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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 7

James Potts, 49, of the 200 block of S. Roosevelt Dr., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on warrants for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Derrick Lyndon Davidson, 36, of Nolan Lewis Rd., Springhill, was arrested by Springhill Police on a warrant out of Arkansas.

Shoncey B. Lister, no address given, was arrested by WPSO on a warrant for failure to pay fines.

March 8

Wendell Bernard Turner, 58, of the 100 block of Thompson Place, Dubberly, was arrested by WPSO for simple battery and remaining after being forbidden.

Landria Shane Ferrell, 36, of the 100 block of SE Claiborne Ave., Sibley, was arrested by WPSO for driving while intoxicated.

Matthew Allen Hammontree, 32, of the 100 block of 6th NE St., Springhill, was arrested by  Springhill Police on warrants for theft of firearms and as a fugitive from Bossier City Police. Bond is set at $10,000.

March 10

Darren D. Grigsby, 52, of the 800 block of Park Hwy., Minden, was arrested by MPD on two active bench warrants.

Tricia Michelle Garcia, 51, of the 100 block of Canal St., Heflin, was arrested by WPSO on five active warrants.

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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Jean B. Taylor

March 16, 1931 – March 9, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 4 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2024, Rose Neath Funeral Home, Minden

Graveside: 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Gardens of Memory, Minden.

Huey Richard Smith

May 31, 1962 – March 9, 2024

Springhill, La.

Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Celebration of life: 5 until 7p.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2024, The Columns, 2010 South Arkansas Street, Springhill

Danny Bob Turner

March 25, 1946 – March 8, 2024

Benton, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Rose Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2024, Cypress Baptist Church, 4701 Palmetto Drive, Benton, La.

Burial: Rose Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Rd., Bossier City.

Tony Dewayne Thrash

March 8, 1948 – March 2, 2024

Minden, La.

Private memorial at a later date, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Ruston, La.

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

Two Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics officers have been elected to lead Region 1 of the  Louisiana Narcotics Officers’ Association, an organization with more than 400 members statewide.

Capt. Bobby Igo III, head of the WPSO narcotics unit, has been named president of Region 1 which includes nine parishes in northwest Louisiana. Det. Sgt. Shawn Jenkins, a member of Igo’s unit currently under assignment to a federal task force, has been named Sergeant At Arms.

The LNOA has seven regions in the state. Parishes in Region 1 are Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Bienville, Red River, DeSoto, Natchitoches and Sabine.

Igo has been with the WPSO since 2005, working his way through the ranks from dispatch to patrol and then to the street crimes unit. In 2011, he became a detective focusing primarily on narcotics and became head of the narcotics unit in 2019. 

Igo’s duties as president include planning and executing quarterly training sessions where the more than 30 Region 1 agents gather to discuss cases and exchange ideas and investigative techniques. Another critical role of the president is to obtain sponsorships to fund LNAO training programs.

Jenkins, a 14-year law enforcement officer whose expertise in narcotics investigations has led to awards from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA),  has been with the Sheriff’s Office for eight years after serving six years at the Minden Police Department. For the past six months, Jenkins has been assigned to the DEA’s regional task force. 

Jenkins has already received a DEA Certificate of Appreciation which outlined his professionalism and spirit of cooperation as “…an extremely effective tool when attacking drug trafficking organizations.” 

Igo said having Jenkins on the DEA task force gives the WPSO narcotics unit more resources and abilities through networking. The task force focus includes a multi-parish area from Alexandria to Ruston, and that extends the reach of investigations, he added.

“We work hand-in-hand every day to further our investigations,” Igo said. “He’s with the task force, but he’s a working member of our team. I’m glad to have him on our side.” 

Igo said he, Jenkins and Sgt. Josh McCormick compose the WPSO narcotics unit.

“That’s exactly what we are, we’re a unit…a team that works extremely well together,” Igo said. “With Shawn over at DEA as part of the task force it gives us more resources, different abilities to advance investigations through our networking.”

Igo refers to service in narcotics investigations and enforcement as “…a calling. I feel like we do a lot of good. Knowing you can help somebody or a family going through something like that is why we do what we do. I feel like we’re helping more people.”

