For every athlete the day comes when you’re no longer able to compete either due to age or a career ending injury. Well, for today’s senior bass pros, or what most call the legends of the sport, that day might be approaching a lot sooner than many of them had planned. Today, let’s look at why so many of these elderly pros are looking to load their boats and go home….for good.

Just like any other sport, athletes come to a point in their careers in which they start to contemplate retirement. There comes a day for all athletes where you just can’t compete anymore. So many of today’s bass fishing pros are at that point, mainly due to a technological advancement called forward-facing sonar (FFS). Nothing has impacted the bass fishing world like this latest form of technology.

So, why is this technology having such an impact on the older anglers? Well, I guess it’s the fact that FFS has played right into the hands of the younger generation of anglers moving up into professional bass fishing. They have embraced this technology and taken it to another level which has cut their learning curve and their ability to find fish by 75%. Today’s young anglers all grew up playing video games and FFS for these young anglers is nothing more than just that… a video game.

The old school anglers have not embraced this technology nearly as well as the younger guys and it shows in the tournament results. For  proof, look at the Angler of the Year (AOY) standings and you’ll see names like Matt Herren, Lee Livesay, John Cox, Greg Hackney, Jason Christie, Michael Iaconelli, and the 4-time World champion…. Rick Clunn. As of this writing, all are in the bottom 50 of the AOY standings.  

So why are the older anglers not accepting FFS? Some feel that FFS is not good for the sport in the long run and would like to see some restrictions or rule changes made to help level the playing field and protect the fisheries. But most will tell you that this technology is here to stay as some of the older anglers are now starting to question if they are going to try and get better with FFS or just get out of the sport all together. Most of these anglers will wait and see if B.A.S.S. or MLF make any major rule adjustments to their circuits regarding FFS before they decide to leave the sport they love so much.

My conversations with several professional anglers have revealed there is some resentment to these new young anglers taking over the sport. The legends of the sport don’t like the fact that these young up-and-coming anglers haven’t paid their dues and are not just winning but dominating events immediately. The techniques that used to work for the older guys and how they have fished their whole career is now no longer allowing them to be as competitive as they once were. This has been a shock and blow to their egos.

For the older anglers, it took years of time on the water to obtain the knowledge they possess while these young guns are doing a better job of adapting to the new technology that’s available. No longer do young anglers have to go through the painful task of fishing daylight till dark in order to compete with the legendary pros.

For the young anglers on the rise, the game has changed as the word scouting today means something totally different than it did 10 years ago. The anglers who are proficient with FFS will spend their day idling, scanning, and marking school of bass that they can come back to on tournament day. Some are not even having to wet a hook in practice in order to save their fish for the tournament. A recent example is 33-year-old pro angler, Jason Hamner, who spent 14 days on Grand Lake prior to the Bassmaster Classic doing nothing but idling and marking brush tops without ever wetting a hook.

With all this being said, will this force many of the older anglers to retire and idle off into the sunset? Several have told me that it’s something they are considering as they are frustrated with both B.A.S.S. and MLF officials for not doing more to address the (FFS) technology issue. They feel that this new technology will ruin the sport over the next 5 years, as fish today no longer have a safe haven due to FFS.

Fact is, all of our lakes are under assault as more anglers across the country are purchasing these high dollar forward-facing sonar units. It’s not just bass that are being affected, it’s crappie as well. So many crappie guides have told me they are concerned as well, since these FFS units are targeting the bigger breeding population.

To put a bow on this topic and from my perspective, it appears that the senior anglers of both B.A.S.S. and MLF have a choice to make. Either get on board with FFS and get better with it or take their tackle boxes and go home because I don’t see anything changing with regards to this new technology. I truly believe it’s here to stay.

Steve Graf               

Angler’s Perspective

---

April 16

Luis Gutierrez-Aguilar, 20, no address, was arrested by Dixie Inn Police on an active warrant from Dixie Inn.

Irene Sanchez Oros, 40, and Rico Rogelio Oros, 55, both of Dallas, Texas, were arrested by LSP-G on I-20 EB at MM 47 in Webster Parish for possession of approximately 132 pounds of schedule II narcotics with intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute CDS and improper lane usage.

Dorothy M. Miller, 47, of the 6100 block of Hwy. 160, Cotton Valley, was arrested by Cotton Valley Police for domestic abuse battery after admitting to jumping on her 14-year-old stepdaughter and striking her numerous times in the face and body.

Stephanie Taylor, 30, of the 21000 block of hwy. 371, Cotto Valley, was arrested by Cotton Valley Police for simple burglary and criminal trespassing.

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.

---

Edward D.C. (Ted) Bartlett

August 20, 1932 – April 13, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

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

Burial: 2:15 p.m. Point Chapel Cemetery, Doyline, La.

Roy Franklin McClure

Nov. 1, 1947 – April 14, 2024

Homer, La.

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2024, St. Margaret Catholic Church, Homer.

