Wednesday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Northwest wind 10 to 20 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

Thursday

Cloudy, with a high near 55. East wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night

A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Friday

A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 67.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.

* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.

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Psalm 139:14

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” 

In this passage of scripture, David praised God for His awesomeness and his omnipotent act of creation.David affirms that God had not only created him, but he had actually knit him together in his mother’s womb. (See Psalm 139:13) 

Don’t let the opinions of others determine how you view yourself. We often tend to base our self-worth on what others think of us rather than how God sees us. It’s time to break free from those chains and allow God to show you who you are!  

You too, are a work of art that God put together by hand. You have been remarkably and wondrously made.  

No matter who you are, God has a purpose for you, you’re not a mistake, God is so perfect, for he makes no mistakes.  

Remember who you are and whose you are. God has blessed you.  

Don’t compare yourself nor your life to anyone else’s . Be thankful because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. God don’t make junk.  Know your self-worth and don’t allow  negative opinions from others pull down your self-esteem.  

Embrace who God made you to be.  

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

So, don’t let the opinions of others affect your confidence in who God made you to be – fearfully and wonderfully made!

 As we go through life, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and basing our self-worth on their opinions of us. But let’s remember that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and that’s where our true value lies. 

As Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, we are God’s handiwork, created with a unique purpose in mind. 

Instead of focusing on what others think of us, let’s embrace who God made us to be and the good works He has prepared for us to do. 

Remember, God created us in His image to praise and worship Him. 

Always remember that we are blessed, and God sees the best in us.  

God’s way is perfect, and His Word is powerful. He created your innermost being,  and that means God designed you exactly the way He wanted you to be. You are unique and special to God.  

God created us in his image to praise and worship him.  

Always remember, other people’s opinions about you are none of your business!  You are blessed, and God sees the best in you.  

He gives us a choice. He’s a God who’s full of compassion, love, mercy, forgiveness, grace, and judgment.  

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Stay Encouraged!

To God Be The Glory!

(LaTina DeLoach, a native of Minden, is a Christian,a devoted wife and mother and Lady Deloach As the wife of Pastor Gregory DeLoach, Blue Run Baptist Church.)

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The City of Springhill expresses profound gratitude to Ronnie Dees and 3-D Contracting for their extraordinary generosity in fully funding the restoration of the Springhill Cemetery arch. This historic landmark, damaged more than a decade ago, now stands proudly rejuvenated, thanks to Mr. Dees’ commitment to preserving our community’s heritage.

The Springhill Cemetery arch holds immense cultural significance, and its restoration not only honors the memories of those who rest within its grounds, but also enriches the shared history of our community.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Ronnie Dees and 3-D Contracting for their unwavering dedication to preserving our past and ensuring a vibrant legacy for generations to come,” said Huddleston.

“I appreciate Mayor Huddleston for bringing this community need to our attention and I  ppreciate our crew at 3-D for making the necessary repairs,” Dees said. 

“The successful restoration of the arch is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the impact that one individual can have on the collective well-being,” Huddleston added. “The City of Springhill expresses our gratitude and commemorates the enduring spirit that  binds us together.”

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When the news broke more than a month ago that Sports Illustrated was laying off most of its workforce, that the end of the publication was apparently on hand, I re-lived the moment someone told me in the late 1990s that my childhood favorite Red Skelton had passed away.

Thought he’d died like 20 years before.

In the late-January days after the SI punchout, eulogies followed that were heartfelt and expected. They all brought back memories of getting SI in the mail on Wednesdays or Thursdays, back when I had pimples. 

Joy. Rapture. Day and weekend made. 

But I buried Sports Illustrated 25 years ago. Was grateful for it, mourned it, and let it go. Was semi-surprised to find out last month it was still alive.

It’s like what our SportsTalk friend John James Marshall said about Fair Grounds Field, once the siren song of summertime around here. More than a year ago, after the most recent attempt to clean it up, lots of people started telling it goodbye. JJ, who spent more time at SPAR Stadium and Fair Grounds Field than probably any of us, had made his peace with the death of the place years ago. What you see now from Interstate 20 is just concrete and bat poop and a feral cat palace and a solid illustration of political foot dragging. It ain’t Fair Grounds Field; that was a beautiful place that died a long time.

So was Sports Illustrated.

And it’s nobody’s fault. Not really. It’s one of those time things. 

Once it got its footing after its founding in 1954 until the late 1980s, SI was one of the great financial successes in the world of publishing. Its covers were iconic in the culture. It billed itself as the authority — and it was. Sports Illustrated was the Cleveland Browns of the 1940s, the Yankees of the ’50s and the Celtics of the ’60s.

It happened because the most influential guy in publishing then, Time Inc. founder Henry Luce, believed in it, even though he wasn’t a big sports fan. He hired a European sophisticate named Andre Laguerre to be the managing editor. And besides the best photographers, Laguerre hired the three or four best writers in each sport, gave them an expense account, and told them to let ’er rip, tater chip.

“Oh, I thought he should’ve been president,” Dan Jenkins, the magazine’s most influential writer ever, said of Laguerre. The whole thing was a perfect place-time-people deal as Jenkins and a pile of other semi-irreverent writers pumped in fastball after fastball.

But money changed the dynamic between players-coaches and writers. Suddenly it was more opportune for a millionaire forward from the Bucks to spend time with Willow Bay instead of with a writer.

Cable TV happened. Then the internet.

And long before that, the tone of the magazine began changing. Jenkins moved on to Playboy and Golf Digest because the new editors thought they knew more about college football and professional golf than he did. SI became more political, and while a fan of 15 can argue with his 75-year-old grandfather about whether Carlton or Spahn was the best lefthander, they can’t have a fair fight about all the hot-button issues the magazine began weighing in on.

Too much work and not enough play. Sports and Some Non-Sports Cultural Stuff Illustrated. (Boooooo…)

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Within the walls of Lakeside Junior Senior High School, a tradition known as “Warrior Wednesday” has woven itself into the fabric of the school’s culture. 

This initiative, a brainchild of Assistant Principal Ashley Hooter, stands as a testament to the school’s commitment to celebrating the hard work, dedication, and inspiring traits of its students. 

Each Wednesday, the school takes a moment to pause and recognize the achievements of its students. Two junior high teachers and two high school teachers are given the opportunity to highlight a student they have taught, not solely for academic achievements but for embodying the spirit of a true Warrior. 

The traits these students demonstrate — hard work, perseverance, and a positive influence on their peers — are what Warrior Wednesday is all about. The teachers’ selection process is thoughtful, focusing on students who exemplify exceptional character both in and out of the classroom. 

It’s about acknowledging those who make an extra effort, uplift others, and set a positive example for their peers. Once selected, the honoree’s photos are shared on the school’s social media, and the students receive a prize

 Reflecting on the impact of Warrior Wednesday, Assistant Principal Hooter remarked, “Warrior Wednesday isn’t just about recognition; it’s about building a community that uplifts and supports each other. It’s about showing our students that their hard work and positive attitudes don’t go unnoticed. It’s these qualities that truly make a Warrior, and it’s what makes Lakeside such a special place.” 

 Warrior Wednesday has significantly contributed to fostering a sense of community and pride within Lakeside Junior Senior High School. It motivates students to strive for excellence, not just in academics, but in character and leadership as well. Teachers are reminded of their influential role in recognizing and nurturing these qualities in their students. 

As the tradition of Warrior Wednesday continues, it remains a symbol of positive reinforcement and a celebration of the diverse talents and virtues within Lakeside’s student body. It underscores the school’s commitment to not just academic excellence, but to nurturing well-rounded individuals who embody the spirit and values of a true Warrior.

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There are many emotions associated with parenthood. Joy and amusement come to mind immediately. The early responsibilities of parenting can bring worry and guilt. There can be irritation and disappointment as well. The unique thing about being a parent is that sometimes one can feel several of those emotions— contradicting as they may be— at once.