Roughly 90 percent of all wrongdoing has ties to narcotics, Igo said. 

“It’s evil. Our focus is on dealers. If you’re selling drugs, we’re coming for you. If you need help, we’re here for you,” he said. “It is really more satisfying to rehabilitate individuals. Users have fallen down a bad path but the dealer’s putting it out there.”

Igo said he gets satisfaction from conversations with individuals who have changed their lives after their brush with narcotics officers.

“When you see someone on the street that at first was mad at you for arresting them, then later on they’re saying ‘Hey, you saved my life,’ it feels good,” he said. “We don’t look at like we’re saving their life, but it’s great to have that conversation with an individual who says you really helped. Even though they hated me at first.”

Even when investigations turn into arrests, Igo said he and his team members try to remember to treat people as they would want to be treated.

“Everybody is a person and people make mistakes,” he said. “You can’t judge that person because they made a mistake. As a unit, we try to treat people with respect as it is given. Nine times out ten, it comes back to you tenfold.”

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By Paige Gurgainers

AT&T completed a $881K project in the Village of Dixie Inn just last month. This project was a part of a GUMBO (Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities) Grant Program. This program aims to facilitate broadband services across the state.  

Regional Director of AT&T Levar Greenhouse 

“The project we were awarded for Dixie Inn started late last year and was completed in February,” said Regional Director for AT&T Levar Greenhouse. “When a project is complete, we like to go to the local governmental bodies and let them know the overall cost and if you have any issues, you can call me or my peers, to get those issues resolved.” 

Webster Parish received 3 grants, one of them being the GUMBO grant, in the amount of $661K.  

The completion of this project in Dixie Inn has equipped 251 customers (residential and business) with reliable broadband services with possibly more being considered in the next round of funding. 

“The Connect La grant gives us the ability to come to areas that may not have been considered up front, so we will look at where they may have not expanded then we bring that back to our engineering team and see how we may can expand beyond those points of the project,” said Greenhouse. “The fiber also gives us the ability to look at other infrastructure such as cell towers, so we are looking at how we can expand beyond Dixie Inn.” 

According to Webster Parish Police Jury President Jim Bonsall, the state of Louisiana will be releasing maps within the next three weeks that will show every resident and business that is not currently being served and will be providing another round of the GUMBO grant.  

Bonsall said, “I am going to ask every juror to go through their district on these maps and make sure everybody is going to have the opportunity for service. I want to make sure we do our due diligence and make sure everyone has an opportunity to receive broadband.” 

Greenhouse encouraged the jury to not only examine the rural areas that do not currently have service, but to even look in the more urban areas because there may be some single streets that are missed when these projects are completed.  

A ribbon cutting ceremony and media event is in the planning stages now for the project in Dixie Inn. More information on this will be released in the coming weeks.  

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When does daylight saving time 2024 start and bring back an hour of sun? You may want to go to bed a bit earlier this weekend as it’s almost time to set your clocks forward as daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 10. Clocks will spring forward an hour at 2 a.m.

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By Paige Gurgainers

A new and one-of-a-kind pantry has been set up right outside of SEEDS Women’s Center in Minden – a Pink Pamper Pantry.  

This pantry will be stocked with things like period products such as pads and tampons, diapers, wipes and information about the center.  

“We’ve learned in the last year that this is a huge need in our community,” said Executive Director of SEEDS Amber Bradford. “A lot of the women we serve do not have the funding to purchase those things that they need. Also, mom knows if you’re going down the road and you have a baby in the back that has some tummy issues and there is nothing open, you can always come to the pamper pantry and grab a diaper and a thing of wipes.” 

According to Bradford, the center has grown approximately 87 percent since last year and is continuing to grow and thrive. They are currently searching for a bigger building, so that they can better serve the families in the community and surrounding area. 

Minden Mayor Nick Cox attended the ribbon cutting ceremony to show support for this organization.  

He said, “I’ve always been a big supporter of SEEDS. It is a great organization. We need more places like this in our country, so we are doing our part in the city by supporting what you do. It is a very impactful thing. I am very excited about your leadership. I think you have done a great job.”  

