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Music- it’s what kept my tempted and distracted teenage soul connected to the church during my formulative years. No matter how the world tempted me, there were many cool young friends in my church who were playing, singing and (best of all) traveling out of town, singing what would become Contemporary Christian Music. Later, as Contemporary Christian Music and “Praise and Worship” services grew and choirs and organs were replaced with drums and guitars, I never had to pick a side. I love both of these deeply inspired and blessed forms of music. Yes, some point to “singsong”, “happy clappy” examples of Contemporary Christian Music but then some of our hymns that were more about “tin pan alley” than anything majestic or moving. I especially like when contemporary writers such as David Crowder, Chris Tomlin or Matt Redman take a traditional and meaningful hymn that has inspired and blessed many generations and set them to a new tune or write a contemporary arrangement to give it new life.
Speaking of music, we are celebrating Pentecost Sunday, May 19, with a single, combined service at 10:30. You are invited to come and help us dedicate our new hymnals. The Global Methodist Church along with Seedbed Publishing, have produced a new hymnal for a new denomination, “Our Great Redeemer’s Praise”. This hymnal features the hymns of Charles and John Wesley (of course) but also includes hymns from other Wesleyan churches and traditions such as Nazarene, African Methodist Episcopal, Christian Methodist Episcopal, Church of God, Anderson, IN, and many more. We will sing many of these hymns and hear the inspiring stories behind how many of them were written. Included in this hymnal are some of the Contemporary Christian Music songs that have meant so much to so many.
Come and sing with us, or just listen, but plan to stay for an old-fashioned dinner-on-the-grounds (inside) with plenty of fried chicken, ham and all the fixin’s.
(Steve Berger is pastor of First Methodist Church Minden, a Global Methodist Church. He is the husband of Dianne, his partner in ministry, they have two adult sons, a dachshund, and love living in Minden.)
People with humble beginnings can achieve great things. Henry Louis was born on February 5, 1934. Henry became interested in baseball when he was a child. His family was too poor to afford a baseball bat or even a baseball. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Hank practiced his batting by hitting bottle caps with broomsticks. He used anything he could find to use as bats and balls. With his makeshift gear, he could hit harder and farther than any of the other kids.
In 1949, 15-year-old Henry got his first tryout with a major league baseball team, the Brooklyn Dodgers. Henry’s boyhood idol was the legendary Jackie Robinson, who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Everything seemed to be falling into place, but Henry was devastated when he was not selected to join the team. In the same year, Henry joined the Prichard Athletics, an independent Negro league team. While with the Athletics, Henry earned $2 per game. Adjusted for inflation, that would be about $24 in today’s money. Next, he played for the Mobile Black Bears, and earned $3 per game.
On November 20, 1951, a baseball scout who had been watching Henry, signed him to a contract with the Indianapolis Clowns where he earned $200 per month. Now, that’s about $2,350 in today’s money. Not too bad. Remember, these teams were in the Negro league, and it was the early 1950s. Racism was rampant. Henry remembered back to a time when he and the other Indianapolis Clowns visited Washington, D.C. for a game:
“We had breakfast while we were waiting for the rain to stop, and I can still envision sitting with the Clowns in a restaurant behind Griffith Stadium and hearing them break all the plates in the kitchen after we finished eating. What a horrible sound. Even as a kid, the irony of it hit me: here we were in the capital in the land of freedom and equality, and they had to destroy the plates that had touched the forks that had been in the mouths of black men. If dogs had eaten off those plates, they’d have washed them.”
The constant racism he had to endure coupled with being homesick, Henry contemplated giving up baseball altogether. His brother, Herbert Jr. convinced Henry to keep working toward his dream. With a pep talk from his brother, Henry worked harder than ever. Word of Henry’s talent spread while he was with the Clowns. After just three months with the Clowns, Henry received two telegrams with offers to join two Major League Baseball teams, the New York Giants and the Boston Braves. Henry later recalled:
“I had the Giants’ contract in my hand. But the Braves offered fifty dollars a month more. That’s the only thing that kept Willie Mays and me from being teammates – fifty dollars.”
Fifty dollars a month may not sound like much, but that would be nearly $600 a month extra in today’s money. Henry decided on the Braves, but remember that he was still under contract to the Clowns. The Braves purchased Henry’s contract for $10,000, just over $117,000 in today’s money. On June 12, 1952, Henry officially joined the Braves. Henry quickly earned a nickname, but that nickname had nothing to do with his powerful hitting. His teammates called him “pork chops.” Henry explained, “it was the only thing I knew to order off the menu.” One of his teammates said, “the man ate pork chops three meals a day, two for breakfast.” Opposing pitchers often called him “Bad Henry.”
