Dear Sweeter,

Time’s a funny dog, am I right?

Has it been more than 30 years since we’ve been calling you Sweeter?, when your grandboy toddlers said “Sweet Lou” and that morphed into “Sweeter”? Time flies, but the name is timeless. And fits.

So Happy Birthday, Sweeter! Sorry I missed being there. Somehow, after more than 40 years, I have wound up back on the Louisiana Tech Baseball bus, which is why I was calling you from Lake Charles and Sugar Land, Texas this week.

Bad news: I missed “Happy Birthday To You” and the cake and you wearing your goofy Happy Birthday hat the gang bought you.

Good news, we got to talk on the phone and the Bulldogs went 4-0 on the trip, swept the Battle at the Ballpark at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, and have started their season 11-0.

So far, so good.

Since you asked, yes momma, the baseball bus is the same, even after all this time:

Somebody plays the music too loud or not loud enough or the wrong music;

Somebody needs to go to the bathroom and has to run through a gauntlet of shins in the aisle to get back there;

Somebody says too many dirty words too loud;

Somebody forgot something;

Laughs and food and inside jokes.

It’s a beautiful thing. And it’s one of those things that never changes.

But thank goodness, some things do. Like, for instance:

Last year’s Tech team was more up and down than a gopher on speed. Every game was like going to meet your tough-to-read girlfriend: you didn’t know whether to bring a tank top or a windbreaker or a heavy jacket. 

Couldn’t throw a strike. Guys hurt. One missed the whole season. Missed a couple of seniors who’d graduated, and no one picked up the Accountability Stick. Most everyone had a sub-par spring …

Just one of those sports deals where few things went right and every game was like going 12 rounds with Tyson. That the program was coming off back-to-back NCAA Regionals made it more trying. 

A Pepto-Bismol season.

But maybe Tech’s time in the barrel is up. The Diamond Dogs have come into 2024, as I heard an old cowpoke say one time, “a-rippin’ and a-roarin’, a-rompin’ and a-stompin’ …”

Hard to win 11 in a row in anything in college, but especially in baseball, where the tiniest thing — passed ball, throwing to the wrong base, missed cutoff — can blow it all up.

First trip of the season, the Dogs left the Love Shack Wednesday at 11, teed it up against McNeese at 6 and, on a cold, blustery, next-to-last evening of February, beat the Cowboys 13-4. Were right on every pitch. Maybe three swings and misses.

Slept fast and got on the bus at 8 and were practicing in Sugar Land at noon. Then a 20-minute bus ride to Houston to lift weights at Rice, then finally checking into the hotel back in Sugar Land, team supper, sleep, and in the next three days, beat Army 4-0, Creighton 12-0, and Air Force 8-5. Bulldogs had been in town 72 hours before they allowed a run. 

Outscored opponents 37-9.

Is that good? I think that’s good.

It’s early but … cautious optimism. Double cautious. Super-duper cautious. Still healing up from last year’s ulcer(s).

I’ll keep you up to speed Sweeter. You’ll enjoy a game when the weather’s warmer. The crowds for this weekend’s three games against Southern Miss — Friday at 6, Saturday at 2, Sunday at 1 — should get the Love Shack heated up.

See you at the park or at the kitchen table soon. Love you. The boys say hey, and smoke ’em high and tight.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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There are long stretches in my life when I dedicated all my culinary focus, research, development, and meals to fine dining restaurants and fine dining principles. The first restaurant I opened in 1987 was a white-tablecloth concept, The Purple Parrot Café. 

The Parrot had a great 33-year run in my hometown of Hattiesburg. We garnered a lot of awards and created countless memories while employing thousands of people. I ate, slept, and breathed fine dining for the first three decades of my career. 

In the early days I worked as the executive chef of most of our concepts and pulled 90-hour work weeks behind the line cooking and developing recipes. It was a blast and a great way to start my culinary journey. Though my true strengths don’t lie behind the cook line manning the stoves. I haven’t worked as— what I would consider— a true chef in a couple of decades. I have a good palate, a deep knowledge of food and cooking, and mostly work in food development these days, whether it be with the menus in our restaurants or for cookbooks.

In the early days I had been so deeply ensconced in the fine dining world for so long that I began to crave simple, casual foods. For a while it was fried chicken. On Sundays— my only day off back then— I would drive a couple of hours to hit a favorite fried chicken haunt. I love simple foods and what I consider heritage cuisine and the foods of my youth.

The one food item that has remained a constant throughout my life is the modest, unassuming hamburger. The other day, while visiting a friend, the discussion— as it almost always does with me— turned to food, and then eventually to burgers. I began recalling the memorable burgers throughout my life (these are the things I do with my spare time).

The first burger I can remember was at the Frostop restaurant in Hattiesburg. The Frostop was a burger franchise owned by the Ward brothers. My mother took me there almost every day after kindergarten. My friend Stan and I would have a burger, fries, and an orange drink. They served chili-cheeseburgers, but my go-to in those days was a hamburger with only mayonnaise and ketchup. 

I don’t think there was anything too memorable about the Frostop burger itself. It was the experience of eating outside of the home and playing the jukebox. Simon and Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson” was popular but my mom wouldn’t let me play it because of the subject matter of the movie, which— as a five-year old— I had no clue. The fries were great and when I am feeling nostalgic these days I go to my local Ward’s restaurant, grab the same burger, and reminisce. 

There were many burgers consumed in the following years, but the next most memorable burgers I can remember came from the Hattiesburg Country Club. We weren’t members of the country club— my mother was a single-mom, public-school art teacher— but my grandmother was a member and Tuesdays were visitor’s day. The 19^th Hole dining room had a hamburger buffet that served an excellent burger. 

The 19th Hole burgers were served buffet style. They were seven or eight ounce patties that sat in a chafing dish in a pool of burger drippings (grease, basically) that kept them moist. An attendant would add cheese and then melt the cheese— bun and all— in a pump steamer that not only melted the cheese but made the bun soft and warm. I guess it was around that time that I started adding cheese to burgers, no more mayo, but mustard and ketchup.

