By Pat Culverhouse

Friday the 13th proved to be a very unlucky football night for the Minden Crimson Tide as Northwood’s Falcons rode the arm of senior quarterback Hutson Hearron to a 42-16 District 1-4A win at W.W.Williams Stadium.

Hearron threw for 207 yards and four touchdowns on a 15-for-24 night and the Falcons rolled up 400 yards in total offense to drop the Tide to 1-6 on the season; 1-3 in district play.

Northwood scored on its first two possessions of the game with Hearron first hitting Tucker McCabe from 22 yards out then finding Jalil Wainwright with a 21-yarder for a 13-0 lead after one quarter. McCabe was on the receiving end of a 38-yard scoring toss from Hearron to put Northwood into the dressing room at halftime up 19-0.

A four-yard scoring run, a 53-yard Hearron to Desmond Harris TD pass and a pair of two-point conversions put the Falcons’ lead at 35-0 in the third quarter before the Tide broke the ice.

Jakobe Jackson powered his way 10 yards to pay dirt to cap a 56-yard scoring drive with just under a minute remaining in the third and quarterback Hudson Brown found Cameron Mitchell for the two-pointer to make it 35-8.

Elijah Crawford’s six-yard scoring run took the score to 42-8 with just over nine minutes left in the final quarter, but the Tide’s Mitchell gave hometown fans something to cheer about just two plays after the ensuing kickoff. 

Mitchell went high in the air and wrestled a Brown pass from a Northwood receiver for a 50-yard scoring play and another two-point conversion put an end to the night’s scoring at 42-16.

Minden managed 201 yards in total offense against a swarming Falcons’ defense with Mitchell leading the way, hauling in five passes for 99 yards and the touchdown. Dunovan Robinson gained 81 yards on 11 carries and Jackson picked up eight yards on five rushes with one touchdown. Brown was 11-for-24 passing worth 116 yards with one scoring toss and one interception. 

District play continues for the Tide next week when the team hits the road to take on the Evangel Eagles, a 38-28 loser to North DeSoto in District 1-4A Friday.

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Lakeside High School’s Warriors traveled to North Caddo Friday night, where they suffered a 42-24 loss. Please watch Webster Parish Journal for the story.

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Congratulations, Le’Vester Mills, our Week 6 winner of Webster Parish Journal’s Football Pick’em Contest.

Mills was awarded $100 in cash from Claudine Thomas, owner of title sponsors Under Dawgs. Mills had 11 of 12 correct choices and won using the tie breaker.

Week 7’s contest link will be live by 7 a.m. Tuesday and remain open until 4 p.m. Friday.

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By Doug Ireland, Journal Sports

Northwestern State has canceled Saturday’s football game at Nicholls after the apparently unprovoked shooting death early Thursday of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell at an apartment complex bordering the NSU campus.

Caldwell, 21, a native Texan, died early Thursday morning at the Quad apartment complex (formerly Frog Pond Apartments) at 3800 University Avenue. He arrived at Northwestern State after the 2021 football season, following two years at Tyler (Texas) Junior College.

The Natchitoches Police Department issued a brief statement Thursday morning confirming it is investigating the homicide that occurred around 1:08 a.m. at the location.

“NPD officers were dispatched to 3800 University Parkway in reference to gunshots in the area.  Upon officers arrival they located Ronald Caldwell  Jr. (B/M, 21 years old, of Manor, TX) suffering from several gunshot wounds.  Caldwell was pronounced deceased by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office as a result of his injuries.

“This investigation is ongoing and the Natchitoches Police Department will release more details as they become available.”

Thursday afternoon, a roommate of Caldwell’s was in custody and has been charged with some offenses, but not murder at this time, as the investigation continued, said Corp. John Greely, NPD’s public information officer. There was no immediate indication whether additional persons were being sought.

Caldwell was a starting defensive back last season who had not played this season due to injury. In 2022, he made the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Fall Honor Roll for having at least a 3.0 grade point average. He was a business administration major at Northwestern who planned to open a health-focused business after graduation.

He was one of eight siblings, four sisters and three brothers. He graduated with a 3.4 g.p.a. from Cedar Park High School in the Austin metroplex and played two seasons at Tyler Junior College, where he had a 3.7 g.p.a.

“The Northwestern State family has suffered a tremendous loss,” NSU head football coach Brad Laird said. “Ronnie Caldwell was a young man who had a bright future ahead of him on or off the football field. He was our voice in the locker room. When Ronnie spoke, others listened. The respect our football team had for Ronnie was evident. He did not play a snap this year because of an injury, but his voice resonated with every member of our team from the first player to the 115th on our roster.

“Our hearts are broken and ache for Ronnie’s family and friends. His loss will be felt here at Northwestern State, in Natchitoches and in his home. We will treasure the time we spent with Ronnie and the memories we made, and we will hold him and his family in our hearts as we attempt to move forward in the days and weeks ahead.”

