By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Easter weekend is always joyous for Lyndzee McConathy, a devout Christian and devoted mom to four energetic kids. Add Thursday afternoon’s trip to Dallas (shhhh, don’t tell those kiddos) with husband Logan (State Farm agent in Minden) to cheer for her beloved Duke Blue Devils in the NCAA Tournament, and it was hard to make this holiday weekend any better for her – well, if Blue Devils had won!

Not long before the McConathys dropped off their brood with grandparents Mike and Connie McConathy came the news she’d long dreamed about.  Bossier Parish School Board and Benton High principal Whitney Clark announced McConathy is following the retiring, highly-accomplished Mary Ward as the Lady Tigers head basketball coach.

“Ten years ago, this was a big dream, because I was Mary’s assistant and there were a lot of what if’s, when’s and but’s, and I never thought when I left to be the head coach at Lakeside that I might get to come back,” said McConathy, who took over at Lakeside in 2016 after nearly a decade alongside Ward at Benton. “God has a great way of making everything align if it’s His will, and I’m definitely going to take advantage of this blessing.”

She moved to Airline as head coach and spent six seasons (2017-23) there, highlighted by the program’s best postseason trip, getting to the second round of the 2022 playoffs. After serving as head coach of the West team in last year’s coaches all-star game, she decided to step back in time and rejoin Ward, to be closer to sons Miller and Miles, and daughter Mikah, who attend school in Benton.

She never expected Ward to retire so soon, calling it a career recently after 400 wins in 18 seasons, including the 2020 state championship. The year as an understudy was refreshing, she said.

“It was a humbling experience. Any time you go from being a head coach to an assistant coach, you have to be humble and have your eyes and ears open so you grow,” said McConathy. “I tried to be the best version of myself, and I learned a lot because I listened a lot and watched.

“Mary helped to refresh a few things that I didn’t lose while being a head coach, but I didn’t get to see from the assistant’s perspective because I didn’t have that for so long. Seeing a different viewpoint from the bench, being able to really, really harp on being relational with those girls as an assistant, it really helped me.”

McConathy said she’s evolved greatly during seven seasons being in charge to be best prepared for her “dream job” following Ward at Benton.

“I’ve grown so much as a head coach from my first year to my last year about how to coach kids. I’ve always been relational, a life coach wanting to coach more than just the game to the girls, but I’ve learned each individual kid is different and you have to respect that and still coach the game,” said McConathy. “You have to reach out to each kid hoping you can help them become the best version of themselves and the best player possible.

“We’re still Benton High School girls basketball. One thing our culture will be is respecting the past, focusing on the present and embracing the future. I harped on that with the girls this morning. We need to respect the legacy, but we need to focus on who we want to be and trust the process. It will work,” she said. “You could see the excitement, the squealing, giddy girls that they are. They are all in.”

It’s a plum job, but it’s a challenge. Benton plays in a tough basketball neighborhood, District 1-5A.

“The toughest district in the state! Even when they redistrict, they make it even harder,” McConathy said. “We just gained Huntington, and we still have Parkway, Natchitoches Central, Haughton – who deserves all the respect – and all the rest. I think we have some of the state’s greatest coaches in this district and I’m excited to be a part of representing Benton High School, the Benton community and District 1-5A to the rest of our state.”

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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With all the pomp and circumstance of a royal procession, Minden Rec Complex kicked off the new baseball, softball, tee ball and wee ball season in grand style Monday. Teams and coaches paraded toward the fields first, then there was prayer and the National Anthem.

Ceremonial first pitches were thrown by Mayor Nick Cox, Chief Jared McIver, Deputy Chief Tokia Harrison, Deputy Chief Chris Cheatham, Councilman Andy Pendergrass, Councilman Buddy Myles, Councilman Lavon “Charlie” Thomas, Councilman Michael Roy and Fire Chief Brian Williams.

Special invitations were issued to Councilwoman Latasha Mitchell, Senator Adam Bass, Rep. Wayne McMahen, Minden Rec maintenance staff and Minden Rec line crew.

