It’s kick-off time for Webster Parish Journal’s Football Pick’em Contest.

Each weekly winner over the life of the contest will be on the receiving end of $100 and will have their photo taken at our title sponsor Under Dawgs Sports Grill. 

Anyone 18 and older is eligible to participate. All it takes is an email address and a combination of skill and a little luck. Every week, local high school football games, four college teams and four pro teams will be on the ballot, which will include tie-breakers based on total points of two selected teams. 

Signing up for the contest only takes a couple of minutes. When it’s closer to time, we will publish the link and all you have to do is log on and pick’em. And just like the Journal, there’s no cost to enter. 

Entries will be open for the first week’s games Tuesday, August 29 and will remain open until 4 p.m. Thursday before the listed games. Weekly winners will be notified and announced in the following Wednesday edition of the Journal.

This year, our celebrity pickers are Sibley Mayor Jimmy Williams, Minden Mayor Nick Cox, Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker, Minden Police Chief Jared McIver and WPJ celebrities Curtis Mays, Pat Culverhouse and Josh Beavers.

Celebrities are not eligible to win prizes … they just get bragging rights.

So fire up your phones or computers and get ready to pick’em.

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

August 26

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Brunch. Minden Junior Service League “Mamma Mia” Girls Night Out, Minden Civic Center.

6 p.m. Annual Singing to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Eastside Baptist Church, 1201 Park Highway, Minden. Hosted by The King’s Servants. Featured group: The Guardian Quartet. All proceeds go to benefit St. Jude.

Sept. 1

Webster 4-H enrollment begins.

Response cards and checks to be mailed to Dorcheat Museum for annual fundraiser to be held Sept. 11.

Sept. 2

9 a.m. 6th Annual NWLA PCOS Awareness Walk, Victory Park, Minden.

Last day for fall soccer registration at the Minden Rec Center.

Sept. 8

Last day to drop off checks at Dorcheat Historical Museum for annual fundraiser to be held Sept. 11.

Sept. 9

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

Football season at Minden Rec Center begins and runs through November 4.

Sept. 11

6 until 8 p.m. Dorcheat Historical Museum annual fundraiser. Dress like your favorite movie or TV character. $25/ per person.

Sept. 15

Webster High School Homecoming

Sept. 22-24

Springhill PRCA Rodeo and Parade, Springhill, La.

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

Youth Basketball registration begins and runs through December 1 at Minden Rec Center.

Oct. 7

8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. “Day of Worship for Women, North Acres Baptist Church, 1852 Lewisville Rd., Minden. Cost is $25 and space is limited.

Kathy Nelson with Speak It Ministries will be the speaker and Serena Gray will be leading worship. Register by contacting Janice Nelson at or 318-393-1990

or calling the church 318-377-4315. Childcare provided, lunch included.

Oct. 12

6 p.m. Seeds Women’s Center annual Fundraising Banquet. Dinner at program. Minden Civic Center. For tickets, call 318-639-0907.

Oct. 14

11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Minden Makers Fair. Accepting vendor applications, demonstrations and volunteers. https://www.mindenmakersfair.com/vendorregistration.

Oct. 24

6:30 p.m. 15 Under 40 Awards Gala, Minden Civic Center.

Oct. 26

4:30 p.m. Ghostly Gathering Trunk or Treat, Mack Memorial Library, Springhill, La.

Oct. 28

6 until 9 p.m. Minden Rec Annual Fall Festival.

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My name is Essence Payne Randle,(PCOS Advocate) Founder & Director of Cajun Cyster of NWLA,Inc. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an endocrine disorder that causes infertility, cardiac & dermatological issues in women. PCOS is one of the most critical, underserved, under-diagnosed & underfunded conditions affecting women’s health. There is a huge health disparity when it comes to PCOS diagnosis, funding & support.

1in 5 women are affected by this disorder & 50-75% of women go undiagnosed, which is why advocating & promoting awareness is so important.

This year we are hosting our 6^th Annual PCOS Awareness Walk here in the City of Shreveport, & we are excited to have the opportunity to continue our Walks in the City of Minden. 

As a member of the Patient Advisory Board for the National PCOS Challenge, Inc. & City Leader, obtaining a Proclamation in your City recognizing/declaring September as PCOS Awareness Month is an accomplishment we hope to achieve for a second time. In 2019 we received our first Proclamation recognizing September as PCOS Awareness month in the City of Shreveport. If the paperwork from our previous Proclamation is needed as a reference I have it readily available. 

Thank you in advance for your time. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely, Essence Payne Randle

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George William Rolfe Jr.

August 9, 1940 – July 11, 2023

Sibley/Minden, La.

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Minden.

Jo Ellen Paul

Nov. 28, 1966 – August 23, 2023

Minden/Bossier City, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, August 26, Airline Baptist Church, Bossier City, La.