Caldwell, who wore jersey No. 23, appeared in all 11 games in 2022, starting 10, and finished seventh on the team in tackles. He had yet to play in a game in 2023 because of an injury sustained in preseason camp.

Despite the injury, Caldwell traveled with the team throughout this season, serving as a de facto defensive assistant coach, communicating with coaches in the press box via headset during games.

Caldwell twice had six tackles in a game in 2022 and added a career-high two tackles for loss in the Demons’ Nov. 5 win at Texas A&M-Commerce.

Caldwell spent the summer of 2023 in Natchitoches helping coach a local youth baseball team.

The Natchitoches Recreations and Parks Department issued a statement on the X platform (formerly Twitter).

“We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of one of our young volunteer coaches … Ronnie Caldwell Jr. … Our deepest condolences go out to all that had the pleasure of crossing paths with this incredible young man. Prayers to the Caldwell family, NSU football team, and to these 9 little boys that lost their coach,” read the statement, accompanied by a team photo.

Caldwell was well-respected among his peers throughout the NSU athletic department. University provost Dr. Greg Handel asked faculty to excuse student-athletes from all sports from class and any tests during an early afternoon gathering with members of the NSU Counseling Center staff and athletic personnel “to assist in processing this tragedy” and asked for “understanding during this difficult time.”

Athletic director Kevin Bostian echoed Laird’s sentiments.

“We are stunned and saddened by the sudden loss of Ronnie Caldwell,” Bostian said. “Ronnie was a devoted teammate, friend, brother and son. His teammates, coaches and staff members who had the pleasure of knowing Ronnie will remember his ever-present smile and the way he could light up any room when he walked in. Words truly cannot express the heartache we feel for Ronnie, his family, his teammates and our university community.”

Southland Conference commissioner Chris Grant and Nicholls athletic director Jonathan Terrell issued statements of condolence while announcing the cancellation of the game, which will not be made up.

The team is scheduled to resume action next Saturday, Oct. 21, in a home game against Southeastern Louisiana.

Decisions regarding Northwestern State’s remaining football games will be made as the season progresses, officials said.

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

Every Saturday in October

7 p.m. Halloween Movie Nights. Lake Bistineau State Park. Family friendly movies. Bring a chair or blanket. Park admission is $3 per person, 3 and under, 62 and older, free.

Oct. 14

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

Lumberjack Festival Car Show, Frank Anthony Park 301 W. Church St., Springhill. 9 a.m. until noon, registration; parade down Main St., 11 a.m.; Car and Bike Show, noon until 4 p.m.; awards at 3 p.m.

Oct. 17

5:30 p.m. Women of Courage, Minden Civic Center.

6 until 8 p.m. National Night Out parties.

Oct. 19

4 until 6 p.m. Witches’ Ride in downtown Minden. Tickets can be purchased online at the following link https://linktr.ee/witchesrideminden or in person at Red Blooms, Say Baby or Simply Chic in Bossier.  They are $45 per ticket. All money raised from ticket sales will benefit Miller Quarters Park, which will serve as the ride’s starting and ending point and will be the site for the block party set to follow the ride. A portion of money raised will also be donated to a non-profit organization called We’re Here, We Care. 

5:30 p.m. Men of Courage, Minden Civic Center.

Oct. 21

10 a.m. until noon Webster Parish 4-H Shooting Sports registration. DISCIPLINES OFFERED – BB, Shotgun, Archery, .22 Rifle, Air Rifle, Air Pistol, Hunting Skills. SIGN UP PROCEDURE – A 4-H’er must turn in BOTH a general 4-H enrollment form AND the outdoor skills registration worksheet as well as pay both parish/school dues and outdoor skills project club fees.

Participants can register at the Extension office at 1202 Homer Road in Minden or attend visit the 4-H Shooting Sports Practice Range on Landfill Road. Fees are due at time of registration and are as follows: $15 for the first discipline plus $5 for every additional discipline. For more information contact the Extension Office at (318) 371-1371.

6 p.m. Monster-Mash BINGO Event. $25 admission for 10 games. Costume Contest, silent auction, raffles. Springhill Civic Center, 101 Machen Dr., Springhill. Proceeds go to LaMa Animal Rescue.

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.

6 p.m. Pretties & Pajamas, Women Helping Others (W.H.O.) fundraising event. Bingo, dinner, silent auctions, raffles, door prizes. Tickets $50 individual, $400 reserved table of 8. For more information, visit whoofnorthwebster.org.

Oct. 30

5 until 7 p.m. Glenbrook Fall Fest

5:30 p.m. Ghostly Gathering Trunk or Treat, Minden Branch, Webster Parish Libraries.

Oct. 31

5 until 7 p.m. Trunk-or-Treat Fest, Beech Springhill’s Baptist Church, 15910 Hwy, 80, Minden. Games, trunks, free food, gallons and face paint. Special presentation at 6 p.m. by Luke the Gold Retriever.