There are two schools of thought on love. Some consider it an emotion and others a feeling. All I know is that my love for my children is bottomless and broad, and unlike any other sentiment I have known. 

Today I will focus on the parental emotion I am most in touch with at this moment— pride.

God blessed me with two children. My daughter was born first. I dreamed of being a father for years. It wasn’t until my 36th birthday that the dream came true. I thought I knew how I would feel when I became a dad, but I had no clue as to the depth of the love I would experience. When they put that baby girl in my arms the first time it was like a large box— that had been dormant somewhere deep inside my heart— opened wide and I realized that I had more capacity to love another being that I ever could have imagined.

My daughter was close to perfect from day one. Many will consider that a statement filled with fatherly bias, but it’s true. At two years old she was like a small adult. She rarely got in trouble and grew into the daughter every father dreams of, filled with sensitivity, love, and compassion, with a significant moral center and ethical compass. Those traits only amplified in adulthood, and I am as proud of her as I could be of any living, breathing thing.

She is a career woman and a very talented interior designer with excellent taste, great communication skills, and the innate ability to connect with clients’ wishes. She continually makes me proud in so many ways.

My son came into this world almost four years to the day after his sister arrived. They looked alike (some mistook them for twins during certain stages of their childhood) though they were complete opposites when it came to personality profiles. He was an overly spirited ball of energy and lighthearted mischievousness, and often in trouble but the problems were never too deep or serious. He was frequently the humorous foil to her earnestness. 

At 14 years old he came to me and stated that he wanted to go into the restaurant business. I wrote it off as a childhood whim— the restaurant industry is too brutal and unforgiving for someone who is not 100% passionate and committed— but as the years progressed, he never wavered. 

At 16, I sat him down and said, “If this is the career you truly want to pursue, and if you want to come work in our company, this is what you will need to do: Go to college and get a four-year degree in business with a minor in accounting. Then go to culinary school at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After two years of culinary school, you will go work for other people in the industry for two years. At the end of that eight-year period, you can come back and work in our company, but you are going to start at the bottom. It won’t matter what your education was or what your experience is, you will start at the bottom and the degree to which you rise through the ranks will be 100% dependent on you, and not me.” 

He is all-in.

The plan is one that I wish I would have been able to undertake. I did it all backwards. Had I gained a better foundation and made mistakes on other people’s dimes I could have saved myself a lot of grief and been a more effective leader and restaurateur from the start.

He’s currently five and a half years into the plan. He has two remaining semesters of culinary school before he graduates in December. Then he’ll go to Chicago to work for a friend’s restaurant group before coming home.

Back to pride. 

My son is currently doing his externship at Emeril’s in New Orleans. He’s loving every minute of it and learning a lot. It’s an environment and culture where the entire team has one common goal of excellence in all endeavors. In my opinion, the newly re-envisioned Emeril’s is the finest restaurant in the southeast, and it would be hard for anyone who has dined there since the reopening in November to disagree.

Not only is my son fortunate enough to be staging in a world-class kitchen, he’s also being mentored by two, young, top-notch chefs, one of whom has taken over the reins from his father and is killing it, daily. Familiar territory, that.

The friend group my wife and I spend most of our leisure time with consists of four couples. This past weekend the eight of us reserved a Saturday evening table at Emeril’s. All of them were there when both kids were born and have been there all the way through their childhoods. It was a unique experience for all of us to be dining in such an outstanding restaurant while my son was cooking in the kitchen, especially a kitchen of that caliber. I was so proud.

The love that one has for their children is an innate feeling with a depth unlike any other. A father’s pride works the same. It’s a deeper feeling than the everyday pride I experience in my work or daily life. If fatherly pride was a fuel, it would be a clean-burning super-charged rocket fuel that burns blue-hot and is strong enough that one pride-filled event involving one’s child can power a lifetime of positive memories. 

The official bio our marketing team created for my website lists several job titles under my photo, restaurateur, author, producer, travel host, columnist, philanthropist, and serial entrepreneur, but the most important, most fun— and most pride-filled— job title I’ll ever have is “Dad.”

Onward.

Chicken Jambalaya

2 pounds andouille sausage, or any mild smoked pork sausage, sliced about 1/4 inch thick

3 pounds chicken thigh meat, boneless and skinless, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces

1 TBL Creole seasoning

2 cups yellow onion, medium dice

1 1/2 cups celery, medium dice

1 1/2 cup green bell pepper, medium dice

2 TBL fresh garlic, minced

1 tsp dry thyme

3 bay leaves

1 pound long grain rice

1 – 14 ounce can diced tomatoes

1 TBL Worcestershire sauce

1 TBL hot sauce

1 quart + 1 cup chicken broth, heated

 1 Tbl kosher salt 

Heat a large heavy duty cast iron skillet or dutch oven ( 2-gallon capacity) on high heat.

Place the sausage in the hot skillet and brown it evenly. Stir often to prevent burning. When the sausage is browned, carefully remove the excess fat. Season the chicken with the Creole seasoning and add it to the skillet. Brown the chicken evenly and cook it for 20 minutes. Add in the onion, celery and bell pepper and lower the heat to medium. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring often. Add in the garlic, thyme and bay leaves and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir in the rice and cook until the rice grains and hot. Add in the canned tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and chicken broth. Stir the mixture well to prevent the rice from clumping together. Lower the heat until the Jambalaya is just barely simmering and cover. Cook for 30 minutes.

Yield: 

12-14 servings

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

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

Feb. 28

6 p.m. JV & Varsity Cheer interest meeting, Glenbrook School library.

7 p.m. Apache Princess interest meeting, Glenbrook School library.

Feb. 29

11 a.m. Ribbon Cutting, Minden Medical Clinic of Haughton, Healthcare Plaza Drive, Haughton.

March 1

11 a.m. Broken Bean’s Little Free Pantry, 107 McDonald St., Minden.

March 2

10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Jonquil Festival in Gibsland. Tickets for the self guided tour remain at $10 and may be purchased downtown on the day of festival. The Historical Red Barn will be the featured tour stop. Please follow social media for more information about vendors, tour stops and other activities surrounding the festival day. Raffle tickets for bulbs and the jonquil quilt are on sale at all GBT branches for $1 donation each.

Caney Puzzler Adventure Race, Caney Lakes.

6 p.m. Bingo with $500 jackpot. Proceeds for LaMa Animal Rescue. 101 Machen Dr., Springhill.

March 3

6:30 p.m. True Girl Crazy Hair Tour at First Baptist Minden for mothers and daughters ages 7-12. This live event will be full of games, worship, fashion show, solid biblical truth and will deepen the relationship between mothers and their daughters. Visit www.mytruegirl.com for tickets. For more information, call the church office at 318-377-4434.

March 10

2:30 p.m., “Something Extraordinary,” Annual Youth Explosion, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Minister James E. Smith Pastor/Teacher, 595 Central School Rd., Dubberly. Contact Alysia Mason (318) 458-1916 or Mechelle Hall (318) 573-7171.

March 11

6 p.m., Night at the Museum with Mary Claire Kettler. History of Mount Lebanon. Admission is free; donations welcome. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; seating is limited. Refreshments are potluck snacks and desserts.

March 16

9 a.m. until noon, District 2 Star of Hope O.E.S. 30th Annual Gala, “Star Struck” Welcome to Old Hollywood. 630 Factory Outlet Dr., Arcadia, La. Attire: Sunday’s best with “fascinators and fedoras. Entertainment, food, drawings. Public is welcome. $5 donation at the door.

A committee of former Thomas & Rhone Elementary School students have planned a reunion for all former students, faculty and staff.  This reunion is schedule for Memorial Day Weekend, Friday and Saturday, (May 24th and 25th).  All activities will be held at the Shongaloo Civic Center, 119 LA 2 Alt Rd, in Shongaloo, LA.  Listed below is the schedule of events:

March 24

Noon until 5 p.m. Thomas & Rhone Elementary Reunion. Registration, Meet & Greet, Ole Fashion Fish Fry.