Burial: Lisbon Methodist Cemetery, Lisbon, La.

Rex Jarrell Young

Nov. 29, 1935 – April 10, 2024

Homer, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer, La.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer.

Burial: Hurricane Cemetery near Athens, 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.)

---

By Marilyn Miller

The most important lesson that Brian Sparks, 46, has learned from three decades of involvement in the EMT, SRT, EMS, law enforcement, and emergency medicine fields can be summed up in a quote from an exceptional British actor, “It is possible to commit no mistakes, and still lose. That is not a weakness; that is life.” Sir Patrick Stewart

Not only does Brian like “Star Trek” quotes, but he bats acronyms around like he’s swatting at flying plates. For the past 15 years he has been with the Minden Medical Center (MMC) Emergency Department (ED), where he is now the Lead Advanced Practice Provider (LAPP). MMC is owned by Allegiance Health Management (AHM). In 2019, Brian additionally joined the Minden Police Department (sneaked in another acronym). There he is a member of and chief medical officer for the Special Response Team (umm, SRT). In a big city, SWAT…

Although he started out in EMS with Bayou Ambulance Service three years before graduating from Minden High School in 1996, Brian’s fascination with all things “emergency” began when his family was stationed at Camp Zama, Japan for three years. His father was in the U.S. Army, and he often hung out in the radiology department, where his father worked. “The Emergency Department was next door, so I got to see a lot of emergencies play out in real time,” Brian recalled. After returning stateside, his father joined the Army Reserves, and was stationed at Forts Beaureguard and Polk, and finally, Camp Minden.

Today, Brian is a licensed Physician’s Assistant (PA), having attended PA school at the LSU-Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. He obtained his Masters of Science in PA Studies, major in Clinical Medicine, at A. T. Still University of Health Sciences, Mesa, AZ; and his Doctorate of Medical Science (professional practice concentration in Emergency Medicine) at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia.

All of his professional medical training has resulted in fewer worries for Minden Police Chief Jared McIver. Among Brian’s responsibilities are:

• Providing expertise in medical pre-planning for each mission;
• Improving survivability from traumatic injuries involving police officers, bystanders and combatants during operations;
• Assisting the department in achieving its mission during times of crisis, and;
• Supporting the mission of the entire MPD with guidance on health issues and training in Tactical Emergency Casualty Care according to current standards.

Aside from this, what does Brian do for the Special Response Team? He trains SRT officers in hostile environment combat casualty care and he provides direct tactical medical support during high-risk situations. “I worked with the WP Office of Emergency Preparedness/Homeland Security to secure a grant that outfitted the SRT with state-of-the-art medical gear that will also be available to the police department,” Brian said.

Why does he enjoy emergency medicine?  “I enjoy the dynamic environment,” Brian explained. “Every patient has a different story. I’m reminded of a quote by late physicist Carl Sagan —  ‘Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.’ You encounter patients who are having the worst, possibly last, day of their life. Having the ability to make a decision that influences a person’s survival is extremely gratifying.”

Brian was just out of high school when he completed paramedic school through the Bossier Fire Training Academy. Three years later, in 2000, he became co-owner and vice president of Operations for Advanced EMS. He served as the assistant and then chief medical officer for the WP Sheriff’s Office from 1997-2004. He has been deputy coroner for Webster Parish since 1997.

He will continue to maintain his current paramedic certification and licensure, remaining a Certified Tactical Paramedic through specialty certification, and a Board-certified PA, with added qualification in Emergency Medicine.

While emergency medicine and services have taken a big chunk of his time for the past 30 years, Brian puts his family above all else. He and his wife, Dr. Stacey Sparks (pediatrician) have three children, Gage, 10; Cole, 8; and Andy, 4. He is a certified pilot, but he no longer owns a plane. “You can have kids, or you can have toys,” he said. “When the oldest was five, I sold it (his plane).” His wife co-owns the “Acorn to Oak” pediatrics practice in Haughton with Dr. Marie Harper, wife of Marshall Harper, manager of the GMC dealership in Minden.

Two satisfying careers!! What draws Brian to his role with the Minden Police Department? “The emergency department is stimulating and challenging, but it doesn’t compare to the adrenaline rush of being first on the scene of a major incident,” he remarked. “Working in the WP Sheriff’s Office medical office for so many years was a unique and challenging experience. But being the tactical medical officer of MPD’s special response team is a marriage of my past roles, giving me a connection to the experiences that shaped my career in healthcare.”

“When Deputy Chief Chris Cheatham asked me to be part of the rebirth of the current team, I could not say ‘No.’ My brother, OFC Benjamin Sparks, is also a Minden police officer and SRT member. It is an added bonus to be able to share these experiences with him.”

After so many years in medicine, what remains the most challenging aspect of the job for Brian? “Dealing with situations that involve the death or abuse/neglect of a child,” he answered, especially now that he has his own children. In fact, the worst case Brian ever worked was the horrifying high-profile death by abuse of a five-year-old girl in 1991.

