Thanks for your patience. Your obedient servant needed a breather, and we took it in the form of an intergalactic cruise. Thinking about making it an annual excursion.

First orders of binness might seem a little un-Rockerish, but while we were sabbaticalizing, a couple of happenings happened that we believe are worth mentioning and deserving of kudos.

We were pleased aplenty by the Witches’ Ride through the streets of our hometown during the Halloween season past. What we thought would be a few transports (bikes, carts, footwear) hauling happy holiday haunters turned out to be a lengthy caravan of characters, goodie-tossing to huge crowds lining the streets.

One must tip the archetypal pointy black bonnet to the organizers and participants who, despite more than a little controversy, put their best broom forward and forged ahead. Congrats also to the folks who lined the streets. Enjoyable may not be sufficient adjective to describe the atmosphere.

And most certainly, congratulations to all Minden’s dentists. Them there witches and friends tossed enough sugary treats to keep dental offices full for a few seasons.

We would be remiss if we didn’t also say a very appreciative “thank you” to individuals and collectives who expressed their displeasure at the event. Most of the opposition was faith-based, and we admire the courage of those who gave their opinions. Some language may have been a little offensive, but it cuts both ways. 

Our “thank you” is issued because rumors that swelled quicker’n a toad’s throat that a massive protest to the march was being organized proved to be nothing more than cyberspace scuttlebutt. Opponents did the right thing. They quietly objected by staying away and allowing those who found no offense to have an enjoyable day. Restraint doesn’t mean approval, but it leans toward a measure of respect for diverse views.

We must also look on the bright side. Despite ill-aimed predictions, no newt lost an eye, no bat is now wingless, no cauldron over-bubbled, nothing staked nor burned. Most importantly, there were no reported local inquiries seeking ingredients for the Shakespearean recipe for Witch’s brew. 

Something a little less noticeable to the average eye but esthetically pleasing to a few, including your humble messenger, is the nice trim job that’s been recently applied to the bulk of that area christened Miller Quarters. Your servant had the opportunity to be viewing some drone footage last week and lo and behold, we spotted a bushhogging event. A quick ride behind city hall, then down Sheppard Street proved our eyes hadn’t been playing tricks.

While it’s true that only a pittance of the Quarters’ 11 or so acres has been made worthy of designation as a participatorial park (i.e. swings, picnic tables, designer seats, trippable rocks), the remaining land can be kept weed, scrub growth  and debris free. Thus we may give everyone the impression that something nice lurks within…sooner or later.

Winter weather will be a good groundskeeper, undergrowthly speaking. That will give park managers/promoters time to work on a continuous maintenance schedule while LATech student designers come up with a land usage plan. But, here’s a hint: please think before gouging taxpayers for an eastward expansion. 

Finally: Congratulations to Jason Rowland on his selection as Superintendent of Schools in Bossier Parish. He’s the brother of Webster Superintendent Johnny Rowland, both are natives of our little corner of the world. 

It does, however, give one a point to ponder: There are now nearly 28,500 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 under the supervision of two guys from Sibley. Those of you who do not believe in the power of the Golden Triangle might want to hit the refresh button.

– Pat Culverhouse