There may be only three propositions that affect Webster Parish schools on Saturday’s ballot, but that doesn’t make it any less important to vote. One is parish-wide while the other two affect the northern part of Webster. All of them affect public schools.

Deadline for receiving absentee ballots is today (Friday, April 26) for voters other than military and those overseas. On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

One of two proposed renewals on the ballot is a 2.81 mill, 10-year parish-wide special tax that supports acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining or operating the public school system in the parish. Revenues from the millage is estimated at $743,102 annually, beginning in 2026.

A second 10-year renewal for Springhill School District 8 includes a .60 mills increase due to reappraisal, raising the millage rate to 7.69. Annual income from the millage is anticipated at $328,450.

Money from the millage, which would begin in 2025, would be used for acquiring, constructing, repairing, improving, maintaining and/or operating schools and school related facilities, plus equipment and programs for District 8.

Springhill School District 8 is also asking voters to approve a new bond issue, not to exceed $11 million and to have debt incurred for not more than 20 years from the date of issuance. The general obligation bonds would be payable from ad valorem tax revenue provided by an estimated 12.75 mills increase above the 28.50 mills currently being levied to pay general obligation bonds of District 8.

Bonds would be used to finance capital expenditures including constructing, acquiring and/or improving schools and other school related facilities together with equipment and furnishings.

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Friday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 15 to 20 mph.

Friday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Sunday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84.

Sunday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Monday

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Monday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Tuesday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.

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Mike Spillers Furniture intends to celebrate its second anniversary and 56 years of Spillers family tradition with a huge party that includes all his friends, family and shoppers.

“We are still family owned and operated after 56 years,” Mike said. “I’m still doing what our family has done. I’m just still glad to be doing what I’ve done all my life.”

Last year at anniversary time, Spillers put out a spread complete with food and activities for folks to drop by and enjoy while shopping for furniture and/or appliances.

This year will be even bigger and better with a Customer Appreciation Day, he said.

Other than location, few things have changed.

“We still maintain the La-Z-Boy brand,” he said. “Still have GE Appliances, just on a smaller scale.”

Mike said they do a lot of special orders and have kicked off a website for some of those orders. Mikey’s Comfort Connection LLC is the way to do that.

“If you buy something in stock, we have to add freight and assembly,” Mike said. “But if you buy it out of the warehouse off the website, you don’t pay any of that. It’s a good deal for the customer.”

Check their website against any competitor. Mike says you will find their prices are lower.

“Since we’re smaller, we are very competitive,” he added. “I make it my business to make sure we are under any competition in the area.”

Spillers can still accommodate their customers’ needs, locally. It’s their niche. When they deliver, they take the product in the house and haul off the old.

“We try to spoil our customers as best we can,” Mike said.

Find special anniversary deals with 24 months, no interest financing or pay cash and save even more. 

The address is 1204 Homer Road, Minden, La. 71055. Call them at 318-377-4832 or visit spillersapplianceandfurniture.com.

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The following persons were scheduled to be in court Friday, April 26. Defendant, Docket No., A = Courtroom A, B=Courtroom B  Status, Arresting agency, attorneys and judge.

ALKAYFEE, ABDO Y

98850 Simple Battery

A Arraignment MPD

MISD, ATTORNEY Rashid Young Mike Nerren

*OC 3/11

BAILEY, ROBBY

96621-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

96621-CT.2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

96621-CT.3 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

96621A Resisting An Officer

A Status Hearing MPD

Holland, Hugo Charles Jones Doug Stinson

*OC 3/22 Trial 7/15

BAILEY, ROBBY

96621-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

96621-CT.2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

96621-CT.3 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

96621A Resisting An Officer

A Trial MPD

Holland, Hugo Charles Jones Doug Stinson

*OC 3/22 Officers:J. Kendrick x7, J. Sitter x7, M. Hicks x7, R. Tewell x7

BROOKS, LACEE L.

98797 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

A Status Hearing LSP

McCullough, Melanie Eric Johnson Doug Stinson

*OC 4/22 Trial 7/15

Codef: R. Lowe

BROWN, MICHAEL JASON

97862 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Drug Court Review Hearing WPSD