During my heavy drinking days, I rarely ate traditional breakfasts. The aforementioned Ward’s restaurants served burgers alongside breakfast items, and I would have a burger before working the early shift at restaurants. 

Due to those heavy drinking days, I ended up in a rehab center at 21-years old. The rehab folks sent me to a halfway house in Omaha, Nebraska. That one move saved my life. One Saturday afternoon the fellas at the halfway house and I went to a park somewhere in Omaha and cooked burgers out on a grill. One would typically think that a burger under those circumstances was memorable because Omaha is such a mecca for quality beef. But I don’t think that was it at all. 

I love a burger cooked on a charcoal grill. But it was the environment under which the burger was consumed. There was a certain freedom in the park that day, freedom from a recent past of self-destruction, and a positive outlook at what the future might hold in a life free of alcohol and drugs, and the communion of friends.

Probably the best burger I have ever enjoyed was at Au Cheval in Chicago. The first time I ate there with one of my restaurant managers I was in awe of the entire concept. It was a small, dark, converted bar with the cooking line situated where the back bar used to be. The atmosphere was great, but the burger itself was next level. Not because it had a lot of foreign or fancy toppings on it. It was just a simple, well-prepared, double-patty smash burger using a freshly baked bun, quality beef, and expert preparation. I have been back often and the process with which the Au Cheval team uses— from letting the burgers rest for a few minutes, to the thick slabs of bacon they use when one chooses to add bacon to their burger— is next level. It is probably the best burger I have ever eaten.

Our burger concept, Ed’s Burger Joint, has been voted “Best Burger in Mississippi” several times in national and local publications. I am proud of that accomplishment. But our burger stands on the shoulders of all those burgers I grew up eating. 

It took a while, but I finally came to the realization that creating good memories has nothing to do with the fanciness of the food. It’s the experience. And so many factors go into creating that memorable experience. I have fond memories of those early meals at the Frostop because I was with my friend Stan. The burgers at the country club were good, but my friends were there, and the environment was one that seemed foreign and exotic to an outsider. The burger in the park in Omaha was eaten with a group of guys who were trying to make positive changes in their lives with brighter days on the horizon.  

Fine dining was my life for many years. But it’s been the burger joints of the world that have given me so many of life’s lessons and pleasures.

Onward.

Cracked Pepper Filet with Mustard Cognac Sauce

6, 6-8 ounce filet mignon

2 Tbl Steak Seasoning

1 Tbl kosher salt

1/2 cup cracked black pepper

2 tsp olive oil

1/2 tsp fresh garlic, minced

1 Tbl shallot, minced

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup cognac

2 Tbl brown sugar

1/2 cup Veal demi glace 

1 cup whipping cream

2 Tbl Dijon mustard

Lightly brush the surfaces of the steaks with the marinade and set aside for 45 minutes, the steak should remain at room temperature while marinating.

Season the marinade steaks with the salt and firmly press the black pepper onto the surfaces of the steak.

Prepare grill and cook steaks over direct high heat untildesired doneness, 8-10 minutes for medium rare. Turn the steaks once while cooking.

For the sauce:

Heat olive oil in a small sauté pot over low heat. Add garlic, shallots, and salt and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring often. Add cognac and brown sugar and cook 5-6 minutes, until thick and syrupy. Add demi glace* and cook until the mixture has reduced by half. Add the cream and cook until the sauce has reduced by half. Remove from the heat and stir in the mustard.

Top each cooked steak with 1-2 ounces of sauce.

Yield:

6 servings

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

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Springhill Medical Center has a number of job opening opportunities – both nursing and non-nursing positions. Apply at http://www.smccare.com.

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David Thomas was a man of small stature.  When he reached adulthood, he stood just 5’3” tall.  When he was 14 years old and several inches shorter, David began training to become a racehorse jockey under the tutelage of Basil Foster in Middleham, Yorkshire, England.  Basil started David out riding hack ponies, which had good dispositions and were calm.  They were perfectly suitable for inexperienced riders.  David quickly got the hang of riding hacks.  When not riding, David groomed the horses, one of which was a horse named Stonecrackers.  Of all the racehorses in Basil’s stable, Stonecrackers was one of the slowest.  Finally, Basil decided it was time for David to graduate from hacks to racehorses, and he selected Stonecrackers to break him in.  David was thrilled.

David had been looking forward to this moment for some time.  He put his saddle on Stonecrackers and carefully mounted the horse.  Stonecrackers knew she had a green rider on her because she could feel David’s legs trembling ever so slightly.  With a nudge, David and Stonecrackers started off.  Other apprentice jockeys joined David and Stonecrackers and started to gain on them.  As if to dissuade the inexperienced jockey from continuing his training, Stonecrackers ran faster and faster inside their circular pen.  The other apprentice jockeys realized what was happening and stopped to watch.  David had no choice but to hold on.  They tore around the pen as fast as Stonecrackers could go.  David became dizzy.  His head began to spin, but he knew could not let go or he would be injured by the fall.  David’s dizziness turned to weakness.  He was struggling and his grip was loosening.  Finally, Stonecrackers began to weaken as well.  David was relieved when Stonecrackers finally stopped running.  His whole body seemed to be spinning.  The other apprentice jockeys roared with laughter and teased David.  Basil was not amused.  “Don’t let that happen again,” he snarled.  “Keep riding the hack until you learn how to ride a horse better.”              

One day, David’s father sent Basil a letter.  You see, David had acted in some radio plays and stage plays.  A producer was interested in David acting in a radio play, and David’s father wrote to see if Basil would give David some time off to do it.  Basil agreed and called David into his office to give him the good news.  Basil assumed David would be thrilled, but David seemed completely uninterested.  David said later, “I was quite happy at the stables and acting wasn’t as important to me as becoming a jockey.”  Basil suggested that David do the part as the pay David would earn would pay for his jockey uniform.  David agreed, performed in the play, and returned to the stables as quickly as he could. 