Gary H. Applegate

July 6, 1951 – August 22, 2023

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2023, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Graveside service: 9 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, Chalewood memorial Garden Cemetery, Vivian, La.

Angela Heard

Feb. 8, 1966 – August 18, 2023

Minden, La.

Visitation only: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2023, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Porter Ratliff

May 12, 1932 – August 21, 2023

Springhill, La.

Burial: Western Cemetery, Emerson, Ark., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Dana Marie Wise Perkins

Oct. 17, 1956 – August 16, 2023

Shongaloo, La.

Memorial Graveside service: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Shongaloo, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Haynesville, La.

Alice Peckham Thomason

Sept. 8, 1927 – August 4, 2023

Minden, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2023, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, Calvary Church, Mangham, La.

Burial: 11:15 Saturday, Calvary (Hewitt) Church Cemetery, Mangham, La.

Thomas “Tommy” C. Stokes Jr.

Oct. 26, 1939 – July 20, 2023

Sibley, La.

Celebration of Life: 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, Stokes Residence, 484 Leachman Rd., Sibley, La. 71073

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

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

North Webster High School students and faculty are mourning the loss of one of their own.

Superintendent of Schools Johnny Rowland said the death of Tarcus Hawthorne Jr. was a medical emergency that occurred while he was at school.

“As you can imagine, students and staff are suffering and mourning this special young man, remembering all of the wonderful qualities that he exhibited on a daily basis,” Rowland said in a statement. “The parish crisis team will be available to work with staff and students throughout this difficult time, and we ask everyone to keep the entire North Webster family as well as the student’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Springhill Police Chief Will Lynd said around mid morning Tuesday, Hawthorne was outside in a physical education class when he suffered an asthma attack.

“The student had a pump but it was empty,” Lynd said. “The family had requested a refill, but the teen had not been able to see the nurse practitioner.”

During the incident, Hawthorne was reportedly taken to the hospital where he died.

Lynd said it is still an open investigation, and another news media outlet said there may be another scenario with another student that played a part in the youth’s death.

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By Paige Nash

The Children’s Center, a local childcare service and art school that served area kids for nearly 40 years, has permanently closed as of last week.  

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If there’s one thing that can be said of today’s social media it’s just how downright unsociable the medium has become.

One case in point: The Children’s Center, an after school tutorial/entertainment venue for years, has closed its doors. Not from lack of interest, mind you, but apparently because of what might be best described as a poor choice 15 years ago. 

That’s right. Fifteen years ago the lady who purchased Children’s Center dressed as an Aunt Jemima-type for a party, complete with black face. She has been outed and pilloried on social media outlets as a racist and bigot for the 15-years-ago escapade.

She is a nurse at an area hospital, and her employer reportedly has received calls demanding her termination. She is now the target of  a campaign to have her nursing license revoked, which would effectively destroy a career.  Her phone number apparently has been posted, leading to threats of harm to her and her family. 

All this for an affront to the offendables from 15 years ago. This cyberlynching has led to the doors shutting on a valuable asset that has for years encouraged learning and art for children of our hometown regardless of race, creed or income. Seems like a pretty large price to pay so social warriors can add a notch to the handle of their cultural pistol.

We’re not defending the actions that led to this cancel crusade, but we would remind the affronted that this incident occurred when society viewed things differently. A blackened white face, though understandably offensive to some, carried less sinister messages 15 years ago. 

We know things have changed and now all us are judged by a new set of standards overseen by a new set of judges. It might be good to consider just what we want to accomplish with this type of merciless campaign. If the motive is purely revenge and destruction of a life and career, shame on you. 

Maybe each person should take a look at themselves 15 years ago. If there’s nothing to regret, you’re a special someone. Our grandpa told us to never set standards for others we cannot meet ourselves. The wisest of all taught that we should judge not lest we be judged, and that the sinless should be the first to cast stones. 

We agree that even unintended actions have consequences, but how far do we go to punish someone for what is, at most, one misstep. View the person’s life in whole, not one part. And maybe, just maybe, forgiveness is a solution that would be lifechanging for more than just one individual.

Another case: This Witches Ride event seems to have taken on a life of perpetual pistoffery that has taken absurdity to record levels. We make reference to a story in this publication about comments made at a prayer breakfast which resulted in hundreds of comments pro and con.

It’s not hard to understand that passions run deep when matters ultimately relating to religious beliefs become part of a public dialogue. What makes the matter disunderstandable is the lack of  respect for another’s opinion and the eagerness to doom to eternal darkness anyone who disagrees.

