A difference in race and creed played no part in the life of Martin Luther King Jr., nor did it matter to the folks gathered Monday morning for the annual MLK Ecumenical Walk.

The group began its celebration of Martin Luther King Day at the corner of Talton and MLK Drive and listened to one of his most important speeches all the way to the corner of MLK and Sheppard Street.

It kicked off a day of mostly virtual honors to King. It will continue through Black History Month in February.

Contest winners announced Monday night include:

Poster Winners – K-2

1st place – Natalya Egbon
2nd place – Ansleigh Walker

Essay Winners

Elementary – 3-5

1st place – Blythe Burrell
2nd place – Josiah Stewart
3rd place – Taylor Slatton

Middle School- 6-8

1st place – Kaylee Johnson
2nd place – Addison Walker

High School- 9-12

1st place – Tyronn Grider
2nd place – Jasmine Sneed
3rd place- Ariel Cage and Peyton Handy

Youth Leadership Awards

Grades 6-8

Isaiah Tate

Ashley Whatley

Grades 9-12

Berlin Winzer-Jackson

Jasmine Sneed

Makhi Reed

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A local man led Minden Police on a high-speed chase through a school zone last Wednesday.

Chauncey D. “Little Man” Grant, 26, of the 700 block of Plum St., Minden, was arrested for aggravated flight, resisting an officer, driving under suspension, switched tags, 20 moving traffic violations and four active bench warrants.

Chief Jared McIver said Lt. Chris Hammontree, his K9 partner Tigo and Off. Logan Clingan were involved in the mid-afternoon chase after Hammontree observed the vehicle Grant was driving stopped past the painted line at the intersection of Broadway and Lee Street.

“The vehicle tags were registered to a Mazda but were displayed on a Chevy Caprice,” McIver said. “When the vehicle turned left into the wrong lane on Miller Street, Hammontree attempted to initiate a stop but the driver fled.”

According to the report, the vehicle traveled 40 in a 25 miles-per-hour zone on Bayou Avenue, signaled left and turned right onto Pine Street, passed on the double yellow line and ran a red light at Pine and Main streets, establishing aggravated flight.

The vehicle reportedly ran the light at Pine and Broadway, a stop sign at Pine and Gleason, failing to signal the turns. It proceeded at 43 in a 25 mph zone on Gleason, ran a stop sign at Gleason and Union, ran a red light at Sheppard Street, then entered the Webster Junior High School zone, traveling 83 miles per hour while some students were attempting to cross the street.

“The flagman was holding his stop sign, but the vehicle did not yield,” said the Chief.

The vehicle reportedly turned right on Ewell, traveling 59 mph in a 25 mph zone, then turned right on Harris without signaling. It was clocked at 60 mph in a 25 mph zone on Harris, ran a stop sign at Harris and Dianne streets, then turned on Hill Street where it traveled 36 in a 25 mph zone.

“The driver, Grant, exited the vehicle while it was still rolling and fled on foot,” McIver said. “Lt. Hammontree chased Grant to his mother’s house on Plum Street about 380 feet away. He was called out at gunpoint and taken into custody.”

McIver said Alex Tarenzo Odom, passenger in the vehicle, exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

“Off. Clingan chased Odom on foot to Plum Street where Odom tripped and fell,” said the chief. “He refused to comply with Clingan’s efforts to place him in handcuffs. When Sgt. Shane Griffith arrived, the two were able to subdue and arrest him.”

Officers located a methamphetamine pipe in the vehicle and 8 grams of marijuana in Odom’s pants.

“He was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer and a warrant for theft of a firearm,” McIver said.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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This recipe could work for breakfast or dessert … or anytime.

Bread:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups diced strawberries tossed into 2 tablespoons of flour

Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons melted butter (more is always better!)
• 1/2 cup finely diced strawberries
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a bowl whisk sugar, milk, oil, egg and almond extract.  In another bowl whisk remaining dry ingredients.  Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.  Add strawberries.  Pour into greased loaf pan and bake 50-55 minutes.  Let cool completely.

To make the glaze:  Whisk all ingredients except strawberries together.  Add strawberries.  Cut into the bread like you are slicing it but do not cut all the way through.  Pour glaze over, allowing glaze to drizzle into partial cuts.  Then fully slice to serve!

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

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A north Webster Parish man allegedly was coerced by a juvenile to help him steal and sell an all-terrain vehicle.

Kenny Neal Evans, 52, of Springhill, was arrested by Springhill Police and charged with illegal possession of stolen things and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. According to the report, the juvenile alleged Evans assisted him in stealing the vehicle and their attempt to sell it.

On January 12 Springhill police were contacted by a citizen who was approached by Evans, a “suspicious looking” male, accompanied by a 14-year-old male asking him to buy a 2020 Yamaha Viking Camo Side-By-Side valued at $14,000.

Springhill Police made contact with Webster Parish Deputies and confirmed the vehicle was stolen that morning from Shongaloo.

Evans and the juvenile reportedly went to the local Office of Motor Vehicles and obtained a bill of sale, then returned to the potential buyer.

Evans and the juvenile were taken into custody. 