“You just have to push through things like that,” he lamented.

Moving forward, Brian is just anxious to see the vision for the SRT program as it comes to fruition under the leadership of Chief McIver and Deputy Chief Cheatham. “I am thankful to have the opportunity to support local law enforcement who put their lives on the line daily while performing an often-unappreciated job.”

 

---

Lakeside Lady Warriors 2, Merryville Panthers 3

Lakeside Lady Warriors ended the season Tuesday night with a one-run deficit in the second round of LHSAA Softball Playoffs.

Both teams were strong in the circle, but Merryville Panthers was just a little bit stronger at the plate in their 3-2 victory over Lady Warriors. Hallie Sutton started the game for Lakeside and recorded 18 outs.

Lady Warriors lost despite out-hitting Merryville six to four. McKenna Chreene, Mackenzie McCoy, Rainie Hughes, Emily Jones, Teal Austin and Raleah Harris each collected one hit.

Panthers got on the board in the bottom of the fifth inning after Hannah Harrington singled, scoring two runs and Brynn Beard lined out, scoring a run.

Sutton led things off in the circle for Lakeside. She gave up four hits and three runs (one earned) over six innings, striking out eight and walking two. 

McCoy and Hughes were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup as each drove in one run.

---

By Pat Culverhouse

Charges of domestic abuse battery, simple battery and cruelty to juveniles have been filed against a 39-year-old Webster Parish woman after she allegedly broke windows and struck a young person at a residence on Blue Run Rd. Monday.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said Sarah Faye Dance, a resident of the 1300 block of Blue Run Rd., was arrested at her residence after deputies interviewed witnesses and confirmed reported damage.

Parker said while Dance was being transported to the parish jail by Dep. Michael Chanler, he received information from assisting officers at the scene, Lt. Coby Barton and Sgt. Tommy Maddox, that Dance had allegedly struck a juvenile.

“Our reports indicate the suspect appeared to have struck a 14-year-old in the face and back with an open hand, and again to the face with a cell phone in her hand,” Parker said. “The blows left areas that appeared to be red with raised skin.”

Dance reportedly is also charged on two Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office warrants for failure to appear. She is currently being held in Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under bonds totaling $16,000. 

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.

---

By Pat Culverhouse

A background check on a check has landed a Minden woman in even more trouble after she was initially detained for suspected shoplifting at an East Union St. grocery store last week.

MPD Chief of Police Jared McIver said officers responded when 25-year-old Sara Marie Mireles, a resident of the 800 block of Fincher Rd., was detained by employees for allegedly attempting to steal items from the store. 

“While interviewing the store’s manager, Lt. Chris Hammontree was given a check which Mireles reportedly had tried to use earlier to purchase items. When the check would not meet approval, the manager said she ran from the store,” McIver said.

During a search at the store of Mireles’ backpack, officers reportedly found just over $10 in stolen items plus six loose Gabapentin pills, McIver said. When also questioned about the check, Mireles reportedly claimed it came from her grandmother who allegedly resided in a Texas nursing home.

“We called the individuals whose names were on the check and they advised it was an account which had been closed, and that the handwriting was not theirs,” McIver said. “They also did not know the individual we had in custody, nor how she could have managed to get possession of the check.”

McIver said Mireles has been charged with bank fraud and forgery, plus theft and possession of Legend drugs. She reportedly was transferred to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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.

---

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.

Friday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.

Friday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Saturday

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.

---

By Josh Beavers

In the world of collegiate sports medicine, few stories resonate with the warmth and dedication exemplified by Dr. Matt Bumgardner, a team doctor for Louisiana State University (LSU) athletics. A 2006 graduate of Lakeside Jr. Sr. High School, Bumgardner’s journey is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the drive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young athletes.

Bumgardner’s path to medicine began in the halls of Lakeside, where his participation in the AHEC of a Summer Program through Minden Medical stoked the flames of his interest in the medical field. It was under the mentorship of Dr. Chris Earnhardt, whom he shadowed during college, that Bumgardner’s passion for primary care truly took shape.

Lakeside’s nurturing environment played a pivotal role in Bumgardner’s development. The school’s intimate setting allowed him to engage in various sports and clubs, fostering skills that would later prove invaluable in the collaborative and high-pressure world of sports medicine. “The entire medical system is designed to work as a team,” Bumgardner explained, drawing a parallel between the camaraderie of sports and the dynamics of medical practice.

To current Lakeside students dreaming of a career in sports medicine, Bumgardner advises gaining as much experience as possible. He encourages participation in programs like AHEC, shadowing medical professionals, and volunteering, to truly understand if a field is the right fit.

Despite being part of high-profile victories, such as the LSU Women’s Basketball team’s national championship win and the football team’s thrilling overtime triumph over Alabama, Bumgardner finds the greatest fulfillment in the quieter moments of his role—supporting a freshman through homesickness or guiding athletes through tough personal times. These instances, away from the limelight, mirror the care and guidance Lakeside’s staff provides to their students.