Henry prospered with the Braves. By the end of his first season with the Braves, the league unanimously named him Rookie of the Year. In the following year, 1953, the Braves won the league championship. Henry led the league in runs, hits, doubles, RBIs, total bases, and batting average. Henry won the league’s Most Valuable Player Award. Still, there was racism aimed at Henry. One sportswriter said “Henry… led the league in everything except hotel accommodations.” While traveling in the South, Henry was segregated from his teammates due to Jim Crow laws. While his white teammates had hotel accommodations made for them, Henry had to arrange his own hotel accommodations.
Throughout his career, Henry earned many accolades, too many to list. In 1973, something big was happening. Henry, then playing for the Atlanta Braves, was closing in on Babe Ruth’s career home run record of 714. During the summer of 1973, Henry received so many letters each week, usually in the thousands, that the Braves hired a secretary to help Henry. Not all of the mail Henry received was positive. Henry received a lot of hate mail and death threats. How dare he even attempt to break Babe Ruth’s record. Due to the high number of death threats, policemen worked in shifts to protect Henry. On September 29, 1973, Henry hit his 713th career home run in a game against the Houston Astros. He had just one more home run to tie Babe Ruth’s record. Two more home runs to beat Babe Ruth’s record. But Henry failed to hit another home run in that game. The season ended the following day.
Henry feared that he would not live to see the 1974 baseball season. During the offseason, his amount of mail, including hate mail, increased. He received so much mail that at the end of 1973, the U.S. Postal Service sent him a plaque for receiving more mail than any other person, with the exception of politicians. He received approximately 930,000 letters that year. The number of death threats increased exponentially. Lewis Grizzard, executive sports editor of The Atlanta Journal, who had been preparing coverage on the home run record, secretly had one of his sportswriters write an obituary for Henry because he was afraid that Henry would be murdered before he had a chance to break Babe Ruth’s record.
Henry did live to play in the 1974 season, but there was a problem. Braves managers wanted Henry to beat Babe Ruth’s record while in Atlanta, but their first three games were away games. The managers were going to have Henry sit out of the first three games, but the baseball commissioner insisted that Henry play in at least two of the three games. On April 4, 1974, in a game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Henry made a home run and tied Babe Ruth’s record. The managers certainly wanted to win the game, but they did not want Henry to make another home run before returning home to Atlanta. Henry did not hit another home run in an away game.
Four days later, April 8, 1974, the Braves played against the LA Dodgers in Atlanta. It was a home game. A record-breaking 53,775 people attended the game. In the fourth inning, Al Downing of the Dodgers pitched the ball. Henry swung. The ball flew over left-center field and into the Braves’ bullpen. Cannons fired in celebration. Henry had broken Babe Ruth’s record. As Henry rounded the bases, he saw his mother proudly waiting for him at home plate to give him a congratulatory hug.
Henry Louis is one of the most revered players in baseball history. And it all started with broomsticks and bottle caps. Even if you are not a baseball fan, you will have heard his name. Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron.
Sources:
1. “Hank Aaron, Academy Class of 1977, Full Interview,” http://Www.youtube.com. Accessed May 12, 2024, https://youtu.be/pbMvgj5LIRM?si=6AW0jMztgxTRleI4.
2. “David Letterman – Hammerin’ Hank Aaron,” CBS, https://youtu.be/GYmRXRlxIvk?si=GCUYa0Zj7ZZYqU5t.
Just like NBA Basketball player Alan Iverson once said…. ”We’re talking about practice?” Yes, today we’re talking about practice and how important it can be for an angler to be successful. With my recent 11th place finish at Sam Rayburn in the ABA Pro League, it was a reminder of just how important practice can be.
The problem with practice this time of year (spring) is that conditions can change overnight, or worse, by the hour. But nevertheless, we will see how time on the water is important to being successful and how we as anglers must keep an open mind, especially on tournament day.
Let’s start with day one of practice, as conditions were very mild with warm daily temperatures reaching the lower 80’s and a mild northwest wind at 5 to 10 MPH. But one thing that would be a definite factor in this event was the rising water level.
The East Texas region had been inundated with torrential rain the week of this event with as much as 10 inches falling just north of Sam Rayburn. This created a much-needed steady rise all across Sam Rayburn. The lake had been approximately 6.5 feet low prior to this tournament, creating all sorts of obstacles for anglers to navigate around making for some nervous boat rides.
So, I made a decision to go shallow and shrink the lake by limiting my options and fishing fairly close to the tournament site. I wanted to really get into an area, learn it, and figure out what the bass were doing in this particular part of the lake. This proved to be a very productive move on my part as there was plenty of cover with patches of lily pads and hydrilla in several pockets I had chosen to concentrate on.
Now with rising water on any lake, bass have a tendency to move up and head for the shallows. First thing I realized on day 1 of practice was there were a good number of quality bass roaming the shallows as I caught a few fish in the 3-to-4-pound range. Based off a previous event I researched from the week before, I noticed the weights were down and that 12 to 14 pounds would probably be good enough to get a check.