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Teachers shouldn’t be jerks. If you choose to educate then you shouldn’t pride yourself on making others miserable. This may seem like common knowledge, an easy fact of life much like the sun sets in the west and Manchester United is the greatest soccer club of all time. It shouldn’t be a discussion. If you teach, you shouldn’t be a jerk. Period. 

Ah, alas. No such period. Perhaps an ellipse because there’s more to the story for many. There’s no feel-good school movie where the kids rise above circumstances and the teacher changes their lives. There’s just grumpiness and flat out rudeness for a lot of teachers. 

I had a teacher in high school. Loved to quote the Bible and was a very Old Testament kind of guy. Didn’t much love to live the Bible though. What he did loved was to fail kids and make life as miserable for them as possible. He was not a good guy. I don’t know what happened in his life to make him so angry, but whatever it was, it didn’t have anything to do with me or my classmates. He shouldn’t have been teaching. 

But just like all abusive relationships, it’s the innocents who suffer. Another teacher in high school – math. She made me feel so stupid that numbers have forever become like a venomous serpent in my eyes. I feel stupid when I see numbers and I feel like I’m being judged whenever I have to work with them. I felt all eyes on me and imagined whispers “what is he doing? He can’t do that? What a moron.” All of that because of one teacher and her cruel behavior. She shouldn’t have been teaching.

Another teacher – this one in college. He taught speech. Extraordinarily cruel and actively abused students. This was back in the day before the internet and viral cancellation. Something like their behavior likely wouldn’t stand in today’s world. I remember a friend. Her grandmother died and she had to give a speech the next day. She went to the professor and asked for an extension. I was there and I heard what this curly, greasy haired little shrimp of a wee-man said. 

“Grandmothers die every day.”

I’m not a pacifist. I do believe violence can solve things from time to time. But I don’t go out looking for fights. I’ve been in one fist fight in my entire life, and that came when I was 30 years old. There are very few times I’ve wanted to hit someone. I’d rather use my mind to solve my problems. But on that bright September day, I wanted to beat the ever-living hell out of this guy who made my friend cry. 

I didn’t. She didn’t give the speech. She got a zero. He kept his teeth.He shouldn’t have been teaching

I’ve read a lot about what makes a person cruel. Why are some people jerks? Why are some people cowards? Oh, how many cowards there are. They are everywhere. We see them every day.  Living life the easy way rather than the right way. Why? As for teachers, you mix a cruel and/or cowardly person with a group of kids and you are brewing a storm. I don’t think some teachers know, or more likely just don’t care, that your words kill souls and ambition. 

Let me tell you what words did to me.  I wrote a book, fiction, back when I was about 23. So more than 20 years ago. It was about a Cherokee daddy looking for his daughter during the Trail of Tears. I sent it off to publishers and couldn’t get a bite. So I emailed a professor and asked for her help. She gave me the contact information of a dinosaur in the LSU English department. He mailed me back the manuscript completely destroyed and bleeding and then called me to drive the point home. His words were so harsh they literally gave me writer’s block for two decades. Looking over it now I see it’s not a good book.  It’s the product of a 23 year old. But his cruelty was reprehensible and shocking and I wondered how he had gotten away with being such a jerk his entire life. He shouldn’t have been teaching.

That was a long time ago and I’ve finally gotten over it and gone back to writing with two additional novels completed and awaiting publication. 

But that cruelty still messes with my head. Why was he such a jerk? I don’t know. Just like I don’t know what makes people cowards. I don’t know why people are two-faced. I don’t know why people are terrified of confrontation. I don’t know why people scheme behind the backs of others instead of just talking to their face. I don’t get passive aggressive people and I don’t get cruel people. I don’t get bullies and I don’t get wimps. They all are bad and putting any of these types in a classroom is only going to further deteriorate the quality of education in American schools. 

I am an example of how lasting an impact bad teachers can have on people. If that dude could mess with my head like that then what kind of effect can a cruel teacher have on a young student? It’s why I’ll never be a “bully” to one of my students. Never. Worst thing a teacher can be. Kids shouldn’t dread coming to your class. If they do then you aren’t a good teacher. You’re an A double crooked letter and hopefully you’ll get out of the profession.

Many people shouldn’t be teachers. I just wish that could be realized before the damage is done.

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

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Do you enjoy meeting new people and greeting old friends?

You may be perfect for an account executive’s position with the Webster Parish Journal. You don’t have to fit a particular profile, you just need to be as passionate about spreading the news as those with whom you will be working.

WPJ subscriptions are – and always will be – free. We depend on businesses and advertising to help us meet our goals and keep the public informed. That’s where you may be able to help. We need an outgoing individual to sell advertising for WPJ – the fastest growing publication in Webster Parish.

Contact us at wpjnewsla@gmail.com, if this describes you.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A battery incident from late December ended in the arrest of a Minden man last week.

Corinso Von Derick Franklin, 34, of the 600 block of Bradford Street, Minden, was arrested by Minden Police and charged on a warrant for domestic abuse battery with strangulation and child endangerment.

Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said the original incident took place at the Bradford Street residence causing a female complainant to contact his department.

“Lt. Brandon Curry went to the residence the evening of December 27 and talked with the alleged victim,” McIver said. “She told the officer she approached Franklin and accused him of removing her cigarettes from the counter. He became angry and grabbed her by the neck, forcing her inside the bedroom where he continued to batter her.”

