Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 at Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.
Graveside service: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022 at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery, Shongaloo, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.
Graveside service: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022 at Cotton Valley Cemetery, Cotton Valley, La.
Carol Sinclair
June 7, 1940 – Dec. 20, 2022
Cotton Valley, La.
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, Cotton Valley Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Ruby Mae Bailey
July 31, 1926 – Dec. 9, 2022
Minden, La.
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, Minden Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Lori Lewis Maddry
May 11, 1958 – Nov. 16, 2022
Minden, La.
Celebration of Life: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Minden, La.
Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete 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.)
Judge Sherb Sentell will administer oath of office ceremonies for Minden’s mayor, city council and police chief at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 29 at Minden Civic Center.
Beginning Tuesday after New Year’s Day, it will be business as usual at City Hall, with the first meeting of Minden’s City Council that day.
Listed are dates for 2023 regular council meetings:
During a recent insurance checkpoint, Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested two men on multiple drug and alcohol charges.
Christopher Harper, 24, of the 7100 block of hwy. 154, Jamestown and Dylan Lewis, 19, of the 1300 block of Dorcheat Road, Minden, were arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of Psilocybin (mushrooms), with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and open container.
Harper had an additional charge of broken tail light.
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said last Wednesday night Dep. Jacob Winiarski and Sgt. Josh McCormick set up a checkpoint at the intersection of Allen Drive and Bayou Avenue.
“When Harper and his passenger, Lewis, drove up to the checkpoint, Harper could not provide proof of insurance,” Parker said. “Deputies also noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. They complied with the request to exit the vehicle. Harper had green leafy vegetation on his pants.”
Parker said Lewis admitted he had a small amount of marijuana in his pocket.
“Dept. Winiarski recovered the marijuana from Lewis’ pocket,” said the sheriff. “At that point, they had probable cause to search the vehicle. In the center console, they recovered 2 large bags of suspected marijuana, a Zip Loc bag of mushrooms and a Cigarillo packet with a small Zip Loc bag containing suspected cocaine.”
Reportedly, there were 2 styrofoam cups with frozen mixed drinks and straws behind the center console.
Harper had 2 active warrants from WPSO.
“At first, Harper said all the suspected narcotics were his,” Parker said. “A few minutes later, he denied they were his and said they belonged to Lewis, who also denied ownership.”
Both were arrested and booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. Harper’s vehicle was towed.
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.
Bubbly and cupcakes. Bubbly IN cupcakes?! Yes ✔️ please.
Perfect for NYE!
Cupcakes
1 box vanilla cake mix
1 cup champagne or Prosecco
½ cup oil
3 eggs
1 teaspoon orange zest
Frosting
1 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, divided
¼ cup champagne or Prosecco, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest
Pinch kosher salt
Gold sanding sugar, for garnish
Orange wedges, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Line 18 muffin tins with cupcake liners.In a large bowl beat cake mix with champagne, oil, eggs, and orange zest.Fill cupcake liners ¾ full with batter.Bake 18 minutes.Let cool completely before frosting.
Make frosting:using an electric mixer beat butter and 2 cups of powdered sugar until fluffy.Add champagne, vanilla, orange zest, and salt.Beat until incorporated, then add remaining 2 cups powered sugar and mix until smooth and fluffy.Frost cooled cupcakes.Garnish with gold sanding sugar and garnish with orange wedges.
Original recipe from Delish.
(Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.)
Funeral services for John Truett Jordan, age 42, will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel, in Ruston, LA., with Rev. Jeff Hoffman officiating.Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, prior to the funeral service at 2:00 P.M. Interment will follow at the Simsboro City Cemetery, Simsboro, LA., under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes.
John was born December 20, 1980, in Bossier City, LA. He passed away on Monday, December 20, 2022, in Ruston, LA. John was preceded in death by his grandmother, Marie Sasser, and grandfathers, Bobby Daugherty and Milton Odom.
Survivors are his mother, Terrie Ann Jordan; father, Ricky Jordan; brother, Danny Jordan; two children, Katie Nicole Jordan, and Alex Jordan; grandmother, Faye Odom; uncles, Russell Daugherty (Sharon) of Livingston, Texas, and Joel Jordan (Lisa) of San Marcus, Texas; and a host of family and friends.
John attended Mt. Olive School.After school, John pursued a career in the oil field.His favorite time was when he worked, as a well site geologist, for a large consulting firm.Although John experienced some dark times, as so many young people do these days, he managed to bounce back.His pride and greatest joy, in his life, was his daughter, Katie.