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By Pat Culverhouse

There’s more emergency equipment available for the Minden Police Department’s  Special Response Team (SRT) thanks to money provided through a grant from the Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

“We were able to get a $9,000 grant to help purchase equipment including emergency medical kits for the SRT,” said BrianWilliams, WPOHSEP Director. “We hope it’s something they never have to use, but it’s better that the officers have it on hand.”

Minden’s SRT has a medical officer who trains with and accompanies the unit when it’s called to action. Reserve Officer Brian Sparks, a hospital emergency room physician’s assistant, said team members will be introduced to the kits as part of their regular training regimen.

“If the need ever arises, we’ll have things we need in case one of our team members is injured,” Sparks said. “And everyone on the unit is being trained in the use of all the equipment.”

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Minden City Council will meet in a rare Tuesday meeting tonight in order to support the first day of ball at Minden Rec Complex Monday.

During the meeting, the council is expected approve and award a bid for Street Improvement Projects to Benton & Brown for $1,247,200 over T.L. Construction with a bid of $1,555,550.

The council recently approved $1.2 million to set aside for roads.

Budgeted items include Fort Street from East Union to Homer Road, Germantown Road from Kennon Street to city limits, Mignon Street from Talton to East Union streets, Talton Street from East to East Union streets and West Street from Shreveport Road to dead end and Chandler Street from Lewisville Road to Elm Street.

In other business, council members will vote on the following items:

• Condemned property – 604 Lee Street – Rosa Jackson;

• Condemned Property – 1105 Linden Street – Essie Lee Carter Newman;

• Appointment of Brian Meeker to fill the unexpired term of Tiffany Washington-Johnson on Minden Main Street/Downtown Development Commission;

• Adopt resolution to reschedule the Minden City Council May 2024 meeting from 6 p.m. Monday, May 6 to 5 p.m. the same day;

• Adopt Resolution authorizing city clerk to reserve certain funds in order to be prepared for any emergencies in electrical rates and expansions;

• Adopt resolution authorizing mayor to execute a cooperative purchasing agreement between the City of Minden and Town of Benton regarding water meters;

• Adopt resolution adopting the City of Minden working ARPA budget;

• Authority to advertise for bids for working ARPA budgeted items;

• Authority of mayor to enter into Cooperative Endeavor Agreements between the City of Minden and the Department of the Treasury of the State of Louisiana in reference to legislative funds in the about of $100,000 and $1M that City of Minden was awarded by Act 397 of the 2023 Legislative session;

• Personnel – Minden Police Department promotion of Sgt. Shane Griffith to lieutenant;

• Personnel – Minden Police Department new hire Jason Bates as a reserve police officer; and,

• Hear financial, fire and police reports.

Following the meeting there will be presentations of Lifesaving Awards to Off. Jordan Greer, Sgt. Mitch Hackett and Sgt. Reece Tewell. Jerry Madden, president of the Galvez Chapter of Louisiana Society of Sons of the American Revolution will also present a Life Saving Award to Sgt. Reece Tewell.

Prior to the meeting, there will be a City Council workshop at 4:30 p.m. in the Pelican Conference Room at Minden City Hall.

Items to be discussed are adjudicated properties, “No Thru Traffic” signage and reports by police chief, fire chief and city clerk.

The regular meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Minden City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.

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Springhill Medical Center welcomes Joseph Nicholas, Physician’s Assistant specializing in Orthopedics. Orthopedics focuses on treating the musculoskeletal system. This system comprises muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. To make an appointment, call 318-539-1701.

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 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana (RMHCAR-NLA) is excited to break ground on Ronald McDonald House Shreveport-Bossier this week. A groundbreaking event will take place Wednesday, April 3 at the site of the new House. This 3-story, 20-suite House is the first in Northwest Louisiana and will provide a much-needed home away from home for families with seriously ill children undergoing treatment in local hospitals. RMHCAR-NLA is looking forward to celebrating the start of a new chapter with you! This new House will offer comfort and support to countless families in and around the Shreveport-Bossier area. Please join us for this exciting groundbreaking event.