A short time later, another letter arrived with an offer for David to play part in an episode of Coronation Street, a British television show which has aired continuously since December 1960.  As before, David seemed uninterested.  This time Basil suggested David accept the part because it would give him time to spend with his family.  At the time, apprentice jockeys only saw their families about once or twice a year.  David took the time off, did his part, and rushed back to the stables.  Basil said later, “When I saw the episode in which [David] appeared, I was really amazed and I thought to myself, this boy has real talent—he wasn’t the same [David] that I knew at all, and I began to think that perhaps he was wasting his time at the stables.”

Shortly thereafter, another letter came inviting David to audition for the part of Peter Pan in a play.  “I didn’t want to leave the stables at all,” David said, “even for a few weeks. Of course, there were times when I got a bit fed-up, but I really liked the [jockey] life and the other lads. Becoming a jockey was my big ambition at that time, not acting. But Basil persuaded me to try it for a time, so I travelled up to London to audition for the part.”

David began to think Basil was trying to get rid of him.  Basil explained that the acting parts were marvelous opportunities that he should not pass up.  Basil reassured David that if acting failed to work out for him, he was always welcome to come back to the stables to continue his training.  At Basil’s insistence, David went to London, said a few lines, did a bit of acting with another person, and sang a song.  Despite his desire to be at the stables training as a jockey, David always did his best.  To his chagrin, he got the part which would require him to discontinue his jockey training temporarily.  While performing in Peter Pan, David was cast as the Artful Dodger in the production of “Oliver,” first in London’s West End and then on Broadway. 

While performing in “Oliver” on Broadway, David was a guest on the February 9, 1964, episode of The Ed Sullivan Show.  This was the same episode in which the Beatles first appeared on American television.  David watched the Beatles perform from the side of the stage and was amazed.  “I saw the girls going crazy, and I said to myself, this is it.   I want a piece of that.”  In the following year, David signed a contract with a record company and released a single which peaked at 93 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Later that same year, David was asked to audition for a new television series about a musical group modeled after the Beatles.  David got the part and was never able to fulfill his dream of becoming a racehorse jockey.  Instead, he became a Monkee.  You know David Thomas as David Thomas “Davy” Jones of The Monkees.     

Sources:

1.      “Davy: The Secrets behind His Jockey Days,” 1968, Monkees.coolcherrycream.com, April 1, 1968. https://monkees.coolcherrycream.com/articles/1968/04/monkees-monthly/davy-the-secrets-behind-his-jockey-days.

2.     “Davy Jones – Monkees, Songs & Death,” 2021, Biography, April 22, 2021, https://www.biography.com/musicians/davy-jones.

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The Calvary Boys Quartet, featuring Minden’s own bass singer Keith Lee (far left), was recently inducted into the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The event took place during the “Sing For Heaven’s Sake” concert featuring Rudy Gatlin, Linda Davis, Lang Scott and other individuals and groups at the Carthage Civic Center in Carthage, TX. Lee was featured in the Webster Parish Journal in January. See the full story at www.websterparishjournal.com.

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In today’s fast paced world, people are busier than ever. They are looking for ways to reset and decompress their brains. To maintain our overall health, we need to slow down both our thought and physical exertions. Today, we’ll look at ways so many people are getting the relief they need in order to function at a normal level.

More people today are taking part in counseling sessions to release tension and make sense of everything going on around us. But sadly, for some who are at an extreme high level of tension and depression, drugs are needed. Nothing is more important than our overall mental health. Whether it’s our jobs or just managing our families, stress creeps into our lives in different ways.

During the Covid 19 pandemic, boat, RV and ATV sales were out the roof nationwide. People turned to the great outdoors to get away from the stress that was associated with this dreaded disease. People were stuck working at home creating too much togetherness. Depression was also an internal fight for so many during this time, as lives and job careers were literally turned upside down.

For myself and so many others, we discovered that in order to maintain our metal health, fishing or any outdoor activity was good medicine. There’s just something about the peace and tranquility of sitting in a boat and wetting a hook. So many times, fishing guides have told me that some of their big city business clients told them that they don’t care if they catch a fish, they just want to get on the water and relax; catching fish is secondary.

There is absolutely nothing better for your soul or will give you a better perspective on life than being on the water watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset. There’s no better feeling than running across the water with the wind blowing through your hair on a cool brisk morning headed for a good fishing hole. It’s a great way to release whatever thoughts and tensions you might have.

The concrete jungle environment that so many people work in pushes stress levels over the top with traffic jams and work-related issues. No wonder the fishing guide business is so lucrative today as people continue to look to the outdoors to regain their sanity.

As people turn to the outdoors, they are realizing what so many of previous generations already knew. The outdoors truly is a sanctuary for both young and old. It’s a place someone can decompress and regain their mental capacity to fight through life’s daily struggles. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and take the time to get outdoors and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.

Steve Graf        

Angler’s Perspective 

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

March 10

2 until 4 p.m. Young Women’s Service Club Easter Egg Bash, Babb Park, 708 Watterman St., Minden. Free hot dogs, chips and drink. Age groups: infant -3 years old, 4-6 years old, 7-9 years old and 10-12 years old.

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.

May 18

9 a.m. Registration, 10 a.m. Freedom Walk 2024 at Broken Bean. Sponsorships available. Registration $25 per person. All proceeds go to Minden Adult and Team Challenge. Live music, food, fun, games and more … ends at 4 p.m. Register online at www.laatc.com/freedomwalk or at Broken Bean. Call 318-382-0203 or 318-469-5393 with questions.

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.

March 3

Shelia Denise Taylor, 58, of the 400 block of East St., Minden, was arrested by MPD for aggravated flight, resisting an officer, obscured plate and no driver’s license. She also has warrants for distribution of crack cocaine and  methamphetamine.

Corris Jackson, 42, of the 900 block of Warren St., Minden, was arrested by MPD for open countainer, obstruction of justice and as a fugitive from Minden Police.

March 4

Ginger Lea Kelley, 59, of Mena, Ark., was arrested by MPD for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Crystal Kelley, 41, of Plain Dealing Rd., Springhill, was arrested by Springhill Police for possession of methamphetamine.

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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Ernestina Sánchez

Augst 20, 1956 – March 2, 2024

Bossier City, La.

Visitation: 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Christ the King Catholic Church, Bossier City.

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

Burial: Rose-Neath Cemetery, Bossier City.