Pallbearers are Timmy Elliott, Tim Nutt, “Chip” Pickett, “Sac” Singleton, Reggie Smith, and Steven Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Arcadia, LA.
Erratic driving led Minden Police to arrest a local man on drug and DWI charges.
Rush L. Thornton Jr., 55, of the 900 block of Lewisville Rd., Minden, is charged with driving while intoxicated second offense, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, improper lane usage and as a fugitive.
Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Sgt. Jeremy Sitter was en route to assist Ofc. Reece Tewell and Off. Heather Feeback at a cafe on Hwy. 531 when he observed a white Jeep Cherokee on Hwy. 80 near Deerfield Rd.
“The vehicle swerved over onto the fog line, almost running off the road,” Cropper said. “Then it crossed the center and fog lines several more times.”
Sgt. Sitter reportedly stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Thornton.
“Thornton had a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his person and blood shot eyes,” said the chief. “When the officer asked how much he had been drinking, Thornton couldn’t answer but said he had been drinking a lot of vodka that day.”
While speaking with the driver, Sgt. Sitter reportedly noticed a plastic bag containing a green leafy substance suspected to be marijuana.
“He asked Thornton to exit the vehicle, where he was mirandized and placed in cuffs,” Cropper said. “Officers discovered a clear glass jar containing a green dust-like substance and a black digital scale.”
There were three clear bags in Thornton’s vehicle, weighing a total of 112.2 grams.
Thornton reportedly refused to take any standardized field sobriety tests except a Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus. He also refused to blow into the Intoxilyzer 9000 for a breath sample.
He was later transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Just for kicks and giggles, let’s pretend that Santa Claus became a touring bass pro. What would that look like? Who would be his major sponsors? What would be his favorite technique? What brand boat would Santa run, or would he just transform his sleigh into a fishing machine?
First, Santa would probably have to lose a few pounds in order to compete at the highest level. Fishing the tour is a grind and it’s not for someone carrying 50 to 80 pounds of extra weight. But the extra weight would come in handy for insulation on those cold early-season boat runs. He would definitely have to give up the cookies and gingerbread that he so dearly loves while joining the North Pole Fitness Center.
Now that we have a much slimmer Santa, let’s look at who would sponsor Jolly Ole Saint Nick. Obviously, it would have to be the best sponsors in the industry on a global level. When it comes to what rod and reel line he would choose, I think his first choice would be 13 Fishing. Since 2012 this company has risen to the highest ranks in the fishing industry. Of course, Santa would want nothing but the best and I think he would choose 13 Fishing’s Concept A3 series as his reel of choice.
What kind of fisherman would Santa be? More than likely a power fisherman. A guy of his stature and physical presence would probably like to chunk and wind a spinnerbait or crankbait, or maybe he would like to flip and pitch a jig. Either way, he would be an angler who would never pick up a spinning rod, or as some pros call it…a Fairy wand.
Now, what kind of fishing line would he spool on his reels? Well, that’s an easy answer! Only the best will do for the man in the big red suit, so that would be Seaguar fishing line. They carry the best fluorocarbon and braided lines made on the planet. As for hooks, what would he use? Again, it’s a no-brainer! He would choose a Japanese brand, Gamakatsu Hooks, the number one brand used by the best pros in the world. Not even his elves could produce a better hook from scratch.
What about a boat…what brand of the boat would fit Santa and fulfill his every need? One thing we’ve made clear, Santa likes the latest and greatest when it comes to products and has nothing but the highest of standards. There are lots of boats that would be okay, like Ranger, Skeeter or Bass Cat, but today he would choose Caymas. This would give him the best combination in terms of speed, ride, comfort, and fishability. Caymas truly is not only a great boat but one of the newest brands on the market today and becoming very popular among tournament anglers. Don’t just take my word for it, stop by The Boat Shop in Shreveport, Louisiana, and see for yourself why so many anglers are switching over.
Can you imagine how his boat would be wrapped? There would be all the colors of Christmas and every sponsor would be displayed proudly all the while paying homage to Rudolph and the other eight reindeer with their photo image on the wrap. Obviously, there would be a grand display of red and green Christmas lights from bow to stern that would light up an entire body of water. No one would have a better-looking boat than Santa with his heated boat seats and automatic hot chocolate dispenser! Oh, he’ll also need a truck to pull that Caymas boat with. How about a new Ford F150 4X4 pick-up truck from Jimmy Granger’s Natchitoches Ford! This would complete Santa’s fishing rig and have him hitting the tournament trail in style.
