Memorial service: 11 a.m Friday, March 17, 2023, First Presbyterian Church, Athens, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer, La.
Michael Ervin Baker Sr.
May 26, 1949 – March 13, 2023
Springhill, La.
Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
TG and Mona Morgan
Interment of ashes: 2 p.m. Sunday, April 2, 2023, Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.
Joe Bill Gamble
Dec. 7, 1954 – March 6, 2023
Doyline/Minden
Memorial service: 3 p.m. Thursday, March 16, 2023, VFW Hunter-Rickerson Post #2885, 232 Horseshoe Loop, Doyline, 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.)
Awarded members of the 2022 (2nd cycle) graduating class of Camp Minden YCP. (Photo courtesy of Camp Minden Youth Challenge Program)
By Marilyn Miller
It’s 5:30 a.m. Time to rise and shine!
Some jump out of their bunks, ready for another day.
Some grumble and sit staring.
Yet others roll over and require a second tug of their sheets.
One thing is for sure, starting at 6:15 a.m., at the Camp Minden Youth Challenge Program, Reveille will sound, breakfast will be served, Medical Call will go out, the barracks will be cleaned, personal hygiene will be seen to, an in-ranks inspection will take place, and clothes will be laundered.
Because at 7:55, the 119 young people who are currently enrolled in the five-month Residential phase of youth challenge will be marshalled into formation by the Cadre and marched to their academic classes, which start precisely at 8 a.m., Monday through Friday.
Camp Minden’s Class 2023-1 started on Feb. 12, 2023, so by now expectations are well-known. They know the “Mission” of the YCP, which is “To intervene in and reclaim the lives of 16-18-year-old youth, producing program graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens.”
When the class arrived at Camp Minden, located just west of Minden on Hwy. 80 at the former Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant, the youth all had several things in common. They were between the ages of 16 and 18, they were males and females, they were residents of Louisiana, they were willing to become drug free, they each had volunteered to complete the interview process, and they were each free of any adult felony convictions.
By now, they know what is possible in their lives. To-date, over 27,000 young adults just like them have graduated from the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program statewide. There are two other YCPs in the State, at Camp Beauregard in Pineville and at the Gillis W. Long Center in Carville (near Baton Rouge).
“Our students enter YCP with a desire to make a change in their lives,” said LTC. Kenneth D. Paul, director, Louisiana National Guard Education Programs. “Our focus is to facilitate that change and ensure that every cadet has a chance to succeed personally and academically.”
The class motto is “Learning the Way, Earning the Way.” And each day, students learn more and earn more. Their school day ends at 4 p.m., which is followed by Retreat and Honors to the Flag at 5 p.m. At 5:30, the evening meal is served, and letter writing, personal hygiene and guest speakers begin.
A VERY TALL TOWER
Somewhere between the individual curriculum plans and the self-paced learning, the young people are put through their paces on Camp Minden’s outdoor “Confidence Course,” which includes rappelling from a VERY tall tower, carrying a “wounded” mate over a jagged course, balancing on and crossing a VERY challenging wooden pole, tug-of-war, archery, etc. and marching, marching, marching…
“Everything we do is designed to help our cadets hold their heads high and walk across the stage as YCP graduates knowing that they have attained something they didn’t think they could, such as earning their HiSet (high school equivalency diploma), or recovering/earning high school credits,” LTC. Paul said. “Those are real achievements that some of us may take for granted, but our students do not.”
The YCP looks beyond academics and military-style training. Each cadet is required to complete 40 hours of community service, which teaches them volunteerism through events like Men of Courage, Samaritan’s Purse, the Red River Balloon Rally, the Minden Foundation’s Shoot-Out and Charity Golf Classic, the WP Council on Aging’s Health Fair, the Archery Shooter’s Association Pro/Am Tournament at Camp Minden, the American Legion Booth at the Jaycee Fair, the Methodist Church Camp on Caney Lakes, the YMCA International Volleyball Tournament. YCP teens also worked the concession stands at the Springhill and Ringgold Rodeos, help string Christmas lights for the City of Minden, set up the Kiddie Park for the Minden Christmas Parade, unloaded and set up the pumpkin patch for St. Luke’s UMC in Shreveport, and participated in “Operation Christmas Child” for First Baptist Bossier.
There is also an economic impact on the community. Camp Minden employs a director, deputy director, commandant, Cadre staff, a Counseling Dept. (Masters Degree level), an Education & Academic Dept. (certified teachers), the Post Residential Dept., Dining facility and staff, Supply & Maintenance facility and staff, an Activity Coordinator, and nursing caregivers. Many of these people live and pay taxes in Webster Parish. These people dine in area restaurants and shop at local stores. And Camp Minden YCP makes purchases at area stores and businesses.
Starla Townsend is director of the Camp Minden Youth Challenge Program. Maj. Logan Fileccia is deputy director.
SO MANY GOOD CHOICES
Following completion of the first five-month Residential phase, graduates enter the 12-month Post Residential Phase. During this time, they are assisted by program staff (Case Managers) and Mentors (guidance) from their local communities. Mentors are given training before they are allowed to start meeting with their graduate monthly (or more frequently).At this time, a graduate could enter the workforce, enroll in college, or enlist in the military.
Camp Minden cadets have an opportunity to earn transferable college credits through a partnership with Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC). And there are scholarships available from the YCP and other two and four-year colleges and universities.
The Louisiana National Guard Job Challenge Program (JCP) is a free post-secondary career training opportunity for selected and eligible YCP graduates. “This unique scholarship provides JCP associates an opportunity to earn critical vocational skills, and to achieve entry level certifications which qualify them for employment with increased earning potential in their chosen fields,” said Megan D. Ready, Public Relations Manager for the LANG Education Programs. “This unique opportunity is only available to 16 to 20-year-old YCP graduates, and currently offers entry-level trade certification training in Emergency Medical Training (EMT), Phlebotomy, Culinary Arts, Welding or Heavy Equipment.”
