Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Target Range Grant Program, which provides financial assistance for development of shooting ranges in Louisiana, will begin accepting applications for its 2024 grant cycle on April 1. Interested entities can submit online applications until July 1.

The program is designed to help fund planning, development and construction of new or expansion of existing shooting ranges. The program uses a portion of existing federal funds allocated to LDWF through Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act from excise taxes paid on certain firearms, ammunition and archery equipment.

Local governments and their subsidiaries, non-profit organizations, commercial entities and other state and federal government agencies are eligible to apply.

Following the applications  period, LDWF will conduct its selection process in July and August. Selected projects will be notified in September with grants awarded in January 2025.

For more information or to apply, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/target-range-grant-program or contact the LDWF Range Enhancement Coordinator at wlfrangegrants@wlf.la.gov or 337-491-2201.

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It’s the time of the year to plant fruit trees. North Louisiana has great weather to grow certain varieties of fruit and berries.  When picking out your trees, always use a local nursery. They know and sell the varieties for our area. You don’t want to plant a plum tree here that is better to plant in Vermont when you live in north Louisiana.

Good varieties for our area are:

       Peaches – Ruston Red, Dixie Land, and Elberta

       Plums – Santa Rosa and AU Rosa.  These are red plums.

       Pears – Orient, Ayers, and Moonglo

       Apples – Granny Smith, Yellow Delicious, Ana, and Molly Delicious

       Blueberries – Premier, Climax, Tifblue, and Powder Blue

       Blackberries – Natchez, Arapoho, and Navaho

When it’s time to plant your tree, you will need to dig a hole about the same depth as the pot it came in and break up the soil around the roots of the tree.  Two great additives when planting your tree are mulch and peat moss to help retain moisture and loosen the soil. When planting, mix about a gallon of water with a root stimulator pour around the roots. Make sure to water regularly and fertilize yearly.

In the coming seasons, you need to trim and spray the fruit tree.  You will want to monitor your trees for disease, mites and insects. Fertilome Fruit Tree Spray that contains neem oil and is a great multi-purpose insecticide, fungicide and miticide.  You should get fruit in a few years or less.  Enjoy the fresh fruit in your own back yard.

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal.)

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Upon the face of this world, it might seem as if niceness and kindness are kin. Both worn as badges of decency, as if to say, “Here is a person who does right by others.” Yet niceness — well, it’s nothing but a veneer for what might cover the hollow tooth underneath.

A man may tip his hat, may offer up a smile, may keep his tongue sheathed in the company of others. That’s well and good to a measure. But niceness, it asks no more than the least of us. The man’s handshake may be warm, but his tongue could be the whipcrack of a scorpion’s tail. A woman’s words may be honeyed to your face but poisonous as she spits upon the trail of your departure. Trust walks blind in a world saturated by malice’s blackened well. Niceness may be nothing but a farce. Be wary and let not others play you like a flute.

But the heart of kindness beats to a different rhythm. It is a creature of sinew and soul, bearing the weight of another’s pain, seeking to ease it. Kindness is the hand extended in the dark, the water shared in the desert, the coat given to a shivering stranger. It’s not the road of least resistance; it asks for the sweat of your brow, the strength of your back.

Consider the man who wears the mask of niceness, yet his eyes pass over the beggar in the street as if he were looking through glass. Or the woman whose laughter rings hollow at the jest that cuts another to the quick. The faces of these folk beam when fronting you, but their words reek of foulness to your back. They are but actors on a stage, and their script is a shallow one.

But then there’s the one whose kindness might, in the eyes of some, be mistaken for rudeness. He is the man who’ll plant his feet firm and speak a truth that burns like a brand, because to lie would be the greater sin. She is the woman who’ll tear the fabric of propriety to bind up the wounds of injustice. For them, nice is a word to be tossed aside when goodness calls.

In a world that tells us to dance to the tune of easy lies and false faces, we’re in sore need of those with the grit to live kindness. To be agreeable is a poor ambition. To “play the game” is an insult to the God who breathed life into your lungs. It’s a sin greater than any we can commit. Betray the soul God gave you? Nay, not and risk Heaven’s Damnation.

It is the kindness that is born of a brave empathy, that asks us to look upon our brother and our sister and see more than flesh—it asks us to see their very humanity, and to act with a heart that knows the cost.

Niceness keeps the peace in moments as fleeting as breath on a mirror. But kindness—it’s the force that carves canyons and raises mountains. It is the call to lift our eyes from our own reflection and to expect more from each other, to demand more from ourselves. Let us then cast off the easy cloak of niceness and gird ourselves in the armor of kindness. For it is this, and this alone, that has the power to mend the fabric of our collective soul, to change lives and to elevate the spirit of mankind.

Herein lies our charge, and let it not be said that we shrank from it. Niceness may smooth the day’s passage, but it is kindness that shapes the world.

(Josh Beavers is a teacher and writer. He was named as a semifinalist for Louisiana Teacher of the Year in 2020. He has been recognized five times for excellence in opinion writing by the Louisiana Press Association.)

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Mon. March 18

Minden High School Lady Tiders 12, North Webster Knights 1

Minden High School Lady Tiders dispatched North Webster Knights Monday.

Lady Tiders jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the first inning after Lindsay Ryan doubled, scoring one run, Kaydree Kemp grounded out, scoring one run, Jacey Adams singled, scoring two runs and two errors scored one run each.

MHS added to their early lead in the bottom of the second when Kylie Ryan doubled, scoring two runs, Adams grounded out, scoring a run and Lizzie Balkom grounded out, scoring a run.

Ryan earned the win for Lady Tiders. She allowed zero hits and one run over five innings, striking out seven and walking seven.

Emma Newsom took the loss for North Webster. The righty went four innings, surrendering 12 runs (nine earned) on 10 hits, striking out one and walking four.

