United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food:  Crackers, powdered milk, cereal, biscuit & cornbread mix (These are items we run out of every week.  If any church group or organization would like to adopt one of these to bring on a regular basis, please let us know.)

Clothing: Men’s shoes, men’s shirts (L-XXXXL)

Household goods: twin sheets

Toiletries: toothpaste, deodorant

Thank you for supporting UCAP

Donations are always welcome.

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.

SATURDAY

Glenbrook ladies defeat Parkway despite allowing 5-run lead

Glenbrook Lady Apaches weathered a push by Parkway Panthers in the fifth inning where the Apaches coughed up five runs, but the Lady Apaches still won 15-6 Saturday.  Hayleah Thornton, Avery Schoenborn,  Madison Menard and Macee Thompson powered the big inning with RBIs.

Glenbrook collected 15 hits and Parkway had ten in the high-scoring affair.

The Apaches fired up the offense in the first inning, when Sarah Margaret Mosley singled on the first pitch of the at-bat, scoring one run.

Glenbrook put up six runs in the second inning. Hallie Harmon, Colby Hollis, Hadley Haynes and Vivian Still all moved runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning.

Rebecca Mosley took the win for Glenbrook Lady Apaches. The righty surrendered six runs on ten hits over seven innings, striking out nine.

Thompson took the loss for Parkway Panthers. Thompson allowed four runs on four hits and walked one.

Glenbrook totaled 15 hits.  Still, Gabi Brown, Mosley, Ellie Earnhardt and Harmon all collected multiple hits.  Still led with three hits in five at-bats. Mosley led Glenbrook with three stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base paths with six total.

Parkway Panthers had ten hits in the game.  Thompson and Thornton all had multiple hits for the Panthers.

Nine hits not enough for Minden Tiders to overtake Ruston

Even though Minden Lady Tiders collected nine hits to Ruston’s eight, they still fell 10-4 Saturday.

Minden’s ladies struggled to contain the high-powered offense of Ruston, giving up ten runs.

Cala Wilson led things off in the pitcher’s circle for Ruston. The ace surrendered four runs on nine hits over seven innings, striking out nine.

Kylie Ryan led things off in the circle for the Tide. Ryan surrendered ten runs on eight hits over seven innings, striking out ten.

Minden racked up nine hits on the day. Leigha K-Gilbert and Jacey Adams each managed multiple hits. K-Gilbert went 4-for-4 at the plate to lead in hits.

Morgan Foster led Ruston with two hits in four at-bats.

Four RBI day for Harris seals deal in Lady Warriors’ victory

Raleah Harris was a RBI machine Saturday, driving in four on two hits to lead Lady Warriors past Castor 19-14.  Harris drove in runs on a single in the third and a single in the fourth.

Lady Warriors grabbed an early lead scoring on a wild pitch during Laiklyn Squyres’s at-bat and a stolen base by Squyres in the second inning.

After the Warriors scored three runs in the top of the third, Castor answered with three of their own.  Lady Warriors scored when Harris singled on a 2-0 count, scoring two runs and Lexi Wood grounded out, scoring one run.  Castor then answered when K  Shirley homered on the first pitch of the at-bat, scoring two runs and Castor scored one run on a stolen base.

Lakeside pulled away for good with two runs in the second inning.  In the second Squyres reached on a dropped third strike and Lady Warriors scored one run on a stolen base.

The Lady Warriors tallied six runs in the fifth inning. The offense in the inning was led by Squyres, Karrigan Davis, Mackenzie McCoy, Hallie Sutton, and Paiton Levesque, who each had RBIs in the inning.

Castor scored five runs in the sixth inning. 

McKenna Chreene led things off in the pitcher’s circle for Lady Warriors.The bulldog lasted seven innings, allowing 15 hits and 14 runs while striking out six and walking one.

Keel toed the rubber for Castor. She surrendered 14 runs on seven hits over four and two-thirds innings, striking out two.  Shirley threw two and a third innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Lady Warriors hit two home runs on the day. Sutton had a long ball in the fifth inning. Meredith Robinson had a homer in the sixth inning.

Lakeside tallied 14 hits.  McCoy, Sutton, Harris and Rainie Hughes all managed multiple hits.  McCoy led with three hits in five at-bats.  Hughes led with five stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base paths with 15 total stolen bases.

Castor racked up 15 hits. Shirley, Keel, A Myers, and Jordan each racked up multiple hits for Castor.  Shirley went 4-for-5 at the plate to lead Castor in hits.

Quitman ladies run away with early victory over Apaches

Glenbrook Lady Apaches fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 10-0 loss to Quitman Lady Wolverines Saturday.  Quitman scored on a double by Cali Deal and a walk by Madison Kaye Brymer in the first inning.

Glenbrook struggled to contain the high-powered offense of Quitman Lady Wolverines, giving up ten runs.

Quitman Lady Wolverines got on the board in the first inning when Deal doubled on the first pitch of the at-bat, scoring one run.

Deal earned the win for Quitman. She surrendered zero runs on zero hits over five innings, striking out 11.

Rebecca Mosley took the loss for Glenbrook Lady Apaches. The righthander surrendered ten runs on nine hits over four and two-thirds innings, striking out two.

Quitman Lady Wolverines tallied nine hits in the game. Williams went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Quitman Lady Wolverines in hits.  

Minden Lady Tiders holds off Converse for victory

Despite seeing its four-run lead whittled down by the end, Minden Tiders still held off Converse for an 8-7 victory Saturday. Converse scored four runs in the failed comeback on a in the third, a walk by Rivers in the third, and a single by Rivers in the fifth.

The Lady Tiders  grabbed an early lead, scoring on a single by Jacey Adams in the first inning, a double by Kylie Ryan in the second inning and a stolen base by Leigha K-Gilbert in the second inning.

Minden took the lead for good with four runs in the second inning. Ryan doubled on a 2-0 count, scoring two runs and Minden Tiders  scored on a stolen base during Adams’s at-bat. Then Adams singled, driving in one.

Ryan led things off in the circle for the Tide. The pitcher surrendered seven runs on four hits over seven innings, striking out seven.

Friday led things off in the pitcher’s circle for Converse. The bulldog surrendered eight runs on 18 hits over five innings, striking out four. Prine threw two innings out of the bullpen.

Mindentallied 19 hits on the day. Kaylin Williams, Lindsay Ryan, K-Gilbert, Ryan, Adams, Brooklyn Edwards and Gabby Morrison all collected multiple hits. K-Gilbert, Ryan and Williams each collected three hits.

Rivers led Converse with three hits in three at-bats.

FRIDAY

Lakeside ladies cling to victory as Parkway nearly erases 4-run deficit

Despite seeing its four-run lead whittled down by the end, Lady Warriors still held off Parkway for a 6-5 victory Friday.  Parkway scored three runs in the failed comeback on a home run by A Schoenborn and a single by A Wilson.

Mackenzie McCoy led the Warriors to victory by driving in four runs.  McCoy went 2-for-2 at the plate.  McCoy drove in runs on a home run in the first and a double in the second.

Lady Warriors got things moving in the first inning.  McCoy hit a solo homer.

Lady Warriors notched three runs in the second inning.  Lady Warriors scored its runs on an RBI double by McCoy.

McKenna Chreene led things off on the rubber for Lady Warriors. The fireballer allowed ten hits and five runs over seven innings, striking out 12 and walking one.

M Thompson toed the rubber for Parkway. Thompson lasted five innings, allowing four hits and four runs while striking out six.  H Thornton threw two innings out of the bullpen.

Lakeside hit one home run on the day. McCoy had a homer in the first inning.