The 119 young people who chose the Youth Challenge Program as their future have plenty of academic and physical fitness work ahead. But “Family Day” is slated for May 6 and home passes will be given for June 27-July 5. And that BIG day, that big, big day when each cadet will cross that stage and grab that diploma is coming, too. Yes, July 15, 2023, is Graduation Day at Camp Minden! Now throw that hat into the air!!
Camp Minden YCP cadet abseiling (rappelling) the training tower. (Photo courtesy of Camp Minden YCP).
Dusty Rangel, Title II Supervisor, Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor, explains a frequently asked question for board members Monday.
A pair of potential academic and employee calendars for the 2023-24 school year will go under review by a three-member Webster Parish School Board committee and school system employees, with recommendations scheduled to come after study and employee surveys.
Parish Superintendent of Schools Johnny Rowland said the two prospective calendars are the result of “…a lot of study and hard work by our staff, and multiple conversations with employees and our board members.”
Rowland said during the upcoming weeks, input from school system employees will be sought through surveys submitted through school Internet sites.
“Any of our employees are welcome to comment and give us their ideas,” Rowland said.
During Monday’s school board meeting, Rowland and department heads gave members a presentation of frequently asked questions from board members, employees and parents, covering subjects from school intersession to discipline and ACT performance.
On school performance, Rowland noted that Webster Parish schools, like other systems throughout the nation, had suffered during the Covid pandemic butnumbers show students are rebounding in the aftermath.
Figures show in 2022, nine of 14 school performance scores were higher than their 2019 (pre-Covid) scores, while the district performance score in 2022 was higher than 2019.
Also during Monday’s meeting, school board members approved a number of payments from district maintenance and sales tax fundsincluding $13,134 for two ice machines plus installation for Webster Jr. High and $7,990 for chillers at Minden High.
Rodney Taylor of Taylor and Sons recognizes the March Employee of the Month, Candice Miller, Special Ed Facilitator.
The Dorcheat Historical Museum hosted their first “Night at the Museum” for 2023 on Monday evening, March 13. Many guests arrived early with arms full of refreshments to add to the “Potluck” spread that was thoroughly enjoyed in between fellowship before the speaker made her way to the podium.
Catharine Poole visited to speak about the Germantown Colony Museum and the rich history dating back to 1835, when colonists first arrived from Germany with their leader, Maximilian Bernard Ludwig, who also referred to himself as Count Leon and a self-proclaimed prophet. He was impelled by the notion that the second coming of Christ was near and that his “New Jerusalem” needed to be established on the same geographical latitude as Jerusalem in Palestine.
“Many descendants of the colonists still reside in the Minden area and North Louisiana,” said Poole.
Poole read the “Germantown History” previously written by Susie Lester, a Germantown descendant who dedicated her time to volunteering at the museum before her passing last year.
The article retold the story of the Germantown Colony group’s travels by boat and raft, experiencing loss of valued possessions and life along the way due to floods and yellow fever. The survivors eventually found their way to Dorcheat Bayou where they traveled north to what was then considered Claiborne Parish but would later become Webster Parish.
After purchasing and settling the land, the colonists erected many buildings, including a school and general store on the property. They grew crops and raised livestock. Following strict articles of the renewed Christian Church, each colonist worked daily to preserve their spiritual and bodily welfare.
Poole said, “They believed the second coming of Christ was near, at least within the next two decades.”
The community thrived for 36 years before they disbanded in 1871 following the Civil War and the financial troubles that accompanied it. The Krouse family were the only ones who remained to care for the older colonists that were too old to make another journey, until their passing.
Descendants of the Krouse family made the decision to donate the Germantown Colony property to the Webster Parish Police Jury in 1973, which is now the Germantown Colony Musuem.
Avid museum volunteer John Sanders also shared and passed around a framed handwritten letter from President Andrew Jackson to the Count de Leon proceeding his travels in September of 1831. Jackson expressed his delight in Count Leon’s plans to voyage to the United States and guaranteed prosperity, happiness and protection of person and property.
Many books and items are on display at the museum including the letter from Jackson. Tourists who visit will be able to go inside original buildings that remain, including the Countess Cottage, Goentgen Cottage and the kitchen-dining hall. Replicas of the smoke house and blacksmith shop stand in place of the original buildings.
The Germantown Colony Museum is now open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will be hosting the 2023 Bluegrass Festival that will be held at the Minden Fairgrounds on April 15. A trolley will be available to transport festival goers from the fairgrounds to the museum throughout the day. This amenity will be included with your ticket purchase.
“Last year was the first year we had the festival in ten years, and it was a huge success,” said Poole. “It really is a lot of fun. I encourage everyone to come out and bring their families.”
The Dorcheat Museum will be hosting their second speaker of the year on April 10, featuring Minden native and author Randy Grigsby.
My friend, Paige Nash, wrote a feature story back in the summer about the inaugural Little Warriors football game. That contest, a Warrior win, was the first in the new elementary sports program offered to students in grades 3-6 who attend Central Elementary School and Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School.
Paige wrote: “Parents, staff and students are all excited about the opportunity to take advantage of this new sports program. Research shows that children who participate in sports at an early age benefit not only physically, but mentally, emotionally and socially as well. Other sports being offered include basketball, baseball and softball.”
Many people are responsible for the success of the Little Warriors. Lakeside coaches and administrators and numerous parents made the program a success. One of those influential people is Jonathan Wallace.
I contacted Mr. Wallace last week and asked him to tell our readers about the program and its purpose.
“The Little Warriors organization is simply another way to invest in the lives of the children and families in our community,” he said. “We have the opportunity to participate in a organization that links schools to gives children the opportunity to compete against each other across north Louisiana.”
