By Bonnie Culverhouse

Despite the extreme heat, Wiley Pevy Post 74 American Legion will host a celebration of freedom at Eagle Park by Turner’s Pond in Minden, La.

According to Jerry Madden, American Legion 4^th Dist. Vice Commander, the event will take place at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 4 – albeit an abbreviated event.

“Because of the heat, we are starting earlier this year,” he said. “We will have a short welcome, prayer and then our flag changing ceremony.”

Madden said he plans for the wreath ceremony afterward for POWs, MIAs and “those who have already departed.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair, water and umbrella for shade.

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It’s almost time to pluck your duck at the 5th annual Fourth of July Duck Derby Extravaganza in downtown Minden.

All the fun will get quackin’ at 5 p.m. Monday, July 3, on Main Street. Proceeds benefit the Greater Minden Chamber’s community programs.

“The events committee is working diligently to plan a night that is shaping up to be a truly spectacular evening,” said Chamber CEO Stephanie Barnette. “We are anticipating hundreds of locals, as well as out of town guests, to line the brick streets of Minden to watch a few thousand ducks race down the water-filled course.”

The public will have an opportunity to purchase ducks and the winning ducks will receive cash prizes.

“We are adding a few new events to the evening and will cap it all off with a fireworks celebration by Presenting Sponsor Goex Industries.” Barnette said.

Young Women’s Service Club will be handing out popsicles and glow sticks, and there will be a children’s parade.

Children’s Parade:

“All ages are welcome to join in on the fun at our Children’s Parade during the Duck Derby,” Barnette said. “Come dressed in their best patriotic attire or duck themed costumes/outfits.”

There is no fee to participate in the parade, and children may bring their skates, bikes, wagons or pedal cars

Prizes will be awarded

5:30 p.m .- Lineup begins in front of Capital One Bank on Main street.

5:45 p.m. – Parade begins!

Sponsorships for the derby are closed, however, ducks may be purchased on the chamber’s website (see below).

“We are doing a giveaway contest on our page now until Friday,” Barnette said.

Purchase Ducks

• 1 Racing Duck (1): $5
• Quack Pack (5): $20
• Quacker’s Dozen (12): $50
• Flock of Ducks (25): $100

Purchase Ducks: https://greatermindenchamber.com/product-category/community-program-support/

Cash Prizes

1st Place – $1,000 Cash
2nd Place – $500 Cash
3rd Place – $250 Cash

You do not need to be present to win.

Quacktastic Sponsors:
Town & Country Health & Rehab

Home Federal Bank

Pond Sponsors:

Barksdale Federal Credit Union

B1Bank

City on a Hill Pentecostals

Fibrebond Corporation

Gibsland Bank & Trust

Interstate Building Materials

Mike’s Hometown Spirits

Under Dawgs Sports Grill

Duckling Sponsors:

Ace Hardware

Durrett Law & Title

Catherine C. Hunt, Realtor/LaState Realty, LLC

Special Thanks:

Minden Fire Department, City of Minden, Webster Parish Libraries, Citizens National Bank, D&T Inflatables, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Minden, Wimberly Agency, Young Women’s Service Club of Minden.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Webster Parish Journal will be joining our sister publications in honoring our independence on July 4. We will not publish that day, but we will be back in your inbox Wednesday, July 5.

Celebrate with us!

9 Things you may not know about the Declaration of Independence as published on history.com:

1. The Declaration of Independence wasn’t signed on July 4, 1776.

On July 1, 1776, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, and on the following day, 12 of the 13 colonies voted in favor of Richard Henry Lee’s motion for independence. The delegates then spent the next two days debating and revising the language of a statement drafted by Thomas Jefferson. On July 4, Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, and as a result, the date is celebrated as Independence Day. Nearly a month would go by, however, before the actual signing of the document took place. First, New York’s delegates didn’t officially give their support until July 9 because their home assembly hadn’t yet authorized them to vote in favor of independence. Next, it took two weeks for the Declaration to be “engrossed”—written on parchment in a clear hand. Most of the delegates signed on August 2, but several—Elbridge Gerry, Oliver Wolcott, Lewis Morris, Thomas McKean and Matthew Thornton—signed on a later date. (Two others, John Dickinson and Robert R. Livingston, never signed at all.) The signed parchment copy now resides at the National Archives in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, alongside the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

2. More than one copy of the Declaration of Independence exists.

After the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the “Committee of Five”—Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston—was charged with overseeing the reproduction of the approved text. This was completed at the shop of Philadelphia printer John Dunlap. On July 5, Dunlap’s copies were dispatched across the 13 colonies to newspapers, local officials and the commanders of the Continental troops. These rare documents, known as “Dunlap broadsides,” predate the engrossed version signed by the delegates. Of the hundreds thought to have been printed on the night of July 4, only 26 copies survive. Most are held in museum and library collections, but three are privately owned.

3. When news of the Declaration of Independence reached New York City, it started a riot.

By July 9, 1776, a copy of the Declaration of Independence had reached New York City. With hundreds of British naval ships occupying New York Harbor, revolutionary spirit and military tensions were running high. George Washington, commander of the Continental forces in New York, read the document aloud in front of City Hall. A raucous crowd cheered the inspiring words, and later that day tore down a nearby statue of George III. The statue was subsequently melted down and shaped into more than 42,000 musket balls for the fledgling American army.

4. Eight of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were born in the U.K.

While the majority of the members of the Second Continental Congress were native-born Americans, eight of the men voting for independence from Britain were born in the United Kingdom. Button Gwinnett and Robert Morris were born in England, Francis Lewis was born in Wales, James Wilson and John Witherspoon were born in Scotland, George Taylor and Matthew Thornton were born in Ireland and James Smith hailed from Northern Ireland.