Ryan went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead in hits for Minden. Adams and Ryan each drove in two runs and Ryan stole two of the Tiders’ seven stolen bases. Lady Tiders turned one double play in the game.

Kendall Temple led the Knights with one run batted in. The Knights amassed seven walks for the game. Anna Ray and Anekah Coleman led with two free passes each. Coleman stole two bases and North Webster turned one double play.

Minden High amassed 10 hits in the game. Leigha Kennon-Gilbert and Williams each collected two hits.

Glenbrook Junior Lady Apaches 4, Capt. Shreve Junior Gators 0

Glenbrook Junior Lady Apaches topped Capt. Shreve Monday.

Lady Apaches got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Gracie Heard doubled, scoring two runs, Chloe Gregg singled, scoring one run and Izzy McMillon signed, scoring a run.

Savannah Magnum earned the win. She surrendered zero hits and no runs over two innings, striking out two and walking none.

McMillon, Heard, Gregg and Magnum each collected one hit. McMillon, Heard and Gregg each drove in a run. Addison Chanler stole two bases. Lady Apaches piled up five walks for the game and stole a total of four bases.

Glenbrook Varsity Lady Apaches 1, Capt. Shreve Gators 3

Glenbrook Lady Apaches fell to Capt. Shreve Monday, despite out hitting them nine to six.

Both teams were strong in the circle. Capt. Shreve pitchers struck out two, while Glenbrook sat down three.

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

Ellie Earnhardt led the team with one run batted in. Vivian Still, Savannah Mangrum and Anna Grace Vining each collected multiple hits. Still stole two bases, and the Lady Apaches turned one double play.

Lakeside Lady Warriors 21, Green Oaks 0

Hallie Sutton drove in four runs on one hit to lead Lady Warriors past Green Oaks Monday. In the first inning, Sutton hit an inside the park grand slam.

Lakeside won thanks in part to 17 runs in the first inning. Mackenzie McCoy drew a walk, scoring one run, Sutton hit the grand slam, an error scored a run, Raleah Harris hit an inside the park home run, scoring three runs, Teal Austin tripled, scoring two runs, Maggie Mandino tripled, scoring two, Laiklyn Squyres drew a walk, scoring a run, Karrigan Davis hit an inside the park home run, scoring two and Paiton Levesque doubled, scoring one run.

Lakeside added to an early lead in the bottom of the second when Squyres singled, scoring one run, an error scored two runs and Rhea Waller tripled, scoring a run.

Sutton led things off in the circle. The righty surrendered no hits and no runs over one inning, striking out three and walking none. Waller pitched two innings of scoreless ball in relief. The righty surrendered no hits, striking out three and walking one.

Lady Warriors tallied 11 hits in the game. Waller made the most of their changes at the plate. The number nine hitter led with three hits in three at-bats. Austin collected two hits in two at-bats.

Lady Warriors amassed 10 walks; Meredith Robinson and Rainie Hughes led with two free passes each. Robinson, Harris, Hughes, Austin and Lexi Wood each stole multiple bases of the 19 total for the game.

Tues., March 19

Minden High School Lady Tiders 16, Northwood 0

Leigha Kennon-Gilbert collected three hits in three at-bats, as Minden High School Lady Tiders defeated Northwood Tuesday. Kennon-Gilbert hit a solo home run to left field in the second inning, tripled in the first inning and singled in the first inning.

MHS Lady Tiders won thanks in part to nine runs in the first inning. An error scored one run, Kaydree Kemp singled, scoring four runs, an error scored one run and Lindsay Ryan doubled, scoring three runs.

The team scored seven runs on five hits in the bottom of the second. Jacey Adams tripled, scoring one run, Kae Williams grounded out, scoring one run, Kennon-Gilbert hit the solo homer to left, Kylie Ryan tripled, scoring two, a passed ball scored one and Lizzie Balkom doubled, scoring a run.

Ryan earned the win. The starter gave up no hits and no runs over three innings, striking out two and walking one.

Lady Tiders tallied 10 hits in the game. Ryan and Ryan each drove in two runs and Balkom collected two hits in three at-bats. The team turned two double plays.

Lakeside Lady Warriors 1, D’Arbonne Woods Timberwolves 11

Lakeside Lady Warriors couldn’t keep up with D’Arbonne Woods Timberwolves and fell hard on Tuesday.

McKenna Chreene stepped in the circle first for Lady Warriors. The starting pitcher surrendered eight hits and seven runs (six earned) over three and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking none.

Rainie Hughes led with one hit in two at-bats.

(“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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Glenbrook Apaches 13, Haynesville Tornado 2

Easton Sanders drove in four runs on two hits to lead Glenbrook past Haynesville Monday. Sanders doubled in the second inning, scoring two runs and singled in the fifth, scoring two.

Apaches got on the board in the first inning after Dawson Day lined out, scoring one run.

A double by Seth Magnum, a walk by Jackson Waller and a double by Sanders helped Glenbrook extend their early lead in the second.

A ground out by Ryan Reagan extended the lead to 6-0 in the top of the third.

Landry Powell earned the win. He surrendered three hits and two runs over five innings, striking out eight and walking two.

Mangrum and Sanders each collected two hits for Glenbrook. The team had patience at the plate accumulating seven walks. Hudson Glasscock and Sanders led with two walks each. Mangrum, Reagan and Sanders each stole multiple bases of the Apaches’ 12 total.

Lakeside Warriors 6, North Caddo Titans 0

Lakeside Warriors easily dispatched North Caddo Titans Monday.

Warriors got on the board in the top of the second inning after Jake Glass walked and Brock Case stole home, each scoring a run.

Hunter Sutton earned the win. The righty gave up two hits and no runs over six innings, striking out nine and walking one.

Matthew Aguilera tossed one inning of scoreless ball in relief. He gave up no hits, striking out none and walking none.