WHO: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana

WHAT: Groundbreaking: Ronald McDonald House Shreveport-Bossier

WHERE: 9100 Susan Drive, Shreveport, LA 71118

WHEN: 11 a.m., April 3, 2024

AGENDA:         –     Eric Mangham, RMHCAR-NLA Board Chair

• Tom Arceneaux, Mayor of Shreveport
• Janell Mason, RMHCAR-NLA CEO
• Jaf Fielder, President and CEO of Willis Knighton Health
• Roy Griggs, Capital Campaign Chair

For additional information and to find out how you can support Ronald McDonald House Shreveport-Bossier go to rmhcar-nla.org.

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Former Minden Mayor Noel E. “Gene” Byars was laid to rest Monday, April 1, 2024 in Minden. Byars was mayor from 1983 until 1989.

Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. at Eastside Missionary Baptist Church in Minden, with Bro. Scott O’Rear officiating. Interment followed at Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home. 

Byars was born July 4, 1939, in Minden and entered into rest March 28, 2024, in Minden.

According to his obituary, he graduated from Minden High School in 1957. Attended Louisiana Tech University where he was the 1st All-American Archer. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. He became an educator, in and out of the classroom, in Louisiana and Texas, for 30+ years. He also attended The University of Sarasota, Florida where he received his Doctorate of Education degree. He was a devoted son, husband, and father and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Cecilia O’Rear and his parents, N.R. and Thelma Byars.

He is survived by his sons, Noel Eugene Byars, Jr. (Katerena) of Tx, Tim Byars of TN, and Richard (Randy) Byars (Kristin) of TX; daughter, JoAnna Haynes (Danny) of Minden; sisters, Rolene Camp and Barbara Reagan both of Minden; brother-in-laws, Mike O’Rear and J.L. Barnard; grandchildren; Kris Marks (Jessica), Keli Weems, Erin Byars, Matt Byars (Tara), Stephanie Cook (Nathan), Sara Beth Lewis (Michael), Jenna Durkin (Cole), Andie Wright (Jonathan), Mary Catherine Leisey (Eric), Joshua Byars, Logan Byars, Rebecca Silcox (Jon), Baylee Tingle (David), Caleb Byars, Ally Kate Byars, Brady Byars, Tyler Byars, Gracie Byars, and 23 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were grandsons, Matthew Byars, Logan Byars, Caleb Byars, Brady Byars, Tyler Byars, Kris Marks, and Joshua Byars.

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People of many Christian denominations, churches and races throughout the Minden area celebrated Good Friday on March 29, 2024 together as “One Cross, One People.” 

Pastors from participating churches gathered earlier this month to organize the day, which started before 7 a.m. on Friday at the Ash tree in downtown Minden, and ended at 5:30 p.m. with services at the North Acres Baptist Church. The Cross, signifying Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, was carried to businesses and different locations throughout the area, where participants prayed and visited with citizens. Each pastor was assigned to preach a short sermon at stops along the way.

The Cross was carried into North Acres Baptist Church at 5:30 Friday evening, where Royal Scott, Jr., pastor of the Greater St. Paul Baptist Church led the Call to Worship and Opening. Worship leaders from various churches combined to lead the music throughout the service.

The Order of Service was subdivided into three parts. In Part I, Scripture & Prayer were led by Trey Waller, pastor of Living Word Worship Center; the Responsive Reading, “The Crucifixion of Jesus” was led by Brett Cook, pastor of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, followed by the combined worship leaders.

Part II had Chris Plants, leader of the Webster Parish Men of Courage, talking about “The Last Passover,” followed by Samuel Bradley, pastor of St. Rest United Methodist Church and Helping Hands Church, delivering “The Betrayal.” Randy Brown, pastor of Beech Springs Baptist Church, talked about “The Garden,” which was followed by more music.

Terry Combs, pastor of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, started off Part III with “The Trial,” which was followed by Keith Mariott, pastor of the Minden Presbyterian Church, discussing “The Crucifixion.”

An invitation to discipleship, closing remarks and the benediction were led by Chad Logan, pastor of the North Acres Baptist Church.

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Tuesday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 81. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Northwest wind around 15 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 68. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with a low around 44.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 71.

Thursday Night

Clear, with a low around 43.

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NORTH WEBSTER FOOTBALL

SEARCHING FOR AN OFFENSIVE ASSISTANT TO JOIN THE STAFF IN THE SUMMER OF 2024.

LOOKING FOR THE BEST FIT AND TEACHING POSITION IS NEGOTIABLE.