Christmas is a special time of year and the fact that Santa is real makes it even more special. Like I still remind my kids who are now in their 20s and 30s, when you stop believing, he stops leaving the gifts you so enjoy. But at our house, we know the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate it by honoring the birth of Jesus by making a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls and placing a candle in the middle, and singing happy birthday to our Lord and Savior. I hope you’ve enjoyed looking at what kind of fishing pro-Saint Nick would be if he chose to change his profession. Till next time good luck, good fishing, and Merry Christmas! Here’s hoping your stocking is filled with some great bass-catching lures and plenty of sunscreens!
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.
Dec. 21
Neal Moore, 56, of the 400 block of South Street, Minden, was arrested by MPD on three active warrants.
Charles W. Cato, 51, of the 100 block of Littbenson Rd., Springhill, was arrested by WPSO for possession of methamphetamine and as a fugitive from Springhill.
Zachary Maness, 21, of the 700 block of Park Hwy., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for possession of methamphetamine and resisting an officer.
Dec. 22
Dennis Kilgore, 52, of the 100 block of Shreve Dr., Minden, was arrested by Probation and Parole for a probation 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.
Graveside service: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022 at Cotton Valley Cemetery, Cotton Valley, La.
Carol Sinclair
June 7, 1940 – Dec. 20, 2022
Cotton Valley, La.
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, Cotton Valley Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Ruby Mae Bailey
July 31, 1926 – Dec. 9, 2022
Minden, La.
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, Minden Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Lori Lewis Maddry
May 11, 1958 – Nov. 16, 2022
Minden, La.
Celebration of Life: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Minden, La.
Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete 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.)
Sadly, there aren’t too many silent nights during the holiday season these days.
Minden Police and Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies have been working an unusually high number of domestic abuse battery cases among family members over the last couple of weeks.
Law enforcement officers say there are several reasons those cases are up.
“The holiday season brings financial concerns,” said Minden Police Chief Elect Jared McIver. “The cold weather forces people to stay indoors more. When they stay indoors more, people who are typically not together as much are together more. And there you have it.”
McIver said he’s not excusing domestic abuse battery.
“These are just contributing factors,” he added.
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker agreed, saying the holidays do bring stress on families and most of his department’s domestic cases are forwarded by 911.
“Alcohol is involved … parties and get-togethers,” Parker said. “Some people just let it get out of hand sometimes.”
It seems most of the abuse occurs in families, he added.
“Look at the economy,” Parker said. “The electric bills, groceries, everything is sky high. You’re almost spending double of what you would several years ago. It puts a burden on folks to try to manage Christmas and also survive.”
If domestic violence is an issue, there are legal actions that can be taken by filing protective orders.
“Most of the time protective orders work,” Parker said. “It’s a court order from a judge, and some people do break it. But it has a little bite to it, which gives us grounds to make arrests.”
Family Justice Center of Northwest Louisiana and Project Celebration Inc. (hot line: 1-888-411-1333) help the families with long-term issues.
“If we need to get the family out of a situation and put them up in a local motel for a night or two … give them some breathing room … we can do that,” said the sheriff.
For immediate help, call 911, 377-1515 (sheriff’s department) or 377-1212 (Minden Police).
“Myrtle Newsom’s father, Tom, followed the ‘Footprints in the Mud,’ left by his daughter as she struggled to reach help – leaving a ‘Pathway of Evidence’ straight to the guard station.
This is a harrowing true story about a young mother from Webster Parish, Louisiana trapped in an abusive marriage. Myrtle Newsom was violently and suddenly taken from her two daughters, eight sisters and parents way too soon. This story recounts her childhood, her abusive marriage and the long, four days she spent in the hospital suffering from life-threatening injuries. Will the family see justice prevail by hands of the law or by the hands of God, Himself?”
This is a summary of a new book titled, “Footprints in the Mud: A Pathway of Evidence,” authored and self- published by Minden local, Tommie Newsom Brewster. This book has been the #1 New Release in the American Drama and Plays category on Amazon over the last week.
Brewster felt it was her heart’s desire and responsibility to share this story – a true story about her late sister, Myrtle, but she never expected it to have already reached so many, resonating with them on a deeply personal level.
“At first, I only wrote this story for the family. I planned to write it and print out 8 copies – one for each of my sisters – and they could share them with their families if they wanted. A lot of the younger family members did not know anything about it and what exactly went on. Then it turned into me really wanting to find justice for her because she didn’t get justice,” said Brewster. “Right before the book was to be published, I began having second thoughts, but then I realized this book could possibly help someone else out. They might read it and relate to the situations, and it may be reason enough for them to leave, so they don’t end up like my sister.”