Warriors piled up 10 hits in the game. Peyton Gray, Jon Jon Dick, Gage Williams and Aguilera each collected two hits. Gray went 2-for-4 at the plate as the second baseman led the team with three runs batted in.

North Webster Knights 15, Huntington Raiders 5

North Webster scored eight runs in the first inning, which helped them easily defeat Huntington Raiders Monday. An error scored one run, Nathan Bernard singled, scoring one run, an error scored two runs, an error scored one run, Sawyer Wages singled, scoring one run and Cayden Bernard singled, scoring two runs.

A single by Tanner Temple extended the lead to 9-0 in the bottom of the second inning.

NWHS extended their lead yet again with two runs in the bottom of the third, thanks to RBI walks by Denver Martin and Justin Carpenter.

Colby Dinkins earned the win. He allowed one hit and no runs over one and one-third innings, striking out two and walking one. Gerrrit Gillentine tossed one inning of shutout ball in relief. He gave up one hit, striking out two and walking none.

Bernard went 2-for-3 at the plate as the catcher led the team with two runs batted in. Knights piled up 10 walks for the game. Chandler, McKenzie, Bernard and Tyler Brown led the team with two walks each. Bernard stole two of the Knights’ six walks for the game. The team turned two double plays.

Tues., March 19

Doyline Panthers 4, Weston 18

Weston defeated Doyline Tuesday, thanks in part to 11 runs in the sixth inning.

Panthers got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Noah Spears singled, Dakota Stewart laid down a sacrifice bunt and Jonas Florence singled, each scoring one run.

Spears led things off on the bump for Doyline. The righty surrendered eight hits and 10 runs (four earned) over five and one-third innings, striking out eight and walking four.

Austin Arbaugh led with two hits in two at-bats from the leadoff position. Spears, Stewart and Florence each drove in one run. Panthers accumulated seven walks for the game. Spears and Arbaugh led the team with two bases on balls each.

Minden Crimson Tide 3, Loyola 1

Both teams were strong on the bump Tuesday, but Minden Crimson Tide came in ahead of Loyola. Brody Bower started the game for the Tide and recorded 21 outs.

A single by Bryson Ranger put Tiders on the board in the bottom of the first. They added one run in the third after Ranger singled.

Bower earned the win. The right-handed pitcher surrendered four hits and one run (zero earned) over seven innings, striking out eight and walking two. 

Ranger and Jakobe Jackson each drove in one run. Parker Salas led with three of the Tide’s seven walks for the game.

Wed., March 20

Lakeside Warriors 1, Loyola Flyers 5

Lakeside Warriors could not keep pace with Loyola Flyers Wednesday.

Jordan Isbell took the loss for Lakeside. He went six innings, surrendering five runs on five hits, striking out one and walking four.

Peyton Gray, Eli Campbell, Jon Jon Dick, Matthew Aguilera and Gage Williams each collected one hit. 

Lakeside Warriors 2, Loyola Flyers 3

Both teams were strong on the bump in the second game Wednesday, but Loyola was just a little bit stronger at the plate in their victory over Warriors. 

Brock Case started the game for Lakeside and recorded six outs. Case took the loss. He went two innings, surrendering two runs (zero earned) on two hits, striking out three and walking three.

Peyton Gray, Campbell, Jordan Isbell, Jon Jon Dick and Matthew Aguilera each collected one hit for Lakeside. Isbell and Dick stole multiple bases of the Warriors’ total of seven.

Minden Crimson Tide 5, Cedar Creek 0

Minden got on the board in the first inning of Wednesday’s game when Brody Bower doubled, scoring a run. The team added one run in the third, making the score 2-0.

Jaxon Smith stepped on the hill first for the Tide. He allowed five hits and no runs over seven innings, striking out five and walking two.

Minden accumulated nine hits in the game. Bower led with three hits in four at-bats. Hudson Brown, Bower and Jakobe Jackson each drove in a run. Landon Brewer collected two hits in four at-bats and the team turned two double plays.

(“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 .

March 20 through 23

2024 Minden Spring Fling at Webster Parish Fairgrounds. Rides, treats. Portion of proceeds go to Minden Recreation Complex.

March 22

Deadline for nominations for Springhill-North Webster Chamber of Commerce awards. Civic Service Award, Ambassador of the Year, Businessman of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, Business of the Year, Lifetime Achievement.

5 p.m. Lakeside High School, Gary Cooper Day, inviting all alumni to honor Gary Cooper for his dedication of 23 years coaching Sibley and Lakeside High School.

March 23

11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Easter Eggstravaganza, North Acres Baptist Church. Egg hunt, Easter presentation, hot dogs, bounce house, face painting, snow cones and cotton candy!

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.

March 29

7 p.m. First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden. “Once Upon A Tree” directed by Dr. Dan Gibbs. First Methodist Minden Chancel Choir with Chamber Orchestra. Soloists: Mickey Love, Pat Culverhouse and Melanie Comb with Judge Parker Self as Luke the Physician.

March 30

Sibley Volunteer Fire Department’s 45th Annual Bass Tournament. Lake Bistineau. Weigh-in at Port O’ Bistineau.

April 3

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Greater Minden Spring Job Fair & Resource Expo. Minden Civic Center.

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.

April 14

2 until 4 p.m. Oak Cottage Open House, 406 3rd St. NW, Springhill. Air B&B/Event venue. Refreshments will be served.

April 15

The founders’ vision for ACE Scholarship was powerful but simple: that all children have access to great schools. Glenbrook School has partnered with the ACE program for the 2024/2025 school year.  Applications for scholarships due date is April 15. For more information, go to:

 Welcome to Grant & Aid (factsmgt.com) or call Naomi Coyle at 318-377-2135.

