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By utilizing a myriad of scholars, policy wonks, pollsters, and activists, we help craft and promote top conservative policy priorities for Louisiana.

From fiscal issues to social issues and everything in between, LCCM Policy Solutions is a beacon for those interested in advancing Louisiana to a more conservative run government.

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The Warriors got things started in the second inning when they scored two runs on a stolen base Wednesday.

Lakesides put up four runs in the sixth inning.  The big inning was thanks to a single by Peyton Gray and a double by Eli Campbell.

Jordan Isbell was on the mound for Lakeside. Isbell went four innings, allowing two runs on one hit and striking out five.

Minden’s starting pitcher lasted six and two-thirds innings, allowing ten hits and 11 runs while striking out two.

Lakeside totaled ten hits.  Campbell, Matthew Aguilera, Brock Case, and Gray each racked up multiple hits for Lakeside Varsity Warriors.  Gray, Case, Aguilera, and Campbell all had two hits to lead Lakeside Varsity Warriors.  Case led Lakeside Varsity Warriors with four stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base paths with ten stolen bases.

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

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By Paige Nash

A popular nationwide bridal store chain, David’s Bridal, has filed for bankruptcy and is facing multiple layoffs and closures in the coming weeks. The closest David’s Bridal to Webster Parish is in Bossier Parish and is expected to be closing its doors on June 27.  

This news was not surprising to the owner of Hers Bridal Alicia Adams, here in Minden. 

“When all the bridal shops all over the country heard the news about David’s closing, we were not shocked,” said Adams. “We have studied the market for years and came to the realization that you cannot mass produce a ‘life moment.’ It is not sold but created.” 

It is Adam’s belief that the demise of David’s Bridal was due to their extreme focus on the number of dresses sold, instead of the life moments they created.  

Hers Bridal has been a staple in Minden since 1975 with the average bride driving up to 3 hours away to shop for their special day.  

“Most of our brides are 2^nd generation clients that come with a mom or grandparent that bought their dress here years and years ago,” said Adams. “To hear the life moments, traditions and just all the fun and crazy stories is what makes Hers Bridal truly magical.” 

According to Adams, Hers Bridal does not focus on the numbers of dresses sold, but instead on making each and every client feel special and welcome with a unique and personal shopping experience catered to the individual bride.  

Hers Bridal is located in Downtown Minden at 728 Main Street. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

To schedule an appointment please call 318-413-5851 or visit their website at https://www.hersbridalboutique.com/schedule-appointment 

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We’ve been taught since we were stuffing our jaws with Fruit Loops that breakfast is the Most Important Meal of the Day.

That might be true, though some would agree with me that the most important meal of the day is the one you are eating Right Now.

Still, word to the wise, the complimentary breakfast at a hotel is NOT the most important meal of the day. It is just a buffer to get you out of the hotel and on your way to your next meal — and out of the hotel with the feeling that you’ve stolen something free.

Let’s review.

Summertime, the best of all the seasons — including Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons — begins today.

No school. The fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high. Your daddy’s rich and your ma is good-looking.

Summer! Watermelon. Baseball. Sunshine until 9 at night. Fireworks. Fireflies.

It’s a beautiful thing, summer is.

So, what’s not to love? — besides it being 110 degrees and many of us not having power — a common North Louisiana peculiarity.

Nothing, really, except the oasis that is the complimentary hotel breakfast.

Many of you will go on a summer trip soon. Or now. Awesome. Have a ball.

Just don’t have a big expectation over the complementary hotel breakfast.

The trend began a decade or so ago. You pay $130-ish to stay in a hotel. And they say, “Hey, breakfast is on us.”

Which is beautiful. I’ve eaten dozens.

But I know it’s just a powdered egg and maybe a sausage that is intended to get me on my way. Don’t do as I’ve seen hundreds do: they complain that this isn’t hot or the toaster doesn’t work or the bacon is microwaved.

Hey: it’s a bonus. It’s complimentary. It’s “free.” That waffle iron has been used by hundreds of people, not just by your wife or daughter. You eat your hotel waffle made by yourself, you take your chances.

Most of us have stayed in nice hotels once or twice. Omelet stations. Waitresses or waiters. Bacon fried instead of microwaved.

We still have that option. But if you stay at a Complimentary Breakfast place, you know going in that the plates will be Styrofoam. So don’t ask for something for nothing. Grab a bite and move along.

Somewhere, there is a great Complimentary Breakfast Hotel Staff that makes sure all is ship shape. I’ve seen them and adore them. But more times than not, the hotel is just giving you a pat on the back — or on the stomach — and telling you to move along.

I appreciate their trying. We should too. Grab a pre-frozen biscuit and hit the road.

Find a good place for supper. Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Is your church hosting a Vacation Bible School? Webster Parish Journal would like to know about it, so we can inform the public on where they can bring their kids to join in on the fun. 

Please email the time, date and location of your church’s Vacation Bible School to wpjnewsla@gmail.com and we will begin publishing immediately. (See below)

Unity Baptist Church

June 26-30, 6 until 8 p.m. Unity Baptist Church, Cotton Valley, 304 Humble Street, will host “Twist and Turns” Following Jesus Changes the Game, Psalm 25:4. Preschool to 6th grade. Registration: 5 p.m. Sunday, June 25.

North Acres Baptist Church

June 26-30, 6 until 8:30 p.m. “Twist and Turns” Following Jesus Changes the Game.

Heflin Baptist Church

June 26-30 from 6 until 8:30. pm. Heflin Baptist Church is is hosting “Twists & Turns” Vacation Bible School.