The complainant’s daughter – no age available – reportedly heard the commotion and entered the bedroom to investigate.

“Franklin continued to batter the female with the child present,” said the chief. “He then left the residence. The officer said he noticed wounds and marks on the victim that were consistent with someone being choked or strangled.”

McIver said that at first the victim said she did not wish to press charges, however, the officer told her that due to the nature of the incident and her injuries, he would be procuring arrest warrants for Franklin. Also, a Louisiana Victim Notice and Registration form was completed.

Last Tuesday, while Lt. Curry was refueling his patrol unit, he observed Franklin and a local service station/restaurant. The officer took Franklin into custody without incident.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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It’s that time again, another fishing season is upon us. Now begins the preparation for bass tournament competitions. Almost 95% of all tournament trails crank up in the month of January. With January comes one of two things, very cold days or sometimes we get what is called an Indian Summer. Don’t ask me why it’s called that, because I have not done any research with regard to this topic.

But usually, it means some very cold weather conditions that can bring not only low temperatures but sleet and snow on rare occasions. Today we’ll look at how we not only prepare for these types of conditions but also what goes into getting ready to fish.

Cold temperatures dipping into the upper 20s and low 30s are fairly common in both January and February. The most important part of being able to fish in these conditions means dressing properly. We’ve all heard how you’re supposed to dress in layers and this is exactly what you better do. In order to focus and concentrate on fishing you better be comfortable and warm. Nothing is worse than trying fish and your entire focus is on how cold it is and that you can’t wait for this event to be over so you can get back to your truck and thaw out.

The only other thing worse than being cold; is being wet and cold. This is why you never pinch pennies when it comes to good rain gear or outerwear. Both Bass Pro Shop’s 100 MPH suit and SIMMS outerwear make some of the best rain gear money can buy. For me, this was the first lesson learned while fishing as a co-angler on the FLW Tour back in 2004. Nothing is more valuable than good rain gear made from Gortex. Some anglers can fish with gloves and some cannot. Fishing with gloves is not for me because of my inability to feel the line coming off the spool when casting. But it is highly recommended that you have a good pair of gloves with handshake warmers inside them while making those cold boat runs. Another thing that’s a must-have during cold weather fishing, is good socks. This is sometimes the most overlooked item when it comes to staying warm. There are a ton of options from a wool/cotton blend to electric; you just have to try different kinds and see what works for you.  

Now let’s talk tackle and what baits will be my primary go-to for this time of year. First and foremost, no good angler will hit the cold waters of January and February without a Rat-L-Trap style bait tied on. For me, there are actually two that I totally rely on; the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap and the SPRO Aruku Shad in two colors, Toledo Gold and Texas Craw both of which are primarily orange-colored baits. If you’re only given one bait to fish this time of year, make sure it’s a rattling-style bait like the Trap or the Aruku Shad.

 Next, an A-Rig, this umbrella-style rig is a go-to when the bass is feeding on shad and is a great way to locate schools of bass. Another bait that will be tied on is a Chatter Bait. No other bait has probably been more productive at catching bass in the last 15 years than the Chatter Bait. This is basically nothing more than a skirted bass jig with a small blade attached to the head of the bait that creates a fish-attracting side-to-side vibrating action that bass cannot resist.

There was a time when the number one bait of choice for wintertime fishing was a jig. A lot of money has been won over the years with what anglers call a jig and pig. This is a combination of a skirted jig paired with a crawfish imitator in either soft plastic or actual pork rind. Pork rind is used mainly during cold temperatures when you’re looking for a more subtle presentation. While there are other baits that are good choices, the ones talked about today are the ones most anglers will have tied on this time of year.

Here’s a tip that might save you the headache of trying to pry open those frozen shut rods and storage compartments on your boat.  A cold rain followed by freezing temperatures will literally seal each compartment shut on your boat, but if you will leave each storage lid partially open and not completely closed, it will save you the hassle of having to use hot water to get them open.

Wintertime fishing can be really productive and it’s also a good time to catch lunker bass. But you just have to make sure you are prepared for the conditions you’re likely to face when fishing with an old man in winter. Having the right tackle and the right clothing will make your cold-weather fishing much more enjoyable.     

 Steve Graf

Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show &

Tackle Talk Live

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Minden Police, with the help of Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies, arrested a local man last Tuesday on drug and firearms charges.

Bryan Carr, 38, of the 2300 block of Germantown Rd., Minden, is charged with 2 counts of possession of methamphetamine, 4 counts of possession of Subutex, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, illegal use of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of a person under 17 years of age, illegal use of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance and driving under suspension.

Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said Ofc. Chris Cayer was patrolling Country Club Circle around mid-afternoon January 10 when he witnessed a 2004 Toyota cross the center line.

“The officer initiated a traffic stop on Murry Drive at Country Club Circle,” McIver said. “He made contact with the driver, who identified himself as Carr, and he informed the officer that he was having issues with his steering, his driver’s license is suspended and he had a firearm in the vehicle.”

Around this time, WPSO Dep. Jacob Winiarski reportedly arrived on scene to assist, and Cayer invited Carr to exit the vehicle.