6 p.m. Night at the Museum with Museum Director Jessica Gorman. Discussion: preserving local cemeteries. Admission is free; donations welcome. Refreshments: potluck snacks and desserts. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited. Call 318-377-3002 for more information.

April 16

6 p.m. Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce 70th Annual Awards Banquet. Community Activity Center, 301 West Church St., Springhill. Entertainment by Piney Woods Jamboree. Table sponsorships available. Individual tickets $50.

April 18

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Senior Fun Day sponsored by Springhill Medical Center. Springhill CAC Building. Ages 50 and older. Free admission. Free meal sponsored by Bristol Hospice.

April 20

6 p.m. LaMa Animal Rescue hosts Murder on the Boardwalk, Oak Cottage, 406 3rd St. NW, Springhill. Tickets much be purchased in advance. Call 318-272-6093.

April 29

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Food Truck Night at Miller Quarters. Live entertainment by Braydon Watts. Sponsored by Main Street Minden and Minden Police Chief Jared McIver.

May 4

6 p.m. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to LaMa Bingo, Springhill Civic Center. $50 jackpot, $00 and $200 games, door prizes, silent auction, concessions, costume contest, split the pot.

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.

May 24, 25

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 24 and 25).  All activities will be held at the Shongaloo Civic Center, 119 LA 2 Alt Rd, in Shongaloo, La.

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of March 15. Civil suits are a matter of public record.

March 15

Billy Dudley vs. Taylor Dudley, custody.

UMB Bank vs. Courtney Williams and Brandon Williams, executory process.

21st Mortgage Corp. vs. Emily S. Gongre, executory process.

Autovest LLC vs. Jennifer Thomas and Yokyetta Harris, monies due.

Autovest LLC vs. Mynetta Gibson, monies due.

March 18

Mena Garrett vs. Jamie Garrett, protective order.

Samantha Mae Stover vs. Phillip Lloyd Chandler, custody.

Sara Vaughan Morgan vs. Joe Greenwood Morgan IV, divorce

March 19

Katherine Renee Gray, Leon Wayne Gray Jr., Beverly Gray Wunnenberg vs. Terry A. Gray, declaratory judgment.

Discover Bank vs. Ronald Leece, Deborah L. Leece, monies due.

Discover Bank vs. Linda B. Turman, monies due.

Farmers Bank & Trust Co., vs. Ronald Patrick McClain, Carolyn Ruth Vinson Knox, monies due.

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Toccara Ford, monies due.

March 20

Webster Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission vs. Chan Thavin dba Springhill Donut, petition.

Webster Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission vs. Smit’s LLC, dba Smit’s Certified Cajun, Samantha N. Smith, petition.

Denissa Antionae Brown vs. Marcus Markray, divorce.

Barclays Bank Delaware vs. Katharyn Fryer, monies due.

Barclays Bank Delaware vs. John Fryer, monies due.

Webster Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission vs. JJCC Investments dba Castaway Auto Service LLC, John O’Donovan Sanchez III, petition.

March 21

Farmers Bank & Trust Company bs. Ariana M. Downs, Theresa Michelle Downs, deficiency judgment.

Barksdale Federal Credit Union vs. Ayman Ali Hussein, monies due.

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Billie Marie Buffington Nolan

March 22, 1951 – March 18, 2024

Minden, La.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2024, City On A Hill Pentecostal Church, Minden.

Graveside service: 2 p.m. Monday, March 25, 2024, Memorial Park Cemetery, Bastrop, La., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Bernice Johnson

May 2, 1934 – March 19, 2024

Arcadia, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia, La.

Funeral service: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia.

Burial: Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.

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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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 20

Cody Allen Moore, 34, of the 4600 block of U.S. Hwy. 371, Heflin, was arrested by WPSO for communicating false information, cruelty to the informed and disturbing the peace.

Nathan L. Thomas, 29, of the 200 block of Sumlin St., Cullen, was arrested by LSP-G for driving while intoxicated, careless operation of a motor vehicle and open container.

Steven K. Kervin, 56, of the 200 block of South Fairview, Minden, was arrested for probation violation.

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 Pat Culverhouse

In June 2016, the Louisiana Legislature passed Senate Bill 324, referred to as the “Raise the Age” law which treated 17-year-old suspects accused of violent crimes as juveniles in the criminal justice system.

During Gov. Jeff Landry’s recent special session on crime, legislators reversed course by overwhelmingly passing Senate Bill 3 (74-26), returning 17-year-olds to adult status in the system.

Across the state, many officials saw the action as a realization that the juvenile justice system is stymied by two critical problems: rising juvenile crime rates and no money for incarceration spaces. Juvenile crime will still be a problem, but Minden’s Chief of Police Jared McIver believes the legislature’s action is a step in the right direction.

“I’m happy, the court is happy,” McIver said, speaking on the return of 17-year-olds to the adult criminal system. “The governor and legislature realized we were in a bind. When they passed the previous legislation, I think they had good intentions. But when they added 17s to the mix, there was no thought to funding or housing.”

McIver said juvenile crime is skyrocketing, and there are limited repercussions for the youthful offenders.

“It’s like a revolving door. We bring them in, they go right back out. It can be discouraging,” he said. “And when 17-year-olds were legally juveniles, it just meant another age group added to a system already overloaded, overcrowded and underfunded.”

McIver said the difference between 17- and 18-year-olds isn’t enough to affect the justice system. 

“A lot of 17-year-olds are committing crimes that need to be punishable by prison sentences…major crimes like assault, murder, rape, armed robbery,” he said. “Often, the public perception is that police, judges and prosecutors aren’t doing their job. But in the juvenile system, they’re often returned to the custody of parents or guardians.”

In the adult justice system, there is often recourse for recovering some percentage of expenses from the criminal acts. That isn’t the case for juveniles, McIver said.

