Congratulations, Springhill Medical Center for receiving outstanding scores in patient satisfaction through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Visit www.smccare.com .

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First Methodist Church’s Chancel Choir, 903 Broadway, Minden, is extending an invitation to all patriotic singers in the churches and community to join them in the singing of “Nation Under God.”

Minister of Music Dr. Dan Gibbs said this will be a special Freedom Sunday Chorus that will perform with orchestra.

“We are having rehearsals from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, beginning May 23,” Gibbs said. “Then we will share this patriotic offering Sunday, June 30 in the morning worship service.”

For more information on joining the special program, please call 377-1483 and ask for Dr. Gibbs.

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Special report

Louisiana’s two major military installations – Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish and Fort Johnson in Vernon Parish – not only are vital defense facilities for the state and nation but also are major revenue producers for the state.

At a Tuesday hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Barksdale Commander Colonel Michael “Fetch” Maginness and Ft. Johnson Garrison Commander Colonel Clifton “CJ” Lopez, said their facilities bring a total of more than $3 billion in federal funding to the state in the form of salaries and funding for projects often constructed by local contractors.

Col. Maginness said Barksdale is undergoing major developments to improve aging runways, update on-base facilities, and to prepare for 400 new airmen to man a new division to operate the Long Range Stand Off Missile that will be based at Barksdale.

The new technology is crucial, he said, because of “rapid advancements in technology, especially on the part of the Chinese… Quite frankly, we can no longer think of homeland as a sanctuary.” Strategic deterrence is a major factor in today’s warfare, so B52s are fitted for long-range missions. “In 18 hours, I can hold any target hostage, anywhere in the world, from Northwest Louisiana. I don’t need to deploy.”

Constant care of the B-52 bombers at Barksdale is necessary, the colonel told committee members, because the newest one was built in 1961. As commander the 2nd Bomb Wing, he believes it is “the greatest airplane ever built.”

The population of the 27,000-acre Barksdale AFB is about 14,500 and “the military is a family business,” so it has to have facilities for entire families.

Col. Lopez said soldiers have been training for war at Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) and the Joint Readiness Training Center since 1940, when they prepared for World War II. More than a million combat troops trained for Viet Nam there, so “training is in our DNA.”

Fort Johnson’s total base population is 32,628, including 7,949 active duty Army and Reserve, 222 Air Force, 12,447 military family members, 6,147 civilian employees, 5,770 transient and rotational personnel, and a 93-member Reserve component.

Families rely on Vernon Parish schools and Fort Johnson has “one of the largest child care facilities in the United States,” Col. Lopez said. The fort’s $1.79 billion impact on the state put it in the top 12 of Louisiana’s largest businesses.

The two military locations have “a huge financial impact on the state of Louisiana,” said committee member Sen. Mike Reese, R-Leesville. He said Fort Johnson’s 250,000 acres is “50 percent of the land mass of Vernon Parish, so we’re challenged to provide the kind of support we need to supply without the ad valorem tax generated in other communities.”

“Our military partners bravely serve all of us and we look forward to seeing improvements and upgrades that will continue to keep our state safe. Today’s presentations from our military leaders demonstrate what a tremendous impact their work has in our communities,” said Committee Chair Sen. Adam Bass. “Barksdale’s economic footprint in my district alone totals $980 million and the base commander says he’d like to see it as high as $1 billion. That’s impressive.” 

Charlton Meginley, secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, told the committee that his office focuses on “the economics of veterans,” and although it has historically sought to serve older veterans, he wants to share that focus on the education and employment needs of younger veterans.

“Louisiana is the most veteran-friendly state in the United States,” with property tax and other breaks given to veterans, he said.

The state has five veterans’ homes and five veterans’ cemeteries. Each parish has a veterans service office staffed by veterans trained to assist with applicants’ needs.

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The Webster Parish Journal (WPJ) will publish paid engagement and wedding announcements, as well as anniversaries, for couples who reside in the parish, who have relatives in the parish or who are getting married in the parish. (Fees apply.)

This move by the Journal allows couples to showcase their announcement. 

Information for engagement announcements include: 

Digital photograph of the couple 

The couple’s names 

The couple’s hometowns 

High school and/or college of the couple 

Parents’ names and/or grandparents’ names 

Ties to the parish 

Wedding time, date, and place 

An interesting fact about the couple 

Information for the wedding announcements include: 

Digital photograph of the couple 

The couple’s names 

The couple’s hometowns 

High school and/or college of the couple 

Parents’ names and/or grandparents’ names 

Officiant  

Attendants 

Ties to the parish 

Wedding time, date, and place 

For engagement and wedding announcement fees and/or to submit information for publication, please email wpjnewsla@gmail.com. 

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I love my dear home of Louisiana and am often proud of it, but never more so than this past week as Governor Jeff Landry, Attorney General Liz Murrill and Louisiana Superintendent of Education, Cade Brumley, announced that the new Biden Title IX rules are unconstitutional, an overreach of federal law and dangerous for biological females.  The rule change formalizes the Biden Department of Education’s redefinition of the meaning of “sex” to include “gender identity.”

Attorney General Murrill stated that these new Title IX regulations are intended to “remake American societal norms through the classrooms, lunchrooms, bathrooms, and locker rooms of American schools.”

Louisiana sued the Biden Administration immediately in federal court.

A.G. Murrill recounted the law’s history, stating that Title IX was passed to “prevent and protect against pervasive discrimination against biological women.”  After highlighting the heavy-handedness of the new regulations, she clarified the ultimate point: “The term ‘sex’ has always been understood to mean biological sex” but now it has been perversely broadened to include “gender identity.”

The new regulations are benignly entitled “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance.”  However, the effects they will have on young females are reckless and dangerous.

As I have noted before, transgender proponents argue that boys who identify as girls actually are girls.  No, they’re not.  And they are definitely not biologically—males clearly have physical advantages over females—and in physical sports, gender and biology really do matter. 