Gretchen Lea (Jones) Stephens

Dec. 27, 1928 – Feb. 29, 2024

Beaumont, Texas.

Graveside service: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, Prospect Cemetery, Florien, 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

Thanks to an $8,999 grant from Claiborne Electric Co-Op’s Operation Round Up, the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office is heading to new heights with the addition of some special equipment to the department’s arsenal.

Operation Round Up is a separate 501C3 organization funded solely by voluntary Claiborne Electric members and managed by the co-op.

A set of drones is now ready for service and two WPSO deputies have completed courses for certification as operators. Detective Spencer White and Sgt. Josh McCormick spent more than 40 hours training with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office and they’re ready to put their newfound skills to work.

“Josh and I train together as much as we can to keep our skills proficient,” White said. “They’re (drones) pretty simple to operate and they have a lot of safety features, and we want to become very comfortable with them.”

McCormick said the drones have multiple usages which will benefit the department in a variety of scenarios.

“We will use them in search and rescue, crime scene overlooks especially in remote areas, to help track suspects who may be attempting to run and to help locate stolen property,” he said. “If there’s a situation that requires us to dispatch a special response team, we can use the drone to overwatch the scene prior to entry. That’s a critical factor to officer safety.”

One drone is equipped with thermal sensors which aids in nighttime searches. Another smaller unit can be used inside a building or residence to survey the area. White and McCormick say that’s one more officer safety feature the drones provide. 

Drones can be controlled roughly 1,500 feet from the operators and may reach a ceiling of about 400 feet. In some areas, permission must be obtained to fly the drones at that altitude, White said.

While becoming proficient in operating the equipment, White and McCormick also studied laws governing how they may be used as investigative tools.

“Basically we operate under the plain sight law,” White said. “If we’re flying over an area for some other purpose and see something suspicious, we can act. But we cannot just fly over a place because we think there’s something there. We have to have a warrant, just like any other search.”

Sheriff Jason Parker said the addition of drones to the office’s equipment list is another positive step for the parish.

“It’s a good tool for the department,” Parker said. “There are many ways we can use these drones for the safety of our officers and the people of our parish. We appreciate Claiborne Electric for giving us the funds to make this happen.”

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Downtown and Minden Recreation Center were standing room only Saturday and thousands of fans turned out to celebrate Super Bowl Champ and Minden native L’Jarius Sneed.

Sneed said the parade was “wilder than last year.” There were more than 75 entries.

“The parade was crazy,” Sneed said. “I was having a great time. The fact that everybody came out to celebrate me is a blessing.”

Everyone from the parade and more filed out to the Rec Center where Sneed’s parents, previous coaches, pastors and dignitaries honored him. 

Coordinator Michael Walker said he is unsure about the number of people who attended but knows it was more than 1,000 because they ran out of hotdogs. Luckily, they had more food.

“We stayed until the last person was fed and JJ signed autographs for all who wanted one,” Walker said. The line was around the side of the building, as security let seekers in a few at a time for autographs.

“Thanks to everyone who made it possible,” Walker added. “It was a great time. We left around 4:30.”

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By Pat Culverhouse

A Minden man is facing multiple drug-related charges after officers discovered a quantity of illegal narcotics inside his vehicle following a traffic stop Friday evening.

Chief of Police Jared McIver said 40-year-old Keodrick J. Loud, who lists an address in the 500 block of Fincher Rd. is being held on charges of possession of CDS Sch. I (MDMA/Ecstasy), possession CDS Sch. II (Oxycodine, 10mg), possession CDS Sch. II (Oxycodine 30mg), possession CDS Sch. IV (Tramadol) and possession CDS Sch. IV (Alprazolam). 

In addition to possession, McIver said Loud also has been charged with four additional counts of intent to distribute illegal drugs. Those include:

• Possession CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute.

• Possession CDS Sch. I (synthetic marijuana) with intent to distribute.

• Possession CDS Sch. II (powder cocaine) with intent to distribute.

• Possession CDS Sch. II (crack cocaine) with intent to distribute. 

Adding to the list of charges are possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer with force/violence (two charges) and failure to signal.

McIver said the incident began around 9:20 p.m. Friday when Lt. Brandon Curry stopped a vehicle exiting Mason Alley for a traffic violation. Lt. Curry reportedly asked for license, registration and proof of insurance.

“When the suspect was obtaining his wallet from the passenger compartment of his vehicle, he attempted to place a bag of marijuana inside the pocket of his hoodie,” McIver said. “Our officer observed this and attempted to pull him from the vehicle.”

Loud reportedly resisted, managed to break free and attempted to flee from officers, but he was apprehended by Lt. Curry and OFC Logan Clingan after a brief pursuit. He reportedly continued to resist but was eventually subdued and placed in custody.

McIver said a subsequent search of the suspect’s vehicle netted the stash of illegal drugs which included 106 grams of synthetic marijuana.

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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Tuesday

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Southeast wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. East wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 78. East wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night

A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Thursday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 74.

Thursday Night

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.

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By Paige Gurgainers

For those on the lookout in the community for a Little Free Pantry, the newest addition installed right outside of the Broken Bean, will be hard to miss. This Little Free Pantry, sponsored by Minden Walmart is painted in the signature bright “Walmart Blue.” 

This Ethan Jeffus Initiative is a community effort, where locals can contribute food, toiletries and other essential items to the pantry, making them easily accessible to those in need across the state spread out at designated locations.  

“I got involved with advocating against hunger insecurity at a young age with my mom and my family, volunteering at our local food bank,” explained Jeffus. “Thats really how I realized the need for food in our community. Ever since then I have asked myself in the back of my head, ‘How can I make food and other essential items more accessible to those that need them?’ In 2022, I implemented the Little Free Pantry.” 

The success of these pantries relies solely on community support and engagement.  

“I thought let’s bring it to our community and create a movement to challenge our community and our people to take care of each other. Let’s be neighbors that feed neighbors and create a lasting resource that can help lift each other up,” said Jeffus.  

This pantry along with the others in the parish have come to fruition thanks largely in part to community partnerships like the Methodist Church of Minden and the Broken Bean Ministry.  