For gosh sakes, friends and neighbors, we’re talking about a bunch of ladies who want to dress like cartoon characters and ride golf carts, bicycles and other wheeled objects to raise a few pennies for charity. It’s not like we’re going to see ceremonial sacrifice or blasphemous rituals, but from some Facebook posts you’d think we’re facing a full-fledged display of witchcraft on wheels.

Your humble observer would respectfully request that commenters on the event, from both sides, refrain from what has become a staple of social media…disparaging remarks about anyone who holds a different opinion, and questioning a person’s faith if there’s uncommon ground.

For those who can’t stop talking/insulting, we would remind you of a Will Rogers quote: “Never miss a good chance to shut up.” When the ride’s over and no one has been hexed, we can then get back to the important things. Like are we gonna dress our kids like witches or ghosts for Halloween.

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George William Rolfe, Jr., 82 of Sibley, LA went to be with the Lord unexpectedly July 11, 2023.  He was born August 9, 1940, in Nixon, NJ to George Sr. and Martha Stamm Rolfe.  He was one of six children.

George married his wife, Paula in 1965 and graduated from Rutgers University with a civil engineering degree in 1967, and had their only son, George William Rolfe III in 1970.  George worked for Caterpillar which brought him to Louisiana in 1977.  He and his wife, Paula opened the first Sylvan Learning Center in Shreveport, LA in 1984 and sold it in 2018.  After retiring from Caterpillar and doing machinery sales in between, he ended up working for the City of Minden, LA as Director of Public Works.  He was a founding member of the Krewe of Ambassador where he served on the court in 2009 as Duke of Prosperity.  He was a member of the Minden Lions Club and served on the vestry board at St. Johns Episcopal Church.  He retired from the City of Minden in 2016 and he and Paula began the joy of RV travels.  To Know him was to love him.  He was a kind, compassionate, caring man who made the best out of every situation. He loved to travel, especially to the Cayman Islands where he loved to scuba dive.  When you couldn’t find him working around his house on Lake Bisteneau or running the roads in his red jeep,  you would most likely find him on his bicycle getting his 200+ miles that he rode a month.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Martha Rolfe, sister Marie Halsey and brothers James and Henry Rolfe.  He is survived by the love of his life, Paula Rolfe, his son, George W. Rolfe III and wife, Michelle, grandsons George W. Rolfe IV and his wife Emily, Garrett L. Rolfe and his girlfriend,  Maddie Johnston, brothers Karl Rolfe and wife, Myrla, and Edward Rolfe and wife Althea and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Minden, LA with a reception following in the Parish Hall.

Memorials can be made to St. Johns Episcopal Church in Minden, LA.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A case of stolen debit/credit cards was solved by Webster Parish deputies and Dixie Inn police with the arrest of a local woman.

Harli Leighann Rushing, 26, of the 100 block of Country Lane, Minden, was arrested by WPSO on two active warrants – one through Dixie Inn Police and one through WPSO for access fraud and resisting an officer by giving a false name. Her bond is $25,000.

Sheriff Jason Parker said Deputy Michael Dickey located Rushing at her residence Monday evening where she gave them a false name.

“They compared her driver’s license picture with a photo they had of Rushing,” Parker said. “She continued to deny she was Rushing, but after talking with her boyfriend, it was confirmed she was indeed Rushing.”

Nancy Staats, a Shreveport woman who used a cleaning service said Rushing was sent to her house recently and allegedly took her Bossier Federal debit card, two credit cards and a family member’s out-of-date debit card, which were on a table.

“I didn’t even know they were missing until (the next) morning when I got a call from Bossier Federal’s fraud department asking if I had used my debit card to charge $48.82 worth of gas at the Exxon Station in Dixie Inn,” Staats said. “I explained I hadn’t used that card for months, which is how it came to be with the other cards on an end table next to our loveseat. I read an article that said you should take the cards you don’t use out of your wallet so they won’t get stolen.”

Shane Scott, owner of the cleaning service, said Rushing had been on her radar for a while.

“I believe she has stolen from other clients,” Scott said. “I try not to hire anybody if someone I know can’t recommend them. I began to hear things were missing, so I moved Harli mostly to houses that were empty.”

However, Staats and her husband were home when Rushing lifted the cards.

From 4:30 p.m. one day to 8:30 a.m. the next, Rushing allegedly purchased around $500 on Staats’ cards.

Staats filed a report with Dixie Inn Police Chief Alan Davis after taking other steps to dispute 10 more charges.

“The spree went through Shreveport, Bossier and Dixie Inn, and according to Chief Davis, mine wasn’t the only ‘instrument theft’ she was wanted for in Webster,” Staats added.

“It’s important for people to understand, there is a bypass function on credit/debit card machines,” she continued. “By pressing a certain button, the machine will bypass a PIN requirement.”

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

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested two persons for possession of narcotics on Gas Plant Road.

