The Apostle Paul used his skills at tent making to help support himself according to Acts 18. He came to Corinth to start a church and found Aquilla and his wife Priscilla who were in this business and he worked with them. Along my journey of preparing for ministry, God opened the doors for me to do many different and interesting jobs in the same way. One of the more interesting was working at a daytime A.M. country music radio station in Plaquemines Parish.

I was called to serve at Port Sulphur Baptist Church during my time at seminary in New Orleans. This is at the very toe-tip of the boot-shaped state of Louisiana. The Mississippi runs on one side and marshes leading into the Gulf of Mexico are on the other side of this strip of land. I needed a summer job as I served the church, and they needed a morning “drive time” D.J. I arrived each weekday morning at 5:30 to drive through the orange grove to the little building that was the station. I made it to the transmitter in the back, threw the switch to hear it buzz into life. Then using the knobs, I tuned the dials to our assigned FCC frequency. Then on to the broadcast room where old school teletypes clacked out the news on long rolls of paper with the latest from the Associated Press and Louisiana Network News. By 6:00 I was ready to give our call-sign and read the news freshly ripped from the machines. I faked my way into knowing something about country music by reading album covers and magazine articles. All of this would be completely foreign to today’s broadcasters where everything is done on computer screens.

This job gave me access to the community we were attempting to reach with the Gospel, that I would not have had sitting in a church office. My show was called the “Good Morning Get Together Show” and some of the listeners knew I was serving a church and studying for ministry, but most did not. But I found ways to encourage, strengthen, brighten the day of many of my callers.

Maybe that’s how it worked with Paul as well. He preached in the synagogue trying to convince fellow Jews and the Gentiles, but he had daily contact with everyday people in the marketplace, relating to them as a Christian and a craftsman. Maybe the care, conversations and the integrity he brought to his daily work was the best witness he could give, even beyond his skills in preaching and debate. Paul could have learned well from his upbringing, “Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

I am thankful for the many doors that God opened for me in ministry and in secular work, that have helped to mold my life and have given me a variety of gifts, skills and experience to now use in ministry. I am also thankful for the many workers- delivery people, service people, cashiers, grocers, mechanics, wait staff, etc.- who share a witness for God or a positive word to me in their daily routines. May God bless your work, whatever you do, and may you see it as an avenue to share his story of love, sacrifice and salvation to those you serve.

(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.)

There’s gonna be the best kind of Earthquake during next weekend’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration.

Specifically, it’s going to happen next Friday evening into night, June 21, in Natchitoches, on the Rue Beauport stage bordering Cane River Lake smack dab in the middle of the City of Lights’ historic and beautiful downtown district.

The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame show band, Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, will provide the prevailing vibe for the coolest concert for miles around, the free Rockin’ Riverfest party presented by Rapides Regional Medical Center.

Cranking things up will be the energetic and enthusiastic south Louisiana group Coteau Grove, performers who also are in the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

Go online to TheMoondogs.com and CoteauGrove.com websites for a great scouting report on the Rockin’ Riverfest’s soundtrack.

Good times will abound during the riverfront concert, which runs from 6 p.m. to 10:30. One of the highlights: a little after 9 o’clock, the Hall’s impressive Class of 2024 will be introduced on stage, and celebrated with a 10-minute fireworks show set to sports-themed music over Cane River Lake. And yes, you read correctly. It’s free. There will be food and beverage vendors on the riverfront, and of course, Front Street’s always fun watering holes/restaurants are just a few steps away.

It’s family friendly. A free interactive kids zone presented by Louisiana Propane Dealers will include basketball, football, golf and science games for all ages to enjoy.

If you want to beat the summer heat and enjoy a tasty collection of Louisiana foods and specialty refreshments, you better hurry and visit LaSportsHall.com to snap up a few of the fast-disappearing $100 tickets to the VIP Taste of Tailgating presented by Hancock Whitney.

That party runs from 7-10 p.m. in the air-conditioned comfort of Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room that will provide exclusive access to the 12-member 2024 Induction Class.

That star-studded group includes women’s basketball superstar Seimone Augustus, Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees, Tulane basketball coaching hero Perry Clark, Olympic wrestler and MMA legend Daniel Cormier, Grambling baseball icon Coach Wilbert Ellis, south Louisiana high school football coaching great Frank Monica, Olympic gold medalist and LSU All-American wrestler Kevin Jackson, New Iberia/McNeese product and 19-year pro footballer Kerry Joseph, and one of America’s winningest jockeys, Sunset’s Ray Sibille.

Acclaimed Louisiana sports journalists Bobby Ardoin and Ron Higgins, and longtime Southland Conference commissioner Tom Burnett, round out the Class of 2024.

Maybe we’ll see the musical debut of Seimone and Sibille, or perhaps we’ll hear Kerry, Perry and Kevin crooning on stage. Could DC and Drew show dance moves? Frank Monica on the harmonica? Anything is possible as the Rockin’ Riverfest rolls on.

Join the fun and celebrate some of Louisiana’s sports greats, for free, on Friday evening, June 21, in downtown Natchitoches. For information on all of the events during the June 20-22 Class of 2024 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.

Lakeside Warriors Roll Past Doyline

By GameChanger Media

Lakeside Warriors easily dispatched Doyline on Wednesday, 16-1.

