By Bonnie Culverhouse

Experience and education aided a Minden Police officer in the arrest of a local woman who may have stolen a vehicle.

Lt. Chris Hammontree arrested Kia Monique Eason, 25, of the 100 block of Hillside Lane, Minden, and charged her with fictitious registration and illegal possession of stolen things over $25,000.

Police Chief Jared McIver said Hammontree was patrolling early Sunday morning when he observed a 2021 Dodge Charger Superbee traveling on East Street.

“Due to his knowledge and experience, Lt. Hammontree knew that model was popular as being stolen and having fake Texas temporary tags,” McIver said. “Hammontree also attended a class on fake temporary tags and could tell the one on the vehicle was fictitious.”

Hammontree reportedly initiated a stop of the vehicle and on closer inspection, noted clear indicators of a fictitious tag.

“When the officer contacted Eason, she claimed her stepfather gave her the vehicle to drive,” said the chief. “She could not provide a vehicle registration and upon further inspection of the vehicle, Hammontree found the vehicle identification number plate on the dash was a sticker, and the VIN sticker on the door had been faked.”

Lt. Spencer Tippen reportedly located the VIN on the body of the vehicle under the hood. The chief said it was not the same as the others.

“It came back to a stolen vehicle out of Houston,” McIver said. “Eason eventually gave her stepfather’s name and number to officers, however, the number was disconnected. Eason insisted she drove the vehicle every day, and it had just been ‘given’ to her.”

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

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

An Athens man wanted by Claiborne Parish was caught running from Minden Police Officers last Friday.

Jermaine Winzer, 35, of the 300 block of Mulnix Switch Rd., Athens, was arrested for obstruction of justice, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer by flight and on a warrant from Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Claiborne Parish charges include criminal trespassing, possession of schedule II controlled dangerous substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said Sgt. Chris Cayer was at a North Middle Landing address, assisting the department’s Criminal Investigative Division with search warrants.

“Sgt. Cayer was on exterior security when Det. Sgt. Jason Smith called out over the radio that one black male was running toward Shreveport Road,” McIver said. “Cayer proceeded to Shreveport Road in his patrol unit and saw the male – later identified as Winzer – coming out of the wood line.”

Cayer reportedly stepped out of his vehicle and gave loud verbal commands for Winzer to show his hands and stop running.

“Winzer kept reaching in a small blue bag that he was wearing around his chest and refused to comply,” McIver said. “Sgt. Cayer observed the male throwing something on the ground. Sgt. Mitch Hackett and Cayer continued giving commands until Winzer finally stopped and was taken into custody without incident.”

A search of Winzer’s path reportedly yielded a glass pipe that contained suspected methamphetamine residue. Off. Kendale Booker advised Winzer of his rights, and Winzer allegedly admitted to disposing the pipe.

He was taken to Minden Police Department, where dispatch confirmed an active warrant through Claiborne Parish.

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

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One man’s Sugar Pops are another woman’s Apple Jacks are another man’s Crispy Critters.

In the Cereal Game, we know that going in. No one is going to agree, straight down the line, on everything.

With that in mind, it was refreshing this week to enjoy so much mail about last week’s “Cereal Killer” effort. We have some serious cereal eaters out there.

And … we are EVERYwhere. My friend The Horse Whisperer sent me a photograph this week of an actual store in the Magnificent Mile mall in Las Vegas that combines many cereal options — dare we say ‘a vast array’? — with ice cream. Cereal Killerz, it’s cleverly called.

Think about that. You leave Banana Republic, so hungry you could eat mule meat, and you see this store where you can get two of the finest food offerings known to Hungry Man, ice cream and cereal.

Next thing you know, BOOM!, you’ve had a refreshing bowl of Fruity Pebbles and you’re on your way to Nordstrom for some new threads.

Ain’t life grand when it works right? Cereal and ice cream. The Dynamic Duo. Never had I thought …

But in many places, cereal has gotten a bad rap. I read recently that because of cereal being marketed toward children since the invention of TV sets, we grownups got to thinking of it as a sugary mess and not a healthy breakfast. That “it’s something to grow out of, not aspire to.”

To which I say, Neg. Cereal eating IS something to aspire to. And unlike the cereal aisle of our youth, when we had four cereals to choose from, you now have a mountain of options, (which is both a blessing and a curse, but still …)

To get you to thinking, I’ll offer my Top 10 Cereals According to Me. Granted, I have not tried many novelty cereals, like Franken Berry or Baron Von Redberry or Smurf Magic Berries or Count Chocula or Cookie Crisp, so going in I ask forgiveness from all my 5-year-old readers who enjoy such things.

1. Frosted Flakes. They’re G-r-r-r-reat! Tony the Tiger should be in the Cereal Hall of Fame. First ballot. Stud.

2. Kashi Blueberry Clusters.

3. Kashi GO Toasted Berry Crisp. (Harder to eat than the Blueberry Clusters, but when I have the energy, I love them.)

4. Honey Nut Cheerios.

5. Cheerios, an original, beautiful in its simplicity, often imitated, never duplicated.

6. Granola, specifically Vanilla Almond Granola from Trader Joe’s, a new favorite. Where has it been all my life? Eat it in a coffee cup and just drink the final little bit. (Warning!: Like with the Alpha-Bits of my youth, you have to pay attention when you eat granola. Strategic chewing. If you got a capital “I” or the simple “O” when you ate Alpha-Bits, chewing was easy as falling off a porch. But get a crooked consonant like an “M” or “W” or “R,” it’s a bit of a different ballgame. It’s a price the roof of your mouth doesn’t want to pay. I’m told from the Cap’n Crunch crowd that the Cap’n presented a similar danger. Same with granola clusters. Mighty good though; worth the effort. Of course, so were Alpha-Bits, which they quit making in 2021; no one reads or writes anymore, I guess. Who knew hi-tech would be the end of Alpha-Bits? Big Cereal and Big Pharma: peas from the same pod. Don’t get me started …  

7. Honey Roasted Honey Bunches of Oats.

And that’s it. My Top 10 is only 7. It’s enough. Never would eat a fruity cereal. Tried shredded wheat but to me it’s shredded cardboard. Would eat Rice Krispies in a pinch — mainly just to hear the snap-krackle-pop — and would eat Chocolate Cheerios for something sweet. But really, I would just be cheating on The Magnificent Seven; not overly interested.