IF INTERESTED, PLEASE SEND RESUME TO HC CHRISTOPHER WILSON AT mrcoachwilson@gmail.com 

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

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.

6:30 p.m. Music Bingo, Under Dawgs on Main St.

April 11

6 p.m. “Third Culture Kids: An Informative Seminar” will be hosted by the Minden Presbyterian Church. Who needs to attend?? Educators, School Administrators, Counselors and Therapists, Pastors, College Professors…anyone who comes into contact with a child/adult who spent a large part of their life in a culture other than their parents. Refreshments will be served. We’re at the corner of Broadway and Lewisville Road!!

April 13

9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Annual Plant Sale. Lakeview Methodist Church, 303 Lakeshore Drive in Minden, Garden plants, flowering plants, houseplants, garden items, bird houses, and other yard art and items will be offered for sale, as well as hot dogs, desserts soft drinks and lemonade.  Screaming Owl (Methodist Children’s Home) salsas and jellies will also be available for purchase.

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

4 until 7:30 p.m. Spring Market at Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College on Industrial Drive.

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 19 & 20

Hwy. 80 Spring Sales

April 20

10 a.m. Scottish Tartan Festival at Miller Quarters

9 until 11 a.m. Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry monthly food distribution.

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 20 through 28

Community Clean Up.

April 27

9 until 3 p.m. Trails and Trellises Garden Tours Rain or Shine.

10 a.m. Simply Southern Saturday.

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

9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Piney Needles Quilt Guild is presenting “Splendor in the Scraps,” South Main Mall, Springhill. Joyce O’Neil is featured quilter. There will be vendors, many quilts on display, and FREE admission!

6 p.m. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to LaMa Bingo, Springhill Civic Center. $50 jackpot, $100 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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By Marilyn Miller

There’s a video floating around the internet. It’s gotten, oh, like 400,000 hits. It’s of a young woman hiking up her pageant gown and running, yes, running across stage to congratulate the winner of the Miss Teen Volunteer America Pageant 2024, Anna Grace of Maryland.

That moment reveals a whole lot about the character of 16-year-old Ava Martin of Minden, who placed in the Top Ten, vying against 50 other teens in talent, evening gown, interview and fitness competition March 6-9 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tennessee.

Competing as Miss Louisiana Teen Volunteer, Ava concluded that the national pageant was everything she thought it would be, and more! Comparing the staging of the pageant to Miss America, she chose to describe the four-day event as a “well-oiled machine” rather than “organized chaos.”  There are volunteers everywhere, from backstage to on-stage, “keeping 51 girls organized.”

From her experiences, does she plan to compete in other pageants? “Oh, for sure. The networking…meeting people…making a lot of friends,” she said, describing backstage (where no parents are allowed) as “51 girls forming relationships and helping each other.”

“If you are only in this (or any pageant) to win it, and you don’t, you are only going to be disappointed and you’re going to leave without anything else,” Ava pointed out.

Was there ever a time during competition that Ava was apprehensive or scared? “I don’t think so,” she responded, pondering the question. “I just honed-in on, if it’s God’s will, it’ll happen. I had a lot of people (parents, aunts, friends, other relatives) to lean on, so it was pretty peaceful. There was too much happiness going on around me to be scared.”

In fact, the Top Ten finisher has a tip for other girls that should reduce their apprehension when on-stage. “Compartmentalize every phase of the competition,” Ava advised. “If you are in the Interview phase, focus ONLY on the interview, don’t let your mind wander. This helps you stay in the moment.”

Also, “It’s all mental. You have to show up as the titleholder. You are ready and you ARE Miss Teen Volunteer America! And I put in the work, too. But you never know (if you can do something) until you try something – and that goes for everything. To look back and see all I have gained that I would not have if I had not tried. If you’re scared to take a chance – just do it!!”

Ava’s mom, Jodi Martin, thought that the whole experience was amazing. “I am so proud of her,” she said, trying to hold back tears. Speaking for all pageant hopefuls like her daughter, “You’ve got to embrace it every time you go out there…do your best…that’s all you can do.”

She does have some advice for pageant mothers. “Moms need to understand…there are 51 thoroughbreds here,” Jodi said. “The odds are not in your favor, they are like, two percent.” Other advice for the pageant mom? “Relax and be prepared to do a lot of errands. But know that it is good bonding time for you and your daughter.”