Bumgardner attributes much of his success to the foundation laid by his teachers and coaches at Lakeside. He fondly recalls mentors like Football Coaches Cooper, Kidd, Ashley, and Braisher; Baseball Coaches Bob and Will Gray, Denny Finley; and teachers such as Mr. Combs (math) and Mrs. Finley (biology), who each played a significant part in his growth.

The community spirit and values of Lakeside have deeply influenced Bumgardner’s approach to teamwork and collaboration, a passion he carries into his role at LSU. He works in close concert with a dedicated team of athletic trainers, strength/conditioning coaches, nutritionists, and sports psychologists to ensure the well-being of the student-athletes.

Reflecting on his time at Lakeside, Bumgardner cherishes the memories of historical victories in football and baseball, which not only marked historical firsts for the school but also highlighted the collective grit and determination of his teams—qualities that he embodies in his work every day.

Dr. Matt Bumgardner’s story is one of commitment, both to his craft and to the individuals he serves. For the athletes at LSU, Bumgardner is more than a team doctor; he is a mentor, a confidant, and a crucial part of their support system, just as Lakeside High School was for him.

---

To All,

Across the nation in times of intense personal crisis and community-wide disasters, the first access point for those seeking all classes of emergency services is 9-1-1. The Webster Parish 911 Communications Center is the first point of contact for persons seeking immediate relief during an emergency. They answered 37,636 calls in 2023 with 100% answered in less than 10 seconds. The Webster Parish 911 Communications Center is celebrating this week of April (April 14-20, 2024) as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This week, sponsored by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International and celebrated annually, honors the thousands of men and women who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render lifesaving assistance to more than 240 million callers across the globe.

Communications Centers across the United States plan different events throughout the week to show their appreciation and recognize staff for the amazing and remarkable tasks they perform daily. Some celebrations include decorating office doors and include prize giveaways, some hand out goodie bags or allow out-of-uniform days. Unfortunately, there are those telecommunicators who may not be appreciated or honored at all during NPSTW, and that week is just another week. So today the City of Minden Fire Department and the Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security would like to thank each dispatcher at Webster 911, Minden Police Department, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Springhill Police Department for all you do every day for our citizens.

(Please join me in letting all these dispatchers know they are truly the unsung heros when citizens are having their worst day. Please reach out to Angie Chapman with Webster 911 (318) 377-9911 or director@webstere911.org for any additional information you would like to know about their day-to-day operations or what fun and exciting things are happening in the center this week, like popcorn and cotton candy.)

Brian Williams, Executive Director

Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security

---

By Pat Culverhouse

Their faces are rarely seen, but their voices are the connection between the public and those who respond in time of need. In cases of emergency, those voices can be a calming factor that makes a real difference.

Dispatchers are a vital part of law enforcement teams across the country and  they’re receiving well-deserved recognition during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week which officially began Sunday.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said the special group of deputies that make up his telecommunications office earn respect daily, unseen and without fanfare.

“Our dispatchers are often forgotten. They work behind the scenes 24/7 out of public view, but when citizens call the sheriff’s office, a dispatcher may be the only contact with a deputy a person has,” he said.

Parker said dispatchers are trained to handle situations and know that each call can be different, even tragic.

“A lot of times those calls are unpleasant, dealing with a tragic accident or a death in a family,” he said. “They’re the backbone of our department. We consider them a lifeline not only to our deputies but to our citizens.”

While deputies are answering calls for assistance, they depend on information from dispatchers to let them know what they could be facing.

“We cannot go out and perform our duties without our dispatchers,” he said. “They communicate the situation to us clearly, and they do it calmly and professionally. We depend on them for information that’s critical on each call, and they deliver.”

During their special week, Parker said the WPSO dispatchers will be treated like the special group they are.

“We have special treats for them, we plan to feed them and give them recognition in many ways,” he said. “We want to give them the special treatment they’ve earned and deserve to show our appreciation.”

Photo: Members of the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office dispatch team include (from left) Lacy Hay, Katelyn Langford, Karri Vaughan and Lt. Terrie Clark. Additional members of the team are Kendall Rico, James Rodriguez and Karah Taylor.

---

I am upping the game of your plain-o sausage ball with this Red Lobster Sausage Ball Recipe.  So so SO good.  These are great to go along with your supper or to make for a crowd, no matter the occasion.  They are 100 percent sure to please!

Ingredients:

*  1 box Red Lobster biscuit mix

*  1 pound Jimmie Dean sausage, cooked

*  16 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

*  Butter as directed on the biscuit mix box

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cooked sausage with the biscuit mix and cheese in a stand mixer.  Use a large cookie scoop to drop scoops onto baking sheet.  Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Mix butter and the seasoning packet from the box.  Brush onto each baked sausage ball when removed from the oven.

