Hosted by Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce.

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

6 p.m. Seeds Women Center, annual fundraising banquet. Dinner and program. Minden Civic Center.

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.

Oct. 17-21

5 p.m. 2022 Mini Cheer Camp, hosted by Doyline High School Cheerleaders. Grades Pre-K-5th. Contact Kelsey Morris at 318-5647324 or Whitney Vollmer at 318-525-2173.

Diane Milner Whitlock

Oct. 27, 1941 – Sept. 18, 2022

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, Beech Springs Baptist Church in Minden.

Burial: Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery, Bernice.

Ronald Moore

August 27, 1957 – Sept. 12, 2022

Funeral service: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia.

Franklin Dee Haynes

Jan. 30, 1933 – Sept. 16, 2022

Memorial service: Pending in Springhill.

Michael Patrick Redel

Jan. 3, 1955 – Sept. 10, 2022

Visitation: 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City.

Memorial service: 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City.

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.)

Quarterback Jakobe Jackson joined an exclusive Crimson Tide rushing club Friday, racing for 224 yards and three touchdowns on just 12 carries to lead Minden to a 39-27 win over the North Webster Knights in Springhill to lead his team to its first win of the season.

Jackson’s touchdown runs were all from long range with scores coming from 88, 62 and 56 yards. The junior signal caller also passed for 79 yards and one touchdown for the game as he racked up 303 of Minden’s 434 yards in total offense in the Webster Parish shootout.

North Webster claimed a 7-0 lead with just over seven minutes remaining in the first quarter when quarterback Collin McKenzie connected with Cooper Sanders for a 72-yard touchdown pass. It was a play that ignited a scoring frenzy by the Tide.

On the first play following the Knights’ kickoff, Jackson broke loose for 62 yards, bringing the Tide closer at 7-6 after a failed extra point attempt. Just 30 seconds later, Minden recovered a North Webster fumble at the Knights’ 35 and Jackson quickly hit Jaylin Williams with a scoring toss to put the Tide on top 13-7. 

Minden would score again less than a minute later after recovering a Knights fumble at the four-yard line. On second and goal, Daylen Robinson powered into the endzone and the Tide led 19-7. North Webster made it 19-14 when Sanders scampered 52 yards for the score on the final play of the first quarter.

A golden opportunity for another Tide score slipped away in the second quarter when North Webster fell on a fumble in its endzone, ending a promising 58-yard drive following the kickoff. But the Knights returned the favor when Minden recovered a fumble at its 12-yard line with just over three minutes remaining in the half.

That recovery set the stage for Jackson’s longest TD run of the evening when on the first play following the fumble, he ran the option off tackle, cut upfield and outdistanced defenders for 88 yards. With the successful PAT, Minden led 26-14 at the half.

An interception halted a promising Tide third quarter drive, and North Webster pulled within one score at the three and a half minute mark when Jkobe Lawson sped 72 yards down the sideline to paydirt. A failed kick left the Knights trailing 26-20, and gave Minden’s Jackson another chance to break some hearts.

Again, on the first play following a North Webster kickoff, Jackson broke loose for 56 yards and his third score of the night, putting Minden up 33-20. North Webster would again pull to within one score just minutes later when McKenzie hit Gregory Davis on a 31-yard TD pass to make it 33-27 after three quarters. 

Minden’s defense rose to the occasion in the fourth quarter, holding the Knights scoreless while Robinson tacked on the final score of the evening, a 27-yard TD run with just 55 seconds remaining in the game. It was Robinson’s 25th touchdown of his Minden career.

Jackson, with his 224 yards, led all rushers while Robinson netted 79 yards on 12 carries. Also for the Tide, Cameron Mitchell picked up 28 yards on four carries and Brian Swan added 24 yards on four carries.

Lawson had 110 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries to lead North Webster. Sanders had nine attempts worth 79 yards before leaving the game with a leg injury. Braedon Robertson added 76 yards on 14 rushes as the Knights totaled 256 yards on the ground for the game.  

In the passing department, Jackson was 3-of-10 for 79 yards and one touchdown, but McKenzie won the air dual completing 12-for-21 and 214 yards and two touchdowns. McKenzie had two throws intercepted; Jackson had one picked off. North Webster racked up 470 yards in total offense for the game, but suffered five turnovers that proved costly.