“You have to have revenue from some source,” he said. “Adults can be fined or adjudicated to pay restitution for damages or recovery of property. With juveniles, there’s no recourse for financial recovery. There’s no money set aside when we’re dealing with juveniles.”

Now that the legislature has changed the status of 17-year-olds, McIver believes there’s another area that needs to be addressed. Guards and staff at juvenile detention centers need to be allowed more flexibility to maintain discipline.

“Staffing at these centers is a problem. There are strict rules covering what guards can and cannot do. Use of force to maintain discipline is not allowed, and that leads to guards having juveniles spit on them, curse them, throw bodily fluids on them, hit and kick them. Guards can’t use pepper spray or physical force. Who would want to work under those conditions?” he said.

Legislators should address those concerns, McIver said, but there should also be provisions made for proper training available to juvenile detention officers. 

“Juvenile detention officers should be trained as well as any other law enforcement officer,” he said. “There’s a difference in handling a young offender, even if that offender is prone to violence. These officers need extensive training and they deserve that training.”

McIver has a suggestion for those who have been responsible for setting such strict, often restrictive, standards for dealing with incarcerated juvenile criminals.

“Take some time and work as a guard in a juvenile facility. Show us how it’s done…how to deal with the lack of respect, the violence where your only tools are reason, patience and a degree in psychology,” he said. 

McIver said he recalls dealing with the single mother of a 17-year-old who found herself with no recourse while he was being treated as a juvenile in the eyes of the law. 

“This lady was working two jobs to support them, while her son had chosen a life of crime. She told me he invited criminals into her home, stayed out all night. He knew he could stay at home until he was 18 and there was nothing she could do,” he said.

“She said she was afraid she would be held responsible for his actions as long as he was considered a juvenile. I truly felt bad for her because if we picked him up, he’d be returned to her custody. The only tools we had were to arrest him. Now, that 17-year-old can face adult consequences and that mother might find some peace and stability,” McIver said.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

While drones can aid law enforcement, some persons with bad intentions make use of them, too.

Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested Thomas Robert Minshall, 62, of the 400 block of Oak Drive, Doyline, when it was reported around 8 p.m. Tuesday that he was flying a drone over another person’s house.

“Deputy Phelps was dispatched to a Dogwood Road location after a female subject reported Minshall had been flying his drone and recording a family member for the past couple of days,” Sheriff Jason Parker said. “Just before she called, he was reportedly sitting at the corner of her driveway, flying his drone in her yard. She confronted him, telling him to leave and not record.”

After the female walked inside, her roommate reportedly notified her the drone was almost at the front door.

“As she walked back outside, the drone hit a tree and landed in her yard,” said the sheriff. “She grabbed the drone and was charged by Minshall. He grabbed her by the hair and threw her to the ground. She went on to tell the deputy that Minshall made several lewd and sexual remarks to her and has chased the family member with the drone.”

Witnesses reportedly confirmed Minshall threw the female to the ground and grabbed her hair while wrestling the drone from her. One witness also reportedly stated Minshall had threatened her and another family member to “shave their heads with the drone and had chased them four or five times with it, most recently March 14.”

Minshall was arrested and charged with trespassing, trespassing with an unmanned aerial vehicle, simple battery and as a peeping tom.

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 Josh Beavers

This Friday, the town of Sibley will celebrate “Gary Cooper Day” to honor a man whose dedication to coaching and teaching has left an indelible mark on Lakeside Jr. Sr. High School. After more than two decades leading the Warriors’ softball program and eight years at the helm of the football team, Gary Cooper is retiring from a career that has inspired countless student-athletes.

Cooper’s journey began humbly on an 80-acre farm in rural Tensas Parish, where he learned the value of hard work and responsibility from a young age. “My first thought is of a cabless John Deere tractor and hauling square hay bales,” he says with a reminiscent chuckle. “I grew up in a very rural setting in Tensas Parish. Farming was the occupation of most of the people.” 

From an early age, Cooper took on major responsibilities tending to the family farm while his parents worked off the land. “I was given the responsibility at a young age of farming our 80-acre farm while my dad worked at the sawmill and my mom at the hospital.” However, he recognized that supporting a family through agriculture alone would be a difficult path. “I knew by the time I was a junior in high school it would be hard to make a living [in farming], so I needed to do something else.”

With a talent for math and a passion for sports, the choice to become a teacher and coach seemed natural. Cooper pursued that dream, earning his degree in 1984 and stepping into his first teaching roles at private schools near his hometown. “I had taught 4 years at 2 different private schools near my old hometown and realized I needed to get established in a retirement system.”

It was a suggestion from his sister that set Cooper’s sights on the Ruston area and Cedar Creek School, where he spent 8 formative years teaching and his own children had their elementary experiences with “some fantastic teachers.” During this period, he also earned his master’s degree from Louisiana Tech University.

But the small-town lifestyle continued beckoning. “After receiving several offers we decided to make Webster Parish our home,” Cooper says. He joined the staff at Minden High School, teaching math while serving as an assistant football coach and head softball coach. 

“Minden was great and teaching and coaching was great,” he reflects, “but remember I’m a small-town boy. So, I took a job at Sibley High with the same role I had at Minden.”

When Lakeside High School opened just two years later, Cooper knew he had found his long-term home. He became the head football coach, a position he held for 8 years, while continuing as head softball coach until 2021. Among his proudest moments are coaching his own children, Adam and Kati; winning Lakeside’s first-ever home football game against North DeSoto; making the softball playoffs 21 out of 23 years; and upgrading the school’s sports facilities over the years.

But Cooper’s impact went far beyond wins and losses. He helped build the small school’s athletic programs literally from the ground up into a source of pride for the community. More importantly, he helped shape the lives of hundreds of young student-athletes over more than 20 years.