The fact that this has even become a disputed matter is a testament to how unhinged, morally, and ethically, our nation has become.  At a time when Americans are frequently told to ‘follow the science’ science is here rejected with the resulting unfairness to female competitors.

This insanity was first advanced in 2022 when President Biden made a striking departure from the previous position on Title IX  

and issued an order entitled Preventing and Combating Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation.  The order states in pertinent part that “[a]ll persons should receive equal treatment under the law without regard to their gender identity or sexual orientation.”  This language may sound like it is grounded in a concern for “equality,” but it is not.

Conversely, the Trump Administration specifically reaffirmed the position that public school districts may exclude students from athletic teams based on “gender identity” and could require students to use bathrooms based on biological sex, rather than gender identity.

Again, the real tragedy is that all of the progress of Title IX for females is now threatened by the transgender agenda, which seeks to allow biological males to compete in girl’s and women’s sports.  

Let’s also remember that sports and athletics play an integral role in the development of young girls who will be robbed of the opportunity for that growth and development—and athletic scholarships which may be their only chance at college—if forced to compete with biological males. 

As tennis great, Martina Navratilova, has said, ““[T]here will always be significant numbers of boys and men who would beat the best girls and women in head-to-head competition.  Claims to the contrary are simply a denial of science.” 

And let’s not forget that the national Left—as distinguished from the honorable opposition living in Louisiana—constantly screech about “toxic masculinity.”  But may I suggest that there is no more damaging and dangerous form of so-called toxic masculinity than transgenderism.

I also note that numerous other states, including Arkansas Governor, Sarah Sanders, joined in the condemnation of the Title IX “revisions,” issuing an executive order directing her state’s schools to defy the Biden Administration’s expansion of Title IX.  She asserted her state’s commitment to preserving the traditional understanding of sex as an “immutable characteristic of the human body” firmly “rooted in biology and the created order.”  (The Epoch Times, C. Pearson, 5-2-24).  Sanders asserts that “government should celebrate, not erase, sex differences by providing proper protections for them.” She concluded that the Biden Administration “has rejected reality and chosen to appease their left-wing base and advance a radical gender ideology over students’ safety and best interests.” (Id.)

Let’s end this gender delusion and confusion.

The 10th Amendment of our U.S. Constitution provides Louisiana with every right to push back against and reject such federal encroachment into these matters of state control, including the intrinsic meaning of gender, biology, health, and life.  I am proud our state is doing so.

(Shreveport attorney, Royal Alexander, worked in D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 8 years for two different Members of Congress from Louisiana.  He has witnessed up close several Speaker races.)

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WEBSTER PARISH DISTRICT COURT DOCKET – May 10

Defendant, Docket No., A = Courtroom A, Status, Arresting agency, attorneys and judge.

BILLUPS, JUSTIN S

98857 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

A For Further Disposition WPSD

WEBSTER, MISD Thomas Mayfield Parker Self

*OC 4/12

BUCKNER, BROCK JOHN

98881 CT 1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

98881 CT 2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Arraign on Amended Bill SPRING

McCullough, Melanie Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl

*BDCC St Conf 7/22 Trial 11/18

CALOME, DEMITA

98917 Ct. 1 Resisting An Officer

98917 Ct. 2 Speeding 11-15 MPH

98917 Ct. 3 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

98917 Ct. 4 No Insurance

A Arraignment Bond Return Date WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo NoJudgeAssigned None

COLEMAN, RAQUEL

98853 Ct. 1 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

98853 Ct. 2 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

A For Further Disposition WPSD

WEBSTER, MISD Thomas Mayfield Parker Self

*OC 4/19

DUCK, JEFFERY EARL

98769 Ct. 1 Battery of a Dating Partner

98769 Ct. 2 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000

A For Further Disposition WPSD

WEBSTER, MISD Thomas Mayfield Parker Self

*BDCC OC 5/6

Restitution owed to the victim- $100, plus $15 fee = $115 total

DUCK, JEFFERY EARL

98677 CT 1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

98677 CT 2 Possession of a Schedule III CDS A Status Hearing MPD

McCullough, Melanie Mary Jackson Parker Self

*BDCC OC 5/6 Trial 7/15

Co-Def: D. Brown

EASON, TAICARRIANE L

98889 Simple Battery

A Arraignment Bond Return Date WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo No Judge Assigned

EDWARDS, CLIFTON W.

98884 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

A Arraignment WPSD

WEBSTER, MISD Eric Johnson Allie A Stahl

*OC 5/6 FFD 7/26

FERRELL, SHAVENSKI D.

98399 Aggravated Battery

A Status Hearing MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Patrick Jefferson Parker Self

*OC 4/22 Trial 7/15

FORD, TYRONE LAWON

98147 CT 1 Aggravated Second Degree Battery

98147 CT 2 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property

A Status Hearing WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo Mary Ellen Halterman Parker Self

*BDCC OC 4/22 Trial 7/15

FORD, TYRONE LAWON

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

Under $50,000

A Status Hearing WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo Mary Ellen Halterman Parker Self

*BDCC OC 4/22 Trial 7/15

Restitution owed per the report- $1,546, 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

A Status Hearing MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Mary Ellen Halterman Parker Self

*BDCC OC 4/26

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

HALEY, JESSICA RENEA

98628 Theft of a Motor Vehicle – $5,000 or more, but less than $25,000

A Status Hearing WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo Mary Jackson Parker Self

*If Defendant present, please recall BW issued 5/6/24 Trial 7/15

Restitution owed to the victim per the victim impact statement- $947, plus $142.05 = $1,089.05 total