Next action for Minden comes Friday night when a tough North DeSoto team comes calling for the Crimson Tide Homecoming. It will also be the Tide’s opening District 1-4A contest. North Webster will be hosting Richwood Friday. 

By Josh Beavers

For the second week in a row, Lakeside put up 46 points on their side of the scoreboard on their way to an easy win against a visiting opponent. When all the scoring was over, the final tally was Lakeside 46 and Plain Dealing 6.

It was homecoming at Lakeside, and while Clara Robinson was wearing the crown and receiving all the attention at the half, it was Cooper Chase, Josh Sebald, Jordan Case and co. who were providing exciting bookends to all the festivities.

Plain Dealing started with the ball and made a play to threaten a score. But junior corner Tarmarjah Ferrell made a leaping interception in the endzone to break up the threat.

With the Warriors with the ball at their own one-yard line, Jordan Case broke loose for 20 yards on the first offensive play for Lakeside. Josh Sebald caught three passes and Lakeside had the ball at the Lion 20.

Jordan Case ran for 10 yards and then plunged into the endzone for a two-yard score. It was 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Plain Dealing made a couple good plays and answered Lakeside. They put up their only points of the game with 8:01 to play in the second quarter. Defensive back Jeremiah Allen broke up the try for two and the score remained 6-6.

And then came the fireworks. The figurative ones. There would be literal fireworks at halftime after naming the homecoming queen.

Lakeside scored three touchdowns in the final eight minutes of the quarter.

The first came following a 52-yard pass from Cooper Chase to Josh Sebald. Jordan Case took it in from one yard out on the next play.

Score 14-6.

Lakeside forced a turnover on the next Lions series and Rokedrick Smith picked up 30 yards on two runs to set up Sebald for another touchdown catch. This Chase-Sebald connection was good for 31 and more points. Jordan Case added the two-point conversion.

Score 22-6.

Ross Weaver recovered a Ty Maness onside kick, and that setup a 30-yard touchdown pass from Chase to Cade Boley. Rokedrick Smith added the two-point conversion.

Score 30-6.

Halftime buzzer. Homecoming court. Literal fireworks. Back on the field. More figurative fireworks.

Jacobe Rankin and Rokedrick Smith ran the ball to take time off the clock in the third, but you could only keep the ball out of the air for so long with this quarterback and receiving corps.

Josh Sebald caught a slant for a five-yard touchdown to make the score 38-6 with four minutes to play in the third.

But he wasn’t done as Chase and Sebald connected one more time, this one from 50 yards out, to make the final score 46-6.

All in all, it was a great second win of the season for Lakeside. Keegan Bryan, Jamarrion Evans, Ty Maness, and many other names were called over the loudspeaker during the game. Lakeside seems to be putting something together following the tough opening season loss against Arcadia.

Chase threw for nearly 300 yards while Case and Smith combined to go well over 100 yards on the ground. Sebald caught three touchdown passes and had more than 150 yards receiving.

Next up for Lakeside is a long road trip down to Block. The Warriors will look to make it three in a row against the Bears.

By Landrie Still

On Friday, September 16, Glenbrook School faced Delta Charter School in an exciting matchup at Glenbrook’s Apache Stadium. The Apaches played hard throughout each quarter, resulting in their 56-8 win. Varsity Football Head Coach David Feaster expressed his excitement for the team by exclaiming, “Tonight we really took care of business and looked good on both sides of the ball.” 

The football game started in a suspenseful manner for the Apaches when Delta Charter recovered an onside attempt and completed a pass to the 20 yard line. Scoring a touchdown, and a 2-point conversion soon after, the Storm took the lead with 10:46 left in the first quarter. 

Quickly following Delta Charter’s touchdown, Landry Powell put the Apaches into good field position and led the team to an Apache first down. Ty Feaster then passed the football to DJ Carter who dodged the Storm defenders, earning the Apaches their first touchdown and 2-point conversion. The Apaches tied the score 8-8 with 8:42 left in the first quarter. 