“If you ask my former players, they say I’m a lot softer than I used to be,” Cooper admits with a laugh. “I think as a coach you have to adapt to the kids you are coaching, or you will lose your effectiveness. Things certainly have changed over the years and softball as a sport has grown exponentially over the past 20 years.”

One of his most cherished memories is a letter from a former player expressing gratitude not for anything related to softball skills, but rather for “respecting others, how to be on time, how to be responsible and take care of your business. Nothing has ever made me any prouder.”

Cooper’s former players rave about the invaluable life lessons they learned from the veteran coach. Respect, responsibility, accountability – those were the cornerstones of Coach Cooper’s program. He never lets players take shortcuts on or off the field.

More than anything, he tried to show players how to be good people, good students, and good teammates. Winning was important, but not more important than your character.

When asked what advice he would give to the next generation of coaches coming up at Lakeside, Cooper’s response is simple but profound: “Be consistent in every aspect of coaching and teaching. But even more, make sure your players and students know without a doubt you care about each and every one of them.”

As the Sibley community prepares to honor Gary Cooper, tributes have been pouring in from former players, students, colleagues and coaches he has impacted over an accomplished 40-year career arc:

2 years at Briarfield Academy

2 years at Tensas Academy  

8 years at Cedar Creek School

2 years at Minden High School

2 years at Sibley High School

24 years at Lakeside High School

In addition to softball and football, he has coached basketball, track, tennis, and even drove the van for the golf teams. His roles ranged from assistant to head coach across multiple sports over the decades.

Yet in his humble way, Cooper deflects much of the acclaim to others who helped shape his coaching journey and Lakeside’s programs. “I have been truly blessed to have worked with so many great teachers, students, and coaches. I am very grateful for all the head coaches and principals I have worked for and all the assistant coaches that have worked for me.”

He also expressed appreciation for the broader community’s support, adding, “I would also like to thank all the parents over the years who helped me run our programs and let me borrow their children for a short time.”

As for the celebration in his honor, Cooper seems most excited simply to reunite with members of the extended Lakeside community. “I am looking forward to Friday, not for being honored but for getting a chance to see some old faces and making new memories.”

When the town of Sibley declares March 24 as “Gary Cooper Day,” it will be a chance to celebrate the profound impact of a coaching legend. But the true legacy of Gary Cooper can be found in the hundreds of lives he has shaped through his dedication, his caring guidance, and the valuable life lessons he imparted in his players.

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Thursday

A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 52. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Friday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 p.m, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 70.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Sunday

Partly sunny, with a high near 72.

Sunday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Today through Saturday, you can treat your kids to fun evenings while helping the Minden Rec Center’s efforts during 2024 Spring Fling.

“We’ve talked about having a spring carnival before, but this kind of fell in our laps,” said Mayor Nick Cox.

The mayor said Miller Spectacular Shows, the company that brings the fair to Minden in the fall, contacted him with an opening this weekend.

“They should be in south Louisiana right now, but they’ve had so much rain, the ground was too soggy,” Cox said. “Webster Parish Fairgrounds is one of the only fully-paved fairgrounds around, and the carnival was in Vivian – close by.”

So, the city is turning it into a fund-raising event that will be fun for kids, while helping them play ball. 

“We decided we could do it and share profits,” he said. “The carnival company will make a portion and the rest will be dedicated for the Minden Recreation Complex, through Minden Diamond Club.”

Just as the annual fair, the carnival will be held at Webster Parish Fairgrounds.

“There will be no gate entry fee or someone to direct parking, but there will be rides, concessions and plenty of security,” Cox said.

The carnival will be open from 6 until 10 p.m. every night. Tonight (Thursday) it’s possible to purchase $20 armbands. Friday and Saturday feature regular tickets.

(Editor’s note: What is the Minden Diamond Club? Watch Webster Parish Journal next week.)

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Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with Peep House Decorating? Step into a world of blooming flowers, chirping birds, and creative crafting as we invite you to decorate your very own spring-themed peep house at your Springhill library branch on at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 26. Registration is required. To reserve your spot or for more information, call 318-539-4117.

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Louisiana Tech University has announced the names of students on its Winter Quarter 2024 President’s and Dean’s honor lists.

Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.

Webster Parish

• Doyline: Jack Andrew Edwards*, Hayden A. Engel, Chase Hunter Sadler*, Landon Cade Shively*, Kyle G. Spears
• Dubberly: Mary Alexis Fish*, Whitman B. McGee, Julie A. Ortega*
• Heflin: Sara K. Osborne
• Minden: Jazmin Marie Abreu*, Lauren E. Adams, James Carter Barnett*, Ashtyn Brittian, Addison Marie Fields*, Molly Fowler*, Walker Hagen Gray*, Vivian Reese Hanson, Connor Jacob Heard*, Mary Evelyn King*, Maddox Peyton Lee*, Naomi Keyes Logan, Alyssa Clair Martin*, Jackson McKinney*, Aidan Turner McLelland, Collin Murphy, David Phillip Nida*, Cooper Parks, Emma Claire Pitman*, Audrey C. Plants*, Jackson David Powell, Savannah Teresa Powell, Haley Amber Raburn, Brianna Joyce Schumacher*, Elizabeth B. Tuttle, Elisa Rayne West, Ella M. Williams
• Sarepta: Aaron Louis Fuller, Grant Jeffrey Harper, Meagan Sydney Maxwell*, Abram Cohen Otwell*
• Shongaloo: Luke Scott Vining
• Sibley: William Ryan Kendrick*, Maya Faith Merritt*, Jinny P. Schober*
• Springhill: Lucas Brandon Edens, Brianna Sky Gahagan*, Lyndie P. Green*, Hannah Leann Huckabay*, Anna Eliot Orr*, Angela Michelle Reynolds, William P. Smith*

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By Jessica Gorman

In the middle of downtown Minden stands the Arizona Ash tree. It has stood as a witness to history over the past 109 years. 

