A call for Minden Fire Department at Webster Junior High Thursday fortunately was for something minor. Fire Chief Brian Williams said around 12:30 p.m., his department received a call for a structure fire. When they arrived, they found it was a bad ballast that had begun to smoke. By 1 p.m., the all-clear was given and students returned to class.
DON’T FORGET! Glenbrook Apaches play Opelousas Catholic in the LHSAA Div. IV Select Championship game at 2 p.m. today in Sulphur.
Listen to the game on KBEF FM 104.5 and kbef.com.
By Marilyn Miller
“Grilling on Main” 2024, the annual Minden BBQ Cookoff Festival, was the main business of the Minden Downtown Development Commission and Minden Main Street meeting Tuesday evening.
Sponsorships and contestants are still being sought for the June 7-8, 2024 event, for everything from entertainment to cornhole competition. All events, including Lil Grillers, the Kids Area, Cornhole, entertainment, food and shopping vendors, fireworks, and smacking on lots of good grilled meat, will take place in downtown Minden.
“A major difference this year falls in our People’s Choice competition, where each competitor is being given their choice of meat, which will NOT be provided,” said Main Street Director Taylor Wren. The voting public will be given wristbands for a fee and will be allowed to taste samples from the People’s Choice competitors. Once they have voted on their favorite, the wristband will be cut-off. “One winner will receive a $1,000 payout,” Taylor added, explaining that participation in this competition is optional with all team entries.
Barbecue Competitors Alliance (BCA) and local teams consist of four people with a $185 entry fee per team. Winners will receive a monetary payout with a total winner payout of $10,000. Categories are brisket, chicken, and pork spareribs.
“All contestants must follow BCA guidelines,” Taylor said. “All three meats must be cooked to qualify for Grand Champion.”
More sponsorship opportunities and event attractions will develop over the coming weeks. For more information, contact Taylor at 318-371-4258 or www.mindenla.org/gom. Interested judges may also contact Ms. Wren.
The next MDDC/Minden Main Street meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 13 at 5 p.m. in the Pelican Room at Minden City Hall. This is a public meeting.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 82. North wind around 10 mph.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.
Sunday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Sunday Night
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Monday
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
Monday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
Tuesday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
Tuesday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.
* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.
Meet the Candidates/Vote here: https://mindenpetmayor.com/product-category/nominees .
Scroll through a wide selection of amazing and cute pets and cast your vote for as many of them you feel would make the best Pet Mayor of Minden! Each vote is $5 and you can vote as many times as you would like for your favorite pet. We received 48 Candidates of the best around. It’s going to be a tight race! Every vote counts!
Click on View Details on each pet to learn more about them and why their owner feels they should win this prestigious honor.
Voting will take place May 9 – May 27. $5 per vote.
Pet Candidate Owners- feel free to save the image of your pet on our website and share to your social media accounts to ask your friends and family to vote for them!
All proceeds from this event will benefit the Minden Animal Shelter. Plans include to build a new shelter to house and protect those awaiting a forever home.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Harrington’s Communications, JDM Custom Cabinets, Rocking Rooster Veterinary Services, TG Companies, LLC, Ace Hardware, b1 BANK, Bobbies Hobbies, Buffington Veterinary Hospital, Cinnamon Creek RV Park, Gibsland Bank & Trust, Harper Chevrolet-GMC, Home Federal Bank, Mayor Nick Cox, Mike’s Hometown Spirits, Meriwether Wealth & Planning, Minden Animal Clinic, Police Chief Jared McIver, Spotless Paws, Minden Family Dental, Minden Farm and Garden, Under Dawgs Sports Grill and Yocom Law Firm.
By Paige Gurgainers
The Webster Parish Library is redefining summer learning by introducing a brand new program – Discovery Camp 2024.
This new program will mark a significant departure from the traditional summer reading programs that most families have grown accustomed to over the decades. It will now offer many more interactive experiences, enrichment and literary exploration through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) while also keeping reading as an integral part of camp.
“As the first public library system in our area to host a STEM based camp in place of a traditional Summer Reading Program, we are excited for this revamp,” said Kim Sentell, Director of Marketing for Webster Parish Libraries. “Our parish is very fortunate to have a very forward-thinking library director, Savannah Jones, who recognized a need for a shift from traditional summer reading programs to immersive STEM enrichment experiences, which represents a strategic response to the evolving landscape of education and technology. By embracing STEM education, our libraries are not only equipping children with essential skills for the future but also fostering a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.”
