Sixteen years ago, a young man had an idea for an outdoor radio program. At the time, he was doing Natchitoches Central football as a color analyst with Chris Boyd who did the play-by-play. Chris was an outstanding sports broadcaster and a great mentor to this young man as he learned a lot under his tutelage. During this time, NC football was not a great program and on this particular night, they were at West Monroe (Louisiana’s top high school football program at that time). It was 42-0 at the half, and during a commercial break, the young man pitched his outdoor radio show idea to Chris who thought it was a great idea and encouraged him to pursue it. 

After getting a full endorsement from Chris, the enthusiastic young man approached a local radio station to carry the show and was told, “It’ll never work; already tried and no one would buy advertising for it.” Hmmmm…. After a lot of explaining and begging, the young man finally got the station owner to let him buy the airtime. The station owner offered a monthly figure it would cost and gave him three weeks to try and sell it. Obviously, the station owner had basically told the young man that this would never happen. Bound and determined to prove him wrong, he immediately started reaching out to businesses that he felt would benefit from such a program. Any business related to the hunting or fishing world was on his radar, and in most cases, there was a personal connection. 

One reason the young man believed he could make such a program work was due to the great list of contacts he had related to the bass fishing world, both from a business standpoint and personal relationships he had with professional anglers. He made these connections due to the level of tournament fishing he was competing on with the FLW Tour and B.A.S.S. Opens. Formatting a show would be the easy part. Gaining sponsors would be more difficult since only a handful of people had tried producing this type of radio program. A few had tried, but all had failed. 

Two days after walking out of the radio station, the young outdoorsman walked back into the office.  He announced to the station owner that he had secured 14 sponsors and was ready to roll! The look on the owner’s face was of shock and dismay, to say the least. He asked how he did it and wanted details.  Well, the young outdoorsman surely wasn’t going to reveal his selling strategy but did tell the station owner one important part of his success. There was a difference between the station owner’s sales staff trying to sell this type of programming versus the young outdoorsman; he wholeheartedly believed in what he was selling and knew the program would be a success. That’s when the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show was born in February of 2007! 

Yes, the young outdoorsman with radio dreams was yours truly. Over the course of sixteen years, the show went from local radio to regional, and even a nationally known radio station by way of KWKH.  KWKH is a legendary Shreveport radio station known by listeners all across the country, which at the time switched from country music to all sports talk and became the official home of LSU Sports. This gave the HUTD Show a built-in audience with KWKH, and we quickly gained more traction as word spread about the level of our programming. We interviewed the greatest names in the bass fishing world… Kevin Van Dam, Skeet Reese, Bill Dance, Jimmy Houston, Ray Scott, Mark Zona, and Rick Clunn to name a few. By having the top professional anglers in the country appear, the HUTD Show obtained instant credibility.

Today, the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show continues to set the bar for great outdoor radio entertainment as we talk hunting and fishing on a weekly basis with the greatest names in the industry. There are also two guys who have helped make this program the success it has enjoyed…my two co-hosts, KISS Country radio legend Gary McCoy and H&W Team Trail Tournament Director and duck hunting guide Mike Echols. They say successful people surround themselves with people better than themselves. This is definitely true in my case, as these two guys brought not only a wealth of knowledge of the great outdoors, but offered great personalities as well. 

We invite you to tune us in every Wednesday from 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM on AM 1130 The Tiger KWKH or catch us on our Facebook page and YouTube Channel. I hope you’ve enjoyed going down the path of the HUTD Show and how our show got started. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Steve Graf

Angler’s Perspective

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Send non-profit calendar events to wpjnewsla@gmail.com .

Feb. 22

11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Demystifying Insurance. Free seminar, Stewart Center, Webster Parish Library, Minden. Craven Agency in conjunction with the library and Watley Insurance Group will be answering insurance-related questions including medicare, home, auto and business. Call 318-268-2762 for a time.

Noon and 6 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service – The Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1107 Broadway, Minden.

Feb. 25

8:30 a.m. Registration; 9 a.m. until noon lectures for Buds & Blooms 2023, sponsored by Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardners. First United Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden. Topic: Landscaping for birds. Tickets: $15. All proceeds go to 4-H Youth Gardening Contest and 4-H Scholarships.

Feb. 26

2:30 p.m. Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, 510 High St., Minden, 52nd Church Anniversary. Special Speaker: Don L. Pope, Il, Pastor of the Examples of Christ Christian Church, Bossier City, La.

Feb. 28

6:30 p.m. Civitan Clergy Banquet, First United Methodist Church. Clergy should call Steve Bryan at 318-426-1612 to register.

March 1

Boys/Belles registration begins at Minden Recreation Center.

March 4

Special celebration of Minden High, Louisiana Tech graduate and Super Bowl winner L’Jarius Sneed. Parade more details coming.

2023 Jonquil Jubilee Homes and Garden Tour, Gibsland, La.

6 p.m. LaMa Bingo, Springhill Civic Center, 101 Machen Dr., Springhill.

March 17

6:30 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day Round Robin Tournament at Pine Hills Country Club. Entry fee: $20. Burger plates: $10 with all proceeds going to PHCC.

March 24

Deadline for vendors to register for 2023 Wings and Wheels Fly-in and Car Show at Minden Airport. Please make all checks payable to Parker Still and mail them to 100 Aviation Drive, Minden, LA 71055. Checks or cash may also be delivered in person to the Minden Airport seven days a week from 8-5. AirRunners Aviation will not be providing chairs so please bring your own. No more than 2 people per booth. Completed Registration forms must be mailed to 100 Aviation Drive, Minden, LA 71055, emailed to airrunnersaviation@yahoo.com, faxed to 318.377.6789, or delivered in person to the Minden Airport no later than March 24.

March 28

Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala. Call 377-4240 for more information.