Rhett Johnson, Hayden Harmon, and Jackson Waller each made huge defensive plays for the Apaches resulting in the Apaches regaining possession of the football. Coach Feaster included, “Turnovers are always huge for us and gave the Apaches an opportunity to put the Storm away early.” Ty Feaster threw a long pass to Turner McLelland, moving the Apaches within scoring position. On the next play, Feaster found a hole in the defense and scored yet another Apache touchdown. Feaster’s extra point was successful, adjusting the score to 15-8. 

Defensive players Luke Vining, Toby Haulmark, Jonathon Bryant, Mason Farnell, Daivari Jackson, and Waller forced Delta Charter to turnover the ball. With 0:09 left in the first quarter, Cason Clemons caught a long pass from Feaster, scoring an Apache touchdown, and later a successful extra point. The Apaches increased their lead to 22-8.

Harmon made a huge interception at the beginning of the second quarter and led the Apaches into scoring position. DJ Carter scored a touchdown for Glenbrook, while Feaster kicked a successful extra point. The Storm could not seem to get their offense going and just moments later the Apaches regained the ball. Maddox Mandino earned another touchdown for Glenbrook. With 4:21 left until halftime, the Apaches took an astonishing 36-8 lead over the Delta Charter Storm. 

With just 1:27 left in the half, Feaster connected with Cason Clemons twice and moved the ball quickly down the field. The duo of Feaster to Carter easily earned another Apache touchdown moving the score to 43-8 to end the first half of the game. As stated by Coach Feaster, “Even though I was calling the plays, I felt like I could call any play because the boys were taking care of business.”

In the second half, the Storm attempted an onside kick, but the Apaches took over the ball at the 30 yard line. Feaster made a stellar pass, this time to Powell. Chase Sentell then scored his first touchdown of the night, and Feaster completed the extra point, both allowing the Apaches to reach the score of 50-8 at the top of the third quarter. Johnson soon caught a huge interception giving the Apaches another chance to extend their lead. Landry Powell stepped into the quarterback position along with Ryan Reagan. Reagan completed a pass to Seth Mangrum, and eventually led to Connor Williams scoring his first touchdown and sealing the final score of 56-8. 

Glenbrook’s huge win tonight resulted in the Apaches going 3-0. Coach Feaster was very proud of the Apaches, and complemented each aspect of the team. Next Friday, September 23 at 7 p.m., Glenbrook will take on a very tough Haynesville Golden Tornado team at Apache Stadium. Coach Feaster included the Apaches are “really excited about Haynesville and know how big the game will be.”  

SPRINGHILL – In yet another classic installment of Webster Parish’s finest football matchup, it was an all-too-familiar outcome for the home team.

By Josh Beavers

Clara Robinson has been crowned 2022-2023 Homecoming Queen for Lakeside High School.

Clara is the daughter of Justin and Haley Robinson. She is a member of FBLA, FFA, 4-H, and the Lady Warrior basketball team. She enjoys hunting and rodeoing in Little Britches and the Louisiana High School Rodeo Association. Clara is a member of Yellow Pine Christian Church. After graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in animal science and equine dentistry. Her favorite Lakeside memories are the history trips with Mr. Cammack’s class to the Renaissance Festival and JFK museum her junior year.

Voted on by the senior class, the 2022-2023 Homecoming Princess is Krystal Cornelius.

Krystal is the daughter of Tina Myles and Theodis Cornelious Jr. Krystal is on the cheerleading, powerlifting, and track teams and serves as senior class president. She also enjoys riding horses, spending time with family and friends, cooking, and helping Mrs. Hooter (Hootie Boot). Her future plans are to attend Northwestern State University after Basic Training and become a cheerleader and member of the ROTC there. She plans to earn a degree in business and one day become an engineer. Her favorite Lakeside memory is the 2020 Lock-In for cheerleaders and football players.

The football sweetheart, voted on by senior football players, is Brittany Odom.

Brittany is the daughter of Joey and Susan Odom. During her time at Lakeside, Brittany has been a member of FBLA, Track and Field team, and Powerlifting Team. She has been a cheerleader for 6 years and has served as team captain her junior and senior years. She is involved in the First Baptist Sibley youth group, “The Revolution”. She loves spending time with friends and helping others. Brittany plans to attend Northwestern State University. She hopes to be a college cheerleader there while pursuing a degree in nursing with the ultimate goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Her favorite Lakeside memory is losing her voice cheering on the Warriors to their first ever playoff victory against North Caddo. Brittany said she was never prouder to be a part of the Lakeside family than in that moment.