Sentell credited Youth Services Coordinator Cassidy Duck as an “instrumental force” behind the scenes. Duck has curated a lineup of special performances and programs that align with the STEM enrichment focus of Discovery Camp 2024.
Registration for camp is set for Saturday, June 8, at both Minden and Springhill locations. Registration Day will be filled with entertainment and exploration including a highlighted feature- the Discovery Dome. This dome is a state-of-the-art inflated dome theatre provided graciously by the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Registration at the Minden location will take place from 9 a.m. to noon and from 3 to 6 p.m. in Springhill. In order to ensure everyone has a chance to experience the Discovery Dome, registration is necessary.
Discovery Camp 2024 will offer an opportunity to also earn library bucks for every book read or special performance attended. These bucks can be traded for incentives that will further engage children to experience other resources available to them through the library system. All books read must be logged into Beanstack.
For more details on Discovery Camp 2024 and its exciting lineup of activities or for more information on Beanstack, updates can be found on the Webster Parish Libraries Facebook page or by visiting their website at http://www.websterpl.org.
Webster Parish District Criminal Court Docket, May 13, 2024
Listed: Defendant, Docket No., B=Courtroom B; Status, Arresting agency, attorneys and judge.
BRITT, TERRA DARLENE
98324 Second Degree Robbery
B Status Hearing MPD
Holland, Hugo Carey Ellis Allie A Stahl
*OC 4/15
Co-Def: S. Davis, E. Brown
BROWN, EMMANUEL JAMES
98324A Second Degree Robbery
B Status Hearing MPD
Holland, Hugo Mary Jackson Allie A Stahl
*OC 4/15
Co-Def: S. Davis, T. Britt
BUCKLIN, KERRY THOMAS
98739 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Third Offense
B Status Hearing LSP
McCullough, Melanie Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl
*OC 4/15 Trial 6/17
BURTON, SHAWN DEWAYNE
98425 Arson with the Intent to Defraud
B Contradictory Hearing LASFM
Holland, Hugo Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl
*BDCC Defendants pro se Motion to Dismiss
Co-Defs: C. Pearson, R. Pearson
DAVIS, SARA ELIZABETH
98323 Second Degree Robbery
B Status Hearing MPD
Holland, Hugo Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl
*OC 4/15
Co-Def: T. Britt, E. Brown
DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE
98327 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
B Status Hearing SPRING
McCullough, Melanie Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl
*OC 4/19 Trial 6/17
DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE
98526 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered
B Status Hearing CPD
McCullough, Melanie Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl
*OC 4/19 Trial 6/17
DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE
T060123 Speeding 16-24 MPH
B For Further Disposition WPSD
ADA, TRAFFIC Allie A Stahl
*OC 4/19
EVANS, NORMAN
98350 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
B Status Hearing WPSD
McCullough, Melanie Aaron Wilson Allie A Stahl
*OC 4/15
Co-Def: D. Rascoe
FERGUSON, JOHNNIE RAY
98760 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or
Controlled Dangerous Substance
B Status Hearing MPD
Yocom, Jimbo Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl
*OC 4/15 Trial 6/17
Please make forfeiture of firearms: Taurus G2 and Remington 870 .12ga Shotgun, part of any plea/sentence agreement.
GIBSON, CYNTHIA DENISE
98762 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
B Status Hearing LSP
McCullough, Melanie Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl
*OC 4/15 Trial 6/17
HENDON, DESHUN R.
98200 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered
B Status Hearing MPD
McCullough, Melanie Carey Ellis Allie A Stahl
*BDCC OC 4/15 Trial 11/18
NESS, LANESHIA SHANTE
98570
Manslaughter
B Status Hearing SPRING
Holland, Hugo Mary Ellen Halterman Allie A Stahl
*WPJ OC 4/15
ONEAL, WILLIAM AMOS
97903 Simple Arson
B Status Hearing LASFM
Holland, Hugo Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl
*OC 1/22
Restitution owed to State Farm Insurance Company- $151,181.90, plus $22,677.29 fee = $173,859.19 total
SHINE, MERNARD L.