“And watch your Social Media,” she warned. “They (pageant organizers) vet you on Social Media.” In the Miss Louisiana Teen Volunteer Pageant, Ava won the Social Media Award in both Teen and Miss classifications.

Of course, Ava’s favorite part of the four-day, jammed-pack week was the After Party, when the girls could “let loose.” They got to meet people they had not met before. “And then I got a fried chicken sandwich,” Ava grinned.

Ava’s father, Devin Martin, didn’t get to do any sightseeing, as he expected. “We stayed busy,” Jodi said. “You hand over your child to them, and then you keep busy. And I meal-prepped everything for Ava.”

Pageants can be expensive, especially with a couture wardrobe (designed). But the cost can be mitigated, thanks to sponsors. For instance, Faulkenberry’s of Meridian, Mississippi sponsored the cost of Ava’s evening gowns for Evening Gown and Interview. Talent night for Ava featured a gown from Sloan’s, who also sponsored her opening number cocktail dress. Her spray tan was compliments of Gleaux by Kelsea in Minden, and a set of earrings for her opening number was gifted by Bijoux by Gary Tom. Because she made the Top Ten, she had to perform a second talent number, which required the additional gown from Sloan’s.

Since the Miss Volunteer America Pageant is a nationwide, service-oriented scholarship program that seeks to empower young women across the country through educational scholarships and other opportunities, Ava created a community service initiative entitled “Revive. Healing. Motion.” It is dance movement therapy for children. “She helps children express deep emotions through dance,” Jodi explained. Also coming up are a new podcast and a children’s coloring book. In the meantime, Ava will be volunteering with Teen Challenge and Seeds.

Ava is a sophomore at Minden High School, where she performs with the Louisi-Annes, plays on the tennis team, and is a member of the Student Council. She is a student leader in 1^st Priority (Bible study). She attends Cydni’s School of Dance, where she is on the competition team and is a student teacher.

Back to that race across the stage. “When they crowned Anna Grace, I just ran to her. I was the first one to hug her because we had really gotten close. And she deserved it!”

“I walked away with a great week, and a lot of new friends,” Ava said. Count among those friends, Jules, Carlos, Steph and Brock, from PR Pageant Coaches, who hold a special place in her heart.

Stay in touch with Ava at the following Instagram accounts: missavamartin, misslateenvol, and revive_healing_in_motion.

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Thurs., March 28

Lakeside Lady Warriors 19, Caddo Magnet Mustang 3

Teal Austin drove in six runs on three hits to lead Lakeside past Caddo Magnet Thursday. Austin doubled in the third inning and twice in the fifth inning, scoring two every time.

Lady Warriors scored 10 runs in the fifth on the way to victory. In addition to Austin’s two doubles, Raleah Harris and Mackenzie Hamiter singled twice, scoring one run each, Karrigan Davis drew a walk scoring a run and Mackenzie McCoy doubled, scoring two runs.

Lakeside got on the board in the top of the first inning after Rainie Hughes singled and Lexi Wood doubled, each scoring one run.

They scored one run in the top of the second on a solo home run to left field by Hallie Sutton.

Lady Warriors scored six runs on three hits in the top of the third. Sutton drew a walk, scoring one run, Laiklyn Squyres was struck by a pitch, driving in a run, an error scored one run, Austin doubled, scoring two runs and Harris lined out, scoring one.

Sutton opened the game for Lady Warriors. She allowed eight hits and three runs over five innings, striking out six and walking five.

The team amassed 19 hits in the game. Emily Jones and Austin each collected three hits. Hamiter, Wood, McCoy and Hughes each collected multiple hits. Lakeside had a strong eye at the plate, accumulating five walks for the game.

• No other local high school ladies’ teams played last weekend.

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

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United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: Powdered milk, crackers, Vienna sausage, biscuit & cornbread mix
Household goods: king & queen sheets, towels & wash cloths
Toiletries: soap, deodorant, toothpaste, adult diapers and bed pads

Monetary donations.

Thank you for supporting UCAP!