March 25

10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thomas & Rhone Elementary Reunion. Games, Hamburgers & Hot Dogs, Visit to School Site,Shongaloo Civic Center. For more information, call  (318) 847-4436 or (501) 347-4856

April 3

Greater Minden Spring Job Fair & Resource Expo.

April 4

6 p.m. 2024 UCAP Hunger Fest and Dessert Auction. First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden. Tickets are $5 each; table sponsorships are $100.

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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.

Feb. 25

George Puffer, 54, of the 1100 block of Shreveport Rd., was arrested by MPD on five active bench warrants.

Wesley B. Griffith, 41, of the 100 block of Oaktree Ln., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on 3 active bench warrants and a fugitive warrant from WPSO.

Feb. 26

Determine L. Lewis, 24, of the 600 block of East Rd., Cullen, was arrested for probation violations for aggravated battery and attempted illegal use of a weapon.

Christian Loyal Masingill, 24, of U.S. 371, Sarepta, was arrested on a parole violation and with possession of Dextroamphetamine, Oxycodone, drug paraphernalia and possession of Schedule IV.

Delandro W. Washington, 62, of Chestnut St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on active warrants for aggravated flight and failure to appear on a theft charge.

Joshua Drew Fuller, 24, of the 900 block of East St., Minden, was arrested by MPD for running a stop sign, driving under suspension, speeding, no registration certificate, driving left of center and no child restraint. He is also a fugitive from Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Feb. 27

Joshua Williams, 26, of High St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on active warrants for failure to stop at stop sign and driving under suspension.

Travis Grillette, 36, of Sibley was arrested by the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Department for criminal trespass of a movable structure and simple criminal damage to property. 

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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Emma Lou Whaley

Oct. 20, 1933 – Feb. 25, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

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

Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden.

Virginia Walker

Nov. 17, 1945 – Feb. 23, 2024

Minden, La.

Funeral service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Burial: 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Fellowship Cemetery, Dubberly, La.

Marilyn Williams

Sept. 3, 1939 – Feb. 26, 2024

Sarepta, La.

Visitation 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024, New Sarepta Baptist Church.

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

Douglas Lloyd

Nov. 26, 1945 – Feb. 18, 2024

Heflin, La.

Graveside service: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024, Bistineau Cemetery, Heflin, under the direction of Rockett Funeral Home, Ringgold, 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 no charge.)

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By Pat Culverhouse

A call of individuals acting erratically inside a local retail store turned into arrests for possession of illegal substances and the confiscation of weapons plus a large quantity of ammunition. 

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said Shreveport brothers, 41-year-old Matthew Corley Welbourne and 46-year-old Nathaniel Ellis Welbourne face a variety of charges including illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of controlled dangerous substance.

McIver said Lt. Keith King and Sgt. Reece Tewell confronted the two inside Walmart shortly after 1 p.m. Thursday after learning from witnesses that both had been acting strangely and reportedly claiming “people were after them.” 

“Lt. King and Sgt. Tewell found the pair inside with a hatchet and a machete they had picked up at the store. Our officers managed to get the items from the suspects and both denied being under the influence of drugs or medication,” McIver said. “But by their actions, our officers suspected they were on something.” 

Officers escorted the pair to the parking lot, but neither man would answer questions. Lt. Chris Hammontree and his K9 Tigo were called to conduct an open air sniff of the men’s vehicle, and Tigo reportedly alerted positively.

While searching the vehicle, officers found pills and a substance that tested positive as methamphetamine, along with several syringes. Officers also discovered firearms and a cache of ammunition.

“Inside the vehicle we found a .45 caliber handgun, a .223 semiautomatic rifle, several full magazines for both weapons and a large amount of loose ammunition,” McIver said. “Both weapons had loaded magazines and a live round in the chamber.”

Officers reportedly found 259 rounds of .223 ammunition and 99 rounds for the .45. Much of the ammunition for the rifle was “green tip,” commonly referred to as armor piercing rounds.

Nathaniel Welbourne is charged with disturbing the peace, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine), possession of CDS Sch. III and illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of a CDS. Matthew Welbourne was booked for disturbing the peace, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine) and illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of a CDS.

Both Welbournes reportedly have arrest records in Shreveport and in several jurisdictions outside Louisiana. 

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

Whether it be boating, fishing or swimming, water accidents occur more often than you may think.

When they do happen, Minden Fire Department’s scuba dive team is called to the rescue or, sadly, the recovery.

Sunday afternoon at a small local lake, six of the seven team members of paid and volunteer fire fighters gathered to train, which is something they do on a regular basis. 

Leading the group was Hank Ashley, one of Minden’s paid firefighters. They were practicing some of the techniques learned over the last six months, he said.

“We are going over some of the different search patterns and different scenarios we would encounter as first responders,” Ashley said. “Keeping everybody together, diving together, making sure we are all on the same page.”

In one scenario Sunday, the team was investigating a “child drowning victim,” (Minnie Mouse).

“We got on the scene and our witness gave us a description of what was going on,” he said. “Off the information he gave us, we decided semi-circle or arch searches would be best because it was a ‘shore entry.’”

It was fortunate, he said, the diver found Minnie on the first pass.

“You can’t ask for much better than that,” he added. “Normally, we would’ve started CPR, but being it was a training exercise …”

All of the team is certified through Scuba Ventures in Shreveport.

“They are the best of the best,” Ashley said. “They’ve taken us from just being swimmers to being advanced.”

The team has trained at Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs, Ark. and lakes in east Texas.

“We have already exceeded certification for public safety diving through ERDI (Emergency Response Divers International),” Ashley said. “It’s a step toward the technical side of diving.”

Prominent at the scene Sunday was the new rescue trailer, which Chief Brian Williams said was purchased after Homeland Security received a $10,000 grant from Claiborne Electric Cooperative two years ago. Homeland Security also contributed $5,000 more to cover the cost of the trailer.

“The old trailer was short; none of the guys could stand up in it,” Williams said. “They can in this one. They can get dressed in it. It has a heater and air conditioning. And they don’t have to use steps to get in and out.”

The trailer also has scene lights. An older Homeland Security grant for around $6,000 allowed the purchase of dive equipment, including special ropes and life jackets.

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Camp Minden’s newest class of Youth Challenge program cadets received a welcome from Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker Friday, and his message to the more than 100 young men and women included both advice and words of warning.

“I’m a big supporter of you all and I want to see you succeed,” Parker told the group. “I’m sworn to protect and serve the citizens of this parish and while you’re here I consider you to be citizens of this parish.”

And with the words of welcome, the Sheriff issued a stern warning to the group.

“As long as you stay on this compound this is the safest place for you to be. On this compound you play by Camp Minden rules. Once you jump that fence, you’re on my ground and you’re going to be playing by my rules and you may not like them,” Parker said. 

Young people who do try to leave the compound face dangers that could include prove extremely dangerous. Parker said runners could be struck by traffic on U.S. Hwy. 80 or Interstate 20; citizens have the right to protect their property and that could lead to dangerous confrontations if someone is trespassing; woods surrounding the compound are filled with poisonous snakes that can kill.

“Consider the possibility of sex offenders. There’s a truck stop nearby and let’s say you go there and somebody says ‘Hey, I’ll give you a ride.’ We may never see you again,” he said. “If you do run, and we catch you, you will not come back here. There will be consequences. If you happen to be 18, we have BDCC (Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center) and I’m not afraid to put you there.”  

Parker said his words of warning were meant to be advice; a stimulus for cadets to stay the course and take advantage of what the 22-week class has to offer. 

“The time you have here is just a blink of an eye. Complete the program and you will be a better person,” Parker said. “We may have future law enforcement, future politicians, military..all kinds of things you can do to be citizens people will be proud of.”

Camp Minden’s training and discipline is meant to get young cadets in the right frame of mind, to graduate and move forward, the Sheriff said.

“Do not let anyone else influence you. Administratively, counseling will help if you have problems. My deputies and I will visit Camp Minden occasionally and we are always ready to listen,” Parker told the cadets.