98603 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
B Contradictory Hearing WPSD
Yocom, Jimbo Aaron Wilson Allie A Stahl
*BDCC Petitioners pro se Motion to Dismiss Speedy Trial Violation
Co-Def: M. Malham
STEPHENSON, HUNTER IRVIN
98725 Aggravated Burglary
B Status Hearing SAPD
Holland, Hugo Aaron Wilson Allie A Stahl
*BDCC OC 4/15 Trial 6/17
Co-Def: J. Berry
WASHINGTON, ANGELA
97148 Second Degree Murder
97148A Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with Evidence
B Status Hearing MPD
Holland, Hugo Mary Ellen Halterman Allie A Stahl
*WPJ OC 4/15
WHITE, HEAVYN JULIETTE
98869 Cruelty To Juveniles
B Status Hearing SPRING
Holland, Hugo Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl
*WPJ OC 4/19 Trial 11/18
Co-Def: W. Berry
WHITE, HEAVYN JULIETTE
98869 Cruelty To Juveniles
B Bond Reduction Hearing SPRING
Holland, Hugo Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl
*WPJ OC 4/19 Total Bond: $150,000
Co-Def: W. Berry
WILLIS, CORTORIA UNIQUE
T059923 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
T059923A Switched License Plates
B For Further Disposition LSP
ADA, TRAFFIC Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl
*OC 4/15
WILLIS, CORTORIA UNIQUE
97893 Issuing Worthless Checks ($999 – $4,999)
B Status Hearing WPSD
McCullough, Melanie Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl
*OC 4/15 Trial 6/17
IWC Restitution owed: $4,218.36 check amounts + $1,665.08 fees = Total Amount Due: $5,883.44
Springhill Medical Center honored for Patient Satisfaction by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid. For more information, visit www.smccare.com .
Excitement is building as Visit Webster Parish announces the return of its highly-anticipated annual Lake Bistineau Spring Paddle event, set to take place Saturday, May 11 at Lake Bistineau State Park.
This immersive event offers outdoor enthusiasts and families a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscape of Lake Bistineau while enjoying a morning filled with adventure and fun. Participants will gather at the picturesque boat launch located at Lake Bistineau State Park, 103 State Park Road in Doyline, La. Check-in will commence promptly at 8 a.m., followed by essential safety instructions at 8:30 a.m., and the grand launch at 9 a.m.
Embark on a captivating 5-mile paddle journey through the enchanting scenery of tupelo and cypress trees, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the lake’s waters. With luck on our side, we may even catch glimpses of Louisiana’s diverse wildlife thriving amidst the lush surroundings.
“We’re thrilled to invite locals and visitors alike to join us for our annual Lake Bistineau Spring Paddle event,” said Serena Gray, Executive Director of Visit Webster Parish. “It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to connect with nature, enjoy some outdoor recreation, and create lasting memories with family and friends.”
Participants are encouraged to bring their own kayaks, canoes, or pirogues, along with essential safety gear including life vests, water, hats and sunscreen. Following the paddle, attendees can relish in a delectable fish fry and groove to the lively tunes of Braydon Watts during the post-event festivities.
Best of all, this event is completely free of charge, making it the perfect outing for families and friends seeking a delightful morning adventure on the water.
For those interested in extending their stay, Lake Bistineau State Park offers cabin and campsite rentals. For more information on accommodations, please contact Lake Bistineau State Park at (318) 745-3503.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Lake Bistineau firsthand. Join us for a morning filled with exploration, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
Visit Webster Parish is the official destination marketing organization for Webster Parish, Louisiana. Dedicated to promoting the area’s attractions, events, and natural beauty, Visit Webster Parish strives to showcase the unique experiences and hospitality that the parish has to offer to visitors and residents alike. For more information, visit www.visitwebster.net.
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum has been selected as a recipient of a 2024 Louisiana Culture Care Fund Grant administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. Award amounts were based on annual operating budget. The museum falls into the less than $100,000 category making it eligible for an award of $5,000. The museum operates on a budget of less than $50,000 annually. The funding provided by this grant is designated for use toward general operating expenses such as payroll, insurance, and utilities. The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is extremely grateful to the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for its continued support.