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

---

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.

---

Didn’t recognize him behind the beard and the years so said my name and he looked up from his lunchtime burger and wiped his mouth and his handshake hand, smiled and said, “Dale Shields.” 

Good lord. Dale Shields. (Not the same person, but in the same ballpark.)

One day we were talking about how to pass Mr. Jones’ senior physics class at West Monroe High School or what to do the night of our Class of 1977 graduation, and the next time we talked it was about Medicare and grandchildren in a grill on an overcast Monday.

“So, what have YOU been up to for the past 45 years?”

Some people you dodge or they dodge you by design or by destiny.

And some people you want to see but you just don’t because life happens that way.

We don’t always get to decide. 

But life’s a funny dog, so it drops dessert on your plate now and then and serves up an old friend who, if you’re lucky, is either Dale Shields or something close.

He’d driven over from his home in West Monroe for some early morning turkey hunting around Downsville. Still had on his high-water rubber boots. Quietly eating. Available but not obvious. Which has always been 100 percent The Dale Shields Way.

Absolutely one of the best we’ve got in your whole Human Race Department. 

Been since the 1987 class reunion since I’d seen him, so he caught me up on the most recent one, just a few years ago. Some classmates had died since the 2017 reunion “so we decided we weren’t going to wait for the 50th one,” he said, and told me about the one just a couple years ago, who was there and all.

Dale Shields. In high school, you could have asked anyone and they’d have trusted Dale with anything from a secret to your wallet or purse. Offensive tackle. FCA. Baseball. Y-Teen Beau. National Honor Society. The “A” in America. 

Every single time I’ve thought of him over the past near-half century I’ve thought, for at least a nano-second, of the one-bathroom house he grew up in. One of six boys and two girls fathered by Mr. Hugh, who captained the morning bathroom and somehow got all those kids grown and off to school every day of the world. Funny what you remember. Some mornings before first period: “Hey Dale, how’d it go with the bathroom thing this morning?” Daybreak after daybreak must have instilled in him the patience of Job, an outlook optimistic, a colon of iron. Each morning an adventure. 

Major tip of the ballcap to his whole wonderful family.

We talked of his recent retirement after 40 years of work with a local company, and he told me about signing up for Medicare; he’s had his Official Card for two weeks now. When 65 knocks, you and the guys talk not so much about turkey hunting and ball scores as you do about how to successfully sign up for Medicare, which to me seems about as difficult as carving Thomas Jefferson’s face into the side of Mount Rushmore. 

I’m about to find out for my ownself, being just a few months younger than Dale…Time is the great mystery. 

We traded phone numbers and grandchildren stories. We have one. He has No. 12 on the way, and the parents have decided not to find out the flavor yet since they already have one of each. I told him “Teddy” would work for a boy or girl; he smiled and promised to pass that along.

Dale Shields. Day made. 

About an hour later I missed a call from him. Made my heart feel good to see his name on my phone. Probably going to say it was good to see me, talk again soon, that kind of deal. I called him back quickly as I could.

In his humble and sincere Dale Shields voice — I could see him smiling — he said, “Butt dial. Sorry. The ol’ butt dial.”

How old are we, right?

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

---

The 27^th annual Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival will be held in historic downtown Natchitoches on the riverbank of Cane River Lake, the festival will kick off Friday evening, May 10th with “Tribute to Legends Night”. Appearing first at 7:00 p.m. will be “Lone Star Skynrd”, the award nominated Lynyrd Skynrd tribute act from Texas which faithfully recreates the atmosphere and energy of Lynyrd Skynrd concerts. Closing out Friday at 9:00 p.m. will be “Rumours-ATL”, the award-winning Fleetwood Mac tribute band out of Atlanta, Georgia which is widely recognized as the ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute with its note for note recreation of the Mac’s hit songs. 

Craig Morgan and Chapel Hart are set to headline the Main Stage on Saturday, May 11^th. 

Craig Morgan has been a country hit maker for over a quarter century and during his award-winning career has had seventeen charting country hits including the number ones “That’s What I Love About Sunday” and “Redneck Yacht Club”. Morgan is known for his high energy performances and is also a huge supporter of the military and veterans causes. He currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserve. 

Opening for Morgan is the super-hot Nashville group “Chapel Hart” who were finalists on the hit television show “America’s Got Talent” a few years ago and then emerged again on the show’s special “Fantasy League” series which aired just a few weeks ago. 

Millions have seen them on TV, they are selling out venues nationwide performing their number one hit “You Can Have him, Jolene” and many others. 

Preceding “Chapel Hart” will be regional favorites “Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs” who have been hailed as “Louisiana’s top show band” and are the only band to have appeared in all twenty-six previous festivals. They are making this a stop on their 30th anniversary “Over the Moon Tour” and promise some “special surprises” during their performance. The Moondogs performance is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. As always, they’ll deliver a high quality and high energy mix of rock and roll and R&B horn-driven favorites. 