April 1

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wings and Wheels Fly-In and Car Show. Aircraft, cars on display, food, live music, pilot competitions, pilot meet and greets, car show as well as vendor booths from local businesses. Minden Airport, 100 Aviation, Drive, Minden, La.

April 26

10 a.m. until 6 p.m., Scottish Tartan Festival, Miller Quarters, 198 Gleason St., Minden, La.

• Scottish Highland dancing

• Storytelling, living history exhibitions 

• Food and merchant vendors, including Great Raft beer 

• Traditional music and Celtic Rock 

• Scottish Highland cattle petting area 

• Broadsword demonstrations and Highland Games exhibitions 

• Clan tent exhibits and the March of the Clans 

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Evelyn McKinnon

Dec. 26, 1933 – Feb. 18, 2023

French Settlement, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden, La. Visitation will continue at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2023.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2023.

Burial: Gardens of Memory, Minden.

Lois Suzanne Maryman

Nov. 19, 1953 – Feb. 19, 2023

Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, Walnut Cemetery, Bradley, Ark., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Emogene Bogue

Jan. 24, 1933 – Feb. 16, 2023

Cotton Valley, La.

Private Memorial: Under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, 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.)

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A corrections officer at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center is looking at the world from the other side of the bars after Webster Parish Sheriff’s investigators arrested him Sunday evening.

Corrections deputy Eric W. Robinson, 56, of the 700 block of Shreveport Rd., Minden, was arrested on 1 count of introducing contraband into a correctional facility (R.S. 14:402) and malfeasance in office (14:134), possession of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, Tramadol and Hydrocodone.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said Robinson was arrested as he attempted to enter the facility with 5 bags of synthetic marijuana, also known as ‘mojo’ in his possession.

“As Lt. John Lewis was walking Robinson to the break room, he admitted to Chief Hank Haynes that we caught him and then offered synthetic marijuana to the deputies,” Parker said. “He told them the marijuana was in his back right pocket.”

Deputies asked Robinson for consent to search his vehicle, which was located in the BDCC parking lot.

“The deputies discovered a partially smoked marijuana cigar in the glove box, and inside the ashtray, they located a small piece of a suspected crack rock,” the sheriff said. “Inside of the visor, a vial of suspected cocaine was located, and inside of the console, 5 suspected Tramadol pills and 1 suspected Hydrocodone pill.”

Reportedly, inside the driver’s side door were a total of 4 suspected glass crack pipes hidden in an old cigarette box.

Robinson reportedly admitted to violating the stated charges and to 2 prior transactions, one included bringing 11 grams of suspected methamphetamine and a second time when he brought 28 grams of suspected synthetic marijuana to inmates at BDCC.

“He also admitted receiving $250 through CashApp for each transaction,” said the sheriff. “He was immediately terminated upon his arrest.”

The arrest was the result of an ongoing investigation by the Webster Parish Sheriff Office Narcotics and Investigation Divisions.

“Our investigators worked diligently and thoroughly to gather the facts and evidence to make an arrest and to stop these drugs from entering our facility,” the sheriff continued. “No one is above the law, and we certainly will enforce the law equally to all, including our own employees.”

Parker described it as a disappointment to arrest one of their own, “because we hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and character.  As sheriff, I will continue to uphold these standards and be accountable to the citizens of Webster Parish.”

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

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Black History Month 2023 continues, but the parade and awards Saturday are in the books.

Food trucks, vendors and a Battle of the Bands were enough to put smiles on faces on a cold but beautiful day.

Retired City Attorney L. Charles Minefield served as this year’s Grand Marshal.  Parade entries competed for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place in the following categories:  Best Decorated Car/Truck, Best Decorated Float, Best Band Performance and Most Spirited Group.  The judges had a tough job in deciding winners. This year’s winners are:

Best Decorated Car/Truck:

1st Place – Tiny Miss North Webster Lower Elementary

2nd Place – Jamaria “Juicy” Clark, “Mr. 3000”

3rd Place – Trail Babes & Bandits

Best Decorated Float:

1st Place – Abdul Temple #94

2nd Place – Academy of Pearls, Alpha Kappa Alpha

3rd Place – Louisiana Panthers

Best Band Performance

1st Place – Huntington High School Juke Box Band

2nd Place – Minden High School Band of Pride

3rd Place – Bastrop High School Band

Most Spirited Group

1st Place – Gibsland Coleman Bulldog Cheerleaders

2nd Place – Rare Breed Motorcycle Club

3rd Place – Lee Lodge #221

Outstanding Participation

Huntington High School

At the conclusion of the 35+ entry parade, a crowd pleaser, the Annual Battle of the Bands  featured Minden High School, Bastrop High School and Huntington High School competing for bragging rights as winner.

Following the Parade and Battle Bands, the Annual Youth Rally featured the honoring of local Trail Blazers who have made historical accomplishments and/or service to our community.  This year’s honorees were Cassandra Swan -Health Care, Rev. Billy J. Hawkins – Ministerial, Frankie Mitchell – Education, Joe Cornelius – Community Service, Walter Morgan, Jr. -Entrepreneurship, Jamria “Juicy” Clark – Mr. 3000, High school Career Points scored, and L’Jarius Sneed – Super Bowl LVII Championship.

The Endow A Dream Scholarship recipients were announced. This year scholarship winners are Brelyn Winzer, Jackson, Jasmine Sneed, and Alex Martin

 “Kay O” of  Rare Breed Motorcycle Club of Houston, Texas motivated our young people to be the best they can be and never give up no matter what they face in life.

Local Vendors were on hand offering various food options, crafts, sweet treats, and important information regarding health insurance.