Brewster grew up with her sisters right here in Minden on Germantown Road. After she married her husband, James Brewster, they moved around quite a bit before finally making Waskom, Texas their home. No matter how far or often she traveled, Myrtle’s memory never left her. She began gathering information, making phone calls and setting up appointments for meetings. Brewster called on all her sisters to share their accounts and memories, then she started putting pen to paper.
When her husband, whom everyone knew as B.B., passed away from a rare lung disease in September 2014, Brewster decided to make the move back to her hometown in Minden to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. After her last move, the book might have been on the back of a shelf in the closet for a while, but it always remained in the forefront of her mind.
Over the years, three of the nine sisters have gone on to be with the Lord. Two of those three, Mary and Margie, are mentioned in the book often since they were the eldest of the bunch. Margie passed away in 2018 at the age of 84. Mary passed away just this year at the age of 92. They both lived exceptionally long and overall happy lives surrounded by many loved ones, but the same cannot be said of their other sister, Myrtle. She was the first of the sisters to pass away just a couple of months shy of turning 19.
Much like her sisters, Myrtle lived out a great early life attending school and spending her spare time with her cousins, daydreaming about her future. Her life was changed drastically upon meeting her soon-to-be husband, Jake, at a nearby park in town.
It was not long after that initial meeting that they quickly and secretly decided to marry. This was a decision that would cost her peace, relationships with her two daughters, memories with her sisters and ultimately her life.
“Footprints in the Mud: A Pathway of Evidence” is told from the perspective of Myrtle’s eldest sisters and her parents, Pauline and Thomas, who spent the long four days by Myrtle’s bedside as she fought for her life. It speaks on the corruption of the justice system and how her death had a ripple effect throughout the entire family, changing their lives forever.
“After losing Myrtle, it really changed our dad, but he would always preach to us the importance of education, so if we ever got ourselves into a hard situation, we would have a way to get out, a way to provide for ourselves,” said Brewster.
For that reason, all proceeds raised from book sales will go toward the “Myrtle Newsom Scholarship Foundation.” This scholarship will be awarded to a local, young female from a low-income household or first-generation college student who has hopes and plans to continue her education. The scholarship will be given in remembrance of Myrtle Newsom, but also their father, Thomas Newsom.
(“Footprints in the Mud: A Pathway of Evidence” is now available on Amazon in digital, paperback and hardcover versions.)
Webster Parish Journal would like to encourage readers to attend the church of your choice during this holy season. The following churches are hosting Christmas Eve services. The public is invited to attend.
5 p.m. Heflin Baptist Church Candlelight service, 143 S Church Street, Heflin.
5 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.
5 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, First Baptist Church, Pennsylvania Ave, Minden.
5 p.m. Minden Presbyterian Church, 1001 Broadway, Minden, La.
5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist with Carols, St. John’s Episcopal Church, The Eve of Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 1107 Broadway, Minden. 10:30 p.m. Christmas Carol Preludes; 11 p.m. Holy Eucharist. December 25: 10:30 a.m. The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you and Merry Christmas from your Webster Parish Journal!
Mondegreen is the mishearing or misinterpretation of a word or phrase in a way that it gives the word or phrase a new meaning.
For example, a few years ago when Emerson was in preschool, she came home talking about a new song that she learned in music class that day. Of course, I asked her to sing it for me.
The song she sang for me: “Hey, show your sneezing toes, sneezing toes. Hey, show your sneezing toes, sneezing toes.”
The actual song: “Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes. Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.”
I would definitely say that by mishearing and misinterpreting this song, Emerson gave it a brand-new meaning. I remember this vividly because I laughed about it for a week straight. I thought it was so hilarious and sweet, I never even corrected her.
This reminded me of an interactive lesson one of my teachers taught my class during elementary school. The whole class gathered around forming a circle, the teacher began by whispering a semi-complicated phrase in the ear of the person next to her, then that person would whisper it in the ear of the next person and so on until the phrase had reached the ear of every person in the circle. The last person would then say the phrase they heard aloud.
We did this a few times and as I am sure you already guessed, the phrase at the end never matched the phrase from the start. (Not even close!)
The point of this lesson was to teach us about the dangers of gossiping- how information can be misheard or misinterpreted as it is repeated from one person to another and how this can be harmful or hurtful at times.