Lady Warriors racked up seven hits. McCoy and Chreene each racked up multiple hits. Chreene and McCoy each collected two hits.  The ladies were sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Emily Jones had the most chances in the field with 12.

Parkway tallied ten hits.  Schoenborn and C Thompkins all managed multiple hits for Parkway.

4-Hit Day For Ryan Earns Minden Tiders  Victory Over Evangel Christian Academy

Lindsay Ryan collected four hits in five at-bats, as Minden Tiders defeated Evangel Christian Academy 11-7 Friday. Ryan singled in the first, tripled in the fourth, doubled in the sixth and singled in the seventh.

Both offenses were strong at the plate as Minden Lady Tiders collected 15 hits and Evangel Christian Academy four in the high-scoring affair.

Evangel Christian Academy captured the lead in the first inning. Olivia Pandiella drew a walk, scoring one run.

In the top of the second inning, Minden tied things up at three when Ryan grounded out, scoring one run.

Minden took the lead for good with two runs in the fourth inning, when Ryan tripled on a 1-0 count, scoring two runs.

The Lady Tiders put up five runs in the seventh inning. Annabelle Toland, Kaylin Williams and Ryan all drove in runs in the frame.

Ryan led things off in the circle for Minden Crimson Tide. The pitcher went seven innings, allowing seven runs on four hits and striking out four.

Brooklyn Horton led things off in the pitcher’s circle for Evangel Christian Academy. The bulldog surrendered 11 runs on 15 hits over seven innings, striking out five.

Minden hit one home run on the day. Leigha K-Gilbert had a dinger in the first inning.

The Tiders collected 15 hits. Ryan, Brooklyn Edwards, Kylie Ryan and Williams all had multiple hits for Minden Tiders. Ryan went 4-for-5 at the plate to lead Minden Tiders  in hits.

THURSDAY

Glenbrook takes Logansport in pitchers’ duel

Both teams were strong in the circle Thursday, but Glenbrook Lady Apaches defeated Tigers 2-1. Rebecca Mosley allowed just five hits to Logansport.

Glenbrook Lady Apaches fired up the offense in the first inning, when Hallie Harmon singled on the first pitch of the at-bat, scoring one run.

Mosley led things off on the rubber. The pitcher surrendered one run on five hits over seven innings, striking out eight.

Ainsley Morvan was in the pitcher’s circle for Tigers. The bulldog allowed four hits and two runs over six innings, striking out three and walking one.

Harmon led Glenbrook with two hits in two at-bats.

Morvan went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Tigers in hits.

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

Louisiana Tech University has announced the names of students on its Winter Quarter President’s and Dean’s honor lists.

Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.

Honor students are listed below by their hometowns, with all Louisiana students listed first by parish.

Webster

• Doyline: Jack Andrew Edwards*, Hayden A. Engel, Kyle G. Spears
• Dubberly: Logan Matthew Bailey, Mary Alexis Fish*, Whitman B. McGee*, Julie A. Ortega*
• Heflin: Lloyd Jacob Chumley*, Charles Jacob Gray
• Minden: Jazmin Marie Abreu*, Lauren E. Adams*, James Carter Barnett,   Lauren Cheatham, Emma Earnhardt, Carson Jack Fields, Molly Fowler*, Walker Hagen Gray, Daniel R. Hamm*, Jacob Lee Hanson, Connor Jacob Heard*, Ethan Jeffus, Mary Evelyn King*, Maddox Peyton Lee*, Alyssa Clair Martin, Zachary Allen McIntyre*, Jackson McKinney*, Nicholas Lindsay Mourad, Collin Murphy, David Phillip Nida*, Emma Claire Pitman*, Madison Grace Pye*, Haley Amber Raburn, Emily N. Ramie*, Rebecca Lynn White
• Sarepta: Grant Jeffrey Harper*, Kody Grant Herrick*, Brianna J. Lewis, Meagan Sydney Maxwell*
• Sibley: William Ryan Kendrick, Maya Faith Merritt, Jinny P. Schober*, Jaykob Stewart*
• Springhill: Lyndie P. Green, William P. Smith*

SATURDAY

Glenbrook grabs lead in seventh inning for victory over Bolton

Glenbrook  Apaches defeated Bolton Bear 8-4 Saturday after taking the lead late in the game.  In the top of the seventh Maddox Mandino singled on a 0-1 count, scoring two runs.

Mandino collected four hits in five at-bats to help lead the Apaches to victory.  He singled in the first, singled in the second, singled in the sixth, and singled in the seventh.

Glenbrook got things moving in the first inning when Turner McLelland grounded out, scoring one run.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Bolton Bear tied things up at four.  They scored on a stolen base during KP Paul’s at-bat. Then Paul singled.

Hayden Harmon took the win for Glenbrook Apaches. The hurler surrendered four runs on four hits over seven innings, striking out ten and walking one.

Deshaun Veal took the loss for Bolton. Veal went one and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on two hits and striking out one.

Seth Heron started the game for Bolton. The lefthander lasted five and a third innings, allowing five hits and four runs while striking out two

Mandino led Glenbrook with four hits in five at-bats.

Minden grabs lead in fifth inning to defeat Bulldogs

Minden Crimson Tide nabbed the lead late in the game in a 7-5 victory over Red River Bulldogs Saturday.  The game was tied at one with the Tide batting in the top of the fifth when Brody Bower singled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run.

Despite falling down by five runs in the seventh inning, Red River Bulldogs tried to fight back.  They scored three runs in the failed comeback on a single by Eli Murphy, a groundout by Logan Smith, and a walk by Ethan Williamson.

Minden got on the board in the first inning when Jakobe Jackson grounded out, scoring one run.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Red River Bulldogs tied things up at one when an error scored one run.

Zander Rowell led things off on the mound for Minden Crimson Tide. The lefthander lasted six and a third innings, allowing nine hits and five runs while striking out five and walking zero.

Williamson was on the mound for Red River Bulldogs. The righty allowed three hits and four runs over four and a third innings. John Dickey and Tyler Hughes entered the game from the bullpen, throwing two innings and two-thirds of an inning respectively.

Jackson, Rowell, Landon Brewer, Brandon Winston, Bower and Elliott Sheppard each collected one hit to lead.

Red River Bulldogs racked up ten hits. Kenneth Lazarus, Dickey and Luke Williamson all managed multiple hits for Red River Bulldogs.

Second inning plays key role in Minden’s blow out over Calvin

Minden Crimson Tide put up 11 runs in the second on its way to a 14-1 victory over Calvin Cougars Saturday.  Elliott Sheppard, Parker Salas, Brandon Winston, Landon Brewer, Jakobe Jackson and  Landyn Huddleston all contributed in the big inning with RBIs.

Jaxon Smith was the winning pitcher for Minden. Smith allowed two hits and one run over four innings, striking out seven and walking zero.

Kaden Browning led things off on the hill for Calvin Cougars. The righty lasted two innings, allowing ten hits and 11 runs while striking out one. Gavin Musgrove threw two innings in relief.

Minden had 12 hits in the game. Hudson Brown, Huddleston, Brody Bower and Winston each collected multiple hits.  Brown went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead the Tide in hits.Minden players stole eight bases during the game as two stole more than one. Bower led the way with two.

Glenbrook grabs lead in fifth to defeat Welsh

Glenbrook Apaches nabbed the lead late in the game in a 6-3 victory over Welsh  Greyhounds Saturday. The game was tied at three with Glenbrook Apaches batting in the bottom of the fifth when Jackson Waller drew a walk, scoring one run.