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By Marilyn Miller 

To generate funds for D-NOW, “Feed the Need,” and mission trips, the youth of First Baptist Church have activities like “Stuff a Spud” and a Cake Auction. They sell the popular yeast rolls during holidays, a Sunday School Class donates to them monthly, there is the youth-designed t-shirt sale, and, of course, individual donations. “Some of the homebound send us money, and we receive some through memorial donations,” parent volunteer Jodi Tuttle said. 

“I’ll have to be honest…we haven’t had a time when money has been a problem…God started this program and He’ll see it through. It’s definitely a God thing!” 

The Student Ministry has also opened a Coffee Shop on Second Floor, where a list is provided for people to write down the needs of a friend, or neighbor, or themselves. “If you have a need or want to help, tell us,” Jodi urged. 

In the meantime, Youth Pastor Chad Parks has a vision for Minden beyond, but still including, “Feed the Need.” 

“I feel very led to have a mission here in the community…people need to know that they are loved, they are worthy. If you go into a house that has needs (a coat of paint, a porch that needs repair) — and for a child this is embarrassing — those things take a lot of sacrifice. But for a group to come together and meet those needs…I feel led to that.” 

Chad admits that it took him to age 48 before he surrendered to the call to be a youth pastor. And the 51-year-old was saved at age 24. “It’s easy to sit in the pew and not serve,” he says, pointing out the need to instill a sense of service into young people. “Some go into college and serve. We need to instill it into youth – it’s amazing to see. I pray that they go into college and serve, when they get married and have a family, they serve. They learn that they can have fun while serving.” 

“There is a block of blessings in Lanett, Alabama,” Chad continued. Chattahoochee Fuller Center Project Executive Director Kim Roberts and her assistant, Robin Pierre, are coming to Minden March 17-19 for D-NOW.  Kim, who is a double amputee, will bring information on the Fuller Projects. The weekend will include special speakers, counselors, small group gatherings, the Louisiana Tech band, church speakers, and more. 

FEEDING THE NEED 

Two Youth group members, Lizzie Balkom and Maggie Pesnell, have been a part of “Feed the Need” for a year, and their experiences have only been positive. Kind of… 

“It wasn’t what we expected,” Lizzie, 14, recalls of their first visit. “We went to the first house, and (after a short visit) we asked the lady if she had any prayer requests. Instead of giving us her prayer requests, she asked us for ours. It was her putting us before herself,” Lizzie remarked. Now they pray for each other. 

Then there was the house where the two told the occupant that they were from FBC and asked if she had any prayer requests. She told them “No” emphatically and shut the door. But the girls persevered and returned, and “Now she lets us into her house and we pray for her. 

The duo agreed that the “Feed the Need” process got easier as time went by. That’s a good thing, since there are 40 houses on the list and a group of students visits all of them twice a month, sometimes offering to rake leaves and such. 

The two eighth graders are looking forward to more visits with their new friends through “Feed the Need,” but they are also excited about the coming of “D-NOW,” and their summer trip to Lanett, Alabama for their first experiences with the Fuller Project. 

“D-NOW is one of my favorite memories of Youth,” Maggie, 13, said, explaining that it allowed her to “actually grow closer to youth my own age at the church” and “to share our testimony with each other.” 

Lizzie especially enjoyed the time at chapel, with devotionals, music, and games. On one occasion, “We were told to turn to the person on our (right or left) and ask if they had a prayer request. It felt good knowing you weren’t the only person going through something,” she recalled of the exercise. 

Both teens give Youth Pastor Chad Parks a thumbs-up because “he is really easy to talk to and he doesn’t share. We talk to him, and he will pray with us.” 

“He gives us the opportunity to get out of our comfort zones,” said Lizzie. “We are both musicians and we have to stand up and talk. He pushes us out of our comfort zones…when we have to talk in front of people.” 

One thing that the youth and Bro. Chad have In common is their thankfulness for their church. “We are so blessed that we have a church that cares,” they agreed, 

One of those unidentified adults cared enough about the youth to leave a remark on their Facebook page. 

He must become greater; I must become less,” John 3:30…Love seeing these students serve selflessly and show their love for God through their works.” 

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By Paige Nash

Following the recent passing of Bernard Hudson, the Webster Parish Police Juror for District 5, the Webster Parish Police Jury held a special meeting last Thursday, February 16. The meeting was to appoint Mike Griffith to fill the district 5 seat until the end of the term set to expire on January 7, 2024.  

“I appreciate the vote of confidence. I may not know a lot about it, but I have been in business for myself for a long time,” said Griffith. “I will do the best I can do, not just for District 5, but for anybody in the parish. Anything I can do to help, I will, and I promise you I will answer my phone. I will take care of the public.” 

This is the third appointment in the last couple of months for a WPPJ seat. In January, the jury voted to replace District 8 juror Nick Cox – recently-elected Minden mayor – with his wife, Cayla and District 12 juror Benjamin “Ed” Jordan with Adam Lee. Jordan resigned from his seat after moving from his district.

The jury voted to approve the appointments to fill the vacancies for the remainder of the term due jury reelection this fall. They serve a term of four years.  

WPPJ President Jim Bonsall also made a motion to appoint a committee to study the leash/tether law. The committee appointed includes jurors Steve Ramsey, Adam Lee, Steve Lemmons, Beverly Kennon and Randy Thomas.  

The committee will convene at the next regularly scheduled jury meeting in March at 8:30 a.m. before the usual Road and Finance Committees meet at 9 a.m.  

“I would like for this committee to meet at 8:30 with David (Robinson) and ask him specifically what we can do that will help with this,” said Bonsall. “I would rather do it this way so that we don’t come in this room and spend 45 minutes talking about the same thing we have been talking about for the last two meetings.” 

Robinson serves as the Animal Control Officer for the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office. He often comes to the jury with questions regarding ordinances such as the leash/tether law. In the State of Louisiana, it is illegal to tether an animal in a manner that exposes them to extreme weather conditions. Webster Parish also has a leash law that prohibits pet owners from allowing their animals to roam at large.  