McCullough, Melanie Aaron Wilson

PDO

Doug Stinson

*OC 3/22

COLEMAN, ADAM ROY

98750 Ct. 1 Violation Of Leash Law

98750 Ct. 2 Violation Of Leash Law

98750 Ct. 3 Violation Of Leash Law

98750 Ct. 4 Violation Of Leash Law

A Sentencing Hearing WPSD

WEBSTER, MISD Represent Self Doug Stinson

Restitution owed to the victim- $310.14, plus $46.52 fee = $356.66 total

CORCORAN, JAMIE SCOTT

98528 Failure To Comply With Class I Payment Requirements

A Arraignment WLF

WEBSTER, MISD No Judge Assigned None

*NOTICE SENT

FENIMORE, ERIN NICHOLE

97912 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

A For Further Disposition WPSD

MISD, ATTORNEY Aaron Wilson PDO Doug Stinson

*OC 3/22

GARCIE, TRICIA MICHELLE

96240 Theft Under $1,000.00

A For Further Disposition WPSD

MISD, ATTORNEY Aaron Wilson PDO Doug Stinson

*OC 3/22

Restitution owed to Sams Eatery $729.00, plus $109.35 fee = $838.35 total

GARCIE, TRICIA MICHELLE

97650- Ct. 1 Theft Under $1,000

97650 CT.2 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000

A For Further Disposition WPSD

MISD, ATTORNEY Aaron Wilson PDO Doug Stinson

*OC 3/22

Restitution owed to Cypress Water System- $648.08, plus $97.21 fee = $745.29 total

GARCIE, TRICIA MICHELLE

T004224 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T004224A Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

A Arraignment Bond Return Date WPSD

Traffic, Webster

GRIM, TIMOTHY MIGUEL

97353 Obscenity

A Hearing MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Eric Johnson Doug Stinson

*BDCC OC 4/22 Competency Hearing St Conf 6/24 Trial 10/21

GRIM, TIMOTHY MIGUEL

97668 False Imprisonment With A Dangerous Weapon

A Hearing MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Eric Johnson Doug Stinson

*BDCC OC 4/22 Competency Hearing Defendant needs to be ARR

JONES, TORRENCE DONNELL

98773 Unauthorized use of a Movable less than $1,000

A Arraignment SPRING

MISD, ATTORNEY To Retain Counsel Doug Stinson

*OC 3/11

KING, CAMERON D.

98876 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

A Arraignment Summons WPSD

WEBSTER, MISD No Judge Assigned None

KING, KATIE S

98854 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

A Arraignment Summons WPSD

WEBSTER, MISD No Judge Assigned None

NELSON, ISAIAH J

72,239 Flight From Officer

A Rule to Show Cause

WEBSTER, MISD Jacqueline Scott No Judge Assigned None

PACKARD, II, RICHARD P

97448 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

97448A Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

A Status Hearing WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo Eric Johnson Doug Stinson

*OC 3/18 Trial 7/15

POWELL, GARRARD ALLEN

95936 Cruelty To Juveniles

A Status Hearing MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Aaron Wilson PDO Doug Stinson

*OC 1/19

Codef: D. Thompson

ROGERS, ARIANNA BROOKE

98878 Ct. 1 Simple Assault

98878 Ct. 2 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000

A Arraignment WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo Mary EllenHalterman Charles Smith

*WPJ

FFD 5/24

TARAVELLA, HANSON MCHALE

98684 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Diversion Review Hearing MPD

McCullough, Melanie Kammi Whatley Doug Stinson

*OC 3/22 Defendant failed to enter Diversion program. Trial 10/21

Codef: R. Dunn

THOMPSON, DARLA K

95936 Cruelty To Juveniles

A Status Hearing MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Mary Jackson Doug Stinson

*OC 1/19

Codef: G. Powell

TURK, DYLAN

96809-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

96809-CT.2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

96809-CT.3 Attempted Attempted Second Degree Murder

A Status Hearing MPD

Holland, Hugo Dawn Mims Doug Stinson

*BDCC OC 3/4 Trial 7/15

WEST, SHARTRELLA N.

98782 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

A Arraignment WPSD

WEBSTER, MISD To Retain Counsel No Judge Assigned None

*APP AFF

WESTON, FABIAN R

98740 Theft Under $1,000

A For Further Disposition MPD

MISD, ATTORNEY Eric Johnson Doug Stinson

*OC 3/18

WHEELER, JR., FABIAN A.

98605 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

A Status Hearing MPD

Yocom, Jimbo John Bokenfohr Doug Stinson

*OC 3/22 Trial 7/15

Co-Def: S. Wheeler

WHEELER, SHANTANI

98605 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

A Status Hearing MPD

Yocom, Jimbo John Bokenfohr Doug Stinson

*OC 3/22 Trial 7/15

Co-Def F. Wheeler

JUDGE PARKER SELF – COURTROOM B

WEBSTER PARISH DISTRICT COURT DOCKET

APRIL 26, 2024

DECALONGNE, MATTHEW

98692 Forgery

B Status Hearing SPRING

Yocom, Jimbo Larrion Hillman Parker Self

*BDCC 4/22 MTC Trial 7/15

Co-Defs: S. Cochran, T. Taylor, C. Waller

DECALONGNE, MATTHEW

98692 Forgery

B Bond Reduction Hearing SPRING

Yocom, Jimbo Larrion Hillman Parker Self

*BDCC OC 4/22 Defendants pro se Motion to Reduce Bond Total Bond: $53,500

Co-Defs: S. Cochran, T. Taylor, C. Waller

EVERETT, JR., TED

98013 Violation Of Leash Law

B Probation Violation Hearing WPSD

McCullough, Melanie Thomas Mayfield Parker Self

*OC 3/22

Restitution owed to the victim for the vet bill- $506.62 plus $76.00 fee = $582.62 total