Senior Maid Bios

Senior Maid Rantwaneisha Destiny Davis

Destiny is the daughter of Verna Mae Kennon. She is a member of FFA and FBLA and also serves as class secretary. Her hobbies include playing tennis, spending time with friends and family, studying, helping manage the Warrior football team, gardening, and setting a good example for the future generations of Warriors. She plans to join the army with the goal of becoming a combat medic. She also plans to attend Louisiana Tech to obtain a bachelors degree in nursing in order to become a Labor and Delivery nurse. Her favorite Lakeside memory is attending the Broiler Competition at the LSU Ag Center with Mr. Utley, Mrs. Holomon, and fellow students and placing 7th in her age group.

Senior Maid Lillian Marie Jolly

Lillian is the daughter of Wes and Megan Jolly. Lillian is a member of the track and cross country teams as well as the Lady Warriors Softball team. She also enjoys drawing. Her future plans are to attend college and major in Biology, then move on to medical school. Her ultimate goal is to become a neurosurgeon. Her favorite school memory is Coach Stewart’s daily life lesson that always ended with, “That was fun, but now it’s over.” This quote really impacted Lillian since she is now a senior and reaching the end of her high school career.

Junior Maid Bios:

Junior Maid Rainie Magdelene Hughes

Rainie is the daughter of Rachel Stewart and Mike Hughes. Rainie plays second base for Lady Warriors softball. She is also on the basketball team and is a member of the student council. She enjoys shopping on the weekends, and spending time with her niece Emmi and her boyfriend. Rainie plans to attend ULM with the goal of becoming a pharmacist. She also hopes to have her own family and home one day. Her favorite high school memory is having fun with her softball and basketball teams on inflatable water slides.

Junior Maid Jordan Tanner

Jordan is the daughter of Johnny and Tamara Tanner. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, shopping, painting, and calligraphy. Her future plans are to go to college and get a degree in Graphic Design and marketing or business. Her favorite Lakeside memory is when she and Ava accidentally knocked on Mrs. Holomon’s door during testing week and then got chased by Mrs. Holomon.

Sophomore Maid Bios:

Sophomore Maid Jaslyn Olivia Joyce Maxie

Olivia is the daughter of Rachael Deloach. Olivia is a member of FBLA and the Lakeside Cheer team. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and journaling. After high school, she plans to attend college with the goal of becoming an OB/GYN. Olivia’s favorite Lakeside memory is preparing for the Homecoming Stunt Show with the cheer team. Working hard in the cheer room with her team has created the best memories that she will hold on to for a lifetime.

Sophomore Maid MacKenzie McCoy

MacKenzie is the daughter of Jason and Kathy McCoy. MacKenzie serves as sophomore class president and is a member of FFA. She enjoys playing softball, sleeping, shopping, working on small engines with Mr. Utley, and doing people’s hair. Her future plans are to play college softball and become a dermatologist. After college, she hopes to save money and open her own dog shelter. Her favorite Lakeside memory is shoveling snow off of the softball field and drying the dirt with towels to prepare for their tournament.

Freshmen Maid Bios:

Freshman Lani Marie Baker

Lani is the daughter of Anna Herrmann and Shawn Baker. Her hobbies include shopping, singing, traveling, drawing, and writing poetry. Her future plans are to become a travel nurse so that she can care for people in need while getting to travel. Her favorite Lakeside memory is being chosen for Homecoming Court. It is such an honor, and she is thankful to be able to represent such an amazing school.

Freshman Maid Meredith Grace Robinson

Meredith is the daughter of Justin and Haley Robinson. She is a member of 4-H, National Honor Society, Webster Parish Livestock Club, Deep South Little Britches, and is 3rd baseman for the Lady Warriors Softball team. She enjoys fishing, lake days, and shopping. Meredith is also a member of Yellow Pine Christian Church. She plans to attend Louisiana Tech for her bachelors degree with the ultimate goal of earning her doctorate in Dentistry. Her favorite Lakeside memories are decorating Homecoming floats and St. Jude week activities.