The Arizona Ash is said to have been planted in 1915 at the request of Deputy Charles Davis. His office was located in the southwest corner of the 1905 courthouse. The fast-growing tree was planted to shade his office from the afternoon sun. Charles Davis began his service as a deputy in 1903 under Sheriff B.F. Griffith and continued under Sheriffs Clement, Phillips, Hough, Richardson (acting sheriff), and Haynes. At the time of his retirement on 1 March 1947, at the age of 83, he was the oldest deputy sheriff in the state of Louisiana. A ceremony was planned in his honor by the Louisiana Sheriffs Association, but he died before it could take place. 

The Arizona Ash was still young when the Minden Lumber Company burned in 1918. It was there to see the early Mardi Gras parades that ceased for so many years. It was there in 1933 when the Goodwill building was destroyed by fire. That same year, when the tornado caused so much destruction across town, including damage to the courthouse, the tree survived. It has seen construction of the current courthouse and removal of the old. During its life, the old post office was constructed and later removed and replaced with a bank. The old jail was demolished, the Episcopal church moved to the other end of Broadway, and a row of businesses became the site of a new city hall and civic center. The tree has been there for parades, festivals, pep rallies, and other community events. 

The Arizona Ash was itself threatened with removal. When the 1905 courthouse was removed after construction of the Civic Center, Pearl Street was extended through to Broadway. The question was raised about what to do with the ash tree. Removal would have allowed for more parking spots, but the people said no. In particular, Mr. J. C. Salmon, of the Minden Beautification Council, is credited with saving the tree, and so, it has also been referred to as the Salmon Tree.

The Arizona Ash has, at times, been confused with another tree from Minden’s past, the hanging tree. The hanging tree was located on Elm Street in the area of Goode Avenue. It was removed by Colonel Goode before the Arizona Ash was ever planted. 

You may remember that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I learned of my own connection to the Arizona Ash. It turns out that Mr. Charles Davis was married to Emily Garrison. Emily was the namesake and niece of Emily Garrison Boone whom I’ve written about previously. That makes her another of my newly discovered cousins.

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

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State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams is continuing to push for all Louisiana homes to have working smoke alarms following two more lives lost this year in home fires where there were no working smoke alarms.

Just after 4 a.m. on Friday, March 1, the DeSoto Fire District #2 responded to a call for a house fire located in the 200 block of Littleton Road in Keatchie. Unfortunately, firefighters located a deceased female victim in a bedroom.

Official identification and cause of death are pending with the parish Coroner’s Office, however, the victim is believed to be the 67-year-old female homeowner.

While the extent of the damage has deputies still working to determine the cause of this fire, it was confirmed that the home did not have working smoke alarms.

Later that same day, around 11:30 a.m., the Claiborne Parish Fire Department responded to the 1000 block of Bream Island Road in Homer for a mobile home fire. Sadly, again, firefighters located a deceased male victim in the living room.

Official identification and cause of death are pending with the parish Coroner’s Office, however, the victim is believed to be the 68-year-old resident of the mobile home.

After an initial investigation, deputies determined the fire began in a bedroom. At this time, deputies are unable to rule out the possibility of unsafe smoking practices as a potential contributing factor. And, once more, deputies were unable to locate working smoke alarms in the home.

“Smoke alarms are the best protection for us when the unthinkable happens,” said Chief Adams, “That’s why it’s so devastating that every fire fatality we have had so far this year has been in a home without a working smoke alarm. We need every family in this state to invest in their safety by getting working smoke alarms for their homes today.”

If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operation Save-A-Life can help. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, or to register for a free smoke alarm installation, visit our website at lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.

City of Minden Fire Department normally has smoke alarms and will install.

“Until we get more, please contact the state fire marshal, as that is where we obtain ours,” Chief Brian Williams said.

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

March 20 through 23

2024 Minden Spring Fling at Webster Parish Fairgrounds. Rides, treats. Portion of proceeds go to Minden Recreation Complex.

March 22

Deadline for nominations for Springhill-North Webster Chamber of Commerce awards. Civic Service Award, Ambassador of the Year, Businessman of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, Business of the Year, Lifetime Achievement.

5 p.m. Lakeside High School, Gary Cooper Day, inviting all alumni to honor Gary Cooper for his dedication of 23 years coaching Sibley and Lakeside High School.

March 23

11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Easter Eggstravaganza, North Acres Baptist Church. Egg hunt, Easter presentation, hot dogs, bounce house, face painting, snow cones and cotton candy!

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.

March 29

7 p.m. First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden. “Once Upon A Tree” directed by Dr. Dan Gibbs. First Methodist Minden Chancel Choir with Chamber Orchestra. Soloists: Mickey Love, Pat Culverhouse and Melanie Comb with Judge Parker Self as Luke the Physician.

March 30

Sibley Volunteer Fire Department’s 45th Annual Bass Tournament. Lake Bistineau. Weigh-in at Port O’ Bistineau.

April 3

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Greater Minden Spring Job Fair & Resource Expo. Minden Civic Center.

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.

April 14

2 until 4 p.m. Oak Cottage Open House, 406 3rd St. NW, Springhill. Air B&B/Event venue. Refreshments will be served.

April 15

The founders’ vision for ACE Scholarship was powerful but simple: that all children have access to great schools. Glenbrook School has partnered with the ACE program for the 2024/2025 school year.  Applications for scholarships due date is April 15. For more information, go to:

 Welcome to Grant & Aid (factsmgt.com) or call Naomi Coyle at 318-377-2135.

6 p.m. Night at the Museum with Museum Director Jessica Gorman. Discussion: preserving local cemeteries. Admission is free; donations welcome. Refreshments: potluck snacks and desserts. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited. Call 318-377-3002 for more information.