First Baptist Sibley

Monday, July 10 – 12, 6 p.m. until 8:10 p.m.. Stompers & Chompers for preK through 5th grade.

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Lakeside defeats Doyline in blowout

Doyline Panthers fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 12-1 loss to Lakeside Warriors Monday.  Lakeside scored on a single by Peyton Gray and an error in the first inning.

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

The Warriors opened up scoring in the first inning when Gray drove in two with a single.

Lakeside scored four runs in the fourth inning.  The big inning came thanks to walks by Jordan Case and Jordan Isbell and a single by Gray.

Gage Williams toed the rubber for the Warriors. The hurler went five innings, allowing one run on one hit and striking out nine.

Dario Galvez started the game for Doyline Panthers. The righty lasted two-thirds of an inning, allowing one hit and three runs.  Benton Bates, Jonas Florence, and Cameron Johnson each contributed in relief for Doyline.

Zach Normand went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead the Panthers in hits.

Lakeside tallied six hits.  Gray and CJ Watts each had multiples.

Panthers can’t hold up against Warriors

Doyline Panthers couldn’t keep up with Lakeside Warriors in the second game Monday and fell 9-1.

Lakeside scored four runs in the fifth inning driven by singles by Eli Campbell and Jordan Case and by Peyton Gray.

Jordan Isbell got the start for Lakeside. The righthander lasted two innings, allowing zero hits and zero runs while striking out three and walking zero.

Noah Spears started the game for the Panthers. The righty lasted two and a third innings, allowing two hits and two runs while striking out five and walking zero.  Austin Arbaugh and Cayden Mingo entered the game from the bullpen, throwing two innings and two-thirds of an inning respectively.

Arbaugh, Mingo, and James Dodge all had one hit to lead the Panthers.

The Warriors saw the ball well today, racking up seven hits in the game.  Isbell and Campbell all managed multiples.

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

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Some people judge towns by their population. Others judge them by amenities such as parks and playgrounds. Many consider school systems and tax policies when evaluating municipalities. Still others prioritize water and air quality. I judge towns by the excellence and longevity of their small independent diners and cafes.

For 100 years, the Coney Island Café has defined my hometown of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Arthur Fokakis, the original owner, emigrated here from Greece in 1923. He got his start by selling fruit from a pushcart he parked under a large shade tree near the railroad tracks on Main Street. After a few years, he leased the land under the tree and built an open-front fruit stand. A few years later he turned the fruit stand into a short-order café that served hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade curly fries, and breakfast, just as it does today.

Greek immigrants like Arthur were the early pioneers of the restaurant business in Mississippi. They were our culinary forefathers. In 100 years, only four Fokakis men— all direct decedents— have run the Coney Island Cafe. It’s the definition of a true, family-run operation.

Arthur turned the business over to his son, also a Greek immigrant, who everyone called “Junior.’ His son Billy took over in 1984. After Billy’s untimely passing five years ago, his son B.J. began manning the griddle and still runs it today. Four generations of fathers and sons. A century of commitment, hard work, dedication, and service. Truly rare air in the restaurant business. Seriously, the rarest of air.

There has been a member of the Fokakis family manning the grill at The Coney Island Café since Calvin Coolidge was in the White House. The Coney Island Café in Hattiesburg predates the Empire State Building in New York, but— to us— it’s just as iconic of a structure in downtown Hattiesburg as the 102-floor structure is in Midtown Manhattan.

Billy Fokakis was a few years older than me, but we were friends. Once Billy took over the business, he never missed a day of work. Not one. 34 years. 6am to 3pm. Every day. He once scheduled surgery on a Friday afternoon, so he could be back to work on Monday. He was.

Locally owned restaurants and cafes are key to the makeup of a city or town’s character. Whenever I am out of town I go to the front desk of the hotel and ask directions to the local breakfast café. “I want to go where the old men are talking sports and politics over eggs and bacon,” I say. That is the place where one learns of that town and its people.

I do my best to only support locally owned restaurants, and independent restaurateurs. The owners are in your town, and they live in your neighborhood. Their kids and grandkids go to school with your kids and grandkids. They shop in your stores and buy groceries in your markets. I believe independent restaurateurs support locally owned businesses more than others in the community, because they know— on a deep and personal level— how important it is to keep all commerce local whether it be grocery stores, hardware stores, gas stations, or boutiques.

A chain-restaurant proponent might make the argument that the chain restaurants are hiring people who also live in the community, and I can’t dispute that. But corporate profits get sent to corporate headquarters in Dallas, Orlando, or wherever the base of operations is located. Think of it this way— if there weren’t so many chain restaurants in your community squeezing out the independent operators, there would be more independent restaurants filling that void, creating unique character, vibe, and distinctiveness in your town, while keeping everything local.

I believe restaurants have souls. They define a town and tell the story of that place and its people. Some restaurants take on the personality of their owner, some take on the collective personality of the staff. Still others adopt the characteristics of their customers or the town itself. The Coney Island Café is a little bit of all that wrapped up in a small dining room filled with stools, booths, and memories.

The Coney Island Café probably won’t ever win a James Beard Award or get special recognition in any of the national culinary trades. But it has done so much more. It has fed all the people of a town— black, white, young, old, rich, poor, local, tourist, for 100 years— a feat that can’t be measured by ribbons, and trophies, or accolades.