The jury meets on the first Tuesday of every month. The next meeting will be on March 7 with committee meetings beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the public meeting being held at 10:30 a.m. 

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Dear Webster Parish Students, Employees, Parents, and other Stakeholders:

The phrase, “I never cease to be amazed” is commonly used in our society, and often it is used in a negative context due to decisions that are made, behaviors that are exhibited, or actions that are carried out.  However, this past Friday as I observed several of our schools’ administrators, counselors, teachers, secretaries, and students present generous checks to the children of St. Jude at the annual St. Jude auction, I kept thinking how I truly never cease to be amazed in regards to what the City of Minden/Webster Parish, and more specifically, what the Webster Parish school system does for the children of St. Jude on an annual basis.  Once again, over $2,000,000 was raised during the St. Jude auction.  Our school system raised over $125,000, which is a new record.  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital opens its arms free of charge to our world’s most valuable natural resource, our children.  It provides healthcare to ALL children with the most critical diagnoses, no matter gender, socioeconomic status, cognitive ability, or race.  For this, I consider support of St. Jude to be the noblest of causes.  

Over the years, the students of Webster Parish have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the children of St. Jude. We have been blessed as a community as St. Jude has served many of our families over the years.  It’s mind boggling when you think about the scores of administrators, counselors, teachers, support staff, parents, and most importantly children, that worked to make this happen!  But, I’m not surprised.  This is just one example of the numerous, fantastic initiatives and endeavors our school system carries out on a daily basis for our students and our communities.  It’s satisfying to know this will continue to happen for years to come because of the quality people we have in our district!

In closing, as a lifelong resident of Webster Parish and product of the Webster Parish school system, I am extremely proud!  I am also THANKFUL!  I am thankful our School Board shows time and time again through their service, that they have a servant’s heart for our students and employees.  I am thankful for what YOU have done, what YOU are doing, and what I know YOU will do in the future!

I NEVER CEASE TO BE AMAZED!

Johnny Rowland, Jr., Superintendent

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To our more seasoned readers. Tell me if the following statement hits the nail on the head. 

“The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannize their teachers.”

If that’s how you feel about young folk, you’re not alone. You’re not even original. The quote above came from Socrates, and he said it 2,400 years ago. 

Older generations have always had negative views of those who come after. 

I read an article in a Life magazine from the 1930s. The writer called the youth of the day “lazy” and “shiftless” and opined they would spell the doom of the Great American Experiment. Those lazy and shiftless kids went on to be dubbed as the Greatest Generation. 

Another great fella once said: “I used to be with ‘it’, but then they changed what ‘it’ was. Now what I’m with isn’t ‘it’ anymore and what’s ‘it’ seems weird and scary. It’ll happen to you!”

So why does the same refrain echo throughout eternity? For one, our brains change as we age. With more years, our ability to distinguish chords of music diminishes. It’s why all new music sounds “like noise” to older people. 

Lack of exposure also plays a part. I don’t know when I went from the person who fixed the tech issues at home and work, but now I’m nothing more than a “turn it on, turn it off” guy and then send an email if that doesn’t work. I let my skill diminish. I failed to continue learning. It’s now difficult and irritates me. I’ve become the one who needs the help. 

The world changes. That’s as true as you shouldn’t lend money to friends and you shouldn’t ask a man why he’s digging a hole. Don’t build a structure with a flat roof either. Just asking for trouble.  

Young people don’t necessarily know more than older people. They just know more about a modern world that is run by computers where fame and fortunes are made over an Ethernet connection or Wi-Fi signal. There was similar sentiment at the invention of the railroad, the car, the washing machine, the dishwasher, the airplane, emails, text messages. The inventors of those were hard workers.  They were entrepreneurs. They were young. You see young people work just as hard as older people. They just do it differently. Kids learn differently now. Their brains are wired in a way that is foreign to those of us who knew a world before the internet. It’s why I can’t teach the way I was taught. Attention spans are toast nowadays. I had to change as well. 

Values change. Political beliefs change. Society changes. It happened from my grandfather’s world to my fathers. It happened from my fathers to mine. And it’ll happen from mine to my daughters.  

Facebook memes tell us “these kids today” are the problem with the world, but the same story persists throughout time. 

In reality, probably one of the biggest problems America has is that when you get old, a lot of us simply forget what it’s like to be young.

Maybe it’s because I’m around them all day everyday, but I feel protective of and and defensive for younger generations. They help keep me young. They remind me of what it’s like to be a kid. I’ve seen good ones who will go on to do great things. And I’ve seen ones who I know will amount to very little when the real world comes calling. In other words, they are just like all the rest of us. Like every generation to ever exist all the way back to Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel. 

So, I’m not one of those who believes we’d never survive a war with millennials calling the shots and Gen Zers filling the ranks. Because the wars that will come to America in the future likely won’t be waged with bullets. They’ll be waged with keyboards and Wi-Fi connections. 

(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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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Minden’s most recently refurbished water tank downtown is approved, up and running.

“The sample for the tank is good,” said City of Minden Water Superintendent Rick Buckner in an email Friday to Mayor Nick Cox. “We are now clear to fill and put the tank in service.”

After months of sandblasting, painting and repairing the tank, Louisiana Department of Health signed off on it in a letter dated February 16.

“So far, we have spent $359,277,” Cox said. “The bid amount is for $423,510, but we don’t have the final bill yet.”

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Doyline 2, North Webster 4

Doyline’s Panthers fell to North Webster’s Knights in the 11 a.m. scrimmage game Saturday.

Austin Arbaugh and Benton Bates each had one of Doyline’s hits.

In the third inning, Collin McKenzie hit a home run, scoring Colby Dinkins and Nathan Bernard.

There were not enough innings played in the tournament to produce a game recap.