“Remember, there’s nothing for you on the other side of that fence. If we ever meet again and it’s not on this compound, don’t ask for forgiveness. The people here won’t be able to help you if you cause a serious problem. This is your only warning,” he said.

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Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind 15 to 20 mph.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. West wind 15 to 20 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Thursday

A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.

Thursday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday

Partly sunny, with a high near 65.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.

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Recently I’ve noticed a particular social media post making its rounds. The anonymous author of the post offers a laundry list of estate planning tips, tricks and tools. While the post brings up several good considerations, there is also some misinformation, with parts of the advice being incorrect, “state specific,” and/or not applicable to everyone. I thought this would be an appropriate time to offer 15 universal tips to help make things less complicated for your heirs in the event of your passing.

1. Create a last will and testament and file a copy with your attorney or place a copy in a safe place where your loved ones can locate it. In Louisiana a will can be handwritten, or it can be typed and notarized (recommended). Although a last will and testament is not legally required, without a will state laws will determine the distribution of your assets. With a will you can choose an executor – someone who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes as specified in the will. A will allows you to detail how assets, such as real estate, personal possessions, and bank accounts, should be divided upon your death. In Louisiana it also allows you to name someone as the legal guardian of your minor children.

2. Make a list of all life insurance policies, retirement/investment/bank accounts, businesses in which you have ownership, real estate you own, etc. Again, the goal is to make things simpler for your loved ones.

3. Add someone else to your bank accounts. Talk with your banker about the available options (e.g. joint owner, signer, payable on death), which may vary by bank and state. Also add a trusted contact person to your investment accounts – someone that your financial advisor can contact if he or she suspects that you are dealing with a health issue or that you are being financially exploited (scammed).

4. Have the following documents in place: 1) living will – a written declaration that states your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments if you are terminally ill or in an irreversible condition. 2) durable power of attorney – allows you to designate a person to make legal/financial decisions for you in the event you are not competent to do so. A durable power of attorney remains in effect in the event you lose mental capacity; 3) medical power of attorney – allows you to designate a person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make or communicate those choices due to illness or injury. The designated person can decide on medical treatments, surgeries, and other healthcare matters in accordance with your wishes. Note: Other types of power of attorney exist, and they may vary by state.

5. Organize your important documents and store them in a place where your loved ones can find them. This may be a bank safe deposit box or a home safe. If you choose a bank safe deposit box, add someone you trust as a signer so they can access the box – and have the key accessible to them. If you decide on a home safe, make sure someone knows the combination and/or has access to a key.

6. Assign beneficiaries to all life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and even bank accounts if you feel it is necessary.

7. Consider drafting a funeral planning declaration, which outlines such details as whether or not you want to be buried or cremated, if you want to be entombed, which funeral home should handle the arrangements, and the location where your body should be interred. If specific details of your funeral service are important to you (preacher, message, music), you may also detail them in this document.

8. If you wish to be an eye, organ, or tissue donor register online at https://registry.donatelifela.org/. You may also register when you renew your driver’s license.

9. Review your beneficiaries, will and all estate plan documents at least every three to five years or when there is a major life event.

10. Talk with your financial advisor about whether or not establishing a trust is right for you. Benefits of a trust include the protection and preservation of your assets, controlling how your wealth is distributed, minimizing taxes, and addressing family dynamics such as divorce or blended families.

11. Think about who will pay the bills after you are no longer here. If the answer is your spouse – but he or she has never paid the bills – start some training now. Make sure he or she is familiar with all credit cards, utilities, loans, and policies and provide instructions on how to pay them.

12. Make sure someone else knows where the titles to all vehicles, ATVs, campers, trailers, boats, motorcycles, etc. are located. These should be kept in a safe location, not a desk drawer or pile somewhere.

13. Ensure someone has access to your social media accounts, bank logins, Apple ID, Paypal and Venmo accounts, your cell phone passcode, etc. Having this information will save your loved ones a lot of hassle.

14. Utilize a “final wishes organizer” and place the above information in this handy book. There are many book titles available, such as The Peace of Mind Planner and I’m Dead – Now What? available for purchase on Amazon.

15. If you have questions about any of the information above, discuss with your financial advisor. Your financial advisor or an estate planning attorney can guide you through this process and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you have a solid estate plan in place.

(Tracy L. Campbell a Minden resident, partner and financial advisor for Meriweather Wealth and Planning.)

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Springhill Medical Center proudly welcomes Ashley Pulley, PA to the family. Ashley’s specialty is Orthopedics. She is seeing patients by appointment at the Doctors Clinic. Call 318-539-1701. Springhill Medical Center, treating you like family. www.smccare.com .

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By Travis Chapman

As the lead right foot of 2024 is mashed to the floorboard with just over 3 short months left in the school year, your Glenbrook Elementary Apaches capped off great seasons in softball. The lower and upper elementary softball teams rallied around the family all the way over in Monroe, LA last Saturday that proved Glenbrook Softball is a perineal power that is here to stay. 

First, we will look at the amazing 3/4 Softball Apaches who had a great tournament and represented Glenbrook beautifully. They first faced off against the Lakeside Warriors. The Apaches speared the Warriors 13-0. Aubrey Chanler led the Apaches by going 3-3 at the plate and scored 2 runs. Aubrey also showed her prowess in the field as she made stops and numerous plays at the hot corner of third base. Willow Still and Montgomery Ingles also had stellar days at the plate as both went 2-2, but it was Montgomery (Gummy) Ingles who launched a moon-shot for a homerun in the first inning that really got the Apaches on the war path all the way to victory that sent them to the semi-finals. In the semi-finals game, the Apaches came up just shy as they fell 11-9 to Riverfield Academy, who went on to win the championship later that day. In that game, the Apaches bats still rang true as Willow Still, Ellie Speer, and Anniston Igo all smoked triples in the game. Laikyn (Day-Day) Hollingsworth hung up her high-tops from crossovers on the basketball court and traded that for a pair of cleats and launched bomb in this game as well for around-tripper, but in the end, it wasn’t quite enough. The 3/4 Softball Apaches finished an amazing season with a semifinal’s appearance, and I’ve got a feeling this group of rowdy, feisty and gritty girls are just getting started!

We will keep the momentum going with the 5/6 Softball Apaches as they came ready to dominate as well. Their first game was a sight to behold as the girls powered passed OCS by a score of 17-4. OCS jumped out to an early lead in the first inning, 4-0. That would be the last runs of the game for OCS as the Apaches blew their doors off with 17 unanswered runs as Addi Ramsey lead the Apaches with a whopping six, yes you read that correctly, 6-RBI’s. Addi also was just a double away from hitting for the cycle in the game. She had a single that scored two runs, an inside the park homer that brought home two more runs, and a triple that brought home another two runs. Sadie Powell followed closely with a big triple that brought home two runners, and Savannah O’Glee also had a huge day with an inside the park homerun that drove home two runs. The Apaches collected 16 hits in the game as Ellie Kate (EK) Perryman and Addi Lou Ramsey teamed up for 6 hits in the contest, with Addison Gantt, Emma Kate Fox and Kullyn Chanler all connecting for multiple hits as well. It’s also important to note the PERFECT fielding completed by the Apaches as they did not surrender a single error in the game. This huge win propelled them to the semifinals where they blanked FCCS 15-0. The bats stayed on fire as Marian Wimberly blasted an inside the park homer that scored two runs. Addi Lou continued her great playing as she channeled her inner Benny-The Jet-Rodriguez and stole home. Before you knew it, the girls were up 8-0. Kullyn Chanler got the nod on the bump for the game and she pitched a doozy. She pitched three innings only giving up five-hits, ZERO runs, while striking out three and walking two. This team played a great game with Sadie Powell leading the team from the 7-hole by going 3-3 with 2-RBI’s. The Apaches also stole 9 bases in the contest with Ellie Kate, Addi Lou, and Addison each recording multiple steals, and another flawless, errorless game led them to the Championship game where they fell shy of the Lakeside Warriors by a score of 7-1. After giving up a big 5^th inning to the Warriors, our Apaches came up just shy of another Championship trophy, but boy did they show out and show others what Glenbrook Softball is all about. They fought hard in every game, and we look forward to seeing this amazingly talented bunch on the diamond next season! We are proud of our Apaches!