James Michael Hilman, 34, of the 100 block of Callahan Circle, Doyline, was arrested for illegal possession of stolen things (license plate), possession of hallucinogenic plants, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kimberly Darlene Hufstedler, 36, of the 700 block of Oliver Rd., Haughton, is charged with possession of hallucinogenic plants, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. She also had 2 warrants out of Bossier Parish for failure to appear for driving under suspension and failure to appear for careless operation of a motor vehicle.

Sheriff Jason Parker said around 10 a.m. Tuesday morning, Deputy Derrick Phelps was on La. 527 when he stopped a vehicle at the parish line.

“The plate came back stolen,” said the sheriff. “The deputy and Lt. C. Walsworth, identified the driver as Hilman and the front seat passenger as Hufstedler, who had warrants out of Bossier. They placed her under arrest.”

Deputy Phelps reportedly returned to the vehicle to conduct an inventory.

“Lt. Walsworth asked Hilman if they could have consent to search and he agreed while mentioning something about possibly some baggies on the back floorboard,” Parker said.

Deputies located a pink colored sequined bag on the floorboard containing suspected methamphetamine, suspected hallucinogenic mushrooms, cash, several small plastic baggies, hypodermic needles and a set of weighing scales.

“A further search was conducted and a bag of crystal-line substance suspected to be meth was located in the visor area,” Parker said. “In addition to the drug charges, Hillman was cited for no driver’s license, no insurance and a probation warrant by Probation and Parole.”

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 Jessica Gorman

This week I’m going to be correcting myself. About a month ago, I posted this photograph of St. Ann’s Catholic Church on the museum Facebook page. I believed this to be the original church building. However, a 1907 newspaper article tells a different story.

The 1907 article relates the story of the origins of the Catholic church in Claiborne Parish, and then Webster Parish, as told by Mr. Mat Murphy who came to North Louisiana in the late 1840s with his brother, Charles. The Murphys first attended a church built around 1855 that was located ten miles east of Minden. 

Murphy reports that the first mass held in Minden was in 1866 in the home of P.W. Paul. For the next few years, Father Jean Pierre would come from Shreveport to hold mass in the home of Mr. Krapp. By 1872, the congregation had grown large enough to require a church building. Father Pierre secured the funds necessary for the purchase of a lot on Broadway where Seeds Women’s Center is currently located. This lot included a structure identified by Mr. Murphy as having previously been the home and business of Mr. P.W. Paul. This building seems to have had an interesting history of its own.

According to Mat Murphy, the building had been purchased by P.W. Paul from Mr. Drake, which Mr. Drake is not specified. It is said that the building was originally located on the site of the Bank of Minden, now Under Dawgs, and that Mr. Drake had used it as a store or a home. As it has yet to be determined where the Drakes originally lived, this information could provide a clue. Or, this building could have been the original Drake store as it was said to have been sold to make way for a larger store. 

What is certain is that this building, purchased with funds raised by Father Pierre, served as St. Ann’s Catholic Church for thirty-two years. In 1904, due to its deteriorating condition it was torn down and replaced with the structure in the photograph. Twenty-nine years later this building was destroyed by the tornado of 1933 at which time the brick building still standing at the corner of Broadway and Lee Street was built and the name of the church was changed to St. Paul’s.

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

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Minden Police Department wants to remind motorists to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. In order to enforce this reminder, MPD has already begun stepping up enforcement.

“Our officers will be enforcing this law,” said Chief Jared McIver. “If you are impaired, you will be stopped.”

Minden Police and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office’s efforts are part of a larger national Drive Sober Get Pulled Over mobilization that runs from now until September 24. Driving a vehicle while impaired is a dangerous crime. Tough law enforcement of drinking and driving laws is a major factor in the decrease in drinking and driving related deaths since the 1980s.

Charges range from misdemeanors to felony offenses and penalties for impaired driving can include driver’s license revocation, fines and jail time.

A first-time offense can cost the driver $10,000 in fines and legal fees.

Being a responsible driver is simple if you are drinking, plan not to drive:

Before drinking, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.

Don’t let your friends drive impaired.

If you have been drinking, call a taxi or ride service. Some communities have Safe Ride programs for a free ride home.

If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.

Always wear your seat belt – it’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot .

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

If you aren’t registered to vote in Webster Parish, it’s time to sign up and exercise your rights.

Registrar of Voters Angela Hall said August 28 through September 1 are the dates to register for the October 14 election.

There are several ways and places to sign up.

Online: register at GeauxVote.com. Have a valid Louisiana Driver’s License or Louisiana special ID card with a Louisiana residential address.

The above items are needed to register in person at these locations.

Registrar of Voters Office, 410 Main St., Room 101 from 8:30 a.m.  until 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Webster Parish Library Minden branch from  1 until 4 p.m. Tuesday August 29.