April 16

6 p.m. Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce 70th Annual Awards Banquet. Community Activity Center, 301 West Church St., Springhill. Entertainment by Piney Woods Jamboree. Table sponsorships available. Individual tickets $50.

April 18

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Senior Fun Day sponsored by Springhill Medical Center. Springhill CAC Building. Ages 50 and older. Free admission. Free meal sponsored by Bristol Hospice.

April 20

6 p.m. LaMa Animal Rescue hosts Murder on the Boardwalk, Oak Cottage, 406 3rd St. NW, Springhill. Tickets much be purchased in advance. Call 318-272-6093.

April 29

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Food Truck Night at Miller Quarters. Live entertainment by Braydon Watts. Sponsored by Main Street Minden and Minden Police Chief Jared McIver.

May 4

6 p.m. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to LaMa Bingo, Springhill Civic Center. $50 jackpot, $00 and $200 games, door prizes, silent auction, concessions, costume contest, split the pot.

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.

May 24, 25

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 24 and 25).  All activities will be held at the Shongaloo Civic Center, 119 LA 2 Alt Rd, in Shongaloo, La.

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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.

March 19

LaPatrick Lister, 44, unknown address, was arrested by Dixie Inn Police on two active warrants.

Danny Lee William Lenard, 39, of Saucier, Miss., was arrested for possession of schedule II with intent to distribute, obstruction of justice, failure to appear and four active warrants for drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, open container and no brake lights.

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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Billie Marie Buffington Nolan

March 22, 1951 – March 18, 2024

Minden, La.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2024, City On A Hill Pentecostal Church, Minden.

Graveside service: 2 p.m. Monday, March 25, 2024, Memorial Park Cemetery, Bastrop, La., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Joyce C. Cox

Feb. 7, 1943 – March 17, 2024

Cotton Valley, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until noon Thursday, March 21, 2024, Unity Baptist Church, Cotton Valley.

Funeral service: 1 p.m., immediately following visitation.

Burial: Cotton Valley Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Dorothey Jean McBride

April 21, 1934 – March 16, 2024

Arcadia, La.

Visitation: 11 a.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia.

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

Burial: 3 p.m. Tulip Cemetery.

Bernice Johnson

May 2, 1934 – March 19, 2024

Arcadia, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia, La.

Funeral service: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia.

Burial: Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.

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

Qualifying Webster Parish teachers will be receiving a one time pay boost in the form of stipends after parish school board members approved the payments during a Monday special meeting.

Money to provide the extra checks will be coming from funds provided by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). Following a lengthy debate, board members agreed to disperse the roughly $144,000 in each of the four options provided by LDOE. 

Director of Business and Finance Crevonne Odom said stipend checks per teacher would be $476.37, adding that those who qualify in multiple options will receive multiple checks in that amount. Odom told board members 303 qualifiers were identified, with that number reflecting those in more than one option.

While the LDOE outlined options available, Odom reminded the board that only they could determine which options would be chosen and how the money would be distributed to qualifying teachers.

“Only the school district can select the options and decide how the money is to be spent within the options the LDOE has come up with,” Odom said.

Four options outlined by the state education department are: 

• Option 1: Teachers in critical shortage areas per Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). Those areas are secondary mathematics (grades 6-12), secondary science (grades 6-12) and special education (grades K-12).

• Option 2: Highly effective teachers as defined in R.S. 17:381 through 3095 and Bulletin 130—regulations for the evaluation and assessment of school personnel. Odom said Webster Parish would use fiscal year 2-22-23 results.

• Option 3: Teachers working in high need schools defined as those with an economically disadvantaged rate of 85 percent or greater. Only Brown Upper Elementary meets the outlined criteria.

• Option 4: Teachers in leadership positions. Classroom teachers who are appointed to lead weekly teacher collaborations or those who serve as academic/instructional coaches tormentors. 

To be eligible for the LDOE stipends, an employee must be a full-time teacher, including Temporary Authority to Teach (TAT) teachers. Teachers who retired during the current fiscal year are eligible and will receive 100 percent of the stipend.

Board members were told the LDOE money had to be distributed by May 1, and information for distribution needed to be received by April 8.

Land Swap

During Monday’s special meeting, board members agreed to a land swap with the city of Minden which would give the school board 3.84 acres, the site of Griffith Stadium and the home of Minden High School baseball.

In exchange, the city would acquire an identical 3.84 acres on Clerk St., located just east of the former Lowe School. 

Attorney Paul Kitchens, who represents the board in the proposed property exchange, said the swap would be acre-for-acre with no money involved. He suggested the board declare the property as surplus to facilitate the exchange.

While the board will receive the baseball stadium, Kitchens said the exchange does not include the parking lot. Kitchens said the parking area has been used in the past with no problems, but agreed the board should consider a long-term lease since that property is not included in the swap.

Minden’s city council reportedly has already adopted a resolution agreeing to the trade and Kitchens said he would draft a similar document for the signature of the board’s authorized officer.  

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By Pat Culverhouse

An 18-wheeler driver hauling a honey of a load now finds himself in a pickle after failing to stop for police officers who pursued him on Interstate 20 from Bossier City to Webster Parish.

Andrei Melnitskii, who listed a Los Angeles, Calif. home address, reportedly was driving his big rig east on I-20 through a prohibited construction zone when Bossier City police officers attempted a traffic stop. According to officers, Melnitskii continued eastbound without coming to a stop despite the trailing police units displaying lights and sirens.

Bossier City police and Louisiana State Police units continued to follow the suspect until he reportedly pulled off the highway at the Goodwill Rd. exit. He was taken into custody and later returned to Bossier City.

Melnitskii reportedly was hauling numerous crates of bees on his rig’s trailer and allegedly told officers he could not stop because the bees would die if the rig stopped moving.  

According to the booking report, Melnitskii is charged with being a fugitive from the Bossier City Police Dept. 

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