Glenbrook earned the victory despite allowing Welsh Greyhounds to score three runs in the second inning.  Welsh’s big inning was driven by a walk by Gabe Gillett, a single by Ross Davis, and  by Jeremiah Bouley.

Welsh got things started in the second inning when Gillett drew a walk, scoring one run.

Easton Sanders pitched Glenbrook Apaches to victory. The hurler allowed four hits and three runs over seven innings, striking out 12.

Cohen was on the pitcher’s mound for Welsh Greyhounds. The bulldog surrendered four runs on six hits over four innings, striking out two.  Dane Iguess and Bouley entered the game from the bullpen, throwing one and two-thirds innings and one-third of an inning respectively.

Glenbrook Apaches totaled seven hits in the game. Toby Haulmark and Hayden Harmon each had multiple hits for Glenbrook.  Harmon and Haulmark each collected two hits.

Jode Janise led the Greyhounds with two hits in three at-bats.

FRIDAY

Lakeside takes victory over Loyola Prep in second game Friday

Lakeside Warriors won the contest against Loyola College Prep  Flyers Friday, 7-2.

In the second inning, Lakeside  Warriors got their offense started.  Matthew Aguilera grounded out into a double play but still was able to knock in one run.

Lakeside Warriors notched three runs in the fifth inning.  Eli Musgraves, Bradley Dick, and CJ Watts all moved runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning.

Watts got the win for Lakeside. Watts lasted three and a third innings, allowing one hit and two runs while striking out three. Jordan Isbell threw one and two-thirds innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Jarrett Belanger took the loss for Loyola College Prep Flyers. The pitcher allowed two hits and three runs over three and two-thirds innings, striking out three.

Cooper Chase started the game for Lakeside Warriors. The bulldog went two innings, allowing zero runs on one hit and striking out three

Isbell went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Lakeside  Warriors in hits.

Lakeside boys claw back, but fall just short against Loyola

Lakeside Warriors’s effort to come back from down four runs in the second inning came up just short, as they fell 9-8 to Loyola College Prep  Flyers Friday.  Lakeside tallied six runs in the failed comeback. Cooper Chase, Eli Musgraves,  Bradley Dick, Jon Jon Dick and Jordan Isbell powered the rally with RBIs.

Lakeside was right in it until the sixth inning.

Loyola College Prep Flyers took an early lead in the second inning when Reagan Coyle drew a walk, scoring one run.

In the top of the fourth inning, Lakeside tied things up at six when Dick singled on the first pitch of the at-bat, scoring one run.

Lakeside Warriors notched four runs in the fourth inning.  Chase, Musgraves, Dick and Dick all moved runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning.

Loyola College Prep Flyers scored six runs in the second inning. The big inning for Loyola College Prep came thanks to walks by Hayden Horton and Coyle, sacrifice flys by Camden Crossno, Konnor O’Neal, a groundout by Jake Black and a fielder’s choice by Gray Deason.

Jack Whatley led things off on the pitcher’s mound for Loyola College Prep  Flyers. Whatley surrendered six runs on six hits over three and a third innings, striking out one.

Dick led things off on the mound for Lakeside Warriors. The lefthander lasted one inning, allowing three hits and six runs.  Hunter Sutton threw five innings out of the bullpen.

Lakeside launched one home run on the day. CJ Watts put one out in the first inning.

The Warriors tallied 15 hits on the day. Musgraves, Cade Boley, Sutton, Dick and Chase all collected multiple hits for Lakeside Warriors.  Musgraves went 4-for-4 at the plate to lead in hits.

Cain Feibel led Loyola College Prep Flyers with two hits in three at-bats.

Hicks runs away with early lead in victory

Doyline Panthers watched the game slip away early and couldn’t recover in a 6-0 loss to Hicks Friday. Hicks scored on a single by Addison Coffman in the first inning, a fielder’s choice by Brodie Perkins in the first inning and a wild pitch during Cayden Cowgill’s at-bat in the second inning.

Doyline struggled to put runs on the board and had a tough time defensively containing Hicks, giving up six runs.

Hicks got things moving in the first inning, when Coffman singled on a 3-2 count, scoring one run.

A bright spot for Doyline Panthers was a single by Caysten Mingo in the fourth inning.

Luke Williams was the winning pitcher for Hicks. The pitcher lasted four and a third innings, allowing one hit and zero runs while striking out four. Micah Merchant threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Mingo took the loss for Doyline. Mingo lasted three innings, allowing four hits and five runs while striking out one.

K George started the game for Hicks. George allowed zero hits and zero runs over two-thirds of an inning, striking out two and walking zero.

Mingo led the Panthers with two hits in three at-bats.

Hayden Doyle went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Hicks in hits.

THURSDAY

Doyline Panthers falls to Converse on walk-off

It came down to the last play, but Doyline was on the wrong end of a 6-5 defeat to Converse Thursday. The game was tied at five with Converse batting in the bottom of the seventh when Caysten Mingo induced Craig to hit into a fielder’s choice, but one run scored.

In the first inning, Converse got their offense started when Burk grounded out, scoring one run.

Doyline Panthers scored four runs in the sixth inning. Jonas Florence and Zach Normand all moved runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning.

Converse scored three runs in the sixth inning scoring its runs on a double by #3.

#2 pitched Converse to victory. The pitcher lasted one inning, allowing one hit and zero runs while striking out two and walking zero. #3 threw two-thirds of an inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Noah Spears took the loss for Doyline. Spears went six and two-thirds innings, allowing six runs on four hits and striking out 13.

Craig started the game for Converse. The hurler went five and a third innings, allowing five runs on three hits and striking out eight

Mingo went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Doyline Panthers  in hits.

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

Registration for Webster Parish’s Ready Start program in Springhill will be Friday, March 24. The event will be from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.  at the Frank Anthony RV Building, located at 301 West Church Street.

Parents need to have their child’s birth certificate, Social Security card, an updated immunization record, parent’s drivers license, two current proofs of residence (utility bill/mortgage/lease), 2 current consecutive paychecks for each adult in the household, SNAP, Medicaid or DCFS if applicable.

Webster Ready Start provides access to high-quality learning experiences and programs for children from newborn to five years old. The program helps prepare young students for kindergarten. Studies show that children prepared for kindergarten have a better chance of not repeating any grades and of eventually graduating from high school.

Ready Start is also a benefit to parents and businesses. Parents are able to work while their child is in the program. For local businesses, the program expands the available workforce. It also reduces the amount of time that working parents spend away from their job. 

Businesses interested in becoming a Ready Start partner could receive tax credits. Plus, the program receives a dollar-for-dollar match on that investment. 

For more information on the Webster Ready Start program, visit WebsterReadyStart.com.

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

Current

4-H SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN. All 4th-6th grade 4-H’ers in Webster Parish are eligible to attend. For more information, please contact your 4-H Agent at larceneaux@agcenter.lsu.edu. To register, please bring your completed registration form and camp deposit to our temporary office space on the first floor of the police jury building in downtown Minden. Extra registration forms are available at the office. Mailed registration forms can still be sent to 1202 Homer Rd. Please call or email us to let us know that you are sending a registration by mail so that we can be on the look out. Camp will be held July 24-27

March 21

6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Spring Gardening Workshop, Minden Farm & Garden, 1307 Sibley Rd., Minden.  No charge; please RSVP by text 318-237-8350.

Noon. Vegetable Gardening & Tasting. Webster Parish Library, Minden. Open to the public, please bring lunch or snack. Sponsored by LSU AgCenter. Speakers: Mark Wilson, John Monzingo, Shakera Williams.