Minden High School 12, Doyline 0

Doyline’s problems continued in the 1 p.m. game Saturday, as the Panthers lost to Minden High School.

MHS scored two runs in the first inning and 10 in the second.

There were not enough innings played in the tournament to produce a game recap.

(“Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.” Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution.)

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Stanley 21, North Webster Lady Knights, 4

North Webster Lady Knights Softball Varsity fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 21-4 loss to Stanley on Saturday. Stanley scored on a double by Jones and a single by Gooden in the first inning.

The North Webster Lady Knights struggled to contain the high-powered offense of Stanley, giving up 21 runs.

Stanley got things moving in the first inning, when Jones doubled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run.

Stanley scored eight runs in the fifth inning. Huhir, Vartin, Caston, Campbell, Jones, and Gooden all moved runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning.

Palmer led the Stanley to victory in the pitcher’s circle. The ace lasted five innings, allowing three hits and four runs while striking out 11.

Carlie Campbell took the loss for the Lady Knights. The righty went three and two-thirds innings, allowing 14 runs on seven hits, striking out two and walking one.

Adryana White, Anekah Coleman, and Paige Timmons each collected one hit to lead North Webster Lady Knights.

Stanley racked up ten hits. Stephens, Caston, Gooden, and Castillo all collected multiple hits for Stanley.

Airline 12, Minden High 2

Minden Crimson Lady Tiders fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 12-2 loss to Airline on Saturday. Airline scored on a double by Natalie Sutton and a single by Emily Rachal in the first inning.

The Tide struggled to contain the high-powered offense of Airline, giving up 12 runs.

Airline opened up scoring in the first inning. Sutton doubled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run.

Airline scored four runs in the fifth inning. The offensive firepower by Airline was led by Sutton, Aleena Duran, and Kemora Guidry, all sending runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning.

Duran was on the rubber for Airline. The fireballer allowed three hits and two runs over five innings, striking out nine.

Kylie Ryan was in the circle for Minden Lady Tiders. The hurler surrendered 12 runs on nine hits over four and two-thirds innings, striking out six.

Jacey Adams went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Minden Tiders in hits.

Airline tallied nine hits in the game. Guidry, Sutton, and Rachal each had multiple hits for Airline. Airline didn’t commit a single error in the field. Lindsey Marcinkus had nine chances in the field, the most on the team.

MHS ladies 14, Caddo Magnet, 9

Four hits from Leigha K-Gilbert paved the way to victory for Minden Lady Tiders over Caddo Magnet 14-9 on Thursday. K-Gilbert doubled in the first, singled in the second, singled in the third, and doubled in the fifth.

There was plenty of action on the basepaths as Minden Tiders collected 17 hits and Caddo Magnet had four.

Minden Tiders took an early lead in the second inning when they scored on a stolen base during Jacey Adams’s at bat. Then Adams doubled, driving in two.

Minden Tiders took the lead for good with five runs in the third inning. In the third Adams doubled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run, Kaylin Williams tripled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run, Kylie Ryan doubled on a 3-1 count, scoring one run, Gabby Morrison doubled on a 0-2 count, scoring one run, and Annabelle Toland drew a walk, scoring one run.

Caddo Magnet scored four runs in the sixth inning. Caddo Magnet batters contributing to the big inning included #22 and #11, all driving in runs in the frame.

Lindsay Ryan earned the victory in the pitcher’s circle for Minden Tide. The fireballer lasted three innings, allowing three hits and five runs while striking out three and walking one. Ryan threw four innings in relief out of the bullpen. Ryan recorded the last 12 outs to earn the save for Minden Tider.

#19 took the loss for Caddo Magnet. The pitcher allowed 11 hits and nine runs over three and a third innings, striking out four.

Minden Tiders saw the ball well today, racking up 17 hits in the game. K-Gilbert, Ryan, Adams, and Morrison each collected multiple hits for Minden Tiders Varsity. Adams, Ryan, and K-Gilbert each collected four hits to lead Minden Tiders Varsity.

#11 went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Caddo Magnet in hits.

 

North Webster Lady Knights 0, Evangel Christian 12

North Webster Lady Knights Softball Varsity fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 12-0 loss to Evangel Christian Academy on Thursday. Evangel Christian Academy scored on an error and a groundout by Bradley in the first inning.

The North Webster Lady Knights Softball struggled to contain the high-powered offense of Evangel Christian Academy, giving up 12 runs.

Evangel Christian Academy fired up the offense in the first inning. An error scored two runs for Evangel Christian Academy.

Horton was the winning pitcher for Evangel Christian Academy. The fireballer lasted five innings, allowing zero hits and zero runs while striking out four and walking one.

Carlie Campbell took the loss for North Webster Lady Knights. Campbell allowed four hits and eight runs over four and two-thirds innings, striking out four.

#24 went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Evangel Christian Academy in hits.

North Webster Lady Knights 19, Logansport 9

North Webster Lady Knights Softball Varsity nabbed the lead late in the game in a 19-9 victory over Logansport on Tuesday. North Webster Lady Knights Softball trailed 4-3 in the top of the fourth inning when an error scored two runs for North Webster Lady Knights.

Aniyah Davis led the Lady Knights to victory by driving in four runs. Davis went 2-for-4 at the plate. Davis drove in runs on a triple in the fourth and a home run in the sixth.

Logansport got things moving in the first inning, when Emma Newsom’s wild pitch allowed two runs to score for Logansport.

North Webster Lady Knights took the lead for good with six runs in the fourth inning. In the fourth Anekah Coleman singled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run, an error scored one run for North Webster, and Davis tripled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring two runs.

North Webster Lady Knights scored eight runs in the sixth inning. The big inning was thanks to singles by Adryana White and Kerianne Allen, doubles by Landree Andrews and Paige Timmons, and a home run by Davis.