If you would like to come and see how Glenbrook is a strong thriving family and community, we encourage you to come out and see firsthand the academics, arts, sports, and the overwhelming investment in our children from the teachers, staff, and parents. Glenbrook is holding an Open House on March 7^th for students of all ages and would love to show everyone the great things that Glenbrook has to offer. The bad to the bone softball teams is just icing on the cake!! You can sign up for times using the link provided on the Glenbrook School Facebook page. 

IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE AN APACHE!!

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Thurs. Feb. 22

Doyline 10, Loyola 5

Doyline Lady Panthers were triumphant over Loyola College Prep Flyers Thursday.

The Lady Panthers got on the board in the top of the first inning after Loyola committed an error and Kelly Sumlin homered to center field.

They added to an early lead in the top of the second after the Flyers committed another error and Lane Gates singled.

Loyola tied the game in the bottom of the third. A single by Gates gave Doyline the lead 5-4 in the top of the fourth.

The Lady Panthers captured the lead 9-5 in the top of the fifth. Canyon Bartlett singled, Savannah Stanley doubled and Jasmine Torres grounded out, each scoring on run.

Sumlin pitched four and two-thirds innings in relief for Doyline. The southpaw surrendered two hits and one run (zero earned) while striking out six and walking six.

Stanley started in the circle for Doyline. The starting pitcher allowed one hit and four runs over two and one-third innings, striking out four and walking seven.

Doyline collected 10 hits in the game.Gates had three in five at-bats. Karmadie Bartlett collected two in four at-bats. Gates and Sumlin each stole multiples bases and the team amassed seven for the game. The Panthers turned one double play and no errors.

Glenbrook JV Lady Apaches 14, Downsville Lady Demons 2

Glenbrook Junior Varsity Lady Apaches easily dispatched Downsville Thursday.

The Lady Apaches got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Kenzie Smith walked and Anna Grace Vining doubled, each scoring two runs.

The ladies scored five runs on one hit in the bottom of the second. Gracie Heard drew a walk, scoring one run, Audrey Frye singled, scoring two runs, Vining drew a walk scoring one run and a wild pitched scored one.

Glenbrook scored five runs on two hits in the bottom of the third. Izzy McMillon drew a walk, scoring one run, Sydney Lea grounded out scoring one run, an error scored one and Frye singled, scoring two runs.

Frye earned the winner the JV Lady Apaches. The righty gave up no hits and no runs over two innings, striking out four and walking none. Lydia Huddleston appeared in relief.

Frye led the girls with two hits in three at-bats. Heard paced them with three walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, accumulating 10 walks for the game. Bree Bonsall stole two bases of the five amassed steals.

Glenbrook Varsity Lady Apaches 16, Downsville Lady Demons 1

Glenbrook Lady Apaches easily dispatched Downsville Lady Demons Thursday.

Glenbrook got on the board in the bottom of the first after Vivian Still homered to center field, Colby Hollis signed and Rebecca Mosley grounded out, each scoring one run.

The Lady Apaches scored eight runs on four hits in the bottom of the second. Chloe Gregg drew a walk, scoring one run, Gabi Brown tripled, scoring three runs, Hollis hit a sacrifice fly scoring one run, Kenzie Smith singled scoring one run and Hadley Haynes doubled scoring two runs.

A walk by Hollis and a sacrifice fly by Mosley helped Glenbrook extend their early lead in the third.

Mosley earned the win for the Apaches. The starting pitcher allowed three hits and one run over three innings, striking out six and walking three. Audrey Frye tossed one inning of zero-run ball for Glenbrook in relief. The reliever allowed no hits, striking out two and walking one.

Eleven hits were tallied in the game for Glenbrook. Haynes, Still and Gregg each collected two hits. Mosley and Brown drove in three runs each. Anna Grace Vining led with two walks. Overall the team had a strong eye at the plate, amassing nine walks for the game. Brown stole two bases of the accumulated five for the game.

North Webster Knights 16, Plain Dealing Lions 0

Anekah Coleman drove in four runs on three hits to lead North Webster Knights past Plain Dealing Lions Thursday. Coleman hit an inside the park home run in the second inning, scoring two runs and tripled in the second inning, scoring two.

NWHS won thanks in part to 11 runs in the second inning. Coleman’s homer scored two, Kerianne Allen drew a walk scoring one run, Madison Morgan doubled scoring two runs, Kendall Temple singled, scoring one run, Ella Campbell singled scoring one run, Coleman tripled scoring two runs, Anna Ray singled, scoring one run and Adryana White tripled scoring one run.

The Knights jumped out to the lead in the top of the first after Ray singled, scoring one , a steal of home scored one and Temple singled, scoring two runs. A ground out by Morgan texted the lead to 16-0 in the top of the third.

Emma Newsom earned the win for North Webster. The righty surrendered two hits and no runs over three innings, allowing one run on one hit, striking out none and walking two.

The Knights piled up 14 hits in the game. Ray and Coleman were a force in the lineup as they collected three hits. White, Campbell and Temple collected multiple hits, while Ray, Coleman, Allen and Temple stole multiple bases.

Fri., Feb. 23

Minden Lady Tiders 2, West Ouachita 6

Even though the Minden High School Lady Tiders collected four hits to West Ouachita’s three, they still fell short Friday.

West Ouachita got on the board in the top of the first inning after the Lady Tigers committed and error.

Kylie Ryan hit a home run to center field in the bottom of the fourth. She took the loss for the Tiders. She went seven innings, giving up six runs (one earned) on three hits, striking out nine and walking four.

Ryan and Lindsay Ryan each drove in one run.

Lakeside Lady Warriors 7, Beekman Tigers 17

Mackenzie McCoy collected four hits in four at-bats, but Lakeside still lost to Beekman Friday. McCoy hit a home run to left field in the fifth inning, doubled in the first, doubled in the fourth and singled in the second.

The Lady Warriors got on the board in the top of the first inning after Raleah Harris grounded out, scoring one run and an error scored two.

McCoy’s homer scored two runs in the the fifth.

Hallie Sutton pitched four and two-thirds innings in relief for Lakeside. The righty gave up five hits and 10 runs (three earned) while striking out six and walking six. Harris began the game for Lakeside. They surrendered three hits and seven runs (three earned) over one inning, striking out none and walking two. 

Sutton and Harris each collected multiple hits. The team stole four bases and turned one double play.

North Webster Knights 21, Union Parish 0

Anekah Coleman collected three hits in four at-bats as NWHS Knights defeated Union Friday. Coleman hit a solo homer to left field in the first inning, doubled in the second and doubled in the third.

The Knights jumped out to the lead in top of the first with Coleman’s home run. Adryana White drew a walk scoring one run, Kendall Temple singled scoring one run, Madison Morgan singled, scoring three runs, an error scored one run and Anna Ray grounded out scoring two runs.

NWHS scored seven runs on six hits in the top of the second. Temple singled scoring one run, Morgan singled scoring one run, Coleman doubled scoring two runs, White singled scoring two runs and Kerianne Allen doubled, scoring one run.

The Knights scored five runs on five hits in the top of the third. Alisa Luna drew a walk scoring one run, Zoe Oremovic grounded out scoring one, Ray tripled scoring two and Kenny Brown doubled scoring one.

Emma Newsom earned the win. The starting pitcher gave up no hits or runs over three innings striking out seven and walking three.

The Knights amassed 16 hits in the game.

Glenbrook Lady Apaches 0, St. Frederick Warriors 5

Glenbrook Lady Coaches could not keep up with the St. Frederick Warriors Friday.