Over a two-day period of practice, I found three areas holding quality fish and decided to rotate through each over the course of my tournament day. But one area was especially promising as I caught three good fish and shook off 10 others late on the final day of practice. So, what does it mean to shake fish off? It’s where an angler fishes a bait with either a bent over hook or fishing the bait hookless, making sure he never hooks the fish.
Years ago, a fellow angler showed me this tip that I now use when practicing for a tournament and I don’t want to hook fish prior to the event. It’s called a screw lock and allows me to fish a soft plastic bait, like a worm or creature bait, without using a hook. The fish still bite the bait and in most cases I can see or feel if they are quality fish or not.
Hooking bass a day or two before an event will cause them not to bite. Anglers call this “sore mouthing” them. But there are times when I’m on a new body of water that I’m not familiar with that I will hook a few fish just to see what size bass are in that area.
During my 2 days of practice, it did not take long for me to figure out that a weightless fluke, a speed worm with an 1/8-ounce weight, and a chatterbait would be my top baits for this event. Wind was a huge factor as well and was an important key to certain areas being more productive than areas with little to no wind.
As tournament day rolled around, I headed for my best area that I felt I could catch my five fish limit rather quickly. This held true as I boated 5 decent keeper fish before 8:00 AM and began to cull up for the rest of the day. The day started out with calm winds, but that all changed by 11:00 AM as winds shifted out of the south at 20 to 25 MPH for the rest of the day making it tough to place the bait where you wanted.
But it was on those windy banks or pockets, with scattered hydrilla patches in 2 feet or less, where fish seemed to be feeding heavily on shad. Therefore, the chatterbait became my main bait for the rest of the day. I was able to cull several fish, but my culls were only in ounces and not in pounds. I finished with around 13 pounds total for this event placing me in 11th overall. Most events are decided by who gets the kicker or bigger bites of a 5- or 6-pound fish. That big bite never came for me in this tournament which is why I finished 11th.
The best part of this event for me was that I moved up in the ABA Pro League Angler of the Year standings from 27th to 7th. Only the top 10 for AOY at the end of the season qualify for the Ray Scott National Championship which will be held at Lake Eufaula, Alabama in April of 2025. So, from my perspective, this was a very important event and now I must continue to do well in order to put myself in position to make another Ray Scott Championship.
Till next time, good luck, good fishing and when in doubt…. set the hook!
Steve Graf
Angler’s Perspective
Send non-profit calendar events to wpjnewsla@gmail.com .
ONGOING
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 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 www.mindenla.org/gom
June 8
7 p.m. Dawn Glass of Minden will perform at Pinewoods Jamboree, Springhill.
June 30
6th Annual Duck Derby Extravaganza, downtown Minden. More info to come.
Kevin N. Sykes, 38, 100 block Robertson Dr., Minden; arrested May 13 by WPSO for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine), two fugitive warrants by MPD.
Eddy G. Bogues Jr., 48, Peach Tree Rd., Dubberly; arrested by WPSO on May 13 for active warrants of unlawful communications and simple criminal damage to property.
Jemaya Leanna Arceneaux, 34, Monica Lane, Springhill; arrested May 13 by WPSO on outstanding warrants for prohibited acts, obstruction of justice and disturbing the peace.
Charles E. Sanderford, 26, 100 block Milton Dr., Minden; arrested May 14 by MPD on bench warrants. Bond set at $1,000 cash or $20,000 surety.
Lamont Mariel Ford, 29, Byran, Miss.; arrested May 14 by Louisiana State Police for possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute CDS Sch. I (marijuana). Total bond set at $95,000.
Robert Lee Horton, 35, Jackson, Miss.; arrested May 14 by Louisiana State Police for speeding, possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute CDS Sch. I (marijuana). Total bond set at $95,001.
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.
Lisa Kay Dumas
Sept. 5, 1963 – May 11, 2024
Springhill, La.
Visitation: 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Springhill Cemetery.
Pamela Jean Lawrence
August 28, 1952 – April 21, 2024
Springhill, La.
Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2024, Central Baptist Church, Springhill, La.
Memorial service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.
Virginia Dare Haynes Benson
Dec. 4, 1923 – May 9, 2024
Shongaloo, La.
Visitation: noon until 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Funeral service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: Western Cemetery, Emerson, Ark.
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.)
By Pat Culverhouse
Domestic abuse charges have been filed against a Minden man after he allegedly attacked his spouse inside her apartment Sunday, according to Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver.
McIver said Corey Jay DeMoss, 27, a resident of the 200 block of Pecan View Dr., was booked for domestic abuse battery with strangulation, domestic abuse battery with child endangerment and cruelty to juveniles as a result of the incident Sunday.
Officers reportedly had responded earlier Sunday after a neighbor called 911 to report a woman screaming for help inside the Lewisville Rd. apartment. During questioning, the victim reportedly told officers DeMoss refused to leave, then hit her. He was not at the scene when police answered the initial call.
“Sometime after the first visit, Sgt. Reece Tewell received a call on his cell phone that the suspect had returned to the victim’s apartment and again was refusing to leave,” McIver said. “Sgt. Tewell heard the victim asking the suspect to leave, then he heard what sounded like the suspect hitting the victim.”