Felicia Brown

Richard Mitchell

EVERETT, JR., TED

98361 Simple Cruelty to Animals

B For Further Disposition WPSD

McCullough, Melanie To Retain Counsel Parker Self

*OC 4/12

FORD, TYRONE LAWON

98147 CT 1 Aggravated Second Degree Battery

98147 CT 2 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property

B Hearing WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo Mary Ellen Halterman Parker Self

*BDCC OC 4/22 Competency Hearing

FORD, TYRONE LAWON

98076 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,0000 Or More But Under $50,000

B Hearing WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo Mary Ellen Halterman Parker Self

*BDCC OC 4/22 Competency Hearing

Restitution owed per the report- $1,546.00, plus $231.90 fee = $1,777.90 total

FORD, TYRONE LAWON

97790 CT 1 Aggravated Battery

97790 CT 2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

B Hearing MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Mary Ellen Halterman Parker Self

*BDCC OC 4/22 Competency Hearing

Restitution per report owed to the City of Minden- $100, plus $15 fee = $115 total

HOLLINGSWORTH, JEGERWICK

98642 Resisting An Officer By Flight

B For Further Disposition MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Thomas Mayfield Parker Self

*OC 4/22

Co-Def: B. Williams

HOLLOWAY, KRISTIN DAWN

98622 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98622 CT. 2 Speeding 11-15 MPH

98622 CT. 3 Possession of CDS I Marijuana (Less Than Two Grams)

98622 CT. 4 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense

B For Further Disposition LSP

WEBSTER, MISD Eric Johnson Parker Self

*OC 4/22

LEE, RYAN TYLER

98561 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98561 CT. 2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

B For Further Disposition LSP

WEBSTER, MISD Eric Johnson Parker Self

*DEF ATTY WAIVED PRES ON 3/1

MCCARTER, LEONARDO DEVINCI

98445 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98445 CT. 2 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

98445 CT. 3 Operating A Vehicle With Improper Headlamps

B Probation Violation Hearing LSP

Yocom, Jimbo Thomas Mayfield Parker Self Lt. F. Brown

MCCARTER, LEONARDO DEVINCI

98875 Ct. 1 Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)

98875 Ct. 2 Operating A Vehicle While Under Suspension For Certain Prior

98875 Ct. 3 Modification of Exhaust Systems

B Arraignment MPD

WEBSTER, MISD Determine Counsel Parker Self

*OC 3/25

MCDONALD, LILLIAN LEANNE

97822 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

B Trial WPSD

MISD, ATTORNEY Thomas Mayfield Parker Self

*OC 3/1 Jesse Lowe

MCDONALD, LILLIAN LEANNE

97821 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

B Trial WPSD

MISD, ATTORNEY Thomas Mayfield Parker Self

*OC 3/1

ROBINSON, APRIL

98596 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98596 CT. 2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

98596 CT. 3 Failure to Use Safety Belt

B For Further Disposition LSP

Holland, Hugo Thomas Mayfield Parker Self

*OC 3/22

ROQUEMORE, JAMARKUS DEWAYNE

98727 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution

B Status Hearing WPSD

McCullough, Melanie Mary Jackson Parker Self

*BDCC OC 4/22 Trial 7/15

SHEPHERD, JORDAN

98447

Second Degree Battery

B Status Hearing MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Eric Johnson Parker Self

*OC 4/22 Trial 7/15

Restitution owed to the victim- $4,500, plus $675 fee = $5,175 total

SIMS, KIARA

97935 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

B Fine & Cost Review Hearing MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Mary Jackson Parker Self

*BW issued 3/22 RCBW if present Lt. F. Brown

STEPHENS, CEDRIC BERNARD

98255 Second Degree Murder

B Status Hearing MPD

Holland, Hugo Ruby Lewis PDO Parker Self

*BDCC

TILLEY, CORBIN RAY

98803 CT 1 Simple Burglary of a Vehicle

98803 CT 2 Simple Burglary of a Vehicle

B Status Hearing SPRING

Yocom, Jimbo Larrion Hillman Parker Self

*BDCC OC 4/22 Trial 7/15

Co-Defs: J. Lewis, M. Stevens

TROQUILLE, JOE

98658 CT 1 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform CDS Law

98658 CT 2 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform CDS Law

B Status Hearing SPRING

Yocom, Jimbo Daryl Gold Parker Self

*BDCC OC 4/22 Trial 7/15

Please make forfeiture of P-380 handgun, SN#AP303052 as part of any sentence/plea agreement.