March 23

6 p.m.UCAP Hungerfest & Dessert Auction. First United Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.

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.

March 31

8 a.m. Registration for Webster Parish Sheriff Scramble at Pine Hills Country Club.

9 a.m. Tee off

11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. Pickle ball Clinic at Pine Hills Country Club

3:30 p.m. Round Robin play after 1-2 clinic, Email phpb688@gmail.com for sign up 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 5

10 .m. until l2 p.m. Minden Civic Center. Greater Minden Chamber Job Fair and Resource Expo 2023.

April 10

6 p.m. Night At The Museum, Dorcheat Museum, 116 Pearl St. Speaker: Randy Grigsby. Subject: his books “A Train to Palestine” and “This Labyrinth of Darkness and Light.”

April 11

6 p.m. 69th Annual Awards Banquet, Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce, presented by Citizens National Bank. Community Activity Center, 301 West Church St., Springhill.

April 22

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 

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.

March 16

Marshall Dalton Gage Lester, 32, of the 300 block of Lakeview Dr., Doyline, was arrested by WPSO on a warrant for domestic abuse battery.

Justin Cassidy Miller, 39, of the 100 block of White Sands Dr., Sibley, was arrested by WPSO on 2 warrants for failure to appear – battery of a dating partner and no seat belt.

Jamarea J. Manning, 30, of the 200 block of Miller St., Minden, was arrested by MPD for violation of court order, violation of protective order, telecommunication harassment and on a warrant for simple battery. His bonds total more than $26,000.

March 17

Brian P. Andrus, 35, of the 200 block of Patrick St., Natchitoches, was arrested by Springhill Police for possession of methamphetamine and Fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Timothy Chance Winner, 43, of South Park Springhill, was arrested by Cullen police as a fugitive from Dallas County, Texas.

Timothy C. Washington, 50, of the 700 block of Sibley Rd., Minden, was arrested by MPD on warrants for theft of a firearm, access device fraud, theft, simple battery and as a fugitive from WPSO.

Devon Jones, 18, of the 100 block of Stonewood Rd., Minden, was arrested by MPD under a warrant by La. State Fire Marshal.

March 19

Lyntravious G. Gipson, 26, of the 200 block of Morgan St., Springhill, was arrested by LSP-G for driving while intoxicated, driving under suspension and speeding.

Elton J. Peterson II, 39, of the 2200 block of Loreco St., Barksdale, was arrested in Webster Parish by LSP-G, for driving while intoxicated, driving under suspension and careless operation of a motor vehicle.

Cody Joseph Mellen, 27, of the 1300 block of Diamond T Rd., Heflin, was arrested by WPSO on a warrant for failure to appear.

March 20

Michael Voss, 47, of Ruston, was arrested by WPSO for a parole violation.

Corey Matthew Ray, 51, of the 300 block of Holomon Loop, Dubberly, was arrested by WPSO for possession of a controlled dangerous substance, drug paraphernalia and stolen things.

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.

Jackie B. Cook

Oct. 22, 1939 – March 20, 2023

Heflin, La.

Memorial service: pending

Edwin John Pousson

Nov. 7, 1918 – March 13, 2023

Toledo Bend

Celebration of Life: pending

Mandalene Johnson Reeder

Feb. 24, 1931 – March 18, 2023

Haynesville, La.

Service: pending

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.)

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Around 15-20 people – law makers, law enforcers and concerned citizens from several parishes – toured Ware Youth Center in Coushatta Thursday to see firsthand where a juvenile lays his/her head after they break the law.

This is the second meeting put together by Ward I Minden City Judge Sherb Sentell. Youth come before Sentell and Ward II Springhill Judge Stuart McMahen to learn their fates after committing a crime.

“Everybody there admitted there is an issue of not enough space for juveniles,” Sentell said. “Unfortunately, expanding or building another facility costs a lot of money.”

The judge said state Sen. Robert Mills, whose assistant Brenda Autry attended the meeting, researched costs for adding to Ware as opposed to building a new facility.

“Sen. Mills got an estimate of about $4.4 million to add 16 additional bed spaces (to Ware),” Sentell said. “To build a new facility would be more than $22 million.”

Ware has 32 beds, but it is only one of 8 detention centers in Louisiana. Caddo Parish’s numbers are so high, they do not accept any juveniles outside their parish. Next to Bossier and Webster parishes, Natchitoches Parish has one of the largest instances of juvenile crime in the north to central Louisiana.

“It’s frustrating because we’ve identified the issue, but no one seems to have a resolution for it,” Sentell said.

The problem extends farther than just more bed spaces, according to Staci Scott, executive director of Ware.

“We need more workers,” Scott said at the first meeting. “We are terribly understaffed. State law says we must have 1 worker per 8 kids, and we can’t keep them. We are probably 10 short in detention and 25 to 30 short overall.”

Detention workers’ pay has been raised from around $9 per hour to $15, but it isn’t enough. Scott said most workers won’t stay for that amount since Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) has tied their hands.

“Since 2012, we can’t even use pepper spray,” she pointed out. “With no control, there just aren’t many people who are willing to be cursed, spit on and had excrement thrown at them for $15 an hour.”

Sentell said he believes 60 to 65 percent of the time there is no * recidivism in the case of juveniles.

“That’s because I can’t send the juveniles to detention when I need to,” he said. “It would be a lot higher if I could send them when they first start messing up.”

Ware Youth Center sees about 1,000 kids a year and keeps those statistics.

“They have a 19 percent recidivism rate,” he said. “That shows that if we can get them into detention when necessary, we save hundreds of thousands of dollars having to pay for them as adults to be incarcerated.”

It costs around $300 per day to house a juvenile at Ware, and the parish or city is expected to pay around $110 per day.

Space at Ware has become a real issue since the state legislature passed a law stating 17 year olds are considered juveniles. 

Former Ware director Ken Loftin said the 17-year-olds present a unique group of problems.

“It’s not necessarily the bed space. What happens is, with 15, 16 and 17s, once the juvenile is indicted as an adult, they are put back in the juvenile detention center,” he said. “Once they come back to juvenile detention, they know they’re an adult. They know they have a trial date in the adult court system. 

“They could care less what they do to the staff, the facility or anybody else because nothing they do – besides killing somebody – is going to raise the charge they already have,” Loftin continued.

Sentell said a juvenile detention center advisor who attended Thursday’s meeting suggested a plan adopted by Missouri.

“Seventeen year olds in Missouri start off in a juvenile facility,” Sentell said. “If they get in trouble and cause problems, then they are transferred to an adult facility.”

Sentell’s hope is for suggestions to raise the money not only to add to Ware’s space, but to staff it, as well.

“We aren’t giving up on this,” he added. “There is a way, we just have to find it.”

* Recidivism: the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.

“My gun never malfunctions.”  Perhaps you’re right.  Perhaps your gun has been malfunction-free for its entire existence.  However, when I hear this from people, I immediately know two things are absolutely true.  One, they don’t shoot that gun very much, and two, they definitely don’t train in any serious manner.  “Well, I’ve got 50,000 rounds through this thing with no issues whatsoever.”  Well, now you’ve graduated from hyperbole to outright dishonesty.  The fact is that guns are man-made, and man is fallible.  Yes, even Gaston Glock – as much as it pains me to say it.  So, today’s article is going to be about the most common types of malfunctions associated with magazine fed, semi-automatic guns, and how to fix those issues on the fly.

There are generally three common malfunctions associated with magazine fed, semi-auto guns.  They are known as “failure to fire” (type 1), “failure to eject” (type 2) and the ever dreaded “double feed” (type 3).  Let’s discuss these in order, shall we?