SEEDS Women’s Center is a local non-profit organization that offers free healthcare for women including pregnancy testing, nurse consultation and ultrasounds by a licensed and trained medical team. They also offer parenting, reproductive loss and recovery classes, as well as a fairly new class for new dads.  

They do not stop helping after a baby is born. The center also has a nice and fully stocked baby boutique that allows families to come and shop for clothing, diapers, toys, blankets, bedding, and much more. Mothers and fathers can take classes that are available through the center to earn points to shop on.  

SEEDS will be keeping the pantry stocked but are also asking for the community to show their support by dropping off donations that can be added, as well. 

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By Pat Culverhouse

For more than four decades, Rick Rowe has been the Ark-La-Tex storyteller, traveling major highways and country roads to showcase people and places in cities and villages who make this part of the country special.

During his career at KTBS Channel 3 in Shreveport, Rowe and his camera have offered thousands of vignettes that run the emotional span of laughter, tears and pride. He brought a sampling of his years of recording the interesting and unique to the Minden Lions Club Thursday.

His presentation Thursday ranged from the Shelby County (Texas) sheriff who, while being interviewed by a 90-plus year old radio talk show host, admitted he built his own casket. A pine box-type constructed from lumber he gathered from his grandfather’s 100-year-old house.

Strange? Perhaps. But his wife’s wishes were to be buried in a tree. Why? She’s part Native American, her husband explained to Rowe. But each time she selected a tree, he’d cut it down.

“I went back for a followup on that story, and I couldn’t recognize the place on my GPS. All the trees had been cut down,” Rowe joked. 

His human interest pieces included the 90-year-old queen of Shreveport’s Highland Mardi Gras parade, the young Homer police officer who connects to his community by playing parking lot basketball with inner-city youngsters, the Springhill couple who were inside the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

Rowe is particularly well known for his patriotic pieces and he brought along two that featured local service men who lost their lives in service to the country: U.S. Navy Seal Rob Reeves of Shreveport and Minden’s Sgt. Joshua Madden. Josh’s letter to his young son prior to his death in combat was featured in Rowe’s piece. 

“Each of us in this room are incredibly blessed to have the privilege of having been born in America and all the incredible opportunities it has afforded all of us,” Rowe said. “Unfortunately patriotism, when you look at surveys, is on the decline so that makes places like this and its culture all more important.”

Every person should remember the sacrifices made by those in military service, Rowe emphasized.

“I love it when we can honor those who serve and have served,” Rowe said. “We should just never forget those who did not come home, always be grateful for their service and the great life that we have.”

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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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Friday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Friday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3 a.m., then a slight chance of showers. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Saturday

Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 38.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 68.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 43.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 73.

• Information courtesy of National Weather Service

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Congratulations to all Glenbrook School students who placed at the North Louisiana High School Literary Rally held at Louisiana Tech.  Glenbrook School has once again received the Sweepstakes Award for being the overall Division V winner.  40 of 47 participating Glenbrook Students placed 1st – 4th. Two additional students received a Superior rating in the music division.  Glenbrook School is very proud of our students’ academic accomplishments and looks forward to their participation in the State Literary Rally held on LSU campus on March 23.  Thanks to parents and teachers for their continued encouragement and support of this event.  2024 marks the 17th year of 18 participating years that Glenbrook School has been named the Division V winner.

Student Winners

Cade Vining 1st

Gwenyth Lott  3rd

Grant Harrington 4th

Nolan Still 1st

Brayson Cummings 1st

Mason Farnell  3rd

Kyla Whitt 2nd

Scarlett O’Glee 1st

Jackson Lott 3rd

Lindsey Stanford 4th

Garrett Brown 1st

Kadyn McKinney 1st

Madeline Farnell 2nd

Ayden Rose 1st

Madison Gray 3rd

Colby Hollis 4th

Olivia Downer 4th

Chase Sentell 3rd

Macee Smith 1st

Jackson Waller 2nd

Gracie Williams1st

Addison Lee 1st

Sophie Spillers 1st

Mollie Thurman 1st

Amrey Lowrey 2nd

Joshua Chandler 2nd

Allison King 1st

Makenzie Branton 2nd

Connor Williams 2nd

Landry Powell 1st

Leslie Shoemaker 1st

Mattie Fowler 1st

Spencer Brantley  2nd

Vivian Still  4th

Rebecca Mosley 2nd

Abigail Clark 1st

Gabrielle Brown 3rd

Sophie Downer 2nd

Ella Heflin 3rd

Landry Merritt 2nd

Scarlett O’Glee Superior

Madeline Farnell Superior                              

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Persons 45 and older should schedule a colonoscopy today.