WILLIAMS, RAYMOND TED

98454 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98454 Improper Lane Usage

98454 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

B For Further Disposition LSP

WEBSTER, MISD Eric Johnson Parker Self

*OC 4/22

WRIGHT, ERIC LAVELL

97820 Attempted Second Degree Murder

B Status Hearing WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo Eric Johnson Parker Self

*BDCC OC 4/22 Trial 7/15

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In my opinion (and I believe most people would agree), teachers are the most underappreciated and underpaid in today’s career field.  

But the most important.  

Most people point out that they are off during the summer months, but are they really? They stay in school after they let out for summer and go right back before the next session begins. Most probably take additional classes to get certifications that they do not have time to obtain during the school year. Some probably work in their classrooms to ensure our kids have an interesting and unique learning experience. A few work summer school because they cannot afford to go on a fancy vacation with just their yearly salary alone.

And some wonder why there is a teacher shortage across America? 

It is because they work as hard as they do with shit pay and the highest expectations.  

They are the ones in the classroom with our children every single day attempting to instill a decent education and teach them skills so that our children can go out and make a difference in the community and in some instances the world.  

I can promise you almost every successful person on the planet can refer to a teacher that inspired them to do what they do. I can name many that inspired me in different ways, but each one of them definitely made an impact and shaped me into the person I am today.  

The first that comes to mind, Mrs. Waites – my third-grade teacher. She was the biggest support system at that age. She always encouraged me and pushed me past my limits. She took the time to really get to know me and my interests and set me up for success even at such an early age. She noticed my interest in writing and still follows my work and sends encouragement every now and then.  

Second, Mrs. Timmons – my middle school science teacher and cheer coach. She wasn’t the most liked, but she was the most controversial teacher at the school. She was the one that taught me not to worry about what others think about me. To keep my head down and focus on myself and what I could control. She also inadvertently taught me not to form opinions about people based on others input, but to take the time to learn about a person myself.  

Third, Coach Cooper – my high school geometry teacher and softball coach. He not only taught me the Pythagorean Theorem (which I am still hoping to use one day), he also taught me self-discipline. To always work harder than the person next to you and to show up even on the days you really just do not want to.  

Fourth, Coach (now Principal) Finley – my high school American History teacher. He really is responsible for my love and appreciation for history. He made learning fun and was always one to joke around and come up with cool and interesting ways to keep us focused. I may have majored in journalism, but I think I had more history credits than anything else.  

Lastly, Mrs. Ramsey – my high school English teacher. She was never short on praise, but on the other hand she was never short on criticism. When you did a good job, she let you know, but when you did not, she also let you know. I always loved writing, but I do not think it was until I took her class that I realized I wanted to make a career out of it. I loved her passion for teaching and always left her class feeling inspired.  

Teachers are the backbone of our society and its future. So, let’s rally behind them every chance we get and never miss an opportunity to help out or show them just how important they truly are.  

(Paige Gurgainers is a mother of three girls, publisher of Bienville Parish Journal and Claiborne Parish Journal and a digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)

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Follow your nose tomorrow morning (Saturday, April 27) to Walmart Supercenter parking lot where Minden Lions Club will have their Spring Chicken Charbroil Box Lunch.

Lunches are $10 a piece and served from 9 a.m. until are sold out.

All proceeds from Minden Lions Club’s fund raisers stay local and help with community needs.

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In loving memory of Kathy Sandidge Nieto born May 26, 1956, in Rayville, Louisiana, a beacon of love, laughter, and compassion whose spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew her. Kathy peacefully departed this world on April 24, 2024, in the comfort of her home, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Music was Kathy’s true passion and calling, a melody woven into the fabric of her being. With a guitar in her hand and a microphone at her side, she graced stages across the United States, sharing her soulful voice and infectious energy with audiences far and wide. In the fall of 1988, Kathy embarked on a memorable tour of the US, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the pleasure of hearing her perform.

Throughout her life’s journey, Kathy called many places home, each one a chapter in her musical odyssey. From Louisiana to Arkansas, Texas to Mississippi, she embraced the diverse rhythms and melodies of each state, leaving a lasting impression on the local music scenes wherever she went. Her talent, passion, and unwavering dedication to her craft made her a beloved fixture in communities across the South.

Kathy was a cherished daughter of Virginia Lewis and Bud Sandidge, who instilled in her a love of music and a strong sense of family. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, who now welcome her with open arms into eternal peace.