5. One signer of the Declaration of Independence later recanted.

Richard Stockton, a lawyer from Princeton, New Jersey, became the only signer of the Declaration of Independence to recant his support of the revolution. On November 30, 1776, the hapless delegate was captured by the British and thrown in jail. After months of harsh treatment and meager rations, Stockton repudiated his signature on the Declaration of Independence and swore his allegiance to King George III. A broken man when he regained his freedom, he took a new oath of loyalty to the state of New Jersey in December 1777.

6. There was a 44-year age difference between the youngest and oldest signers.

The oldest signer was Benjamin Franklin, 70 years old when he scrawled his name on the parchment. The youngest was Edward Rutledge, a lawyer from South Carolina who was only 26 at the time. Rutledge narrowly beat out fellow South Carolinian Thomas Lynch Jr., just four months his senior, for the title.

7. Two additional copies of the Declaration of Independence have been found in the last 25 years.

In 1989, a Philadelphia man found an original Dunlap Broadside hidden in the back of a picture frame he bought at a flea market for $4. One of the few surviving copies from the official first printing of the Declaration, it was in excellent condition and sold for $8.1 million in 2000. A 26th-known Dunlap broadside emerged at the British National Archives in 2008 in a box of papers sent to the Crown centuries ago by a British official in colonial America.

8. The Declaration of Independence spent World War II in Fort Knox.

On December 23, 1941, just over two weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the signed Declaration, together with the Constitution, was removed from public display and prepared for evacuation out of Washington, D.C. Under the supervision of armed guards, the founding document was packed in a specially designed container, latched with padlocks, sealed with lead and placed in a larger box. All told, 150 pounds of protective gear surrounded the parchment. On December 26 and 27, accompanied by Secret Service agents, it traveled by train to Louisville, Kentucky, where a cavalry troop of the 13th Armored Division escorted it to Fort Knox. The Declaration was returned to Washington, D.C., in 1944.

9. There is something written on the back of the Declaration of Independence.

In the movie National Treasure, Nicholas Cage’s character claims that the back of the Declaration contains a treasure map with encrypted instructions from the founding fathers, written in invisible ink. Unfortunately, this is not the case. There is, however, a simpler message, written upside-down across the bottom of the signed document: “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776.” No one knows who exactly wrote this or when, but during the Revolutionary War years the parchment was frequently rolled up for transport. It’s thought that the text was added as a label.

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Back in the mid 1990s, Herself Hillary R. Clinton wrote (she says) the book, It Takes A Village, presented to readers as what is required of a community to help raise well-rounded children who will become part of and give of their developed talents to that community.

What is expected of the community, or commune as some skeptics claim, is a safe and healthy environment where children have the security and confidence to become models for future community-raised generations.

Since the book’s publication, times and definitions have been altered, and the village-raised children have become adults. Village, a.k.a., community, is now more defined as being the collective human race, with notable exceptions. Example: most anything white and male. Gender specific, in this case, is ok.

For grins, let’s take a minute or two to see how well the village of human has done with the upbringing. As youth has become contributing members of society, your humble observer thought you might like to see a couple of examples of what the village has raised. 

We also thought it might be interesting to limit the examples to the educational arena, where new generations are being molded in the image acceptable to someone, or something.

During a debate on allowing opt outs from sexually oriented classroom instruction and materials for public school students, an elected official had harsh words for Muslim children who were testifying in support of opting out for religious reasons.

Kristin Mink, a Montgomery County (Maryland) Council rep said the issue of asking to opt out of LBGTQ books “…put some Muslim families on the same side of an issue as White supremacists and outright bigots.” 

A not surprising but testy fact: Mink is a former public school teacher. We’re sure her teaching style was one of factual presentation and not indoctrination. And most assuredly, Mink’s teaching style must have been one where differing opinions were welcome without fear of reprisal. You know, nothing like the Stalinistas Solution.

Then there’s biology professor Johnson Varkey, formerly at St. Phillip’s College in San Antonio, Texas, who says he was fired after teaching a lesson pointing out that sex is determined by X and Y chromosomes. Grounds for his reported termination: religious preaching.

And, by the way, his purported pulpit propaganda reportedly created such a dangerous classroom atmosphere that four students fled the lecture hall. Gasp. Sources who wish to remain anonymous said there’s a good chance the students fled because they failed a pop test when asked to spell “X” and “Y.” 

Same sources claim administrators at the community college were confused by the word chromosomes. Some knew that word had something to do with DNA; a few thought it was that shiny protective finish on selected motor vehicle bumpers. 

No word yet on why a discussion on the human reproductive system became the subject of an alleged classroom sermon. Unless, of course, some student asked the professor to comment on to whom one should speak during a certain reproductive activity. 

Lastly but not leastly: A Pennsylvania State University professor is suing that outstanding institution for race discrimination after being subjected, he claims, to professional development training that doesn’t seem to contain a lot of positive developmental discourse.

According to the lawsuit, Prof. Zack De Piero “…was individually singled out for ridicule and humiliation because of the color of his skin…” when the school’s developmental instruction presented the English language as racist and the embodiment of white supremacy. 

And just when you thought there was nothing that could be more reflective of the disease Epics Moronicum, which appears to be spreading in epidemic proportions to many institutions of higher learning. If we can’t trust English, what can we trust to be a non-threatening verbal vehicle. 

Suggestion: pig Latin. Esyay. Oundsay oodgay. Find something racist/supremacist about that lingo, Oranmay. Your humble observer believes, as do an increasing number of others,  that inmates are running the asylums. 

Across our nation, there’s a movement toward removing parents from the child-rearing process. From pre-kindergarten through college, alleged experts are working hard to train young persons in their image while stifling any opposition with now infamous buzz words designed to shut down opposition and debate.

A very wise man said, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Solomon was right. As the twig is bent, so grows the tree. All we have to do is keep the social overhaulers out of the brains of our children. And that doesn’t happen through silence and indifference. 