“We are a ministry that helps women with any life altering issues often that comes in the form of drug addiction and alcoholism, and hunger is also one of them,” said manager of the Broke Bean Ashley Miller. “We thought it would be cool to put these prayer cards inside of the pantry. They need prayer- to know we care and that they are seen. We are inviting the users of this box to come inside; come talk with us; let us pray with you; let us stand in agreement that better times are ahead. Let us get involved because maybe we can do something outside of this. Maybe we have resources and can take it a step further.” 

Minden Walmart also became involved last November when they expressed interest in holding a food drive to stock other pantries, they then decided to sponsor their own.  

The Minden Walmart manager Ronnie Gray shared his own personal struggles and why he felt passionately about this initiative. He said, “Years ago, I went through struggles myself, and I needed some help.” 

Gray announced Walmart’s sponsorship of five additional pantries to the surprise of everyone in attendance at the ribbon cutting, along with Jeffus, as well.  

Those will be added to the already existing locations at Mercy’s Closet, the Farm at Cultural Crossroads and the Council on Aging, along with others across the state.  

Kathy Babers, representative for Speaker Mike Johnson, also presented Jeffus with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition.  

“On behalf of Speaker Johnson, we are so excited for this initiative, and so we have a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for the Broken Bean’s Little Free Pantry for the ribbon cutting ceremony and the efforts,” said Babers. “We are so thankful and proud of you all.” 

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By Josh Beavers

Students from Webster Parish schools recently showcased their academic talents at the Louisiana District Literary Rally held at Louisiana Tech University. Overall, 60 students qualified to advance to the state competition at LSU in Baton Rouge.

  Minden High School students led the way, earning 27 placements and the District II overall winners award. Twelve Minden High students took first place in their individual exams.

The Louisiana Literary Rally traces its origins back over a century to 1909, when LSU hosted the first High School Rally featuring both academic and athletic contests. Events ranged from English composition and debate to potato sack races. According to LSU records, the inaugural rally was so successful that it became an annual tradition.
Over the decades, the competition evolved into the current Louisiana High School Rally Association, which hosts ten district rallies at universities statewide. The top qualifiers advance to the culminating State Rally held at LSU. For over 100 years, LSU has hosted this event to showcase Louisiana students’ academic and performance talents through friendly competition.

Recently, the State Rally has drawn over 4,000 participants from more than 350 schools after advancing from their local districts. The longstanding event allows Louisiana’s brightest students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on a statewide stage.

Students qualifying for state include:

MINDEN HIGH SCHOOL (II)

ALGEBRA I Maggie Pesnell 1
BIOLOGY Wyatt Haley 2
BIOLOGY II Ava Woods 3
BUSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Jaydee Tuttle 1
CHEMISTRY Parker Davidson 1
CIVICS Logan Klimkiewicz 2
ENGLISH I Jake Boyce 2
ENGLISH IV Janey Smith 2
ENGLISH LITERATURE Alec Simpson 1*
ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION Kalyn Williams 1*
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Dimiyah Seets 3
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE Travesti Byrd 1
FINANCIAL LITERACY Kailand Fields 1
FINE ARTS SURVEY Kan Sangmuang 1
GEOMETRY Emma Woods 2
INTRO. TO BUS. COMPUTER APPLICATION Hailey Miller 1
JOURNALISM I Maygan Dison 1
NUTRITION & FOOD Shamara Moore 1
PHYSICS Landon Greer 2
PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS Chelsey Frazier 1
SPANISH I Tamera Marquez 2
SPANISH II Carlie Cupples 2
SPELLING 10 Topher Wilson 2*
SPELLING 11 Porter Neal 2*
U.S. HISTORY Luke Butcher 2
WORLD GEOGRAPHY Emma Herring 2
WORLD HISTORY Lorelai Beavers 2
 
NORTH WEBSTER HIGH SCHOOL (III)

ACCOUNTING Kadi Colvin 1
AGRISCIENCE I Terris Alexander Luna 3
AGRISCIENCE II Ian Oglee 3
AGRISCIENCE III Daniel Slade Lockey 4
ENGLISH LITERATURE Samuel Brice Baker 1*
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Amiyah White 2
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE Taylor Roberson 1
FINANCIAL LITERACY Zoe Oremovic 1
FINE ARTS SURVEY KeAdrian Thirdgill 3
FRENCH II Callie Lewis 2
FRENCH III Maximiliana Thumfart 1
NUTRITION & FOOD Camryn Nail 2
PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS Nathan Birdsong 2
PSYCHOLOGY Gabriella Bree Lyons 3
U.S. HISTORY Ayden Deshote 4

DOYLINE HIGH SCHOOL (V)

SPANISH II Jazmine Torres 1
U.S. HISTORY Ashlyn Thomason 1
WORLD GEOGRAPHY Erin Gannon 4

LAKESIDE HIGH SCHOOL (III)

ACCOUNTING Gavin Woodall 2
ADV. MATH-FUNCTIONS & STATISTICS Ethan Patterson 3
ADVANCED MATH-PRE CALCULUS Cameron Murray 1
AGRISCIENCE I Ashlyn Ricketson 1
BUSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Joshua Hasty 1
CIVICS Caden Doyle 3
COMPUTER SCIENCE I Hayden Burrell 2
ENGLISH II Baylee Stricklin 4
ENGLISH III Alyssa Chang 3
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Landon Finley 1
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE Chloe Monroe 2
FINANCIAL LITERACY Charlene Randall 2
INTRO. TO BUS. COMPUTER APPLICATION Nyla Braggs 3
JOURNALISM I Kamryn Goodson 1
PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS Abby Miller 1

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By Paige Gurgainers

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By Marilyn Miller

With the end of a record-setting parade for La’Jarius Sneed surrounding them, about 40 friends, family members, and pageant guests gathered upstairs at Geaux Fresh Bistro to watch Miss Louisiana Teen Volunteer Ava Martin model her wardrobe for the upcoming Miss Teen Volunteer America Pageant in Jackson, Tennessee.