Funding for this 2024 Culture Care Fund has been provided by the State of Louisiana and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. Recipients include 501(c)(3) non-profit cultural organizations, public libraries, and state and federally recognized tribes with strong humanities focus, such as museums, historic sites, and archives. The Louisiana Culture Care Fund originated to support Louisiana’s cultural non-profits during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to provide this vital funding.
By Pat Culverhouse
A familiar voice will no longer be answering calls to the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office from the public or dispatching officers to situations that might be hazardous.
After 21 years and three months of service, Lt. Terry Clark, head of the Sheriff’s Office communications/dispatch unit, is retiring and co-workers say her shoes will be hard to fill.
“Terry has made our dispatch unit a group that we can all be proud of and depend on,” Sheriff Jason Parker said during a retirement reception in her honor. “I don’t know if we can say enough about how critical this unit is to all of us, or how important her leadership has been over these years. We love you and we will miss you.”
“This has been a wonderful time for me and I certainly will miss all of you,” Clark said to a large gathering of deputies, friends and family. “I may be retiring, but I will still be seeing you occasionally. I am going to miss all of you.”
Kelli Anne Long, 43, Caney Lake Rd., Minden; arrested May 8 by WPSO on warrant for theft. Bond is set at $10,000.
Richard Blasingine, 46, Horseshoe Loop, Doyline; arrested May 8 by WPSO on outstanding warrant for cruelty to a juvenile.
Krystal Rachelle Cedars, 38, 100 block 4th St., Sibley; arrested May 8 by MPD for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, missing headlight, fugitive warrant from Calcasieu Parish.
Torry Jovon Capers, 31, 300 block Weston St., Minden; arrested May 8 by MPD on outstanding bench warrant.
Anthony J. Sims, 35, 200 block N. Middle Landing, Minden; arrested May 8 by MPD on two outstanding bench warrants. Bond set at $600 cash or $20,000 surety.
Reggie E. Talton, 61, 200 block Shadows Lane, Dubberly; arrested May 8 by Louisiana State Police on charges of DWI First Offense, hit-and-run.
Jason Todd Bethany, 51, Sanders Rd., Springhill; arrested May 8 by Springhill PD for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine), driving under suspension.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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 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 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 www.NSU.LA/ETcamps.
June 7-6
Grilling on Main Cookoff. More info to come. Visit www.mindenla.org/gom
June 30
6th Annual Duck Derby Extravaganza, downtown Minden. More info to come.
The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of May 3. All civil suits are public record.
May 3
Marcus Ray Patillo, succession over $125K, probate.
Bryan Anthony Miller II vs. Alexis Nicole Lloyd Miller, divorce w/children.
Gitsit Solutions LLC vs. Jewel Frances Clement, Eric Streetman, executory process.
Joshua Scott Stahl vs. Rudy Quinonez, protective order.
Carter Federal Credit Union vs. Gary W. Flint, monies due.
May 6
William Francis Stanley Jr., succession over $125K, probate.
Wilma Maude Chambless, succession over $125K, probate.
Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Conda L. Waites and Jared T. Waites, monies due.
Celishia Williams Johnson vs. Freddie Johnson, divorce.
Sylvia Sharon Thomas Edwards Schonfarber, succession over $125K, probate.
May 7
Earl Brown, succession under $125K, probate.
Tarus Duvul Williams, succession over $125K, probate.
Isiah Heath individually and on behalf of minor child, Chrishanna individually and on behalf of minor child vs. Robert Russell, M.D., Minden Medical Center, Cristal Kirby, M.D., damages.
Mary Emanuel vs. Milton Lyle Emanuel III, protective order.
Ronald Layne Schildroth, Tara Schildroth vs. Jacob Heckendorn, Carl W. Hood, Old American Indemnity Co., damages.
May 8
Bank of America vs. Tiffany Orr, monies due.
VW Credit Inc. vs. Ricky Cain, petition.
Barclays Bank Delaware vs. Debora Lindsey, monies due.
Christie Blasingime vs. Richard Blasingime, protective order.
Jacqueline Caroline Waller Boyd vs. Schuyler J. Marvin District Attorney, name change.
May 9
Stacy Malham vs. Kastasia (Malham) Kemp, protective order.
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.)