Rebecca Mosley took the loss for Glenbrook. The righty went six innings, surrendering five runs on seven hits, striking out non and walking three.

Ellie Earnhardt led the Lady Apaches with one hit in two at-bats.

Sat. Feb. 24

Tioga 10, Minden High 6

Leigha Kennon-Gilbert colledted four hits in four at-bats, but Minden’s Lady Tiders lost to Tioga Saturday. Kennon-Gilbert hit a solo home run to center field in the third inning, troped in the fifth, singled in the first and singled in the seventh.

A triple by Kylie Ryan put the Lady Tiders on the board in the bottom of the first.

Tioga took the lead in the top of the third. Then Kennon-Gilbert homered to center field, which helped MHS tie the game at two in the bottom of the third.

Kaydree Kemp hit a sacrifice fly which helped Minden tie the game in the bottom of the fourth.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Lady Tiders book the tie when Kennon-Gilbert tripled, scoring one run, then a single by Belle Douglass followed to extend the lead to 5-3.

Tioga flipped the game on its head in the top of the sixth.

Ryan took the loss for MHS. The reliever went four innings, allowing seven runs (two earned) on seven hits, striking out three and walking one. Lindsay Ryan open the game. The starter gave up four hits and three runs over three innings, striking out one and walking one.

The Lady Tiders amassed 11 hits in the game. Douglass, Ryan and Ryan each collected multiple hits and the team turned one double play.

Glenbrook Lady Apaches 6, Ouachita Parish Lions 9

Vivian Still collected three hits in four at-bats, but Glenbrook’s Lady Apaches lost to Ouachita Parish Lions Saturday. Still hit a solo home run to center field in the first inning, doubled in the seventh and singled in the fourth.

Still led Glenbrook with three hits including a home run to center field after a 6-pitch at-bat put the ladies on the board in the top of the first.

Ouachita Parish flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the first.

Savannah Magnum pitched four innings in relief for Glenbrook. She allowed two hits and one run while striking out four and walking one. Rebecca Mosley took the loss for the Apaches. The righty went two innings, giving up eight runs on seven hits, striking out one and walking six.

Anna Grace Vining collected two hits for the Apaches in three at-bats. The team amassed 10 hits total.

Glenbrook Lady Apaches 2, Neville Lady Tigers 13

In game 2 Saturday, the Lady Apaches had trouble keeping up with Neville.

Rebecca Mosley took the loss for Glenbrook. She went five innings, surrendering 13 runs (eight earned) on 10 hits, striking out three and walking four.

Gabi Brown went 2-for-3 at the plate.

Neville Lady Tigers 17, Lakeside Lady Warriors 1

Nevile defeated Lakeside Saturday thanks in part to nine runs in the fifth inning. Raleah Harris was first in the circle for Lakeside. She induced Caroline Dubuy to hit into a fielder’s choice, but one run scored and an error scored one. Harris allowed seven hits and seven runs (five earned) over three and two-thirds innings, striking out one and walking one.

Lexi Wood, Mackenzie McCoy and Laiklyn Squyres each collected one hit for Lakeside. McCoy led the Lady Warriors with one run batted in. They went 1-for-2 on the day.

Lakeside Lady Warriors 1, St. Frederick Warriors 15

In game 2, St. Frederick scored eight runs I the fourth inning that helped them defeat Lakeside Saturday.

Raleah Harris started in the circle for Lakeside. The starting pitcher gave up six hits and seven runs (two earned) over two and two-thirds innings, striking gout one and walking two.

Hallie Sutton, Harris, Lexi Wood, Mackenzie McCoy and Teal Austin each collected one hit for Lakeside.

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

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

Feb. 27

2 p.m. cutoff deadline for City of Minden Utilities. 

Noon until 1 p.m. Weed Identification & Weed Control, LSU AgCenter at Webster Parish Branch Library, Minden. Speaker Dr. Ron Strahan, LSU AgCenter. Open to the public; no pre-registration.

6:30 p.m. Doors open for the 82nd Annual Greater Minden Chamber Awards Gala at Minden Civic Center. Program begins at 7 p.m.

Feb. 28

6 p.m. JV & Varsity Cheer interest meeting, Glenbrook School library.

7 p.m. Apache Princess interest meeting, Glenbrook School library.

Feb. 29

11 a.m. Ribbon Cutting, Minden Medical Clinic of Haughton, Healthcare Plaza Drive, Haughton.

March 1

11 a.m. Broken Bean’s Little Free Pantry, 107 McDonald St., Minden.

March 2

10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Jonquil Festival in Gibsland. Tickets for the self guided tour remain at $10 and may be purchased downtown on the day of festival. The Historical Red Barn will be the featured tour stop. Please follow social media for more information about vendors, tour stops and other activities surrounding the festival day. Raffle tickets for bulbs and the jonquil quilt are on sale at all GBT branches for $1 donation each.

Caney Puzzler Adventure Race, Caney Lakes.

6 p.m. Bingo with $500 jackpot. Proceeds for LaMa Animal Rescue. 101 Machen Dr., Springhill.

March 3

6:30 p.m. True Girl Crazy Hair Tour at First Baptist Minden for mothers and daughters ages 7-12. This live event will be full of games, worship, fashion show, solid biblical truth and will deepen the relationship between mothers and their daughters. Visit www.mytruegirl.com for tickets. For more information, call the church office at 318-377-4434.

March 10

2:30 p.m., “Something Extraordinary,” Annual Youth Explosion, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Minister James E. Smith Pastor/Teacher, 595 Central School Rd., Dubberly. Contact Alysia Mason (318) 458-1916 or Mechelle Hall (318) 573-7171.

March 11

6 p.m., Night at the Museum with Mary Claire Kettler. History of Mount Lebanon. Admission is free; donations welcome. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; seating is limited. Refreshments are potluck snacks and desserts.

March 16

9 a.m. until noon, District 2 Star of Hope O.E.S. 30th Annual Gala, “Star Struck” Welcome to Old Hollywood. 630 Factory Outlet Dr., Arcadia, La. Attire: Sunday’s best with “fascinators and fedoras. Entertainment, food, drawings. Public is welcome. $5 donation at the door.

A committee of former Thomas & Rhone Elementary School students have planned a reunion for all former students, faculty and staff.  This reunion is schedule for Memorial Day Weekend, Friday and Saturday, (May 24th and 25th).  All activities will be held at the Shongaloo Civic Center, 119 LA 2 Alt Rd, in Shongaloo, LA.  Listed below is the schedule of events:

March 24

Noon until 5 p.m. Thomas & Rhone Elementary Reunion. Registration, Meet & Greet, Ole Fashion Fish Fry.

March 25

10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thomas & Rhone Elementary Reunion. Games, Hamburgers & Hot Dogs, Visit to School Site,Shongaloo Civic Center. For more information, call  (318) 847-4436 or (501) 347-4856

April 3

Greater Minden Spring Job Fair & Resource Expo.

April 4

6 p.m. 2024 UCAP Hunger Fest and Dessert Auction. First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden. Tickets are $5 each; table sponsorships are $100.

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Thurs., Feb. 22

Doyline Panthers 4, Red River 5

A walk off left Doyline Panthers on the wrong end of a 5-4 loss to Red River Thursday. The game was tied at four in the bottom of the eighth when an error scored one run.

The Panthers were the firs on the board in the first inning when Noah Spears singled scoring one run.

They added one run in the second when Austin Arbaugh singled, making the score 2-0.

Red River tied the game in the bottom of the fifth.

Arbaugh began the game for Doyline. The righty gave up two hits and one run over three and one-third innings, striking out three and walking five.

Spears, Jonas Florence, Benton Bates, Arbaugh and Zach Normand each collected a hit for Doyline. Arbaugh went 1-for-3 at the plate as the pitcher led the team with two runs batted in.

Dakota Stewart paced the Panthers with four walks. Overall the team had patience at the plate, amassing eight walks for the game. The Panthers turned one triple play in the game and Cayden Bingo stole two bases.