Webster Jr High 7th grade team opened up the season with a convincing 20-6 Win Over the Benton Tigers. The Wolves first score came on their very first offensive play, a 70 yard run by Lucas Owens Jr. Followed by a 60 yard Punt return and a 10 Yard QB scramble by Jaden Johnson. The wolves defense Lead by Javen Calloway and Marquan Miller held Benton’s offense to 6 points and only 2 first downs all game. Kaiden Kinsey and Markel Miller had INT’s for the wolves. Their next game is against North Desoto Sept 20th 5:00pm at Minden High school. 

Today we’ll take a serious look at what bass fishing might look like 100 years from now. How will anglers of tomorrow look at anglers of today? Will they question our ethics? Will they question our techniques? Are we the pioneers of the bass fishing world of tomorrow? Will bass fishing even exist 100 years from now? These are just a few of the questions that I’ll try to answer from my perspective as one of today’s avid anglers. 

As people, it’s human nature that all of us want to be liked or admired in some shape or form. All of us want to leave a legacy, whether it’s for our family or maybe a particular interest we had growing up. For some it might be a civic organization, job, or maybe a hobby that was near and dear to our heart. I hope anglers of tomorrow sit around a fire pit one day and talk about how innovative and creative our generation was in breaking down some of the barriers of bass fishing…how skilled and dedicated we were with techniques, baits, and tackle…how we spent hours and days on the water preparing for tournaments. They’ll laugh at how much fuel we ran through our trucks and boats just to find and catch largemouth bass…how we fished for 8 to 10 hours on a tournament day and competed not just against each other, but the elements of Mother Nature. Fishing in rain, sleet and even snow, nothing stopped us from chasing those big green fish known as bass. 

Tomorrow’s anglers will either question or admire the creativity we had when it comes to tackle and lures. They will admire the color schemes and all the options we had in terms of soft plastic baits or worms. But they’ll wonder what the purpose was of all the many different colors, when 100 years from now, a handful of colors is all you’ll need. They will figure out that 75% of the baits and color options created were actually designed to catch anglers, not necessarily bass. They’ll be amazed at the technology we had that allowed us to actually see fish swimming on a small screen the size of a notebook. Our bass boats will be legendary in terms of the power we had with 250 horsepower engines that would push a bass boat in excess of 75 MPH. They’ll wonder how in the hell did those anglers ride in those fiberglass boats in three- and four-foot waves compared to the boats they’ll be driving, that will be like hovercrafts. 

Today we have GPS for navigation and locating brush tops and underwater structures. But in the future, they will have boats that will be programmed to drive themselves. Their trolling motors will be built into the hull and will automatically deploy once the main engine has been turned off. Anglers will wear glasses that control the trolling motor by site, so that wherever they look, the trolling motor will head in that direction. Also with these special glasses, anglers will be able to cast a lure and place it in a one-inch square at 30 yards, allowing for precision casting like never seen before. One hundred years from now, boats will have touch screens to move from one section of the lake to another. The anglers simply touch the map screen, and the boat will automatically drive itself to that location, avoiding all the underwater stumps due to their Debris Avoidance System or DAS technology. This technology will allow future anglers to never worry about destroying a lower unit ever again!!!

Today, we are the true pioneers of the sport of bass fishing, and one day generations from now, anglers will look back with admiration and amazement at how dedicated and committed we were as bass fishermen. The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame will be full of guys from this generation that built an industry not just here in America, but worldwide. But as with anything in the future, there is the possibility that bass fishing may not even exist. With today’s political circles and the far-left, anti-outdoorsmen, there’s reason to believe that the pleasures we so cherish and value in the great outdoors might be a thing of the past, a past that future angler’s will only be able to dream about. The rights of all outdoorsmen may be taken away whether it’s fishing or hunting. 

These anti-hunting and fishing groups are gaining momentum and support from government activists who can’t wait to save Bambi from the big bad hunter. I hope future anglers and hunters understand the importance of taking game and fish as a form of conservation management. Otherwise, these populations will explode and create an unbalanced ecosystem. But in reality, who knows what the future may hold?. So, till next week, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen. Melanoma doesn’t discriminate; it can create life-threatening issues if precautions are not taken.  

Steve Graf – Owner Co-Host

Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show &

Tackle Talk Live