“As Cayer was completing a pat-down of Carr, he said the firearm was in the glove box,” said the chief. “Winiarski then invited two passengers – one in the front seat and one in the back – to exit the vehicle. The front passenger was identified as a 15-year-old female juvenile. The rear passenger identified herself as the juvenile’s sister.”

Cayer reportedly asked and received permission to secure the firearm from the glove box, however, Carr refused to give permission for officers to search his vehicle for additional weapons and narcotics.

“The officer requested aid from Lt. Brandon Curry and his K-9 assistant Brams,” said McIver. “Lt. Curry arrived on scene, and Carr began to act nervously, pacing back and forth and saying something about Subutex in the ashtray and methamphetamine in a dollar bill under the driver’s seat.”

Curry deployed Brams and the K-9 reportedly alerted on the vehicle, enabling officers to conduct a search.

“Just like Carr said, there was Subutex in the ash tray and they found the dollar bill containing suspected methamphetamine,” said the chief. “Carr was arrested and gave permission for the rear seat passenger to take possession of the vehicle.”

Neither passenger was charged.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Black History Month begins February 1.

Will your church or non-profit organization be hosting an event? Email Webster Parish Journal at wpjnewsla@gmail.com, and we will post it in a list of Black History Month programs and events.

Events will run throughout February, but the sooner you send it, the longer and more often it will run and the better the chances of it being seen.

Thank you!

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Dear Editor,

Like many Americans, I worked hard my entire life, but after my husband passed away, I decided to take a step back from nursing and retire. As retirement approached, I began to worry this I wouldn’t be able to retire and retain great medical care. For many years, I worked as a nurse within the state system, and through this job, I received great healthcare benefits. When I retired, I feared that Medicare would not be the same. Luckily though, I was able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, and its numerous benefits have really been a positive in my life. 

There are many benefits to joining Medicare Advantage, like dental, vision, and hearing benefits and home health services, to name a few. These are all great benefits, but my favorite part of Medicare Advantage has to be the wellness programs. 

As a widow, it’s been great to get out of the house and meet other seniors while exercising! Programs like Silver Sneakers are one of the top reasons I chose this plan. 

With insurance plans, there’s always a fear of overpaying, paying for services you don’t need, or not getting your money’s worth. It’s definitely an important factor to consider.

Medicare Advantage does cost extra, but I’ve found it to be worth the price. I’m not here to tell you whether to get it or not, but I do want seniors in the community to be aware that it’s an option! 

Sincerely,

Lu Jones

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

Jan. 10

Kathleen Nicole Brown, 29, of the 200 block of Resident St., Cotton Valley, was arrested by WPSO for no seatbelt.

Jan. 11

Steven Wayne Miller, 57, of the 1000 block of Hwy. 532, Dubberly, was arrested by WPSO for domestic abuse battery.

Eddie Lee johnson, 29, of the 1300 block of Oxford St., Shreveport, was arrested in Webster Parish by LSP Troop G on 3 counts of a fugitive – one for domestic abuse battery and two for failure to appear.

Britney Moore, 33, of the 400 block of Morrow St., Minden, was arrested by MPD for improper supervision of a minor by parent.

Jan. 12

Eugene Elias Henderson, 50, of the 800 block of W. Herman St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on a warrant for failure to appear in court.

Lillie McEachern, 34, of the 1900 block of Dogwood Trail, Minden, was arrested by WPSO for careless operation, failure to report and accident and as a fugitive from Minden Police.

Jan. 13

Melvin Keith Mims, 60, of the 100 block of Moore Cemetery, Dubberly, was arrested by WPSO for improper lane usage, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in the presence of narcotics and possession of methamphetamine.

Tony Frank Thomas, 53, of the 16000 block of Hwy. 80, Minden, was arrested by WPSO on an active warrant for aggravated assault.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Dollie Melissa Duck

April 18, 1959 – Jan. 14, 2023

Sarepta, La.

Funeral service: Pending, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Betty Jane Thompson Peterson

Dec. 22, 1935 – Jan. 12, 2023

Private Inurnment

Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Airline Drive, Bossier City, La.

Memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, Rose-Neath Funeral Home. 

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.)

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

An 11-year-old male child who was charged with arson last month is back at Ware Youth Center after stealing and crashing a vehicle early Wednesday morning.

According to Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker, the child was released from Ware one week ago due to lack of space.

“The child was using a metal rod to reach the pedals,” said the sheriff. “The vehicle was seen by one of my deputies weaving all over Shreveport Road. He couldn’t see who was driving but he observed the vehicle run a red light at the intersection of Shreveport Road and Erwin Thompson Drive.”

When the vehicle left the roadway, the deputy reportedly initiated lights and sirens.

“The driver increased speed and failed to stop,” Parker said. “The driver narrowly missed a marked Minden Police unit and continued eastbound on Broadway.”

According to reports, the driver turned onto Homer Road where the vehicle went into a spin and crashed.

“We attempted to block it in, but the driver slammed on the accelerator and intentionally rammed a marked Minden unit,” said the sheriff. “The driver then ran off the road onto the sidewalk and hit a second Minden unit before driving from Homer Road to Sheppard Street in the oncoming lanes.”

The vehicle reportedly crashed one last time at an abandoned business in the 900 block of Shreveport Road where deputies and officers safely secured the driver.

Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said the child was taken into custody on charges of aggravated flight from an officer, 2 counts of aggravated criminal damage to property, simple criminal damage to property, open container and running a red light.

McIver said he received a call about the pursuit around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.

During the pursuit, top speeds were around 60 miles per hour.

“Damage to one of our units was pretty bad … light damage to the other,” McIver said. “No one was injured.”

In mid-December, the same child allegedly threw gasoline into a Morrow Street residence, demolishing it. He had been at Ware Youth Center in Coushatta since that time, but was released due to lack of space.

City Judge Sherb Sentell agrees there is a problem with juvenile crime, but lack of space pre-adjudication is causing many youth to be released to parents.

“Something must be done,” Sentell said. “We must have more space to house these young offenders.”

Sentell held a meeting Tuesday afternoon with state and local officials to discuss what can be done. See Tuesday’s WPJ for a story about it.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Just got word of an incident that points to what appears to be a recurring problem in our little corner of this friendly planet. And we don’t seem to be alone in this difficulty.

In a December issue of your WPJ, you might remember a story of an 11-year old who allegedly set fire to a house after he had been sent home for bad behavior. His reason for torching the residence, according to his statement to one of our authorities? He was bored.

Arson and boredom got the kid an all-expense paid trip to Ware Youth Center in Coushatta. There he stayed until his release, reportedly, “due to lack of space.” One might also read that to mean, he was the lesser of evils from an incarceration standpoint. 

Unfortunately, a couple of weeks in the juvy pokey didn’t adjust an attitude and this same juvenile got bored again. This time, rather than tossing a match into a gas-soaked house, he hiked his hiney into someone’s automobile and hit the gas. According to police reports, the enterprising youngster used a metal rod to reach the pedals, leading officers on a chase from Shreveport Rd. to Homer Rd. and back again at speeds, shall we say, exceeding the posted limit.

After eventually crashing into a pair of city police vehicles, the youngster was finally taken into custody. He’s facing charges that would make an adult offender blush. He’s also back at Ware, making one wonder if another youthful offender is back on the streets to make room for this frequent flyer.

All this occurred in the wee hours of the morning. Minden’s chief of police reportedly was informed of the ongoing pursuit around 1:30 a.m. That probably means the theft occurred significantly after midnight, and it also means an 11-year old was doing whatever he pleased, whenever he pleased and he wasn’t the least concerned about consequences.

What can we do to effectively combat juvenile crime. First and most obvious: parental involvement. But, as we have learned over the course of many years, that’s one of the most difficult solutions to achieve. 

As we heard months ago when Minden’s proposed juvenile curfew was discussed, more than one speaker considered such a thing an intrusion on privacy. It’s the old, “they’re my kids and if they want to be out at night it’s their right” argument. To far too many, this attitude only enforces the “I can do anything I want to do and it’s none of your business” reasoning.

One stated solution to the increase is more room for juvenile incarceration. Currently, local juvenile offenders are sent to Ware but a lack of space pre-adjudication sends many youngsters back to their parents or guardians.  With only 32 beds to house juveniles over a six-parish area, the musical chairs game of who stays and who goes continues practically unabated. 

Just for grins, would you be interested to know that once a juvenile is incarcerated, the individuals tasked with supervision (a.k.a., guards) are not allowed to forcefully restrain a troublesome perpetrator. If you’re looking for a rewarding career, please consider one that allows a kid to spit, hit, kick or throw human waste on you without fear of restraint or retaliation. And, you do this for about fifteen bucks an hour. Plus benefits, of course.

During a special meeting with various public and law enforcement officials, Minden City Judge Sherb Sentell sought input on solutions to what is becoming a revolving door of juvenile crime without facilities to house the offenders. 

Of course, the state option was considered but that’s one that would be long on fruition and short on functionals. Applying for and receiving capital outlay funds is about a three to four year process, and those dollars only help with construction. Like far too many other instances, the state may say something’s a good idea but seems to always stop short of providing funding to make a good idea work. The ol’ unfunded mandate.

In other words, if the state says yes to handing over construction money it’s up to the several parishes in the system to come up with operating money…day by day, year after year.

So here we are. Increase in juvenile crime isn’t just a law enforcement problem, it’s a societal issue. Officers can make arrests daily, but they (like us) would prefer prevention over detention. Curfews have not been a real deterrent to crime numbers, but such a law could be a tool to allow officers to, as Barney says, “Nip it in the bud.” If an 11-year-old, or a group of similars is roaming around after midnight, it’s doubtful they’re on the way to a spelling bee.

And now, a point of personal privilege. Congratulations to a favorite corresponder, business tycoon and land baron, Sol A. Here’s raising to you a toast with your beverage of choice, reposado de agave. We’re keeping extra in storage to celebrate your future successes, including the two new businesses you’re opening in the parish. 

— Pat Culverhouse

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By Paige Nash

From an 8-year-old with low self-esteem and body issues to the now confident and nothing but positive thinking Miss Minden 2023, Jacie Brent could give her younger self loads of advice. Although that is not possible, she will now have a platform to share her message in hopes of reaching other young girls of all ages.  

Brent’s platform, Nothing But Positive, focuses on replacing negative thoughts and words with positive ones to aid in encouraging self-love, self-worth and self-esteem.  