According to the American Cancer Society, excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.

Call 318-539-1078 and schedule one today.

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February is a good time to take care of those pesky weeds.  Get this done while they are young and tender.  With this weather that we are having now it’s a good bet that you can kill them.

     Weed and Feed products are great and easy to use.  The first thing that you need to know is what is the kind of grass you have in your yard.  That is important because the weed and feed products are selective.  Atrazine is a great chemical for St. Augustine and Centipede grasses.  You can spray now or use use the weed and feed that is labeled for that to kill the stickers and other weeds.  If you don’t spray now, you will not get it before the sticker before it forms.  No running barefoot for the kids.  There is a Fertilome weed and feed that contains atrazine.  Other weed and feed products have trimec and dimension to control crabgrass and other weeds in bermuda grass. Be sure to follow the directions on the label.

     In this season you can also use a bug killer product to get a head start on the fire ants, chinch bugs, millipedes, and other insects.  If you use a imidacloprid and lamba granule it will take of both insects on top of the ground and below.  These granules need to be watered in within a few days.  Bifenthrin is a great insect killer that is also labeled for termites.  Using chemicals with more than one use will save you money in the end.  Remember sevin dust?  There is a can of dust that is labeled sevin.  It is not sevin, it is bifen.   Acephate is a great ant killer that is easy to use.  Just open the lid and sprinkle  it on the ant bed and walk away.  You don’t have to bother the mound, but if you are like me you like to torture them a little bit and stir the mound.  

     While you are doing all of these spring chores, you can use some chemicals to spray around the house.  There is a product called Demon that you mix up to spray for spiders and other pests.  It is one of the strongest chemicals labeled for home use.  It comes in a water soluble packets that makes it very easy to mix.  You can spray the walls and eaves of the house.

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

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By Josh Beavers

Students from Lakeside High School’s FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter showcased their mechanical prowess at the recent West Ouachita Mechanics Invitational. Under the guidance of instructor Mr. Josh Utley, the Lakeside team excelled in the Small Engines Career Development Event (CDE), a competitive challenge that tests participants’ skills in small gasoline engine repair.

The Small Engines CDE requires teams of two students to work together, demonstrating their abilities in various tasks crucial for farm, agriculture, and industrial small engine maintenance. Through this event, participants gain valuable hands-on experience and raise awareness about the importance of the small engines industry.

Lakeside FFA members Kurt Joyner and George Clark secured an impressive fourth-place finish, while the duo of Jay Jones and Lealand Moore claimed the second-place spot. However, it was the team of Cole Shirley and Modrick Franklin that emerged victorious, capturing the first-place title in the highly competitive event.

During the competition, students were tasked with parts identification, troubleshooting, and small engine assembly, showcasing their proficiency in these essential skills. Their performance not only reflects the dedicated training and hard work they have put in but also highlights the quality of Lakeside High School’s agricultural education program.

“We are incredibly proud of our Lakeside FFA students and their achievements at the West Ouachita Mechanics Invitational,” said Mr. Utley. “Their success is a testament to their commitment and the valuable skills they have acquired through our program.”

The Small Engines CDE not only provides students with practical experience but also prepares them for potential careers in the agricultural and mechanical sectors. By honing their abilities in small engine repair, these students are positioning themselves for future success in various industries that rely on this essential technology.

Lakeside High School’s FFA chapter continues to nurture the next generation of skilled professionals, instilling in them the importance of hands-on learning and practical applications in the field of agriculture and mechanics.

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It is with great pleasure that the Springhill Methodist Church,104 4th Street North West, in Springhill, Louisiana, welcomes Rev. Dr. William David Ellis, with Global Methodist Church.  Rev. Ellis will preach his second official service as Senior Minister on March 10, at the10:55 Sunday Morning service. 