By Pat Culverhouse
A 44-year-old Minden man is currently locked up in the parish prison on charges stemming from an argument with his domestic partner that became violent.
Keandre Roderick Dillard, a resident of the 700 block of Plum St., is facing charges of domestic abuse battery with child endangerment and domestic abuse battery with strangulation after his arrest early Wednesday morning.
Chief of Police Jared McIver said officers responded just before 2 a.m. Wednesday to a complaint that a couple was fighting outside the Plum St. residence. Officers were already familiar with that address, the chief said.
“Since December of last year, officers have been dispatched to that address numerous times with several of those calls for service being classified as disturbance,” McIver said.
Investigating officers indicated Dillard has a criminal history showing a pattern of arrests for domestic abuse battery.
McIver said officers called the suspect outside the residence where they placed him in custody out of concern for young children who were inside. Witness interviews determined the suspect grabbed his female partner by the throat and pressed her against a wall, McIver said.
“While interviewing the female, one officer observed fresh blood from minor lacerations on the left side of her neck,” McIver said.
During interviews with one juvenile, officers reportedly learned physical altercations between the couple were almost weekly events and occurred while both children were inside the residence.
Dillard is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on bonds totaling $90,000.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By Bonnie Culverhouse
Minden City Council passed a new ordinance Monday that will affect 18-wheeler traffic on Country Club Circle.
By a unanimous vote, the council agreed to erect “No Thru Truck Traffic” signs on Country Club Circle between Homer Road and intersections of Germantown and Lewisville roads.
Signs will have to be manufactured and that could take two to three weeks, said Tyler Wallace, Director of Public Works at the city.
“We hope to have a local company make them,” Wallace said. “Then the Street Department will put them up.”
Wallace said there will be a minimum of four signs – one at the intersections of Country Club and Homer Road, as well as Country Club and Lewisville Road. Two signs will be necessary at the corner of Country Club and Germantown Road.
“They may be custom signs; they will be larger than the signs there now, and they will have reflectors and fines for violations,” he said.
The ordinance was required, not just to post the signs, but so police and deputies will be able to enforce a penalty for traffic stops.
It applies to commercial vehicles having more than two axles or a gross weight of 18,000+ pounds and thru-truck traffic traversing city streets without commercial reason to stop.
Exemptions include emergency vehicles, moving vans, livestock trucks and trailers, farm equipment, school buses, trucks belonging to the City of Minden and delivery trucks servicing addresses within the Country Club Circle stretch.
Violators who are convicted will face imprisonment for a period of not more than 30 days or by fines of not more than $500 or by both, at the discretion of the court.
“This (Country Club Circle) is not a truck route; it never has been,” said Mayor Nick Cox. “But it’s been treated as one. The city has spent a lot of money on Country Club, and we don’t want it torn up again right away. It’s also important to keep trucks off that road because of the number of children who live and play there.”
Thursday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
Thursday Night
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 81. North wind around 10 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 57.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.
Sunday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Sunday Night
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.
Minden High School is seeking a new softball coach with the exit of Shelby Leach. Benton High School announced Tuesday that Leach has been named the new Lady Tigers head softball coach.
Minden High School Principal Dr. Rebecca Wilson said the school will miss Leach, and all she has accomplished.
“At Minden High, we feel it is important for us to help not only our students, but our teachers and coaches move on and up in their lives,” Wilson said. “We are excited for her and her next step and can’t wait to beat the Tigers next year.”
Benton Principal Whitney Clark said Leach brings a wealth of experience, having played at the collegiate level at Bossier Parish Community College and Southern Arkansas University before beginning her professional career.
Leach was assistant coach at BPCC, followed by a stint as head coach at Loyola College Prep, then became head coach at Minden High School in 2021, where she subsequently led the Tide to play-off wins in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Coach Leach was also voted the All-Area Coach of the Year in 2022.
So, let’s get serious for a moment.
You all know this is bound to happen every now and then- to be fair I have warned you this may occur. I have kept it light and funny for the last several months and some people who only view my life through a computer screen or cell phone may be under the impression that my life is mostly made up of light and funny moments. Thanks to my children and a handful of loving friends a family, it mostly is. But this week has been heavy.