A type 1 malfunction is the most common.  It could be caused by several different things, but basically a type 1 malfunction occurs anytime you press the trigger expecting the gun to go “bang,” but it goes “click” instead.  Side note, hearing a click when you need a bang is one of the loudest sounds you’ll ever hear.  Anyway, a type 1 malfunction could be caused by bad ammunition.  I get it, that’s not necessarily the gun’s fault but it’s a malfunction, nonetheless.  A type 1 malfunction could also be the result of light primer strikes because there’s a bad spring in the gun.  This happens most often when someone thinks they know more than the engineers and puts after-market doodads inside their blaster.  Just leave the after-market internals at the market, Jethro.  Over-lubrication is a common problem too.  Semi-auto guns don’t need nearly as much lube as you may think.  If you over-do the oil, or put lube where lube doesn’t belong, you’re likely to cause issues.  All that said, the most common reason for getting a click where a bang should be is that the gun isn’t loaded.

A type 2 malfunction is commonly referred to as a “stove pipe.”  This is when a round is fired and the spent casing doesn’t get all the way out of the ejection port, preventing the gun from cycling fully and returning to battery.  This too can be caused by more than one thing.  A loose or otherwise improper grip on your pistol can result in a stove pipe – as can something impeding the movement of the slide or bolt when firing the gun.  Underpowered ammo can cause a type 2 malfunction also, and if you’re talking about an AR style rifle, the gun being under-gassed will likely produce the same result.

So, how do you fix these malfunctions?  It’s true that there might be something so wrong with your gun that it needs to be repaired by a professional, but if you’re in a fight and you need to clear a type 1 or type 2 malfunction and get that gun back in the fight – tap the magazine to make sure it’s seated properly inside the mag well, rack the slide, (or run the bolt) and get back to work.  It’s that simple.  A magazine that’s not seated is the first thing you should check, because an unseated magazine can cause any of the three most common malfunctions.  After that, cycle the action.  After you tap and rack, you should be able to make the gun go bang.  A properly executed “tap – rack” will fix a type 1 or type 2 malfunction.

A type 3 malfunction is a different animal entirely.  This occurs when two rounds try to enter the chamber at the same time.  This can be caused by damaged or worn-out magazines or by people “riding the slide” when they cycle the action.  Stop handling them so gently, folks.  When you run the slide or the bolt on a semi-auto gun, run it hard.  If you limp-wrist it, you’re going to cause problems more often than not.  It’s okay, they like it rough.  

To clear a type 3 malfunction, you first have to remove the magazine from the gun.  Some instructors say that you should lock the slide or bolt open first, but I find this step to be time consuming and wholly unnecessary.  There will be pressure on the magazine, so you’ll have to forcefully remove or “strip” the magazine out of the gun.  After that, there might still be a round or spent casing lodged in the chamber or ejection port, so you need to run the slide to clear any obstruction.  Doing this with the ejection port toward the ground means you get a little help from our old pal, gravity.  Once you’ve removed the magazine and cleared any obstruction, forcefully insert a loaded mag (maybe the same one, maybe a new one) and cycle the action.  Bam!  You’re back in the fight.

Most malfunctions are the result of operator error.  Malfunction frequency will be greatly diminished if you use a quality firearm (which 99% of 1911 pistols are not) loaded with quality, factory loaded ammunition.  However, when problems arise, clearing a type 1 or type 2 malfunction is done the same way – tap the mag, rack the slide, and you’re back in business. The steps for type 3 malfunction clearing are – strip, rack, insert, rack.  Don’t think carrying a spare mag with your everyday carry pistol is because you might need extra ammo.  It’s true, you could end up in a protracted gunfight, although it’s statistically improbable.  The main reason for carrying a spare magazine is so you can fix your gun.  Operator error and environmental issues can cause more problems than most folks ever think about when they strap up and leave the house.  If a “tap-rack” doesn’t fix it, reload your gun because either your gun is empty, or you have a type 3 malfunction.  In either instance the remedy is a loaded magazine.  Without one, you’ll be in a gunfight armed only with a $600 paperweight. 

Before anyone suggests that simply buying a revolver is the answer to keeping your handgun malfunction free, allow me to quash that notion.  Revolvers absolutely can and do malfunction.  This column isn’t about antiques, so I’m not going to waste your time with wheel gun talk, but if you don’t believe me, do a simple Google search of revolver malfunctions, and see for yourself.

Lastly, for my fellow Kalashnikov shooters out there, remember, those magazines “rock” into place.  So, when seating a magazine in your AK, hit the front strap of the magazine, not the base plate.  

Until next week…

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 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 advice. 

Here comes the rain again. I guess that is to be expected considering springtime is upon us. 

Personally, it is my favorite time of the year. I love a good rain shower and the not-so-severe thunderstorms every once in a while. And that might be an understatement. I am kind of obsessed with them.  

I am probably one of the very few people who check the weather and see that a good storm is brewing and then become highly disappointed when it dissipates or moves elsewhere before it reaches my location. That may be weird, but as long as there are no tornadoes or large hail involved, bring it on.  

While I am confessing my obsessions, I recently downloaded a new app on my phone. It is a sound generator specifically for rain. It is actually called “Rain Rain.” You can find sounds like rain on a window, rain on a tent, city rain, forest rain, rain downpour and my personal favorite, the harbor storm. The harbor storm sound effect gives you a mix of rain, thunder and the occasional seagull. It has gotten to the point where I can no longer fall asleep without it.  

My love for the rain has rubbed off on the girls. They also look forward to a good storm because that means an automatic mood boost for me along with cuddling on the couch and enjoying a good movie. When I say a good movie, what I really mean is Harry Potter. Those movies are excellent, but they are even better in the middle of a thunderstorm accompanied by a few scented candles – rain-scented candles, that is. Obsessed, I know. I am getting chills right now just thinking about it.  

Another thing that is so much better when you are enjoying a nice, rainy day … soup! Any kind of soup – chicken noodle soup, tortellini soup, vegetable soup and of course taco soup.  

I honestly think I just described my perfect day – thunderstorm, Harry Potter, scented candles, taco soup and cuddles. Pure bliss! Nothing can beat it.  

My kids have taken this to a whole other level though. They absolutely love it when the weather actually gets bad, I mean like a tornado warning bad. Me? That is where I draw the line. I want to be on the couch, not huddled up on the bathroom floor with a mattress over my head. Nothing blissful about that, but they think that is so fun. Maybe I have just done such an excellent job at making a game out of it, so they do not freak out (I should really say so that I do not freak out) or they are just deranged. They gather up blankets and pillows, a couple toys or electronics and just act as if we are on a nice little camping trip in the middle of our house, in the middle of a subdivision, in the middle of a tornado.  

They also love the aftermath of a good rain – mud puddles. I never deny them an opportunity to jump in one. I have been known to join them a time or two.  

Rain can be an immensely powerful force especially when it comes down too fast for too long. Too much of a good thing. But it also brings flowers and crops, an occasional rainbow and a promise. Quite frankly, I am looking forward to it right now for all the reasons above, but mostly to wash away some of this dang pollen – another perk of springtime.

(Paige Nash is a rain-loving wife, mom, digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal and publisher of Bienville Parish Journal.)

Join us for the Mardi Gras Futurity and Louisiana Downs Futurity at Louisiana Downs on Saturday, March 25, 2023

Three scholarships will be awarded through a LIVE drawing in the Louisiana Downs winner’s circle on Saturday, March 25th, immediately following the 4th race.

Applicants must register in person beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Registration will close promptly after the third race.