Newsom led the North Webster to victory in the pitcher’s circle. The pitcher surrendered nine runs on three hits over six innings, striking out four.

Carter took the loss for Logansport. The pitcher went five innings, allowing 11 runs on nine hits and striking out eight.

North Webster Lady Knights launched one home run on the day. Davis had a long ball in the sixth inning.

North Webster tallied 17 hits on the day. Savannah Cooper, Timmons, Anna Ray, and Davis each had multiple hits for the Lady Knights. Cooper went 5-for-6 at the plate to lead the team in hits.

Carter led Logansport with three stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base paths with seven stolen bases.

(“Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.” Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution.)

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Minden Family Diagnostics, Homer Road, Minden, celebrated their new location with a Ribbon Cutting & Dedication last week.

They dedicated the building to Kelly McGimsey, who served as Assistant Administrator at Minden Medical Center from 2020-2022.  With this facility, his legacy lives on in the design and completion of this project, with state of the art equipment, that he worked diligently to procure for our patients and community, which will touch the lives of many.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Sarepta Police arrested a local man early Thursday for domestic abuse battery.

Skylar Dwayne Elkins, 21, of the 100 block of Blocker Chapel Rd., Sarepta, reportedly injured a female victim earlier in the evening.

According to police reports, Elkins head butted the victim in the mouth then pushed her in front of her children, ages 4 and 1. Then, he allegedly attempted to choke her by putting his hands around her throat.

When he followed her to the laundry room, holding her to prevent her escape, she reportedly threw “stuff” at him, grabbed her children and placed them in a vehicle.

The report also states Elkins blocked her door to prevent her from entering the vehicle, then allegedly pushed her to the ground.

When the victim managed to rise and get into the car, she reportedly locked the doors, and Elkins left the scene. The subject was later found at his place of work by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies who assisted in the arrest.

Elkins was charged and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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

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United Christian Assistance Program needs the following items:
Food: Crackers, powdered milk, cereal, biscuit mix, cornbread mix
Clothing: Men’s shoes/boots/tennis shoes
Household goods: sheets, pots and pans, bowls, plates
Toiletries: toothpaste, deodorant
Thank you for supporting UCAP!

UCAP is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 204 Miller Street, Minden, for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only.

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Send non-profit calendar events to wpjnewsla@gmail.com .

Feb. 21

11 a.m. Ribbon Cutting at Shields Storage Center.

5:30 p.m. Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and Burning of Ashes, Parish Hall, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1107 Broadway, Minden.

Feb. 22

11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Demystifying Insurance. Free seminar, Stewart Center, Webster Parish Library, Minden. Craven Agency in conjunction with the library and Watley Insurance Group will be answering insurance-related questions including medicare, home, auto and business. Call 318-268-2762 for a time.

Noon and 6 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service – The Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1107 Broadway, Minden.

Feb. 25

8:30 a.m. Registration; 9 a.m. until noon lectures for Buds & Blooms 2023, sponsored by Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardners. First United Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden. Topic: Landscaping for birds. Tickets: $15. All proceeds go to 4-H Youth Gardening Contest and 4-H Scholarships.

Feb. 26

2:30 p.m. Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, 510 High St., Minden, 52nd Church Anniversary. Special Speaker: Don L. Pope, Il, Pastor of the Examples of Christ Christian Church, Bossier City, La.

Feb. 28

6:30 p.m. Civitan Clergy Banquet, First United Methodist Church. Clergy should call Steve Bryan at 318-426-1612 to register.

March 1

Boys/Belles registration begins at Minden Recreation Center.

March 4

Special celebration of Minden High, Louisiana Tech graduate and Super Bowl winner L’Jarius Sneed. Parade more details coming.

2023 Jonquil Jubilee Homes and Garden Tour, Gibsland, La.

6 p.m. LaMa Bingo, Springhill Civic Center, 101 Machen Dr., Springhill.

March 17

6:30 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day Round Robin Tournament at Pine Hills Country Club. Entry fee: $20. Burger plates: $10 with all proceeds going to PHCC.

March 24

Deadline for vendors to register for 2023 Wings and Wheels Fly-in and Car Show at Minden Airport. Please make all checks payable to Parker Still and mail them to 100 Aviation Drive, Minden, LA 71055. Checks or cash may also be delivered in person to the Minden Airport seven days a week from 8-5. AirRunners Aviation will not be providing chairs so please bring your own. No more than 2 people per booth. Completed Registration forms must be mailed to 100 Aviation Drive, Minden, LA 71055, emailed to airrunnersaviation@yahoo.com, faxed to 318.377.6789, or delivered in person to the Minden Airport no later than March 24.

March 28

Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala. Call 377-4240 for more information.

April 1

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wings and Wheels Fly-In and Car Show. Aircraft, cars on display, food, live music, pilot competitions, pilot meet and greets, car show as well as vendor booths from local businesses. Minden Airport, 100 Aviation, Drive, Minden, La.

April 26

10 a.m. until 6 p.m., Scottish Tartan Festival, Miller Quarters, 198 Gleason St., Minden, La.

• Scottish Highland dancing

• Storytelling, living history exhibitions 

• Food and merchant vendors, including Great Raft beer 

• Traditional music and Celtic Rock 

• Scottish Highland cattle petting area 

• Broadsword demonstrations and Highland Games exhibitions 

• Clan tent exhibits and the March of the Clans 

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Three Minden residents were sentenced in cases relating to Bienville Parish during the month of January.

Daniel W. Newell, District Attorney for the Second Judicial District in and for the Parish of Bienville, made the following announcement relative to disposition of cases in Bienville Parish on the dates indicated:

01-11-23 Gerald Tyree Davison of Minden —Pled guilty to Residential Contract Fraud. He was sentenced to 6-years hard labor.    