We have all been on both ends of this type of situation, whether we were the ones gossiping or the one being gossiped about, whether the subject was something trivial (like sneezing toes) or life changing. What we speak aloud and choose to share with others has the potential to not only hurt someone’s feelings, but it also could affect their marriage, their job, their family, or their reputation.
This is why I always hated the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
The truth is words do hurt. Bones will heal over time, but hurtful words can stay with someone forever.
God warns us to stay away from people who gossip and to guard our words when we are speaking about others in the book of Leviticus. Chapter 19 verse 16 says, “Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.”
Ephesians 4:29 also says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
I feel like it is important to note that gossip does not necessarily have to be the spreading of false information, there are also truths that should not be shared either if it could potentially cause pain to another.
It is also important to evaluate and figure out what is our motivation behind sharing and spreading these things? Are you angry? Hurt? Jealous? Maybe it makes you look better, and the other person look worse. Maybe you feel threatened by this person and want to attempt to knock them down a notch. Maybe you want to appear to be in the know- someone who has the inside scoop.
What comes out of our mouths reflects what is inside of our hearts, so if you find yourself constantly being negative, critical or sharing hurtful things about others, then take a pause and really evaluate what the root issue is. Afterwards, confront it, deal with it and ask God to help you.
Instead of focusing on telling your neighbor’s story, let’s tell the story of Jesus. Instead of spreading rumors, spread the gospel. Instead of sharing the gossip, share the Word.
(Paige Nash is a wife, mom and digital journalist for the Webster Parish Journal.)
The computer lab at Central Elementary School in Dubberly is getting a facelift. The classroom will soon have new computers for students.
First-grade teacher Ana Fleming saw the need for new computers, so she applied for a grant from Claiborne Electric Cooperative. Fleming was shocked when the electric co-op responded with a $10,000 grant for the project.
“The computer lab will have all-new updated technology, including a class set of the latest available Chromebooks with charging stations,” said Fleming.
She opted for Chromebooks because Central students will be required to take LEAP and other tests on Chromebooks as they move into the higher grades. Fleming sees this early introduction to the devices as a chance for students to become more comfortable with navigating the computers.
The grant is part of Claiborne Electric’s Operation Round-Up®.
“Operation Round-Up is funded by our members who have the option to round their bill up to the next whole dollar,” said Claiborne Electric Cooperative Director of Communications EmmaLee Tingle. “They basically allow us to keep the change. One hundred percent of those funds are reallocated to the communities we serve.”
A trust board reviews each grant request and decides whether to fund the request. The educational value of this request was important to the board. That is why they approved the maximum grant amount of $10,000 for the elementary school. This is the largest grant ever received by Central Elementary.
Current computer lab at Central Elementary School.
For the last several weeks I have done my best to answer questions from WPJ readers.Y’all have provided some excellent food for thought and have allowed me to stretch my “writer’s legs” beyond my comfort zone – which until recently had been limited to the monotonous confines of police reports.Inquirers have prompted me to dig deep into my proverbial toolbox for answers.This outlet has acted as a refresher of sorts, for my own training and personal experiences, and has therefore been a tremendous benefit to me, as I hope it has helped others.So, thank you to anyone who has supported this article and tolerated my obvious inexperience as a columnist.I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it.
Today’s column will be the last Slicing the Pie for 2022.I’ll be back on the keyboard after the first of the year as long as The Lord tarries and the creek don’t rise.With the final column of the year, I’d like to “flip the script” and ask two questions of you, the readers.
First, what are you willing to die for?I offer this question to all the students who come through my concealed carry and active shooter preparedness classes.I also tell students not to answer out loud – encouraging them to answer within themselves because there are no right or wrong answers.Answers to this question are very personal as some people will value certain things over others.That leads me directly to my next question – what are you willing to kill for?The most common considerations for each question are as follows:
Family – If you’re willing to die to protect family, you should be very specific in your heart and mind as to which family members that response applies.
Friends – If you have even one friend in your life that you would be willing to die to protect – or that you know would die to protect you, you’re winning in the friend department.Again, be specific when answering this question for yourself.
Your faith – If someone stuck a gun in your face and asked if you’re a Christian (or a practitioner of any other faith) – what would you say if you knew the stakes were life or death?
Freedom – This one is tricky.As Americans most of us hold our freedom and individual liberties in very high regard, but not every American believes what you believe when it comes to matters of freedom.Patriotism can be very subjective.You might say “I love you” to your kids 50 times a day, but your neighbors may never verbalize it to their own children. In the same way, others might express love for their nation differently than you.So, be careful here.If you’re willing to die and / or kill for freedom, it should be for the freedom of every American – even the ones who do it all wrong – like the idiots that take a knee in the presence of Old Glory or upon hearing our beloved National Anthem – but I digress.