Springhill branch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Wednesday, August 30.

Also register in person at the Office of Motor Vehicles, La. Dept. of Children and Family Services, WIC Offices, Food Stamp Offices, Medicaid Offices, Offices serving persons with disabilities such as deaf action centers and independent living offices and Armed Forces recruitment offices.

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It’s kick-off time for Webster Parish Journal’s Football Pick’em Contest.

Each weekly winner over the life of the contest will be on the receiving end of $100 and will have their photo taken at our title sponsor Under Dawgs Sports Grill. 

Anyone 18 and older is eligible to participate. All it takes is an email address and a combination of skill and a little luck. Every week, local high school football games, four college teams and four pro teams will be on the ballot, which will include tie-breakers based on total points of two selected teams. 

Signing up for the contest only takes a couple of minutes. When it’s closer to time, we will publish the link and all you have to do is log on and pick’em. And just like the Journal, there’s no cost to enter. 

Entries will be open for the first week’s games Tuesday, August 29 and will remain open until 4 p.m. Thursday before the listed games. Weekly winners will be notified and announced in the following Wednesday edition of the Journal.

This year, our celebrity pickers are Sibley Mayor Jimmy Williams, Minden Mayor Nick Cox, Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker, Minden Police Chief Jared McIver and WPJ celebrities Curtis Mays, Pat Culverhouse and Josh Beavers.

Celebrities are not eligible to win prizes … they just get bragging rights.

So fire up your phones or computers and get ready to pick’em.

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Do you have a large number of fresh eggs on hand? One safe method for preserving eggs is freezing and the other is pickling. Pickled eggs must be stored in the refrigerator at all times. Pickled eggs are peeled, hard-cooked eggs in a solution consisting of vinegar, salt, spices, and other seasonings. At this time there are no safe home canning methods for eggs. Here are the steps below for freezing eggs.

Freezing Eggs

Wash utensils, equipment, and work areas with soapy water before and after contact with eggs. It is important to know that eggs cannot be frozen in the shell. Eggs can be frozen with the yolk and white mixed together (whole) or separated into yolks and whites.

Freezing Whole Eggs

1. Crack each egg separately into a clean bowl. Examine for freshness and remove any pieces of shell before mixing with other eggs.
2. Thoroughly mix yolks and whites together. Do not over whip which incorporates air.
3. To prevent graininess of the yolks, add 1 ½ tablespoons sugar, 1 ½ tablespoons corn syrup OR ½ teaspoon salt per cup of whole eggs. This will stop the gelation of the yolks. Use salt or sugar according to whether you intend to use the egg contents for sweet or savory dishes.
4. Strain through a colander to improve uniformity.
5. Pack for freezing allowing ½-inch headspace. Seal, label, and freeze.
6. Another method of freezing a whole-egg mixture is to use ice cube trays. Pour egg mixture into each compartment of an ice cube tray. Freeze until solid. Remove frozen cubes, and package in moisture-vapor resistant containers. Seal, label, and freeze.

Freezing Egg Yolks

1. Separate eggs and gently stir egg yolks.
2. To prevent graininess, add 1 ½ tablespoons sugar, 1 ½ tablespoons corn syrup OR ½ teaspoon salt per cup of egg yolks. This will stop the gelation of the yolks. Use salt or sugar according to whether you intend to use the egg contents for sweet or savory dishes. 
3. Strain yolks through a sieve or colander.
4. Pack in freezer containers, allowing ½-inch headspace.
5. Seal, label, and freeze.

Freezing Egg Whites

1. Gently mix egg whites; do not whip.
2. Strain through a sieve or colander. No sugar or salt is needed.
3. Pack in freezer containers, allowing ½-inch headspace.
4. Seal, label, and freeze.

Thawing Eggs

Frozen eggs in any form need to be fully thawed to be used and should only be eaten in thoroughly cooked dishes. Never cook eggs directly from frozen. To defrost, move the egg from the freezer to the refrigerator to be stored overnight, this will help to avoid any exposure to bacteria. To quicken the process, run cold water over the freezing container. Be sure to use the eggs as soon as they have thawed. Stir or shake them before using. Use the thawed eggs within 3 to 5 days. Eggs can be frozen for up to a year, although it is recommended to use them within four months for freshness.

Other Helpful Information

It is not recommended to freeze hard-boiled eggs. Never freeze raw eggs that are still in their shell. 

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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By Melanie Townsend

A call came in from a lady who was a long-haul truck driver, she had picked up an older beagle from a remote area. The beagle was in bad shape and it was obvious she had been in survival mode for quite a while.  The lady had picked her up and was feeding her and giving her the best care she could while driving a big rig.  Her boss heard about her helpfulness and insisted she find other care for the old gal.  LaMa Rescue was called and a space was made for her with Justin Thomas. Justin has a soft spot for old dogs and especially beagles. 