KEMP, JR., DARRYL WAYNE

98421 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

A Status Hearing MPD

Holland, Hugo Mary Ellen Halterman Parker Self

*OC 4/22 Trial 10/21

KEMP, JR., DARRYL WAYNE

98104 Armed Robbery

A Status Hearing WPSD

Holland, Hugo Mary Ellen Halterman Parker Self

*OC 4/22 Trial 10/21

Co-Def: B. Woods

KIRKPATRICK, KAITLYN

98890 Aggravated Assault

A Arraignment Bond Return Date WPSD

McCullough, Melanie No Judge Assigned

LEWIS, JOSEPH WARREN

98258 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile

A Status Hearing WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo Mary Jackson Parker Self

*If Defendant present, please recall BW issued 5/6 Trial 7/15

LOC, VINH KHAI

98569 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

A Status Hearing LSP

Holland, Hugo Mary Jackson Parker Self

*OC 4/22

Co-Def: S. Yu

LUNZ-REED, CANDACE MICHELLE

98260 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

A Fine & Cost Review Hearing WPSD

Holland, Hugo Mary Ellen Halterman Parker Self

*OC 12/4 Lt. F. Brown

MASON, MALIK ARMOND

98778 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Status Hearing MPD

McCullough, Melanie Mary Jackson Parker Self

*If Defendant present, please recall BW issued 5/6 Trial 7/15

MCCOY, TAMIKA

INCOMING Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

A Bond Return MPD

, Determine Counsel No Judge Assigned None

*ARR 6/10

MELANCON, CRYSTAL NICOLE

97949 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Status Hearing WPSD

McCullough, Melanie Christian Hall Parker Self

*OC 1/26 To provide proof of completion of drug treatment program

PACHUCA, ANDRES

98918 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98918 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

A Arraignment Bond Return Date LSP

Holland, Hugo No Judge Assigned None

PICKROM, BRITTNEY NICOLE

T025522 Improper Use Of License Plate

T025522 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T025522B No Insurance

A Arraignment Bond Return Date WPSD

Traffic, Webster

ROBY, KEAMBRIA

INCOMIMG Battery of a Dating Partner

A Arraignment CVPD

WEBSTER, MISD Thomas Mayfield Parker Self

*OC 4/22

***Still no Report**

SHEPHERD, JORDAN

98447 Second Degree Battery

A Status Hearing MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Eric Johnson Parker Self

*OC 4/26 To give State proof of payment

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

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

A Status Hearing SPRING

Yocom, Jimbo Daryl Gold Parker Self

*BDCC OC 4/26

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

VALLACCHI, IV, ALEXANDER H

98836 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98836 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage

98836 CT. 3 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

A Arraignment Bond Return Date LSP

WEBSTER, MISD Aaron Wilson PDO

VAUGHAN, JOHN WILLIAM

98835 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98835 CT. 2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

98835 CT. 3 Failure to Use Safety Belt

98835 CT. 4 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

A For Further Disposition LSP

WEBSTER, MISD Thomas Mayfield Parker Self

*OC 4/19

WALLACE, COLTON LANE

98451 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

A Status Hearing WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo Charles Bradshaw Parker Self

*MTC/Notice Sent Trial 7/15

WILKINSON, CHARLTON COLE

98898 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98898 CT. 2 Improper Turn And/Or Failure To Give Required Signal

A Arraignment Bond Return Date LSP

Yocom, Jimbo

WILLIAMS, BRETT DEMARCUS

98643 CT 1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

98643 CT 2 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

A Status Hearing MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Patrick Jefferson Parker Self

*OC 4/22 Trial 7/15

Co-Def: J. Hollingsworth

YU, SHUNHUA

98569 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

A Status Hearing LSP

Holland, Hugo Larrion Hillman Parker Self

*OC 4/22

Co-Def: V. Loc

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

May 9

Online voting open for Minden Pet Mayor. For more information and to nominate your pets, please visit https://mindenpetmayor.com/ . Contact: Ashlee Drake, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor, (318) 377-2144, ext. 433 or petmayor@mindenusa.com .

May 11

8 a.m. Lake Bistineau Spring Paddle.

May 18

9 until 11 a.m.Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry monthly distribution, 814 Constable Street, Minden.

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.

May 28-30

9 a.m. until noon, Robotics Camp. Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology Junior Camp for students in grades 3-7. Registration is free and will be open through noon Thursday, May 9.  The Junior Camp is limited to 30 participants. For more information or to register, visit http://www.NSU.LA/ETcamps.   

May 29

10 a.m. until 1 p.m. National Senior Health & Fitness Day, Minden Recreation Center. Community Health Fair with exercise demonstrations, BINGO, lunch and door prizes.

June 4-6

9 a.m. until noon, Robotics Camp. Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology Advanced Camp for students in grades 8-10. Williamson Hall. Registration is free and will be open through noon Thursday, May 9.  The Advanced Camp is limited to 15 participants. For more information or to register, visit http://www.NSU.LA/ETcamps.   

June 7-6

Grilling on Main Cookoff. More info to come. Visit http://www.mindenla.org/gom

June 30

6th Annual Duck Derby Extravaganza, downtown Minden. More info to come.

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Ted H. Everett, 62, Bassin Dr., Doyline; arrested May 7 by Sibley PD on WPSO warrants for cruelty to animals, violation of leash law.

Johnathon Langley, 33, 200 block Virginia St., Minden; arrested May 7 by MPD on warrants for resisting an officer, possession of CDS Sch. I with intent to distribute, and on warrant from Probation and Parole. Bond set at $16,000.

Hayden Corinne Adkins, 28, Princeton; arrested May 7 by MPD for DWI First Offense, open container, failure to register, possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) less than 14 grams, possession of CDS Sch. II., and on bench warrant through Minden City Court.

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

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Leta Marie Ambrose

May 30, 1934 – May 5, 2024

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 12:30 p.m. until service time Tuesday, May 14, 2024,First Baptist Church, Springhill.

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

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

Dianne Sherrill

Sept. 20, 1961- May 3, 2024

Arcadia, La.

Funeral service: 1 p.m. Thursday, May 9, 2024, Bryceland Baptist Church

Burial: 2 p.m. New Bethel Baptist Church.