Reverend Ellis has earned two (2) Master’s Degrees and a Doctorate.  Reverend Ellis has held a variety of positions in his life ministry.  A few of his credentials include being a Senior Pastor, an experienced Church Planter, an Evangelist, a counselor for New Name Ministries, a Radio Program Host, a newspaper columnist, and a published novelist whose books are available on Amazon.

Pastor Ellis stated his objective for Springhill Methodist Church is “to bring the Church as close to God as possible!”

On a personal level, Rev. Ellis is the father of three children and a proud Grandfather.  He wrote his first novel in the third grade and his love of words and his enjoyment of writing and storytelling continues to grow.  He seems to appreciate nature and the outdoors for at one time he raised honeybees!

Following this service there will be a “pot luck luncheon.” The public is invited to attend this service, bring a dish and fellowship with others. The public is invited to participate in any and all services.  For additional information, you may contact the Church Office at 318-539-9153.

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Two things:

1. Social media is making you unhappy.

2. I do recognize the irony in claiming social media is killing part of our souls while readers are probably only here because they were redirected from a social media site.

With that out of the way, let’s get on to the point.

A new study published in Communications Psychology indicates that social media use has a direct relationship with users’ well-being, inciting negative outcomes.

“Taken together, these findings suggest that many of the effects of social media use are explained by psychological processes that happen within the same person and that they have practical significance in people’s lives,” explained lead author Victoria Oldemburgo de Mello, a researcher at the University of Toronto.

The study, jointly supervised by Dr. Felix Cheung and Dr. Michael Inzlicht of the University of Toronto. They found that overall, using social media was related to decreases in well-being and increases in political polarization, outrage, and boredom.

With social media playing an ever-increasing role for both individuals and society, research helping decipher its precise impacts is essential. This study emphasizes analyzing social media use in all its complexity, considering both situational and individual differences. Such nuanced investigation can inform wise regulation and usage benefiting personal and collective wellness.

While this study reveals how social media use can negatively impact well-being, there are alternatives to mitigate these effects. The authors suggest minimizing passive scrolling and information-seeking, forms of usage linked to lowered happiness and outrage. Prioritizing intentional social connection and limiting social media as a boredom cure could prove beneficial. 

Beyond tweaking one’s social media habits, expanding fulfillment offline merits consideration – several analyses indicate better well-being outcomes for activities like socializing in person, exercising, practicing mindfulness, reading print media, and engaging with nature. Society also plays a role in shaping technology for good – pushing platforms to reduce algorithmic outrage-mongering and incentivizing meaningful exchange over addictive usage and ad revenue.

As we determine social media’s place in society, users and regulators alike must thoughtfully examine its hazards and opportunities. Studies like this University of Toronto analysis can inform wise navigation of emerging technologies, highlighting the variability of impacts based on motivation and context. With conscientious implementation, perhaps social media platforms can enhance life’s journey.

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

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Mon., March 4

Doyline Lady Panthers 26, Mansfield Tigers 3

Karmadie Bartlett, collected three hits and three at bats as Doyline Lady Panthers defeated Mansfield Tigers Monday. Bartlett singled in the second inning, singled in the third inning and singled in the second inning. 

The Lady Panthers got on board in the top of the first inning after Arianna Crump grounded out scoring one run, Raelynn Pease was struck by a pitch driving in a run, ShaDavion Martin drew a walk scoring one run, Bartlett drew, a walk scoring one run, Savannah Stanley drew a walk, scoring one run, Crump singled scoring one run, Sariyah Gill, singled scoring two runs Kanyion Bartlett draw walk, scoring one run, and Jasmine Torres was struck by a pitch driving in a run. 

The Lady Panthers scored seven runs on five hits in the top of the second inning. Stanley was struck by pitch driving in a run, crump drew a walk, scoring one run, Keily Sumlin doubled scoring two runs, Bartlett singles scoring two runs and Bartlett singled scoring one run. 

The Panthers scored nine runs on four hits in the top of the third inning. Sumlin doubled scoring two runs, Bartlett drew a walk, scoring one run, Pease was struck by pitch, driving in a run, Martin drew a walk scoring one run, Bartlett singled scoring one run, Crump, grounded out, scoring one run And Gill doubled scoring two runs.