Wallace said the focus is on development and to provide these players the opportunity to grow and develop their physical, emotional and social skills through sports.
“The Little Warriors provides a community for us parents to help with fundraising, provide effective coaching and support the parents here at Central and Lakeside who want each child to benefit from the opportunity that sports provide,” he said.
Question: Why did you do this?
His answer: “My wife and I have always tried to impact the communities we live in. Values like love, trust, faith, forgiveness, perseverance all need a platform to grow and develop. Organizations like this can be that platform, so I guess the best answer is why wouldn’t we do it. If the opportunity is there to have that impact, we need to take the chance.”
Wallace, who is a 44 year old occupational therapist, married his high school sweetheart. They have four children ranging in age from 25 to 10.
Question: Why do you go above and beyond to help our kids when others do the bare minimum?
His answer: “I don’t have too many years on this earth, so I guess I just want to be as impactful as I can while I am here. Honestly, I’m not a very good coach when you look at wins and losses. My teams over the years have at best won half of their games. I just want to impact the players God gives me in positive ways and teach attributes that last a life time not just on the baseball or football field. I think that would be the answer – to help others long after seasons are over and their life keeps on going.”
Question: How is the program doing?
His answer: “I would say very good. We won some games we should not have, we lost some game we should not have but athletically we had a bunch of players in all sports that started out rough and by the end of each sport, we had enormous growth. I think the parents have grown tremendously this year as well. At first there was apprehension in many of the parents. Now we have parents bringing great ideas to the table and taking initiative in fundraising, coaching and activity planning.”
Question: What is your vision for the future?
His answer: “We are currently playing in the North Louisiana Youth Sports Association. My vision for our community is to expand our options. I would like for us to participate in other events and have our community support us to the point that it would be minimal cost to families. There are so many opportunities for youth in our area if we would just take them. The Little Warriors could be the venue to provide those opportunities. I would like to see the coaches from the high school become the volunteer coaches and give insight to their preferences and start teaching this to the younger players. I want our community to look like a community that would make others take notice. I would like our community to really trust, pour into each other and rely on each other. Ultimately we would love to win state championships as these players age up, but more important than that is to solidify this community.”
At the close of the interview, I gave Mr. Wallace the opportunity to share any other message he would like. He quickly pointed out what I said earlier about there being many people responsible for the success of the program.
However, he quickly said these people are more responsible than he is. Humble in all things.
His comments: “I appreciate you taking the time to interview me, but honestly I am just a cog in the wheel, not even the most important one. It started with Coach Roo who had the initiative to reach out and provide the vision for this to start. Coach Mike Santelices was key in providing guidance for football and continues to provide resources. My wife, Tara Wallace has been behind the scenes more than anyone could ever know and has done far more for these players than I have ever done. From organization to fundraising, she has done everything necessary to make sure this ship not only floats but sails smoothly. Denny Finley has been our biggest fan and supporter and has a tremendous vision for our future. Countless hours put in by volunteer coaches have laid the foundation for this to grow and get legs. This thing will continue far longer than I will be a part of it, and that is a testament to the community.”
He asked me to close the story with a quote from his favorite coach, basketball legend John Wooden.
“Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendships a fine art, drink deeply from good books – especially the Bible – build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day.”
Words to live by. Words that are true for everyone featured in “For the Kids.”
(“For the Kids” is a series of regular feature stories published in the Webster Parish Journal. If you have a recommendation of someone who needs to be recognized for their work with our local school children, please reach out to Josh Beavers either through Facebook or email at joshwbeavers@gmail.com.)
Spring is in the air!, and so is love and so is pollen — in the air, in your hair, your eyes, your nose, on your car.
You take the bad with the good when the payoff is spring.
Before we meet again it’ll be Officially Spring, so says The 2023 Old Farmer’s Almanac. Monday at 4:24 p.m. (Saw that on Facebook too, so it must be true, right?)
That moment in time marks the spring equinox, which I have never had the patience to study enough to see what it really means in terms of the Earth’s tilt and what not and this and that and to and fro.
I do know “equinox” comes from two Latin words that mean “equal” and “night.” The day and night are basically the same length. And after that, our hemisphere starts tilting toward the sun which means the days are longer and it’s about to get hot up in here.
But you don’t need an almanac to tell you spring is coming. You hear a ball pop into a mitt or you start filling out your NCAA March Madness bracket, and you know what’s up.
Or, you just look outside, through the yellow pollen mist, and there’s springtime, waving back.
A month ago, a warmish February morning, six robins and two cardinals were in the backyard, scouting. They’ve been there since.
The willows are greening, bulbs shooting and blooming. Little pictures of springtime.
Like me, you’ve probably already mowed once, which is mainly mowing clover, and leaving a little of that for the bees since they don’t have much else to enjoy right now. My yard looks like a drunk person mowed it. With thinning shears.
Speaking of lame brain, it was three years ago this week that the world shut down, semi-thwarting the man-made things that complement spring. It was 2020 and Friday the 13th (which was Monday of this week) when college basketball tournaments and then baseball games were cancelled, and then Monday the 16th (tomorrow, Thursday, is the 16th) is when schools quit and all sports quit and Weird Spring started.
(Somebody messed up!)
Thank goodness THAT’s over. At least I think it is …
And, speaking of loopy, those birds in the back yard might have had one too many, and I’ll tell you why.
There is a window-sized mirror along the fence, placed there before we moved in, I suppose for decoration. It’s confused at least one of the robins. She keeps flying into its reflection of grass and water and leaves, landing at its bottom, and trying again. Dozens of times. Flying into the mirror.