About a month ago, I was having some lady troubles, more specifically issues with my cervix, so my doctor recommended a procedure. All went well thankfully. I went back to see my doctor for my four-week follow-up and although it went well, he still recommended I have a hysterectomy due to some other complications. After much discussion, we both agreed that this would be the best option.
I was fine with this.
Until we were able to get me in for my surgery, he also recommended that I begin taking hormone suppressants for the time being. I said, “okay.” As I was leaving, he absentmindedly warned me as I passed him in the hallway, “Oh, this medicine will most definitely throw you into early menopause.” I nodded, checked out and walked to my car. I called my mom and immediately started crying.
For some reason “hysterectomy” did not phase me, but “menopause” did. I cannot really explain my reasoning. Perhaps it was because all my life the word menopause has been talked about so negatively and I can say now from my own personal experience, there is indeed nothing fun about it.
I never expected to be going through menopause at 32, but my mom was able to talk me off the ledge. The pros of going through this and proceeding with the surgery definitely outweigh the cons.
I can deal with a few hot flashes, night sweats and sporadic emotional outbursts in place of no longer having to worry about these issues I have been dealing with off and on for over a decade.
Of course, I researched (it is my job after all). I did come across a lot of depressing articles about women who did not cope well and experienced a very strong sense of loss. And I feel that at times, but my womb was able to carry three beautiful babies full term with no complications and I am forever grateful for that. It is for that reason alone; I can look at this in a more positive light.
Sooo, see you later, ovulator. I am most looking forward to cancelling that particular monthly subscription.
(Paige Gurgainers is a mother of three girls, publisher of Bienville Parish Journal and Claiborne Parish Journal and a digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)
CHICAGO – The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is excited to announce that Laiklyn Squyres of Heflin is among the first group of students to be awarded MCA scholarships.
She is one of five outstanding students affiliated with MCA member companies who were chosen as the first recipients of the association’s new scholarship program. Laiklyn is the daughter of an employee of McElroy Metal. The company is a member of MCA.
Having just graduated from Lakeside Junior-Senior High School in Sibley, Laiklyn is an outstanding student athlete who plans to seek a physical therapy degree at the University of Louisiana.
A teacher describes the varsity athlete as “driven, organized, and a leader in the classroom, and on the softball field.”
Laiklyn wrote her essay about the gratitude she has for adversity that helped her “become the person I am today and have the family and resources I have.”
Learn more at metalconstruction.org/membership.
By Jessica Gorman
Downtown Minden has experienced numerous fires over the course of its history. Most notably the 1933 fire that destroyed the businesses located in the Goodwill building. With a fire scare earlier this week at the Crichton building, let’s take a look back at a fire that occurred at the same location in April 1930.
That month kept firemen busy, beginning with a fire that resulted in considerable damage to businesses that were located on the site currently occupied by the Civic Center. That fire had been set in an attempt to cover up a robbery at Cason’s Store. Damages were estimated at $23,000. Later in the month, newspaper accounts record six fires that occurred in less than a week. On Wednesday, April 23rd, a delivery truck belonging to Wren & Turner burned. The next day, the home of Mr. D.V. Atkinson on Marshall Street was destroyed by fire. Friday, W.C. Cox’s store was burned. Evidence at the scene suggested arson. Saturday night, two house fires were reported in the Shreveport Road area. One resulted in only slight damage while the other structure was mostly destroyed. Finally, late Sunday night, Hortman’s, Inc., located in the Crichton building caught fire.
The night watchman was first to notice the flames that seemed to have originated in the elevator shaft. From there, it burned up through the roof, drawing the attention of passersby. Flames could be seen coming from windows on the back side of the building and fears grew that it would spread to neighboring buildings. Firemen focused their efforts first on controlling the fire in the rear of the building. With that task accomplished, they shifted to the front and, by midnight, the flames had been extinguished. Damages were estimated at around $6,000.
In the immediate aftermath, Hortman’s reopened next door in the newly constructed Ferguson building. (The Ferguson building has since been replaced with a parking lot.) Work soon began to repair the heavily damaged Crichton building. Over the course of the next three months, parts of the building were repaired but much of the interior and the front and back walls had to be rebuilt. By the end of July, repairs were complete and Hortman’s moved again, back into the Crichton building.
(Jessica Gorman is the Executive Director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Webster Parish historian, and an avid genealogist.)