Gill stepped in the circle first for Doyline. The right handed picture allowed four hits and three runs (one earned) over three innings, striking out four and walking two.

The Panthers amassed 11 hits in the game. Crump and Sumlin each drove in four runs for Doyline. Gill collected two hits for Doyline in three at-bats. The team had a strong eye at the plate, amassing 13 walks for the game. Sumlin, Bartlett and Martin led the team with three bases on balls, each. Stanley stole three bases. The team piled up six stolen bases for the game.

Doyline 22, Mansfield 7

Keily Sumlin hit two home runs and drove in eight as Doyline Lady Panthers defeated Mansfield Tigers in the second game Monday. Sumlin homered in the first and third innings.

The Lady Panthers won thanks win part to 16 runs in the third. Karmadie Bartlett doubled scoring one run. Sariyah Gill singled scoring one run, Sumlin singled scoring two runs, Hannah Dryden drew a walk scoring one run, Raelynn Pease was struck by a pitch driving in a run, ShaDavion Martin was struck by a pitch driving in a run, Barlett drew a walk scoring one run, Sumlin hit a grand slam to center field and Bartlett grounded out, scoring one run.

Doyline jumped out to the lead in the top of the first inning after Gill grounded out, scoring one run, Sumlin homered to left field scoring two runs and Martin drew a walk, scoring one run.

The team added two runs in the second. Kanyion Bartlett singled on a 3-0 count, making the score 6-3.

Sumlin stepped in the circle first for Doyline. The lefty gave up two hits and three runs over one inning, striking out three and walking four. Gill appeared in relief.

The Lady Panthers collected 10 hits in the game. Arianna Crump and Gill each collected multiple hits. The team had a strong eye at the plate, tallying 17 walks for the game. Lady Panthers stole six bases.

Lakeside Lady Warriors 1, Winnfield Tigers 14

Lakeside Lady Warriors had trouble keeping up with Winnfield Tigers Monday.

Lakeside scored one run in the bottom of the second on a solo home run to center field by Emily Jones.

Hallie Sutton pitched four innings in relief for the Lady Warriors. The reliever allowed five hits and nine runs (four earned) while striking out five and walking six. Raleah Harris stepped in the circle first. The starter allowed three hits and five runs over one inning, striking out none and walking two.

Harris, Maggie Mandino and Jones each collected one hit for Lakeside. Jones went 1-for-1 at the plate, as she led the team with one run batted in.

North Webster Knights 2, Northwood Lady Falcons 8

Northwood Lady Falcons scored five runs in the fourth inning, which helped them defeat North Webster Knights Monday.

Anekah Coleman stole home, which helped NWHS tie the game at two in the top of the third.

Emma Newsom took the loss for the Knights. The starting pitcher went six innings, giving up eight runs on nine hits and walking two.

Anna Ray went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead in hits. Ray and Coleman each stole multiple bases. The team pileup four stolen basis for the game.

Tues., March 5

Glenbrook Junior Lady Apaches 6, Evangel Christian Academy 14

Glenbrook Junior Lady Apaches had trouble keeping up with Evangel Tuesday.

Savannah Magnum took the loss for Glenbrook. The starter went one and one-third innings, giving up six runs (five earned) on four hits, striking out none and walking two.

Izzy McMillon made the most of their chances at the plate. The number seven hitter led the team with two hits inn three at-bats. Amelia Lott paced the Lady Apaches with two walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, collecting seven walks for the game. Audrey Frye and Magnum each stole multiple bases of the six total stolen by the Apaches.

Doyline Lady Panthers 2, Summerfield 12

The Lady Panthers got on the board in the first inning of Tuesday’s game after Keily Sumlin singled, scoring one run. A Doyline error extended Summerfield’s lead to 7-1 in the bottom of the second. Another error added two runs in the third, making the score 9-2.

Savannah Stanley stepped in the circle first for the Lady Panthers. The righty allowed two hits and five runs (four earned) over one inning, striking out one and walking four.