The little old girl was named Hope, since through all her trials of survival she still seemed to have hope and love in her eyes, despite being on her own for a while. Once at the vet, it was determined that at 13 years of age, she was heartworm positive, full of parasites, with fluid on her lungs and has a stage 4 heart murmur, along with some other health issues. Her prognosis was poor and euthanasia was an option discussed. With one pleading look of her big hopeful eyes, the decision was made to give her the best love, care and attention, most probably than she has ever known. As long as she fights, we will fight with her and make whatever days she has left happy days filled with doggy adventures and lots of love.  

Since coming to reside with Justin, Hope has enjoyed the simple things in life, walks in the yard, a good roll in the green grass, always knowing there is food each day, a soft bed to sleep on and a loving belly rub. Unfortunately, not all rescue dogs can make the trip up north to find a new family, but even the ones deemed unadoptable are given love and care. 

Please help support LaMa Animal Rescue continue to provide care for Hope and so many other animals in our community.  Find them on Facebook or check out our website at www.lamaanimalrescue.org   LaMa needs fosters and has many opportunities to serve on numerous committees within the organization. 

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

Aug. 25

7 p.m., One Night Revival, Homes Memorial Temple Church, Evangelist Eld. Ted Lamont Scott; Pastor Supt. Roy C. Hill.

August 26

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Brunch. Minden Junior Service League “Mamma Mia” Girls Night Out, Minden Civic Center.

6 p.m. Annual Singing to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Eastside Baptist Church, 1201 Park Highway, Minden. Hosted by The King’s Servants. Featured group: The Guardian Quartet. All proceeds go to benefit St. Jude.

Sept. 1

Webster 4-H enrollment begins.

Response cards and checks to be mailed to Dorcheat Museum for annual fundraiser to be held Sept. 11.

Sept. 2

Last day for fall soccer registration at the Minden Rec Center.

Sept. 8

Last day to drop off checks at Dorcheat Historical Museum for annual fundraiser to be held Sept. 11.

Sept. 9

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

Football season at Minden Rec Center begins and runs through November 4.

Sept. 11

6 until 8 p.m. Dorcheat Historical Museum annual fundraiser. Dress like your favorite movie or TV character. $25/ per person.

Sept. 15

Webster High School Homecoming

Sept. 22-24

Springhill PRCA Rodeo and Parade, Springhill, La.

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

Youth Basketball registration begins and runs through December 1 at Minden Rec Center.

Oct. 7

8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. “Day of Worship for Women, North Acres Baptist Church, 1852 Lewisville Rd., Minden. Cost is $25 and space is limited.

Kathy Nelson with Speak It Ministries will be the speaker and Serena Gray will be leading worship. Register by contacting Janice Nelson at or 318-393-1990

or calling the church 318-377-4315. Childcare provided, lunch included.

Oct. 12

6 p.m. Seeds Women’s Center annual Fundraising Banquet. Dinner at program. Minden Civic Center. For tickets, call 318-639-0907.

Oct. 14

11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Minden Makers Fair. Accepting vendor applications, demonstrations and volunteers. https://www.mindenmakersfair.com/vendorregistration.

Oct. 24

6:30 p.m. 15 Under 40 Awards Gala, Minden Civic Center.

Oct. 26

4:30 p.m. Ghostly Gathering Trunk or Treat, Mack Memorial Library, Springhill, La.

Oct. 28

6 until 9 p.m. Minden Rec Annual Fall Festival.

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of August 17. All civil suits are a matter of public record.

Aug. 17

Velocity Investments LLC vs. Angela Bailey, suit on note.

Velocity Investments LLC vs. Annatraia Hay, suit on note.

Capital One vs. Bernice Sain, suit on note.

Capital One vs. Jaime E. Lucas, suit on note.

Aug. 18

Mikki L. Duck vs. James D. Collins, protective order.

Aug. 21

21st Mortgage vs. Sandy C. Savanna, executory process.

Lawanda Daniels vs. Marquis Daniels, divorce.

Precious West vs. Gary G. Shelton Sr., protective order.

Aug 22

Bradley Manning Wilson vs. Kinhdavone Wilson, divorce.

Republic Finance LLC vs. Roderick Bradford, monies due.

Clinton White vs. Otis Johnson and Brunetta Johnson, petition.

Aug. 23

Angela Reeves Lilly vs. Gregory Lynn Lilly, divorce.

Republic Finance LLC vs. Kimberly S. Dixon and LaJune A. McDonald, judgment executory and garnishment.

Conn Appliances vs. George Delaney, Monies due.

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Michael A. Bozeman, monies due.

Cynthia Jordan vs. Lori Laroux, custody

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George William Rolfe Jr.