Charlotte Logan Suggs

Nov. 30, 1939 – April 9, 2024

Lisbon/Homer, La.

Memorial service: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024, Lisbon United Methodist Church, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Homes.

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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Glenbrook Apaches are bound for the championship game after topping Covenant Christian Academy Lions 3-2 in the semi-finals Tuesday. They will face No. 1 Opelousas Catholic at 2 p.m. Friday, May 10 at McMurry Park in Sulphur.

Apaches took the lead late in Tuesday’s game. It was tied at two in the top of the fifth when Preston Frye drew a walk, scoring one run.

Both teams were strong on the hill. Glenbrook pitchers struck out three while Covenant sat down seven.

The Lions got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Owen Trosclair doubled and Brennan Champagne grounded out, each scoring one run.

Apaches tied the game in the top of the third, thanks to a sacrifice fly by Hudson Glasscock and a double by Jackson Waller.

Easton Sanders earned the win for Glenbrook. The starting pitcher surrendered six hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out three and walking two.

Carson Hebert took the loss. He went three innings, surrendering no runs on no hits, striking out three and walking two.

Champagne started on the bump for the Lions. He surrendered four hits and two runs over three and two-thirds innings, striking out four and walking two.

Waller, Seth Magnum, Ryan Reagan and Sam Ricord each collected one hit for Glenbrook. Waller, Glasscock and Frye each drove in one run. Ricord led with two walks. Overall, the team had a strong eye at the plate, collecting six walks for the game.

Champagne and Trosclair were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, as each drove in one run for the Lions. Trosclair led with two hits in three at-bats.

Listen to the game on KBEF FM 104.5 or kbef.com .

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Beverly Manning has been dishing out tough love and Big Macs for 40 years.

Tuesday, her Minden McDonald’s family dedicated their new building on Homer Road in her honor with a surprise ceremony planned by co-workers and family.

Ms. Bev was there for the opening of the first McDonald’s on Homer Road. She has climbed the employee ladder and was recently promoted to supervisor.

“The people are what’s kept me here,” she said. “I love serving our customers and working with this crew.”

Owner/operator Charles Chrisman said Ms. Bev has trained almost every employee – sometimes with tough love.

“But she’s not retiring,” Chrisman said. “She is just starting her second 40 years.”

McDonald’s employs a number of high school students and Minden High School Principal Dr. Rebecca Wilson said Ms. Bev helps them with more than just their jobs.

“If we have students who are struggling with grades, Ms. Bev tells them school is what’s important, graduation is the goal,” Wilson said. “We had two students that graduated because of Ms. Bev. She and I sometimes sit down with them to help them understand – as only she can – that it is all about academics.”

Dr. Wilson brought members of the Minden High School Band to play at the ceremony for Ms. Bev Tuesday. She was given flowers, a proclamation by Minden Mayor Nick Cox and two plaques – one that will be placed on the outside of the building and one to take home “to remind her to get up and come to work the next morning,” Chrisman said.

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Wednesday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 78.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.

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Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. was atop Mystic Dan at Churchill Downs, moving in the pack of thoroughbreds, aggressively watching, and with a plan.

The pair was on the inside on the second turn, just sitting there, going with the flow of things, waiting for a spot to open.

It did.

And Mystik Dan shot through it. 

He’s not overly anything for a thoroughbred except athletic and smart. And he’s plenty of those. 

Suddenly the crease was there and Hernandez and Mystik Dan poured themselves through it, and when they did, things went up a notch at the Shreveport home of Wayne and Kim Smith. 

That was only a few days ago — the first Saturday in May, a pretty big day the horse racing world — and the feeling hasn’t left since the moment Kim and Wayne and two other couples, all close friends, saw with their own eyes and hearts that Mystik Dan, a sort of relative to them all, was going to make a legit run for the roses at the Kentucky Derby in Louisville. 

Which he did. A photo finish champion. Winner’s Circle. Garland of roses. 

Winner winner chicken dinner.

“We’re still on cloud nine at the Smith house,” Wayne said. 

“The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” — and counting. Because Saturday, everything came up roses for Smith’s sister Sharilyn and her husband Brent, co-owners with a tiny group of partners of Mystik Dan, the Man and the Dan of the hour.

“Such a neat story,” said big brother Wayne. “(Sharilyn and Brent) own the mom; they bred her four years ago and now here we are, four years later, and they’ve got the winner of the 150th Kentucky Derby. Incredible.

“When I think about Brent and Sharilyn, just how humble they are and how genuine they are … they’re givers and for this to happen for them, it just makes me so proud of them and happy for them. At the end of the day, it couldn’t have happened to a better group (of owners).”

Sharilyn is a Captain Shreve High and Louisiana Tech business graduate (1989), a former Tech College of Business Distinguished Alumna of the Year and a valued member of the Dean’s Advisory Board. Wayne graduated just a few years earlier, and if his name sounds familiar, it’s because he was the Tech Basketball program’s leader in assists for more than 30 years, a four-year starter at point guard on teams that went to a pair of NCAA Tournaments and an NIT.

Those old competitive juices were flowing Saturday when Mystik Dan headed down the stretch, stride for stride with Sierra Leone and Forever Young. It doesn’t matter that the next time Wayne Smith gets on a horse will be the first time: competition is competition.

“Lot of excitement,” he said. “I thought about when we won at Lamar (in 1984) to end their (homecourt) win streak (at 80 straight) and win the (Southland Conference) tournament, and then Reunion Arena (a loss in the Regional Semi-Finals in 1985). I guess for Mystik Dan, it’s like winning the national championship.

“You can only dream of something like this happening, and when it does, you’re grateful knowing it couldn’t have happened to a better team,” he said. “The Smith Family didn’t have a lot when we were growing up; I was born June 29, 1964, and Sharilyn was born June 28, 1968. She was my birthday present back then.”