The Coney has survived a world war, a great depression, and dozens of recessions. It was there in the early days when downtown Hattiesburg grew and thrived. It never wavered when those businesses moved away to open shiny new stores in sprawling malls and strip centers. It held firm during the white flight of the 1980s and was still standing when downtown’s renewal and renaissance began in the late 1990s. The Coney Island Café is a survivor.

I ate at the Coney Island Cafe as a kid. My father brought me there. His father took him here. I take my son there. I hope that he’ll do the same.

The last conversation I had with Billy Fokakis was about his café reaching the 100-year mark. It’s something we spoke about every time I dined with him. One of the last things he said to me was, “Robert, I don’t think I’m going to get to see us hit 100.” A few weeks later he was gone. Though B.J. Fokakis was the next in line and he took over immediately. Billy would be proud. So would Junior and Arthur.

We are all proud.

So, on behalf of a grateful community, happy 100^th to the Coney Island Café and the hard-working Fokakis family. Here’s to 100 more!

Onward.

The World’s Last Meatloaf

2 pounds Ground beef

1 Tbl Bacon grease (or canola oil)

1 cup  Onion, minced

3 /4 cup Celery, minced

3 /4 cup Bell pepper, minced

1 tsp Garlic, minced

1 /8 tsp Thyme, dry

1 /4 tsp Oregano, dry

2 tsp Steak Seasoning        

1 Tbl Salt

1 cup Milk

1 /2 cup Ketchup

1 Tbl Worcestershire sauce

3  Eggs

1 cup Bread crumbs, course

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Heat the bacon grease in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté vegetables with salt and dry herbs until tender. Allow to cool.

Combine milk, eggs, Worcestershire and ketchup and mix well. Place ground beef, cooled vegetables and egg mixture into a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, squish the meatloaf until you have mixed everything together and all is well incorporated. Fold in the breadcrumbs last.

Shape the meat mixture into the form of a loaf on a baking sheet. Using your hand, make an indentation down the center of the loaf (This is where the glaze goes). Bake 50 minutes.

While meatloaf is cooking make the glaze. Remove from the oven and spoon glaze down the center of the meatloaf and spread over the sides. Return meatloaf to oven, lower heat to 300 degrees and bake 30 minutes more. Allow meatloaf to rest 15 minutes before serving. Yield: 8-10 servings 

Tomato Glaze

Ingredients:

1 tsp. Bacon fat

1 tsp. Garlic, minced

1 Tbl.  Onion, minced

¼ cup Brown sugar

2 Tbl. Yellow mustard

1 Tbl. Worcestershire Sauce

1 cup  Ketchup

Heat the bacon fat in a small skillet over a low heat. Cook the onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add the brown sugar and allow it to melt. Stir in remaining ingredients.

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

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Mt. Lebanon Historical Society will host its annual flag raising ceremony at 8 a.m. July 4, at the Mt. Lebanon Museum.  Our veterans will be honored during the program, and a potluck breakfast will be served following the ceremony. Please bring a lawn chair and one of your favorite breakfast foods to share.

This year’s speaker is Associate Justice Jay B. McCallum of the Louisiana Supreme Court.  Justice McCallum is a lifelong resident of Union Parish. He is the first in his family to receive a college education, having graduated from Northeast Louisiana University in 1982 and LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1985. Prior to serving as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for 11 years (1992-2002), Jay was a member of the Rabun and McCallum law firm, served as an Assistant District Attorney, and worked as a trial court judge for 15 years (2002-2018) on the bench of the Third Judicial District Court. In 2018, he was elected without opposition to the Second Circuit Court of Appeal in a district comprised of Bienville, Bossier, Claiborne, Caldwell, Jackson, Lincoln, Union, Webster, and Winn Parishes. On November 3, 2020, he was elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court for District 4. He took office as an Associate Justice on November 13, 2020. Jay is a much sought after motivational and inspirational speaker. He has been honored to have been the commencement speaker for numerous high schools and universities, including Louisiana Tech University and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Jay and his wife Deanna are members of the First Baptist Church of Farmerville. In addition to Jay serving as a deacon and teacher, they are both active in the various ministries of the church. 

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By Paige Nash

A man arrested in Wester Parish has been found guilty by a federal jury and faces a sentence of up to 40 years in prison and a fine up to $1,000,000 for allegedly transporting cocaine through the state of Louisiana.  

Howard Davis, 45, of Raleigh, N.C. was stopped for a traffic violation by a Louisiana State Trooper on Interstate 20 near Minden on August 2, 2022. During the stop, the trooper had reason to believe Davis was not being truthful regarding his reasoning for traveling through the area.  

Upon further investigation, the trooper became aware that Davis had been seen driving in North Carolina during the early morning hours the day before and was later seen the same evening in Dallas, Texas.  

A Louisiana State Trooper K-9 was called in and conducted an open-air sniff of Davis’ vehicle. The K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics and while conducting a search, troopers discovered a tote bag inside the trunk containing 4.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine that had been wrapped in black electrical tape.

The cocaine is believed to have a street value more than $110,000.  

The narcotics were seized and sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Laboratory for testing and were confirmed to be cocaine.  

Davis is scheduled to receive his sentencing at 9 a.m. October 11, 2023.  

United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the two-day jury trial. The case was investigated by the U.S. DEA, Louisiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy and Alexander C. Van Hook, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney.