Darren Isreal of Minden —Pled guilty to Possession of Schedule I CDS-Marijuana. He was sentenced to 6 months in parish jail, which was suspended. He was placed on 1-year supervised probation. He was ordered to pay $846 fine to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.

01-31-23 Heaven Hunt of Minden —Pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 2 years hard labor, which was suspended. She was placed on 2 years supervised probation. 

 

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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.

Feb. 15

Wesley Brooks Griffith, 40, of the 100 block of Oaktree Lane, Minden, was arrested by MPD on three active bench warrants.

Feb. 16

Dillon Derie Baxter, 25, of the 100 block of William Rd., Creston, La., was arrested by WPSO for criminal trespass.

Feb. 17

Zarvia Wartez Moore, 33, of the 600 block of Carolina St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on an active warrant.

Chaney Martin Germany, 47, of Country Place, Shongaloo, was arrested by Springhill and Cullen police for controlled dangerous substance, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Larry Willis, 57, of the 200 block of Fort St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on 2 counts of failure to appear.

Marshad F. Murphy, 21, of the 800 block of Madison Ave., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for domestic abuse battery.

Marion D. Sanders, 42, of the 500 block of Penal Farm Rd., Sibley, was arrested by WPSO for a probation violation.

Gregory L. Robinson, 52, of Emerson, Ark., was arrested by WPSO for felony theft, possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

Feb. 19

John Lee Franklin, 49, of the 800 block of Carolina St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on an active warrant.

Drako Eugene David, 22, of the 400 block of Oak, Doyline, was arrested by WPSO for stealing a butane gas refill canister.

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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Evelyn McKinnon

Dec. 26, 1933 – Feb. 18, 2023

French Settlement, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden, La. Visitation will continue at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2023.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2023.

Burial: Gardens of Memory, Minden.

Jessie Dick

Oct. 2, 1956 – Feb. 18, 2023

Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Burial: Old Athens Cemetery, Athens, La.

Eleanor Asher Lee

June 5, 1926 – Feb. 17, 2023

Minden, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.

Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden.

Emogene Bogue

Jan. 24, 1933 – Feb. 16, 2023

Cotton Valley, La.

Private Memorial: Under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, 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.)

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By Marilyn Miller 

 The “Third Floor Crew” is roaming around Minden. Somebody call the cops?? Hardly! They are “Feeding the Need!” 

 Chad Parks, youth pastor at First Baptist Church, is very proud of his young people and what they have accomplished in the Minden community over the past few years. And his vision for the future is to do more of it. 

 “That first year of COVID, our camp (Centrifuge) got canceled,” he recalled. “We started thinking of something else…and we came up with the idea of service.”  They spent some time at Camp Harris (near Minden) hatching out a plan to do things for other people, which ultimately led to the teens changing lightbulbs for those who couldn’t, sending care packages to the Armed Forces and First Responders, or simply walking through neighborhoods and praying. 

 From that, “people started reaching out to us,” The Fuller Center in Springhill contacted them about painting a house in that town. This led to Chad contacting the people from the Fuller Center’s headquarters in Lanett, AL. 

 “That’s where we went (to Lanett) on our mission trip in 2021,” Chad recalled. “We got to put walls together. The kids actually looked at the blueprints and did it! And if they did it wrong, they took it apart and put it back together!” About 40 students, along with six or eight adults, worked on the project. Being able to focus five or six people to each wall section resulted in a two-day completion of the work. The wall sections helped “jump start” construction of the Chattahoochee Fuller Center Project’s 66th home build. 

 Because of their hard work, executive director Kim Roberts took the Minden group out for pizza. Their hostess was an energetic, handicapped lady who took serving the group of 50 in stride and ended up becoming a friend. 

 “God spread his (love) over our trip the whole time,” Chad said. Later, Kim asked him if he remembered Latrisha Finley. He could not recall the name, so she reminded him of the waitress the group had met at the pizza parlor. Kim said that she asked Latrisha that night if she needed a house. She did. 

 “We fixed up a house, not knowing who it would belong to,” the youth pastor said, “And then we actually got to meet the owner of the house that we built walls for…She has one leg and a daughter with special needs.” 

 With two days left, the teens were assigned the clean-up of a “trashed” house that had been gifted to the Fuller Project. The “Third Floor Crew” cleaned the interior of the house, took down an above-ground pool, and demolished a shed down to its slab. “The group had to call (a trash hauling service) five or six times,” Chad recalled. 

The experience in Lanett spurred the FBC youth team on, making them feel that they could do something back home. They came up with the idea of preparing hot meals for the homebound, but a committee of youth leaders and adults couldn’t seem to make a plan that would work. 

 STEPPING UP 

 That’s when Bro. Bill Crider stepped up and handed Chad a list of 13 homebound citizens along with money for meals. “I’ve got you a start,” he said. That is where the “Feed the Need” project and name originated. 

 But what about the “Third Floor Crew”? 

 “It’s not camp, it’s what we do,” proclaimed t-shirts worn by the “Third Floor Crew,” a moniker springing from the relocation of seventh through 12th grade students to the third floor of the church building because of growth and maybe, just maybe, the joyous noise produced there… 

 This from Jodi Tuttle, a parent volunteer, who further explained that “we wanted to do something for our community after returning from the (Fuller) mission trip. We decided on the name ‘Feed the Need,’ but we hoped the program would meet other needs.” And that seems to be the case!” 

 The students are feeding 40 families two meals twice a month now…and that includes non-FBC members, since neighbors and other people have reached out with recommendations. There are 50 students who participate in “Feed the Need,” which includes seven youth from another church. The core group is 70 strong, but 12 to 15 rotate out periodically. 

 “We make 80 meals right now … two for each home,” Jodi, who purchases all the food, explained. “We use seven meal plans that revolve. Four teams of six prepare the food. The first team prepares the food at 8:30 a.m. on the designated Saturday. Team 2 wraps and packs everything, and the six members of Team 3 divide up and deliver. I prefer that adults do the driving, but we also have some of our college youth who come home to drive.” 