Lakeside Warriors got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Maddox Cascio homered to right field, Drake Chreene singled, Hayden Williams singled, and Williams stole home, each scoring one run.

Warriors added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning after Kaleb Rolen grounded out, Bryson Finley walked, Jake Glass walked, and Chreene singled, each scoring one run.

Three wild pitches helped Lakeside Warriors extend their early lead in the third.

Chreene earned the win for Lakeside. The right-handed pitcher allowed zero hits and zero runs over one inning, striking out one and walking one. Doyline’s starting pitcher went one and two-thirds innings, surrendering 16 runs (15 earned) on 10 hits, striking out none and walking 10. Mason Shipp, Beaux Hankins, Williams, and Finley each threw scoreless innings for Lakeside in relief. Warriors accumulated 10 hits in the game. Chreene provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led with four runs batted in. The number three hitter went 3-for-3 on the day. Glass and Cascio each collected multiple hits. Lakeside had patience at the plate, accumulating 10 walks for the game. Brock Case and Finley led the team with two free passes each. Glass stole two bases. Warriors ran wild on the base paths, accumulating six stolen bases for the game. They were sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Chreene had the most chances in the field with five.

Lakeside Warriors Trounce Doyline

By GameChanger Media

Lakeside Warriors won big over Doyline Panthers 19-2 In the second game Wednesday. Doyline opened the scoring in the top of the first thanks to two doubles.

Lakeside jumped back into the lead in the bottom of the first inning after Doyline committed an error, Jon Jon Dick singled, Drake Chreene hit into a fielder’s choice, Noah Redding walked, Maddox Cascio walked, and Warriors scored on a passed ball, each scoring one run.

Warriors scored five runs on three hits in the bottom of the second inning. An error scored two runs, an error scored two runs, and Cascio singled, scoring one run.

Lakeside scored five runs on four hits in the bottom of the third inning. Dick tripled, scoring two runs, Eli Campbell singled, scoring one run, Hayden Williams singled, scoring one run, and a steal of home scored one run.

Dick earned the win. The righty allowed four hits and two runs over three innings, striking out five and walking none.

Panthers’ starting pitcher went two and two-thirds innings, surrendering 19 runs (11 earned) on 12 hits, striking out none and walking 12.

Campbell and Cascio each came on in relief for Lakeside Warriors and shutdown Doyline.

Warriors accumulated 12 hits in the game. Dick provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led with three runs batted in. The 3-hole hitter went 2-for-2 on the day. Dick, Jake Glass, Campbell, and Williams each collected two hits. Lakeside had patience at the plate, amassing 12 walks for the game. Brock Case, Peyton Gray, and Redding led the team with two bases on balls each. Gray, Redding, Chreene, and Williams each stole multiple bases. Lakeside Warriors stole 14 bases in the game. They were sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Case had the most chances in the field with five.

Doyline turned one double play in the game.

Copyright © 2024 GameChanger Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution and is subject to the Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. Terms of Use, License Agreement, and Privacy Policy.

Is your church hosting Vacation Bible School? Webster Parish Journal would like to know about it, so we can inform the public on where they can bring their kids to join in on the fun. 

Please email the time, date and location of your church’s Vacation Bible School to wpjnewsla@gmail.com and we will begin publishing immediately. (See below)

First Methodist Church

5 until 8 p.m. July 15-19, 903 Broadway. Kindergarten entering sixth grade. SCUBA – each day students will encounter God through a well-known story of the Bible, interacting with the text tangibly through kinetic, immersive activities. The link for First Kids is: www.facebook.com/fmcmindenkids . The link for First Methodist Church is: www.facebook.com/fmcmindenla . Church office also has registration applications.

Mt. Zion C.M.E. Church

6 until 7:30 p.m. June 19 – 21. 414 East Union Street, Minden. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the scenes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11.

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church

6:30 p.m. nightly, June 17 – 19, 595 Central School Rd., Dubberly. You are invited to our 2024 Vacation Bible School experience: “God’s Superheroes: Adventures in Faith!” Our theme verses read, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.” (Hebrews 11:1-2, KJV) This summer, God’s Superheroes will lead us on adventures in faith! We will be encouraged to look within ourselves and find inner strength to believe and endure whatever comes our way. When we believe, we see that God’s promises are true for everyone. So, let us activate our faith and enjoy the adventure!

Lakeview’s Vacation Bible School

9 a.m. until noon, Monday, June 17 – Thursday, June 20 for those turning 4 this year – those entering 5th grade this fall. You may register online at https://lakeviewmethodistchurch.mycokesburyvbs.com . Click on Child Registration at the top of the page. Please register by Wednesday, June 12. Lakeview Methodist Church, 301 Lakeshore Drive, Minden VBS Contact: Susan Strange: 318-268-0669.

North Acres Baptist Church

6 until 8:30 p.m. June 24 – 28, PreK-6th grade. Join us for VBS this year, as we discover that God’s truth never changes, everyone needs Jesus, and we learn to speak the truth in love. Adventure awaits each day as we explore Breaker Rock Beach!  “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 Online Registration: https://nabcminden.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2328987

Springhill Methodist Church

6 until 8:30 p.m. June 23 – June 27, Springhill Methodist Church, 104 4th Street NW, