United Christian Assistance Program needs the following items:

Food: Ramen noodles, cereal, powdered milk, biscuit & cornbread mix

Clothing: Men’s tennis shoes (sizes 9 and up), men’s pants/jeans (waist 32 and 34)

Household goods: towels, twin sheets, pots & pans

Toiletries: toothpaste, deodorant

Thank you for supporting UCAP!

UCAP is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 204 Miller Street, Minden, for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only.

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My boys are not a fan of frosting or icing on cakes (not sure why they missed out on those genes from me), so this cake hit the spot for them.  Of course I loved it too, but am I ever one to turn down a sweet?  Not yet.

The ricotta in this cake makes it light and airy. 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 2/3 cup flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 2/3 cups whole milk ricotta cheese 
• 3 teaspoons vanilla
• 3/4 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips (coated in 1 tablespoon flour)
• Powdered sugar for dusting cake pan and for garnish

Directions

Melt your butter first so it can cool.  Then preheat the oven to 350 degrees with the rack a little above the center.  

Spray a springform pan (or 9” cake pan) with cooking spray and dust with powdered sugar.

Toss chocolate chips in flour.  Set aside.

In a small bowl whisk the sugar, flour, baking powder and salt.

In a large mixing bowl whisk the eggs, ricotta, and vanilla.  Fold in the dry ingredients.  Stir in butter and the chocolate chips.  

Spoon batter into the prepared pan and top with additional mini chocolate chips.  Bake for 45 minutes.  Let cool for 20 minutes before releasing from the pan.  

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

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Claiborne Academy takes down Rebels in close one

Doyline Panthers’s four pitchers didn’t allow a single hit, as they defeated Claiborne Academy  Rebels 3-2 Thursday. Cameron Johnson induced a fly out from Sawyer Harris to get the last out of the game.

The pitching was strong on both sides. The Panthers’ pitchers struck out four, while Claiborne Academy Rebels pitchers sat down nine.

Doyline opened up scoring in the first inning when James Dodge drove in two when Dodge singled.

Dakota Stewart led things off on the pitcher’s mound for Doyline. The righthander surrendered zero runs on zero hits over two innings, striking out two.

Maddox Gaston was on the hill for the Rebels. The pitcher went three innings, allowing three runs on two hits and striking out seven.  Bryce Hardin threw one inning out of the bullpen.

Dodge and Dario Galvez all had one hit to lead the Panthers.

Doyline claims victory over Claiborne in blow-out fashion

The Panthers easily did away with Claiborne Academy Rebels 9-2 in the second game Thursday.

Doyline got things moving in the first inning by scoring one run when Noah Spears singled.

The Panthers tallied four runs in the fourth inning. Big bats were led by Cameron Johnson, Cayden Mingo, Spears, and Dakota Stewart, all driving in runs in the frame.

Austin Arbaugh led things off on the hill for the Panthers. Arbaugh surrendered one run on one hit over two innings, walking zero.

Reagan Feazell started the game for Claiborne Academy Rebels. Feazell surrendered three runs on four hits over two innings, striking out two and walking one.  Will Fife threw two innings out of the bullpen.

Doyline scattered 11 hits in the game.  Mingo, Zach Normand, Spears, and Stewart each collected multiple hits for Doyline  Panthers.  Mingo went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead in hits.

Case Holloway led the Rebels with two hits in two at bats.

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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 17

9 until 11 a.m. Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry distribution

11 a.m. Fathers and Prayers at Minden water tower.

June 17 & 18

Minden/St. Jude Open

June 19-21

9 until 11 a.m. Minden High School Baseball Camp, ages 6-13.

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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I recently had the opportunity to be the guest speaker for the Hemphill High School Bass Club banquet. It’s always both a blessing and an honor to get to share my fishing knowledge and experiences with up-and-coming anglers. My goal is to always make sure they understand how lucky they are to participate in a sport that can last a lifetime. In most sports like football, baseball, or basketball, an athlete is on a timeline. He has a short time frame to be great and get the most out of his God given athletic ability. But with bass fishing, it’s a sport you may never reach your full potential because it’s a sport that you just keep learning year after year.

But the one thing I really stressed during my message to these young anglers was that there are no shortcuts to being great. It’s no different than being a great shooter in basketball where you must get in the gym and shoot extra. For a baseball player to be a great hitter, he needs to get in the batting cage and take a lot of swings. Bass fishing is no different. To be a great angler, you must spend a lot of time on the water. Nothing makes an angler better than TOW… time on the water.

One skill an angler must have in order to compete at a high level is the ability to cast. Anglers who can cast and put the bait where they need to are the anglers who will be the most successful. So, it’s important to practice your casting, flipping or pitching techniques. Anglers who struggle with casting will not be competitive on the tournament trails. You’ll simply be donating to someone else’s cause.  

So many youngsters today want instant gratification in whatever sport they are playing. Bass fishing is a sport that requires time and lots of practice. Patience is another key component to being great. Some anglers learn quickly while others may take a little longer to reach a level where they can compete. The high school and college series fishing circuits have really sped up the learning curve for a lot of young anglers.

The advancement in electronics, especially with forward-facing sonar, has really enabled a lot of anglers to advance and shorten their learning curve. These young anglers today have been raised during the computer age and adapt to today’s fishing sonars very quickly. They’re not intimidated by their electronics like so many of the older generation.

Getting back to the topic of today’s message, there are no shortcuts when it comes to being a great angler. If you want to be one of the best, you must practice techniques, but more importantly, believe in yourself. I asked Kevin Van Dam, the greatest angler of all time, “What’s the number one tool in your tackle box?”  His response was not a specific bait or a certain technique, it was one word… confidence. KVD said that it’s the one thing you can’t buy in a tackle store in order to be great. Nothing replaces confidence! Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and please don’t forget your sunscreen.  

Steve Graf                                                                                                                                                  Angler’s Perspective

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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 7

Donyetta Gillins, 38, of the 800 block of Carolina St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on a warrant for no vehicle registration.

Antonio Nelson, 25, of the 800 block of Plum St., Minden, was arrested by MPD at Springhill Police Department on 2 active warrants with Minden Police.

Kavion Hill, 19, of the 800 block of Woods St., Minden, surrendered to the Minden Police Department due to an active warrant for contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and a probation and parole violation.

June 8

Jeremiah Richardson, 24, of the 300 block of Graywood Dr., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for battery of a dating partner.

Brandon Lee Rogers, 40, of the 400 block of Forest St., Springhill, was arrested by WPSO on an active warrant.

June 9

Rickey Dewayne Black, 28, of the 400 block of Jessica Dr., Springhill, was arrested by WPSO on 2 counts of speeding and reckless operation of a motor vehicle.

Anthony Wayne  Brown, 21 of the 800 block of Nella St., Minden, was arrested by Minden Police for domestic abuse battery.

Jose Herman Andrade, 33, of the 200 block of Amy Ln., Minden, was arrested by LSP-G for driving while intoxicated, careless operation of a motor vehicle and no driver’s license. Andrade was involved in a single vehicle crash on Middle Rd., Webster Parish.

June 10

Lacy Ware, 41, of the 200 block of Shane Dr., Minden, was arrested by MPD for felony theft, after stealing make-up and possibly other items from a local dollar store.

Riley Richardson, 18, of the 17000 block of Hwy. 157 in Plain Dealing, was arrested by Cullen Police for possession of Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Leonardo Devinci McCarter, 25, of the 1,633 block of Sycamore St., Arcadia, was arrested by LSP-G for driving while intoxicated and careless operation of a motor vehicle. McCarter was involved in a single vehicle crash on Hwy. 80 near La. 531, Webster Parish.

June 11

Lillie E. McEachern, 34, of the 2000 block of Dorcheat Rd., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and three outstanding warrants.

Torry Capers, 30, of the 300 block of Weston St., Minden, was arrested by MPD on a bench warrant through Minden Police and a fugitive through Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Derek O’Rear, 38, of the 200 block of Pecanview, Minden, was arrested by MPD for four active warrants through Minden Police. Bond was set at $2,000.

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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Terry Lynn Gantt Peterson

June 1, 1964 – June 10, 2023

Visitation: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Brushwood Methodist Church.

Funeral service: 10:30 a.m. immediately following visitation.

Burial: Brushwood Cemetery

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 17, Eastside Missionary Baptist Church.

Earline Dowden

Sept. 24, 1925 – June 10, 2023

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Graveside service: 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Springhill Cemetery.

Grace Jean Bozeman

Sept. 29, 1933 – June 8, 2023

Springhill, La.

Graveside service: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023, 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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UPDATE 6:00 p.m. FRIDAY: According to Fire Chief Brian Williams, the Red Cross was contacted and has arrived to assist the three families that are displaced from the fire. State Fire Marshal is on the scene investigating at this time.

ORIGINAL STORY

By Bonnie Culverhouse

A fire of yet-to-be-determined origin was quickly extinguished by Minden firefighters Friday afternoon. The fire was in an upstairs apartment on Carolina Street.

Minden Fire Chief Brian Williams said the Fire Marshal is enroute to investigate.

“First unit arrived on the scene and found heavy fire in a second floor apartment,” Williams said. “They initiated an interior fire attack, knocked it down and confined it to two rooms.”

The chief said the fire was extinguished in about 20 minutes.

“At this time, the fire is under investigation,” Williams said. “We do not suspect any foul play or think it’s suspicious. The fire marshal is coming just to investigate and determine the actual cause of the fire.”

In addition to the fire department, Minden Police and an emergency medical service team responded.

“911 dispatches an ambulance to all working structure fires to stand by for the firemen,” he said. “Especially during hot summer months.”

(Special thanks to Police Chief Jared McIver for photos.)

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LaMa Animal Rescue Group is hosting their quarterly Bingo Fundraiser at 6 p.m. this Saturday, June 10 at the Springhill Civic Center. This is a great opportunity to be a part of a fun event to bring the community and families together to raise funds and awareness.  

LaMa is a non-profit rescue group advocating for the many homeless, abused and neglected animals in Northwest Louisiana. LaMa partners with northern rescue groups in Massachusetts, Maine and Virginia, to vet and transport homeless dogs and cats to a better life. 

Due to overpopulation, Webster Parish is flooded with sick and unwanted animals in desperate need of help. LaMa is in desperate need of fosters, community support and financial support.  

This small group of local volunteers works tirelessly to save abandoned, abused and neglected animals without state or parish financial support, they are forced to survive on private donations and fundraisers. 

Last year, LaMa rescued and transported more than 800 dogs to our partner rescue groups up north to give them a happy life. Most of the animals that come to LaMa are in need of medical treatment and all must be vaccinated and spayed or neutered before they can transport. The cost for each animal can grow quickly with heartworms treatments and other serious injuries or conditions. A typical monthly vet bill for LaMa can be between $15,000 and $22,000 per month. To continue their efforts, they need community support. 

Please mark your calendar, plan to attend this fun night and support this great cause. Enjoy an evening with friends, family and great prizes. Admission cost is $25 to play 10 games. The 10th game is blackout with a $250 prize. This time, they are adding an EXTRA blackout card FREE in your bingo packet. LOTS and lots of great prizes and fun games. Be sure to enjoy the great food at their concession stand. Come out and support this hard-working group and the vital work they do for the community!

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By Paige Nash

The Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO) in conjunction with the Minden Police Department worked security and traffic control at an event, FreakNik Finale, where more than 40 guns were secured from entering the event on Allen Drive in Minden. The FreakNik provided live entertainment featuring a DJ, mechanical bull and photo booth.  

WPSO Sheriff Jason Parker was thankful in this instance for the Permit Procedures Ordinance that was passed by the Webster Parish Police Jury a couple of years ago.  

“I had approximately 10 deputies assigned to work the event,” said Parker. “They (organizers) paid overtime for 3 to work traffic control.” 

The Permit Procedures Ordinance requires all organizers to fill out and submit an application no later than 45 days prior to the event with a non-refundable fee of $500. They are also to submit a copy of all promotional materials, applicant’s driver’s license and proof of ownership or lease of the property that the event will take place on. The organizers are also responsible for contacting the Webster Parish Health Unit if food is to be served and arranging for emergency medical services. If alcohol is going to be served, they must obtain a Louisiana Special Event Permit.  

“There are some other sheriffs in parishes around in our area that have not passed that permit process for those large groups coming in and they are having some issues,” said Parker.  

According to Parker, the organizers for the FreakNik Finale event thoroughly followed the procedures put into place.  

“We counted over 600 cars that came in through that front door,” said Parker. “The security team at the front gate secured over 40 guns from going into that event. That’s how important it is to have that leverage to go in there.” 

Stallion Oilfield Services loaned the sheriff’s office a mobile security camera system to set up in the doors of the event in case there were unfortunate circumstances that developed.  

“From now on that’s going to be part of my deal. If they want to have an event, I want there to be a camera system in place. I think that deterred anything from happening,” said Parker.  

They are currently working with Stallion to determine costs that will be included in the expenses of the event organizers in the future. 

Director of Webster Parish 911 Angie Chapman requested that they be notified of dates, times and anticipated attendees of larger events in the future because they are not included in the permitting process. Chapman specifically requested they be made aware of the ambulance company that is contracted to work the event. 

“That matters to 911 because it changes the way we dispatch for the entire rest of the parish,” said Chapman. “If a certain company is contracted to be at that event, then any 911 call that comes into 911 from that event has to be directed to that company and also we have to take into consideration, do we have enough trucks available to cover the rest of the parish that may not be at the event.” 

The Webster Parish Police Jury, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and Webster Parish 911 will continue to work closely together to make sure the residents of the parish are safe and that all procedures are being followed during future permitted events.  

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Purchasing new software may allow Minden Police Department to be in compliance with state and national law enforcement data agencies and eligible for grants for help with equipment.

Cost of the new software is $44,000 annually, but officials believe it will be recuperated in the form of grants.

Deputy Chief Tokia Harrison said MPD entered into a software agreement four years ago with Tyler Technologies, but it was not what they expected.

Reading a message from Chief Jared McIver, who was not in a council workshop Monday, Harrison told the Minden City Council that Tyler assured MPD they would be in compliance with National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and Louisiana Incident-Based Reporting System (LIBRS) where data is collected.

“The data is SUPPOSED to be automatically collected and sent to NIBRS and LIBRS,” the message from McIver read. “There are hundreds of millions of dollars in grant money for law enforcement – which fund cameras, bullet proof vests, license plate readers, software, vehicles and more.”

Harrison went on to read his statement saying MPD has missed out on this grant money over the years because they are not in compliance.

McIver requested the city council consider allowing Mayor Nick Cox to enter into a software service agreement with Kologik, LLC, a Baton Rouge-based company.

“They guarantee compliance with state and federal government,” he continued. “Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office uses Kologik and likes what their software offers.”

To have both law enforcement agencies using the same software will allow them to better communicate with one another.

McIver feels the money spent on this agreement will be returned “in a few years,” partly by allowing the department to apply for and receive grants.

Cox said the city’s IT department had been in touch with Tyler in an effort to resolve the issues.

“Now they just don’t call us back any more or they tell us ‘Louisiana is just too complicated for us,’” Cox said. “Kologik is really expensive but our point of view is that we can recapture some money in the form of savings and grants.”

“I’m good with it,” said District D Councilman Michael Roy. “I know the savings will be down the road. We’ve got to get it in and get it processing. If we are spending the money on bullet proof vests that only last so long, this takes something like that off the city’s financial burden. To me, it’s worth going in that direction.”

To outfit one patrol car can cost more than $20,000 and grant money would be an asset, the mayor said.

During Monday’s council meeting, Cox said he felt using Kologik is a good move. The council agreed, voting unanimously to allow Cox to enter into the agreement.

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One might say congratulations are in order after a ribbon cutting ceremony last week officially opened a spanking new kayak launch dock at the public launch site on Bayou Dorcheat in Dixie Inn. 

OK. Congratulations. It is, after all, the first such site in Webster Parish and the village of Dixie Inn is now officially on a tourism list of destination sites. That’s good news, especially when considering the launch site is within a chip shot of where a pretty doggoned good restaurant stood that drew crowds to the village.

A group of the usual local dignitaries, including those from the event-organizing and  Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission, were on hand for the snipping ceremony. And, according to one speaker, folks were excited to be on hand to help the WPCVC open “…their new kayak launch.”

Cool. And we noticed in a story covering the cutting that members of the Dixie Inn council were on hand. What the story didn’t tell us was the DI folks sorta crashed the party. As in, no Dixie Inn official was invited to a dedication at a site in their village. No personal contact. One Dixie Inner wondered if this oversight was a snub or a flub. 

Yes, there was a Greater Minden Chamber Facebook “Please join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of the Bayou Dorcheat Kayak Dock” post, and it’s a good thing that somebody in Dixie Inn is a scroller. Otherwise, there would have been a good chance village officials would have been members of a very large “Wonder what the heck’s goin’ on over yonder?” club in this part of our world.

Surely this was just an oversight. A quick Google shows Dixie Inn is still considered part of Webster Parish. We surely hope a tourism group that features the parish name prominently would consider all of us to be a part of you. Hopefully, your perception of who’s important isn’t a factor. Hopefully.

We also understand a couple of other locations are being looked at for launch sites: one at the public boat launch on LA 164 near Sibley, another on LA 2 near Shongaloo. If these prove doable, we would certainly hope officials from the nearby small communities are invited to the activities. They would most likely appreciate being part of the good things, and they’re only a phone call away.

While we’re on the subject, welcome to Dorcheat Bayou Rentals, the business bringing us the kayak experience. Visit their cool Facebook page. Your humble observer wouldn’t mind giving this a try if somebody could figure a way to put a rockin’ chair in the boat. Old curmudgeons don’t squat very well.

Final thought: There’s a Webster Parish School Board meeting scheduled June 12. We’re looking forward to getting a look at that meeting’s agenda. Last week’s meeting had no item mentioning anything about the board’s building and grounds committee session with the contractor allegedly building a facility at Minden High School.

That committee heard general contractors Ed Angel Sr. and Jr. of  ELA Group, Inc. make an appeal for an additional $974,728 to help cover price increases for materials and supplies, plus delays caused by “unexpected” ground water problems. 

That tidy sum would come atop the project’s $9.9 million bid price plus just under $700,000 in change orders which, in Golden Triangle terms, ain’t chump change. A curious onlooker might ask just how much of that change order total has been approved by a board vote. 

School board members will have to answer the Angels’ request at some point. The project is already many months behind schedule, and the completion date keeps moving like a balloon on a windy day. While we wait, the underspoken word is litigation. Stay tuned.

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By Paige Nash

Gerald Long with Senator Bill Cassidy’s Office attended the Webster Parish Police Jury meeting on Tuesday, June 6, making this meeting 195 that he has sat in on across portions of the state speaking about broadband.  

“Things are very good in Webster Parish. You were the recipient of a very large GUMBO (Granting Underserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities) grant in the first funding that took place, which was over $15 million for Webster Parish which would connect small businesses and homes and about 4,000 residents,” said Long.  

Although Louisiana is rated pretty low on the scale when it comes to many things, Louisiana is rated as the number 1 state in the nation when it comes to the progress being made in expanding broadband services. 

An Infrastructure Bill crafted by Senator Bill Cassidy and 9 other senators provided 1.2 billion for Louisiana going towards this broadband mission. 

It has been projected that by November at the latest, Louisiana will be the first union in the nation to receive the first round of funding in the amount of $220 million.  

“We want to be progressive in doing what we promised we were going to do,” said Long. “This is personal to Bill Cassidy. He really wants Louisiana to excel. It is a game changer. It is going to change our economy. It is going to change our education system, even the way we worship. With high-speed internet affordable services to every home, we are going to be able to move on into areas we have never moved into before.” 

Juror for District #3 Daniel Thomas agreed. He said, “I personally think that broadband could be the most important thing we could be working on right now as far as rural Louisiana especially.” 

An audience member was curious why some residents in the parish have neighbors right next door that are eligible at this time to receive internet services while some are not.  

Long explained that he receives this question quite often. He said, “That is the role and purpose of this program, to eliminate the digital divide, so that everyone will have access to high-speed affordable internet. We have found a very cooperative spirit with many of these providers. I use AT&T only as an example, but they personally told me that if they go into an area that is clearly defined to what we are to provide services for. We are going to pick up that next street because we are already there.” 

Following Long’s presentation, Webster Parish Police Jury President Jim Bonsall mentioned that he attended last month’s meeting at Claiborne Electric and said it was decided they would be partnering with Connexcom, a telecommunications provider, to further expand internet services. The partnership will mean that Connexcom will be able to use Claiborne Electric’s light poles and by doing so, they will be providing internet services to all Claiborne Electric members.   

“Mark Brown from Claiborne Electric said that Connexcom was planning on getting started next month,” said Bonsall.  

Long confirmed this information and said he had previously attended a meeting in Claiborne Parish. He said, “A few days after that I received a phone call that Claiborne Electric and Connexcom have come to an understanding and agreement. This is going to speed things up so quickly, so that these providers will have access to equipment that is already in place.” 

By the end of 2028 it is projected that Louisiana will have high-speed internet extended to 95 percent of residents and businesses.  

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A Claiborne Parish man was arrested by Minden Police for battery against his pregnant wife who is the mother of five children.

Tobias C. Tellis, 29, of the 500 block of Point Pleasant, Homer, is charged with felony domestic abuse battery with child endangerment.

Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said Sgt. Chris Cayer was dispatched to an address in the 1500 block of Shreveport Road around 5 p.m. in reference to a domestic incident in progress.

“When Sgt. Cayer arrived, the victim was standing outside the residence near the road,” McIver said. “She stated Tellis committed a battery upon her in front of their five children who are under the age of 12. And she is five months pregnant now.”

The victim reportedly had visible scratch marks on her arms and legs.

“The officer made contact with Tellis, who was angry and clinching his fists,” said the chief. “He then stated ‘I did nothing to her but shove her face down into the couch.’”

Tells was arrested without incident, taken to Minden Police Department and later 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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Ronnie Deen Coker lived every day of his life for eternity.  On Monday afternoon, June 5, 2023, Ronnie met Jesus face to face. He WON THE DAY!

Funeral services celebrating Ronnie’s life will be Saturday, June 10, 2023, 11 a.m. at Cypress Baptist Church, Benton La.  Officiating is Dr. Jarrett Stephens, Rev. John Fream and Jason Rowland.

Visitation will be hosted at Cypress Baptist Church on Friday, June 9 from 5 until 8 p.m.  

Ronnie was born June 15, 1964, in Minden, La. The youngest of the 5 Coker kids, his life from an early age was all about baseball. That passion led to years of teaching and coaching.  You can find all of Ronnie’s baseball and sports accolades in any paper or google search. What that google search or paper won’t share is that it was Ronnie’s character and his faith in Jesus that made him a champion on and off the field. He was a champion because he was INTENTIONAL, RELATIONAL, ENCOURAGING, GRATEFUL, SACRIFICIAL, JOYFUL, DEPENDABLE, and KIND.  To his family, he was their hero as a husband, father, papaw, brother, and uncle. He mentored countless students, teachers and friends over his decades in education.  These attributes all lead to the one thing Ronnie would want you say about him.  He was a JESUS FOLLOWER.  Nothing mattered more to Ronnie than reaching one more. He wanted everyone to know that the hope he had in Christ, was for them too.  

Clint Ewing, one of Coach’s former student athletes, summed it up like this, “I really wish someone could put a number to the people Coach has influenced, both directly and indirectly.  I know he impacted me in the game of baseball and in life in general in more ways that I can count, and I’ve tried to transfer that to every kid I’ve coached and just people in general.  There’s no telling the levels of influence he has had and the peoples lives he has touched in one way or another.  A true servant and champion for Christ.  He has truly advanced the Kingdom!”  For Ronnie, nothing was more important than that right there.  

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Coker Sr. and Burnie Smith Coker along with brother-in-law, Ronnie Holliday.

Left to celebrate his life and carry on his legacy are his wife, Kelly Boyd Coker, children; Peyton Coker (Peyton), Nathan Coker, Abigail Lorenzen and Hunter Lorenzen;  grandchildren, Campbell Coker and Liam Lorenzen; his loving siblings, Mickey Hamilton (Joe), Lewis Coker, Vickey Holliday, Penny Morgan (Danny); and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Pallbearers will be: Dennis Botzong, Jason Brotherton, Stephen Boyd, Lewis Coker, Justin James, Robert Kinney, Wesley Lee, Bo Meeks, Scott Phillips, Jason Rowland, Jeff Schexnaider, Todd Sharp, Seth Stowell, Russell Taylor, David Thrash, Aaron Wicklund

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you would consider supporting Ronnie’s Win The Day Foundation so that his dream of motivating and encouraging others with hope will continue: https://wintheday.org .

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Memorial services for Billie Jean Green, 88, of Minden, La., will beheld Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 11 a.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, Minden, La., with Father Wayne Carter officiating.

Billie Jean was born December 28, 1934 in Natchitoches, La. And entered into rest June 5, 2023 in Bossier City, La.

Billie Jean was predeceased by her husband, Bill Green and son Carl Everett Green.

She is survived by her sons William Marti Green and wife Mary Beth of Clemson, S.C. and Joseph Henry Green of Minden; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

In case it isn’t written on your calendar, it’s time to fire up the grill (or your appetite) and head to downtown Minden this weekend for the 7th Annual Grillin’ on Main.

Scheduled for Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10, one of the most fun competitions for the entire family will take place on Main Street in Minden, title sponsored by b1 Bank and Webster Parish Tourism.

Minden Main Street Commission president Shawn Hatcher said this is a National BCA (Barbecue Competitors Alliance)-sanctioned event.

“Right now we have 37 grillers registered, but we expect more,” Hatcher said Monday. “They watch the weather and then decide if they are going to participate.”

Little Grillers cook Friday beginning at 6 p.m. with winners announced at 8 p.m. This event is sponsored by Ace Hardware.

“A lot of fun is expected with this popular event. Right now we have 6 little grillers registered,” Hatcher said. “We’d love to have more.”

Main Street will be closed beginning at 5 a.m. Friday. Hatcher said grilling will take place on Main Street proper both days, but there will be other events that take place in the Marquee Parking Lot – 5 food vendors who are cooking for the public – and 12 vendors on Pearl Street with arts and crafts. The Cornhole Tournament begins Friday at 7 p.m. at Union Street and Broadway, and fireworks are at 9 p.m.

Saturday kicks off at 6 a.m., with the Grillers Cooking Competition. 

Minden Lions Club is sponsoring a Kids Zone with tons of activities for young people, including STARBASE Louisiana from Barksdale.

“They will be bringing drones and robots for the kids to see,” Hatcher said. “We have coloring contests and so much more.”

Hatcher said there will be booths selling everything including lemonade.

“We don’t discourage anyone from participating,” he said. “A couple of young girls approached me and said they wanted to sell lemonade for St. Jude. I told them to come on.”

Sponsors are important, not only to this event but to others supported by Minden Main Street.

“Our big donors are always here for us, but we can use more sponsors and donations,” Hatcher said.

Hatcher said judges are local and they rotate. To be a judge for the cook off, contact April Aguilar at 318-377-2144.

Music at Easley Studios “Courtyard”

6 until 10 p.m. Friday, June 9 – The Chuck Jones Band

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, June 10 – Grammy Nominated Buddy Flett

To register for any and all events (including the Corn Hole Tournament), call 371-4258 or visit www.mindenla.org/gom .

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By Josh Beavers

Before we get to the meat and potatoes, the one-on-one with Jacob Brown (the Crimson Tide’s new boys basketball coach), please allow for a poetic moment. Let’s just take a sec to acknowledge and appreciate where Jacob came from and where he’s going. 

Here’s “The Coach”, a little something in honor of one of Minden’s best:

On the court he stood, a coach tried and true,

His girls by his side, a team through and through.

For years he led them, with passion and heart,

And they played with spirit, from start to depart.

But now the winds of change are blowing,

And a new chapter in his life is showing.

A boys team awaits him, with open arms,

And he must adapt to their unique charms.

It’s a challenge, no doubt, to change his game,

To shift his focus, and adapt his aim.

But he’s a leader, with skills to spare,

And he knows how to win, and how to care.

So he’ll take the court, with his head held high,

And he’ll teach these boys to reach for the sky.

He’ll guide them with wisdom, and light their fire,

And they’ll play as a team, with a common desire.

For basketball is more than just a game,

It’s a passion, a calling, a source of acclaim.

And this coach, with his heart in the right place,

Will lead his new team to a championship race.

So here’s to the coach, with a heart of gold,

A leader, a mentor, both young and old.

May he find success, in his new endeavor,

And may his boys team be his shining treasure.

And now for my Q and A with Coach Jacob Brown:

Question: 

Tell me about Jacob Brown

Answer: 

Born and raised in Minden, La, product of Webster Parish Schools, 43 years old, 1999 Minden High School graduate, 3 sport athlete at Minden-football, basketball and baseball.   Sports became an integral part of my life at an early age.  I loved to compete and being a part of a team is something that prepares you for life.  I had the opportunity to play on an AAU team in the summers of 1992 and 1993, Shreveport Blue Devils, coached by Mike Moore (Morehead Pools).  We won back to back state championships.

First year of college I went to Bossier Parish Community College then transferred to Louisiana Tech University my sophomore year and graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Promotion.  While at Louisiana Tech I was able to be a part of what was called “The Dream Team”.  That team ran scout team information against the Lady Techsters.  That was an enjoyable experience because I was pursuing an education degree with intentions of becoming a teacher and coach.  At that time legendary coach Leon Barmore was the head coach so it was an opportunity to see how teams prepare and how coaches communicate and build relationships with their teams.  I knew at a young age I wanted to be a coach, I say young as in probably when I was a sophomore in high school.  The desire to be a coach was due to the influence several of my youth, middle and high school coaches had on my life.  I also had the opportunity to see my grandpa and uncle (Randy Carlisle) interact with their teams.  My first experience coaching was as a senior in college (2004).  One of my requirements to graduate was to complete an internship.  I had the opportunity to be an assistant baseball coach to Dean Francis and staff at Minden High School.   

Question:

Who all is in the Brown family?

Answer:

Wife-Rachel Hollingsworth Brown (married 18 years), Rachel has also been an educator in Webster Parish for 19 years. She was a teacher and now serves as an Instructional Coach

Children: 2 boys Hudson Carlisle Brown (Freshman @ MHS) and William Jacob Brown (6th Grader @ WJH) and 1 daughter Anna Beth Brown (3rd Grader @ J.L. Jones Elementary)

Parents: Son of Teddy and Debbie Brown, Grandson of Carl “Pat” and Evelyn Brown as well as Clyde “Buster”  and Frances Carlisle (former MHS Boys Head Coach, 1970-80).

Question: 

What made you make the switch between the two teams? 

Answer:

I began my coaching career as a boys coach at Webster Junior High School.  A career goal of mine has been to get the opportunity to coach a high school boys’ basketball team. I didn’t know where or when that would happen but the opportunity presented itself right here at home.  It was not an easy decision.  Anytime a decision like this comes about it has to be the right decision for the other four individuals in my house, it’s not just what is best for me.  Leading our girls program was always very important to me during the last 14 years.  Representing the program the right way was always top priority. My grandfather was the boys coach here at Minden for 10 years, so for me to have this opportunity is very special to me and my family. I am excited about the future and look forward to working with the boys during the summer.

Question:

How have the girls taken it?

Answer: 

The girls had mixed emotions about me accepting the boy’s job. Not all people handle situations like that the same way. Some of them took it really hard and others took it in stride.  Just like any other scenario that we have experienced it becomes a teaching moment.  Changing jobs is not something that they will fully understand until they become adults and processing the information that leads to those decisions.  I will forever cherish my time with the young ladies that I have been able to coach during the last 14 years. I have been able to see young ladies grow in all areas of their lives and that is one of the most rewarding aspects of this profession.

Question:

What do you see as the future of both teams at MHS? 

Answer:

I see the girls adding to what was accomplished this year.  We were able to make it back to the playoffs this year after missing the playoffs the previous year.  We only had 2 seniors on the team this year.  The last 2 years our team was really young so I think the girls are in a position to improve on past experiences.  As far as the boys, we are getting started.  We had 5 or 6 seniors this year so when I look at the roster we have some young kids but in the little time we have had together it was productive.  We will take the time to begin building relationships and prioritize the values that produce productive men and  successful teams. When I met with the team a few weeks ago I emphasized the importance of having a positive mindset and working together toward team goals.  Whatever we set out to accomplish will have to be done with enthusiasm, discipline and a great work ethic.  I’m looking forward to this journey!

Question:

What do you love about coaching?  

Answer:

I just enjoy the fact that as a coach you are in a position to positively influence many generations. Coaching and teaching is a mission field and I enjoy that role. I also enjoy seeing the kids develop and grow from the beginning of their high school career to the end, but most importantly, I enjoy watching them grow into young adults as they go out into the world.  

Question:

Any specific great memories of your time with the ladies team you like to share?  

Answer:

It has been an honor to coach the many young ladies that have come through the program.  The highlight of the 14 years was definitely our 4 year run of 107-27 and playing in the 2019 state tournament, 1st appearance in 16 years and 2 Doc Edwards championship games, classics to say the least! 

 Question: 

Anything else you’d like to tell me?

Answer:

An interesting part of my journey and something that is very special to not only me, but my wife and children, is that I was able to coach and mentor and eventually coach alongside a former student. My first year coaching and teaching at Webster, I coached a young man named Rodarian Rogers. I got to coach him in jr. high and high school. Years later he became one of my assistant coaches and now has coached my boys at Webster Jr. High.  I feel like I have come full circle, and it’s pretty special when someone you hoped to have a positive influence on ends up being a vital part of my own children’s lives! 

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By Jessica Gorman

Last week, the museum was very fortunate to receive a donation of items from Delta Estate Sales. Among these items was Miss Emily Garrison’s diploma from the Minden Female College dated 20 July 1855. I wasn’t familiar with her name but went to work learning about who she was and how she fits into our local history.

In the U.S. Censuses for 1850 and 1860, Miss Garrison is listed in the household of R.A. Lancaster. It is likely that she was his stepdaughter. R.A. Lancaster moved from Alabama to what was, at the time, Bossier Parish in the 1840s. He was married to Melvina Garrison, who was likely Emily’s mother, in December of 1845 in Harrison County, Texas. 

Federal land records record his purchase of the southwest quarter of Section 4 Township 18N Range 10W in 1850. The following year, he purchased the southeast quarter. This property is located in the area of the Saint Matthews church on Highway 80 west of Minden and is referred to in later records as “the old Lancaster place.” That same year, The New Orleans Crescent reported that Mr. Lancaster was preparing to construct a sawmill near Minden. In 1852, he is mentioned in the Times Picayune as one of several local men refuting charges against W. Jasper Blackburn for dishonesty, drunkness, and gambling. 

By 1856, the family had moved to Minden. R.A. Lancaster had been confirmed by the state legislature as a notary public for Claiborne Parish. He was also serving as postmaster at Minden. In 1858, he began his first of at least five terms as mayor of Minden. At that time, the mayoral term was for a period of one year. Mr. Lancaster served at least four consecutive terms from 1858 until 1862. Records have not been found for 1863-1865, but he was serving as mayor in 1865 and was subsequently appointed by Governor Warmouth to serve again in 1868. Before this final term as mayor, he had also been appointed to the position of receiver general in the land office located at Natchitoches.

While it has been hypothesized that the family may have lived in the Vance-Sugg House on Broadway, it now seems more likely that it was a son, Julius Lancaster. He worked as a clerk for packet boats and was married to Cornelia Randle, daughter of another Minden mayor, T.W. Randle.

In 1860, a 21-year-old Emily Garrison is recorded in the Lancaster household. Her occupation is listed as teacher. Sometime within the year, Melvina died. R.A. Lancaster remarried to Eliza Thompson in June 1861. Emily is recorded in the household of her brother W.O. Garrison in Natchitoches Parish in 1870. She may also be the same Emily Garrison that was principal of the female department of the Academy and Normal School at Fillmore in the fall of the same year. 

Emily Garrison was married to J. Freeman Boone in March 1874 in Bossier Parish. The Boones then made their home in Hempstead County, Arkansas where J.F. Boone probably died. Emily returned to Louisiana. A letter dated 1883 and addressed to her seems to be in response to a request for financial assistance.  At some point, she returned to teaching. Her license to teach third grade in Bossier Parish, dated 1895 and renewed for 1896, was also included in the items donated to the museum. Emily Garrison Boone died in Taylor, Arkansas in November 1909.

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

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Martin Luther King Drive in Minden will be the site of a Juneteenth celebration between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, June 17.

Michael Walker, one of the coordinators said there will be bounce houses for kids, water slides, bingo, food vendors, music, arts and crafts and more.

“It’s not just for one part of the city,” Walker told members of the Minden City Council Monday. “It’s for the whole city of Minden, and we want everyone to come celebrate.”

There will be a history of Juneteenth and stories of freedom.

“We’ll have something for everyone,” he said.

According to JUNETEENTH.com, Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were free.

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Register Now!

CALL 318-371-1371 or use Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/JhKtn30dL1

Dining with Diabetes is a series of four classes conducted by Nutrition Extension Agent Shakera Williams, MPH and LSU Health Sciences School of Medicine student Camila Carrera. This program helps individuals learn strategies to manage their diabetes through menu planning, carbohydrate counting, portion control, and label reading. Participants have the opportunity to sample healthy foods made utilizing concepts taught.*This program is not intended to provide individual prescriptions for diabetic meal planning and it is not intended to replace diabetes education furnished by qualified health care professionals.

Class fee to attend the entire program: $35

The program fee can be paid with cash, check or money order at the Webster Extension Office. Please make the check payable to the LSU AgCenter Webster Parish.

Program Sessions: Thursdays at 6:00 P.M.

June 29: What is Diabetes?

July 6: Carbohydrates and Sweeteners

July 13: Fats and Sodium

July 20: Vitamins, Minerals, and Fiber

TBD: Reunion Class (within three to six months after last class)

Deadline to Register: Friday, June 23, 2023 at 4:30 P.M.

Contact Info: Shakera Williams, MPH

Email address: sswilliams@agcenter.lsu.edu

Office number: 318-371-1371

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the LSU AgCenter will make reasonable accommodations to enable persons with disabilities to engage in programs offered.Should you need an ADA accommodation, please contact Shakera Williams at 318 – 371- 1371 no later than 2 weeks before your accommodation is needed. 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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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)

First Baptist Church, Minden

June 5-9, 6 until 8 p.m.Registration link, vbspro.events/p/fbcminden2023.

West Lake Baptist Church

June 4-8, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Twists & Turns.

Mt. Paran Baptist Church

June 18-22, 5:30 until 8 p.m., Mt. Paran Baptist Church, “Keepers of the Kingdom: Standing Strong in Today’s Battle for the Truth.” All children ages kindergarten to 6th grade are invited to attend.

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.

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