“I still struggle with self-worth every day, so I understand how hard it is to retrain your brain not to think negative thoughts and to replace them with positive thoughts,” she said. “As Miss Minden, I plan to emphasize the importance of positive self-talk because positivity begins in the mind.” 

In a world where it is common for others to be shamed for not fitting into a certain mold or living up to society’s standards of beauty, this message is much needed. This has always been an issue, but with the rising popularity of social media, it has become even more prevalent. Social media comparison is at an all-time high, which in turn has also led to steadily increasing numbers of young people struggling with issues like low-self-esteem, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and suicide.  

“Both men and women are shamed openly for being overweight, underweight, too tall, or too short by society’s standards,” said Brent. “Not only do people hear it from those around them, but many often do what I have done in the past and engage in negative self-talk, getting angry at themselves for not fitting into that ‘perfect mold.’ I want to spread my message of self-love and positivity everywhere I go, so no one is made to feel unaccepted because of how they look.” 

It is Brent’s goal to share her message about the power of positive thinking, so that they can love and accept themselves, and in turn join her in spreading that same message of self-love and acceptance to others in hopes of making the world a little bit better.  

“I have had little girls and even some teens come up to me after pageants or leave me messages on social media telling me what an inspiration I am to them and that really warms my heart,” said Brent. “I strive to be a positive person, but to be honest some days it is really hard. I recognize that loving the skin you are in can be challenging at times, but I will continue my journey to do just that, and I invite everyone else to come along. Together, we can make this world a more positive place for everyone, one day at a time.” 

Brent is not only an example of positivity, but also prevalence and persistence. This year was her third time competing for the Miss Minden title and this will also be her third time competing for the Miss Louisiana crown. Brent has previously held two other titles, Miss Cane River 2020/2021 and Miss North Louisiana Bayou 2022.  

Her sister, Sharity, was crowned Miss Minden in 2019 making them the third set of sisters to hold the title. It was a dream of theirs that Sharity would be able to crown her sister the year after her reign even though that did not happen, they were crowned together later that year.  

“My title was Miss Cane River and hers was Miss Red River City, and the Cane River is formed from the Red River. We were affectionately referred to as the ‘River Sisters’ when we competed at Miss Louisiana 2021. That was such a special experience that we got to share together,” said Brent.  

Over the last few years of competing in the Miss America system she has earned $5,000 in scholarships, which includes the $1,500 she earned this year at Miss Minden. She has also been the recipient of the $1,000 “Women in Mass Communications” award for the past two years at the Miss Louisiana competition.  

In 2021 Brent graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Communications from Louisiana Tech University. After spending a few months traveling and spending time with family and friends, she began her job search which landed her at the Ruston Daily Leader where she works as an Advertising Executive. She also serves as the Lead Photographer and Manager in training at the Selfie Stop in Ruston on select weekends.  

She may already be busy, but she is looking forward to serving and supporting the community in as many ways as possible during her year-long reign as Miss Minden 2023.  

She said, “I want to attend every local event that I am able to attend and really get to know everyone in Minden and the surrounding areas even more. My hope is that every person I meet walks away feeling like I truly care about them because I do.”  

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I generally dislike handgun caliber debates as they pertain to personal defense, for a couple reasons.  One, people tend to invest their egos in their chosen caliber and often cannot be reasoned with.  2^nd and foremost, I feel there are other topics that deserve more attention and that matter a hell of a lot more than this one.  Unfortunately, this will likely be the most read / shared article I’ve written thus far, based solely on the title.  But, in all fairness, it was the topic of handgun caliber that ultimately set me on the martial path.  So, let’s give it a shot.

Q: 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP?

A: 9mm.

The question is posed this way because these three calibers are the most commonly debated.  I understand that other calibers exist and that carrying any of these calibers is better than carrying no gun at all.  That said, for the sake of your attention span – and my sanity – let’s lump the gimmicky .357 Sig and .45 GAP right in there with the .40 S&W.  I refer to each of these high-pressure calibers as “recoil for no reason.”  I’m sure that some “tacti-cool” social media warrior, is likely to suggest that I’m a recoil sensitive pansy, but I’ll be more than happy to dispel that accusation on the range anytime.

Of the calibers in question, 9mm reigns supreme and .45 ACP comes in a distant second.  Those “recoil for no reason” calibers don’t offer a single tactical advantage in private citizen, law enforcement, or military applications – not one!  Furthermore, high-pressure caliber guns will ABSOLUTELY wear out faster than 9mm or .45 ACP guns of the same type.  9mm pistols hold more ammunition than their .40 and .45 caliber counterparts.  Generally, 9mm ammunition is less expensive.  9mm generates less recoil than the others, which makes it easier to shoot accurately – especially as it pertains to follow-up shots.  No, Boomer, “knock-down power” is not a real thing.  It’s only real in the sense that it’s real dumb to say.  You might need to shoot someone more than once – even with your FAWTY-FIE! 

Let’s talk ballistics.  Internal – External – Terminal.  Internal refers to the projectile movement inside the gun from chamber to muzzle.  External refers to the projectile in flight, from the time it leaves the muzzle until it impacts something.  Terminal refers to what occurs when the projectile strikes the intended target – basically, the damage the bullet does to the bad guy.  The only one that matters from an everyday or duty carry standpoint is terminal – and the difference in terminal ballistics between 9mm, .45 ACP, and those “recoil for no reason” calibers is negligible.  With current ammunition technology, 9mm is more than sufficient to incapacitate an evil doer.