Nov. 3-4

Main to Main, Vendors that wish to set up on City of Minden property can register online at https://www.mindenla.org/mainstreet-page/  There is a $10 fee for setting up downtown.

Nov. 4

10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mission Baby Bazaar Craft/Bake Sale. First Baptist Church gym, Minden. Blessing families that are adopting/fostering children. Handmade crafts, silent auction, bake/casserole sale, hot dog or jambalaya lunch. All proceeds go to the children. For more information, contact Martha Tucker @ 318-207-1079 or Tammy Burton @ 318-469-8742

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William Kyle Campbell

July 15, 1981 – Oct. 9, 2023

Minden, La.

Visitation: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.

Celebration of Life: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.

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 no charge.)

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By Paige Nash

After months of discussion and workshops, the Springhill City Council voted unanimously Monday night to adopt an ordinance to establish new water rates that went into effect immediately after the vote. 

“We have stressed over this and held it up for maybe a month or so, concerned over how this affects everybody,” said District 5 Alderman Derek Melancon. “This council has put in a lot of work to make sure this is right not only for our residents but for our city.” 

Melancon also pointed out the current water grade for the City of Springhill. In May, the Louisiana Department of Health released the final grades for the year 2022. The City of Springhill Water System received a “C.” Deductions included a maximum of –10 points for lack of financial stability, a maximum of –10 points for lack of customer satisfaction and –5 points for presence of secondary contaminants which could include levels of iron and/or manganese greater than the secondary maximum contaminant levels. According to LDH, these levels do not pose a health risk but may cause undesirable water quality issues. 

Melancon explained the reasoning behind the 75/100 score. He said, “It’s not because of our water, but because of the water and sewer department not sustaining itself. There is an act called Act 98 that says we are required by law to make our water and sewer department sustainable.” 

In other water and sewer department news, the council approved the purchase of a 2010 GMC ¾ ton truck from Springhill Motor Company in the amount of $12,900. In a roll call vote, all aldermen voted in favor of the purchase with exception of District 4 Alderman Mike Whitlock.  

In a pre-council meeting held last Thursday, October 5, Mayor Ray Huddleston said the transmission in the truck previously being used failed and the cost of repairs would equal more than the purchase of the used truck and especially cheaper than buying a new one. 

The new water rates that were approved by the council have not yet been released and were not discussed in either pre-council or regular meetings, however, water-paying residents should expect to see the increases on their November bill.

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By Journal Staff

If you didn’t vote early, Saturday is the day for you to exercise your rights. Here’s a look at what voters will see when they cast their ballot: 

Gubernatorial (for governor) candidates are: Benjamin Barnes of Angola, Patrick Henry “Dat” Barthel of St. Rose, Daniel M. “Danny” Cole of Trout, Xavier Ellis of Opelousas, “Kaitron” Gagnon of Metairie, Sharon W. Hewitt of Baton Rouge, Jeffery Istre of Kaplan, “Xan” John of Lafayette, “Jeff” Landry of Broussard, Hunter Lundy of Lake Charles, Richard Nelson of Mandeville, John Schroder of Baton Rouge, Frank Scurlock of Metairie, Stephen “Wags” Waguespack of Abbeville and Shawn Wilson of Baton Rouge.

Lieutenant Governor: Elbert “Pawpaw” Guillory of Opelousas, “Tami” Hotard of Madisonville, Willie Jones of New Orleans, William “Billy” Nungesser of Metairie, Bruce Payton of Bush and Gary Rispone of Greenwell Springs.

Secretary of State: “Gwen” Collins-Greenup of Baton Rouge, “Mike” Francis of Crowley, Amanda “Smith” Jennings of West Monroe, Thomas J. Kennedy III of New Orleans, Nancy Landry of Baton Rouge, Arthur A. Morrell of New Orleans, Clay Schexnayder of Sorrento, and Brandon Trosclair of Gonzales.

Attorney General: Lindsey Cheek of New Orleans, “Marty” Maley of Baton Rouge, “Liz” Baker Murrill of Baton Rouge, John Stefanski of Crowley and Perry Walker Terrebonne of New Orleans.

Treasurer: John Fleming of Minden, Dustin Granger of Lake Charles and Scott McKnight of Baton Rouge.

Commissioner of Insurance: “Tim” Temple of Baton Rouge runs unopposed. R.D. “Rich” Weaver withdrew.

BESE District 4: Paige Houffpauir of Shreveport, Stacey Melerine of Shreveport and Emma Shepard of Shreveport.

State Senator, District 31: “Mike” McConathy of Natchitoches and Alan Seabaugh of Shreveport.

State Senator, District 33: Stewart Cathey Jr. of Monroe and Harvey “Ned” White of Monroe.

State Senator, District 36: Adam Bass and incumbent Robert Mills of Bossier City.