And now, little sis has given him another present. One that he can’t open, but one that can’t ever be closed, either.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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By Paige Gurgainers

About a dozen attendees turned out for the First Time Home Buyers Seminar held at the Quad Center of the Webster Parish Library on Monday, May 6.  

This event featured many guest speakers including b1 Bank Mortgage Loan Officer Jordan Colvin. She said, “I was so honored to have been chosen by business peers in the mortgage industry to lead the conversation about the mortgage lending process; from mortgage products to the importance of credit.” 

Those were only a couple of the topics discussed. The seminar also took a deep dive into real estate and the process of pre-qualifying to purchase a home. Another guest speaker with expertise on this topic was Real Estate Agent Shannon Wright.  

“I recognized a need for this in Minden. It seems like these things only take place in Bossier or Shreveport, but Webster Parish is where our hearts are and where we do the majority, if not all, of our business,” said Wright. “We hope that this is the start-up of something bigger.” 

Another important highlight of the evening included sufficient insurance coverage. Reed McClendon with Farm Bureau went into more details. He said, “It was great experience for me, and a great opportunity to help educate first time home buyers in our community on the process, expectations, and potential pitfalls when insuring their new home.” 

As the seminar winded down, the team closed with the topic of title work and the job of closing attorney. Taylor Parker Brock is the managing attorney of Durrett Law and Title and stressed the importance of having this group of business professionals, and groups like it, work closely throughout the entire home buying process – from clear to close.  

Afterward, the speakers and attendees had a chance to mingle and enjoy refreshments provided by Geaux Fresh and FoodJoy.  

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This is a big day at First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.

At 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, The Carpenter’s Children & The King’s Kids, will present “Moses And The Freedom Fanatics, The Story of Exodus.”

Composed by Hal H. Hopson and directed by Dr. Dan Gibbs, FMC’s Director of Music, this is described as an exciting musical drama based on the Exodus story. The play opens with a grand procession of slaves that disturbs King Pharaoh’s quest for a good night’s sleep. From that point onward, the action begins. The slaves get organized and Moses emerges as the leader of the people. The dialogue, spiced with humor throughout, tells with clarity and strong role characterization the story of the Exodus. The music includes lamentations of the slaves, a song cleverly portraying the plagues cast on Egypt, and a final song of triumph.

The public is invited to experience the play while supporting the church’s children.

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“One Text, One Postcard, One Letter, One Phone Call Away”

“Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth”

1 John 3:18

God  loves us in action and we should also love others in action.  Loving our neighbor means putting their needs before our own, showing kindness, compassion and seeking to build others up with the love of Jesus. 

Many times, we get so busy with our everyday tasks that we neglect the needs of others. 

It’s not always intentional, and on the other hand, it could be with some. We are living in a society of me, myself, and I.  What happened to genuinely caring for others, having compassion for others, and loving others with the right motives? 

“Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.”

I remember when my big momma was living, the late Missionary Minnie B Grider. She called almost every day to say “I’m just checking on y’all” and she would pray for everyone before getting off the phone.   

~One Text, One Postcard, One Letter, One Phone Call  Away~

When the Lord puts someone on your heart and mind, check on them. Maybe text them, call them, write them a letter, or send them a card in the mail to let them know you were thinking about them and that you care!  However, God leads you. 

Love is an action word!

We must love and be compassionate toward others and not be so quick to assume the worst. We should pray for others, encourage others, and check on others. God has blessed us to be a blessing to others!

You never know what others could be going through until we reach out to them. Check on the elderly, the sick, widows, family members, friends, etc.   

We can’t have the attitude…well they don’t call or text me, so I’m not calling or texting them.

We should demonstrate the love of Jesus by humbling ourselves and genuinely caring for others, even praying for our enemies. 

We have to deny ourselves and reach out to others!

The moral of this story is:

“One Text, One Postcard, One Letter, One Phone Call Away”

We shouldn’t wait until God calls someone home to glory, then say I should have reached out to him or her. They were on my mind, but I was always busy!!! I didn’t know they were going through that! I should have reached out.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for another day you have blessed us to see. Forgive us of our sins known and unknown. We repent for not doing what you have told us to do. Lord, help us to be better and communicate with others like we should. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

Be Encouraged!

All Glory Goes to God!

(LaTina DeLoach, a native of Minden, is a Christian,a devoted wife and mother and Lady Deloach As the wife of Pastor Gregory DeLoach, Blue Run Baptist Church.)

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ALERT!!!! VIP tickets are nearly sold out! Get yours today! If you wait, it may be too late.

Spectacular weather forecast! The official forecast for Friday and Saturday is absolutely perfect!

FRIDAY NIGHT KICKOFF  *REQUIRES A SEPARATE TICKET

​7:00 – 8:30    Lone Star Skynyrd (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band) The crowd is sure to sing along, dance, and sway to a celebration of the original Skynyrd rock ‘n’ roll legacy. Winners of the prestigious 2022 Josie Award for Best Tribute Band in America: Lone Star Skynyrd. More than a tribute! More than a good time party!

​9:00 – 10:30  Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Fans from across the nation claim that Rumours is the band to see if you are looking for an authentic recreation of live Fleetwood Mac shows. In just under 10 years, Rumours has landed itself the reputation of being the best Fleetwood Mac Tribute band and additionally has made fans internationally.

SATURDAY 

​1:00 – 1:50     Mason Trail and Zydeco Rhythm (High-energy Zydeco) Out of Lake Charles, they’ll have the crowd dancing early with an eclectic repertoire of modern zydeco along with traditional authentic zydeco music with an R&B flavor.  

 2:20 – 3:25     On Point Band (Rhythm & Blues) The On Point Band out of Natchitoches will be performing an exciting high-energy, brand of soul and R&B, classics, as well as modern hits, with a little jazz thrown in. Don’t miss this young and entertaining upcoming group!