The Miss Volunteer America Pageant is a service-oriented scholarship program that seeks to empower young women across the country through educational scholarships and extraordinary opportunities. The five points of the winners’ crowns each stand for “Scholarship,” “Education,” “Responsibility,” “Volunteerism,” and “Empowerment.” Take the first letter of each word, and it spells “Service!”

Ava, the daughter of Devin and Jodi Martin, was crowned Miss Louisiana Teen Volunteer on January 13th, 2024 at Magale Recital Hall in Natchitoches. She represented the Minden and Webster Parish areas as the 2023 Miss Webster Parish Fair Teen Volunteer. She attends Minden High School and is a member of the Christian Church of Minden. She will perform a dance in the talent portion of the competition.

In order to be a contestant in a State Teen Volunteer Pageant, a contestant “must be at least 13 years of age and must not be older than 18 years of age as of the day she competes, is crowned or appointed as the Local or State Titleholder. If a contestant is deemed eligible to participate and either wins a Volunteer local title OR applies and is appointed a Volunteer title to an at-large pageant, her eligibility is then “locked-in” and she will remain eligible through that title’s cycle, not to exceed the National Finals.”

The title of Miss Teen Volunteer America carries with it a $10,000 scholarship, and many other educational opportunities. 

Ms. Dustin Gray emceed the style show, which featured Ava in attire for registration, talent, evening gown, interview, after-party, and more. “Ava is everyone’s champion and her heart is for Jesus,” Ms. Gray said, introducing Ava in the outfit that she will wear at registration. A special guest at Saturday’s send-off and style show was Miss Louisiana Volunteer Leanna Lanford of the Alexandria, LA area. 

Ava will leave on Tuesday, March 5 to participate in the competition during National Teen Volunteer Pageant Week March 6-9 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, TN.

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I am not a fan of chocolate cake, but this Ridiculous Chocolate Cake right here is absolutely divine! If you are a milk chocolate lover, this is 100% for you!  I normally bake this in a regular bundt cake pan, but these Mini Easter Bundts were too cute to pass up.  I used mini chocolate chips to sprinkle on before adding the Peep bunny.  Keep these in mind for the early upcoming Easter holiday.

Ridiculous Chocolate Cake

Cake Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix

• 1 (3.9 ounce) box instant chocolate pudding

• 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream

• 3 eggs

• 1/3 cup oil

• 1/2 cup water

• 2 cups chocolate chips

Frosting Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature

• 1/4 cup cocoa

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1/4 – 1/3 cup heavy cream (depending on consistency add more if desired)

• Chocolate chips

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease Bundt pan. In stand mixer combine all ingredients except chocolate chips. Mix on low for 30 seconds then medium for 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips by hand. Pour batter into Bundt pan and bake for 60 minutes or until cake is set. Cool completely before frosting.

To make frosting, beat butter, cocoa and powdered sugar in a stand mixer until combined. Add in vanilla and cream. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until creamy. Frost the cake and sprinkle more chocolate chips over the top.

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

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Thurs., Feb. 29

Lady Tiders 28, Doyline 9

Minden’s Lady Tiders scored 15 runs on 10 hits in the top of the fourth inning on their way to a 28-9 shellacking of the Doyline Lady Panthers in local high school softball action Thursday.

Inside-the-park home runs by Minden’s Leigha Kennon-Gilbert and Lizzie Balkom were the big hits in the Lady Tiders’ big inning. Also collecting hits in the frame were Kae Williams, Sky Savage, Lindsay Ryan, Belle Douglass, Kylie Ryan and Tatum Oliver. 

Doyline put four runs across in the bottom of the fourth, but Minden came back with eight more in the top of the fifth to put the game out of reach.

Minden collected 18 hits in the game with Kennon-Gilbert and Savage each picking up four hits. Douglass, Williams and Balkom each had multiple hits. 

Doyline’s Karmadie Bartlett had two hits in four at bats to lead the Lady Panthers. The team also had 10 stolen bases in the game.

Lakeside ladies 17, D’Arbonne 3

Lakeside’s Lady Warriors downed the D’Arbonne Woods Lady Woods 17-3 Thursday on the strength of 15 runs in the first inning.

Doubles by Lakeside’s Izzy Vise and Paiton Levesque were the big hits in the inning. Bases loaded walks and a pair of batters hit by pitches contributed to the scoring. The Lady Warriors picked up 13 walks in the game along with five stolen bases.

Levesque had three RBI for Lakeside while Vise and Maggie Mandino had a hit apiece.

D’Arbonne Woods’ Jacie Ledford and Jaylin Williams had one hit each.

Glenbrook Lady Apaches 11, Calvin Cougars 7

Gabi Brown collected three hits in four at-bats, as Glenbrook Lady Apaches defeated Calvin Lady Cougars Thursday.

Brown hit a solo home run to left field in the fifth inning, doubled in the sixth and doubled in the third.

An error put the Lady Apaches on the board  in the bottom of the second. A home run to center field by Vivian Still game Glenbrook the lead 4-1 in then bottom of the third.

They added four more runs in the bottom of the fifth on four hits. Still hit a sacrifice fly scoring one run, Brown hit a solo home run to left field, Gracie Heard singled, scoring one run and Hadley Haynes singled scoring one run.

Rebecca Mosley earned the win. The righty surrendered eight hits and seven runs (four earned) over seven innings, striking out six and walking five.

The ladies piled up 12 hits in the game. Still provided pop in the middle of the lineup and the ladies had four runs batted in. Ellie Earnhardt and Heard each collected multi hits.

Fri., March 1

Minden High School Lady Tiders 15, North Caddo 4

Lizzie Balom collected three hits in three at-bats as Minden High School Lady Tiders defeated North Caddo Friday. Balkoom singled twice in the first inning and once in the third.

Lindsay Ryan struck out 11 batters on the day. The starting pitcher also surrendered four hits and four runs over five innings while walking five.

The Lady Tiders jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the first after Kylie Ryan singled, scoring one run, Jacey Adams singled scoring one run, Balkom singled scoring two runs, Kaydree Kemp drew a walk, scoring one run, an error scored two runs, Ryan grounded out scoring one run and Balkom singled again, scoring another run.

An error and a single by Balkom helped MHS extend their early leading the third.