ENTRANTS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

• For more information on the scholarship eligibility or the rules, please see the attached flyer or visit LQHBA.COM

Tide drops game to Knights after late score

Minden Crimson Tide stayed in it until the end, but North Webster pulled away late in a 9-8 victoryWednesday.  The game was tied at seven with Minden batting in the top of the eighth when Jakobe Jackson doubled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run.

The Tide collected seven hits and North Webster had 12 in the high-scoring affair.

Minden got things started in the first inning, scoring two runs when Jackson singled.

The Tide put up three runs in the sixth inning, thanks to a single by Landon Brewer and an error on a ball put in play by Price Miller.

North Webster scored three runs in the third inning.  Sanders, Jase Wesson and Rader each drove in runs during the inning.

Sanders was the winning pitcher for North Webster. The fireballer surrendered one run on one hit over two innings, striking out one.

Landyn Huddleston took the loss for Minden. The righty lasted one and two-thirds innings, allowing four hits and three runs.

Jaxon Smith started the game for the Tide. The righthander went six innings, allowing six runs on eight hits, striking out three and walking one McKenzie started the game for North Webster. McKenzie surrendered seven runs on six hits over six innings, striking out four

Minden racked up seven hits on the day. Brewer, Hudson Brown and Jackson all had multiple hits.  Jackson, Brown and Brewer each managed two hits.

North Webster tallied 12 hits on the day.  McKenzie, Bernard and Sanders each collected multiple hits.  McKenzie led North Webster with four hits in five at bats.

Lakeside falls to Loyola Flyers

Loyola College Prep Flyers took an early lead in the second inning when Reagan Coyle grounded out, scoring one run Wednesday.

Loyola took the lead for good with four runs in the third inning. In the third, Jake Black singled on a 1-0 count, scoring three runs and Evan Lirette singled on a 2-0 count, scoring one run.

Gavin Brint took the win for the Flyers. The righty surrendered two runs on six hits over seven innings, striking out four and walking one.

Cooper Chase took the loss for Lakeside. The bulldog lasted two innings, allowing three hits and five runs while striking out one.

The Warriors totaled six hits.  Chase and Jake Glass each had multiple hits.  Chase led with three hits in three at bats.

Lirette went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Loyola College Prep Flyers in hits.  Loyola College Prep  Flyers was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Konnor O’Neal had the most chances in the field with nine.

Glenbrook holds on to victory as Evangel almost erases a 5-run deficit

Glenbrook  Apaches built a five-run lead in the second inning and then held off Evangel Christian Academy Eagles’ charge for a 6-4 victory Tuesday.  Evangel Christian Academy scored two runs on a single in the fourth inning.

The Apaches grabbed an early lead with a double by Easton Sanders in the first inning, a sacrifice fly by Turner McLelland in the first inning, a double by Landry Powell in the first inning, a double by Sanders in the second inning and an error in the second inning.

Glenbrook tallied three runs in the second inning. Their big bats were led by Sanders and McLelland, who each had RBIs in the inning.

McLelland led things off on the hill for Glenbrook. The righthander allowed two hits and three runs over three and a third innings, striking out four.

Reid Wilson was on the pitcher’s mound for Evangel Christian Academy Eagles. The hurler surrendered six runs on six hits over two innings, striking out two and walking zero. Haden Perry and Jayce Gill entered the game from the bullpen, throwing three innings and one inning respectively.

Glenbrook racked up seven hits in the game. Cason Clemons and Sanders each collected multiple hits.  Clemons led the Apaches with three hits in four at-bats.

Early lead for Lakeside High School seals fate for Doyline Panthers

Doyline Panthers watched the game slip away early and couldn’t recover in a 16-1 loss to Lakeside High School Tuesday. Lakeside took the lead on a home run in the first inning.

The Panthers struggled to put runs on the board and had a tough time defensively containing Lakeside, giving up 16 runs.

Lakeside opened up scoring in the first inning, when Cj Watts homered on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring two runs.

The Warriors scored 11 runs in the fourth inning. The offensive firepower by Lakeside High School was led by Jon Jon Dick, Cade Boley, Cooper Chase , Matthew Aguilera, Hunter Sutton , and Eli Musgraves, all driving in runs in the inning.

Bradley Dick got the win for Lakeside. The ace went two innings, allowing zero runs on zero hits, striking out two and walking one. Sutton threw three innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Dario Galvez took the loss for Doyline Panthers. The pitcher went three innings, allowing ten runs on eight hits and striking out one.

Cameron Johnson, Benton Bates and Noah Spears each managed one hit to lead Doyline. The team didn’t commit a single error in the field. Dakota Stewart had the most chances in the field with four.

Lakeside totaled 15 hits. Dick, Aguilera, Watts and Sutton each collected multiple hits. Lakeside was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Dick had the most chances in the field with five. The Warriors tore up the base paths, as three players stole at least two bases. Musgraves led the way with three.

North Webster can’t comeback against Northwood

North Webster Knights fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 13-3 loss to Northwood (Shreveport) Monday.  Northwood took the lead on a groundout in the first inning.

The North Webster Knights struggled to contain the high-powered offense of Northwood, giving up 13 runs.

Northwood opened up scoring in the first inning, when Cayne Little grounded out, scoring one run.

Northwood scored six runs in the third inning. The offensive onslaught by Northwood was led by Tucker McCabe and Jaxon Bentzler, all driving in runs in the frame.

Jack Carlisle pitched Northwood to victory. The ace surrendered three runs on four hits over five innings, striking out three and walking zero.

Dakota Davison took the loss for North Webster Knights. Davison surrendered 12 runs on six hits over three innings, striking out one.

Collin McKenzie, Sawyer Wages, Nathan Bernard and Kyle Dinkins each collected one hit to lead the Knights.

McCabe went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Northwood in hits. The team stole ten bases during the game as three players stole more than one. Little led the way with two.

Minden Crimson Tide wins contest against Quitman on Monday,  6-3

Minden Crimson Tide got things moving in the first inning, when Tilley’s wild pitch allowed one run to score.

Brody Bower earned the victory on the hill for the Tide. The righty allowed six hits and three runs over six innings, striking out five.  Landyn Huddleston threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Tilley took the loss for Quitman. The bulldog lasted five and two-thirds innings, allowing eight hits and four runs while striking out three.

The Tide racked up nine hits on the day.  Huddleston and Brandon Winston all collected multiple hits.  Winston and Huddleston had two hits to lead the team.

Quitman collected seven hits on the day.  Carter and Ponder each had multiple hits for Quitman.

Doyline takes care of Haynesville

Haynesville scored three runs in the third inning, but Doyline Panthers still won 17-3 Monday.  Haynesville big bats were led by Toby  Franklin and Eli Coker , all sending runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning

In the first inning, Doyline Panthers got their offense started. Dakota Stewart drove in one when Stewart doubled.

Austin Arbaugh got the win for the Panthers. The righty lasted two innings, allowing one hit and zero runs while striking out one and walking one. Benton Bates threw three innings in relief out of the bullpen. Bates recorded the last nine outs to earn the save for Doyline.

Dakoda Comp took the loss for Haynesville. The hurler allowed four hits and eight runs over one inning, striking out one.

Doyline Panthers totaled ten hits.  Caysten Mingo, Zach Normand and Noah Spears each racked up multiple hits.  Spears, Normand and Mingo all had two hits.  Doyline Panthers  was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Arbaugh had the most chances in the field with four.  Doyline stole 15 bases during the game as five players stole more than one. Mingo led the way with four.

Haynesville collected six hits.  Franklin, Logan  Wright  and Jovanni Rodignez all had multiple hits for Haynesville.