Lanie Gates, Sumlin and Kanyion Bartlett each collected one hit. Sumlin and Raelynn Pease each drove in one run.

Glenbrook Lady Apaches 7, Evangel 2

Glenbrook’s varsity Lady Apaches jumped out to the lead early Tuesday in the bottom of the first inning after an error scored one run, and Gabi Brown homered to left field, scoring two.

Rebecca Mosley earned the win. The starter gave up seven hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out three and walking none.

Brown drove the middle of the lineup with two runs batted in. The right-handed hitter went 1-for-2 on the day. Hadley Haynes, Chile Gregg, Colby Hollis, Mosley, Brown and Ellie Earnhardt each collected one hit for Glenbrook. Vivian Still stole three of the four stolen bases.

Wed., March 6

North Webster Knights 6, Caddo Magnet 7

North Webster Knights got on the board Wednesday in the first inning when Anekah Coleman scored after tagging up.

Caddo Magnet Mustang tied the game in the top of the fifth. A double by Adryana White gave NWHS the lead 4-2 in the bottom of the fifth. The Mustang flipped the game on its head in the top of the seventh, taking a 7-4 lead.

Emma Newsom took the loss for the Knights. The righty went seven innings, allowing seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits, striking out six and walking five.

Leadoff hitter Coleman led with three hits in four at-bites. Anna Ray and White were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, as each drove in two runs. Kendall Temple collected two hits in three at-bats. The Knights accumulated five stolen bases and 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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Mon., March 4

Doyline Panthers 18, Homer 3

Jonas Florence drove in five runs on one hit to lead Doyline past Homer Monday. In the first inning, Florence singled, scoring two runs.

Dario Galvez, Florence and Kenneth Lee combined for four of the team’s eight hits in their victory. They scored six runs and drove in eight.

Doyline flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the first, scoring 17 runs on eight hits to take a 17-3 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Dakota Stewart that drove in two.

A ground out by Florence extended the Panthers’ lead to 18-3 in the bottom of the second inning.

Bates earned the win for Doyline. He surrendered three hits and three runs over three innings, striking out four and walking three.

Lee and Cayden Bingo each collected two hits. The team had a strong eye at the plate, tallying seven walks for the game. They turned one double play.

Tues., March 5

Minden Crimson Tide 2, Taylor Tigers 4

Even though Jaxon Smith struck out 10 batters, Minden Crimson Tide still fell to Taylor Tigers Tuesday. Smith surrendered six hits and four runs over six innings while walking one.

The Tide opened the scoring in the second after Hudson Brown singled, scoring one run.

Taylor Tigers took the lead in the top of the sixth 4-1.

Brody Bower, Brown and Smith each collected one hit for Minden. Landyn Huddleston and Brown each drove in a run. Bryson Ranger led with three walks of the six for the game. Ranger stole two bases, and the Tide turned one double play.

Wed., March 6

Minden Crimson Tide 3, Red River 5

Minden Crimson Tide opened the scoring Wednesday in the first inning, after Brody Bower singled, scoring one run. Red River captured the lead 3-1 in the top of the third.

Landon Brewer took the loss for the Tide. The starter went five innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on two hits, striking out five and walking three.

Landyn Huddleston, Bryson Ranger, Bower and Jaxon Smith each collected one hit for Minden. Zander Rowell and Bower each drove in one run. The Tide had patience at the plate, collecting eight walks for the game. Parker Salas, Hudson Brown and Bower led the team with two bases on balls each.

(“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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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 6

Willie R. Waller, 67, of the 300 block of Boga Lewis Rd., Dubberly, was arrested by WPSO as a felon in possession of a firearm and a fugitive from Minden Police.

Katherine E. Baker, 21, of Leesville, La., was arrested by WPSO as a fugitive from Vernon Parish.

Jessica L. Ray, 36, of Shreveport, La., was arrested by WPSO as a fugitive from Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office for possession of CDS Sch. II.

March 7

Cody A. Young, 34, of McArthur St., Dixie Inn, was arrested by WPSO on two warrants – failure to appear (in court) and failure to pay (careless operation of a motor vehicle).