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In the past, the City of Minden has notified customers of boil advisories by placing door hangers on the residences and businesses affected. For the safety of Minden’s residents and employees, the City of Minden will no longer place these hangers on residences. As required by the State of Louisiana, certain businesses will still receive door hangers or be contacted by phone. The City of Minden will publish notifications of boil advisories on the City of Minden website, the City of Minden Facebook page, and through other local media outlets. Alerts will also be sent through the City of Minden’s free app.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

With the excessive heat leading up to July 4, Minden Fire Chief Brian Williams recommends avoiding certain fireworks and taking precautions.

“With the grass as dry as it is, avoid sparklers,” Williams said. “They can cause a grass fire. And when igniting fireworks always keep a water hose handy.”

The area is currently in an excessive heat advisory, said the chief.

“That means we have heat indexes of up to 115 degrees,” he said. “We expect heat advisories up through the holiday.”

Persons who are outside during the day should stay in the shade, Williams added, and drink plenty of water.

Because of the recent rains, Webster Parish is not in a burn ban, he said.

“But with the heat and humidity, we urge extreme caution with fireworks.”

A new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finds a significant upward trend in fireworks-related injuries. Between 2006 and 2021, injuries with fireworks climbed 25 percent in the U.S., according to CPSC estimates. 

Last year, at least nine people died, and an estimated 11,500 were injured in incidents involving fireworks.

“It’s imperative that consumers know the risks involved in using fireworks, so injuries and tragedies can be prevented. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch the professional displays,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. In addition, he said, “CPSC’s Office of Compliance and Field Operations continues to work closely with other federal agencies to prevent the sale of illegal consumer fireworks.” 

Young adults 20 to 24 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries in 2021.

CPSC urges consumers to celebrate safely this holiday by following these safety tips: 

Tips to Celebrate Safely

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.

Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap. 

Light fireworks one at a time, then move quickly away from the fireworks device. 

Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.

Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.

After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.

Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.

Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

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I refer to my children as my “little ducks” all the time. Why? Because they follow me everywhere all day long. I mean everywhere. Going to the kitchen to get a drink of water? There they are. Going to the tiniest room in my house (also known as the laundry room)? Yep, they are coming, too. Need to use the bathroom? Well good thing I don’t mind an audience, I guess. 

I am not just talking about the younger two either, all three of them follow me around in a line from youngest to oldest all day. It is absolutely maddening some days. Especially when I just want to run out to check the mail, which should only take about 55 seconds round-trip, but it turns into a 30-minute expedition by the time the little ducklings have strapped on their shoes, grabbed their drinks, followed me to the mailbox (after fighting about who gets to check it). The next thing I know, we are out in the front yard for half an hour because one of them found a lizard, wanted to pick flowers, learn how to ride a bike without training wheels or dig for buried treasure.  

After a day slap full of playing “follow the leader,” I was feeling a little overstimulated, so I loaded the girls up in the car to go grab a sno cone and head to the library. I do this often when they start driving me crazy at home, just to get a little bit of time where I am not being chased after. It is a good little break and reset for us all. We get a treat and some time for them to scatter about the library looking for a few good books.  

As we were pulling back into our neighborhood feeling a bit refreshed, I suddenly had to slam on the brakes. We have two rather large ponds close by our house and they are always full of geese and here they were just taking a casual stroll across the street from one pond to the next. The girls and I just sat and watched them as they took their time, all of them walking in a straight line one after the other.  

This goes back to the reasoning behind why I refer to the girls as my “little ducks” or I guess geese in this instance. This is what happens when a baby duck or goose is born, they imprint on the first thing they see, which almost all of the time will be their mother. You see a mother duck waddling or swimming around and she is sure to have a line of little ones following very closely behind her.  

Although it can get overwhelming as parents and I am sure the mother ducks and geese, too, having constant shadows following you about, if I look on the bright side, I know they do this because they feel safe, comfortable and loved in my presence.  

I know they will not always be my “little ducks.” One day they will fly the coop and I will be left wishing that I could get them lined up in a row behind me again. I feel the empty nest syndrome kicking in already just thinking about it.

(Paige Nash is a wife, mother of three little ducks, publisher of Bienville Parish Journal and Claiborne Parish Journal and a digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)

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Several local students attended a special event last week at Webster 4-H University. 

We’d like to congratulate all of participants and recognize three blue ribbon winners: Zander Thompson, Kyleigh Cruze, and Madison McGraw as well as three state board members: Luke Butcher, Madison McGraw, and Cailey Nail.

Each year 4-H members who are 8th-12th grade are eligible to attend 4-H University on the campus of LSU and A&M College in Baton Rouge to demonstrate their skills in more than 30 competitive events, workshops, and educational sessions. It is a culmination of a 4-H member’s year of hard work and dedication. Events range from Automotive Care, ESports, Fishing Sports, Healthy Living Demonstrations, Public Speaking, Fashion, Robotics and more! Through competing, youth demonstrate life skills in teamwork, decision making, problem solving, resiliency, and many more. Each competitive event allots youth an opportunity for personal growth, skill mastery, and other life skills vital to functioning members of society.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Many people enjoy the booming sounds and flashing lights of fireworks, but they can be terrifying and overwhelming for Fido and Fluffy.

During the Fourth of July holidays, pets can become so frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks they run from otherwise familiar environments and people, and sadly become lost. 

Joe Scroggs, DVM, of Trinity Animal Hospital in Minden, said there are ways to keep your pet calm during fireworks.

“One way is to be near them,” Dr. Scroggs said. “Pets like feeling the security of companionship.”

He recommends a product called a “Thundershirt” that mimics the pet being held by the owner, if the owner has to be away from the home during a fireworks display. 