August 9, 1940 – July 11, 2023

Sibley/Minden, La.

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Minden.

Gary H. Applegate

July 6, 1951 – August 22, 2023

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2023, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Graveside service: 9 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, Chalewood memorial Garden Cemetery, Vivian, La.

Angela Heard

Feb. 8, 1966 – August 18, 2023

Minden, La.

Visitation only: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2023, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Porter Ratliff

May 12, 1932 – August 21, 2023

Springhill, La.

Burial: Western Cemetery, Emerson, Ark., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Dana Marie Wise Perkins

Oct. 17, 1956 – August 16, 2023

Shongaloo, La.

Memorial Graveside service: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Shongaloo, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Haynesville, La.

Alice Peckham Thomason

Sept. 8, 1927 – August 4, 2023

Minden, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2023, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, Calvary Church, Mangham, La.

Burial: 11:15 Saturday, Calvary (Hewitt) Church Cemetery, Mangham, La.

Thomas “Tommy” C. Stokes Jr.

Oct. 26, 1939 – July 20, 2023

Sibley, La.

Celebration of Life: 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, Stokes Residence, 484 Leachman Rd., Sibley, La. 71073

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

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A Springhill man is dead and a subject is in custody after a shooting around 2 a.m. Tuesday.

Springhill Police Chief Will Lynd said Roy Kimble is deceased after being shot with a .9mm handgun.

“We feel this was a domestic situation, but it is still under investigation,” Lynd said. “For that reason, I am not ready to release the shooting suspect’s name until I get more information.”

Lynd said the incident happened on the west side of Springhill.

Watch Webster Parish Journal for details as they become available.

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 City Judge Sherb Sentell addressed questions about the issue of limited housing for juveniles at the Minister’s Breakfast hosted last week by the City of Minden and a new proactive program he is trying to implement. 

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver spoke about two prominent gangs in the city – Trained to Step (TTS) and Cold Hearted Steppas (CHS). Even though the Minden Police Department has made progress with eliminating and dispersing these two gangs, they are still present within the community.   

“The issue is housing the juveniles. Judge Sentell is making a push to get more beds and more facilities for juveniles because there really is not much revenue in juvenile justice. He faces the difficult task of having somewhere to put them,” said McIver. “When we make arrests, he has to call down to Ware Facility Center and find out what juveniles we have housed, what their crime is and is it more heinous than the one we have arrested. It’s a revolving door.” 

According to Sentell, the issue with housing arose when the state passed the “Raise the Age” law. As a way to keep 17-year-olds out of adult prison. This legislation phased all 17-year-old offenders into the juvenile justice system.  

“I am a firm believer that 17-year-olds ought to be considered juveniles because their brain is not developed. Philosophically, that is a great idea, but they did not give us a single extra dollar, a single extra jail space and not a single extra probation officer,” said Sentell. “They inundated the system. It was not designed to accommodate 17-year-olds. They have overwhelmed our juvenile justice system.” 

The judge said if an agreement could be reached between the police department, sheriff’s department, the mayor’s office and the police jury, a great alternative would be to have pre-adjudicated jail space. In this case, an offender would only stay detained for a short duration, but in some cases that is enough to make a difference. 

“If I had pre-adjudicated jail space, I could take a kid when they first begin to act up and send them to jail and get their attention. When I can’t do that, they continue to do these things until it’s really really bad and they end up in a gang,” said Sentell.  

According to Sentell, it would be ideal to have those spaces available locally. It would save taxpayers money and eliminate mixing our local kids with more hardened criminals. 

He said, “I am not saying jail is the answer for everybody, but it is another tool that I can use to first get their attention. It is scary when you go down there and sit for a weekend, but I need to do that before they get hardened.” 

Sentell is trying to implement another new program that will be more proactive handling juvenile cases. This new program – Saturday Education Enhancement – will give juveniles who have committed non-violent crimes an opportunity to straighten out their lives before becoming too intertwined or “hardened” by the criminal lifestyle. This program will serve as a substitute for sending them to jail.  

“Many of you are old enough to remember the movie, ‘The Breakfast Club.’ Well, we do not have that anymore. We do not have a Saturday detention,” said Sentell. “The library has agreed that they will let me take the kids and order them to the library on a Saturday morning from 8:30 to 12:30. If they do not go, the chief has agreed that I can have that kid arrested and he will hold him for 24 hours the following weekend and they will still owe me a Saturday. This is another tool I am trying to use to change behavior.” 

Sentell’s main goal is to be more proactive than reactive when it comes to juveniles. He will be having discussions with the Webster Parish School Board and local school principals to let them know that they can also take advantage of this program. 