It happens almost every day, and maybe it’s the same robin and maybe they are all giving it a whirl, trying to figure it out, trying to fly right into springtime.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu or Twitter @MamaLuvsManning
The Webster Parish Assessor’s Annual Report for 2023 is in the works, but if residents are interested in viewing the annual report from the last two previous years, you can stop by Webster Parish Tax Assessor Denise Edward’s office located at 103 South Monroe Street in Minden to pick up a copy.
“When Mrs. Edwards took office as the Webster Tax Assessor, she had several goals and one of them was to keep the taxpayers in Webster Parish informed and one of the main methods she employed was to publish an annual report,” said Deputy Assessor and Project Coordinator Carl Thompson. “The first one was published in 2021.”
The report includes detailed information regarding the assessment process, and how it is implemented and managed. It explains where the tax dollars are spent across districts, the police jury, public services, fire districts and municipalities. There is also a section informing which local agencies received tax dollars based on their mileage and provides information on tax exemptions.
“That is a really popular item, not only on homestead exemption, but also disabled veterans, first responders who have been disabled or have died in the line of duty and their spouses,” said Thompson.
It breaks down the changes in assessed values over the years with easy-to-understand graphs, as well as tax roll comparisons.
Members of the assessor’s office encourage residents and taxpayers within the parish to reach out to the office, follow them on Facebook to keep up with current information or utilize their website, websterassessor.org. The website offers tools to locate property ownerships, assessed values and legal descriptions. Viewers can also file for homestead exemption online and check the status of tax payments.
MADRID—Irish pubs have always intrigued me. The attraction doesn’t come from the typical things one expects from a pub. I’m not interested in Guinness on tap, or Irish whiskey, or any alcohol for that matter. I’m not a prude, and I’m certainly not against responsible alcohol consumption (it put both of my kids through college), but I’ve been clean and sober since 1983. Trust me the world is a better— and safer— place without drunk Robert stumbling around in it.
I’m not quite sure where the intrigue comes from, but I think it has to do with the people. I love the Irish. My favorite Irish pub outside of the British Isles is The James Joyce in Madrid. The James Joyce is owned by a quick-witted, energetic, and acerbic Irishman, Matthew Loughney. Raised in Dublin, he moved to Madrid in 2006 and has been running this country’s best Irish pub ever since.
My wife and I are in Spain about to host 25 Americans from all over the southern part of the United States through Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Malaga. I will be consuming 36 Spanish-themed meals over the next 12 days. I thought I’d get a little Irish pub grub in before the serious tapas-ing begins.
We arrived yesterday but I won’t officially start working until this afternoon. It is always my practice when traveling overseas to do my best to sleep on the flight to Europe and stay awake on the return. Yesterday I was only able to grab a couple of hours on the plane ride over. It is also my practice— and I advise my guests to do the same— to do my best to push through the jet lag and try to stay awake until around 10pm on the day I have landed. It’s not easy, but I have found that when I do I go down hard, and my body clock adjusts to the local time much easier.
Upon arrival yesterday, I was more tired than usual but didn’t want to nap as I would probably be wide awake at 3:00 a.m. and it would take several days to adjust. My wife and I walked around the city for a bit, mainly waiting for the James Joyce to open at noon. When the doors opened, we were there.
It should be noted that I am a firm believer and staunch proponent of eating local wherever I am. Though there are exceptions, and since I will be on an all-out Spanish food bacchanal for the next 12 days, I allowed myself a deviation. The James Joyce is worthy of deviance. We had a lunch of fish and chips and spoke with Loughney about the restaurant/bar business, travel, and what’s happened since we last saw each other 12 months ago. He let us know that Ireland was playing Scotland in rugby later that day and the pub would be packed, but he could save us a spot if we were interested. It should also be noted that the answer to that question should always be, “yes.”
On our return, the pub was raucous and rowdy as one might expect. But it wasn’t all Irish. The Scots accounted for one third of the crowd. My knowledge of rugby is extremely limited. I was recruited to play on my freshman college team but was more interested in 12-ounce curls in the barroom than flankers and drop kicks on the rugby field. We didn’t have a dog in the Ireland vs Scotland fight, but pledged our allegiance to the Irish since we were in our friend’s pub.
If I weren’t already a fan of Irish pubs before yesterday’s visit, then I certainly would have been converted mid-game yesterday afternoon. It was a blast. Ireland hadn’t beaten Scotland in their last eight games, but they won yesterday and the crowd— or at least the Irish in the crowd— was loving it and singing in unison by the end of the game.
Irish pub food is right up my alley. I’m a fish and chips guy— or at least the American version of those items— from childhood. Beef stews, lamb, mashed potatoes, sausage, and the like are all in my culinary wheelhouse. Beef in Guinness sauce and Shepard’s Pie both speak to the foods of my youth as my grandmother was a master of lamb, beef pot roast, and mashed potatoes.
There’s a certain energy level in an Irish pub that appeals to me. It’s an energy that comes from a strong mixture of a particular attitude, love of food and drink, love of country and fellow countrymen, a history of endurance, constant ribbing of one another, festive music, and just the right amount of don’t-give-a-damn, with a little bit of us-against-the-world mentality thrown in, that makes Irish pubs unique in the bar category.
Like Ireland, the American South has experienced a rough and hard history. The attitude of the Irish is a lot like American Southerners in that we endure, and we carry on. We take our hits, and we bounce back, moving ever forward.
When Loughney is asked, “What makes a great Irish pub?” he can sum it up in three words, “It’s the welcome.” That’s something I’ve never consciously thought of, but it is certainly something I have experienced in every Irish pub I have ever visited. He’s right. It’s the welcome. The beer, the food, the atmosphere, and the sports are all great, but it’s the welcome that makes the first impression that lasts through the entire visit.
Even the Scots were welcome yesterday. So were a couple of visitors from Mississippi.