“Covering the windows so pets can’t see the flashes from the fireworks may also be helpful,” he said.

Being aware the holiday is coming up allows the owner time to bring an outside pet indoors. Dr. Scroggs recommends keeping them inside as long as possible.

“I believe that having the pet inside provides them a sense of security,” he said. “You have to be careful leaving dogs inside unattended that normally live outside, considering they may damage household goods in reaction to the fireworks. I recommend all pets kept inside be attended while fireworks are being enjoyed by others outside.

Medication can be helpful.

“There are several drugs that your local veterinarian may prescribe your pet for anxiety,” the veterinarian said. “My personal favorite drug for controlling anxiety in dogs is Trazadone. The nice thing about this drug is that is has little to no side effects, doesn’t have to be tapered down and it has a wide range for dosing to properly tailor the need for each pet.”

He recommends Fluoxetine for cats.

Some other pet recommendations include the following:

• Close the curtains or blinds and turn on the TV or radio to provide some distraction.

• Treat toys such as Kongs filled with their favorite food may help keep their minds busy and distract them from the fireworks.

 • A quiet place, such as a carrier or crate may provide your pet with a sense of security and comfort.

• Use a leash or carrier if you must go outside with your pet to keep them from running off which is a common response to stress and fear.

• Take pets for a walk before the fireworks begin. Some pets are too frightened to go out once the fireworks are popping, and this may lead to an “accident” later on.

• Make sure your pet’s ID is current. Your pets should always have proper identification tags, with current information, in case they get lost.  Micro-chipping is strongly recommend

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By Melanie Townsend

LaMa Animal Rescue was called on January 28, 2023 about an extremely malnourished dog at the cross roads in Leton, La. He truly was at the cross road in his difficult life, he was so week he was not able to stand. From the moment we heard about this precious boy, we knew we had to do our best to save him. One of our rescuers, Kristy Tilley, drove to get him and what she found was a frail 36-pound dog that was hanging on to hope for the help that had just arrived. His joints were swollen and infected, he had severe skin issues and was heartworm positive.   Even our vets did not hold out much hope for his survival. It was obvious he had struggled a long time on his on, but we were committed to his care and though his progress was slow, his transformation was amazing!  He now had a soft bed to sleep in and toys to play with, something he probably never had before.  At his last health check, he had doubled his weight and is now a healthy, sweet, 62-pound boy, with a smile that will melt any heart.

This is what rescue is all about, seeing the transformation of what love, care and commitment can do.  There are many at a cross road just like Leo, help did come in time for him, but it won’t for all of them.  Leo’s story is a true testimony of what compassion and kindness can do.  Please open your hearts and your homes to help LaMa Animal Rescue. We cannot do it alone, each animal in need is a reflection of the heart of our community.  “Whatever you do for the least, you do for me” Matthew 25:40 

To inquire about Leo, visit lamaanmimalrescue.org.

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Billy Cannon didn’t raise his arm and signal No. 1 as he neared the goalline, 89 yards later, on that Halloween night in 1959.

None of his 1958 teammates on the LSU football team pointed to their ring fingers in the waning moments of the regular-season finale, a 62-0 trashing of Tulane in New Orleans that confirmed those Tigers as national champions.

Now it’s in vogue. Joe Burrow coming off the field in the Superdome with Clemson subdued, pointing jubilantly at his ring finger. Burreaux was already Joe Cool in the eyes not only of LSU fans, but much of college football. It fit. He was kicking off the Natty celebration.

A couple of months ago in Dallas, Angel Reese spends the last seconds of LSU’s dismantling of Iowa pointing jubilantly at her ring finger. The Bayou Barbie long since had established her flamboyant on-court persona, delighting many LSU fans and plenty of avid women’s basketball followers. It fit. She was tipping off the national championship celebration.

Monday night in Omaha, having emphatically said “later, Gator,” Dylan Crews is the first of a series of Tiger teammtes savoring their late-game moments in the spotlight, pointing jubilantly at his ring finger. Crews, like Burrow, had just been annointed the premier player in his sport. Unlike Burrow, Crews has a subtle, blue-collar approach accompanying his prodigious production. His ring thing didn’t fit, but with a double-digit eighth-inning lead, not even Florida fans could protest his exuberance. He was launching the College World Series championship celebration.

Conversely, Reese drew heat from many, including some Purple and Gold loyalists, for her antics. She seemed to go toward Iowa star Caitlin Clark, taunting her in the waning moments of play. Clark later said she took no offense. To do so would have been hypocritical, since the Hawkeye hotshot had done much the same thing several times during the Big Ten season and notably to Louisville star (and now LSU’s own) Hailey Van Lith closing out an NCAA Elite 8 contest.

So in the aftermath of Monday’s grilling of the Gators in Omaha, LSU’s series of stars ringing it up quickly attracted the spotlight. The game’s ESPN telecast immediately referenced Reese, but overlooked Burrow, catching the oversight late in their coverage and in time for Scott Van Pelt’s SportsCenter show. The recovery surely was spurred by rampant social media posts showcasing Burrow along with Reese and Crews.

Very quickly on social media, the question arose – what’s the difference? Why is nobody objecting that Crews, Tommy White, Tre’ Morgan and more Tiger baseball heroes flashed their ring fingers, and a crescendo of critics rose up to rip Reese?

From some corners, there were undercurrents of racism, and sexism, at play. Reese is an effervescent personality who happens to be a Black woman. Undoubtedly some of the disgust stirred by her activity came from pigheaded people seeing someone of a different appearance doing something brash.

But her celebration was different because it certainly was directed at her opponent, Clark. You can’t get around the fact it was taunting. That’s the part that I didn’t like. The fact that it’s widespread nowadays to confront and mock foes doesn’t justify it.

Celebrate, yes. Be flamboyant, great. But don’t scurry to show up an opponent. Hurry to find a teammate to embrace. That’s how an AARP-eligible dude sees it.