 

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to http://www.natchjazzfest.com. 

There will be 20 bands in all performing on three stages, which will feature a wide variety of music, including country, rock ‘n’ roll, funk, soul, Gospel, Latin, Celtic, and yes, plenty of jazz and R&B.  This is a family event, and as always, there will be plenty of great food and fun activities for the kids.

---

By Tracy Campbell

Minden Lions are in for a special treat this Thursday as Derek Peris, owner of Barnyard Roasters and Brick Street Coffee, will provide the program during the club’s noon meeting. He will talk about where coffee comes from, the roasting process, and how it makes it into the consumer’s cup. As part of the program, Derek will have a time of show-and-tell, showcasing his first roaster and both green and roasted beans.

Upon graduation from high school in Maryland in May of 1990, Derek embarked on a six-year tour of duty as a U.S. Marine. Two years into his adventure, he met the love of his life, Debbie Savory, in California. Not wanting to be separated during the next four years, they married in the picturesque Napa Valley in 1993.

With active duty complete in 1996, Derek adapted to civilian life as a salesperson in the food service/packaging industry. In late 1997, he and Debbie followed a job opportunity to the Seattle, Wa., area. Derek’s sales territory included two states and three Canadian provinces. Over the next 25 years, the Perises moved around Puget Sound and raised four wonderful children – Rebecca, Lily, Anna and David.

Always intrigued by coffee, Debbie bought Derek a mini roaster in 2015. By 2018, he had acquired two larger roasters. In 2020, the pandemic cost Derek his sales job and he started a full-time business selling two coffee brands to grocery stores, cafés, and coffee stands.

In 2021, the Perises felt a great desire to leave the Pacific Northwest. Derek said many factors weighed on their decision, but God had more to do with it than their mental capacity could grasp. The Lord led them to Minden, where they made their home. By February of 2022 they completed the purchase of a historic building in downtown Minden, the former Crichton Hardware located at 509 Main St. Planning and construction took almost 18 months and the grand opening of Brick Street Coffee was held in October 2023.

Today, it’s a family affair as Derek, Debbie, and their four children all work together in the coffee roastery business and café. The Perises are active members of Evening Light Tabernacle. Derek also serves on the board of directors of the Greater Minden Chamber.

Derek will be introduced Thursday by Lion Tracy Campbell.

---

Mt. Lebanon Historical Society’s annual Stagecoach Trail Day fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Stagecoach Trail Museum south of Gibsland. The Country Store will serve gourmet hot dogs, snacks, desserts, and soft drinks. Events include a cakewalk with music by DJ John Cole and a large silent auction.  This year’s raffle is for a 4-gallon fish fryer by R&V Works. Tickets are $5 each, and can be purchased at the festival or in advance from Gibsland Bank in Gibsland. Raffle tickets are $5 each, and the drawing will be held at 3 p.m. You do not need to be present to win. Make plans to attend! This is an important fundraiser for the local museum.

---

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

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

Love the Boot week, Community Clean Up.

April 27

9 a.m. until sold out Minden Lions Club Spring Chicken Charbroil. Tickets $10 each. 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.

---

April 15

Michael G. McClain, 66, of Shreveport, La., was arrested by LSP-G on Goodwill Road, Webster Parish. He is charged with possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, as a fugitive from WPSO and Bossier City, driving under suspension, exhaust, expired motor vehicle insurance, switched tags, failure to change address and a second count of DUS.

Charles Wayne Woods Jr., 29, of the 300 block of Terrell Rd., Minden, was arrested by MPD for possession of natural marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule I THC, resisting by flight and proper equipment required.

Andres Lucas, 31, of the 800 block of Park Highway, Minden, was arrested by LSP-G on La. 159 for driving while intoxicated, no driver’s license, improper lane usage and open container.

Chelsea Symone Washington, 26, of Shreveport, was arrested by Shreveport Police and transported to MPD for booking on criminal conspiracy, principal and access fraud.

April 16

Cody Len Pickard, 69, no address, was arrested by WPSO for domestic abuse battery with child endangerment and strangulation.

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.

---

Edward D.C. (Ted) Bartlett

August 20, 1932 – April 13, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

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

Burial: 2:15 p.m. Point Chapel Cemetery, Doyline, La.

Elvaretta Burchfield

Jan. 20, 1933 – April 13, 2024

Springhill, La.

Graveside service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Springhill Cemetery, 600 Cemetery Rd., Springhill, La.

Charles E. James

Oct. 4, 1929 – April 9, 2024

Arcadia, La.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Mt. Mariah Methodist Church.

Burial: Mt. Mariah Methodist Church Cemetery.

Roy Franklin McClure

Nov. 1, 1947 – April 14, 2024

Homer, La.

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2024, St. Margaret Catholic Church, Homer.

Burial: Lisbon Methodist Cemetery, Lisbon, La.