I slept for nine hours last night. I haven’t slept for nine hours since I was in my twenties. I am rested and ready to spend the next eight weeks leading five separate groups of new friends through Spain, Tuscany, and Holland/Belgium.
Onward.
Hearts of Palm and Artichoke Salad
Salad Dressing
1 Tbl dijon mustard
1 tsp sugar
1 Tbl shallots, minced
3 Tbl balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup cottonseed oil
1/2 cup virgin olive oil
1 Tsp fresh black pepper
1 Tsp kosher salt
1 Tb fresh basil
1 cup tomato, finely diced
Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl and blend together using a wire whisk. Refrigerate until needed. This dressing will hold for 4-5 days refrigerated.
Garlic Croutons
1/2 cup olive oil
1 Tb fresh garlic, minced
3 cups French bread cubes (1”)
1/2 Tbl kosher salt
Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Place the oil in a small sauté pan over low heat. Add the garlic to the war oil and cook for two minutes. Place the bread cubes into a large mixing bowl and drizzle the garlic oil over the bread. Toss the bread several times to ensure that all bread has been mixed well with the oil. Place the bread on a baking she and sprinkle the kosher salt over the unbaked croutons. Bake for 10 minutes. Gently turn the croutons on the baking sheet and bake for another 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool.
For The Salad
2-14 ounce cans hearts of palm, 1/4 inch slice on a bias
Place the hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, red onions, romaine lettuce, half of the cheese and the croutons in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing into the bowl and toss the ingredients with the dressing, making sure to coat everything completely.
(Robert St. John is a chef, restaurateur and published cookbook author who lives in Hattiesburg, Miss.)
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
February 22 was Veteran Suicide Awareness Day. Approximately 22 veterans take their lives each day. On February 22 at 2:22, three local residents participated in a 2.2 mile walk: Jerry Madden representing Sons of the American Revolution, Cindy Madden representing Daughters of the American Revolution, and Spencer Creech representing Children of the American Revolution. Each participant carried an American flag and stopped to talk to residents they met along the way.These three organizations are fostering community relationships for veterans through various outreach programs. One suicide is one suicide too many.
Minden Fasching Parade award winners, were presented by Shawn Hatcher Chairman of Minden Main St Program/Downtown Development Commission at the conclusion of the March Minden City Council meeting.
The 25th Annual Minden Fasching Mardi Gras Parade was held Saturday, February 4.
Winners are as follows.
Most Spirited Group: Krewe des Ambassadeurs, Minden.
Sweepstakes (Best Overall): Krewe of Artemis, Springhill,
Best Small Float: Scottish Society of LA Highlands
Best Marching Group: Minden High ROTC
Most Original/Creative: EF Exchange Students
Best Marching Band: Minden High School Band
Best Small Float: Scottish Society of LA Highlands
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 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
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 13
DeShawn Gipson, 32, of Gibsland, La., was arrested by MPD for theft.
Clyde Douglas Gibson, Jr., 46, of the 100 block of Pine Bayou Circle, Monroe, was arrested by MPD for criminal mischief misuse of 911.
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.
Visitation: 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2023, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.
Funeral service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Social Springs Cemetery, Ringgold, La.
Joe Bill Gamble
Dec. 7, 1954 – March 6, 2023
Doyline/Minden
Memorial service: 3 p.m. Thursday, March 16, 2023, VFW Hunter-Rickerson Post #2885, 232 Horseshoe Loop, Doyline, 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.)
Jerry and Cindy Madden paid a huge price for their country’s freedom when their son Joshua paid the ultimate price in Iraq in 2006.
Josh Madden died before he became a veteran, but that didn’t keep his parents from wanting to honor vets from the local community with a day of their own.
“We have something special planned, and I am really anxious for you guys to know about it,” Cindy Madden told members of the Minden City Council during a workshop last week.
Cindy said about 2 years ago her husband had the idea of placing a sign on I-20 to honor Vietnam Veterans. Rep. Wayne McMahen presented it to the state Legislature where it received approval.
“We raised $1,100, but that was enough to make the sign,” she said. It is currently in the manufacturing stage.
The sign is scheduled to be finished by March 29 – Vietnam Veterans’ 50th anniversary.
Cindy is regent (president) of Dorcheat-Bistineau Daughters of the American Revolution.
“We (DAR) are partnering with the American Legion Wiley-Pevy Post #74 in Minden, and with Hunter-Rickerson VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 2885 and Auxiliary,” she said. “We want to have a special day, and let it be the day we will dedicate the sign.”
Although that date is not confirmed yet, the Maddens say they would like officials and the community to meet at the sign that day around exit 40 on the eastbound side of the interstate.
“We want to make sure we do something special,” Cindy said, as she asked Mayor Nick Cox to draft a proclamation. “For the veterans that can’t come to the celebration, our plan is to go to the nursing homes in the area and give them pins, certificates and a large-print Bible.”
Cindy said it is still in the planning stages, but when that future date is determined, the idea is to dedicate the sign at 10 a.m.
“Then come back to Minden and have lunch for the servicemen,” she said. The Maddens’ thoughts are to gather for the meal.
Former state Sen. Ryan Gatti and Lt. Governor Billy Nungessor say they are willing to provide food for the first celebration.
“At noon, we want to have a program, where we will ring a bell and call out the names of the 13 KIA (killed in action) from Webster Parish,” she said. “There is one MIA (missing in action). He was never recovered. We do not have a POW (prisoner of war) from Webster Parish.”
One reason this event could grow is because the intention is to call it Armed Forces Day locally and invite all veterans.
“We would salute all veterans, but special guests for this first one would be Vietnam veterans,” Cindy said. “That is something special for them.”
She went on to say Webster Parish is very patriotic and with the help of the council, the DAR will be able to spread the word.
“Maybe if this goes well, we can do it every year,” she said. “Next year, we might highlight Korea. It could really grow into something big that honors our veterans.”