If Reese had ignored Clark and trotted toward teammates pointing at her ring finger, it would be no less an iconic moment in the history of women’s basketball – not only in LSU lore, but for the sport overall.

I didn’t condemn Reese then and will not now. She’s only doing what she sees her heroes doing. She’s only doing what we’ve seen for years in pro wrestling and so much of modern culture outside of athletics. She’s a strong young woman, very smartly building her brand, and bringing in the Benjamins at a rate none of her predecessors in college women’s basketball ever could.

Was it spontaneous, or calculated for cash value? She’ll never tell. After the heat faded, it’s worked way in her favor. Reese’s fan base continues to expand. It should. She’s a special talent, a dynamic figure in her sport, whose persona not only entertains but inspires, and forces us to ponder our perspectives.

That’s not entirely comfortable. If you want to go down that rabbit hole, it’s there for your consideration.

But currently, I’ll just savor the jubilation and salute LSU’s champions. The rings fit.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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The Foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association will be hosting a Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs event for local students between the ages of 12 – 14 at the Northwest Lousiana Technical Community College Minden location.  

The dates for the camp are July 11 – 13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

This event will introduce middle school students to exciting career choices in today’s manufacturing industry. Participants will have the opportunity to explore hands-on skills that are common to manufacturing trades in today’s time. They will also have a chance to interact and establish relationships with instructors and local business leaders, as well as attend tours of regional manufacturing facilities.  

If you are interested in your child participating in this new and rewarding program, fill out the form attached below. 

https://forms.office.com/r/t5kP8H1tdR 

This event is free for those who attend thanks to a generous donation made by a local non-profit.   

For questions or concerns, reach out to Robert McGuire at robertmcguire@nltcc.edu .

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By Jessica Gorman

When I’m researching a topic, I often stumble across unrelated but interesting bits of information. To me, it often feels as though the past is reaching out to tell its story and sometimes that story is different from the one that we have long known to be true. Recently, while researching acts of the Louisiana legislature relevant to Webster Parish, I ran across some particularly surprising facts. 

It has long been claimed that Overton had been in existence before Charles Veeder ventured to Louisiana and purchased the site that became Minden. Overton was located on the banks of Dorcheat just south of Interstate 20 and west of Highway 371. Today, nothing remains but the remnants of the old cemetery. One account of its history states that, “It was not until the year 1818, after the arrival of Newt Drew, that the village was named Overton,” and that “Overton grew so rapidly that it was ambitious to become the parish seat of Claiborne Parish.” From this, it would seem that Overton had already been established and was seeking designation as the parish seat.  However, the legislative act moving the parish seat of what was then Claiborne Parish from Russellville contradicts that claim and suggests that a closer look is needed.

Charles Veeder purchased the site of Minden from Adam Stewart in July 1835. It was not until March of the following year that the state legislature ordered the parish seat to be “removed from the town of Russellsville, the present location, to or within three miles of the residence of Newit Drew, the precise point to be fixed upon by Hugh Walker, Richard H. Thomson, James Lee, John Gieren, Sen. And Samuel Leatherman . . . which shall be called and known as the town of Overton.” This act did not move the parish seat to a place known as Overton. It specifically stated that whatever place chosen by these men to serve as the parish seat would be called Overton. Essentially, Overton could have been placed at any point within three miles of Newit Drew’s home. 

Not only was Overton established the same year as Minden, but another explanation may exist for another part of the connected history of the two places that says that in 1836 Charles Veeder hurriedly laid out the town of Minden and was in competition with Overton to become the parish seat. Veeder later moved on to California before realizing his goal of Minden obtaining this distinction. It would seem this part of the story may stem from circumstances that occurred a few years later. 

Surprisingly, the state legislature did, in fact, order the parish seat of Claiborne Parish to be moved to from Overton to Minden “so soon as suitable buildings are erected.” This occurred in February of 1842 and before Veeder’s move to California. For reasons currently unknown, this act was repealed exactly one year later and the parish seat remained at Overton. Considering this, Charles Veeder was probably not just frustrated with an unrealized goal of Minden becoming the parish seat, but having it designated as such only to have that designation taken away.

Admittedly, I have more work to do to try to sort out the details of this part of our Webster Parish history but hope to learn and share more of this story.

(Jessica Gorman is the Executive Director for the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Webster Parish Historian, and an avid genealogist.)

Minden Tarheels Girls Basketball Team won Primetime Regional Championship recently and now gets an automatic bid to Primetime National Championship.They were 4-0 for the weekend and defeated the Louisiana Goats. These young ladies are in a 17 and under age group, however, most are 16 and under. Coaches are Andrew Saucy and Tayler Banks.

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Many people enjoy outdoor grilling in the summertime. One of the amazing things about grilling is that you can grill pretty much anything including burgers, chicken, seafood, vegetables, and so much more. Did you know that there are food safety steps to follow no matter what you’re cooking? Keep reading to learn more about food safety. 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2022), approximately 48 million individuals get sick,128,000 are hospitalized and sadly 3,000 people die from a foodborne illness each year in the United States. Foodborne illness, often called food poisoning, is an illness that comes from a food that you eat. It is important that adult consumers know and practice safe food-handling behaviors regularly to help reduce and prevent the spread of foodborne illness. Foodborne pathogens can appear on foods that looks completely normal; however, unsafe foods may carry bacteria, viruses, or parasites which can make an individual extremely sick. The rule of thumb is to never taste a food to determine if it is safe to eat. When in doubt throw it out. To reduce the spread of foodborne illness please follow these four food safety tips below. 

1. Clean : Wash hands and surfaces often

Bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen and get onto cutting boards, utensils, counter tops, and food.

• Wash hands in warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or

handling pets.

• Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with hot soapy water between the preparation of raw meat, poultry, and seafood products and preparation of any other food that will not be cooked. As an added precaution, sanitize cutting boards and countertops by rinsing them in a solution made of one tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water, or, as an alternative, you may run the plastic board through the wash cycle in your dishwasher.

• Use paper towels to clean up kitchen surfaces. If using cloth towels, you should wash them often in the hot cycle of the washing machine.

• Wash produce. Rinse fruits and vegetables, and rub firm-skin fruits and

vegetables under running tap water, including those with skins and rinds

that are not eaten.

• With canned goods: remember to clean lids before opening.

2. Separate: Don’t cross- contaminate 

Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria are spread from one food product to another. This is especially common when handling raw meat, poultry, seafood,

and eggs. The key message is to keep these foods and their juices away from ready-to-eat foods.

To prevent cross-contamination, remember to:

• Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from other foods in your

grocery shopping cart, grocery bags, and in your refrigerator.

• Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat,

poultry, seafood, or eggs without first washing the plate with hot soapy water.

• Don’t reuse marinades used on raw foods unless you bring them to a boil first.

• Consider using one cutting board only for raw foods and another only for

ready-to-eat foods, such as bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, and cooked meat.

3. Cook: Cook foods to safe internal temperatures

To ensure that your foods are cooked safely, always:

• Use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature of cooked foods. Remember color is not an indicator of the doneness of foods. Check the internal temperature in several places to make sure that the meat, poultry, seafood, or egg product is cooked to safe minimum internal temperatures. 

4. Chill: Refrigerate promptly

Cold temperatures slow the growth of harmful bacteria. Keeping a constant refrigerator temperature of 40 °F or below is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk of foodborne illness. Use an appliance thermometer to be sure

the refrigerator temperature is always 40 °F or below and the freezer temperature is 0 °F or below.

To chill foods properly:

• Refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and other perishables within

2 hours of cooking or purchasing. Refrigerate within 1 hour if the temperature

outside is above 90 °F.

• Never thaw food at room temperature, such as on the countertop. It is safe to

thaw food in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. If you thaw

food in cold water or in the microwave, you should cook it immediately. When using the cold-water method to thaw foods, the water must be changed every 30 minutes, so the food item continues to thaw and not enter the danger zone. The “Danger Zone,” is between 40 and 140 °degrees Fahrenheit. At those temperatures bacteria multiplies more rapidly.

• Divide large amounts of food into shallow containers for quicker cooling

in the refrigerator.

A Few More Helpful Tips…

• Keep flies away! Cover trash containers, and do not store meat packaging and other trash, even for a short time, in open cardboard boxes or uncovered containers.
• Do not use fly spray or “No-Pest” chemical strips – they can contaminate the food.
• Do not store food containers out in the open; rather, place them in the shade.
• Keep plates, cups, utensils, and food covered until ready to use.
• Never re-use plates before washing them, especially plates used to hold raw meats or eggs.
• When handling plates, cups and utensils, touch them where food will not be placed: use handles, rims, bottom of plates, etc.
• Tie long hair back in a ponytail or bun. A hat, bandanna or net will also work.
• Don’t prepare and serve food if you have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours.
• Don’t wear loose wrist jewelry or false nails while working with food. If working with food around false nails, make sure you wear gloves.
• Pack plenty of paper towels for cleaning hands and surfaces.
• Use a moist cloth or paper towel to clean the grill surface before cooking. If you use a wire bristle brush, thoroughly inspect the grill’s surface before cooking. Wire bristles from grill cleaning brushes may dislodge and stick into food on the grill.

The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.

(Shakera Williams, M.P.H. is Assistant Nutrition Extension Agent- FCS for Webster/Claiborne parishes. Contact her at (318) 371-1371.)

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We recall our Declaration of Independence as we honor our enormous debt of gratitude to our Founders and the 1.1 million brave Americans who have sacrificed for our freedom throughout our nation’s history—and who gave that “last full measure of devotion” so that we may be free.

There has simply never been a founding document like our Declaration of Independence.

Why do I say that?

Because, far from being merely an eloquent listing by Thomas Jefferson of the abuses that early Americans suffered at the hands of the British King, it also arguably enshrines the most profound principle in history:

“We hold these Truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness…”

Jefferson was a brilliant man and there can be no doubt that, as he sat there in the candlelight, dipped his quill pen in ink, and began his beautiful cursive, he fully understood that this principle of God-given equality he was laying down certainly did not exist in the colonies at the time he authored the document, or likely would during the period of his lifetime. We know that this principle of equality would, in fact, not be fully realized for another 150 years in this country.  But, to me, that is what makes so astounding his inclusion of such a principle in one of the two founding documents of our fledgling nation.  

It’s really impossible to overstate the magnitude of what Jefferson wrote, and what he did.

That Jefferson would have the wisdom, foresight, courage, and moral foundation to boldly include the principle that—no matter when it may be fully achieved—equality was the fundamental and surpassing ideal.   No nation in world history had ever included as part of the very blueprint of its government the belief that all of its citizens were created by God and all of them were created equal.  

Something else I have considered over the years:  Jefferson wrote that “we hold these truths to be self evident…”  

That’s very important, I believe. 

Jefferson had a masterful command of the language and for him to invoke the words “self evident’ in this context means he intended to place the truths forming the foundation of this principle of equality beyond debate. They were settled; Were so clear that anyone could understand and recognize them.

As such, only after Jefferson had achieved the sublime with this principle of equality did he turn to listing the various grievances and abuses perpetrated by the British King and British presence in the colonies.  

He called out the “usurpations” of the British government as including: preventing the colonies from beginning to govern themselves, obstructing the administration of justice, the keeping of standing armies in colonial homes, the cutting off of trade by the colonies with other nations and one we know well—”imposing taxes on us without our consent”—as well as the conscription (kidnapping) of men from the colonies on the “high seas” and then forcing them to take up arms against the new colonies.  