Glenbrook Apaches 0, Benton 10

Glenbrook Apaches couldn’t keep up with Benton and fell hard Thursday.

Ryan Reagan took the loss for Glenbrook. He went three innings, giving up eight runs (six earned) on seven hits, striking out three and walking one. Preston Frye began the game. The righty gave up one hit and two runs over one-third of an inning, striking out none and walking three.

Easton Sanders went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead the Apaches in hits.

Lakeside Warriors 16, Ebarb Rebels 1

Brock Case drove in five runs on two hits to lead Lakeside Warriors past Ebarb Rebels Thursday at Many. Case hit a home run to left field in the third inning, scoring three runs and doubled in the first inning, scoring two.

Lakeside scored 12 runs in the third inning. Matthew Aguilera singled scoring one run, an error scored a run, Eli Santelices singled scoring two runs, Jake Glass singled scoring one run, Peyton Gray grounded out scoring two runs, Aguilera doubled coring one run, Eli Campbell singled, scoring one run and case homered scoring three runs.

Lakeside first captured the lead 4-1 in the bottom of the first when Jon Jon Dick singled, scoring one run.

Hunter Sutton earned the win for the Lakeside Warriors. The righty allowed one hit and one run over two innings, striking out for and walking one. Gray and Case each threw scoreless innings in relief. Dick stole two bases.

Fri., Feb. 23

Benton 10, Glenbrook 1

Glenbrook Apaches couldn’t keep up with Benton and fell Friday.

Easton Sanders took the loss for Glenbrook. The starting pitcher went four innings, allowing four runs (two earned) on four hits, striking out nine and walking two.

Hudson Glasscock, Preston Frye, Ryan Reagan and Sam Ricord each collected one hit for Glenbrook.

Lakeside 9, Bunkie 5

Jon Jon Dick collected three hits in four at-bats, as Lakeside Warriors defeated Bungie Panthers Friday at Many. Dick hit a solo home run to left field in the sixth inning, singled in the fourth inning and singled in the third.

In the bottom of the first, Lakeside went back into the lead after Dick grounded out and Eli Campbell singled, each scoring one run.

A ground out by Peyton Gray extended the Warriors’ lead to 3-1in the bottom of the second inning.

In the bottom of the fourth, Lakeside broke up the 3-3 tie when an error scored two runs. Then a single by Dick followed to extend the lead to 6-3.

Jordan Isbell earned the win. The starting pitcher allowed 10 hits and five runs (four earned) over seven innings, striking out nine and walking one.

The Warriors piled up 13 hits. Dick and Matthew Aguilera were a force together in the line-up, as they each collected three hits for Lakeside while hitting back-to-back. Isbell and Hunter Sutton each collected multiple hits, and the Warriors turned one double play in the game.

Lakeside 11, Zwolle 1

Jon Jon Dick collected three hits in four at-bats as the Warriors defeated Zwolle. Dick tripled in the seven inning, tripled in the first inning and singled in the sixth inning.

The Warriors got on the board in the top of the first after Dick tripled and Matthew Aguilera grounded out, each scoring one run.

Lakeside added to their early lead in the top of the second inning after Peyton Gray and Aguilera both singled and Zwolle committed an error, each scoring one  run.

Hunter Sutton earned the win. The righty surrendered three hits and one run over seven innings, striking out eight and walking one. 

The team amassed 14 hits in the game. Dick, Aguilera and Jordan Isbell each collected three hits. Aguilera provided pop in the middle of the lineup and led the Warriors with four runs batted in.

They went 3-for-5 on the day. Jake Glass collected two hits in three at-bats. Eli Santelices led Lakeside with two walks. Overall the team had a strong eye at the plate, accumulating seven walks for the game. Isbell stole two of the six bases stolen by the Warriors.

Minden Crimson Tide 10, Bunkie Panthers 0

Zander Rowell drove in four runs on three hits to lead Minden past Bunkie Panthers Friday. Rowell singled in the third inning, scoring three runs and singled in the fifth inning, scoring one.

The Tide scored seven runs in the third inning. Hudson Brown singled, scoring one run, an error scored two runs, Brody Bower singled, scoring one run and Rowell singled, scoring three runs.

The Tide opened the scoring in the bottom of the first, thanks to two singles. Bower singled, scoring gone run.

Bower earned the win for Minden. The righty gave up no hits and no runs over five innings, striking out eight and walking one.

The Tide accumulated 13 hits in the game. Bower led with four hits in four at-bats. Landyn Huddleston and Brown each collected multiple hits. Huddleston stole two out of the five bases stolen in the game.

Sat., Feb. 24

Glenbrook 7, Benton 12

Benton got on the board Saturday in the bottom of the first inning after Braden Pierce singled and Malichi Zeigler grounded out, each scoring one run.

Jackson Waller singled, which helped the Apaches tie the game at two in the top of the second.

Sam Ricord took the loss for Glenbrook. The reliever went three innings, giving up four runs on five hits, striking out none and walking one. Seth Magnum led things off on the mound for the Apaches. The starting pitcher allowed sic hits and eight runs (seven earned) over three innings, striking out two and walking two.

Waller and Dawson Day each collected two hits for the Apaches and each drove in one run. Easton Sanders paced Glenbrook with two walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, piling up six walks. They committed no errors in the field.

Doyline Panthers 3, St. Mary’s Tigers 13

Doyline had trouble keeping up with St. Mary’s Tigers Saturday.

The Panthers got on the board in the top of the first after the Tigers competed an error and Zach Normand walking, each scoring one run.

St. Mary’s Tigers went back into the lead in the bottom of the second.

Normand was struck by a pitch which helped Doyline tie the game at three in the top of the third.

Benton Bates took the loss for Doyline. The righty went two and one-third innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on one hit, striking out two and walking five.

Noah Spears, Bates, Austin Arbaugh and Cameron Johnson each collected one hit. Normand led with one run batted in. Dakota Stewart paced the Panthers with three walks. Overall the team had patience and piled up six walks for the game, while Cayden Bingo stole two bases.

Minden 9, Sumner 8

Despite seeing their 6-run lead whittled down by the end, Minden Crimson Tide still held off Sumner Cowboys for a 9-8 victory Saturday.

The Tide got on the board in the top of the first after Landyn Huddleston signed, Sumner committed and error and Jaxson Smith homered to left field, each scoring two runs.

A double by Bryson Ranger extended the Tide lead to 7-3 in the top of the second.

Smith earned the win for Minden. The starting pitcher surrendered five hits and seven runs (three earned) over four innings, striking out four and walking one. Landon Brewer collected the save.

The Tide piled up nine hits in th game. Brewer and Ranger each collected two hits. Smith seized on their opportunities, leading the Tide with two runs batted in from the number eight spot in the lineup. The pitcher went 1-for-4 on the day.

Minden 10, Zwolle 0

Parker Salas collected three hits in five at-bats as Minden Crimson Tide defeated Zwolle High School Saturday. Salas tripled in the sixth inning, singled in the third and singled in the fourth.

The Tide got on the board in the first inning after Brody Bower grounded out, scoring one run.

In the top of the third, Bower walked and Zander Rowell hit a sacrifice fly, each scoring a run. The Tide scored five runs on four hits in the top of the sixth inning. Rowell grounded out, scoring one. Sepulvado induced Bray Winston to hit into a fielder’s choice, but one run scored. Salas tripled scoring three runs.

Rowell earned the win. The lefty surrendered four hits and no runs over six innings, striking out nine and walking none. The Tide collected 13 hits in the game. Salas and Bryson Ranger collected three hits each. Bower provided pop in the middle of the lineup and led the team with four runs batted in. The number three hitter went 1-for-3 on the day.

Landyn Huddleston and Winston each collected multiple hits. Salas stole two of the four bases stolen in the game.

North Webster Knights 15, North Caddo Titans 9

Landon Allen drove in four runs on two hits to lead North Webster Knights past North Caddo Saturday. Allen singled in the first inning, scoring two runs and hit an inside the park home run in the fourth inning, scoring two.