Maybe next week or the next we’ll hear from readers. In the meantime, go have yourself a bowl, and have yourself a ball.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Edited from Find a Grave

Lance Corporal Willie Purfoy Seamster was born on 8 Jan 1949 in Minden, Louisiana. His parents are not listed in Find a Grave.  He was in the United States Marine Corps and achieved a rank of E3 at his death.  His MOS: O311: RIFLEMAN. His Unit: 1^ST PLT, 1 CO, 3^RD BN, 27^TH MARINES, 1^ST MARDIV, IIIMAF. 

His tour started on May 20, 1968, and he was killed one month later June 15, 1968.  He was 19 at his death.  He was killed at Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam by hostile file and died outright.

His body was recovered and he was buried at Growing Valley Cemetery at Goodwill, Webster Parish, Louisiana, USA. 

He will be honored at our Armed Forced Day Celebration.  Please remember his sacrifice and the freedom he gave us.

Cindy Madden

Regent – Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution

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It’s an agonizing point in the season for area college baseball and softball fans.

With postseason play either looming (for baseball teams at LSU, Northwestern State, Grambling and Louisiana Tech) or underway (just off Youree Drive in the Shreveport Bracket for the LSUS baseball club, also on campus for the Bossier Parish Community College softball team, and at home at Tiger Park for LSU softball), there’s drama.

The boys of Alex Box have been No. 1 in the country since preseason projections began last fall. Until recently, when injuries and underwhelming performances have left the Tigers desperately seeking pitching past Friday night ace Paul Skenes. He’s been lights out. Lately, the rest of the LSU staff has been lit up.

Every weekend, Skenes dominates opponents and helps a noble cause. On Feb. 8, he pledged a donation of $10 per strikeout to support Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to spouses and children of American military heroes. He has 152 Ks heading into the final weekend of the regular season, with the SEC Tournament and NCAA Regional competition assured.

No doubt his NIL and pending MLB Draft signing bonus will cover his tab. The former Air Force Academy All-American will probably spike his donation to Folds of Honor, and no doubt LSU fans will contribute generously as well.

It will soothe their frustration over a dream season faltering at its peak. Plans to storm Omaha are suddenly in doubt. “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over,” said the baseball sage, Yogi Berra, and he’s been proven right countless times. (BTW, Berra DID storm Omaha – Beach. He took part in the D-Day Invasion on June 6, 1944 and initially turned down a Purple Heart after being grazed by a German bullet, because he didn’t want to alarm his mother back home in St. Louis.)

Conference tournaments are next week for LSU, NSU, Grambling and Tech. Under the radar, Grambling has won the Southwestern Athletic Conference West Division with a week left to play, owning a 20-6 record (25-24 overall). Alabama State (24-3 in the East) is the team to beat in the SWAC Tournament in Atlanta next week.

Northwestern (27-22 overall, 12-9 in the Southland) is third, but not eliminated from the championship race entering the final regular-season series at Southeastern. The Southland has no chance of an at-large NCAA bid this year and the tournament title is wide open next week in Lake Charles.

Tech baseball fans are perplexed to see the Bulldogs (26-27, 14-13) not battling for the Conference USA crown they were picked to win by league coaches in preseason. Losing their best hitter for the season before the first pitch hurt the ‘Diamond Dogs, and so did over-the-top expectations after two straight spectacular seasons and several key graduation departures.

LSUS is on the same flight plan as it followed all the way to the NAIA World Series last year. The Pilots rolled through the Red River Athletic Conference, winning 25 straight, but exited the RRAC Tournament early. Monday night the Pilots were two runs down in the ninth inning of their NAIA Tournament Shreveport Bracket opener, waiting on lightning to cease above and ignite below.

This time last year, LSUS lost its opener in the Shreveport Bracket, but scrapped back to earn a trip to Idaho for the World Series, where the Pilots reached the semifinals. They’ve done it before. After Monday’s 6-4 loss to MidAmerica Nazerene, they’ll have to do it again.

A World Series trip was on the line Tuesday for the Bossier Parish Community College softball team, after the Lady Cavs came up two runs shy of clinching one Monday on their home field.

BPCC didn’t let a second chance go to waste, pounding San Jacinto 12-3. The NJCAA World Series awaits in Oxford, Ala., at a little slice of heaven called Choccolocco Park. Before your taste buds go off the charts, the name is rooted in the local Native American heritage – and the park is exceptional, say Trip Advisor reviews.

Not to overlook the LSU Tigers softball team in Baton Rouge, where to the consternation of some – most  across the Atchafalaya Basin who are UL Lafayette loyalists – the Tigers host an NCAA regional, including the Ragin’ Cajuns, this weekend.

The teams split games in February, both winning on the road. So why do Cajun fans mind the 50-mile trip east? It will be entertaining, to say the least. And that’s just in the stands.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported. Extreme stress and uncertainty for families may increase the risk of child abuse and neglect raising the need to support families and prevent abuse before it occurs. 