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It was the 1969 Toronto Pop Festival and Malcolm “Mac” John Rebennack Jr.’s band was scheduled to perform.  Mac looked like something from a strange other world.  He had strands of beads and other trinkets interwoven into his hair and “powders coming out of his ears.” Strips of colorful rags hung from his clothing.  He used a walking stick which looked like its intended use was for casting spells rather than walking.  The 18-year-old musician was in perfect health and did not require any type of apparatus for walking.  The stick was just part of who Mac was.  When Mac walked in a room, everyone instinctually turned their gaze his way.

The concert was held at an outdoor venue, and it had been raining periodically throughout the day.  Mac and his band were onstage playing their unique mixture of jazz, blues, rock and roll, and funk which the media nicknamed “voodoo rock,” when the rain began to pour.  As if it were a part of the show, Mac raised the unique walking stick toward the sky and held it there for a few moments.  His eyes focused on the dark clouds.  Some say he mumbled a few words.  Suddenly, as if under Mac’s spell, the rain stopped completely. 

Mac was born and raised in New Orleans’s middle class Third Ward.  His father owned and operated an appliance store.  In addition to household appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators, Mac’s father sold sound systems and records in a variety of genres Mac later described as “gospel, bebop, real filthy party records, and hillbilly stuff like Hank Williams.”  Mac’s father also repaired appliances and sound systems.  Mac was first subjected to the gypsy world of musicians as a child when he accompanied his father on sound system repair jobs at local clubs.  Mac was more than a decade away from the required age to enter the clubs, but he was allowed since he was helping with the repairs.  Mac was entranced.  He recognized at this early age that he wanted to be a performer just like them.  Within a short time, Mac learned to play multiple instruments with almost no instruction. 

By the time he was a teenager, he was writing songs for other artists and playing guitar for recording sessions.  Mac said, “New Orleans produced a lot of good piano players and some good drummers, but for some reason there weren’t a lot of guitar players around, so I kind of filled the need.”  Mac was always modest.  Aaron Neville recalled that “the ratty dude,” which is how he referred to Mac, “was a bad dude on guitar.”  But that changed when Mac was 20 years old.

In 1961, Mac was on tour with his friend, fellow New Orleans native Ronnie Barron.  When Mac and Ronnie were not performing, they spent most of their time at a local motel.  During their stay, Ronnie and the motel manager’s wife became friends, maybe more than friends.  The motel manager confronted Ronnie about the possible infidelity and an argument ensued.  In a fit of rage, the motel manager pulled a pistol from his pocket.  Mac grabbed the pistol with his left hand just as the motel manager pulled the trigger.  POW!!!   Because of Mac’s quick action, the bullet missed its intended target.  For Ronnie, Mac was in the right place at the right time.  For Mac’s left ring finger, Mac was in the right place at the wrong time.  The bullet passed through his finger and left it “hanging by a thread.”  Surgeons repaired his mangled finger to the best of their abilities, but Mac’s career as a guitar player had ended with that pistol shot.  Mac transitioned from guitar to bass and then to piano, his first instrument.

Mac fell into a deep depression and tried to dull it with drugs.  He was arrested for possession of narcotics and spent time in a federal prison.  Upon his release in 1965, Mac moved to Los Angeles, California where he became a session piano player for artists such as Buffalo Springfield and Sonny and Cher.  In 1967, Mac recorded his first album, Gris-Gris, with other transplanted New Orleans musicians.  While working on the album, Mac began working on a way to incorporate the Mardi Gras tradition that he was so fond of into his live shows.  He created a character for his live shows that he named after a 19th-century^th century Louisiana voodoo priest.  In creating this character, Mac said he was “just tryin’ to hustle album deals, just tryin’ to hustle money.”  Rather than being a one-off character as Mac had planned, he became known as the character.  Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. may have been known as Mac to his close friends, but the world knows Mac as Dr. John.  He is most associated with his biggest hit single released in 1973 called “Right Place, Wrong Time.”

Sources:

1.     Browne, David. “Dr. John: The Joy and Mystery of a New Orleans Saint.” Rolling Stone, 24 July 2019, www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dr-john-joy-mystery-new-orleans-saint-861931/amp/. Accessed 18 June 2023.

2.     “Dr. John – Right Place Wrong Time (Official Audio).” www.youtube.com, www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4PjWgiH-LQ. Accessed 7 Feb. 2023.

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In the world of sports, they say competition makes everybody better. It brings out the best in an athlete who has a competitive fire trying to earn his spot on the team. But in the world of tournament bass fishing, this may not be the case. While having too many athletes is usually not a problem, having too many fishing circuits can be. Today, anglers are faced with a plethora of bass trails to follow. Let’s take a look at the factors that help an angler decide what they are going to fish and why.

In our part of the country, we call the Ark-La-Tex, the issue of what to fish has reared its ugly head. Anglers in this region have no shortage of tournament trails to choose from. But as we all know, there are basically only four weekends in a month and anglers are having to pick and choose what trails they want to follow. So just how many trails are there? At my last count, I came up with 17 different organizations, all of which offer great incentives to fish. So how do anglers today decide what trail or trails they are going to follow?

It usually comes down to economics and the costs involved. First, anglers look at what lakes the trail is going to. Next, they look at how far the destination is for each tournament. Are the tournaments close to home or will they have to travel hours for each event? What’s the entry fee for each event? Higher level tournament trails usually require higher entry fees. Fees can range from $200 up to $1500 depending on the circuit. Other factors include how much it will cost for hotel or private accommodations, food expenses, and gasoline costs for both the truck and the boat.

Then they look at how competitive do they think they can be in a particular circuit. Can they realistically compete with the anglers fishing a specific trail? This is a major factor since some trails draw a higher level of fishermen than others. Every angler just wants to be competitive or at least have a decent shot at collecting a check to help offset expenses.

With all this being said, there are presently 17 bass fishing tournament trails in this region and there are just not enough fishermen to go around. One thing that continues to set all tournament circuits apart is what is called “guaranteed” payback. This means that if a trail is offering $20,000 guaranteed for first place, anglers tend to flock to that kind of payback rather than a circuit that’s offering $20,000 based on the “number of boats” that show up. Guaranteed tournaments will always outdraw a tournament that has a payback based on the number of boats.

So, what circuits will probably survive out of the 17 offered? It’s hard to say because each one has its own dedicated group of anglers that will stay loyal. It’s not necessarily the tournament trail they’re loyal to, but rather it’s the tournament director. Tournament directors who take the time to get to know their anglers and build a relationship stand a greater chance of their circuit surviving. Anglers can be a very loyal bunch, but only if they enjoy the trail they are fishing and feel a connection to the director. However, one thing is clear. Not all 17 tournament trails will survive. There are simply just not enough weekends in a month for all of them to make it. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen and good protective clothing.

Steve Graf                                                                                                                                             

Angler’s Perspective

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

Every Saturday in June

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

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.

Every Saturday in July

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

July 3

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

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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Barbara Lynn Butler

July 16, 1943 – May 18, 2023

Minden, La.

Memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2023, Christian Church at Minden, Minden, La.

Glenda Cox

Sept. 6, 1944 – June 16, 2023

Doyline, La.

Memorial service: pending.

William “Billy Joe” Bagwell

Nov. 28, 1926 – June 18, 2023

Homer, La.

Visitation: 1 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023, First Presbyterian Church, Homer, La.

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

Burial: Sibley Cemetery, Lincoln Parish, La.

Holly Renee Plunkett

March 16, 1981 – June 20, 2023

Ringgold, La.

Memorial service: 2 p.m. Saturday, June 224, 2023, home of Andrew and Tabetha Plunkett, 6888  Hwy. 4, Ringgold.

Phillip Norris Carroll

April 15, 1946 -June 15, 2023

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Springhill Civic Center.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, 2023, Central Baptist Church, Springhill.

Burial: Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Pamela Rodgers Brown

Sept. 1, 1953 – June 19, 2023

Cotton Valley, La.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Thursday, June 22, 2023, Unity Baptist Church, Cotton Valley.

Burial: Springhill Cemetery, Springhill, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Pattie Finley

Nov. 1, 1926 – June 16, 2023

Shongaloo, La.

Graveside service: 11 a.m. Friday, June 23, 2023, Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Shongaloo.

Dr. Donald Ray Moseley

Oct. 19, 1933 – June 17, 2023

Ringgold, La.

Funeral service: pending

Jason Wayne Bennett

August 15, 1977 – June 16, 2023

Sarepta, La.

Memorial service: 2 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Camalia Sue Keith Pearson

Oct. 27, 1936 – June 14, 2023

Taylor Ark./Springhill, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2023, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023, Unity United Methodist Church, Taylor, Ark.

Burial: Sharon Cemetery, Taylor (Bussey), Ark., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

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

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By Marilyn Miller

The City of Minden celebrated a milestone on June 15, 2023 with the announcement of two Louisiana Economic Development (LED) “Certified Sites” designed to attract new businesses and industries to the area.

Minden Mayor Nick Cox told a full house of dignitaries and visitors at the NW LA Technical Community College (NLTCC) on Thursday that the two sites are located “in the Minden city limits along Industrial Drive, parallel to I-20 between exits 44 and 46.” The first certified site is a 50-acre tract owned by Kitchco Properties and the second is a 25-acre tract owned by Webster Land Corporation. Both sites lie north of 1-20 to the east and west of the community college.

Mayor Cox pointed out that the tracts of land are important in that they come pre-certified based on zoning restrictions, title work, environmental studies, soil analysis, and various other surveys developed by LED and the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP).

Companies which acquire pre-certified sites can shave almost a year off their project completion time, Mayor Cox explained, “since all the necessary due-diligence work is done and certified by the State.”

“A huge part of industrial growth relies upon having great sites for business and industrial development,” Mayor Cox said. “We’re excited to unveil these initial two sites in Minden, which represent great opportunities to grow the economy and create new jobs.”

Sarah Haynes, Master of Ceremonies for Thursday’s program, introduced a slate of people who worked behind the scenes to certify the two sites, including Daniel Michel, Site Development Program Manager, LED.

“Louisiana’s LED Certified Sites Program has surpassed a milestone of 100 sites, with our State’s 137 sites representing one of the largest inventories of State-sponsored industrial sites in the United States,” Michel said. He stipulated that “any landowner can apply to see if they qualify for certification (OpportunityLouisiana.com).”

Minden Economic Development Corporation treasurer Mike Wise talked about the organization of MEDC in 1968, noting that land on Erwin Thompson and Davenport Drives now includes Fibrebond Corporation and Webster Machine. The land has been developed and has been thriving for over 55 years. “MEDC knows the importance of economic growth,” Wise said. “These development-ready sites are valuable new assets in Minden that are sure to attract new businesses.”

Hunt Powell, president of the South Webster Industrial District (SWID), said that “We also understand the importance of having land ready for business and industry to locate in our area.” SWID started with tax-funding and constructed a ‘spec’ building in the industrial park, Powell explained. “So when we heard about certifying sites, we knew that would be something we would support.”