Webster Tax Assessor: Incumbent Denise Edwards of Minden and Sharon Duncan of Cotton Valley.

Webster Parish Police Jury District 3: Incumbent Daniel G. Thomas of Springhill and Patricia A. McMurray of Sarepta.

Webster Parish Police Jury District 5: Mike Griffith, George Rice and Cynt Walker of Minden, Willie Robinson of Cotton Valley. Ricky Thomas of Minden withdrew.

Webster Parish Police Jury District 8: Nancy Hines and Winky Newer of Minden.

Webster Parish Police Jury District 10: Johnnye Lennon, Darrell Morris and Latanya Grigsby, all of Minden.

Aldermen Town of Cullen: Lacandy Gipson and Terry Lewis, both of Cullen. 

Also on the ballot are four proposed constitutional amendments. They are as follows:

CA No. 1 (ACT 200, 2023 – HB 311) – Prohibits the use of private funds in the administration of elections. (Select 1)

Do you support an amendment to prohibit the use of funds, goods, or services from a foreign government or a nongovernmental source to conduct elections and election functions and duties unless the use is authorized by the secretary of state through policies established in accordance with law? (Adds Article XI, Section 6)

CA No. 2 (ACT 30, 2023 – SB 63) – Provides that the freedom of worship is a fundamental right worthy of the highest protection. (Select 1)

Do you support an amendment to provide that the freedom of worship in a church or other place of worship is a fundamental right that is worthy of the highest order of protection? (Adds Const. Article XII, Section 17)

CA No. 3 (ACT 107, 2023 – HB 47) – Dedicates certain payments to be applied to the state retirement system unfunded accrued liability. (Select 1)

Do you support an amendment to require that a minimum of twenty-five percent of any money designated as nonrecurring state revenue be applied toward the balance of the unfunded accrued liability of the state retirement systems? (Amends Article VII, Section 10(D)(2)(b)(ii) and (iii))

CA No. 4 (ACT 48, 2023 – HB 46) – Restricts ad valorem tax exemptions for certain nonprofit organizations. (Select 1)

Do you support an amendment to deny a property tax exemption to a nonprofit corporation or association that owns residential property in such a state of disrepair that it endangers public health or safety? (Amends Article VII, Section 21(B))

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, October 14.

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Time is running out to register National Night Out parties. Deadline is 4 p.m. tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 13) at Minden City Hall.

So far, only four parties are registered, but NNO coordinator and police chief Jared McIver is hoping for more.

“If somebody wants to do a neighborhood party, that’s great. We want to encourage that,” he said. “But we want to promote having the parties at a community park, too.”

Parties to date are:

1. Hillside Apartments – 400 Hillside Lane (Dist. A), 6 until 8 p.m. Theme: “1970s”

2. Kay and Jerald McGuire – 362 Carey Lane (Dist. A), 6 until 8 p.m. Theme: “Meet and Greet Your Neighbors”

3. Greater Blessing Church of God in Christ – 409 Sibley Road (Dist. B), 6 until 8 p.m. Theme: “We Are Better When We Join Together!”

4. Nelda Davis & Lindsay McClaran – 225 Woodhaven Drive (Dist. D), 6 until 8 p.m.  No Theme

National Night Out is designed to (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send the message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Those interested in hosting block parties may register in-person at Minden City Hall, over the phone by dialing (318) 377-2144, or online at http://www.mindenusa.com.

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It’s your turn to sign up and hopefully win $100 playing 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 have their photo taken at our title sponsor Under Dawgs Sports Grill, the gathering place featuring a home-field atmosphere. 

With no Thursday games on the schedule, you have until 4 p.m. Friday to get in your picks for this week’s games.

Anyone 18 and older is eligible to participate. All it takes is an email address and a combination of skill and a little luck. Each week, parish high school teams, as well as area colleges and some pro teams are listed in the contest. And just like the Journal, there’s no cost to enter.

Last week’s winner, Tracie Mills, has until 5 p.m. today (Thursday) to claim the $100 prize. At that time, we will contact the next person in line.

Signing up for the contest only takes a couple of minutes. Log on to https://form.jotform.com/232385564755163 and follow the instructions.

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By Jessica Gorman

This past weekend, at Oakland Cemetery in Shreveport, a memorial was dedicated to the victims of the yellow fever epidemic that struck the city in 1873. It ranks as the third worst in U.S. history.  One-quarter of the population of Shreveport, approximately 1200 people, died within a twelve-week period. At its height, the deaths came so quickly that a mass grave became necessary. This grave, known as the Yellow Fever Mound, contains over 800 burials. On this memorial, are listed the names of all those who have been identified. One name immediately stood out to me, Miss Carolina Augusta Pennell. (I believe her name was actually Caroline, the family spelled their surname Pennall.) Her younger sister, Sarah Emily, is buried in the old section of the Minden Cemetery. Her burial was one of the first in the cemetery. The story of the Pennall family is filled with tragedy.