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL) stresses that all community members have a role in ensuring children have positive experiences and families have the resources they need when they need them, well before they are in crisis. By focusing on the importance of creating systems and programs that put children and families first, we can help prevent child abuse.

Working with PCAL, VIA LINK offers a statewide program, Louisiana Parent Line, which provides parents with free, confidential, 24/7 access to a live specialist. Translation services are available, and the Louisiana Parent Line can be reached through phone and text 24 hours a day.  

“The Parent Line provides parents and other family members with a safe space to express their frustrations, ask parenting questions and get support,” explained LaVondra Dobbs, CEO of    VIA LINK. “Parent Line specialists are well trained and experienced in offering emotional support to parents. They focus on de-escalation and crisis intervention. They listen and understand parents’ concerns. Specialists can provide information on different services and referral. Perhaps most importantly, they can help parents develop plans for coping.”  

Yet, the Parent Line is more than a one-time call. Parents can call in as often as they want or need. The goal is to provide emotional support whenever parents need it. The specialists can also offer follow-up calls and help increase the circle of support for families. Throughout Louisiana, this free service is working to prevent child abuse by getting families the support they need.

**All Specialists on LA Parentline are Mandated Reporters through LA DCFS.**

The phone number is 833-LA-CHILD (833-522-4453). Y ou can also text us at (225) 424-1533.

For more information about PCAL, VIA LINK, or the Louisiana Parent Line, please contact Sherrard Crespo, LCSW, Director of Outreach and Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana at screspo@vialink.org or visit our website www.vialink.org. 

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1 Thessalonians 5:17 

Pray Without Ceasing.  

Prayer is a two way channel by which God and man  communicate with each other. In other words talking and listening to God through his son Jesus Christ.  We don’t just go to God only when we need something, but we  acknowledge him for who he is. God desires our fellowship more than anything else, he wants us to love him with all our being. 

Deuteronomy 6:5 says 

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy soul, and all thy might.  

God wants us to know and experience his love and presence, he is seeking that kind of relationship with each of us.  

Prayer is much needed!

Above all Prayer is important.  Prayer is one of the most powerful tool’s that we have as Christians.  

Also, God does hears the sinners prayer of confession and repentance! 

We should always pray without ceasing, in other words  never stop praying.  

We should always pray! 

Pray when  we get up in the morning! 

Pray during the day!

Pray before we eat!

Pray before  answering the phone! Pray for others !

Pray before we make a decision! 

Pray before we go to bed! 

We should always pray!!! 

From the early church in Acts 12:5  Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.  

Prayer has been the building block and glue which has held our families and society together. The saints prayed!

We are here because somebody prayed for us, 

it ‘s not because we were so good, but because of God Grace and Mercy. God heard the prayers of the righteous! 

Prayer is very important and much needed in our communities and all over the world.  

Prayer Still Works!!!when we pray sincerely in faith and not for show, God will hear and receive our prayers. 

Matthew 6:5 says 

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Prayer is a precious gift from God that allows us the right and privilege to talk to him anytime and anywhere.  Through prayer we can confess our sins ask for forgiveness. Through prayer we have the opportunity to Acknowledge God for who he is, we thank God for what he has done, doing and going to do. 

Through prayer we have the opportunity to intercede on the behalf of others.  Through prayer we find strength to get through life challenges.  

Through Prayer we build up our faith in God and in his son Jesus Christ. This is whyJude 20 encouraged Christians to pray in the Spirit, But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.  

From the dawn of history, the greatest men and women in  the Bible who prayed from  Moses, Abraham,David,Hannah, Deborah, Esther, Mary the mother of Jesus.

From Genesis to Malachi from Matthew to Revelation the Bible shows the Saints consistently prayed.  Throughout the Bible prayer sustained the people of God and prayer is what will sustain us today.  

~Prayer still works~

1)We have to be persistent in prayer. 

2)We have to pray God’s will to be done.  

3)We have to believe what we praying for. 

We should pray in humility 

Hannah was a great example as a woman of Prayer. 

Hannah was a woman who desperately wanted a child but could not conceive. She was ridiculed and mocked by Peninnah, which only added to her pain. But, in her suffering, Hannah turned to God. She poured her heart out, begged for a son, and promised to give him back to the Lord. God answered her prayer, and she eventually gave birth to Samuel – one of the most influential leaders in Israel. 

We are living in perils times, it’s time to pray and  not play!! 

Be Encouraged!!

(LaTina DeLoach, a native of Minden, is a Christian,a devoted wife and mother and Lady Deloach As the wife of Pastor Gregory DeLoach, Blue Run Baptist Church.)

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NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University awarded 905 degrees to 881 graduates during spring commencement May 11-12.  Graduates collected diplomas for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates and post-master’s degrees. 

Graduates listed by hometown are as follows.

Cotton Valley – Brianne Stewart, Bachelor of Science

Minden – Brittany Cammack, Bachelor of General Studies; Keyon Elkins, Michael Harden, James Heard, Zack Karzoun, Chasity Thomas, Bachelor of Science; LaQueisha Eason, Anna Gardner. Skye Terrell; Sarah Walker, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Sarah Cook, Mary Harmon, Master of Science in Nursing.

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For the second straight year, the Louisiana turkey harvest was higher than average and, in fact, the second best since 2009 Turkey hunters took 2,883 birds in 2023, only down 13 from 2022, based on tag validation.

Webster Parish fell right in the middle with 68 birds harvested in 2023.

“Good weather conditions throughout the season, combined with relatively good reproduction in some management regions of the state the last two years, are likely contributing factors to the harvest increase,” Louisiana department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Small Game Program Manager Cody Cedotal said.

The 2023 season began with above average reported harvests during youth weekend and the first two weeks of the season.