Ms. Haynes recognized the third partner in the certification of both sites, AEP SWEPCO. Eric Basinger, Economic & Business Development Manager, applauded Minden for being proactive and developing new property to market, and LED for its premier site certification program.

Fourth partner, Justyn Dixon, CEO & President of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, explained that NLEP “sponsored the sites for inclusion in the Certified Sites Program.”

“With 75 percent of funding from the State of Louisiana and remaining costs shared at the local level, LED Certified Sites undergo rigorous review by a third-party engineering firm. Utility, zoning, geotechnical, environmental, cultural and wetlands evaluations lead to a site suitable for construction within six months of a site decision,” Dixon said. “Having available, vetted sites is imperative for successful growth and economic development in our communities.” This is why site certification is a top priority in NLEP’s new strategic plan for Webster Parish.

Dr. Jayda Spillers, chancellor of NLTCC and host for Thursday’s program, said that “As businesses begin to consider the benefits of locating on Industrial Drive, we stand ready to partner with them in developing their workforce and training needs.”

Mandi Hart, vice-chairman of the Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce, congratulated the partners on the certification of the two sites, noting that “this improves Webster’s economic competitiveness and ensures that businesses looking to start, relocate, or expand in our region will have a place to land.”

Presently there are talks in process for additional sites in Minden and Webster Parish, including in the SWID park, and a 100-acre tract of land near Camp Minden owned by Dr. Eddie Moore.

But right now, all focus is on Industrial Drive in Minden, which “features some of the highest, most desirable land in the southern part of our parish, and has access to I-20, Hwy. 80, and I-49,” Mayor Cox noted in closing. “Being on the LED’s Certified Sites list ensures that this is not only marketable, but also ‘shovel ready’ for business.”

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UPDATE 2:

Inside Minden City limits Friday, there were 77 reported power outages, according to Mayor Nick Cox.

“There were definitely more that were not reported,” Cox said. “Limbs and trees were down mostly due to wind.”

Webster Parish Communications District Executive Director Angie Chapman said between the hours of 2 and 8 a.m. Friday, 911 Telecommunications processed 192 calls, “resulting in 72 incidents being dispatched to your emergency responders.”

Cox said Caddo and Bossier parishes suffered a great deal of loss, and many persons seeking food and gasoline headed east.

“Shreveport and Bossier may be closed, but Minden is definitely open,” said Cox, referring to long lines at local fuel stops and full parking lots at grocery stores.

UPDATE 1:

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said crews that included his deputies, local fire districts, Webster Parish Police Jury road crews, Department of Transportation and Development and power companies had been in the south end of the parish since 1:30 a.m. today.

“A tree fell on a cabin at Lake Bistineau State Park, but the people trapped in it are out,” the Sheriff said. “There were no injuries.”

Parker said a tree fell on a house on Fred Sanders Road in Heflin, trapping one man in his bed.

“We got him out and he was transported to a local medical center with minor injuries,” he said. “There was a child in the house that was transported just for precautionary reasons.

“It’s really bad in that area,” he said. “If I had to say anything else, it would be if you don’t have to be out today, please stay home. This is not a good time to be sight seeing.”

ORIGINAL STORY

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Apparently Minden was at the “top of the storm” that barreled through the area early this morning with 80-mph winds, thunder, lightning and hard rain.

Minden Mayor Nick Cox said a tree is down in Ridgewood that took out some power lines and there was a fire in the woods on Eames Street.

As the sun came out, Cox said further examination showed a lot of limbs down around the area. As of early this morning, many Entergy customers have no power, including Beaver Creek and Tanglewood.

South Webster Parish did not fare as well.

Sibley Mayor Jimmy Williams said his town’s power is out. Portions of Heflin, Doyline and Dubberly are in the dark.

A Hickory Hills Road residence said he has power there and never lost it.

Dixie Inn to Pleasant Valley shows outages. Dixie Inn Mayor Donna Hoffoss said her village is without power but around 5:30 a.m., she did not see much damage.

A spokesperson at the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office said they had no reports from the north end of the parish. We will update when possible.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A North Webster Parish man is behind bars for multiple drug charges.

William Cade Stanley, 34, of Woods Lane, Springhill, was arrested by WPSO for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, speeding, switched plates and no insurance.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said deputies Buster Flowers, Hanna Baker and Sgt. Josh McCormick took Stanley into custody after clocking him at 93 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone.

“The subject was traveling north on La. 159 at Newsome Cemetery Road and Kisatchie National Forest early Thursday,” Parker said. “He was pulled over at La. 159 and Garland Rd. A computer check showed Stanley had an active warrant for speeding.”

Parker said Stanley was operating a motorcycle with switched plates and did not have insurance on the vehicle.

He had approximately 3 ounces of rock crystal methamphetamine in his backpack.

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 Paige Nash

Minden joined forces again to raise funds for local business owner Joe Morgan, on Saturday night, June 17, at Under Dawgs Sports Bar and Grill on Main Street.  

Morgan was recently diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma- a type of cancer that affects plasma cells.  

“Under Dawgs promoted this benefit fundraiser honoring Joe Morgan for more than two weeks,” said owner Claudine Thomas. “We had a goal in mind, but typical Minden supporting Minden, the amount raised was two and a half times that amount.” 

This raffle brought in tons of people and even more money that will be used to assist the Morgan family during this cancer journey. Between the food sold that day, donations made, raffles and the silent auction, $15,258.95 was raised.  