Dr. William S. Pennall moved his family from South Carolina to Minden in the late 1830s. They were among the earliest settlers of the town. Three of the Pennall children, John W., Eliza Winifred, and Caroline Augusta, were born in South Carolina. The birth of the fourth child, Edward H. occurred in Louisiana in approximately 1837, just one year after Minden was said to have been laid out. Dr. Pennall not only served the community as a physician, but he is also identified by the state legislature as being among the incorporators of the Seminary of Minden in 1838. When Minden Lodge No. 51 was chartered in April 1845, Dr. Pennall was Worshipful Master.

The 1840s brought the addition of three more children to the Pennall family. Lavinia, Robert R., and Sarah Emily. Sadly, little Sarah Emily only lived eight months before her death in September 1843. That decade also brought the death of Dr. Pennall, reportedly under strange circumstances. The newspaper relates that “he had been observed in the evening to display some signs of derangement” and that after he had gone to bed “about 1 o’clock he jumped up in great afright, declaring some one was in his room trying to kill him; he got hold of a loaded pistol, and before anyone could prevent, or had even thought he had such a design, placed the muzzle against his left temple, and discharged it.” Dr. Pennall died about an hour later. He was buried 13 May 1849, presumably in the Minden Cemetery. His grave is unmarked. 

In 1850, Mrs. Caroline Eliza Pennall, widow of William Pennall, was living in Minden with her six children. Eldest son, John W. served as mayor of Homer in 1857 before the family moved to Shreveport. In May 1859, John was elected mayor of Shreveport. He was also partner in the law firm of Kilpatrick & Pennall with his brother-in-law, J.H. Kilpatrick. This firm served the parishes of Caddo, Bossier, and DeSoto. That same year, younger brother Edward was serving as deputy clerk to the 18th Judicial District Court. 

In 1861, John was elected Justice of the Peace for Ward 4, Caddo Parish. When the Civil War broke out in April of that year, Edward immediately enlisted in the Caddo Rifles. The other two Pennall brothers did not enlist until the following spring, Robert in April and John in May. One year and one day after John’s enlistment, Edward was killed at Chancellorsville. John died that same year, reportedly at Vicksburg but I have yet to confirm the location, only that there was a resolution in the Caddo Court in November of 1863 confirming his death. Robert, the only brother to return home from the war, faced his own tragic ending.  

While serving as a deputy sheriff in Caddo Parish, on the afternoon of 8 July 1867, Robert found himself in an argument with another man. He reportedly struck this man over the head with a bottle. Several hours later, while walking down the sidewalk, Robert Pennall was shot in the back. He later succumbed to his injuries. No arrest was ever made in the case. 

The first cases of yellow fever occurred in August of 1873. The illness spread rapidly through the city of Shreveport, ravaging the population. In October, it claimed as its victim Miss Caroline Augusta Pennall. A census record reveals that her family likely referred to her as Carrie. She was 37 years old at the time of her death. She never married. She was buried in Oakland Cemetery, but it is unclear whether she was buried in the family plot or the Yellow Fever Mound. Her mother, for whom she was named, had now buried a husband, two daughters, and all three of her sons. She lived out the rest of her life in the home of her daughter, Lavinia, where she died on 21 September 1876. 

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

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Jason Ogwyn will shoot straight with Minden Lions Club members today (Thursday) when he shares information about the 2023 Shoot Out fundraiser, sponsored by Minden Foundation.

Ogwyn was born and reared in Caddo Parish but has family ties in Ada Taylor that always kept him close to Minden. He attended Centenary College receiving a bachelors degree in business economics. He married Abby Warren and they have 2 beautiful girls who attend Glenbrook School. He is now working in the oil and gas industry on both the production side and also orphan well and restoration program for the state of Louisiana. He’s a current board member of The Minden Foundation and stays involved in other community groups as well.

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

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Cooler weather is on the way, and the community has more than its share of children who will suffer through the winter without a coat. With a goal of 300, Minden Junior Service League is looking for gently-used coats and/or donations for coats.

Collection period lasts until October 31, with drop-off locations at Geaux Fresh, Minden Montessori, First Baptist Minden, b1 Bank and First Methodist Church. Sizes needed are 5T through adult 3XL. 

Use the QR code on the flyer and Venmo @Minden-JSL or send other monetary donations to Minden JSL’s mailing address P.O. Box 722, Minden, La 71058. 

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Sibley’s National Night Out was a community event hosted at city hall. Mayor Jimmy Williams said turnout was great and the grounds were packed with people enjoying the night. Yellow Pine Christian Church gave away five bicycles and Gibsland Bank & Trust provided hot dogs and cooking. Sibley Volunteer Fire Department provided buns and various other organizations were on hand to hand out goodies. CeeCee the Clown entertained children and adults.