Results from 2022/2023 Louisiana Big and Small Game Harvest Survey will be available this summer.

“This is encouraging has potentially set the stage for good nesting and brood rearing conditions,” Cedotal said. “Good quality habitat is also essential for long-term sustainability of turkey populations.”

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“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” — Mary Oliver

It’s graduation season in Mississippi. I didn’t deliver a commencement address this year, but I have combined, tweaked, and added to two letters that I gave to my two children when they left for college. The result will serve as my unofficial 2023 commencement address to all Mississippi high school seniors. It’s probably good advice for us “other seniors,” as well, AARP notwithstanding.

Dear graduates, there are two, seemingly unconventional, routes to success in your upcoming professional and personal life— through passion and fun. The decision regarding your professional life should be the easiest decision you’ll ever make. Your career should be about one thing— PASSION

It took the first two decades of life to find my passion. But once I did, my career path was set. The minute I started working in restaurants I fell in love with the industry, instantly. I knew that was what I was “supposed” to do. I love restaurants. I eat, sleep, and breathe restaurants. Restaurants are my hobby.

Several years ago, my son and I were riding in the car. He asked, “Dad, what should I do when I grow up?” I thought for a minute and then said, “Son, whatever it is, don’t follow the money, follow your passion.”

Someone once said, “Do what you love to do for a career, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” That’s passion. It’s true. I do my hobby and I get paid for it. That is what I want for you.

Success follows passion, every time.

You’ll likely find your life’s purpose through your passion. Working in restaurants (my passion) led me to found the feeding charity Extra Table (my purpose).

The second piece of advice is about fun. Go out and have fun. Seriously, it’s as simple as that. But it’s got to be the right kind of fun, and it’s got to come from the right kind of places.

Having fun is where it gets a little trickier. It took me a much longer time to figure out how to be a success in my personal life, and how to find the true source of fun—it’s not at a frat party or at someone’s apartment at three in the morning. Granted, those things might be fun in a fleeting sort of way, but you’re never going to achieve a fuller life at a frat party.

After I graduated high school, I looked for fun in a lot of the wrong places, and I searched for fun for a long time. It was around the time that my children were born that 40-year old me figured out what life is all about— faith, family, friends, food and fun. Those things, in that order, are what lead to a full, fruitful, joy-filled, and productive life.

Graduates, befriend the underdog. Laugh a lot. Make others laugh a lot. Visit a nursing home. Make them laugh a lot. Hug your parents long and hard. Hug them so long that they’re the ones who let go first. The next time you see your favorite teacher and give him or her a big hug. Thank them. If you don’t appreciate them today, I promise you that you will soon. Hug the teacher you liked least, too. They’re likely in need of a hug. They worked just as hard, you just don’t appreciate that, yet.

Take care of your teeth. Walk a lot. Drink milk. Don’t hate. Stay in touch with your friends. Make new friends. Share a meal with your friends. Travel.

Don’t ever compare your insides to other people’s outsides, and always stay humble. When your head begins to swell, your mind stops growing.

We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but spiritual beings having a human experience. Just know that if God were small enough for you to truly understand, God wouldn’t be big enough to take care of all the things God needs to handle in your life. Have faith. Trust God.

At the first sign of trouble, go to God first. The will of God will never take you where the grace of God won’t protect you (though your second call should be to a parent). They say, “Nothing will happen today that you and God can’t handle.” They are right.

You will face challenges and setbacks over the next several years. Remember that despair is only a visiting moment, hope is always around the corner. Pain in life is certain. Suffering is optional. The difference between intention and decision is that intention is followed by more intentions. Decision is followed by action. Always take action.

Never confuse pleasure with happiness. Trust me, there’s a difference. Ladies, always know that “no” is a complete sentence.

Don’t worry too much. I’ve lived through the worst stuff that NEVER happened way more than I’ve lived through the stuff that actually DID happen. Again, trust God. If you pray, don’t worry. If you worry, don’t pray.

Eat French fries. Be nice. Be bold. Behave. Spend time with your grandparents. Love your neighbor. Love your neighbor’s neighbor. Love your neighbor’s grandparents. Make mistakes. Then don’t sweat the mistakes you make. Go out and make more mistakes, you’ll get it right eventually. Forgive others for their mistakes. That whole “Do unto others” thing is truly good advice. Floss every day. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Don’t be so hard on others. Just make it a general rule not to be hard.

Volunteer where you feel led. Don’t just “give back.” To “give back” you had to have received something first. Just “give,” then give some more. Give of your time, give of your resources, and give your love. When you think you’ve given enough, give even more.

Don’t forget the laughing thing. Don’t forget the hugging thing either. Don’t forget any of it. Find your passion. Make that your career. Then go be passionate. Discover your purpose. Have fun. Help others. These days aren’t rehearsals for upcoming future events. This is your moment. This is your life. You will make mistakes. Don’t dwell on them. Learn from them and move on.

Know to your core that the best things in life aren’t things, and until you give up the idea of happiness being somewhere else, you’ll never find it.

Give of yourself and give of your time. The only thing we take from this world when we leave is what we gave away. Now is a great time to start giving. Your life will truly begin when you stop expecting the world to give you something and you start trying to figure out what you can give to the world.

Share your happiness. Count your blessings. And when all else fails, follow directions.

Know that life is short, but it’s the longest thing we’ll ever do. You’ll be doubly blessed if you can make your life passion-filled and purposeful. Have fun, be kind, and call your parents.

Flourless (Almost) Chocolate Cake

This recipe takes ten minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook (though my friend Annagloria says she can do the whole recipe in 20)

4 each Large egg yolks
6 TB Sugar
3 TB Cake flour
½ lb. Bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
¼ lb. Unsalted butter

Preheat oven to 325.