The Lady Tiders amassed 10 hits in the game. Ryan and Brooklyn Edwards collected multiple hits. The team tallied seven walks for the game.

Glenbrook 14, Northwood 4

Glenbrook Lady Apaches trailed by as many as four, but came back to top Northwood Lady Falcons Friday.\

The Lady Falcons got on the board in the top of the first with a home run and an Apache-committed error that scored one run.

Vivian Still homered to left field, which helped Glenbrook tie the game at four in the bottom of the third.

An error gave Glenbrook the lead 7-4 in the bottom of the fourth.

The ladies scored seven runs on four hits in the bottom of the fifth. Audrey Frye singled scoring two runs, Ellie Earnhardt hit a sacrifice fly scoring one run, Chloe Gregg singled scoring one run, Gabi Brown hit a sacrifice fly scoring one run and Rebecca Mosley singled scoring two runs.

Mosley earned the win. The righty allowed three hits and four runs (one earned) over five innings, striking out seven and walking one.

Glenbrook tallied 11 hits in the game. Gregg, Hadley Haynes and Mosley each collected two hits. Still drove the middle of the lineup, leading with three runs batted in. The catcher went 1-for-3 on the day. They amassed six walks and stole five bases.

Sat., March 2

MHS Lady Tiders 12, Capt. Shreve Gators 1

The bottom of the lineup helped Minden High School Lady Tiders capture a victory of Capt. Shreve Gators Saturday.

Jacey Adams, Kate Williams and Brooklyn Edwards combined for four of the team’s seven hits. They scored five runs and drove in four.

The Lady Tiders scored seven runs in the first inning. Lizzie Balkom singled scoring one run, Adams singled scoring one run, an error scored one run, Williams doubled scoring three runs and Leigha Kennon-Gilbert singled scoring one run.

The Lady Tiders added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning when an error scored one run, Edwards doubled scoring two runs and a steal of home scored one run.

Kyle Ryan stepped in the circle first for MHS. The starting pitcher surrendered two hits and one run over five innings, striking out five and walking six.

Adams and Balkom were a force together in the lineup as they each collected two hits while hitting back to back. Williams, the number nine hitter, led the way with two runs batted in. She went 1-for-3 for the day. Kennon-Gilbert stole two of the seven stolen bases for the game, and the Tide turned one double play.

(“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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Lakeside 7, Crimson Tide 2

Lakeside put up a five-spot in the top of the ninth inning to walk away with a 7-2 win over parish rival Minden’s Crimson Tide.

Big blow in the inning was a single by Gage Williams that drove in a pair of runs to close out the game. Brock Case earned the win for Lakeside with four and two-thirds innings of scoreless relief. 

Both teams battled into the ninth at 2-2 after Minden’s Zander Rowell singled to tie the game in the bottom of the third. Crimson Tide starting pitcher Brody Bower kept his team within striking distance, going seven strong innings while giving up just two hits and two unearned runs. He struck out 12.

Lakeside collected nine hits in the game with Jordan Isbell going 3-for-5 to lead all hitters. Isbell also had a pair of stolen bases. Peyton Gray and Williams had an RBI each.

Hudson Brown and Bryson Ranger each had a pair of hits for the Crimson Tide.

Doyline Panthers 13, Union Parish 3

Doyline Panthers easily dispatched Union Parish Thursday.

Union Parish got on the board in the first, but the Panthers jumped back into the lead in the bottom of the first after Union committed an error, and Benton Bates singled each scoring one run.

Doyline committed an error which helped Union tie the game at two in the top of the third.

The Panthers made the score 6-2 in the bottom of the third after Noah Spears homered to left field scoring two runs, Zach Normand drew a walk scoring one run and an error scored a run.

Doyline scored six runs on four hits in the bottom of the sixth. Dakota Stewart singled, scoring one run, an error scored run, Normand singled scoring one, Jonas Florence hit into a fielder’s choice but one run scored and Kenneth Lee doubled scoring two runs.

Cayden Mingo earned the win for Doyline. The righty allowed one hit and one run over two innings, striking out four and walking two. Austin Arbaugh stepped on the mound first. The right allowed no hits and one run over two innings, striking out five and walking four. Spears appeared in relieve for Doyline.

Spears provided pop in the middle of the lineup and led Doyline with three runs batted in. The third baseman went 1-for-2 on the day. Stewart went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead in hits. Bingo led with two walks. Overall the team had a strong eye at the plate, tallying seven walks. Arbaugh stole two of the six stolen bases.

North Webster 12, Calvin Cougars 1

NWHS Knights easily dispatched Calvin Cougars Thursday.

The Knights opened the scoring in the top of the third thanks to two errors. They got on the board when an error scored one run. They scored five runs on three hits in the top of the fourth inning. Chandler McKenzie singled, scoring one run, Nathan Bernard laid down a sacrifice bun, scoring three runs and Tyler Brown grounded out, scoring one run.

Bernard earned the win. The starting pitcher surrendered no hit and no runs over four innings, striking out three and walking none. McKenzie appeared in relief.

The Knights accumulated 10 hits in the game. Preston Ingle, Sawyer Wages and McKenzie each collected two hits. Bernard drove the middle of the lineup, leading with three runs batted in. Cayden Bernard stole two of the Knights’ seven stolen bases.

Glenbrook 4, Claiborne Christian 10

Glenbrook Apaches had trouble keeping up with Claiborne Christian Crusaders in a 10-4 loss Friday at Sterlington Sports Complex.

Ryan Reagan took the loss for Glenbrook. He went three and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits, striking out three and walking three.

Jackson Waller and Easton Sanders each collected two hits. Waller, Sanders, Landry Powell and Sam Ricord each drove in one run. Preston Frey led with two of the team’s total eight walks. The Apaches were sure handed and didn’t commit a single error.

North Webster 5, East Beaugard 7

North Webster Knights fell to East Beaugard Friday on the final play of the game, which was tied at five in the bottom of the seventh when an East Beaugard player homered to left field, scoring two runs.

Nathan Bernard singled whited helped the Knights tie the game at two in the top of the third. They again tied the gammon the top of the fifth tanks to an error and a ground out by Dajuan Coleman.