When Sgt. Tewell and other officers arrived at the scene, the suspect reportedly had departed only moments earlier. During questioning, officers reportedly observed bruises and scratch marks on the victim’s arms, and marks on both sides of her neck.
Officers also saw scratch marks on the arm of one small child who reportedly had been present. According to the victim, the marks were the result of the suspect throwing a phone charger during the incident. Two children reportedly were inside the apartment at the time.
“As our officers were investigating, a neighbor informed them that the suspect had returned to the apartment complex,” McIver said. “He was immediately placed in custody after his identification was verified.”
McIver said DeMoss is currently being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. Bond has not been set.
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 Marilyn Miller
There was talk of Mergers & Acquisitions, land developing and consulting, and private equity firms before the story’s lead finally emerged – Savannah Court nee The Arbor is now “The Columns” of Germantown, an Assisted Living Community, and the owners live right here in Minden.
Jeff and Kacey Rhodes, fourth generation Mindenites, along with a couple of partners doing business as Valiant Healthcare Management, closed the deal on Tuesday, April 30 and took over ownership on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
Jeff spent the past 18 years in various aspects of the long-term care business, while Kacey is a retired teacher. They both decided that the corporate management of Savannah Court in Minden “wasn’t good enough for the grandmother we have living there.” So they determined to do something about it.
Although the center was not for sale, the Rhodes and their partners pushed until a deal could be made, which ultimately included the purchase of the assisted living center in Bastrop as well.
“You always run a risk when you purchase a property ‘as is,’” Jeff pointed out. “When the State forced the closure of Savannah Court last year (because of hurricane damage to the roof four years before) the center was full (26 to 28). When they reopened, only 17 returned. Now we have 19. So our immediate goal is to fill all the apartments (two which accommodate two renters) with 26 to 28 people.”
According to Jeff, the facility is actually in good shape, now that the roofing challenge has been tackled. As far as facilities are concerned, the couple has a vision of adding a “memory care” cottage, which will safely accommodate folks with dementia or Alzheimers. But that will not be an immediate goal, since money will need to be spent in other areas first. And a lot of money is being invested in both Minden and Bastrop properties.
“We’re getting to know the residents and families now,” Kacey commented. “What we want is the best that we can give them! Our own grandmother is here (Nancy Craig). So we care greatly! We want a clean place for them, a safe place for them. And offering AMAZING FOOD is at the top of our list.”
“Yes, our passion is to make meals amazing. We want our residents healthy at the same time. We saw the food (the residents were eating). The staff was doing their best with what they had. We plan on setting up some food programs that will be locally sourced as well.”
“And we want to do business with local companies (vendors),” Jeff added. The two have lived in Minden all their lives, so they know more than a few local vendors.
Jeff and Kacey plan to become even more involved in the community. And they want the community to become involved with “The Columns.” They will keep the same staff members. “Nancy Hines, executive director; and Denise and Sue have done phenomenal jobs here,” the couple agreed.
They also welcome the community’s input as far as what “The Columns” has to offer down the road and right now.
Chamber members, the Rhodes are looking at an early June ribbon-cutting, which will give them time to complete new signage, and allow artist Mary Ward to complete development of the logo and the web site.
The Rhodes are proud of their partners in their new endeavor. “We have equal partners (in real estate), and they are wholesome, Christian folks,” Jeff exclaimed. And they are seeking new acquisitions because they want to grow.
But as far as “The Columns” of Germantown, Assisted Living Community, the couple agrees that they “have wanted to do business in the Minden community for a long time.” That’s why they have adopted the motto: “Hometown Values, Hometown Care.”
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. West wind 5 to 15 mph.
Tuesday Night
Clear, with a low around 59. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Thursday
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80.
Thursday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.
Job Summary:
We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our law enforcement team as Police Officers.
Responsibilities:
– Patrol assigned areas to deter and detect crime
– Respond to emergency calls and provide assistance as needed
– Conduct investigations and gather evidence at crime scenes
– Enforce traffic laws and regulations
Qualifications:
– High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework or degree preferred
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
– Ability to handle stressful situations with composure
Applicant must be 21 years of age, possess computer and office skills, have a valid LA driver’s license, clean driving record, and minimum high school or GED equivalent diploma. No felony convictions, No Arrests within the last five years. 12-hour shifts are required for full-time employment. Compensation is based on the number of years of experience, including already POST Certified. Other qualifications, information, and an application can be obtained at the Village of Dixie Inn City Hall, 60 Shell Street, Minden, LA, Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm. You will be required to apply in person with the Chief of Police and Mayor Hoffoss. Call 318-377-0238 for an appointment, or email resumes to mayor@villageofdixieinn.com and police@villageofdixieinn.com. The Village of Dixie Inn is an equal opportunity employer.