In a 10” skillet, melt the butter and the chocolate over low heat.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment, combine the yolks and sugar and beat on high until pale yellow, about 2 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and slowly mix in the flour. Once the flour is incorporated, slowly add the melted butter and chocolate.

Pour into a lightly greased 9” cake pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

(Robert St. John is a chef, restaurateur and published cookbook author who lives in Hattiesburg, Miss.)

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Congratulations to all the hardworking students who made it to the Chancellor’s and Dean’s Lists for the Spring 2023 semester. Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College is proud to acknowledge the following students for their academic achievements. 

The Dean’s List acknowledges students who have maintained a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher on a 4-point scale. The Chancellor’s List honors those students who have sustained a GPA of 4.00 for the entire semester.

Chancellor’s List:

Cotton Valley: Kyndall Wise

Doyline: Peyton Boyett

Heflin: Hannah Goodwin

Minden: Brittany Sullivan, Troy West

Sarepta: Breanna Wages

Dean’s List:

Doyline: Elizabeth Spears, Jake McDivitt

Dubberly: Ashley Whaley, Ashton Barnes, Joshua Parker

Farmerville: Kimberlee Sheppard

Minden: Cole Sattler, Brandon Cartmill, Matthew Marsh, Trenton Mclaughlin, Zachary Miller, Dakota Morrow, Brett Parker, D’Metriana Ward

Sarepta: Shane Rowe, Chloe Cleveland, Jaden Myles

Sibley: Kenyon Williams

Springhill: Tanner Page, Gabriella Dickey

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My father-in-law is always telling me that I’m a “good ole boy,” but “that there’s just not much demand for good ole boys.” Well, I have a group of anglers that I travel with for the tournament trail we follow who would all fall into the good ole boy category. As far as anglers, they are all very good, but as people, they are even better! Today I’ll give some insight into what makes good travel partners for bass fishing.

First and foremost, you must trust those who are in your inner circle. You see, bass fishermen are a fickle bunch and not many can be trusted, especially in terms of fishing information. You can’t have anyone with any sort of criminal record. You need good guys who have Christian values… guys that if you get in a bind, will come to your aid the minute you call. These are the kind of guys I run with, and I appreciate each and every one of them. Now don’t get the wrong impression here! Each of us wants to stomp a mud hole in the others in our group when it comes to fishing and winning a tournament. We are all very competitive, but at the end of the day, we all pull for each other as well.  

Here’s a good example of what makes great travel partners. I was on my way back from a tournament at Lake Palestine and headed east on I-20 just outside of Longview, Texas, when I noticed smoke coming off one of my boat trailer tires. I pulled over to check it out. Sure enough, it was an angler’s worse fear…no not a flat tire, but worse…a wheel bearing had gone out. Seconds later, to my surprise, one of my travel partners called to see how I did in my tournament and was on his way back from a Lake Fork event. It was none other than Cole Garrett! I told him my situation and he wanted to know my location because he wasn’t too far behind me and he thought he had an extra wheel assembly I could use to fix my wheel.

Shocked that he would even have such a part, I sent him my location, and 20 minutes later he pulled up behind me ready to assist. Long story short, after careful inspection of the situation, we realized we didn’t have the right tools to fix the problem, so we just removed the wheel. I came back to Shreveport on three wheels and dropped it off at my boat dealer (The Boat Shop). This is why I love tandem axle boat trailers…you can always come in on three wheels if you must, but you might have to take it a little slower.

Now even though Cole couldn’t fix my problem, just the fact that he thought enough of me to try and help anyway, meant the world to me. Even though he was tired after three or four days of hard fishing, he still took the time to try and help a friend. That’s what makes someone a good travel partner…someone who will drop whatever they’re doing to try and help someone else!

As anglers, we follow tournament trails all over the region, and no matter how new or old your boat is, there will be times when you need assistance. Having good travel partners is essential to making life less stressful and it puts your mind at ease. Even though we all have top of the line bass boats, it’s kind of like owning a motorhome. It’s not a matter of if something will break, but when. The group of guys I travel with…Brett Hortman, Adrian James, and Cole Garrett are all great anglers in their own right. But as people, they will do whatever they can to help in any way possible, no matter what situation or problem may arise.

So, if you’re looking to hit the road and follow a tournament trail, make sure you have some good ole boys you can trust that will always have your back no matter what comes up. Till next time good luck, good fishing and don’t forget your sunscreen.

Steve Graf

Angler’s Perspective

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

May 19

10 a.m. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Sign Dedication, Webster Fire District 7 Station 5 west of Dixie Inn on Hwy. 80, hosted by Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, American Legion Wiley-Pevy Post #74 and Hunter-Rickerson VFW Post 2885 and Auxiliary. For more information, contact Cindy Madden at darcindymadden@gmail.com or 318-401-5420.

2 p.m. Grand Opening and Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for Ark-Ana’s Convenience Store, 208 Bradley Road (15th St. NW) Springhill. Crawfish boil from 4 until 6:30 p.m., food truck, bounce house, kids are welcome.

May 20

Trails & Trellises Garden Tour. Three breathtaking gardens. To purchase a ticket in advance for $10, call 318-371-1371 or send an email inquiry to phlegm.minden@gmail.com.

10 a.m. until noon Mental Health Awareness at Minden REC Center, 1001 Recreational Drive, Minden. Sponsored by the General Grand Masonic Congress, The Supreme Council and National Alliance on Mental Illness.

11 a.m. Lunch with program at noon, Armed Forces Day Celebration honoring all veterans, Minden Civic Center. Special guests: Vietnam Veterans. Hosted by Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, American Legion Wiley-Pevy Post #74 and Hunter Rickerson VFW Post 2885 and Auxiliary. For more information or to volunteer, contact Cindy Madden at darcindymadden@gmail.com or 318-401-5420.