Innocent strangers – Before you’re quick to say you’d rush to the aid of a stranger; you need to consider all factors.“Who is with me?” “By helping this person am I putting anyone else, e.g., previously mentioned family or friends, at risk?”
These are just a few examples of things I discuss with students in class.The point is to know the answers before you’re thrust into a situation where the decision has to be made in an instant.When seconds mean the difference between life and death, you won’t have time to evaluate what is or is not important enough to be bought with human life – be it yours or someone else’s.
Know this – once you’ve prepared your mental checklist of who and what you’re willing to die for, it should be a mirror image of what you’re willing to kill for.The fact is, if you’re not fully prepared to die protecting it, you’re not capable of killing to protect it either.You might think you’re capable of killing a bad guy to save an innocent stranger but if you’re not also willing to die protecting that stranger, you’ll be wholly ineffective when it’s time to act.When loss of life is necessary to protect anything or anyone, nature doesn’t care whose life is forfeited, and neither does Murphy.However you choose to answer the first question is entirely up to you, but the answers to the second question darn-well better match the first.
As we find ourselves at the end of another year, with all the chaos of the holiday season upon us, I encourage anyone reading this to pause for a moment and reflect on your blessings – your real blessings – not your bass boat, Earl.Think of the things that truly make your life worth living.Chances are, if you’re honest with yourself, you can find your life’s greatest blessings listed previously in this article – I know I can.Quietly – perhaps prayerfully – use that moment of reflection to answer my questions.Then, add internal clarity and confidence to your list of things for which to be grateful.
“I think that when you die, you continue to progress.You continue to grow in kind of an elevated state, but I don’t think you sit there and wallow around and play the harp.” – Mike Leach.
Thanks for the memories, Coach – Rest easy.
Until next year…
Avoid what you can.Defeat what you can’t.
-Ryan
Please submit your questions to Ryan via email at Ryan@9and1tactical.com
(Ryan Barnette is not a licensed attorney or a medical provider, and no information provided in “Slicing the Pie,” or any other publication authored by Ryan Barnette should be construed, in any way, as official legal or medical advice.)
An Athens man is in a Webster Parish jail on drug and resistance charges.
Minden Police arrested Jermaine Jo Winzer, 35, of the 300 block of Mulnix Switch, Athens, La. For resisting an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony obstruction of justice.
Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Lt. Brandon Curry, assisted by Sgt. Shawn Griffith and Ofc. Reece Sewell, was dispatched to a Sheppard Street apartment complex around 6 p.m. Saturday in reference to a suspicious person.
“Upon arrival, officers made contact with the complainant who said she was dropping off her grandchild when she noticed a male subject– later identified as Winzer – lying in in the hallway near the elevators,” Cropper said. “He had a dog with him. She spoke to him and said he began acting ‘strangely.’”
Cropper said Curry tried to speak with Winzer, asking him to walk to the front. Winzer reportedly insisted they go out the back door. When he reached the back door, Winzer began to flee on foot.
“Curry gave chase and the two ran down toward Sheppard Street Heights, where Winzer stopped running,” said the chief. “Lt. Curry removed his weapon and instructed Winzer to show his hands and to lie down on his stomach.A search of Winzer produced a glass pipe with white residue inside.”
Winzer was booked at 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.
Exactly 108 years ago this Sunday, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fourteen, a true Christmas miracle occurred on a frozen field.
The first world war had raged for six months. Young men from all over the globe came to die in the European mud. Everything they were and everything they would become was snuffed out like a candle in a hurricane on the orders of fat generals and fatter politicians.
The methods of persuasion that the Nazis would use to dehumanize others (and that our politicians have perfected in the year 2022) weren’t around in 1914. And when Christmas came “across the pond,” so too did the briefest of returns to humanity as men who didn’t even speak the same language found common ground in the shared meaning behind the words “goodwill toward men.”
The scene was one of ice-covered dirt. A razed forest. Trenches carved into the hard mud. Occasional echoes of dying men calling for aid, for relief, or maybe just for their mommas. The smell of smoke was thick in the cold December air, and crimson blood stained the wet ground. The shelling had stopped, and the area between the two fronts, the ones belonging to the Allies and the ones belonging to the Central Powers, had been hastily dug as each side huddled in the cold and awaited orders to venture once more into the no-man’s land and once more into the fight.