How did Jefferson conclude his work?

With a powerful simplicity, invoking (again) the help and blessing of God:

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

I close by noting that when the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence inscribed their signatures on that document, each knew they were committing treason against the British Crown.  

Historians have determined that some of the signers were imprisoned and treated as “high value prisoners,” while others, who enjoyed great wealth in their prime, died penniless.  Five signers were captured by the British and brutally tortured as traitors.  Nine fought in the War for Independence and died from wounds or from hardships they suffered.  Two lost their sons in the Continental Army.  Another two had sons captured.  At least a dozen of the fifty-six had their homes pillaged and burned.  (PBS Newshour, July 4, 2012); (Michael W. Smith, July 4, 2015)

It is in remembrance of this great courage and sacrifice that we celebrate the 4th of July.

Long may we live lives worthy of the blood, sweat, tears and lives that were willingly placed on our behalf on the Altar of Liberty.

Happy 4th of July!

(Royal Alexander was a staff member to the late U.S. Representative Clyde C. Holloway of Louisiana’s 8th congressional district, since disbanded, who also served as chairman of the Louisiana Public Service Commission. He was also a member of the Republican State Central Committee of Louisiana from 2008-2012. He is an attorney.)

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

June 29

10 a.m. Home Federal Bank Groundbreaking Ceremony, 410 Homer Road, Minden.

4:30 until 6 p.m., Chamber Connect Networking Event, Minden Medical Center main lobby.

Every Saturday in July

9 a.m. until noon, Minden Farmer’s Market, at The Farm, corner of Highway 80 and Talton Street.

July 1

9 a.m. until 1 p.m., Independence Market, produce, eggs, plants, baked goods, soaps, candy, art, woodwork and more. 500 N. Giles, Springhill, La.

July 3

5 p.m. Downtown Minden, 5th Annual Duck Derby, Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce. https://greatermindenchamber.com/duckderby/

5 until 7:30 p.m. LifeShare Blood Centers Blood Drive at Duck Derby.

July 10

Minden City Council session from July 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, July 10. The workshop has also been moved to 4:30 p.m. July 10.

July 10, 11, 12

6 until 8 p.m., Vacation Bible School, First Baptist Church of Sibley. Stompers & Chompers for preK through 5th grade.

July 17-21

5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Vacation Bible School, First Methodist Church, Minden, 903 Broadway. For more information, contact Katheryn Webb, 318-299-0597

July 29

10 a.m. until noon, Young Women’s Service Club Back to School Bash, Victory Park.

August 26

Minden Junior Service League “Mamma Mia” Girls Night Out, Minden Civic Center.

September 9

Vintage Car Club of Minden’s annual car show in downtown Minden. More information when available.

September 28 through 30, Oct. 1

 Minden High School 30th Class Reunion

Sept. 28 – 6 until 9 p.m. Meet and Greet, Under Dawgs Sports Grill, 605 Main St., Minden, La.

Sept. 29 – 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Meet and Greet, Under Dawgs Sports Grill, 605 Main St., Minden, La.

Sept. 29 – 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., Kickback, Camp Minden, 100 Louisiana Boulevard, Minden, La.

Homecoming Parade TBA

Sept. 30 – 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Family Fun Day, Hot Wheels Skating Rink, 3000 Old Minden Rd., Bossier City, La.

Sept. 30 – 7 p.m. until 1 a.m., Still Rollin 30 Years Later, Camp Minden, 100 Louisiana Boulevard, Minden, La.

Oct.1 – Church Fellowship TBA

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

June 27

Emma Jean Collision, 51, of the 700 block of Claiborne St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on a contempt of court warrant.

June 27

Neal Moore, 53, of the 400 block of South St., Minden, was arrested by MPF on three warrants for failure to appear.

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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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of June 22:

June 22

Christopher Daniel Blachford vs. Deanna Lynn Thompson, custody.

Republic Finance LLC vs. Edward S. Bates, monies due.

Ashleigh Benson vs. Bruce Benson Jr., protective order.

Rayla Fish May vs. Charles Allan May, protective order.

Discover Bank vs. Kenneth Dubose, monies due.

Brittany McCoy vs. Adevies Sanders, protective order.

Newer LLC vs. James Rickey Brown, executory process.

June 23

Monica Moore;Hebert vs. Harold Joseph Hebert Jr., divorce.

Rayla Fish May vs. Charles Allan May, divorce w/children.

Ellen M. Johnson vs. William E. Johnson, protective order.

June 26

Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC vs. Rex S. Sheley, executory process.

University of Louisiana Lafayette, vs. Jazmine Fincher, monies due.

Credit Acceptance Corporation vs. Brittany Harris, Tommie Porter, monies due.

June 27

Brandon Lee St. Clair vs. Jami Amanda Mason, divorce.

Emeka Modesto’s Obasi vs. Lasondra Trinette Patterson, divorce.

June 28

Shelley D. Wise vs. Michael S. Griffin, Sterycyle Inc., Greenwich Insurance Co., damages.

Hazel Waller vs. Dan Love, protective order.

Lacie Limosnero vs. James Limosnero, divorce w/children.

Lisa Rogers, Charlotte Perez vs. Denali Everest Insurance Company, Gulf South Energy Services LLC and John Compton, damages.

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Joel L. Myers

Athens/Minden, La.

June 18, 1988 – June 23, 2023

Memorial service: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 29, 2023, First Assembly of God, Minden, La.

Anita Faye Payne

Oct. 25, 1964 – June 24, 2023

Springhill, La.

Memorial service: pending under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Richard L. Pullman

Dec. 16, 1960 – June 25, 2023

Minden, La.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Thursday, June 29, 2023, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Minden.