Minden Police Department wants to remind motorists to Click It Or Ticket. In order to enforce this reminder, Minden Police Department will be stepping up enforcement beginning May 20, 2024.
“Our officers will be enforcing this law,” said Chief Jared McIver.
As part of the national Click it or Ticket campaign, the Minden Police Department and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with agencies around the country, will be stepping up their efforts May 20 – June 2 as part of a larger, national Click It Or Ticket mobilization.
“Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer vacation season, and we want to make sure everyone arrives at their destination safe and sound,” Minden Police Chief said. “If you are not wearing your seat belt, you will be ticketed.”
Many Americans understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt – the national use rate was at 91.9 percent in 2023. In 2022, 25,420 passenger vehicle occupants were killed. About 50 percent of those killed were not buckled (based on known seat belt use.)
Of those killed during the nighttime hours in 2022, 57 percent were unrestrained, which is when the majority of unbelted fatalities occur.
Law enforcement will write citations day and night with a zero-tolerance approach.
“We are determined to bring those numbers down,” Chief McIver said. “There are too many people that are dying on the roads, and many of those deaths could have been prevented if people took the simple step of wearing their seatbelts.”
By Pat Culverhouse
Webster Parish deputies arrested two individuals Thursday in separate events of domestic violence that resulted in injuries, including one that reportedly happened in the presence of a child.
Sheriff Jason Parker said an incident on Blue Run Rd. Thursday morning resulted in the arrest of Jerestin Logan Baugh, 22, a resident of the 100 block of Wiggins Lane in Minden. He is booked on charges of domestic abuse/strangulation, domestic abuse/child endangerment and false imprisonment.
Parker said Sgt. Tommy Maddox, Deputy Derick Phelps and Deputy Michael Chanler responded to a Blue Run Rd. residence around 9 a.m. to investigate a complaint of abuse. After locating the alleged victim who had left the scene, deputies observed she had sustained several injuries.
“Our investigators notices redness to her right cheek and eye area along with redness and bruising around her throat,” Parker said. “There was also bruising on her left leg.”
During their investigation, deputies reportedly were told the victim’s three-year-old child was present during incidents that occurred Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Baugh is currently being held in Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. Bond has not been set.
Second incident
Later Thursday afternoon, Sgt. Maddox, Deputy Chanler and Lt. Coby Barton found themselves involved in another domestic violence incident when another Blue Run Rd. resident allegedly attempted to drown her sister.
Parker said 39-year-old Sarah Faye Dance is charged with domestic abuse battery, resisting an officer, battery of a police officer and simple criminal damage to property as a result of the incident that began shortly after 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
Deputies were told the suspect allegedly entered the victim’s home and began shooting a video while she was in the bathroom.
“The victim claimed she was pushed in the bathtub and the suspect attempted to drown her in the bathwater,” Parker said. “Our deputies found the victim to have red marks on multiple areas of her arms and shoulders.”
Parker said the suspect reportedly became combative once she was transported to the Sheriff’s office, and repeatedly attempted to remove and destroy information on a patrol bulletin board. She also reportedly threatened officers and kicked one deputy.
Dance is being held at 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.
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.
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University awarded 796 diplomas to 779 graduates during spring commencement exercises that took place in three ceremonies May 8-9 in Prather Coliseum.
NSU awarded a posthumous degree to the family of Alicia Rene Davis, who completed academic credits to earn a Bachelor of Science in psychology.
Graduates listed by hometown are as follows.
Dubberly – Victoria Chapman, Stephanie Humphrey, Master of Science in Nursing.
Minden — A’Shuntee Simmons, Associate of General Studies; Madison Smith, Bachelor of General Studies; Jada Franklin, Nadja Sills, Bachelor of Science; Anterrica Myles, Master of Science in Nursing.
The National Democratic Party has known for two years that President Biden’s reelection campaign would require defending highly unpopular far-Left policies and an economy that still burdens millions of American families with a punitive inflation tax every time they buy groceries, fill up their car with gas or contend with a high interest rate. These hard-working, taxpaying Americans remember fondly the robust economic times under Pres. Trump, whose presidency contrasts sharply with that of a doddering, mentally defective candidate in Biden.
It was always going to be a steep climb. So, the Biden Campaign decided on a strategy to attack Trump in every legal venue possible with literally any charge they could imagine—often completely fabricated—allowing Pres. Trump to secure the nomination but then so drain his finances and energy, and keep him locked away in a courtroom, that he couldn’t campaign.
This lawfare strategy has failed grandly.
First, courts don’t operate on an election calendar, although several judges have tried to force a Trump case to trial to impact the election. Second, several of the charges that have been brought across the country are not straightforward and resolvable in a comparatively simple way.
For example, a murder case is much more difficult to prove than a case involving a felon in possession of a firearm. The first often requires a significant amount of evidence of all kinds—forensic, including DNA, fingerprints, a weapon, lay and expert witnesses, and more. By contrast, a felon firearm case, for example, simply requires that the individual being charged is, in fact, a prior convicted felon who may not legally be in possession of a firearm but was found to be with one on his body or in his proximity.