Rex Jarrell Young

Nov. 29, 1935 – April 10, 2024

Homer, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer, La.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer.

Burial: Hurricane Cemetery near Athens, 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.)

---

By Pat Culverhouse

A Minden man didn’t have far to go to get locked up after he allegedly attempted to enlist an undercover agent to smuggle an illegal substance into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said 36-year-old Deshun Hendon, an inmate at BDCC for a little more than a year on an aggravated flight charge, is now facing two counts that should extend his time behind bars. Parker said Hendon has new charges of possession of CDS Sch. I (synthetic marijuana) with intent to distribute and introduction of contraband into a correctional facility. 

Hendon reportedly contacted an individual inside the prison, offering cash to smuggle contraband into the facility. After receiving report of the contact, members of the Sheriff’s drug enforcement unit planned a sting operation with an undercover agent and Hendon’s reported accomplice, 34-year old Laverettica (a.k.a. “Erika”) Allen.

Capt. Bobby Igo III, head of the Sheriff’s Office drug unit, said officers set up surveillance on the prearranged meeting place outside the prison to record the transaction.

“We had both audio and video surveillance, with our unit using listening devices and our drones to record the meeting between the undercover agent and Allen,” Igo said. “We already had information on Allen through previous contact.”

Igo said videos show Allen handing the undercover agent a bag containing two decks of playing cards and cans of tobacco.

“When we checked the items, we could tell the lids of the tobacco cans had been opened and resealed,” he said. “Two cans contained smoking tobacco, which is not allowed for inmates, and two other cans contained synthetic marijuana which was to be smuggled inside.”

A warrant for Allen was obtained and she was taken into custody the following day, Igo said.

“We arrested her on the warrant when she pulled into the parking lot of the courthouse and after we made contact and searched her vehicle, we found a small amount of marijuana and pills that we believe were methamphetamine,” he said.

Allen reportedly has been booked for possession of methamphetamine, three traffic warrants and introduction of contraband into a correctional facility. Igo said the introduction charge is the result of video evidence showing her making hand-to-hand delivery of the illegal substances.

Parker said Hendon has been transferred to another correctional facility.

“Some inmates will try to get illegal items smuggled into prison, and we’re doing what we can to prevent that from happening,” he said. “The diligence of people inside the prison and the good work of our drug unit paid off with these arrests.”

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.

---

By Pat Culverhouse

An impromptu dance in a Shreveport Rd. convenience store parking lot aroused the suspicions of a Minden police officer and resulted in the arrest of a local man on charges including possession of illegal narcotics.

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said 42-year-old Joseph Danielle Fullwood, who resides in the 700 block of Yale St., has been booked for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer and on an outstanding warrant following his arrest in the early morning hours Monday.

McIver said Lt. Chris Hammontree observed Fullwood acting erratically outside the convenience store, then followed him down Erwin Thompson Drive. Fullwood reportedly ignored several verbal demands from police to stop for questioning before eventually being placed in custody.

“The suspect never stopped walking when officers asked him to stop, and began jogging away,”  McIver said. “He was wearing low-slung pants and our officers observed him dropping items from them as he continued to walk away.”

After Fullwood was taken into custody, officers reportedly retrieved a baggie containing methamphetamine and a metal spoon commonly associated with intravenous meth use. He was later booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

Traffic stop leads to drug arrests

In a separate drug-related incident last week, two local residents are looking at charges after officers pulled over a vehicle on Sheppard St. for a traffic violation.

McIver said 31-year-old Elizabeth Coker and 53-year-old Stephen Garland, both of whom list an address in the 300 block of Garland Dr.,  were each booked on possession of illegal narcotics plus other charges. 

Coker reportedly is charged with possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to register a vehicle. Garland’s charges include possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine), possession of Legend drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

After the traffic stop, McIver said Sgt. Chris Cayer found methamphetamine inside a cigarette pack in Coker’s purse, and more methamphetamine plus Legend drugs inside a backpack in the vehicle behind the seat in which Garland was a passenger. 

Both reportedly were transferred to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

Police arrest Minden woman on drug charges

And, a Friday traffic stop on Bayou Avenue put a passenger in custody after an officer reportedly found a pipe commonly used for smoking methamphetamine inside the vehicle.

According to McIver, 36-year-old Melanie Elise Lope, of the 600 block of Constable, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Officer Ben Sparks reportedly received permission to search the vehicle and discovered a meth pipe on the floor where Lope was seated. He reportedly also found a small amount of methamphetamine in a marijuana grinder. 

McIver said the driver of the vehicle was charged with two traffic violations and for driving under suspension.

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.

---

Five high school softball teams in Webster Parish started the LHSAA Playoffs last week. By Monday night, only two remain, Lakeside Warriors and Minden Crimson Tide after Glenbrook fell to St. Frederick in their game two.