Kathy is survived by her loving brother James and sister Cynthia, her devoted children Jessica (April) and Hayden (Caitlin), and a host of cherished family members and friends, all of whom were profoundly touched by her presence in their lives. She was supported in her last days of life both physically and emotionally by her second husband Doug Shelby. Kathy’s love knew no bounds, and her family was the heartbeat of her existence.

Beyond the stage lights and applause, Kathy was a beloved friend, a devoted mother, a loyal sister, and a cherished confidante. Her warmth, kindness, and boundless love touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter that will endure for generations to come. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 3PM  at Pine Grove Methodist Church Minden, Louisiana. The family wishes to thank the Willis Knighten hospital and hospice staff for their kindness and care.

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The 2nd annual City of Lights crawfish cookoff hosted by the Natchitoches Parish Fair Board will be held on May 4th at the fairgrounds. Teams will be boiling their best recipes competing for cash prizes and people’s choice.

This event is open to the public, 11 am to 5 pm for only $30 – all-you-can-eat crawfish!!! There will be live entertainment provided by the Comeback Kids & the Born to Boogie band. A Taste of Heaven Food Truck, Cane River Pizza Co., snow cones, Murphy’s Sweets & eats, a bouncy house play area for the kids, and Antoons will be selling beer to that id as 21 and over. 

No ice chests or outside food or drinks will be allowed, bags will be checked, and lawn chairs are recommended. Visit our 2nd annual City of Lights crawfish cookoff Facebook page to find sponsorship and /or registration information to enter a team or to purchase pre-sale tickets.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the NRMC Cancer Center. So come to the fairgrounds on May 4th to support this great cause.

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I believe that the largest crop raised in Louisiana is the fire ant.  They show now mercy and are found everywhere especially after a good rain.  These little critters just pop out in lawns, gardens, playgrounds and ballfields.  They bite and sting and just make life miserable for those who get in their way.  

There are lots of remedies to use to kill fire ants, a few for killing the queen and some for the immediately kill.  So, let’s name a few.

 Acephate is a really good chemical for killing fire ants quickly.  You can sprinkle a few teaspoons on the mound and see immediate results.  No residual.  Now that is if you can stand the smell.  Bifenthrin is another great killer to use.  It comes as a granule or spray.  Bifen is a great tool for using around the house for almost any kind of insect.  It will work on termites also.

Bayer makes a fire ant killer with cyfluthrin.  It starts working immediately and kills the queen and destroys the colony in 3 days .  It is easy to use, just shake on the mound.

If you like to use organic products, there is spinsoid,  Fertilome’s Come and get it contains spinsoid.  It is attractive and deadly to fire ants.  Ants quickly find and pickup the bait, take it back to the mound and it to the colony including the queen.  They start dying in 24 hours with colony destruction within 14 days.  Spinsoid products are labeled to use in the garden and yard.

I wrote about diatomaceous earth last week.  It is safe, effective and easy to use.  Just sprinkle on the mound.

No matter what we do, Fire ants are here to stay.  We just keep fighting them all that we can find. 

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

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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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ANTLEY, KAYDENCE FAYE

T040224 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

BOSTON, KEILANI COOK

T040324 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*94/70 G/A

BRANTLEY, PERRY W

T040424 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*69/55

CABRAL, MASON JOSEPH

T040524 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*71/55 G/A

COTTON, DEQUINTE REESHAUD

T034724 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT Arraignment LSP

*OC 3/22

CROWE, JOSHUA NEHAMIAH

T037124 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

AT Arraignment LSP

*OC 4/12

DOSKOCIL, ERIC A

T040624 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP *72/55 G/A

FEFIE, KIARA ANJERAY

T040724 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT Arraignment LSP

*Single vehicle crash

FLORENCE, TAKEYTHA P

T040824 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*71/55

FOWLER, NICHOLAS ALLEN

T034824 Failure To Yield At An Intersection When Turning Left

AT Sentencing Hearing LSP

FRANKS, JAMES

T040924 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP *NP

 

GILLESPIE, KAMRYN PAGE

T041024

Speeding 25 & OVER

AT Arraignment LSP *83/55

GULLEY, KEITH ANDERSON

T034924 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT Trial LSP *OC 3/22

HILL, CHARIAIA C

T004524 Improper Child Restraint

AT FTA Summons WPSD

HILSON, CHARLES EDWARD

T041124 Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

T041124A Operating A Vehicle Without Proof Of Insurance

AT Arraignment LSP

HOWARD, JR, CHARLES EDWARD

T041224 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

HUCKABEE, DENNY OBRIAN

T041324 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

JENKINS, TENILLE

T120523 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T120523A Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

AT For Further Disposition LSP

*RCBW if present

KIMBLE, ANTYJA DENISE

T041424

Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

LANDRY, PHILIP S

T041524 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

LINDSEY, JUSTIN ALAN

T041624 Window Tint

AT Arraignment LSP

MEGEHEE, SAMUEL NOLAN

T041724 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

OGLEE, WANDA G

T041824 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT Arraignment LSP *Crash