“Lunch sales were double our largest day in our almost two-year history,” said Thomas. “Wow! I personally had to fight back tears of joy after we realized what the total was. Just an enormous amount of love this little town has for each other. We are so blessed to be a part of it.” 

Silent auction winners included:  

Donnie Irby – $200 Mike’s Hometown Spirits Gift Card (Donated by Allen and Dianna Smith) 

Cheryl Meyer – J.D. Cottle Steak Dinner (Donated by J.D. Cottle) 

Cheryl Meyer – Shania Twain Concert Tickets (Donated by Terri Guin) 

Brian Conditt – Tom Brady Autographed Jersey (Donated by Ricky Thomas and framed by Easley Studios) 

Raffle winners included: 

Linda Johnson – Roger Staubach Photo 

Terry – Walker – Robert Parish Photo 

Donnie Irby – Tom Brady Photo 

Danny Weaver – Joe Burrow Bengals Photo 

Patrick Payton – Joe Burrow LSU Photo 

Mark Griffith – Devin White Signed Jersey 

All raffle items were donated by Under Dawgs Sports Bar and Grill.   

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Lakeside blows away Claiborne Academy by eight runs

Lakeside Warriors won big over Claiborne Academy Rebels 10-2 Thursday.

Lakeside got things moving in the first inning, when an error scored one run.

The Warriors put up three runs in the fourth inning. The rally was led by a walk by Beau Hankins and an error on a ball put in play by Drake Chreene.

Gage Williams was credited with the victory for Lakeside. The pitcher allowed zero hits and zero runs over one inning, walking zero.  Chreene, Noah Redding, and Peyton Gray all put in work in relief out of the bullpen, steering their team toward the victory.

Player A led things off on the pitcher’s mound for Claiborne Academy Rebels. The pitcher lasted four innings, allowing five hits and ten runs while striking out three.

Brock Case led Lakeside with two hits in three at bats.  Redding led Lakeside  Warriors with two stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base paths with seven stolen bases.

Player A went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Claiborne Academy in hits.

Lakeside overcomes Rebels in face of early 3-run inning

Lakeside Warriors claimed a 13-3 victory in the second game Thursday, despite a big push by Claiborne Academy Rebels in the fourth inning.  Claiborne Academy  Rebels scored its runs on a home run by Player D.

Lakeside secured the victory thanks to eight runs in the third inning.  Hunter Sutton, Eli Santelices, Eli Campbell, Peyton Gray, Matthew Aguilera, and  Sutton each had RBIs in the frame.

The Warriors put up eight runs in the third inning.  Lakeside put the pressure on, lead by singles by Sutton and Gray, an error on a ball put in play by Santelices and Campbell, a walk by Sutton, and a groundout by Aguilera.

Jordan Isbell earned the victory on the mound for Lakeside. The pitcher lasted two innings, allowing one hit and zero runs while striking out two and walking zero.  Sutton and Campbell entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.

Player A started the game for Claiborne Academy Rebels. The hurler allowed ten hits and 13 runs over four innings, striking out three.

Lakeside Warriors racked up ten hits.  Aguilera and Isbell each racked up multiple hits.  Aguilera went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead in hits.  Lakeside didn’t commit a single error in the field. Aguilera had  seven chances in the field, the most on the team.

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

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You know I love sharing all the best apps.  When I came across a few recipes with honey and sriracha, I knew a good combo had to happen.  This recipe can easily be doubled.  

We devoured this on the back porch with some cold drinks.  (This Louisiana weather is ridiculous 🥵)!  This one is spicy and full of flavor.  Keep it easy by using precooked fajita meat.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 large bag precooked chicken fajita meat
• 1 (8 ounce) container cream cheese spread
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sriracha sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Ritz crackers or Fritos Scoops for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  In a large bowl mix chicken, cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar and mozzarella cheese.  Stir in sriracha, honey, salt and garlic powder.  Pour into an 8×8 baking dish.  Top with remaining cheddar cheese.  Bake 16-18 minutes.

(Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.)

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Red River Bulldogs capture lead early to defeat Panthers

Doyline Panthers watched the game slip away early and couldn’t recover in an 11-2 loss to Red River Bulldogs Thursday. The Bulldogs scored on a groundout by #1 and an error in the first inning.

Doyline lost despite out-hitting Red River four to two.

Red River scored three runs in the fifth inning.  Their big inning was driven by walks by Ethan Williamson and Hunter Tingle and by John Dickey.

Eli Bamburg toed the rubber for the Bulldogs. The pitcher surrendered zero runs on one hit over one inning, striking out one and walking one.

Benton Bates was on the pitcher’s mound for Doyline Panthers. The pitcher went two and a third innings, allowing five runs on zero hits, striking out three and walking one. J.D. Bryant and Zach Normand entered the game from the bullpen, throwing two-thirds of an inning and one-third of an inning respectively.

Bryant led Doyline with two hits in three at bats.  The Panthers stole seven bases during the game as two players stole more than one. Dario Galvez led the way with three.

Williamson led Red River with two stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base paths with eight stolen bases.

Despite four hits, Doyline loses to Bulldogs

In the second game, Doyline out-hit Red River Bulldogs four to two, but it wasn’t enough in a 4-1 loss on Friday

The Panthers got on the board in the first inning when Benton Bates singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run.

Red River knotted the game up at one in the bottom of the first inning.  Tyler Hughes grounded out, scoring one run.

Red River pulled away for good with two runs in the second inning.  In the second Eli Murphy singled on a 3-1 count, scoring one run and a sacrifice bunt by #11 scored one run for Red River Bulldogs .