​3:40 – 5:00    The Young Ones (Jazz & R&B with a Latin flavor)  NSU music students who all hail from South and Central American countries. These super-talented musicians will be performing a unique mixture of rock and roll, jazz, and rhythm and blues, all with a Latin flavor in their tribute to the music of Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and Bruno Mars. 

​5:20 – 6:45     Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs (High-energy variety show band)  The popular Natchitoches-based nine-piece, rhythm and blues, and rock ‘n’ roll band which critics have called: “quite simply, Louisiana‘s best Showband”, will be making this stop on their 30th anniversary “Over the Moon Tour” a special one as after their performance they’ll be inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. 

 Don’t forget about our headliners; America’s got talent Finalists “Chapel Hart” at 7:15pm and County hitmaker, Craig Morgan at 9:00pm.

For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit

https://www.natchjazzfest.com

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By Paige Gurgainers

Many may have seen the sign recently posted along Highway 519 just inside Claiborne Parish, approximately 1.5 miles north of the Bienville Parish Courthouse. The sign was posted by Mike Martin, owner of almost 20 dogs that were allegedly poisoned at that location. 

According to Martin, on May 12, 2023, after leaving work that afternoon to go visit and feed his Walker hounds that were kenneled, he arrived to find 15 of his dogs lying dead within his fence. 

“I thought I got some bad feed because they were all fine on Monday, May 10 and dead on Wednesday, May 12,” he said. “We tested and I fought with the dog food manufacturer and never came up with anything definitive.” 

Almost one year after the incident, on March 29, 2024, Martin went to the same location to feed his dogs and discovered four more dogs that had passed and one that was in critical condition. 

“I tried to save him, but I ended up losing five that day and it was the same exact symptoms as the time before,” said Martin. “The first time I combed the fence and couldn’t find anything. There’s never been anyone who has voiced concern. I have had those kennels there for more than five years, but I suspect someone poisoned them now.”

The kennels are located on private property where Martin has a lifetime lease. 

During the second occurrence Martin got the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) involved and they discovered several pieces of deer meat and other food products scattered within the kennel that had turned green in color. 

According to CPSO, this investigation is still ongoing. 

There is a $5,000 reward being offered for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the poisoning deaths of the dogs. Anyone with information may call CPSO at 318-927-2011 or Martin at 318-990-1322. 

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QUEENS, NEW YORK— After 62 years, and millions of miles logged, I have learned that travel is about one thing— connection.

I am jet-lagged, tired from lack of sleep and sitting up in bed in a dark room in an airport hotel in New York after a flight cancellation wrecked my homeward bound itinerary. I’ve been gone eight weeks, and I was hoping to be seated at table 19 in the Midtowner eating a small stack of pancakes with cane syrup, bacon, and spicy hash browns at this moment. 

The travel gods had other ideas.

Travel delays offer the best opportunities to practice acceptance, as one is at the total mercy of the airline. Some get mad and scream at the desk staff. But it’s not their fault. I’ve found that accepting the situation and being overly nice to the airline’s desk staff will get you much further with even more benefits. Delta took care of us in all the best ways, considering the situation.

Back to the connection thing. All travel is better when one connects. But foreign travel— to be the most enjoyable and satisfying— demands connection.

One of the key components first-time travelers to Europe overlook is hiring a guide. No matter how much one studies a place before leaving, it won’t scratch the surface of what certified guides know about the area, its museums, galleries, cathedrals, and history.

In Italy, certified guides go through rigorous training. My friend, Marina Mengelberg, studied one full year just to be a certified guide in Florence. When the time came to for her to be certified she sat in front of a seven-person panel, with an audience seated behind them, answering detailed and in-depth questions such as, “In the Uffizi Gallery, on the second floor, third room, second painting on the left, who was that artist’s mother, and where was she born?” The depth of knowledge certified guides can pass along is irreplaceable when touring.

Though all guides aren’t alike. There must be connection. Most of them can spew facts, but if you aren’t being guided by someone with charm, personality, and the ability to connect, then you are basically walking around with someone blandly citing Wikipedia facts from memory. Guides such as Mengelberg are charming, engaging, and have the innate ability to connect with their guests.

The same goes for tour directors and experience designers. Mengelberg introduced me to her friend Jesse Marinus, who helps me book trips outside of the Tuscan region. We have coordinated and collaborated on trips through Rome, Amalfi, Naples, and Sicily in Italy. Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, Toledo, Malaga, Valencia, and Barcelona in Spain. Last year I teamed up with both Mengelberg and Marinus and we hosted a group through their homeland of The Netherlands and Belgium. Yesterday Marinus and I finished co-hosting a 10-day sojourn through England and Scotland. 

That is where my latest connection occurred.

I connect with the Florida Panhandle area when I go down there on vacation because I draw on childhood memories and good times when I lived in that area for two short stints. But there are areas and regions overseas that— and sometimes almost instantly— have a deeper connection directly into my soul.

Tuscany was that way for me. I felt instantly “at home” the first time I visited there. I connected. That bond has only grown deeper over the years. I spend around two months a year in Tuscany these days. It’s not home, but it certainly feels like a second home. There are other cities and countries I admire and love, but none in which I have a deep Tuscan connection.

Until Scotland.

I love Scotland.

The first time I set foot in Tuscany I felt as if I had been there before. I have always felt as if Tuscany is very similar to the American South. It is an agrarian society, but instead of cotton and soybeans they are growing grapes and olives. The people are friendly, hospitable, and welcoming. They love and appreciate family and they especially love sharing a meal. I have visited a couple of dozen European countries and probably more than 100 cities over the past 13 years. None had made me feel at home as much as Tuscany. 

But I had never been to Scotland.

I had visited London a few times and love that city. This most recent visit to London struck me in a different way. I connected. London has caught a lot of flak over the years as not being a great food city. Actually, England, Scotland, and Ireland have been the butt of many food jokes during my lifetime. All I can say is that 2024 London is an amazing restaurant city. World class. We arrived a few days before my guests and— after almost two months of nothing but Spanish and Italian food— I was ready for some international cuisine. I ate the best Chinese meal I’ve ever eaten. Much better than anything I’ve had in New York or San Francisco (I haven’t visited China yet). We ate at an excellent Japanese restaurant. The Indian food in London is amazing. It’s not just boring pub food anymore.