Mon., April 15, LHSAA Playoff game

Glenbrook Lady Apaches 0, St. Frederick Warriors 7

St. Frederick Warriors scored four runs in the second inning, which helped them defeat Glenbrook Lady Apaches 7-0 in the second LHSAA playoff game Monday.

Savannah Mangrum pitched four and one-third innings in relief for Glenbrook. She allowed four hits and two runs while striking out two and walking none. Rebecca Mosley took the loss for Glenbrook. The starting pitcher went one and two-thirds innings, giving up five runs on five hits, striking out three and walking none.

Vivian Still and Gracie Heard each collected one hit. Lady Apaches were sure handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Still had the most chances in the field with seven.

Sat., April 13

Doyline Lady Panthers 2, Calvin Lady Cougars 12

Doyline Lady Panthers lost to Calvin Lady Cougars in their first and only playoff game Saturday.

Keily Sumlin homered to center field, scoring two runs in the top of the sixth for Doyline.

Sariyah Gill opened the game. The righty gave up eight hits and nine runs (five earned) over five innings, striking out one and walking three.

Sumlin provided pop in the middle of the lineup and led Doyline with two runs batted in. The cleanup hitter went 1 for 3 on the day. Lanie Gates, Sumlin, Kanyion Bartlett and Gill each collected one hit.

Fri., April 12

Minden High School Lady Tiders 18, Franklinton High School 3

In their first playoff game Friday, Leigha Kennon-Giolbert collected three hits in three at-bats, as the Minden High School Lady Tiders defeated Franklinton High School. Kennon-Gilbert tripled twice in the second inning and doubled in the first.

Lady Tiders scored 13 runs in the second inning on the way to victory. Belle Douglass drew a walk, scoring one run, Jacey Adams doubled, scoring one run, Kylie Ryan doubled, scoring one run, Tatum Oliver singled, scoring one run, Gracie Sparks drew a walk, scoring one run, Annabelle Toland drew a walk, scoring one run, Kennon-Gilbert tripled, scoring three runs, Douglass singled, scoring one run, an error scored one run, Kaydree Kemp grounded out, scoring one run and Ryan scored after tagging up.

In the bottom of the first, Lady Tiders scored five runs on five hits to take a 5-2 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a double by Douglass on an 0-2 count that drove in one run.

Ryan earned the win. She allowed four hits and three runs (two earned) over three innings, striking out three and walking two.

Lady Tiders amassed 12 hits in the game. Ryan, Douglass and Adams each collected multiple hits. Douglass stole two bases of the team’s four. They piled up six walks and turned one double play.

Minden Lady Tiders will be at North Vermilion at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 for round 2 of the playoffs. Game will be broadcast on 104.5 FM KBEF and kbef.com.

Glenbrook Lady Apaches 10, Vermilion Catholic Eagles 0

Glenbrook Lady Apaches won big over Vermilion Catholic Eagles Friday in the first round of LHSAA Softball Playoffs.

Lady Apaches got on the board in the second inning after Anna Grace Vining singled, scoring one run.

Glenbrook extended their early lead with three runs in the bottom of the third, thanks to RBI errors by Vivian Still and Colby Hollis.

Rebecca Mosley earned the win for Glenbrook. The righty gave up one hit and no runs over five innings, striking out three and walking two.

Hollis drove the middle of the lineup, leading Glenbrook with two runs batted in. The right-handed hitter went 2 for 2 on the day. Hollis and Chloe Gregg each collected two hits. Hadley Haynes and Hollis stole multiple of the team’s accumulated six stolen bases.

Lakeside Lady Warriors 20, Northeast 0

Lakeside Lady Warriors defeated Northeast in a big way Friday, thanks in part to 19 runs in the first inning of their first playoff game.

Rainie Hughes, Emily Jones, Lexi Wood, Aleah Harris, Jones, Teal Austin and Izzy Vise all drew a walk that scored one run. Teal Austin singled, scoring one run, Laiklyn Squyres doubled, scoring one run, Hughes and Wood were struck by pitches, each driving in a run. Makenzie McCoy homered to center field, scoring three runs.

Austin hit a solo inside the park homer in the bottom of the second.

Harris earned the win for Lakeside. She surrendered no hits and no runs over three innings, striking out seven and walking one.

McCoy went 1 for 1 at the plate as the third baseman led the team with three runs batted in. Austin went 2 for 2 at the plate to lead in hits. Jones paced Lakeside with three of the team’s 15 walks for the game. They stole six bases.

Lakeside Lady Warriors will play Merryville at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

North Webster Knights 0, Rosepine Lady Eagles 12

Rosepine Lady Eagles scored seven runs in the fourth inning, ending North Webster Knights’ continued playoff dreams Friday.

Emma Newsom took the loss for North Webster Knights. She went four innings, surrendering 12 runs on 11 hits, striking out five and walking seven.

Anekah Coleman went 1 for 2 at the plate to lead in hits.

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

---