The specific date and location will be released at a later date.
Glenbrook Varsity Apaches out-hit Haughton Varsity Bucs nine to four, but it wasn’t enough in a 5-4 loss Friday
In the top of the fourth inning, Haughton Varsity Bucs tied things up at four. Dalton Meachum singled on a 3-2 count, scoring one run.
Haughton Varsity Bucs pulled away for good with one run in the fourth inning.
Glenbrook Varsity Apaches scored three runs in the second inning. Landry Powell and Maddox Mandino powered the big inning with RBIs.
Caleb Brown was on the hill for Haughton Varsity Bucs. The pitcher went three and a third innings, allowing four rusns on five hits and striking out two.
Turner McLelland was on the pitcher’s mound for Glenbrook Varsity Apaches. The righty lasted four innings, allowing four hits and four runs while striking out six. Hayden Harmon threw three innings out of the bullpen.
Glenbrook Varsity Apaches socked one home run on the day. Powell had a four bagger in the second inning.
Glenbrook Varsity Apaches racked up nine hits on the day. Harmon and Powell all had multiple hits for Glenbrook Varsity Apaches. Harmon led Glenbrook Varsity Apaches with three hits in four at bats.
Haughton Varsity Bucs was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Landon Gaby had the most chances in the field with eight.
Apaches lose to Haughton 6-3
Glenbrook Apaches watched the game slip away early and couldn’t recover in a 6-3 loss to Haughton Bucs Thursday. Haughton scored on a double by Christian Turner in the first inning and a home run by Collin Rains in the second inning.
The Apaches lost despite out-hitting Haughton eight to six.
Haughton scored three runs in the second inning on a home run by Rains.
Austin Anderson was on the mound for Haughton Bucs. The hurler surrendered three runs on eight hits over six innings, striking out six.
Toby Haulmark was on the hill for Glenbrook. The bulldog lasted four innings, allowing five hits and six runs while striking out four. Rhett Johnson threw two innings out of the bullpen.
Glenbrook smacked one home run on the day. Maddox Mandino had a dinger in the third inning.
The Apaches tallied eight hits in the game. Seth Mangrum and Mandino each managed multiple hits for GlenbrookApaches. Mandino and Mangrum all had two hits to lead GlenbrookApaches. GlenbrookApaches was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Easton Sanders had the most chances in the field with six.
Haughton scattered six hits in the game. Caleb Brown and Turner all had multiple hits for HaughtonBucs.
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Glenbrook Lady Apaches asserted their will over Downsville Lady Demons on their way to an easy 15-5 victory
Glenbrook got things started in the first inning when Vivian Still hit a solo homer.
The Lady Apaches tallied six runs in the third inning. The offensive onslaught came from a walk by Ellie Earnhardt, a single by Still, a home run by Sarah Margaret Mosley and a groundout by Anna Grace Vining.
Gabi Brown earned the win for Glenbrook. The righty lasted four innings, allowing four hits and three runs while striking out three. Rebecca Mosley threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen.
Abbie Barkley took the loss for Downsville Lady Demons. The righty surrendered nine runs on six hits over three innings.
Glenbrook launched three home runs on the day. Still went deep in the first inning. Mosley had a homer in the third inning. Colby Hollis put one out in the first inning.
The Lady Apaches tallied nine hits in the game. Mosley, Hollis and Still all managed multiple hits. Still, Hollis and Mosley each managed two hits to lead the team.
Sunnee Miller led Downsville Lady Demons with two hits in four at bats.
St. Fredericks takes win over Apaches
Glenbrook Lady Apaches watched the game slip away early and couldn’t recover in a 12-4 loss to St. Freds Lady Warriors Saturday. St. Freds took the lead on a home run in the first inning.
The Glenbrook Lady Apaches struggled to put runs on the board and had a tough time defensively containing Lady Warriors, giving up 12 runs.
St. Freds got things started in the first inning when Avery Houser hit a solo homer.
St. Fredericks Lady Warriors scored four runs in the fifth inning. Their big inning was driven by singles by Kyndall Taylor and Piper Yarbrough.
Victoria Gray pitched the Lady Warriors to victory. The ace lasted seven innings, allowing seven hits and four runs while striking out three and walking zero.
Rebecca Mosley took the loss for Glenbrook. Mosley surrendered 12 runs on 13 hits over seven innings, striking out three.
The Lady Apaches launched one home run on the day. Gabi Brown had a long ball in the fourth inning.
Glenbrook collected seven hits on the day. Brown and Anna Grace Vining each collected multiple hits, while Vining and Brown each collected two hits to lead the team.
St. Fredericks Lady Warriors racked up 13 hits in the game. Gray, Ainsley Blaylock, Houser, and Taylor all managed multiple hits. Gray led St. Fredericks Lady Warriors with three hits in five at bats.
Glenbrook ladies beat Forest in close game
Glenbrook Lady Apaches took the lead late and defeated Forest 14-12 Friday. The game was tied at 12 with Glenbrook batting in the top of the seventh when Vivian Still’s sac fly scored one run.
A seven-run lead in the second inning was just enough for Glenbrook to hold off Forest for the victory. Forest tallied 12 runs in the failed comeback. Brandi Adams, Peyton Thompson, A’Niya Tibbs, Jenna Walters, Adams, and Thompson powered the rally with RBIs.
Glenbrook Lady Apaches got things started in the first inning. The Lady Apaches scored two runs when Hallie Harmon doubled.
Glenbrook knotted the game up at 12 in the top of the sixth inning when Ellie Earnhardt’s sac fly scored one run.
Glenbrook scored four runs in the second inning. Their offense in the inning came from home runs by Still and Gabi Brown.