But what of Scotland? We fell in love with the Scottish people, straightaway. They are extremely hospitable, happy, and welcoming. As I checked the may temperatures back home which were in the high 80s and low 90s, we were experiencing days in the low 60s in the evenings in the low 50s. The landscapes were amazing. The inns and manor houses in which we stayed were charming and the service was all next level. The best of the bunch was certainly The Isle of Eriska Hotel.

The England-Scotland group were all veteran RSJ Yonderlust Tours travelers. For some it was their seventh trip with me. At this point, we are all friends traveling together. I think, to a person, everyone connected with Scotland. 

On my trips I try to cover all the bases and check all the boxes. We did the typical things, but we did a lot of unique and unusual things and visited places off the beaten path. No matter where we were, and who we met, all the locals were delightful and warm. I connected with Scotland as much as I have with any place on the planet outside of my beloved Mississippi. 

I will have to wait a few hours longer to reach home. But in the meantime, I will reflect on the past two months and the experiences shared with over 126 people who entrusted seven or 10 days of their life with me. I am grateful for each of them, for the people who help me create these experiences, for the people back home holding down the fort, and for connecting with the beauty and charm of Scotland. I will return, hopefully often.

Onward.

Lentils
1 lb. Lentils
½ gallon Chicken stock
1 TB + 1 tsp Kosher salt
¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil
1 TB Fresh garlic, minced
1 cup Carrot, finely diced

Place dry lentils in a mesh strainer. Rinse under cold water for 2 minutes. 
In a 3 quart stock pot over very low heat, combine rinsed lentils, stock and salt. Continue cooking over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, but not mushy, about 30-45 minutes. Drain and spread out on a baking pan at room temperature. Discard any excess liquid.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over low heat. Add garlic and carrots and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the cooked lentils and stir frequently just until they are hot, about 3-5 minutes. Serve immediately. Finish each portion with extra virgin olive oil as desired.

Yield: 6-8 servings

(Robert St. John is a chef, restaurateur and published cookbook author who lives in Hattiesburg, Miss.)

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Following World War II, tension intensified between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, along with their respective allies, the Western Bloc (U.S.) and the Eastern Bloc (Soviet Union) in what has become known as the Cold War.  It is called the Cold War because there was no large-scale fighting directly between the superpowers.  The superpowers sent soldiers and spies all over the world.  David was among the many uniformed soldiers sent to West Germany in the early 1950s.  While there, David met and fell in love with a German girl named Marlene Henze.  On March 19, 1955, Walter, their first son, was born in Idar-Oberstein in West Germany.  In 1957, when David was discharged from the military, he returned home to Penns Grove, New Jersey with his new family.  Together, David and Marlene had three more children.  The family struggled to survive.  David worked as a welder and factory worker and Marlene worked in a bank. 

From an early age, Walter struggled to speak and had a severe stutter.  His parents hoped his stuttering would disappear as he got older, but it continued.  “I thought I was handicapped,” Walter once said.  “I couldn’t talk at all.”  When he went to school, the other kids picked on him because of his stuttering.  The heckling only worsened when Walter entered Penn Grove High School.  His classmates called him “Buck Buck” because of his stutter.  As any teenager who has ever been bullied can imagine, high school was especially rough for Walter because of his stuttering.  “There was a lot of bullying in my life, and I had to fight my way out.” Walter said.  “Kids get mean.”  Then, Walter agreed to do “some theatre” in high school.  People who cared for Watler tried to dissuade him while people who liked to pick on him encouraged him to take the stage.  Walter read his lines over and over until he had memorized them.  He knew he would eventually have to recite his lines verbally, but he was hesitant.  Finally, Walter took a deep breath and began to speak.  To his astonishment, the words flowed from his lips flawlessly.  He later said, “when I memorized words, I didn’t stutter, which was just miraculous.”  Everyone was shocked at how well he spoke his memorized lines.  His stuttering disappeared when he sang lyrics he had memorized. 

Walter struggled to get a handle on his stuttering.  He was elated when he took the stage in high school and spoke his memorized lines perfectly.  He considered trying to become an actor, but he had no show business connections.  Walter moved to New York and became a bartender at the trendy Kamikaze Club.  One night, a casting director visited the Kamikaze Club.  Rather than being thirsty, the casting director was visiting bars in New York looking to cast someone to play a bartender in an upcoming film.  Who better to play a bartender in a film than a real bartender?  The casting director had quickly dismissed other bartenders for one reason or another, but he liked what he saw in Walter.  After watching Walter for a short time, the casting director decided to offer the part to Walter.  In as few words as possible, Walter agreed. 

From that first minuscule part, Walter got other uncredited film parts, work on stage productions, and got cast in television shows including Miami Vice.  In 1980, the year he was cast in his first film, Walter was a nobody in the show business industry.  Five years later, his became a household name due to another detective television show.  In the last four decades, Walter has appeared in over 100 films, many of which have been box office hits.  In 2022, he abruptly retired from acting.

In a cruel twist of fate, Walter’s family recently released the news that Walter has completely lost the ability to comprehend or formulate language.  The actor whom you’ve just learned struggled to speak without stuttering as a child, who is now unable to speak due to a condition known as aphasia, is Walter Bruce Willis. 

Sources:

1.     Grant Rollings, “DIE SCARRED: Did horror accident that caused Bruce Willis ‘extreme physical pain’ on set 20 years ago contribute to shock retirement?,” The Sun, March 31, 2022, https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/18130242/bruce-willis-accident-contribute-to-shock-retirement/.