The Trump cases involve issues that are legally complicated and not susceptible of easy disposition.
What do I mean?
Well, for example, the charges brought against Trump by heavily biased special counsel Jack Smith could have simply been based upon obstruction of justice instead of improper handling of classified documents. As a former president—who has the absolute power to declassify any document he chooses at any time—it’s difficult to prove that the documents at issue were even classified at all. And if the documents were classified, that Trump as president didn’t have the authority to declassify the documents, as have all other prior presidents.
In addition, former presidents have traditionally been allowed to retain documents from their presidency. If there is a dispute over documents, until Trump, it has simply been resolved between the former president’s lawyers and the government’s lawyers. At most, a subpoena would have been issued for documents the government sought.
Another one of Smith’s charges involves so-called “insurrection,” that Trump allegedly plotted to overturn the 2020 election. Smith has been unable to find evidence of even incitement, never mind leading a rebellion. However, resolving that case involves having the U.S. Supreme Court decide for the first time whether and how far a president’s immunity from criminal prosecution extends.
These are weighty legal issues and require a great deal of discovery, involve issues of national security given the sensitivity of the material that would be used as evidence, and more.
The case against Trump brought by now-disgraced Georgia DA Fani Willis and the circus of a case in New York involving porn star Stormy Daniels are simply too cheap and stupid to spend time on here.
[This is to say nothing of the blatantly unconstitutional gag order placed upon President Trump. As Mike Davis of the Article III Project has observed “the gag order is so egregiously illegal that even the ACLU (which hasn’t found a conservative cause to champion in decades) spoke up.”]
But, in a fevered rush of false pride and arrogance to destroy Trump, these partisan judges and prosecutors have stumbled. Attention to legal details and strategy were never given the consideration they typically would have been given in a legitimate prosecution and trial.
But, of course, that’s never been the point. The point has always been to get Trump.
Every one of these highly strained, legally unprecedented attacks on Trump’s candidacy are an attack on the American people and our democratic form of government—and the sacred and inviolable right we citizens have to choose our leaders.
Trump has become even stronger as a result of this lawfare corruption, and it may well put him back in the White House.
(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.)
United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:
Food: Powdered milk, crackers, canned fruit, cereal, biscuit & cornbread mix
Household goods: king & queen sheets, towels & wash cloths
Toiletries: soap, deodorant, toothpaste, bed pads
Thank you for supporting UCAP!
UCAP is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 204 Miller Street, Minden, for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only.
Send non-profit calendar events to wpjnewsla@gmail.com .
ONGOING
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 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.
Lamika Lynell Hamilton, 46, 400 block Morrow St., Minden; arrested May 9 on two warrants for simple battery.
Sheena Chanel Davis, 37, Camelot Dr., Cullen; arrested May 9 by Cullen PD on warrant for unauthorized use of access car.
Jenny Louann Buras, 42, Taylor, Ark.; arrested May 10 by WPSO on warrant for felony theft. Bond set at $10,000.
Ashley Banks, 38, 800 block Fincher Rd., Minden; arrested May 10 by WPSO on outstanding warrant for possession of CDS Sch. II.
Jason Orell Ford, 37, Oliver Speck Rd., Sibley; arrested May 11 by WPSO on outstanding warrant from Haughton PD. Bond set at $15,000.
Alejandro Barba, 32, DeQueen, Ark.; arrested May 10 by WPSO on warrant for careless operation.
Kendrick Weathers, 37, Art Camp Rd., Heflin; arrested May 11 by MPD for open container, possession of CDS Sch.I (marijuana), possession CDS Sch. II (Lortab), driving under suspension, littering, fugitive from Bossier City PD and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Kayus Grant Chandler Gros, 21, Moss Point Rd., Heflin; arrested May 12 by Louisiana State Police for DWI 1st offense, careless operation, no seatbelt, fugitive warrant from Webster Parish.
Kendrick Roshaud Harris, 41, 500 block Joel St., Minden; arrested May 11 by MPD on four bench warrants. Bond set at $1,000 cash or $20,000 surety.
Max Dean Boyd, 34, U.S. Hwy. 371, Heflin; arrested May 11 by Louisiana State Police for DWI 1st offense, stopping/parking on highway, possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana).
Ean Johnson, 46, 2000 block Methodist Camp Rd., Minden; arrested May 11 by MPD for possession of a firearm by convicted felon, no turn signal.
Demarcus Jericho Moore, 36, 500 block Babb Cr., MInden; arrested May 12 by Louisiana State Police for DWI 1st offense, possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana).
Randavious Ladonovan Mosley, 30, Shreveport Rd., Minden; arrested May 10 by MPD for pedestrian on highway, resisting an officer.
Kentravian V. Washington, 25, 600 block Marion St., Minden; arrested May 10 by MPD on warrants for unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, domestic abuse with strangulation. Total bond set at $70,000.