“But gel tests…”  Blah blah blah.  When’s the last time you saw a block of ballistic gel with real human organs and bones inside?  Gel tests have their place, but they have absolutely no bearing in this discussion.  Coroner’s reports are far greater evidence of ballistic effectiveness than gel tests.  

I’ve never met anyone who has been in a gunfight who carries less ammunition with them than they did prior to their gunfight.  I’ve also never met anyone who could shoot a .40 or .45 well that couldn’t shoot a 9mm better.  Knowing what we know about terminal ballistics, and considering roughly 85% of people shot with handguns of ANY CALIBER survive their wounds nowadays, why would you choose a caliber that’s harder to control?  Why would you intentionally carry a gun with lower round capacity and that has an obscene amount of recoil, comparatively speaking?  I mean, if you’re going to tote a .40, why don’t you tote a real man’s .40 and strap up a 10mm?  You must be recoil sensitive too.

The .40 S&W was created following a high-profile gunfight in the 1980’s, during which several members of a certain federal law enforcement agency lost their lives.  It was determined that the tragedy was the result of insufficient firepower – as opposed to the training methodologies in place at the time.  That agency opted to deviate from its standard issue 9mm but quickly decided against the .45 ACP.  Why?  Because .45 ACP already existed.  If a change needed to be made, they certainly weren’t going to switch to a gun they could’ve already been issuing.  Lol… feds – am I right?  The idea of 10mm was kicked around and ultimately vetoed because it was “too powerful.”  See how silly this sounds now?  Ultimately, the 10mm cartridge was shortened and the .40 S&W was born in 1990.  It was quickly pressed into service with the feds, and because almost every police agency in America takes their cues from the “Alphabet Boys,” .40 S&W quickly became the law enforcement standard across the country.  However, for the last 10 -15 years the .40 S&W has been dying a very public death – and for good reason.

Then there’s the revolver crowd.  Modern-day wheel gun packers usually fall into one of three categories: people who live in close proximity to bears – antiques who can’t let go of their antiques – and women whose husband, dad, or boyfriend put a revolver in their hand because he isn’t capable of teaching her how to properly operate a semi-automatic handgun.  Ladies, if your man gifts you a revolver for everyday carry, take that as a misogynistic micro-aggression.  Don’t beat them up too badly though – they probably think .40 caliber pistols are cool.

Look, if a 9mm won’t kill it, you need a rifle anyway.  We only use handguns because they’re practical and efficient to carry.   Rifles are superior fighting tools, but it’s tough to conceal a rifle in your pants.  “Is that an AK-47, or are you just happy to see me?”  Lastly, steer clear of tiny calibers like .22, .22 magnum, .25, .32, and .380.  They’re anemic little things – and thus, are far less likely to incapacitate a threat should you need to smite a violent attacker.  Even .40 caliber is a safer bet than those options.  Just stick to 9mm – at least until new technology knocks it off the mountain top.       

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.)

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Black History Month begins February 1.

Will your church or non-profit organization be hosting an event? Email Webster Parish Journal at wpjnewsla@gmail.com, and we will post it in a list of Black History Month programs and events.

Events will run throughout February, but the sooner you send it, the longer and more often it will run and the better the chances of it being seen.

Thank you!

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Beginning at 6 a.m. Saturday, January 14, the outside, right lane of I-20 eastbound in advance of LA 157 (exit 33, Fillmore/Haughton) will be closed, according to an announcement by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

Traffic will be temporarily reduced to one lane, but exit 33 will remain open.

This lane closure is necessary to allow the contractor to work on ramp expansion at LA 157.  Closure is expected to last until 8 a.m. Sunday, January 15.

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“Together We Can Be The Dream,” the 36th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Minden will kick off at 9 a.m. Monday, January 16 with an Ecumenical Walk.

According to Michael Walker, one of the coordinators of the celebration, community leaders, ministers, law enforcement officers, civic and social groups, citizens of the parish and all parents and teachers are encouraged to gather at the corner of MLK Drive and Talton Street for prayer and walk.

Walker said at noon there will be a prayer call at 1-518-425-1766 or follow Facebook at MLK Minden 2023.

All during Monday, there will be “A Day of Service,” with deadline to sign up on Friday, January 13. Churches and organizations are encouraged to sign up.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Minden Fire Chief Kip Mourad gave his last annual fire report to members of the Minden City Council last week.

Mourad retires February 1 after 50 years in the fire fighting business. His replacement will be recommended by the mayor and chosen by the council. Fire chief is a part-time position. 

According to Mourad’s report, from December 1, 2021 to November 30, 2022, there were 272 alarms inside city limits and 71 outside. These include residential and commercial structure fires, grass, trash, vehicles, gas leaks and EMS assistance, among other things.

Total rescue calls were 76 with 37 inside the city and 39 outside. Most often, rescue calls are (but not limited to) motor vehicle accidents with entrapment.

“Fire drills totaled 47,” Mourad said. “That brings total combined runs for the year to 488. If you went through the end of 2022, it’s a lot more than that.”