Ethan Williamson was on the pitcher’s mound for the Bulldogs. The righthander surrendered one run on three hits over two innings, striking out three and walking one.

Austin Arbaugh started the game for Doyline. Arbaugh surrendered one run on one hit over one inning, striking out one and walking zero. Cayden Mingo and Kenneth Lee entered the game from the bullpen, throwing two innings and one inning respectively.

Bates, Zach Normand, Lee, and Dario Galvez each collected one hit to lead Doyline.

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

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Leonard Cohen wrote the song “Hallelujah,” and toward its end there’s a lyric that goes, “Now I’ve done my best, I know it wasn’t much/I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come here just to fool ya/And even though it all went wrong

I’ll stand right here before the Lord of song/With nothing, nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah.”

You’ve probably heard the tune before. It’s been featured in numerous movies and television programs over the last couple of decades. I like it and all of Cohen’s music because he focuses exclusively on trying to do right in a world of cowards, hypocrites, panderers, liars, and politicians. Once again – being a politician has NOTHING to do with holding public office. A politician is someone who has no problem going along with anything just so long as it benefits them in the end. 

These people are the focus of a lot of Cohen’s songs because of their fast and loose concepts of truth and honesty. 

Honesty – that’s a word I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. Listening to Cohen while cutting the grass and clearing some brush, I found myself repeating this bridge:

“I can’t run no more

with that lawless crowd

while the killers in high places

say their prayers out loud.

But they’ve summoned, they’ve summoned up

a thundercloud

Ring the bells that still can ring.”

I love music because it can mean different things to many people. To me, this portion addresses the political among us, those who see the truth as malleable to be wielded as a weapon in whatever way benefits them at the time. 

I have always prided myself on honesty because a liar isn’t a man. My daddy and my football coach taught me that. A liar is worse than a thief. A gland-hander is worse than a idolater. Without honesty you’ve got the Republic you’ve got today, one moving ever closer to the edge, toward rot and ruin. Rome reborn. The go along to get along crowd? The time and a place crowd? The play the game crowd? Gag me with a spoon. 

You see, different opinions are my favorite opinions. I love someone who disagrees with me. Without disagreements I have no idea if I’m right or wrong because I have nothing to challenge me.  What is to be loathed is the schemer, the manipulator, the guy with two accents for two different groups. The mask wearer and the forked-tongued bearer. Harvey and his two faces. 

Rather than fame, rather than money, give me truth. The cowards cannot be trusted and the ever-growing societal aversion to uncomfortable truths may be saving your individual backside but only for a little while. 

Because:

“There’s a man goin’ ’round takin’ names

And he decides who to free and who to blame

Everybody won’t be treated all the same

There’ll be a golden ladder reachin’ down

When the man comes around

The hairs on your arm will stand up

At the terror in each sip and in each sup

Will you partake of that last offered cup

Or disappear into the potter’s ground?

When the man comes around.”

There are no more Pauls. No more Patrick Henrys. No more Martin Luthers. No more Dr. Kings. No more August Landmessers. We’re left with a nation of Tucker Carlsons and Elizabeth Warrens and Donald Trump Jrs. 

Thou shalt not lie. Be honest and if you can’t be honest just be quiet. Silence can be golden in a post-Christ world. I’ve discovered I’m saying less and less and less. 

Maybe one day I’ll just speak no more. And that’s ok. I’d rather be silent than not say the words I truly feel. I’d rather be mute than say the words of one who kneels. 

Let it be written on my grave marker: “I’ve told the truth. I didn’t come here just to fool ya.”

(Josh Beavers is an award winning writer and author. He has earned more than 40 individual writing awards and is syndicated in 12 North Louisiana news journals. The Louisiana Press Association has recognized him five times for excellence in opinion writing, and he has earned numerous Best Investigative Reporting Awards and Freedom of Information Awards for exposure of governmental corruption in Webster Parish.)

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By Tracy Campbell

It was a packed hour at our noon Lions Club meeting Thursday. After our regular club business, Lion Carleton Prothro served as our guest Tail Twister and told an Arkansas Razorbacks joke to those in attendance. Lion Dr. Richard Campbell initiated our newest Lion, Rev. Leon Boggs, into membership. Then Tori Thomas, executive director of United Way of Northwest Louisiana, spoke to the Lions about United Way and how the non-profit fights for the health, education, financial stability, and essential needs for residents in its 10-parish region. She touted programs such as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the 2-1-1 Call Center. Ms. West was invited and introduced by Lion Phillip Smart.

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

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A sleeping driver tipped off Springhill Police of a potential problem last week.

Darkendrus K. Gipson, 39, of the 700 block of Rodeo Circle, Farmerville, La., was reportedly sleeping in his 2010 Nissan Altima at the corner of Williams Street in Springhill, around 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Springhill Police Chief Will Lynd said Ofc. Dilorenzo approached the driver’s window and looked inside where he noticed the sleeping male subject, later identified as Gipson.

“The officer got the subject’s attention and asked him to open the door,” Lynd said. “Once it was open, the officer noticed a small yellow bag containing what appeared to be synthetic marijuana in plain view of the door handle.”

The officer, along with Sgt. Dunn, reportedly detained the subject and noticed a glass pipe with a white crystal like residue on the driver’s front seat.

Gipson was arrested for possession of 7.4 grams of methamphetamine, possession of 2 grams of synthetic marijuana and 2 counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was booked at the Springhill Police Department and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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

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