May 21

Following 10:30 a.m. service, fellowship meal honoring Rev. David and Kay Dietzel, First United Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.

May 25

9 a.m. Minden High School 9th through 11th grade awards.

May 26

7 p.m. Minden High School graduation.

Memorial Day Photo Project. Feature a photo of your fallen hero on a Memorial Day Wall, Webster Parish Libraries, Minden branch. Contact Valarie Killgore at 318-371-3080, ext. 123 for more information.

June 2

10 a.m. Ribbon Cutting at the Kayak Dock on Dorcheat Bayou.

June 4

2 until 4 p.m. Open House and Reception. Webster Parish Council on Aging, 1482 Sheppard St., Minden.

June 6

3 until 6 p.m. Webster Parish Libraries’ Springhill branch. Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party events with games, food, activities and fun.

June 8

4 until 7 p.m. Webster Parish Libraries’ Minden branch. Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party events with games, food, activities and fun.

June 9 & 10

Grilling on Main, 2023, BBQ Cookout Festival, downtown Minden. Call 318-371-4258 to reserve a sponsorship. Visit https://pulse.ly/tumml5nl27 to register a team.

June 24

8 a.m. Registration for North Webster Martial Arts “Battle for the Shield.” Sanctioned event at Minden Rec Center, 1001 Recreation Drive, Minden. Sponsors and donations needed. Search for North Webster Martial Arts on Facebook.

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Debbie Johnson Sistrunk

March 5, 1954 – May 13, 2023

Minden, La.

Graveside service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2023, Minden Cemetery.

Barry Wayne Teague

Oct. 13, 1953 – May 2, 2023

Minden, La.

Memorial Service: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2023, First Baptist Church, Minden, La.

Ricky Len “Pero” Pickett

July 8, 1955 – May 14, 2023

Ringgold/Coushatta, La.

Visitation: noon until 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2023, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Coushatta, La.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. immediately following visitation.

Graveside servicer: 3:30 p.m., Thomas Wren Cemetery.

Margaret Ann Felton Scott

Dec. 17, 1937 – May 10, 2023

Ringgold, La.

Visitation: 12:30 p.m. until service time, Saturday, May 20, 2023 Rockett Funeral Home, Ringgold.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. immediately following visitation.

Burial: Providence Cemetery, Ringgold.

Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are free of charge.)

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Family members of Daniel Madison Merritt know law enforcement officers are doing everything possible to locate the man who allegedly shot and killed their son.

James Merritt, father of Madison (as the family referred to him) said his son was something of a “mama’s boy.”

“When his mama didn’t hear from him that Saturday, she texted me and asked if I had seen or talked to Madison,” Merritt said. “I told her no, and she said he called or texted her every day.”

Merritt suggested Madison’s mother call the police. She called Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and the search began. It eventually led to the discovery of Madison’s remains in a wooded area near Auction Barn Road the next day.

The search is still under way for alleged killer Cedric Stephens. While waiting for Stephens to be captured, the family knows “everyone is doing everything they can.”

“Right now, we’re just watching the (Webster Parish) Journal and Facebook and trying not to believe everything we read and just waiting for some answers,” Merritt said. 

Minden Police, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and surrounding law enforcement agencies are still actively following leads on Stephens and the reward money grows almost every day.

Police Chief Jared McIver said the U.S. Marshal’s Office has also been called in to help, should leads take law enforcement across state lines.

“We have several law enforcement agencies involved,” McIver said. “U.S. Marshals, Louisiana State Police, Webster Parish Sheriff and City Marshal’s Office. We have the manpower to find him; we are just looking for those leads.”

McIver said there is much going on with the investigation that cannot be released, and some of what is being shared on social media is incorrect.

“It’s like a puzzle,” he said. “There are still so many unanswered questions. We are putting everything together to prove in court. If we don’t do it right and have all the evidence that points to the suspect or suspects, it’s all in vain. He could walk if we don’t strategically do this exactly like it’s supposed to be.

“If a piece or two is missing out of it, it could alter the conviction,” McIver continued. “It hasn’t happened as quick as I would’ve liked it, but we have tried. We’ve had guys working around the clock.”

The chief requested anyone with information or leads should contact Minden Police Department (318-371-4226), Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office (318-377-1515) or 911. They can remain anonymous. A reward is being offered for information leading Stephens’ capture.

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

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Attempts to serve a search warrant for alleged killer Cedric Stephens Friday, yielded instead the arrest of another man on multiple drug charges.

Catorio Dirante Shelton, 41, of the 100 block of Chandler Street, Minden, was arrested for possession with intent to distribute natural marijuana, Ecstasy, methamphetamine, Adderall, hydrocodone and synthetic marijuana – street valued at approximately $100,000.

“U.S. Marshals and officers went to Chandler Street to serve a search warrant for Stephens who has an active warrant for second degree murder through our agency,” Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said. “During the search for Stephens, a back pack was located in plain view in the basement room. The backpack was open and officers could see marijuana in the bag.”

Officers reportedly cleared the residence for Stephens, and awaited a second search warrant for illegal narcotics and paraphernalia.

During the search, officers reportedly located one large bag of marijuana, 2 large bags of Ecstasy tablets (estimated to be around 3,000 tablets), a large bag of methamphetamines, 4 small baggies of natural marijuana, Kool plastic with synthetic marijuana, a box of sandwich baggies, marijuana grinder, digital scales, 2 small baggies with suspected Fentanyl, a large amount of Adderall tablets, a prescription bottle with an unknown white powder and multiple hydrocodone tablets.