2.     Shreeja Das, “The TRAGIC reason why Bruce Willis was nick-named ‘Buck Buck’ as a young boy,” Meaww, March 1, 2023, https://meaww.com/the-tragic-reason-why-bruce-willis-was-nick-named-buck-buck-as-a-young-boy.

3.     Bruce Willis, Hollywood Walk of Fame, https://walkoffame.com/bruce-willis/.

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

May 9

Online voting open for Minden Pet Mayor. For more information and to nominate your pets, please visit https://mindenpetmayor.com/ . Contact: Ashlee Drake, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor, (318) 377-2144, ext. 433 or petmayor@mindenusa.com .

May 11

8 a.m. Lake Bistineau Spring Paddle.

May 18

9 until 11 a.m.Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry monthly distribution, 814 Constable Street, Minden.

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.

May 28-30

9 a.m. until noon, Robotics Camp. Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology Junior Camp for students in grades 3-7. Registration is free and will be open through noon Thursday, May 9.  The Junior Camp is limited to 30 participants. For more information or to register, visit http://www.NSU.LA/ETcamps.   

May 29

10 a.m. until 1 p.m. National Senior Health & Fitness Day, Minden Recreation Center. Community Health Fair with exercise demonstrations, BINGO, lunch and door prizes.

June 4-6

9 a.m. until noon, Robotics Camp. Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology Advanced Camp for students in grades 8-10. Williamson Hall. Registration is free and will be open through noon Thursday, May 9.  The Advanced Camp is limited to 15 participants. For more information or to register, visit http://www.NSU.LA/ETcamps.   

June 7-6

Grilling on Main Cookoff. More info to come. Visit http://www.mindenla.org/gom

June 30

6th Annual Duck Derby Extravaganza, downtown Minden. More info to come.

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Today, we’ll once again venture off topic just a little. I have something I must get off my chest. This might be a little painful for some to read but it comes from my heart and it’s not only my perspective, but it’s the truth. I’m talking about dads. Where have all the dads gone that should be raising their own kids?

Mother Nature and the animal world understand how to raise their young to be independent and teach them to fend for themselves in the cruel animal kingdom. They are taught responsibility at an early age in order to survive and once the mother feels they are capable of going out on their own, she pushes them away or in the bird world…. out of the nest.

But let’s look at what has transpired in the last 20 years with regards to the male version of the human race, known as dads. As a dad who has raised a son and two daughters, I am aware that there are a number of men walking away from their responsibilities. They are no longer committed to raising their own kids and expect grandparents/teachers/coaches or the wife (they’ve walked out on) to raise these young kids.

A lot of the young kids today no longer have a dad’s perspective on how to deal with some of life’s tough issues. They have no idea on how to navigate the difficult day to day problems that arise. So, who are these kids turning to for advice? Well in some cases, it’s people that we don’t want giving them advice. One thing is for certain, kids will turn to whoever is willing to give the time they so desperately desire.

Kids don’t always make good choices when seeking out a male role model mainly because they are looking in the wrong places. This is where a dad is supposed to point them in the right direction. You would hope they would want to look at their own dad as the person they should be trying to emulate.

So, what is the result of this lack of guidance? First of all, it has led to a weaker generation of young boys and girls who have lost the ability to lead.   It’s a generation that has little to no toughness or determination to compete in today’s brutal world. It’s a generation that has no respect for any type of authority.

Many of today’s youth have been raised in a society where everyone gets a trophy. They have no understanding of how to handle defeat or rejection when they lose a game or interview for a job. Learning how to handle rejection is a part of life and growing up. Rejection teaches us that we need to work harder in order to achieve the goals we have in life.

So many student-athletes are coming out of high school as an all-district or maybe an all-state athlete and think they should be a “starter” in their sport their first year in college. They don’t want to accept the fact they have to earn that starting position. This is also why the so-called “portal” that exists in college athletics is out of control and full of athletes that don’t want to compete for a starting position because they think they are entitled to that position due to their past success before they got to college.

So back to the question of the day: where are the dads that should be teaching many of life’s lessons? In my eyes, many have CHOSEN to walk away due to their own selfish wants or needs. They have rejected their responsibility of raising their kids to be respective and productive citizens.

If this does not change, our country will continue in a downward spiral led by people who don’t know how to lead. Step up dads and do your job! Do the job that is your responsibility! Teach your kids good work ethics and how to take defeat or rejection and turn it into something positive. Teach them that dedication and hard work are still the backbone for having success.

Till next time, be a dad and do what you were put on this earth to do…raise your kids!

Steve Graf                                                                                         Angler’s Perspective 

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Kasey Jo Collier, 39, no address given; arrested May 6 by MPD on aggravated burglary warrant; $35,000 bond.

Jessica Durbin, 41, Homer; arrested May 6 by Probation & Parole officers for probation violation.

Arnold Chadwick, 44, no address given; arrested May 6 by WPSO for cyberstalking, simple criminal damage to property.

Artisha Lewis, 43, Homer; arrested May 6 by WPSO on warrant for issuing worthless checks.

David Craig, 41, 100 block Bumgardner Rd., Heflin; arrested May 6 by WPSO for possession of methamphetamine.

Norman Guthrie, 46, Plain Dealing; arrested May 6 by WPSO on simple escape charge.

Victor Newman Thomas, 39, 16,000 block Hwy. 80, Minden; arrested May 6 by MPD for possession of CDS Sch.II (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rodney Montez Tate, 36, Atlanta, Georgia; arrested May 6 by Louisiana State Police on warrants for felon in possession of firearm, forgery, injuring public records.

Darren D. Grigsby, 52, 600 block Clay St., Minden; arrested May 6 by MPD for possession of CDS Sch.II (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, two outstanding bench warrants.

Michael D. Kemp, 20, 300 block Hillside Lane, Minden; arrested May 5 by MPD for possession of CDS Sch. I (MDMA), possession of drug paraphernalia.

Darnanta J. Dixon, 38, 500 block Verdis St., Minden; arrested May 6 by Probation and Parole officers for parole violation.

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

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