POOL, MICKY DAMIEN

T029923 Failure To Secure Registration

T029923A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT For Further Disposition WPSD

*BDCC

Arrested on FTA warrant

POPE, DENNIS RAYMOND

T041924 Failure To Secure Registration

T041924A Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP *NP Registration

REED, DERIAN DEQUAN

T042024 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

*BDCC

RHODES, TERASHA MANESHA

T042124 Speeding 16-24 MPH

T042124A Failure To Yield To Emergency Vehicle

AT Arraignment LSP

*94/70 G/A

ROY, ALEXANDER

T042224 Window Tint

AT Arraignment LSP

SWAIN, RICHARD KYLE

T042324 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

THOMPSON, JAMES N

T042424 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

TYSON, JR, ED

T042524 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*77/55 G/A

WRIGHT, TAMARA W

T042724 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

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

April 26

4 until 6 p.m. Springhill Commodity Distribution, 208 N. Arkansas St., Springhill. Must bring a phot ID and proof of residence.

April 27

Community Clean Up Day in Sibley.

9 a.m. until sold out Minden Lions Club Spring Chicken Charbroil. Tickets $10 each and available from any Lions Club member. Walmart Supercenter parking lot.

9 a.m. 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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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of April 19. All civil suits are public record.

April 19

Tula Campbell Thompson, succession under $125K, probate.

Deere & Company vs. Jamorris J. Frazier, petition.

April 22

Robert Denton Schultz, succession over $125K, probate.

Cassandra S. Vining vs. Justin Clay Beale, protective order.

Timon Lee Fuller Jr. on behalf of Timon Lee Fuller vs. Garden Court Health and Rehabilitation, damages.

Louisiana Automobile Dealers Self Insurers Trust Fund dba Car Giant vs. David Lebaron and GoAuto Insurance Co., damages.

Caroline Elizabeth Dinkins vs. Collin Glenn Lewis, custody.

April 24

Jeri Lynne Claiborne Melancon, succession under $125K, probate.

U.S. Bank Trust vs. Roger D. Godwin, ordinary process.

Carrington Mortgage Services LLC vs. Robert Steve Mark Sitka Jr., executory process.

April 25

Ruthell Hardin Walker, succession under $125K, probate.

Donnie Wilson vs. Drew Montgomery, damages.

Samuel Nolan vs. Sara Ann Halachik, petition.

 

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Marcus Patillo

May 31, 1969 – April 17, 2024

Minden, La.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Mt. Zion CME Church, 414 East Union St., Minden, under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home, Homer, La.

Burial: 1 p.m., Sheppard Street Cemetery, 306 Ida Street, Minden.

Jean Griffin

Dec. 22, 1937 – April 23, 2024

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 1 until 2 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

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

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

Sue Lene Dyke Davis Waibel

March 3, 1942 – April 22, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, First Baptist Bossier.

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

Burial: 3:45 p.m. Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden, La.

Debra Eileen Langston

August 26, 1960 – April 22, 2024

Sarepta, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Graveside: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, Union Springs Cemetery, Shongaloo.

Dorothy June Colvin

July 21, 1928 – April 21, 2024

Homer, La.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, Central Baptist Church, Springhill, La.

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

Jimmy Lane Moore

Oct. 7, 1959 – April 19, 2024

Sarepta, La.

Services are pending.

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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Family and friends crowded the Louisiana National Guard headquarters building at Camp Minden Wednesday to welcome home the approximately 160 members of the 1083rd Transportation Company from a deployment of more than a year in the Iraq theater of operation.

The Minden-based transportation unit is part of the 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 139th Regional Support Group.

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Lakeside Warriors easily dispatched Logansport Tigers 9-1 Wednesday in the second round of LHSAA playoff games.

Logansport Tigers were the first to get on the board in the first when Nathan Wheless doubled, scoring their one and only run.

Lakeside captured the lead 3-1 in the bottom of the first when Matthew Aguilera grounded out, scoring one run and Eli Campbell singled, scoring two runs.

Warriors added one run in the second. Jon Jon Dick doubled on a full count, making the score 4-1.

Hunter Sutton earned the win. The starting pitcher allowed two hits and one run (zero earned) over six innings, striking out six and walking one. Levi Forrest took the loss for Logansport. He went five innings, giving up nine runs (seven earned) on nine hits, striking out one and walking one.

Jordan Isbell tossed one inning of zero-run ball for Lakeside in relief. He allowed no hits, striking out one and walking none.

Lakeside piled up 10 hits in the game. Aguilera provided pop in the middle of the lineup and led Warriors with two runs batted in. He went 2 for 4 on the day.