Marcus Dawayne Huey, 54, Gonzales, La.; possession of alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle, driving under suspension, possession of CDS Sch. II (cocaine), failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, speeding.
Gregory Lee Shingleton, 28, 200 block Nursery Rd., Sibley; arrested May 11 by Louisiana State Police and WPSO for DWI 1st offense, improper lane usage, failure to use turn signal.
Shacortney Jenee Grant, 26, Southfield Park Dr., Dixie Inn; arrested May 11 by MPD for simple possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) operating a vehicle while intoxicated, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on wrong side of roadway, possession of CDS Sch. II (cocaine), possession of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle.
Levert Young, 30, 500 block Central School Rd., Dubberly; arrested May 11 by MPD on five bench warrants, fugitive from WPSO.
Tamomthus Venzant, 40, 100 block Webster Rd., Heflin; arrested May 11 by MPD on two bench warrants.
Nashaquita Letrice Felix, 34, Fort Myers, Fla.; arrested May 10 on I-20 by MPD for possession of CDS Sch. II (Oxycodone).
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.
Pamela Jean Lawrence
August 28, 1952 – April 21, 2024
Springhill, La.
Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2024, Central Baptist Church, Springhill, La.
Memorial service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.
Virginia Dare Haynes Benson
Dec. 4, 1923 – May 9, 2024
Shongaloo, La.
Visitation: noon until 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Funeral service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: Western Cemetery, Emerson, Ark.
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.
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.)
Opelousas Catholic Vikings 10, Glenbrook Apaches 0
The 10-run rule came into play Friday, when Opelousas Catholic Vikings defeated Glenbrook Apaches in the LHSAA Non-select Division IV Championship game.
The Vikings got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Beckett Boyd tripled, scoring two runs, Kross Gillen doubled, scoring two runs, Braylon Harris was struck by a pitch, driving in a run, Mark Collins drew a walk, scoring one run, Jordan Luna drew a walk, scoring one run, Rowen Bergeron was struck by a pitch, driving in a run, Myles Collins drew a walk, scoring one run and a wild pitch scored a run.
Luna earned the win. The righty surrendered no runs and no hits over five innings, striking out seven and walking one.
Landry Powell took the loss. The reliever went three innings, gave up no runs on one hit, striking out one and walking one.
Sam Ricord began the game for Glenbrook. The righty allowed four hits and seven runs (six earned) over one-third of an inning, striking out none and walking two.
Apaches turned one double play in the game.
(“Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.” Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution.)
By Paige Gurgainers
In an intergovernmental meeting convened by the Webster Parish Police Jury (WPPJ) on Tuesday, May 7, discussion between board members and President Jim Bonsall commenced where it was decided the jury would amend Ordinance 688.
Ordinance 688 establishes the function, membership, executive director and authority of the Office of Community Services (OOCS). It stated, “The Webster Parish Police Jury delegates to the Webster Parish Office of Community Services all powers and authority to operate a community services program in Webster Parish.”
Bonsall said, “This amendment really defines the relationship between the OOCS and the WPPJ. They do some things on their own, we do some things. They do a lot of things that we don’t know they do. They do stuff over there every day that we are responsible for that we don’t even know they do.”
According to Bonsall this amendment would relieve the jury of liability but still allow the OOCS to continue doing business as usual.
Webster Parish Attorney Patrick Jackson agreed.
“For the last several decades this organization has been treated as a hybrid element of government,” Jackson said. “For audit purposes, it has its own audit and tax I.D. number. For at least the last 7 to 8 years we have had some significant legal issues that occurred that we found out about after the fact. As your lawyer it is very difficult to deal with significant events when you have no knowledge of them on the front end.”
The OOCS offers several programs to the community including transportation, HeadStart services, Section 8 housing, family daycare, low-income energy assistance and food services.
“These are very worthwhile and necessary things. They are spending a great number of dollars in the community, but this body is responsible for what they do,” said Bonsall.
This amendment would allow them to continue offering their programs but would ultimately give their board the responsibility and authority to manage their affairs and would remove the jury from accountability.
This discussion continued during the regular jury meeting, and it was voted unanimously to be adopted. This ordinance will be later followed by legislation.
“It’s about a four-month process where we will evolve this hybrid organization into a fully functional entity with its own accountability structure,” explained Jackson. “This will take some time to do that.”
Bonsall clarified, “I don’t want anything to happen to any program they do. To be honest with you, a deal came up with Mary Whitaker (former Executive Director of OOCS). It was an honest mistake. They used some in-kind services for their match for a grant that was paid for by another federal grant. It got caught up with years later and to this day there is still $300,000 on our books that we owe the federal government that still has not been settled. They have had bus wrecks and people have gotten on the bus after the wreck and sued OOCS which ultimately sued us. That’s the kind of thing I don’t want us to have the liability on when we really don’t know their business.”