“Post Miranda, Shelton stated all the drugs were stolen from a house on the ‘west side’,” said the chief.

The search for Cedric Stephens continues. He is wanted in the shooting death of Daniel Madison Merritt.

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

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By Marilyn Miller

A large crowd of people representing Minden’s business, judicial, chamber, educational, and philanthropic communities gathered Wednesday evening to witness the unveiling of Project Reclaim’s newest program – television production.

Project Reclaim is a leadership academy that targets elementary through high school youth throughout Minden and Webster Parish.

“The main goal of Project Reclaim is to help our participants become the best leaders that they can be by learning about leadership, performing well academically, and learning to respect relationships with others,” said Executive Director Ron Anderson. “Through leadership training, life and social skills development activities, and media training through hands-on experience with TV production, post-production editing, as well as parental involvement activities we empower youth to reach for the stars!”

Lloyd Davis, who has been assisting Project Reclaim youth with TV production, recently made it possible for the non-profit organization to purchase all of his broadcast components, thus enabling PR to broadcast over UTube and other media platforms.

“The youth are learning interviewing, working in front of the cameras and behind, setting up scenes, writing scripts…all of the jobs that are required in the broadcast profession,” Anderson said. “This builds up their self-esteem, and translates to the real world of work.”

Prior to unveiling the television set, complete with multiple cameras, the crowd was shown a podcast featuring testimonials from students and parents of Project Reclaim. Now the youth will be able to produce their own podcasts and broadcast them over different platforms.

“Prayer works, but Project Reclaim works, too,” one parent said in an interview.

Following the unveiling, young people and their parents were invited to enact interviewing scenes, while other students manned the cameras and directed.

Project Reclaim primarily serves youth that are considered “at risk” due to poverty, residency in high crime neighborhoods, single parent household composition, performing below their academic potential, behavioral difficulties in the academic setting, and youth in need of additional support.

“This (working with non-profits and youth) is difficult work,” Anderson said, “But there is always brightness in it if you just look.”

Wrapping up, Anderson challenged the crowd to “Be ready! You are going to be interviewed. Be sure to answer when I call!”

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I have given ample thought to the myriad of things teachers provide for the students and families of Webster Parish.  In addition, we are in the midst of LEAP 2025 testing in all schools with grades 3 and above.  I mention this because teachers constantly bless our students and families in ways a test score does not directly measure.  Some may say these are the “little things,” but we know in many cases, the “little things” count the most.  You might ask, what are you referring to?  Well, here are a few things that have come to mind over the course of this week:

From the district and school level, teachers provide clothing, food, materials/supplies, mental health counseling, transportation, shelter, and other links to resources for our students and families during times of loss or tragedy.  They give countless things out of their own pockets to those in need that no one except that individual will ever know about.  They offer words of encouragement, a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a safe haven at school.  (We all recognize that for many of our students, the best part of their day is while they are with teachers at school.)  You serve in loco parentis, as protector, confidant, role model, and mentor.  These are just a few examples of items that could be on a list that goes on and on.  I think it’s safe to say these “little things” really are “BIG THINGS”!  There is no doubt teachers are the difference makers in the lives of those they come in contact with on a daily basis for most of the year.  Our students and families need us; they depend on us!  

With this in mind, and on behalf of the Webster Parish School Board and the entire supervisory/central office staff, I say THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

(Johnny Rowland, Jr. is the Superintendent of Webster Parish Schools.)

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Team openings are still available for b1 Bank and UCAP’s 12th annual golf tournament this upcoming weekend (May 20 and 21) at Pine Hills Country Club in Minden, with a dinner and auction Friday night beginning with happy hour at 5:30 p.m.

John Earnhardt said the tournament is a two-man scramble with payouts.

“Right now, we have about 40 teams,” Earnhardt said last Friday. “Normally, we have more. A lot of people wait until the last week to sign up.”

They take up to 54, however, they can accept 60 teams by playing A and B on certain holes.

There is no limit to sponsorships for the tournament, according to b1 Bank’s Micah Hanson.

“We can take all the sponsorships we can get,” Hanson said.

Gold Sponsor gets two teams in the tournament. It is $1,000.

For $500, a Silver Sponsor gets one team. A hole sponsorship, which includes a sign, is $150, and a non-sponsor entry is $300 per team.

Those sponsorships also include food and beverages for two days and the dinner, raffle, silent and live auction Friday.

Friday night dinner and lunches each day are catered by Hugh Wood Specialty Meats & Catering.

As title sponsor, b1 Bank has been involved for the duration of the UCAP tournament.

“First it was sponsored by Richland Bank, but we were bought out, so legacy … it’s b1 Bank since the beginning,” Hanson said.

“I became involved in it about two or three years in,” he continued. “Charity is always near and dear to my heart. We want to give back and support the community as a community bank. It’s part of what we do.”

Hanson said by partnering with the Pickleball Club, they expect a larger-than-ever donation this year.

“Last year we raised about $20,000, and we hope to double that this year,” he said. “It’s a good charity. All that money stays here.”

In 2022 UCAP was able to pay $55,018 in utility assistance, $2,500 in rent and $3,756 in emergency lodging. 

“We helped 463 families –1,024 individuals – with food and 1,058 adults and children with clothing and household goods,” Jones said. “Our overhead for the year was $8,845 – $6,136 for utilities and insurance.  We were fortunate to have funds donated for a security system.”

In January,  UCAP was able to pay $$4,868 in utility assistance and $300 in rent.

“We helped 34 families (82 individuals) with food and 84 adults and children with clothing and household goods.  Our overhead for the month was $719,” UCAP director Charlotte Jones said.

All fundraiser proceeds go to assist with utilities, rent, emergency lodging and food.