Peyton Gray, Dick and Aguilera each collected two hits for Lakeside. The team accumulated four stolen bases.

Lakeside had a bye the first round of playoffs. Next they will meet the winner of the game between Delcambre and DeQuincy in the quarterfinals.

(“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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Thursday

Partly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Sunday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.

Sunday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.

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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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As you age, your body loses some of its abilities to properly regulate fluid levels and your sense of thirst may begin to diminish. It is important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Try to get at least 1.5 liters (6-8 cups) of water daily, which is advised for aging adults. Needs may vary depending on your medical history.

Ways to Stay Hydrated

• Keep a water bottle on hand all day. Take a few sips every 30 minutes.
• Snack on fruits and vegetables with a high-water content, including watermelon, citrus fruit, tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, and salad greens.
• Drink water when you go to a restaurant. It will keep you hydrated, and it’s free.
• If you have trouble remembering to drink water, drink on a schedule. For example, drink water when you wake up, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and when you go to bed, or drink a small glass of water at the beginning of each hour.
• When you’re feeling hungry, drink water. Thirst is often confused with hunger. True hunger will not be satisfied by drinking water. Drinking water may also contribute to a healthy weight-loss plan. Some research suggests that drinking water can help you feel full.
• If you do not like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of cucumber or lemon to your drink.

Infuse your water 

Cucumber and Mint Infused Water

Ingredients:

• 6 cups water
• 1 cucumber
• 8 mint leaves
• Water pitcher

Directions:

1. Slice cucumbers in thin slices and put cucumber slices and mint in water.
2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours overnight for optimal taste. 

The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.

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Exciting news! This summer, Webster Parish Libraries Discovery Campers will join Smokey the Bear as he celebrates his 80th birthday as part of summer activities from June 8-July 13.

As you dive into Discovery Camp, join us in exploring books about nature, wildlife, and conservation as we embark on Smokey’s Reading Challenge! Let’s honor Smokey’s legacy by spreading awareness about the importance of preserving our forests and protecting our environment.

Join Smokey in learning about wildfires and discovering how you can help protect the environment. Read books, take action, and have fun! And remember: only you can prevent wildfires.

Participants can enroll on the Webster Parish Libraries Bean Stack App.  

https://websterparishlibraries.beanstack.com/reader365

There is a special surprise in store for our community involving Smokey the Bear this summer, so stay tuned for more!

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By Jessica Gorman

When was it built? Who built it? These are common questions asked about historic homes and buildings. These questions can sometimes be hard to answer depending on the records and other sources available. 

Last week’s article focused on 508 Fort Avenue. This week, we’ll take a look at another home that may be a little bit older than originally thought, 614 Lewisville Road. This home has been owned by the late Dr. and Mrs. Gary Daniel since 1966. For many years, construction of this home has been attributed to D. W. Canfield. However, once again, the records suggest a different possibility. 

The accepted history of the house states that after the home was constructed by Canfield, he immediately sold it to John T. Hayes who then sold it to D. B. Hamilton. It is then implied that it remained in the family until 1965. 

When researching the history of a property, we search back through the land records to determine the chain of ownership. In the case of this property, it would seem that a record may be missing and that ownership of the property had previously only been searched back to the point of that potentially missing record that documents D. W. Canfield’s sale of the property. 

My recent interest in both 508 Fort Avenue and 614 Lewisville Road stems from my own genealogical research. If you follow this column, you may remember that I recently discovered my own family connections to Minden’s early history. As mentioned in last week’s article, W.C. Maples and John R. Evans owned the Fort Avenue home during the 1850s. John R. Evans and his daughter, Mary Margaret Evans Maples, were my distant cousins. Another cousin, Melvina Evans Garrison, married R. A. Lancaster who served as mayor of Minden for several terms. While researching the Lancasters, I came across a connection to the Lewisville Road property before it was owned by D. W. Canfield and before that potentially missing record comes into play. 

The property originally encompassed about three acres and extended from the corner of Lewisville Road and East and West to near where Beck Street intersects Lewisville. The earliest record I have found records the sale of the property by Edward Etter to E.D. Williams in 1842 for the sum of $225. This record also indicates that Etter had purchased the property from Reuben Drake at an earlier date. In 1851, Williams then sold the property to R. A. Lancaster for the slightly larger sum of $300. I hypothesize that it was Lancaster who may have had the home built. He sold the property to Alexander McIntyre in 1854. The transaction indicates a significant increase in the value of the property as McIntyre paid $1600 for the exact same three acres that Lancaster had purchased for only $300 just three years prior. 

The sale of the property from Alexander McIntyre to D. W. Canfield is the gap in the records. We know that McIntyre bought the property in 1854 and Canfield sold it in 1855 indicating that neither owned it for a significant amount of time. The property was bought by John T. Hayes in 1855 and then sold to D. B. Hamilton in 1859. Then in 1860, it passed back into the hands of the Lancasters when it was purchased by R. A. Lancaster’s son, Julius.