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To the residents of Webster Parish, District 5

My name is Ricky Thomas and I was running for the Police Jury seat for our district.  After I completed the application and paid the fee to run for office, I figured out quick, that I could not give District 5 the full attention that is required to do the job and I decided to withdraw from the race.   I had completed the forms to withdraw from the election, but the state rejected my application to withdraw.  So, that is why I am still on the ballot.  This is a demanding position and requires a person to give 100 percent of themselves to do the job correctly.  That is why I am giving my full support to Mr. Mike Griffith.  

Mr. Griffith has done an outstanding job in the last serval months after the death of Bernard Hudson our last Police Juryman.  Mr. Griffith approached me after he heard I was withdrawing from the race and asked me if I would support him in the election. He knew I was a Democrat but he asked me on top of that.  After talking to him for about two hours, I knew he was the man for job.  I have witnessed him shaking on doors, putting signs up all over District 5, and going to events in the parish.  On top of that, he owns his own company and has answered every call that has come across his phone pertaining to District 5.  On top of that he is a Christan and a very respected individual, whom I can call a friend!

Please help me in electing Mr. Mike Griffith, #54 this Saturday.

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

Every Saturday in October

7 p.m. Halloween Movie Nights. Lake Bistineau State Park. Family friendly movies. Bring a chair or blanket. Park admission is $3 per person, 3 and under, 62 and older, free.

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. 13

4 p.m. Registration deadline for National Night Out parties to be held Oct. 17. Those interested in hosting block parties may register in-person at Minden City Hall, over the phone by dialing (318) 377-2144, or online at http://www.mindenusa.com.

Oct. 14

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

Lumberjack Festival Car Show, Frank Anthony Park 301 W. Church St., Springhill. 9 a.m. until noon, registration; parade down Main St., 11 a.m.; Car and Bike Show, noon until 4 p.m.; awards at 3 p.m.

Oct. 17

5:30 p.m. Women of Courage, Minden Civic Center.

6 until 8 p.m. National Night Out parties.

Oct. 19

4 until 6 p.m. Witches’ Ride in downtown Minden. Tickets can be purchased online at the following link https://linktr.ee/witchesrideminden or in person at Red Blooms, Say Baby or Simply Chic in Bossier.  They are $45 per ticket. All money raised from ticket sales will benefit Miller Quarters Park, which will serve as the ride’s starting and ending point and will be the site for the block party set to follow the ride. A portion of money raised will also be donated to a non-profit organization called We’re Here, We Care. 

5:30 p.m. Men of Courage, Minden Civic Center.

Oct. 21

10 a.m. until noon Webster Parish 4-H Shooting Sports registration. DISCIPLINES OFFERED – BB, Shotgun, Archery, .22 Rifle, Air Rifle, Air Pistol, Hunting Skills. SIGN UP PROCEDURE – A 4-H’er must turn in BOTH a general 4-H enrollment form AND the outdoor skills registration worksheet as well as pay both parish/school dues and outdoor skills project club fees.

Participants can register at the Extension office at 1202 Homer Road in Minden or attend visit the 4-H Shooting Sports Practice Range on Landfill Road. Fees are due at time of registration and are as follows: $15 for the first discipline plus $5 for every additional discipline. For more information contact the Extension Office at (318) 371-1371.

6 p.m. Monster-Mash BINGO Event. $25 admission for 10 games. Costume Contest, silent auction, raffles. Springhill Civic Center, 101 Machen Dr., Springhill. Proceeds go to LaMa Animal Rescue.

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.

6 p.m. Pretties & Pajamas, Women Helping Others (W.H.O.) fundraising event. Bingo, dinner, silent auctions, raffles, door prizes. Tickets $50 individual, $400 reserved table of 8. For more information, visit whoofnorthwebster.org.

Oct. 30

5 until 7 p.m. Glenbrook Fall Fest

5:30 p.m. Ghostly Gathering Trunk or Treat, Minden Branch, Webster Parish Libraries.

Oct. 31

5 until 7 p.m. Trunk-or-Treat Fest, Beech Springhill’s Baptist Church, 15910 Hwy, 80, Minden. Games, trunks, free food, gallons and face paint. Special presentation at 6 p.m. by Luke the Gold Retriever.

Nov. 3-4

Main to Main, Vendors that wish to set up on City of Minden property can register online at https://www.mindenla.org/mainstreet-page/  There is a $10 fee for setting up downtown.

Nov. 4

10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mission Baby Bazaar Craft/Bake Sale. First Baptist Church gym, Minden. Blessing families that are adopting/fostering children. Handmade crafts, silent auction, bake/casserole sale, hot dog or jambalaya lunch. All proceeds go to the children.

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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.

Oct. 11

Tyler K. Hodges, 31, of the 200 block of Bridge Road, Ringgold, was arrested by WPSO on there active warrants for failure to appear in court.

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

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week beginning Oct. 5. All civil suits are a matter of public record.