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

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Thurs., March 28

Doyline Panthers 12, Castor 6

Doyline Panthers easily dispatched Castor Thursday, 12-6.

Castor got on the board in the first inning after an error scored one run.

Doyline made the score 3-1 in the bottom of the first after Cayden Mingo hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run and Kenneth Lee doubled, scoring two runs.

Castor took a 6-3 lead in the top of the second, however, they committed an error which helped Doyline tie the game at six in the bottom of the third.

In the bottom of the fourth, Panthers broke the tie when Noah Spears tripled, scoring one run. Then a sacrifice fly by Mingo followed to extend the lead to 8-6.

Spears earned the win. The reliever gave up two hits and no runs over five innings, striking out 11 and walking two. Benton Bates opened the game. The righty gave up five hits and and six runs (four earned) over two innings, striking out two and walking one.

Lee, the number seven hitter for Doyline, led the way with three runs batted in. The right-handed hitter went 2-for-3 on the day. Lee and Mingo each collected two hits. Panthers collected 10 walks for the game with Austin Arbaugh, Zach Normand and Kenneth Anderson leading the way with two free passes each. Arbaugh took two of Panthers’ six stolen bases and the team turned one double play.

Glenbrook Apaches 16, Ringgold Redskins 0

Glenbrook Apaches easily dispatched Ringgold Redskins Thursday 16-0.

Apaches got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Dawson Day singled, scoring two runs, Preston Frye grounded out, scoring one run and Ryan Reagan hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run.

Apaches extended their early lead with four runs in the bottom of the second thanks to RBI walks by Landry Powell and Seth Mangrum.

The team scored eight runs on five hits in the bottom of the third. Jackson Waller tripled and Easton Sanders drew a walk, each scoring one run. Darron Hollingsworth singled scoring two runs, Colton Jellum and Nolan Waller singled, each scoring one run and Hayden Hammett doubled, scoring two runs.

Powell earned the win. He gave up no hits and no runs over three innings, striking out six and walking one.

Leadoff hitter Waller led with two hits in three at-bats. Hammett, Day and Hollingsworth each drove in two runs. Glenbrook had patience at the plate, piling up eight walks. Sanders and Powell led with two free passes each. Hudson Glasscock, Mangrum, Sanders and Hollingsworth each stole multiple bases while the team stole 17 total.

Lakeside Warriors 7, Calvary Baptist Cavs 4

Jon Jon Dick collected three hits in three at-bats, as Lakeside defeated Calvary 7-4 Thursday. Dick singled in the first, fifth and seventh innings.

Lakeside took the lead in the top of the third. Matthew Aguilera singled, scoring two runs to give Lakeside the leg up 2-1.

Cavs took the lead in the bottom of the fourth, but Lakeside took it back 6-4 in the top of the fifth thanks to singles by Dick, Aguilera and Hunter Sutton.

Jordan Isbell earned the win for Lakeside. The righty allowed four hits and four runs over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two.

Warriors tallied 13 hits in the game. Aguilera drove the middle of the lineup, leading Lakeside with four runs batted in. The cleanup hitter went 2-for-4 on the day. Isbell and Sutton each collected multiple hits.

Minden Crimson Tide 3, Northwood 11

Minden Crimson Tide had trouble keeping up with Northwood in an 11-3 loss Thursday.

Zander Rowell pitched three and two-thirds innings in relief. The southpaw gave up five hits and two runs while striking out three and walking three. Brody Bower took the loss. The righty went three and one-third innings, allowing nine runs (two earned) on seven hits, striking out four and walking three.

Rowell, Bower and Jacob Jackson each collected two hits. Bower went 2-for-4 at the plate and led the team with one run batted in. The team turned one double play in the game.

North Webster Knights 0, Sterlington Panthers 10

Sterlington Panthers scored six runs in the second inning, which helped them defeat North Webster Thursday.

Chandler McKenzie took the lost for Knights. He went one inning, giving up seven runs (six earned) on four hits, striking out one and walking none.

Preston Ingle went 1-for-1 at the plate to lead NWHS in hits.

Fri., March 29

Lakeside Warriors 2, Calvary Cavs 8

Lakeside Warriors couldn’t keep up with Calvary Baptist Cavs Friday.