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By Kay Pruitt

(Editor’s note: From 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday, September 24, a celebration will be held at First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway in Minden. Mayor Nick Cox will proclaim it Cora Lou Robinson Day and she will receive a Women in Arts certificate and pin and DAR Community Service Award.)

The Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is pleased to announce that Cora Lou Robinson of Minden, Louisiana, has been selected to receive the American Heritage Women in the Arts Recognition Award.  This award recognizes women who are outstanding in their achievements in the non-performance arts. 

Cora Lou Robinson began seriously painting after receiving an honorable mention in the 1974 Ladies Home Journal primitive art contest. Although she never had formal art training in the field of painting, she felt led to record on canvas scenes from everyday life in a small community.  Using paint and a brush she takes a nostalgic look at her community often relying on her memories of growing up in what she deemed as an almost perfect childhood. 

Influenced by the impressionistic style of painting, Cora Lou Robinson is a folk artist who has mastered the primitive art style of painting.  She once stated that she could paint everyday of her life; what began as a hobby has led her to local and national recognition.

Over the years she has generously shared her art by donating original works and prints to organizations near to her heart. She has been an active supporter of the Minden St. Jude auction since its beginnings in 1976.  She has donated many pieces of her art to be auctioned thereby bringing in thousands of dollars to support the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.  In addition, she has donated her art to the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum to raise money at their annual silent auction.  The proceeds of this auction help fund the museum.

She believes that every painting tells a story; consequently her paintings have found an appreciative audience in collections from California to Florida. She paints from her heart, and her work brings to mind a place and a time we once knew or wish we did.

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By Marilyn Miller

One of the newest hires for the City of Minden, Main Street Director Taylor Wren, definitely has some new and revitalized “ideas” for her position. However, her foremost “goal” is to increase foot traffic for businesses located in the Downtown Business District.

“My purpose is to help our businesses succeed,” Wren said. “We’re in the process of developing our Work Plan, and our key issue there is getting people downtown.” Other issues need to be addressed before that can happen, including parking, which has been a long-time problem for Main Street businesses.

“We have looked into the idea of shuttles,” Wren said, but “that needs to be given more thought.”

Whether it’s assistance with advertising, help with drawings, or the incorporation of things for kids, Wren is willing to look at them. And she is in favor of investing festival funds with businesses in order to finance these promotions, and more.

 “With event money I would like to offer businesses grants which could be used for such things as an air conditioner going out or a roof that needs to be replaced.”

The Minden Main Street Program is included in the City’s budget, for the director’s salary and for supplies. Everything else is funded by events, which are in turn funded by sponsorships. The Main Street Program’s Board of Directors is currently looking at other funding sources, including memberships.

“We are definitely trying to find other options to replace hitting up our businesses all the time,” Wren stated.

While “Grillin’ on Main,” the biggest money-maker, has already taken place, the Minden Main Street Program still has “Main to Main” (Nov. 3-4), the Christmas Parade (Dec. 9), and the Mardi Gras Parade (2024) to look forward to. The Vintage Car Show (Sept. 9) also takes place in the Downtown Business District (Miller Quarters Park).

“The Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce and the Webster Parish Office of Tourism have other events and we share some events,” Wren explained. “Stephanie (Barnette/Chamber) and Serena (Gray/Tourism) are great to work with. There’s already a lot of events.” Some business owners complain about road closures and even less parking during the events causing them to close early or not open at all. Wren sees this as more reason to share the revenues from festivals and parades with the businesses.

Wren, who has only been on the job for approximately six months, graduated from Minden High School before going on to earn a BS degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana Tech University and a Masters from LSU-S in Educational Leadership. She taught for three years before applying for the Main Street position.

“I like to be involved,” she said. “And I’ve always wanted to give back to my community. This gave me the opportunity to do that.” Taylor is married to Ethan Wren, who works for Benton & Brown. Her mom, Karrie Corbit, also lives in Minden.

“The Minden Main Street Program serves a whole lot more than Main Street,” Wren said, showing one of many maps that the program uses, the Downtown Historic District map. The Downtown Development District map shows the area covered by Main Street.

Minden’s Main Street Program is accredited on the National, State and City levels. In order to qualify, municipalities must have a salaried director, who must attend mandatory quarterly meetings (population determines the hours required to work) and must have a Board of Directors.

Currently Wren is making an effort to visit Minden Main Street business owners. Despite the heat, she’s given a “Shout Out” to Mandino’s Flower House, Pink Pratique, and Heavenly Treasures. She wants to visit two businesses a week, and she wants to update the Minden Main Street website, which now is used primarily for registrations.

Wren wants to encourage citizens to volunteer to help with the many events happening in Minden. “There’s always a need for more help,” she said. “People can also reach out if they want to join the Board.”

Next up…the Vintage Car Show, Sept. 9, Miller Quarters Park, Larry Gipson, chairman. Call him!

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