Oct. 5

U.S. Bank Trust National Association vs. Estate of Lafayette Jackson and Estate of Velma Frazier Jackson, executory process.

Florence P. Goyanes vs. Joseph A. Goyanes, divorce.

Sharon Wallace, Linwood Brown Jr., Juanita Montgomery vs CB Still Land LLC, petition.

Oct. 6

Allied First Bank SB dba Servbank vs. Daniel Chase Williams, executory process.

Midland Credit Management Inc. vs. Christopher Smock, judgment executory & garnishment.

Rockett Mortgage Inc. vs. the unopened success of and unknown heirs of Deborah Lynn Morgan, executory process.

Regions Bank vs. the unopened succession of Johnny James Baker and the unopened succession of Ruby Williams Baker, petition.

State of Louisiana vs. Brian Herndon, forfeiture.

Putman Restoration LLC vs. Upscale Consultants LLC, monies due.

Oct. 9

Denelle Stuart Bennett vs. Christopher Bennett, divorce.

First Tower Loan vs. Donald B. Riddle and Amy Riddle, judgment executory & garnishment.

Oct. 10

Autovest LLC vs. Raven J. Waters, judgment executory & garnishment.

Jeffrey Mitchell vs. Latonya Wade, protective order.

Capital One vs. James W. Wall, monies due.

Republic Finance LLC vs. Russell D. Brown, judgment executory & garnishment.

Nyles Moore vs. Christopher Gibbs, Cruz Enterprises LLC, petition.

Oct. 11

Republic Finance LLC vs. Joyce A. Webb, judgment executory & garnishment.

Cindy Jones vs. Demario Dinkins, protective order.

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The Journal is giving our readers the opportunity to participate in an online poll for PARISH-WIDE and STATE candidates. (NOT INCLUDING LOCAL OR POLICE JURY OFFICES.)

In order to obtain the best results, please vote only for candidates in your district.

The poll will run until 4 p.m. Thursday, October 12 when the link will no longer be active. The purpose of this poll is to gain insight to our readers opinions regarding the candidates on a ballott.

As always, we recommend you go to the polls on October 14 and exercise your right to vote.

https://form.jotform.com/232814641937158

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Josephine Horn Lee

Feb. 13, 1932 – Oct. 7, 2023

Minden, La.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, First Baptist Church, Minden.

Burial: 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden.

William Kyle Campbell

July 15, 1981 – Oct. 9, 2023

Minden, La.

Visitation: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.

Celebration of Life: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.

C. Carl Adams Jr.

Jan. 6, 1931 – Oct. 7, 2023

Shreveport/Springhill, La.

Visitation: 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Burial: Walnut Hill Cemetery, Bradley, Ark., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Dorothy Marilyn Thompson

Jan. 8, 1943 – Oct. 3, 2023

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, Plain Dealing Baptist Church.

Memorial Service: 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, Plain Dealing Baptist Church, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Plain Dealing, La..

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

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A 19-year-old pled guilty Tuesday in 26th Judicial District Court to a charge of Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity – a newly-revised state law. Latavion Thomas is the first of the “TTS” or “Trained to Step” street gang to plead guilty and be sentenced.

Thomas received 20 years at hard labor with all but eight years suspended. He will be placed on an additional three years of active supervised probation upon his release. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jimbo Yocom. 

“This is the first case from ‘Operation Save Our Streets’ where Minden Police and other agencies arrested around 26 gang members,” Yocom said. “The statute has never been used to dismantle a street gang, so we’re paving the way.”

This was a multi-agency round-up of gang members responsible for much of the violence in Minden and Webster Parish. During the round-up, authorities seized multiple guns, narcotics and thousands of dollars.

“We have an amazing team working with both our office and the Minden Police Department,” Yocom said.  “Countless man hours have gone into investigating and combatting these street gangs. We will do everything we can to continue to fight the spread of violence throughout our community and will vigorously prosecute any gang member involved in criminal activity.”

“TTS” is defined as an ongoing formal and informal organization, association and group of three or more persons which has as one of its primary activities the commission of specific felonies, Illegal Use of Weapons, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, Attempted Second Degree Murder, Assault by Drive-By Shooting, Attempted Armed Robbery with Firearm, and distribution or possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances. These are all factors considered when charging each of these gang members. 

Thomas had previous encounters with law enforcement that should have deterred him from this criminal gang activity. He was scheduled to go on trial a little more than a week ago. The district attorney’s office offered Thomas a deal similar to his latest plea agreement. At the time, he refused it.

“I am extremely proud of the Minden Police Department and all the agencies involved in this operation,” said District Attorney Schuyler Marvin. “This was a very complex case to put together. They put in the work and did not give up until these criminals were off our streets. We will continue to make sure that each of these gang members is brought to justice.”