Rebecca Mosley led the Lady Apaches to victory on the rubber. The righty went five and a third innings, allowing five runs on three hits and striking out ten. Brown and Still entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.
Hallie Malone took the loss for Forest. The pitcher went seven innings, allowing 13 runs on 12 hits and striking out three.
Glenbrook socked three home runs on the day. Still had a dinger in the second inning. Brown had a long ball in the second inning. Harmon went deep in the seventh inning.
The Lady Apaches racked up 12 hits in the game. Harmon, Brown, Sarah Margaret Mosley and Still all managed multiple hits for the team. Harmon went 3-for-5 at the plate to lead in hits. Glenbrook stole five bases during the game as two players stole more than one. Mosley led the way with two.
Forest scattered seven hits in the game. Anna Hammett and Thompson all had multiple hits for Forest. Hammett led Forest with three hits in five at bats.
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Parents of children ages four and under have a unique opportunity to learn about and take advantage of Webster Ready Start during a pair of informational events slated for March 17th and the 24th.
Webster Ready Start Network’s goal is to see all Webster Parish children enter school ready for kindergarten.
“We are hosting a registration event for the 2023-24 school year at the Recreation Center in Minden on March 17thfrom 9 am to 2 pm and at the RV Center in Springhill on March 24th from 9 am to 2 pm,” said Olivia Sebald, who serves as Webster Ready Start Network’s Community Liaison.
Sebald said caregivers for children ages zero to four will be able to register for the early childhood education program that best fits their needs.
“Parents will be able to choose from eight Early Learning Centers that serve ages birth to four years old, three Head Start Centers that serve ages 18 months to four years old, and five Webster Parish Preschool locations that serve four year olds (must turn four by September 30th),” she said. “Parents will have a chance to talk to representatives from each program and complete all necessary steps to register their child for next year.”
What kind of events will happen?
While the parents are completing the registration steps, the children will have a chance to enjoy a game area and photo booth. Webster Parish Libraries will also be present with a craft for the kids to complete and take home. The Health Unit will be checking shot records and making appointments as necessary. And the Louisiana Department of Health will also be at both events to assist parents with any Medicaid needs. Every child will leave with a goody bag and book. There will also be door prizes.
What do parents need to bring?
Child’s birth certificate, social security card, and updated shot record, parent’s driver’s license, 2 current proofs of residence (utilities/mortgage/lease), 2 current consecutive paychecks for each adult in the household, SNAP, Medicaid or DCFS if applies.
For the Future
Seabald cited research that indicates 90 percent of the human brain is fully developed by the age of five.
“This means that before a child ever begins school, the neural networks necessary for learning and retaining information have already been formed,” she continued. “The quality of these pathways is influenced by experiences the child has during those critical, early years. Positive interactions, mirroring, exposure to language, and many other factors can influence brain development.”
To address this, Webster Ready Start Network provides all program partners with tier one curriculum and materials, professional development, and support so that children enrolled in any of these programs are receiving the high quality early education and care they need to be successful in school and life.
“We realize for some families, spending those early years at home with a parent may be the best option,” Seabald said. “To reach and support these families, we are partnering with the Webster Parish Libraries to host events providing parents with literacy resources and encouraging parents to begin reading to their children at birth.”
For most families in Webster Parish childcare is a necessity, but parents face the challenge of finding an available seat and affording it, especially for ages birth to three.
“The network is working to increase the access our families have to high quality early education by working with our programs to increase seats through expansion, inviting existing centers to join us, and providing scholarships to qualifying families (those who were below the applicable income and work or attend school full time),” she said. “For the past few years, we have been able to use state funding to provide these scholarships, however, that funding program will be ending. The state is instead offering a dollar-to-dollar match for any local funding we receive from businesses, local government agencies, organizations, and individuals.”
Webster Ready Start is working with the Community Foundation of North Louisiana to launch a fundraising campaign soon in hopes of being able to continue to support these families and allow these parents to remain in the workforce.
If anyone is interested in contributing to the scholarship fund, they would love to share more details. Please email olivia.sebald@websterpsb.org.
Webster Ready Start Network office is located in the Parent Center at J.A. Phillips Elementary under the supervision of Casey Fields, WPSB Early Childhood Facilitator and Janene Corley, WPSB Early Childhood Supervisor. Please reach out to them with any questions.
Despite strong fight, Crimson Tide can’t top D’Arbonne Woods
Despite a 9-run deficit in the fourth inning, Minden Crimson Tide almost came all the way back, eventually falling 10-9 to D’Arbonne Woods Saturday.
Minden Crimson Tide scored eight runs in the failed comeback on a single by Landon Brewer in the sixth, a double by Brody Bower in the sixth, a wild pitch during Elliott Sheppard’s at bat in the sixth, a double by Brandon Winston in the seventh, an error in the seventh, a single by Jakobe Jackson in the seventh and a single by Bower in the seventh.
The Tide fell behind early in the loss. D’Arbonne Woods scored on a double by Fisher in the first inning, a groundout by Roberson in the first inning, a groundout by Hearn in the first inning, a error in the second inning, and a single by Roberson in the second inning.
D’Arbonne Woods opened up scoring in the first inning, when Fisher doubled on a 0-1 count, scoring two runs.
Minden tallied five runs in the seventh inning. Winston, Brewer, Jackson and Bower powered the big inning with RBIs.
Davis took the win for D’Arbonne Woods.The fireballer surrendered four runs on 11 hits over six innings, striking out two and walking one. #22 threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen.
Jackson took the loss for Minden. The pitcher went one and one-third innings, allowing seven runs on three hits.
The Tide collected 14 hits on the day. Bower, Jackson, Winston and Sheppard each managed multiple hits. Bower led with four hits in five at bats.
D’Arbonne Woods totaled nine hits in the game. Roberson, Davis and Stripling each had multiple hits. Roberson went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead D’Arbonne Woods in hits.