NWHS was the first to get on the board in the first inning when Allen singled, scoring two runs.

North Caddo took the lead in the bottom of the first, but NWHS tied it in the top of the third thanks to a balk, a sacrifice bunt by Colby Dinkins and an error. The team scored seven runs on three hits to take a 13-6 lead in the top of the fourth.

Sawyer Wages earned the win for NWHS. The righty surrendered 11 hits and seven runs (five earned) over five innings, striking out five and walking two.

Dkinkins and Gerrit Gillentine each appeared in relief for the Knights.

Cayden Bernard, Dajuan Coleman and Allen each collected two hits. Chandler McKenzie, Wages, Dinkins and Coleman each stole multiple bases. The team amassed nine walks for the games and tallied 13 stolen bases.

North Webster Knights 23, North Caddo Titans 12

Sawyer Wages hit two home runs and drove in five as the Knights defeated the Titans for the second time on the day. Wages homered in the seventh and fourth innings.

Bats blistered as the Knights collected 19 hits. The Knights got on board in the top of the first after Nathan Bernard singled, scoring two runs, Tyler Brown doubled, scoring one run. Colby Dinkins doubled, scoring one run and a steal of home scored one run.

The Knights scored five runs on three hits in the top of the third. An error scored one run, Dinkins was struck by a pitch, driving in a run, Dajuan Coleman doubled, scoring two runs and one run scored on a dropped third strike.

NWHS scored two runs in the top of the fourth on an inside the park home run by Wages. The Knights scored seven runs on four hits in the top of the seventh. Wages’ inside the park homer scored three runs. Landon Allen scored after tagging up, Chandler McKenzie drew a walk, scoring one run and a steal of home scored two runs.

Preston Ingle earned the win for NWHS. The right allowed one hit and three runs (zero earned) over three innings, striking out five and walking two.

Allen stopped on the bump firsts for the Knights. He surrendered six hits and six runs over two innings, striking out none and walking two. Bernard threw one inning of scoreless ball in relief. The righty gave up one hit, striking out two and walking two.

The Knights collected 19 hits in the game. Number eight hitter Coleman led the team with four hits in five at-bats. Dinkins, Bernard and Brown each collected multiple hits. Ingle, McKenzie, Dinkins, Bernard, Coleman, Brown and Allen each stole multiple bases, adding up to 24 stolen for the game. The Knights collected six walks on the day.

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

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I have been asked that question many times but have never addressed it in an article.  The subtext of this question is usually something like this: “How do you represent people you think may actually have committed the crime?” 

That’s a great question and the short answer is that I never ask an individual I represent whether they committed a crime and most of them don’t trust their attorney enough to admit it even if they did.

But that is a secondary point. What is important is that the presumption of innocence and other constitutional safeguards for the accused are what distinguishes our country and our Constitution from every other one in world history.  It’s really more about the rule of law and requiring the government to prove guilt before the awesome power of the state can be invoked to circumscribe an American citizen’s freedom or even take his life, following due process.

Receiving “due process” of law means we are entitled to a presumption of innocence in every moment prior to a conviction. We have the right against self-incrimination—we don’t have to testify at trial and the fact that we don’t testify cannot be used against us as evidence of guilt.  We have the right to an attorney, the right to trial by jury and the right against Double Jeopardy—not being tried twice for the same alleged offense, and the right to confront witnesses against us through cross-examination.

The State also has the entire burden of proof.  An accused person doesn’t have to prove anything at trial.  The State’s burden of proof is the heavy legal burden of “proof beyond a reasonable doubt.”  The State also may not convict someone based upon an illegal search or seizure.  Generally, if the police don’t have a warrant signed by a neutral judge—that is based upon probable cause to believe the individual has committed a crime, allowing them to be in a place to discover the alleged criminal activity, that evidence can’t be used in court. 

The State also has a continuing legal and ethical obligation to turn over to me all exculpatory evidence (i.e. evidence which proves my client is not guilty) that never goes away.

Why did the Framers of our Constitution feel so strongly that it was necessary to anchor these guarantees in our Constitution? Because they had suffered the very abuses they were now protecting against at the hands of King George and the British government, which eventually led to the Revolutionary War.  Thomas Jefferson lists many of these abuses in the Declaration of Independence.  So, in setting up our new government the Framers made very certain that such abuses could no longer be perpetrated. 

So, when I defend someone, I present the very best legal arguments that may be available to my client.  If I’m unsuccessful it means that a thoroughly vetted jury of 12 people have unanimously decided guilt.  However, if I persuade even one juror that the State has not carried its burden of proving that my client is guilty, the result is a hung jury, and the state has to start over, and my client remains presumed innocent. 

When the trial is finished and a jury returns a unanimous verdict of guilty, I know I have done my job, and the jury did its job.  The system worked.

However, even when I lose, it is still critical that the trial was held and that my client received a zealous defense through my challenging the State’s evidence and cross-examining the State’s witnesses.  I have tested the obligation of the police to remain thorough and conscientious as they do their critically important jobs—like correctly providing Miranda warnings and preserving evidence with a verifiable chain of custody; requiring the DNA expert to be certain about their findings and requiring that the doctor who performed the autopsy be absolutely certain about their conclusion regarding the cause of death.  I have forced the ballistics expert to be certain that this very bullet matched this very gun and have required that any lay witnesses be very certain about what they are testifying to against my client on the witness stand. 

That is why I have a clear conscience and a sense of peace. I’ve done my job and protected all of our constitutional rights and have ensured that our criminal justice and judicial systems have worked as our Founders intended.

(Shreveport attorney, Royal Alexander, worked in D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 8 years for two different Members of Congress from Louisiana.  He has witnessed up close several Speaker races.)

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United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: Ramen noodles, rice, peanut butter, crackers,, canned fruit, green beans, corn

Clothing: Men’s pants (32 – 34 waist)

Household goods: towels and wash cloths 

Toiletries: soap, deodorant, toothpaste, adult diapers and bed pads

Monetary donations

Thank you for supporting UCAP!

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

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Springhill held its annual Black History Month parade Saturday with Edward Bankhead as Grand Marshal. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker was on hand to greet his north parish constituents and toss his fair share of goodies for the large crowd. He is seen below with Springhill City Council woman D. Nicole Frazier.

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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.

Feb. 21

Dameionia Fashion Gilbert, 38, of the 600 block of Chestnut St., Minden, was arrested by MPD on 17 active bench warrants.

Feb. 22

Michael D. Falcon, 50, of Adams Rd., Keithville, was arrested on warrants for simple burglary, criminal trespass, theft of a firearm, aggravated criminal property and aggravated criminal property damage. He was transported from Caddo Correctional Center and booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on bonds totaling more than 100,000.

Mary Woodall, 32, of the 1100 block of Shreveport Rd., Minden, was arrested by MPD on an active bench warrant.

Feb. 23

Steven Cooper, 42, of Hwy. 531, Minden, was arrested by MPD for simple obstruction of a roadway and resisting an officer.

Billy R. Wright Jr., 47, of the 800 block of Woods St., Minden, was arrested by MPD for driving while intoxicated, no tail lights and as a fugitive from WPSO.

Jeremy Sherrod Shephard, 35, of the 700 block of Garrett Rd.,  Dubberly, was arrested by MPD for theft and on three active MPD warrants.

Feb. 24

John Kerry Cornelius, 62, of Hwy. 371, Cotton Valley, was arrested by WPSO for assault with a firearm, after pointing a gun at another motorist during a road rage incident.

Ted H. Everett, 62, of the 100 block of Bassin Dr., Doyline, was arrested by WPSO on an active warrant.

Casey Guillory, 32, of the 800 block of Claiborne Ave., Minden, was arrested by MPD for remaining after being forbidden and resisting an officer.

Feb. 26

Jacob Dawson Disotell, 19, of the 100 block of Willis St., Doyline, was arrested by WPSO for felony obstruction of justice.

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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