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

March 10

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Williams Chapter OES #173 Sisters in Services Eggstravanza, Minden Recreation Center, egg hunt, food, drinks, games prizes and more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of March 1. All civil suits are public record.

March 1

Noah A. Jacob vs. Kamber Franklin, minor child, disavowal of paternity.

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Jacquelie Lockett, monies due.

Bryce Caye individually and on behalf of Carole Ann Caraway vs. Patients Compensation Fund Oversight Board, Town and Country Nursing Center LLC, Willis Knighton Medical Center, damages.

PatrickRoberts  vs. Rodney Wayne Eason, Elite Auto LLC and US Agencies Insurance Co., damages.

Todd Daniel Triplet vs. Annette Denice Nelson Triplet, divorce w/children.

March 4

Ally Bank vs. Christopher Glenn Parker, executory process.

Sharquitta White vs. Labarron Thomas, divorce.

Ajax Mortgage Loan Trust vs. Darika L. West, executory process.

US Bank Trust National Association as trustee of Cabana Series V vs. James H. Carrell, executory process.

March 6

Stephanie Horne vs. Kody Todd Martin, divorce.

Bailey Goad Wortham vs. Jaylon Wortham, divorce.

David Wayne Fontenot vs. Cherish Mosley Fontenot, divorce.

March 7

Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC vs. Christopher D. Elkins, executory process

Johnathan Nash vs. Paige Nash, divorce.

Twin City Striping and Maintenance LLC vs. Time and Water LLC, monies due.

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Richard “Ricky” Lee Gordon

Jan. 12, 1957 – March 5, 2024

Arcadia, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia.

Memorial service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.

Nancy Kay Myers

Oct. 10, 1952 – Feb. 26, 2024

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. Sunday, March 10, 2024, Western Baptist Church, Emerson, Ark.

Burial: Western Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Edgar Wayne “Bubba” Richardson Jr.

July 28, 1972 – Feb. 19, 2024

Plain Dealing, La.

Memorial service: Noon Saturday, March 9, 2024, Plain Dealing Cemetery, Plain Dealing, La. Under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

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 Bonnie Culverhouse

Approval of a land swap with Webster Parish School Board will result in  demolition of the Clerk Street Water Plant in the coming months.

During Monday’s meeting of the Minden City Council, it was voted unanimously to pursue the swap, as well as demolish the Clerk Street Water Plant, which is on property owned by Webster Parish School Board.

The swap will give Griffith Memorial Stadium, currently owned by the City of Minden, to the school board.

“Griffith is used almost exclusively by Minden High School’s baseball team, so it just makes sense,” Mayor Nick Cox said. “And it is close to Minden’s new softball stadium.”

Located near the softball stadium are the City’s Clerk Street Water Plant and water well.

“I believe we have the swap all worked out through surveys,” said the mayor. “There’s a little bit of attorney work to do, so we will pass this item pending attorney approval.”

Afterward, the council unanimously approved (pending the land swap agreement) decommissioning and leveling the Clerk Street Water Plant to make space for an improved water infrastructure project.

“Now that sounds scarier than it is,” Cox explained. “That plant was built in 1991. It has low water quality compared to what comes out of the other plant. So we don’t integrate that water into the system very often – just enough to keep it going.”

The “good water,” he said, comes from a location near the Steam Plant off Shreveport Road. It is on the “lower plane” and water to the new location will be pumped from there, bypassing the Victory Park pumps.

“We are in the process of working with the state for a Capital Outlay project where we can build a 2 million capacity groundwater storage tank that will cost around $3.4 million,” he said. “Our engineers have identified the best place to put that tank would be where the Clerk Street Water Plant is.”

The project is contingent on the Capital Outlay funds.

“We met with the Capital Outlay folks two weeks ago, and it’s looking very, very optimistic that we are going to be able to put this water capacity in,” Cox said. “That extra water capacity allows for a greater amount of expansion in our city, which we need in the northern plane.”

Cox said this project has been in the works since 2009. Originally, it was going to be constructed in the large lot behind the steam plant and on the corner of Sibley Road. It is now in Capital Outlay Priority One and the city has $678,000 readily available. Capital Outlay Priority Five shows $2.8 million that will be available as the project progresses.

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