Eli Campbell singled which helped Lakeside tie the game at one in the bottom of the first.

In the top of the third, the Cavs extended the lead to 3-1.

Hunter Sutton took the loss for Warriors. He went five innings, giving up six runs (five earned) on six hits, striking out three and walking two.

Campbell led Warriors with one run batted in. The first baseman went 1-for-3 on the day. Peyton Gray, Campbell, Jordan Isbell, Sutton and Jon Jon Dick each collected one hit. Dick stole two of the Warriors’ four stolen bases, and the team turned one double play.

Lakeside Warriors 6, Calvary Baptist 9

Lakeside Warriors also fell to the Cavs in the second game Friday.

Eli Campbell took the loss for Lakeside. The right-handed pitcher went four innings, surrendering five runs (two earned) on seven hits, striking out two and walking none.

Campbell, Jon Jon Dick and Matthew Aguilera each drove in a run. Hunter Sutton led with four in four at-bats. Warriors piled up 10 walks for the game. Jordan Isbell and Brock Case led the team with three bases on balls each. Isbell and Dick stole multiple bases of the five rung up by the team.

Minden Crimson Tide 4, Family Community 2

Minden Crimson Tide took Friday’s game in dramatic fashion with a 4-2 walk-off victory over Family Community. The game was tied at two in the bottom of the seventh when Jakobe Jackson homered to left field, scoring two runs.

Brody Bower singled in the bottom of the third, tying the score at two.

Jaxon Smith earned the win. The righty allowed three hits and two runs (one earned) over seven innings, striking out eight and walking none.

Landyn Huddleston, Bryson Ranger, Landon Brewer, Bower and Jackson each collected one hit for Minden. Bower and Jackson each drove in two runs and the Tide turned two double plays in the game.

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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 28

Andrew Jacob Hand, 35, of 7th St., NW, Springhill, was arrested for speeding and no seatbelt.

Chanceler J. Crow, 26, of the 1400 block of hwy. 371, Cotton Valley, was arrested for drug paraphernalia and parole violation.

Patrick Dewain Tillman, 59, of the 6400 block of Hwy. 531, Heflin, was arrested by WPSO for stalking, disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, simple assault and remaining after forbidden.

Cedric Taylor, 37, of the 500 block of Art Camp Rd., Heflin, was arrested by WPSO for aggravated assault, simple battery and two counts of simple assault.

March 29

Thomas Charles Beck Jr., 40, of the 800 block of Kennon, Minden, was arrested by MPD on an active warrant for possession of methamphetamine.

James David Limosnero, 29, of the 100 block of Nana’s Trail, Sibley, was arrested by MPD for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and no left taillight.

March 30

Marques R. Dorsey, 44, of the 300 block of S. Morgan St., Doyline, was arrested by MPD for outstanding warrants through Shreveport Police.

Gregory Cartez Willis, 44, of the 200 block of Cobb St., Cullen, was arrested by Springhill Police for possession of a firearm by convicted felon.

Jaylon Jerod Wortham, 28, of Wortham Rd., Shongaloo, was arrested by Springhill Police for unauthorized entry of a place of business and simple criminal damage to property.

March 31

Jenifer Nicole Thompson, 27, of Shreveport, was arrested by MPD for resisting an officer by lying, running a stop sign, no child restraint, no driver’s license on person, failure to display proper plate and four active warrants.

Richard L. Pearson, 30, of the 100 block of Pearson Rd., Dubach, was arrested by WPSO on an active warrant for simple criminal damage to property.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Mickey Vann Hodges Sr.

Sept. 11, 1956 – March 31, 2024

Shongaloo, La.

Visitation: Noon until 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

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

Private burial: Huckabee Cemetery, Hope, Ark.

Tommy Lee Cathey

Nov. 8, 1933 – March 14, 2024

Simsboro, La.

Graveside service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024, Oak Grove Cemetery, Simsboro, La.

Norma Jean Willett King

July 19, 1934 – March 28, 2024

Coushatta, La.

Visitation: 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Coushatta.

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

Burial: Springhill Cemetery.

Howard “Rusty” Pendelton

Sept. 15, 1942 – March 24, 2024

Bossier City, La.

Visitation: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Memoria service: 10 a.m., immediately following visitation.

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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