When we take the time to look a little closer, we are often surprised by what we find. Many of our historic properties have incomplete and sometimes inaccurate histories. It’s important that we take the time to look a little closer, to learn a little more, to make the connections that tell a more complete story.

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

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Baseball fans in north Louisiana whose dads and granddads were raised on the radio sounds of KMOX and St. Louis Cardinals baseball remember Whitey Herzog, who led the Cardinals to a World Series title (1982) and two other World Series appearances (1985 and 1987) in his 10 years as the team’s colorful manager. 

The prematurely white-haired Herzog passed away last week at 92, one of the last “characters” of the old-school game.

A tip of the ballcap to Whitey, the architect of one of the great nights of my otherwise feeble life. 

It was a July Tuesday in Busch Stadium in 1986, and the San Francisco Giants were in town and so was I, writing stories on some former Shreveport Captains who were now Giants. The Cards were defending world champions but were struggling through a .500 summer, a team built offensively on speed while the Giants were an offense built on power.

St. Louis would sweep the series but it’s that Tuesday game that was the one to remember. The Cards led 10-2 in the fourth. 

In the bottom of the fifth, they stole a base.

It’s sort of an unwritten rule that you don’t steal with a big lead. Roger Craig, the Giants manager, knew this and seemed to take it personally when San Francisco reliever Juan Berenguer (blast from the past, right?) came into the game and threw at the first hitter he saw; it was the only batter he faced.

This brought Herzog out of the Cardinals dugout to protest to the home plate umpire and, a scenario you don’t see often, Craig came out of the Giants dugout and joined the conversation. The last time you’ve seen both managers yelling at the home plate umpire at the same time is … when? Only time I’ve ever seen it. 

Neither manager, as it turned out, was yelling at the umpire. They were yelling at each other. Fairly quickly they were nose to nose. Fingers jabbing. Spit flying. Then the dugouts emptied, and it were as if Herzog and Craig were each a point on opposing spears, with each team forming an arrow behind their guy.

Heated down there on the Busch Stadium turf, sure, but beautiful from where I sat in the press box, listening to 23,000-plus yelling in favor of Whitey “The White Rat” Herzog.

You knew what the argument was about, and after the game, Herzog explained it to me and other writers, his sock feet on his desk in his office underneath the stadium, leaned back in his swivel chair, a can of beer in his left hand. (A former player, Herzog batted, threw, and drank lefty.)

“Does Roger think he invented the game?” Herzog was saying. “I told him if he promised not to hit any three-run homers, I’d promise we wouldn’t try to steal any more bases. We can’t score the same way he can.”

Some other names from that weekend: Chris Brown, Robby Thompson, Jeffrey Leonard, Chili Davis, Mike LaValliere, Willie McGee, Vince Coleman, Tom Herr, Terry Pendleton. Steve Carlton actually hit a three-run homer in the Monday night opener, the only runs his team scored in an 8-3 loss. Only time I ever saw him pitch live — or hit a home run live. Hit it good too; slapped it off one of those columns in right in old Busch.

Good times. 

But the most beautiful part of the whole thing was after the game and Herzog explaining, with a big smile, his side of the argument. His beltless baseball pants unbuttoned to allow that 56-inches-or-so of waist a little freedom. And him holding that can of beer. Of course, in Busch Stadium it was a Busch beer. A freebie. 

The funny part was it was a Busch Light.

Whitey, always looking for an edge.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Beginning today, customers will have the option to purchase a  Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp (Louisiana Duck Stamp) online or at their local license vendor.  Customers can continue to purchase these stamps at the LDWF Baton Rouge headquarters office or through the mail. This new service will allow the convenience of purchasing online or at any license vendor.

The 2023-2024 stamp currently available is shown above; beginning on June 1, the new 2024-2025 Louisiana Duck Stamp will be available for purchase (see image below).

Louisiana State Duck Stamp Prices

$5.50 – Resident

$25 – Non-Resident

Anyone can purchase either stamp, regardless of your residency type.

To learn more about the duck stamp program and contest, visit: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/louisiana-duck-stamp

The Louisiana Duck Stamp began in 1988 with the Louisiana Legislature authorizing the creation of the Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp Program, with the purpose of securing revenue to create, enhance, and protect wetland habitats to benefit Louisiana’s ducks and geese.  The projects these funds have facilitated over the years have, and continue to, benefit not only ducks and geese but countless additional wetland birds and other wildlife, in addition to providing and enhancing recreational pursuits of hunters, bird watchers, tourists, and any other citizens that appreciate wetlands, wetland wildlife, and the ecological services they offer. 

 

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