UCAP workers are all volunteers, however, Jones said the pandemic affected some of them. There are now 13, many of whom work one half day a week.

Fundraisers, the heartbeat of the UCAP funding have suffered, as well.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

If you aren’t a golfer, UCAP’s biggest annual fund raiser has a new way to support United Christian Assistance Program.

The first-ever Pine Hills Pickleball Tournament for UCAP will be held May 19-21.

“Registration is $65 per person,” said coordinator Kelli Morgan. “If they want to play an additional division, like mixed doubles, it’s $15.”

Morgan said the $65 sign up fee includes a tee shirt, however, this late into registration, there are no guarantees shirts will be available.

Pickleballers are included in the catered meal and auction Friday night at Pine Hills, as well as breakfast and lunch Saturday and Sunday.

Openings to swing the paddle are still available. Men and women of all skill levels are welcome.

“We have 30 right now,” Morgan said Sunday night. “I’d love to get to 50.”

To sign up, visit www.pickleballbrackets.com.

“Just keep scrolling until you find it,” Morgan said.

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I was 23 years old when I was asked to pray to open a meeting. The room was full of older men, people of perceived importance to my young brain, and we sat at one of those oversized tables that are found in fancy board rooms. Not the cheap manufactured wood kind. This was the real deal, like Paul Bunyan had chopped and then molded it himself. This was like one of those rooms where you’d expect to see men sitting around in armchairs, wearing $3,000 suits, smoking cigars, and drinking scotch.

I felt like I didn’t belong. I was young and had zero confidence. Truth be told, I’m middle aged, and some times I still have zero confidence. But that’s beside the point. 

Back to the story. So when the gentleman, and he was a gentle man, asked me to open the proceedings in a word of prayer, all I could feel was their eyes on me. There was no Holy Spirit moving through my words. I wasn’t concerned with honoring God. Just concerned with what they thought of me.

The prayer went about how you’d imagine, and I was profoundly embarrassed. It was so bad that there was a pause after I mumbled “amen.” Silence. Like the guys were asking themselves, “just what kind of idiot is this kid?” And that’s all I could think about for the rest of the meeting. And the rest of the night. And for the rest of …. Well, a while.

I cared what they thought. 

You see, as I was reminded during a Bible study this week, the Devil can’t rob your soul, he can’t steal that because – 1. It doesn’t belong to him, and – 2. It doesn’t belong to you either. I like to think of our souls as just being on loan from God. Kinda like the house you say you own, but the bank is really the one with the paperwork. 

My soul is on loan, and just like the house, I could always default and let it get taken away. But the Devil can’t steal it. But what he can do is steal your confidence and your joy. Make you second guess yourself. Make you think you don’t belong in the room. Make you think you aren’t good enough. Make you question your intelligence, ability to do the job, or overall worth.

That’s what happened to me back when I was a 23-year-old, insecure, little pup in a room filled with what I considered to be the Masters of the Universe. Imposter syndrome. 

A lot of times I’ve let the Devil steal my confidence, my joy. It still happens from time to time. And I bet it will continue to happen until the day God calls my soul home, reclaiming the lease He saw fit to give me for a short while. It’s imposter syndrome and, if you’ve ever had it, you know just how tough it can be. 

I think we’re all that way because the older I get and the more people I meet, the more alike I see we all are. 

The Devil will try to steal your joy and your confidence all the time in ways you could never imagine. It’s just a matter of whether we let him succeed.

As for me, I do t have a prime. Praying in from of others anymore because I’ve installed a Home Security system round my heart, round my mind, round my soul. It doesn’t always hold, but it’s the number 1 selling system in soul protection for a reason. The Holy Spirit was my salesman and Jesus Christ was my installer. Best thing is it didn’t cost me a cent.

The price had already been paid. 

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

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Glenbrook Athletic Director James Thurman has announced the selection of Reagan Smith as the school’s next Head Football Coach.

Smith has been an assistant coach or coordinator at West Monroe, Evangel, Logansport, Parkway and North Caddo.  During his coaching tenure, Smith has been part of 3 state championship teams (West Monroe 2009, Evangel 2010, Logansport 2016).

During that span, Coach Smith has coached numerous athletes who went on to play collegiate football, including 9 players who are current or former NFL players.

“I am thankful, excited, and very happy to come full circle as the next head coach at Glenbrook School,” Smith said. “I started my coaching career here at Glenbrook in 2008. Now I get to start my head coaching journey in the same special place. I want to thank Head of School, Darden Gladney, Athletic Director James Thurman, and all the other stakeholders for trusting me with this tremendous opportunity. Together, with the Glenbrook School community, I look forward to maximizing our program.”

Coach Smith met with the team Monday during school and was introduced at the Athletic Banquet Monday night.

Football workouts are slated to begin on Tuesday, June 6, and will take place on Tuesday through Thursday at 8 a.m.

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Edited from Find a Grave

PFC Phillip Murry Myles was born in Minden, Louisiana on 24 Nov 1946, USA.  His parents are not listed in Find a Grave.  He was in the United States Army and attained the rank of E3.  He was a Private First Class and an Infantryman.  

His unit was C CO, 2^ND BN, 12^TH CAVALRY, 1^ST CAV DIV, USARV. He tragically started his tour on April 19, 1967 and was Killed in Action on July 27, 1967, 3 months later.  He was 20 years old at the time of his death.  He died on Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam.  He was a ground casualty and died from hostile fire.

His body was recovered and he waw buried at Moores Cemetery, Sailes, Bienville Parish, Louisiana.

He will be honored at our Armed Forced Day Celebration.  Please remember his sacrifice and the freedom he gave us.

Cindy Madden

Regent – Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution

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