 Gail Downs is the dessert queen, serving 80 desserts, along with baking and serving a birthday cookie for anyone on their special day. The “Feed the Need” project is close to her heart, since she has elderly parents. 

 “She carries on, but we really need some help for her,” Jodi said. 

 The folks who receive the hot meals from the youth enjoy the food, but it is the visit that generates the most positive comments. “They say they enjoy the food, but PLEASE don’t stop the visits!” Jodi commented. 

 (See PART TWO next week!) 

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

As food trucks gain in popularity, the Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce wants to join the City of Minden in making the vendors feel welcome every day, as well as during special events.

“We are a membership-based organization,” Chamber Executive Director Stephanie Barnette told members of the city council during a recent workshop. “We want to make it easy for these vendors to do business and know about events, festivals and fairs going on here.”

One way is to form a food truck network, Barnette proposed.

“They would become a member of the chamber of commerce, and their membership would include helping them complete their paperwork, apply for licenses and learn about upcoming events,” she said.

To do this, the chamber and the city would form a partnership where the two entities would charge the food trucks one fee.

While nothing is set in stone, if the city and chamber agree, food trucks may pay $200 annually. That would include their chamber membership fee, occupational license and other permits. One-stop shopping, in a sense.

“The chamber will help them fill out everything,” Barnette said. “We believe everyone would benefit in the end because more trucks would come.”

District D councilman Michael Roy believes it’s a good idea and is willing to take it a step further.

“I think it would be good to utilize some property the city has now as a food truck/entertainment area down by Smokin’ J’s,” he said referring to property on the corner of Sheppard Street and Sibley Road. “We could stripe off for food trucks and maybe have a bandstand to bring in music for events.”

In July 2021, the city council approved a food truck ordinance, and currently vendors are charged $100 for a year-long occupational license. They must also have a health permit.

Chamber board president Jennifer Spurlock asked if the city would be willing to lower that charge.

“We all have limited resources,” said Mayor Nick Cox. “But if we can pool our resources and make it work for the good of the people, then that’s good for everyone.”

Cox is currently seeking information to determine the city’s financial side of the proposal.

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Do you ever find yourself walking through the grocery store wondering, “Does anybody ever just smile and wave anymore?” If you are like me, then no you do not. I prefer it if nobody looks at or tries to talk to me honestly. If you walk past me in Wal-Mart and think, “Oh, there’s Paige. I should say hello.” I am probably thinking to myself, “Please, just act like you do not know me.” Isn’t that terrible? I think it may just be my antisocial personality combined with my lack of skills in making small talk.  

I really am terrible at it. I almost always embarrass myself by saying something really weird and then I have to beat myself up about it over the next few weeks as I replay the conversation in my head. I will eventually forget about it, just for it to randomly pop back up in my memory over the next few years and I will find myself cringing all over again. Does anybody else do this or is it just my brain’s own unique way of tormenting myself?  

Speaking of things I dread… Have you recently found yourself having to make a phone call to set up an appointment for something just to get off the phone wondering, “Why are people so rude these days?” 

This happened to me yesterday, I called to make a dentist appointment and I was having to get my records transferred from a different office to the new one I was wanting to start using. You would have thought that I was requesting that they hitchhike across town to pick them up in person or something. I had no idea that sending an extra email would absolutely ruin their day, but I guess I was wrong.  

I know everyone has had similar experiences and thoughts at times. Some of you may get upset over things like this while others are just used to it and never think about it again and the rest of you may wonder if there is anything you can do to change these types of interactions. Well, tomorrow may be your day to shine because it is “Random Acts of Kindness Day.” 

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation began in Denver, Colorado in 1995, so it is fairly new, but over the last couple of decades they have grown into an internationally recognized nonprofit organization. They are dedicated to spreading the idea that one small and random act of kindness can go a long way, possibly leading to a much greater and more positive outcome in the world we live in today.  

This is something everyone can do, and it does not have to cost money or a ton of energy to just put a little kindness out into the universe.  

After reading up on the foundation and its purpose, I thought it would be cool to get the girls involved and maybe spread a little cheer at their school tomorrow. The Random Acts of Kindness website has a ton of ways that children can spread kindness at school such as simply thanking a teacher, sharing, playing with someone at recess that may be sitting alone, picking up trash on the playground or just giving someone a high-five.  

You can spread kindness at work by leaving a “thank you” sticky note on your colleague’s desk, bringing your boss or employees coffee or helping relieve someone of their workload by lending a hand.  

I came across a couple of easy and great ideas that I thought the girls would love for spreading kindness in the community like creating positive bookmarks and hiding them at the library, decorating the lunch bags at the local food pantry, asking an elderly person in our neighborhood if they can help to do anything in their yard or mail postcards to our military.  

Random acts of kindness do not have to be a big and extravagant gesture and much like Christmas – when you give, it makes you feel good, too. Whatever acts of service you may choose to do, even if it feels small and insignificant, just know you are making a difference for both the giver and recipient of your act of kindness.  

Personally, I will work on smiling more and paying a compliment to a random stranger I may come across in the grocery store. I guess I will brush up on my small talk skills, as well even if it means embarrassing myself with my awkwardness that I am sure will haunt me over the years to come.

(Paige Nash is a wife, mom, digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal and publisher of Bienville Parish Journal who is brushing up on her small talk skills.)

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Downtown Minden will be the site of the 2023 Martin Luther King/Black History Parade & Youth Rally this weekend.

Beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, there will be parade contests, Battle of the Bands, scholarship winners, area vendors and a recognition of former mayor and councilman Joe Cornelius.

The parade will begin in front of First United Methodist Church, with judging and other events at Minden Civic Center.

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