Glenbrook cruises to easy victory over Southwood

Glenbrook  Apaches cruised to an easy victory over Southwood 9-2  Monday

In the first inning, Glenbrook Apaches got their offense started and then put up three runs in the second inning.  Their big inning was driven by a triple by Maddox Mandino, a single by Cason Clemons, and a groundout by Preston Frye.

Clemons pitched the Apaches to victory. The ace allowed two hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out 11.

Kollin Best took the loss for Southwood. The pitcher surrendered seven runs on seven hits over five innings, striking out five.

Glenbrook had ten hits in the game.  oby Haulmark, Seth Mangrum, Clemons, Mandino and Turner McLelland each racked up multiple hits for Glenbrook. McLelland, Mandino, Clemons, Mangrum and Haulmark each collected two hits to lead Glenbrook  Apaches.

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

By Jessica Gorman

In June 1926, the voters of Minden passed a $30,000 bond issue to fund improvements to the fire department. At their first meeting, the newly elected mayor and city council began taking action to purchase a fire alarm system and fire truck, build a fire station, and make necessary improvements to the water system.

This new city administration was composed of 23 year old Mayor Robert Floyd Kennon, and councilmen J. Ronald Murph, Will Burnett, Richard Garrison, Sr., Will Life, and S.H. McCrary, Sr. Robert Floyd Kennon was Minden’s youngest mayor. He would go on to become Louisiana governor. 

By September, the new fire engine had arrived, the fire alarm system was being installed, and a lot had been purchased on which to construct the fire station. This lot, on the corner of Pearl and Monroe Streets and the site of the old Baptist parsonage, was purchased for $5,000. Based on its size, shape, location, and the fact that all the surrounding streets were paved, it was considered an ideal location. 

The following month, the parsonage was sold to R.H. Lee for $200, torn down and moved. The plans for the new fire station were reviewed by the city council. 

In December, the contract for construction of the fire station, at a cost of $18,550, was awarded to F.C. McClanahan. Work was to start within ten days and be completed in ninety days.

This building was completed in April 1927. It not only served as the fire station, but provided a new home for the city offices, previously located in the courthouse. A dedication ceremony was held on Friday, 22 April 1927.

(Jessica Gorman is the Assistant Director and Archivist for the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum in Minden and is an avid genealogist.)

Minden Lady Tiders holds off Evangel Christian Academy as 6-run deficit is nearly erased

Minden Tiders got out to a six-run lead in the second inning and held on for a 6-4 victory over Evangel Christian Academy Tuesday. Evangel Christian Academy scored four runs in the failed comeback on a home run by Gabbi Olague in the third and a home run by Brooklyn Horton in the fifth.

Evangel Christian Academy scored three runs in the third inning, but the Lady Tiders still managed to pull out the victory. Evangel Christian Academy scored its runs on a home run by Olague.

Minden opened up scoring in the first inning. Jacey Adams drew a walk, scoring one run.

The Tiders scored five runs in the second inning. The rally was led by a home run by Kylie Ryan and a double by Brooklyn Edwards.

Ryan toed the rubber for Minden. The ace allowed three hits and four runs over seven innings, striking out nine.

Olivia Pandiella was in the circle for Evangel Christian Academy. The bulldog went one and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs on three hits and striking out one. Horton threw four and a third innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Minden tallied one home run on the day when Ryan homered in the second inning.

Charli Flournoy, Edwards, Gabby Morrison, Ryan and Leigha K-Gilbert each collected one hit to lead the Tide.

North Webster Lady Knights can’t catch up to Sterlington

North Webster Lady Knights fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 14-0 loss to Sterlington Tuesday. Sterlington took the lead on a home run in the first inning.

The Lady Knights struggled to contain the high-powered offense of Sterlington, giving up 14 runs.

Sterlington got things moving in the first inning. E Briwn lined out, scoring one run.

A single by Anekah Coleman in the fourth inning was a positive for North Webster.

M Taylor pitched Sterlington to victory. The fireballer surrendered zero runs on one hit over four innings, striking out six and walking zero. A Thomas threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Emma Newsom took the loss for the Lady Knights. Newsom went five innings, allowing ten runs on six hits and striking out two.

Sterlington mashed three home runs on the day. H Tucker had a long ball in the fifth inning. Taylor had a dinger in the first inning. J Alford went for the long ball in the fourth inning.

Coleman went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead North Webster Lady Knights  in hits.

Sterlington tallied seven hits in the game. Tucker and Briwn each had multiple hits for Sterlington. Sterlington was sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. E Cross made the most plays with six.

Early deficit leads to loss for Lady Apaches

Glenbrook Lady Apaches fell behind early and couldn’t come back in an 11-8 loss to Ouachita Parish Lions Monday.  

The Lions scored on a single by Abigail Day in the first inning, a double by Chesni Ashley in the second inning, a single by Day in the second inning, and a single by Mary Pipes in the second inning.

Despite the loss, the Lady Apaches did collect 11 hits in the high-scoring affair. Unfortunately, Ouachita Parish Lions had 11 hits on the way to victory.

In the bottom of the first inning, Glenbrook tied things up at two.  Gabi Brown singled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run.

Ouachita Parish pulled away for good with five runs in the second inning.  In the second Ashley doubled on a 1-0 count, scoring three runs, Day singled on a 3-0 count, scoring one run, and Pipes singled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run.

Glenbrook ladies notched three runs in the fourth inning. Sarah Margaret Mosley and Hallie Harmon each drove in runs during the inning.

Megan Wooley pitched the Lions to victory. The ace allowed 11 hits and eight runs over seven innings, striking out three.

Rebecca Mosley took the loss for Glenbrook. The pitcher surrendered 11 runs on 11 hits over seven innings, striking out four.

The Lady Apaches socked one home run on the day. Vivian Still went for the long ball in the sixth inning.

Glenbrook collected 11 hits on the day.  Brown, Mosley and Still all managed multiple hits. Still, Mosley and Brown each collected three hits to lead Glenbrook.

Ouachita Parish Lions tallied 11 hits.  Day and Rheagan Montgomery each had multiple hits.

Lakeside Lady Warriors can’t recover against Many

Lady Warriors watched the game slip away early and couldn’t recover in a 5-1 loss to Many Monday.  Many scored on an error and a single by C Knowles in the second inning.

Lady Warriors lost despite out-hitting Many five to four.

In the second inning, Many got their offense started when an error scored one run.

K Martinez got the start for Many. The fireballer allowed five hits and one run over seven innings, striking out 15.

McKenna Chreene led things off on the rubber for Lady Warriors. The pitcher went six innings, allowing five runs on four hits and striking out five.

Lexi Wood, Chreene, McKenzie Hamiter, Paiton Levesque and Hallie Sutton each collected one hit to lead Lady Warriors.

Many was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. P Carter had the most chances in the field with 14.

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

See below this helpful conversion chart for cutting a recipe in half. 

Source:  Stay Independent: Cooking for One or Two • Copyright © 2018 Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. All rights reserved.

The LSU AgCenter provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. 

Guest speaker for today’s (Thursday)meeting of the Minden Lions Club will be Stephanie Barnette, President/CEO of the Greater Minden Chamber.

Barnette said she will be pointing out positive things going on with a few businesses and organizations in the community, as well as the chamber’s upcoming events.

Minden Lions Club meets at noon every Thursday in the American Legion Hall on Pine Street.

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

March 17

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

March 21

Noon. Vegetable Gardening & Tasting. Webster Parish Library, Minden. Open to the public, please bring lunch or snack. Sponsored by LSU AgCenter. Speakers: Mark Wilson, John Monzingo, Shakera Williams.