Minden Fire Department also answered 71 mutual aid alarms to Bossier Parish, Minden Fire District 10,  and fire districts in Dixie Inn, Dubberly, Doyline and Sibley.

“Total firefighter training hours … for full-time firemen is 5,605,” Mourad said. “For volunteer training is 593. Number of fire prevention students (visiting schools and other public and private facilities) is 978, and we put up 29 smoke detectors.”

Minden Fire Department is now made up of 22 members including Mourad. Two paid firefighters – Guy Mandino and Justin Richardson –  moved to volunteer status, leaving 14.

Mourad concluded his report by inviting council members to come by Fire Station No. 1.

“We will tell you everything that goes on and how it works,” Mourad said. “I want to thank y’all and all the councils through the years, and anything I can do to help y’all through the process of hiring a new fire chief, I’ll be available by phone call or email.”

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In my college sociology class, many years ago, I learned that you usually raise your kids in the opposite style that you were raised in. For instance, if your parents were extremely strict on you as a child, then you would tend to be more lenient with your children or if your parents were super lenient, you would be more strict.  

I feel like there are tons of parenting styles that fall on the outside and in between just strict or lenient. You have the gentle parenting technique, the helicopter moms, the crunchy ones too, the free-range parenting style and unfortunately the neglectful and uninvolved. Although, it seems the strict and lenient parenting may be the two most popular styles.  

I felt like the point my sociology teacher was trying to make was accurate for me. My parents were pretty lenient. They let me have a lot of freedom as a kid. I could have friends over and I could go stay places pretty much as I pleased. I did have a curfew, but it was later than most of my friends and 90 percent of the time I did not abide by it. I went to parties in high school and let us just say, had lots of fun times.  

On the other end of the spectrum, I had a friend in high school whose parents were the complete opposite of mine and were extremely strict, probably overly strict. She was barely allowed to stay the night places but could have friends over at her house every now and then. She had to be home by 9:00 every night no matter the occasion- Friday night football, Homecoming or whatever else may be going on during the school year.  

I really used to pity her sometimes. I specifically remember the night of our Senior Prom, and everyone was going out after the dance, but she had to go straight home. That was simply crazy to me. I know it is only high school and I know kids may not make the best decisions all the time, but some of my favorite memories to look back on were during that time of my life and I cannot help but to feel bad that she may not have those same memories to cherish.  

My friend worked hard in high school though and graduated at the top of her class, receiving a scholarship to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. However, she flunked out her freshman year because she spent all her free time drinking and partying. I guess she was making up for lost time.  

So, I guess you can say both parenting styles have upsides and downsides. Knowing what I know and what I did during those years under my parents’ roof, there is no way I am going to let my kids have the same freedom I did, at least not to that extent. Plus, the world is a lot different now versus then unfortunately. I am also not going to always keep my children on lockdown and deprive them of making those wonderful high school memories. I guess I am stuck in between somewhere.  

I just go by what I see that my children need at that moment. All kids are different and each one may respond better to a different style of parenting. With Emerson, I can play more of the gentle parent role with her. If I speak too loudly at her, 9 times out of 10 she is going to break down in tears. Ashton, on the other hand, I must be more authoritative to get my point across with that one. I am not so sure what is going to work best with Kameron yet, but I am sure I will figure it out as her personality continues to develop.  

Some days my kids might get a hug and others they may get a swift (insert famous line of Red Foreman), but both will come with a talk because one thing is for sure, I will never leave my children trying to guess where I am coming from and I will never be above apologizing to them if I lose my cool every now and then (because sometimes that happens, too.) 

So, which is best? The more strict or lenient style of parenting? I don’t know. Regardless of how we choose to parent our children they are going to mess up at least once or twice. It may be in high school or later in life. The only thing that matters is how we respond when they do. I’m just a mom trying my best.

(Paige Nash is a wife, a mom who is trying her best, digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal and a new licensee for Bienville Parish Journal.)

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A Deridder man is in a Webster Parish jail after breaking into a Doyline residence.

Waylon Todd Haymon, 39, of the 100 block of Todd Haymon Rd., Deridder, is charged with unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and possession of stolen things.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said deputies Jacob Winiarski and Donald Ferguson were dispatched to a location on Horseshoe Loop early Tuesday afternoon in reference to an active break-in.

“Dispatch advised Haymon fled the scene in a black Toyota Tacoma,” Parker said. “When they arrived, deputies were unable initially to locate the vehicle, but found it east of the complainant’s residence.”

The complainant told deputies that Haymon no longer lived at the residence.

“She said she’d changed the front door lock password, but he was still able to get in,” said the sheriff. “When he came into the house, he tried to take her phone and she barricaded herself in the back bedroom.”

Once deputies located the empty vehicle, the sheriff said they noticed the hood was still hot, as if it was driven recently.

“They ran the license plate and dispatch advised it had switched tags,” Parker said. “They ran the vehicle identification number and learned the vehicle was stolen.”

Haymon was contacted by the complainant and reportedly convinced to return to the residence to speak with deputies.

“Deputies arrested Haymon and when they tried to question him, all he would say was that ‘it’s irrelevant,’” Parker said. “Otherwise, he wouldn’t answer any questions.”

Haymon was booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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