The ratification of this amendment will not ensue any real changes as far as how the OOCS functions. They will continue to offer the same programs and will remain operable from the same building.
Heflin, LA- Tommy Lance Russell passed away at his home, after a lengthy, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, in the early morning hours of May 8, 2024. He was surrounded by family and special friend, Chasity Austin. He was 75 when he went to be with his Lord and Savior.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2024, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Heflin Baptist Church in Heflin. Officiating will be his sons, Johnny Ray Rowland, Jr., and Jason Bryan Rowland.
Mr. Russell was born on November 8, 1948, in Ringgold to Billy Lance and Martha Brunson Russell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 33 years, Mary Nell Noles Russell; close friend, Don Austin and brothers-in-law, Richard and John Noles .
Mr. Russell was a lifelong resident of Heflin. He grew up in a Christian family where he and his sister, Sharon, regularly attended Bistineau Baptist Church, where his Dad served as Deacon. From a young age, Mr. Russell worked in the family dairy and beef operations. He often commented on how mean Jersey bulls could be and compared the differences between Holstein and Jersey cattle. Mr. Russell would sometimes say with tongue in cheek how much he enjoyed getting up at 4 a.m. “to go milk.”
Mr. Russell was a product of the Webster Parish School System as he attended Heflin High School from grades 1-12. He was a proud member of the graduating class of 1966 as evidenced by the memories he shared from his school age years. After graduation, Mr. Russell attended Northwestern State University with several of his friends. He enjoyed his years at NSU and became a regular attendee at the annual “State Fair Game” played between Louisiana Tech and NSU. Even though “Tech” won most of those contests, Mr. Russell treasured the friendly rivalry between he and his friends from “Tech”, notably Don Austin and Stewart Beatty. Later on he took great pride in the fact that his only daughter, Carrie, and his youngest son, Cory, graduated from NSU. In addition, he swelled with pride again as two of his granddaughters, Madison and Rheagan Rowland graduated from NSU.
In 1971, Mr. Russell began a distinguished 34-year career as a Quality Control Inspector at General Electric Corporation in Shreveport. He would work there until his retirement in 2005. It was during his early years at “GE” that he began a courtship with Mary Nell Noles, whom he had known most of his life. Mr. Russell also began a relationship with Ms. Noles’ two young sons, Johnny and Jason, who at the time were 4 and 3 respectively. Little did he know the incredible impact, as their Dad, he would have on them that would last the rest of their lives. Mr. Russell and Ms. Noles were married on September 14, 1973, and remained married until her death on June 17th, 2006. Soon after they were married a daughter, Carrie April, was born and a few years later a son, Cory Lance, came along. Together, they formed a family that was rooted in Christian values, love, and discipline. Mr. Russell provided and cared for his family until his death. He unconditionally loved his 4 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren showing it not just with words, but with his frequent selfless, giving actions.
On June 1, 2008, Mr. Russell entered into marriage with Melinda Sanders whom he shared common interests with by having family members that lived in the same vicinity. Together, they enjoyed their large extended family that was formed. Mr. Russell and “Mella”, as she is affectionately known, enjoyed traveling together, going out to eat, shopping, and watching “westerns” together.
Mr. Russell was a long-time member of Heflin Baptist Church where he served as Deacon for 32 years. He was an inaugural member of the Heflin Lions Club, served in the Minden Jaycees, and enjoyed playing golf and fishing with his friends.
Mr. Russell is survived by his wife of 16 years, Melinda Sanders Russell, of Heflin; sister, Sharon Morrow and husband, Billy of Heflin; sister-in-law Judy Noles of Heflin; children: Johnny Ray Rowland, Jr., and wife Sherri of Dubberly, Jason Bryan Rowland and wife Marla of Benton, Carrie April Russell Woodard and husband Jody of Heflin, and Cory Lance Russell and Mallorie Williams of Benton; grandchildren: Madison Rowland of Haughton, Morgan Rowland Hall and husband Gray of Minden, Cade Woodard and wife Jaci of Shreveport, Cody Woodard and wife Maddie of Baton Rouge, Rheagan Rowland McMinn and husband Brooks of Benton, Pearce Russell of Benton, and Ava Russell of Benton; great-grandchildren: Remi McMinn, Stone Woodard, Garrison Hall, and Allyn McMinn; aunt and uncle, Faye and Jack Harrison of Hall Summit; step children: Bryce and Brody Lafitte, Brianne Lafitte Ivy and husband Blake; numerous grandchildren who loved Papaw dearly; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and loving companion and dog, Dixie.
Pallbearers will be Cade Woodard, Cody Woodard, Pearce Russell, Reed Waldron, Bryce Lafitte, Gray Hall, Brooks McMinn, and Anthony McMaster.
Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacons of Heflin Baptist Church, Walter Brunson, Harold Holley, and Scott Mizell.
The family wishes to extend a huge debt of gratitude to Passages Hospice and special friend/caregiver Chasity Austin.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Children’s Ministry Fund at Heflin Baptist Church.