God seemed to have left that part of the world long ago.
That is until December 25, 1914. Somehow, some way, the Spirit of the Season transcended the violence of a war that brought out the worst of us. There was no planning. The most beautiful events in human history are rarely planned. Planning eliminates much of the humanity that makes miracles happen.
Makeshift Christmas trees were raised. Garland was hung on barbed wire. Christmas songs replaced the sounds of gunfire. French voices were joined by German and English as “Silent Night” reminded them all of their shared humanity. The no-man’s land between the two sides was crossed. Each side heard the other’s singing, and then one unnamed soldier walked into the firing range with a white flag waving in a show of peace. He could have been shot. But the possibility of dying wasn’t enough to dissuade him from his mission. He was greeted by a similarly brave soldier from the other side. Instead of the sharp edge of a bayonet, the two exchanged handshakes.
It was a brief respite from the hell that was their lives. The trenches emptied, and the two sides gave each other hugs as they celebrated a unifying holiday of humanity. They exchanged small gifts like tobacco and candy and pocket knives and a little bit of alcohol. A friendly game of football (soccer to us Americans) was played.
There were pictures from home shared with men from other countries.
“This is my wife.”
“This is my mother.”
“This is my home where life is good.”
And as they sang songs and shared slices of their culture, the men saw each other as equals and not enemies. They were flesh and blood and not cold-blooded monsters. The limited propaganda of the time failed miserably to drive a wedge of hate through the festive scene.
But, as all good things do, the time of peace came to an end. Goodbyes were said, and both sides reluctantly fell back into their pits. Soon thereafter, the war returned.
The fighting continued and upwards of 40 million died over the next three and a half years. But there were reports that men who took part in the great Christmas Truce of 1914 were forever changed. There were many accounts of those men missing the shots they took in battle. After all, the men on the other side weren’t evil. Far from it. They were just men who were put in the most horrible situation on earth and were doing what they could to survive.
Nothing has changed to this day. Politicians profit. Soldiers die. To ensure this, there was a prohibition on any such Christmas Truce becoming an annual tradition.
But history remembers that peace reigned for one moment during one of the bloodiest periods in human history.
And so, as we sit warm, putting together presents for little ones who mercifully know not the scourge of the terrible wars that claimed the lives of so many sons, raise a glass to those who fought. To those that died, and those that returned and raised a new generation. Raise a glass to the ones who sacrificed in the senseless slaughters after. May the lessons they taught not be forgotten and may those that celebrate today appreciate how good we have it, however bleak and pointless it may seem sometimes.
And as we spend time with those closest to us on this day, remember that even the bitterest of foes are indeed people with their own unique hopes and dreams and fears. Be kind beyond this day. Try to overcome our human biases, prejudices, and anger. Life is finite. We can be better.
Let the same Christmas magic find its way into the hearts of men, and the pointless lines that divide us be banished, if only for a little while, as we celebrate Christmas. Peace on Earth, and goodwill towards men.
(Josh Beavers is a teacher and a writer. He has been recognized five times for excellence in opinion writing by the Louisiana Press Association.)
Adult sibling rivalry was taken a bit too far, resulting in the arrest of a local man by Minden Police.
Calvin Theus, 38, of the 200 block of Good Ave., Minden, is charged with simple assault and possession of crystal methamphetamine.
Chief Steve Cropper said Sgt. Jason Smith, Ofc. Jason Lee and Ofc. Anthony Miller were dispatched to the Good Avenue residence Monday afternoon.
“The complainant – Theus’ sister – was visiting for Christmas, staying with her mother and brother,” Cropper said. “She told officers Theus was acting erratically, staying up all night and having conversations with himself in his room.”
The siblings engaged in a verbal altercation, when Theus reportedly became angry because his sister purchased Christmas gifts.
“Theus told his sister he would ‘kick (her) in the face,’” said the chief. “When she told him she was calling the police, Theus told her he didn’t care.”
The sister told officers she was in “reasonable apprehension of receiving battery,” and felt her brother was taking drugs.
During a search incident to arrest, a clear plastic baggy containing .5 grams of a crystal substance suspected as methamphetamine was discovered, resulting in Theus’ arrest.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The following is a description of Minden during Christmas in 1929. It was published by the Signal-Tribune on 18 December 1929.
“Trees and Lights Add Much To Christmas Spirit In City
Minden is all aglow for Christmas.