The Revised Statute under which the case would’ve been tried reads as follows:

A.  Any person who intentionally directs, participates, conducts, furthers, or assists in the commission of a pattern of criminal gang activity as defined shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than one-half of the maximum term of imprisonment provided for an underlying offense committed in a pattern of criminal gang activity and may be fined an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars.  Any sentence of imprisonment imposed pursuant to this Section shall be in addition and consecutive to any sentence imposed for an underlying offense committed in the pattern of criminal gang activity.  

B.  Any person who is convicted of a felony or an attempted felony which is committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal street gang, with the intent to promote, further, or assist in the affairs of a criminal gang, shall, upon conviction of that felony, in addition and consecutive to the punishment prescribed for the felony or attempted felony of which he or she has been convicted, be imprisoned for not less than one year nor more than one-half of the maximum term of imprisonment provided for that offense.  

C.  Any person who is convicted of an offense other than a felony which is committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with, any criminal street gang, with the specific intent to promote, further, or assist in any criminal conduct or enterprise by gang members, shall, in addition and consecutive to the penalty provided for that offense, be imprisoned for an additional period of six months.  

D.  The court may elect to suspend all or a part of any additional mandatory punishment or enhanced punishment provided for in this Chapter only in an unusual case where the interests of justice would best be served, and if the court specifies on the record and enters into the minutes the circumstances and reasons that the interests of justice would best be served by that suspension of punishment.

The punishment section of the statute also states that any person over the age of seventeen who violates the provisions of this Section by knowingly soliciting, recruiting, enabling, encouraging, or otherwise causing a child under the age of seventeen to become a member of a criminal street gang, when there is a difference in age of at least three years between the solicitor and the person being solicited, shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than four years, fined not more than ten thousand dollars, or both.  Lack of knowledge of the child’s age shall not be a defense.

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By Paige Nash

Attempts to have a road repaired in Webster Parish have fallen short and it could possibly have a negative effect on business owners in that location due to a cooperative endeavor agreement between the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) and the Webster Parish Police Jury (WPPJ). 

According to Owner of Impressions Advertising Specialties Craig Watson, the constant through traffic of big trucks has left the condition of Frontage Road in Minden in shambles and has impacted his business along with other businesses along the road.  

The question that comes into play is who owns the road and is responsible for repair and upkeep?

According to LADOTD District 4 Engineer David North the state does not own the road but owns the land and there is “zero chance” that the state will be having the road redone.  

“It is not a desirable position for the state. It is not a state road, and it is not part of a controlled section,” said North. “We are limited by law on whether or not we can work outside of a controlled section.” 

When the interstate was originally being built in the late 50’s and early 60’s, properties for the right-of-way for Interstate 20 were purchased under a controlled access agreement, which means that the entirety of the state right-of-way in that area is enforceable as controlled access.  

The deed between the original property owners, the Smallenberger family, and the LADOTD was dated October 14, 1953. It states that the department bought the property for $16,169. 

North said, “Part of the boundary agreement was that the state builds a road to that property and that road is what is in existence today. That was the end of the agreement – build a road and they did, and it’s finished.” 

The road in question is located at Exit 38 and runs West of Goodwill Road and parallel to Interstate 20. Watson says the road has concrete markers to indicate that it is a state-owned road.  

But LADOTD Public Information Officer Erin Buchanan says differently. In an email sent to Watson she says, “This road was constructed on state right-of-way outside the control of access and was built as a passage to a property at the end, essentially a private driveway. It is not owned and maintained by DOTD. The markers are right-of-way markers, not markers that note it is owned or maintained by the state.” 

According to Watson, Webster Parish was supposed to receive road credits or 40 years’ worth of maintenance money and that has allegedly been taken away. 

A road credit is when the LADOTD repairs a parish road and then dedicates it to the police jury, who then takes over maintaining the road.  

No road credits were mentioned in this cooperative endeavor agreement between the LADOTD and the WPPJ.  

“I will be honest with you, at the time when we were talking about doing this, we were also talking about some roads that the state wanted us to take,” said WPPJ Jim Bonsall. “They offered us some credits, and, in my mind, I think I got mixed up on the two deals.”  

The cooperative endeavor agreement includes expanding the width of the interstate right-of-way in the event that there is an expansion of the interstate, which is expected to happen in the future.  

North said, “When they expand interstate, they want the maximum width to accommodate that.” 

North presented the jury with preliminary drawings of Frontage/Goodwill Road and stated that the expansion would not affect the business owners’ property.  

The approximate $2.6 million expansion project is expected to begin accepting bids in 2025. 

Watson questioned North on what would happen if it came in over budget and asked if this was just a “stalling method.” 

“2.6 million budget is not going to happen,” said Watson. “It is going to go out for bid and come in over budget and then they will have to put it out again and it will be pushed out another two years.” 

The WPPJ may consider building another road in between the property owner’s land and the newly expanded road after that project is completed by LADOTD.

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