March 23

6 p.m.UCAP Hungerfest & Dessert Auction. First United Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.

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.

March 31

8 a.m. Registration for Webster Parish Sheriff Scramble at Pine Hills Country Club.

9 a.m. Tee off

11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. Pickle ball Clinic at Pine Hills Country Club

3:30 p.m. Round Robin play after 1-2 clinic, Email phpb688@gmail.com for sign up 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 5

10 .m. until l2 p.m. Minden Civic Center. Greater Minden Chamber Job Fair and Resource Expo 2023.

April 11

6 p.m. 69th Annual Awards Banquet, Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce, presented by Citizens National Bank. Community Activity Center, 301 West Church St., Springhill.

April 22

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 

By Brad Dison

In February 1914, May Pierstorff’s parents prepared for their five-year-old daughter, May, to visit her grandmother.  May and her parents lived in Lewiston, Idaho.  May’s grandmother lived about 70 miles away in Grangeville, Idaho.  In the 1910s, automobiles had not yet become the predominant form of transportation in Idaho.  Most people traveled on or were pulled by horses if they were traveling within a short distance from home.  May’s parents decided that May would travel to and from her grandparents’ home by train due to the distance of the trip.  For some reason, probably the cost of train tickets, May’s parents could not accompany her on the trip.

The cost of May’s ticket was more than the family could afford.  May’s parents looked for a loophole.  Surely, they thought, they could purchase a discount ticket due to May’s age, but the railroad offered no such discount.  Maybe, they thought, they could get a discount due to May’s weight, which was 48 ½ pounds.  They got lucky.  This was the loophole they had been looking for.  May was just a pound and a half below the 50-pound weight limit.

On February 19, May’s parents pinned something on May’s coat and dropped her off at the train station in Lewiston, Idaho for the 70-mile trip.  They watched as May boarded the train and, at the proper time, the train chugged out of the station.  When the train arrived at the Grangeville station, no one was waiting to pick May up.  An employee named Leonard Mochel delivered the five-year-old to her grandmother’s home.

When money is tight, all of us look for clever ways to save money.  May’s parents were no exception.  May traveled from Lewiston to Grangeville… as a parcel in the train’s mail car to save money.  The thing May’s parents attached to May’s coat was 53 cents in parcel post stamps.  The employee who delivered May to her grandmother’s home was the mail clerk.  May’s parents mailed May to her grandmother’s home.  When their visit was over, May’s grandmother sent her back to her parents in the same manner, through the mail.

Sources:

1.     Smithsonian National Postal Museum, “100 Years of Parcels, Packages, and Packet, Oh My!”  https://postalmuseum.si.edu/research-article/100-years-of-parcels-packages-and-packets-oh-my/the-oddest-parcels.

2.     The Pomona Progress, February 20, 1914, p.1.

3.     The Long Beach Telegram and the Long Beach Daily News, February 20, 1914, p.1.

4.     The Minneapolis Journal, March, 26, 914, p.11.

Whether it’s football, baseball, basketball, or corn hole, records are made to be broken. It’s not every day that a person gets the opportunity to set or break a record of any kind. It usually means the person setting the new record has played a particular sport for a long time. He or she has put in many hours of practice and dedicated themself to being the best. No matter how big the record is, the day will come when it will be broken.

In 1932 the world record largemouth bass of 22.4 lbs. was caught in Georgia’s Lake Montgomery by George Perry which still stands today! This record has stood for over 90 years! But, in 2009 a Japanese angler by the name of Manabu Kurita caught a 22.5 lb. bass in Lake Biwa in Japan. Based on simple math, you would think this would be a new world record by 1 ounce. Hold on, there’s a rule with IGFA (International Game Fish Association) which certifies all fishing world records, states that to be a new world record of any kind, the fish must weigh at least two ounces more than the previous record. But IGFA did give him credit for tying the world record catch.  

Now let’s look at what happened on Saturday, February 11th during the Bass Champs Team Trail event on Toledo Bend. Somewhere between 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning, Bill Cook of Houston, Texas set the hook on what he knew was a big bass. After hooking the bass on what’s called an A-Rig (A umbrella-style rig that imitates a small school of baitfish). Bill knew he had a big fish, but had no clue what was about to transpire.

The story goes, Bill had spotted the fish on his forward-facing sonar in about 18 feet of water on the edge of a drop-off. He made a cast in the direction of the bass and let the A-rig sink to the bottom. While watching his bait on his depth finder like a video game, he then engaged the reel and began to slowly retrieve the bait just off the bottom when the big fish came up and bit his lure. After a tough battle, his partner (Ken Burgess) netted the fish. At first glance, they thought the fish might be a 12-pounder which was bigger than any fish Bill had ever caught before. They had no idea that Bill had just caught a new Toledo Bend Lake record of 15.67 lbs. until they hit the scales during the weigh-in that afternoon.    

The funny part of this story is that the weekend before in a MLF BFL tournament, his co-angler partner (Michael Fagan) caught an 11-pounder off this same spot on an A-rig along with a 6.14 lb. bass to finish 2nd on the co-angler side of this event. The co-angler asked Bill if he had an A-rig tied on? Bill, thinking, he had one rigged up in his rod locker, opened the locker only to discover he had left that rod with the A-rig in his garage! But he made sure he had it in the boat for the Bass Champs event the next week and as they say, the rest is history!

The previous record of 15.32 caught by Eric Weems had stood for 22 years. Bill Cook is no stranger to the waters of Toledo Bend and has fished this body of water for over 30 years. He’s had a lot of success in tournament circuits like the BFLs, Toyota Series, and team trails. Bill is one of those anglers, you hope to be paired up with if you’re fishing as a co-angler in any event. He’s not only an excellent angler but an even better person.

No one is more deserving of a record like this than Bill Cook, and I along with a lot of other anglers hope his record catch stands for a long time! Unless the fishing Gods shine down on me with such an opportunity! Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget to set the hook! You never know, it just might be a new record!

Steve Graf

Angler’s Perspective 

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.

March 14

George Eugene Eiland Jr., 60, of Amanda Lane, Haughton, was arrested by Cotton Valley Police as a fugitive from Caddo Parish and for speeding.

Christopher Kyle Carter, 44, of the 1400 block of Stuckey Rd., Dubberly, was arrested by WPSO for domestic abuse with child endangerment.

Shawn Matthew Dowling, 30, of Doyline, was arrested by WPSO for simple battery.

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

The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of March 9. Civil suits are a matter of public record.

March 9

State of Louisiana through DOTD vs. Tina M. McCarthy, damages.

Marcus Marry vs. Denissa Brown Marry, divorce.

Chadrick D. Warren and Racheal Flouncy Warren, vs. Assiduous De Volt Harris, establish paternity.

Tekashia Jackson vs. Frederick Gill, protective order.

Brad A. Williams vs. Alanna W. Williams, divorce w/children.

Sheila Jolley Curtis vs. Phillip Allen Curtis, divorce.

March 10

Republic Finance LLC vs. Michael A. Bozeman, monies due.

Discover Bank vs. Amanda M. Smith, monies due.

Patrick Bryan Britt vs. Stacia Lynn Burnette Britt, divorce.

Vanderbilt Mortgage vs. Mary Jo Webb, executory process.

Pearlette Gipson vs. Dominique Parish, mandamus.

March 14

Cavalry SPV I LLC as assignee of Citibank vs. Myrna L. Quarles, monies due.

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Gary Tims, monies due.

Sara E. Sayers vs. Wendy Cato, protective order.