The Courthouse surrounded by shapely pine trees decorated with colored bulbs while the dome of the building gleams with myriads of lights of many hues, forms a fitting center for the great number of Christmas trees the city has placed through the parks and at various other vantage points.
Seen from Afar
All these lighted trees and buildings may be seen for miles around Minden, and seem to express a wish that all might enjoy the merriest Christmas ever. Their presence throughout the city adds just the right quantity of Christmas Cheer to make the hustle of last minute shopping pleasant.
Visitors Comment
Visitors, especially, seem pleased with the decorations and are lavish with their praise.
‘Minden,’ they say, ‘is noted for its hospitality. These trees seem to have captured that spirit and are perpetually extending a welcome.’
Stores Decorated
Practically every store in the city has also decorated for Christmas. Miniature trees, effigies of Santa Claus, special displays featuring Christmas gifts, vari-colored lights, and a vast stock of Christmas goods the stores carry make Minden a shopper’s paradise.”
This column is intended to share snippets of Webster Parish history. Please direct any questions or suggestions to dorcheatmuseum@yahoo.com or visit us at the museum.
(Jessica Gorman is the Assistant Director and Archivist for the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum in Minden and is an avid genealogist.)
Trying to slam the door on his girlfriend contributed to charges against a local man.
Keandre Dillard, 43, of the 700 block of Plum St., Minden, was arrested by Minden Police for felony domestic abuse battery.
Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Ofc. Christopher Cayer was dispatched to the Plum Street address Saturday morning before noon.
“The complainant advised Dillard forced her out of their residence by throwing her out,” Cropper said. “When Ofc. Cayer arrived, he noticed the complainant outside the residence with signs that battery had occurred.”
Dillard, who was reportedly standing on the porch, asked to speak with the officer.
“Dillard said the complainant left the house around 8 p.m. Friday, and so he put her belongings outside,” said the chief. “He said she returned and kicked his door in. He said he was unaware it was her, so he slammed the door shut on her.”
The chief said the complainant had bloody injuries to her left middle finger and right pointer fingernail.
“The complainant said she returned to the residence to find her belongings outside. She forced entrance to recover some missing items,” Cropper said. “She claims Dillard grabbed her hair and began forcefully dragging her to the front door. As she struggled to get free, her jacket was ripped and her face was scratched against the door frame.”
Dillard was booked at the Minden Police Department and was transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional. Center.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
1 package of cookie dough (you can choose from sugar, gingerbread, peanut butter, or chocolate chip dough)
32 small pretzels
32 raisins or chocolate chips
16 small cinnamon candies
Directions:
Before getting started, keep the cookie dough refrigerated until ready to use. Do not eat or play with any raw cookie dough or any other raw dough products made with flour that is intended to be cooked or baked. Flour consumed raw regardless of the brand can contain germs which can lead to a foodborne disease.
Make sure to wash your hands, kitchen surfaces, and cooking equipment first before making the cookies.
Slice cookie dough in about ¼ inch thick pieces or you can choose to purchase the dough already pre-sectioned.
Open the package and place dough on a non-stick cookie sheet. Use hands to shape dough into an oval. Be sure to spread the cookies relatively far apart to avoid the cookies sticking to each other.
Add two pretzels and two raisins for eyes, and antlers, and one cinnamon candy for nose.
Bake accordingly to the cookie dough package instructions.
Cool cookies on parchment or wire rack.
Enjoy your freshly baked reindeer cookies.
Nutrition Facts
Yields: 16 servings
Serving size: 1 reindeer cookie
Calories: 15
Fat: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 3 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Protein:1 gram
Cholesterol: 1 milligram
Sodium: 29 milligrams
(Shakera Williams, MPH Assistant Extension Nutrition Agent Webster/ Claiborne Parishes at 318 371-1371 or by email sswilliams@agcenter.lsu.edu.)
A south Webster Parish woman is behind bars on drug charges while in the presence of a juvenile.
Janet Lynne Brown, 24, of Sibley, was arrested by Sibley Police for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, improper supervision of a juvenile and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile.
According to the police report, Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies contacted Ofc. Clint Meshell in regard to a naked juvenile in a front yard on SE Natchitoches Street.
The officer reportedly made contact with WPSO and an employee of a local branch bank in Sibley who knew where the family lived. They went to make contact with the mother of the juvenile (Brown) and found her residence door was open. Brown was asleep in the bed, unaware her child had left the house.
Brown gave officers consent to search her house. They discovered marijuana in plain view beside her bed. She allegedly admitted the narcotics belonged to her.
Brown was arrested and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