Preston Ingle took the loss for the Knights. He went four and on-third innings, allowing two runs on five hits, striking out five and walking none. Landon Allen opened the game for the Knights. The righty allowed two hits and five runs (one earned) over two and one-third innings, striking out three and walking four.

Ingle Chandler McKenzie and Bernard each collected one hit for the Knights. Ingle and Bernard each drove in one run. Ingle and Sawyer Wages stole multiple basses, and the Knights turned one double play.

Doyline 10, Haynesville 0

Doyline Panthers scored seven runs in the third inning, which helped them defeat Haynesville Tornado Saturday.

Dakota Stewart drew a walk scoring one run, Zach Normand drew a walk scoring one run, Hunter LeBlanc induced Benton bates to hit into a fielder’s choice but two runs scored, Kenneth Lee singled scoring two runs and Austin Arbaugh drew a walk, scoring one run.

Cayden Mingo stole home in the bottom of the first.

Arbaugh earned the win. He surrendered one hit and no runs over five innings, striking out six and walking one.

Lee, Normand and Jonas Florence each collected one hit for Doyline. Norman provided pop in the middle of the lineup and led the Panthers with two runs batted in. The infielder went 1-for-2 on the day. Florence had two of the Panthers’ eight walks. The team had seven stolen bases and turned one double play.

Doyline 6, Simsboro 0

Noah Spears truck out 14 batters as the right-handed pitcher led the Panthers past Simsboro Tigers Saturday. Spears gave up two hits and no runs over seven innings while walking gone.

Doyline got on the board in the top of the second inning after Kenneth Lee hit into a fielder’s choice and Austin Arbaugh singled, each scoring one run.

The Panthers added one run in the third after Benton Bates grounded out.

The Panthers tallied nine hits in the game. Spears went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead in hits. Cayden Bingo stole three bases.

Glenbrook 0, Dunham High 10

Glenbrook Apaches had trouble keeping up with Dunham High School Saturday. 

Carson Powell took the loss for the Apaches. The righty went two innings, giving up six runs (four earned) on five hits, striking out one and walking three. Tony Flynn began the game. He allowed two hits and four runs over one and one-third innings, striking out none and walking two. Jackson Waller went 1-for-3 at the plate, and Glenbrook turned one double play in the game.

Glenbrook 7, Catholic of Point Coupee 1

Glenbrook scored five runs in the sixth inning, which helped them defeat Catholic of Pointe Copee Saturday. Easton Sanders tripled, scoring one run, Dawson Day singled scoring two runs and Darron Hollingsworth singled, scoring two runs.

Sanders earned the win for the Apaches. The starting pitcher allowed four hits and one run over seven innings, striking out nine and walking one.

The Apaches piled up 11 hits in the game. Sanders went 3-for-3 at the plate. Day and Hollingsworth drove in two runs each. Jackson Waller, Preston Frye and Landry Powell each collected multiple hits, and the Apaches turned one double play in the game.

Lakeside 0, Minden 6

Minden Crimson Tide scored five runs in the fifth inning, which helped them defeat Lakeside Warriors Saturday.

The Tide on on the board in the bottom of the fifth after Landon Brewer doubled, scoring two runs, Brody Bower doubled, scoring one run, Bryson Ranger doubled, scoring one run and an error scored a run.

Zander Rowell earned the win for Minden. He allowed no this and no runs over seven innings, striking out four and walking none. Jordan Isbell took the loss for Lakeside. The righty went four and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits, striking out two and walking three.

The Tide collected nine hits in the game. Bower led with three hits in four at-bats. Brewer and Bower were tough to handle back to back in tqhelineup as each drove in two runs for the Tide. Ranger collected two hits in three at-bats.

North Webster Knights 1, Oakdale Warriors 18

NWHS Knights couldn’t keep up with Oakdale Warriors Saturday.

Sawyer Wages took the loss for the Knights. He went two and one-third innings, allowing four runs (one earned) on one hit, striking out one and walking three.

Cayden Bernard, Preston Ingle, Chandler McKenzie and Dajuan Coleman each collected on hit for the Knights. Ingle went 1-for-3 at the plate as the right-handed hitter led the team with one run batted in.

(“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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United Christian Assistance Program needs the following items:

Food: Rice, powdered milk, crackers,, canned fruit, green beans, corn

Household goods: towels and wash cloths 

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

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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“Look at me! Look at me! Look at me now! It is fun to have fun, but you have to know how,” said The Cat in the Hat. 

While The Cat knew how to have fun, Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker WPSO Lt. Chase Wimberly had a good time also, reading selections from Dr. Seuss books to Doyline Elementary School students Friday.

Occasion for the school reading visit was a birthday celebration for Dr. Seuss in the school’s elementary classroom. Parker’s selections came from The Cat in the Hat, the 1957 book that made Dr. Seuss a household name and a favorite of parents and children.

Lt. Wimberly read “There’s a Wocket in my Pocket,” which features a little boy talking about strange creatures living in his house, such as the yeps on the steps, the wasket in his basket and the yottle in the bottle.

“Lt. Wimberly and I had a great time with the students, reading from the books and talking with them,” Parker said. “We enjoy visiting schools and interacting with the young people. It’s a way to connect…to let them know who we are.”

Friday’s reading expedition was a homecoming of sorts for Parker. In 2018, he served as school resource officer in Doyline.

“It was nice to be back in the school,” he said. “I think some of the students remembered me.”

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

March 10

2 until 4 p.m. Young Women’s Service Club Easter Egg Bash, Babb Park, 708 Watterman St., Minden. Free hot dogs, chips and drink. Age groups: infant -3 years old, 4-6 years old, 7-9 years old and 10-12 years old.

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.

May 18

9 a.m. Registration, 10 a.m. Freedom Walk 2024 at Broken Bean. Sponsorships available. Registration $25 per person. All proceeds go to Minden Adult and Team Challenge. Live music, food, fun, games and more … ends at 4 p.m. Register online at www.laatc.com/freedomwalk or at Broken Bean. Call 318-382-0203 or 318-469-5393 with questions.

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