Burial: Woodard Cemetery, Taylor, La.

Pamela K. Hillidge

Sept. 23, 1955 – June 23, 2023

Minden, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 2023, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Service: 10 a.m. Friday, June 30, 2023, First Baptist Church sanctuary, Minden.

Burial: Bistineau Cemetery, Heflin, La.

Terry Dick Roath

Oct 5, 1942 – June 24, 2023

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 2023, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Friday, June 30, 2023, Bailey Funeral Home.

Burial: Springhill Cemetery

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

As of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, City of Minden workers were still unsure for the reason a street buckled and caused water mains underneath to burst sending a river of water down the road.

Water Superintendent Eric Lee said at the time he was unsure which came first, the buckle or the break.

“At this point, we have no idea how unstable the road is,” Lee said. “People need to avoid this area.”

A number of city trucks were on the scene, and Lee said they would be investigating to determine if perhaps a water main split.

“We are going to see, we might have to shut the water off in this area,” he said. “If we do, there will be a boil advisory for the people who live here. That’s just usual. We just don’t know how bad the problem is, but it’s done a bunch of damage on the road.”

Mayor Nick Cox said that was the case.

“I’m leaning toward the water causing the buckle,” Cox said. “There was a lot of wash out under the asphalt.”

Around 6 p.m., the city had turned off the water in the area.

“This heat will cause many maintenance issues,” Cox added. “Get ready for that.”

“Hydrants in the perimeter are running to help flush,” Cox said. “There will be a boil advisory.”

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By Paige Nash

Emergency projects creating budget imbalances caused concern for Springhill City Council’s auditor.

Kristine Cole with Wise, Martin & Cole, L.L.C. attended a recent council workshop to address some concerns she has entering the new fiscal year set to begin on July 1, 2023.   

 “My concern for the 2023-2024 budget is that we are amending the budget because in the 2022-2023 we are exceeding those amounts budgeted due to emergency projects,” said Cole.   

Cole explained that the budget is the council’s authority to spend, but if the budgeted amount for each department is hit, then that budget should be amended for it to be increased.   

“It’s a way to kind of be fiscally responsible, so that you realize, I do need to spend the expenses over here, but maybe I can adjust some over there,” said Cole. “It is like being aware how you would you own pocketbook.”  

After reviewing the projected 2023- 2024 budget Cole explained that what is being budgeted must be amended to catch up to the amounts that have already been spent.   

One of the major departments putting the City of Springhill in a hole is the Water Fund due to emergency projects.  

Water lines break and sewer lines bust,” said City of Springhill Mayor Ray Huddleston. “We’re going into the sales tax fund and money that we shouldn’t even have to be involved with. People complain about their water bill, but they don’t understand that the sewers have to be replaced. The water lines have to be replaced and they ain’t got a clue.”  

Cole explained that emergencies situation like the water and sewer issue are unavoidable.  

She said, “You’re going to have emergencies happen and you want to take care of those. Sometimes you have an emergency come up, but you might have to sacrifice something else that you actually budgeted to cover that expense.”  

She suggested that each department head and the mayor monitor the expenses quarterly and be watchful and fully aware of what gets approved in the future.   

“If you continue budgeting this way, you potentially use all the surpluses from the sales tax you’ve accumulated and you don’t want to do that,” said Cole. “We are transferring more money not only to the General Fund, but also to the Water Fund.

Mayor Huddleston explained that the water/sewer rates are “out of whack.” He said, “They don’t want to raise the water rates. They raise cane and won’t vote for it. That’s put us in a hole.”  

The council went through the previous budget in comparison to the new 2023-2024 budget and discussed possible cuts from the Tourism Department, specifically Christmas on Main, along with the Police and Custodial Departments.  

In last month’s regular meeting for the month of May, the council voted to amend the budget for 2023 to include the following items not included in the original budget: 

Phase II Downtown Sidewalks – $27,000  

Walking Trail Repairs- $9,490 

Civic Center Squares Painting- $4,200  

RV Building Painting & Repairs- $6,543

Westside Community Center Painting- $3,875

In the June regular meeting, a special ordinance was adopted for supplementing and amending the operating budget of revenues and expenditures for the previous year. They also passed an ordinance adopting an operating budget of revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024. 

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By Josh Beavers

A pair of Lakeside students have achieved something that has never been done in Webster Parish. 

Recent graduate Clara Robinson and sophomore Gemi Robinson are going to the rodeo nationals later this summer. 

The National High School Rodeo Finals will be held in Gillette, Wyoming, July 16-22. 

“I won Reserve Champion in the Girls Cutting event at Louisiana State Finals at the beginning of June,” Clara said. “Each state takes the top four in each event to the national level of competition.” 

She continued: “I feel honored to be in this position. It feels like my hard work and dedication has gotten me to this point. The horse I compete on is hardworking and loves her job!”

Gemi competed in barrels, poles and Cutting at the state finals. 

She is the fifteen year old daughter of Thomas and Christin Robinson. 

“This will be my first time to compete at this level, and I’m very excited about it,” she said. “Rodeo has helped me build lifelong friendships, self value, good character, and taught me to put something  before myself.”

Each year, the NHSRA produces the two elite youth rodeo events in the world – The National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR) and the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR). 

The NHSFR is the “World’s Largest Rodeo,” featuring approximately 1,500 contestants from across the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand. Athletes vie for national titles, assorted prizes and their share of thousands of dollars in college scholarships. 

Action at the event is non-stop, with rodeo performances being conducted twice each day. The top-twenty contestants in each event then advance to a final round of competition to determine who will walk away with the coveted championship buckles. 

Boys events at the NHSFR include Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, and Cutting. 

Girls events include Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Goat Tying, Cutting, Team Roping, and the NHSRA Queen contest. Boys and girls compete together in Team Roping and Reined Cow Horse.

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