Early lead for Texas seals Minden’s fate
Minden Crimson Tide watched the game slip away early and couldn’t recover in a 13-1 loss to Texas High late Friday. Texas High scored on a groundout by Pilgreen and a single by Raley in the first inning.
The Minden Crimson Tide struggled to put runs on the board and had a tough time defensively containing Texas High, giving up 13 runs.
In the first inning,Texas High got their offense started. Pilgreen grounded out, scoring one run.
Texas scored four runs in the sixth inning with their batters contributing to the big inning included Crite, Cartwright and Aured, all driving in runs in the inning.
Ross was the winning pitcher for Texas High. The ace lasted four innings, allowing three hits and one run while striking out three and walking zero. #3 and #6 entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.
Zander Rowell took the loss for Minden. Rowell surrendered five runs on six hits over two innings, striking out one and walking one.
Elliott Sheppard led Minden with two hits in three at-bats.
Texas High tallied 13 hits on the day. Cartwright, Wrightner, Raley and Ross each racked up multiple hits for Texas High.
Vikings take Tide in low-scoring affair 2-3
Both teams were strong on the mound late Thursday, but Airline Vikings was just a little bit stronger at the plate in a victory over Minden Crimson Tide late Thursday. Brody Bower started the game for the Tide and recorded 21 outs.
In the first inning, Minden got their offense started. Bower drew a walk, scoring one run.
Airline knotted the game up at one in the top of the second inning. Evan Wendrock hit into a fielder’s choice, scoring one run.
AirlineVikings pulled away for good with two runs in the third inning when Mason Morgan homered on a 0-1 count, scoring two runs.
Carter White got the start for Airline Vikings. The fireballer lasted five innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out seven.
Bower was on the pitcher’s mound for Minden Crimson Tide. Bower surrendered three runs on four hits over seven innings, striking out six.
Hudson Brown, Landon Brewer, Bower and Elliott Sheppard each collected one hit to lead theTide .
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Ryan’s walk-off gives Minden Tide victory over Calvin
Minden Lady Tiders took Saturday’s game in dramatic fashion, with a 9-8 walk-off victory over Calvin. The game was tied at eight with Minden Tidersbatting in the bottom of the seventh when Kylie Ryan hit a solo homer.
The Tide built a four-run lead in the second inning and then held off Calvin’s charge. Calvin put up six runs in the failed comeback. #22, #4, #6, #8, and #5 fueled the rally with RBIs.
Minden captured the lead in the first inning when Charli Flournoy grounded out, scoring one run.
Calvin evened things up at eight in the top of the sixth inning when #5 doubled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run.
Lady Tiders notched three runs in the fifth inning. Leigha K-Gilbert, Ryan, and Kaylin Williams each drove in runs during the inning.
Ryan got the start for Minden. The fireballer went seven innings, allowing eight runs on eight hits and striking out six.
#3 toed the rubber for Calvin. The hurler went six innings, allowing nine runs on eight hits and striking out five.
Minden launched one home run on the day. Ryan had a homer in the seventh inning.
Lady Tiders racked up eight hits on the day. K-Gilbert and Lindsay Ryan all managed multiple hits. K-Gilbert went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead in hits.
Calvin tallied eight hits in the game. #6, #4, and #5 each collected multiple hits for Calvin. #6 led Calvin with three hits in three at bats. Calvin stole five bases during the game as two players stole more than one. #4 led the way with two.
Minden Tiders Falls To LaSalle
Minden Lady Tiders got things moving in the first inning Saturday. Minden scored two runs when Kylie Ryan homered.
LaSalle pulled away for good with six runs in the third inning. In the third #8 singled on a 0-1 count, scoring one run, #00 drew a walk, scoring one run, #44 doubled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring two runs, and an error scored one run for LaSalle.
#8 led things off in the circle for LaSalle. The hurler went seven innings, allowing three runs on five hits, striking out ten and walking one.
Ryan was on the rubber for Minden. The hurler allowed five hits and seven runs over three innings, striking out one. Lindsay Ryan threw three innings in relief out of the bullpen.
The Tide launched one home run on the day. Ryan went deep in the first inning.
Leigha K-Gilbert led with two hits in three at -bats.
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Local Minden author Tommie Brewster and her family are looking to award one $1,000 scholarship to a graduating female senior this May.
Brewster recently self-published the book, “Footprints in the Mud: A Pathway of Evidence,” a biography about her late sister, Myrtle Newsom, who suffered from an abusive marriage and lost her life at the age of 19. The book quickly made its way to the #1 New Release in the American Drama and Plays category on Amazon.
The book recounts Myrtle’s life growing up as a young woman and how one wrong decision changed her life and the life of everyone who knew and loved her forever.
“After losing Myrtle, it really changed our dad, but he would always preach to us the importance of education, so if we ever got ourselves into a hard situation, we would have a way to get out, a way to provide for ourselves,” said Brewster.
For that reason, it was decided all proceeds raised from book sales will go toward the “Myrtle Newsom Scholarship Foundation.”
This scholarship will be awarded to a local, young female from a low-income household or first-generation college student who has hopes and plans to continue her education in the field of her choice. The scholarship will be given in remembrance of Myrtle Newsom, but also their father, Thomas Newsom.
The student will be chosen based on their application and essay that should be submitted by the deadline of April 30, 2023.
Criteria for the “Myrtle Newsom Scholarship” based on need are as follows:
– Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
– Female
– Studying full-time for the upcoming year
– Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher
– Completed application and essay
– Demonstrate financial need (Low-income household) or First-generation college student
Please click the link below to access the scholarship application. The family has been in contact with all Webster Parish high schools and has forwarded this information to the counselors. They are looking forward to awarding this scholarship in time for graduation in May.
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
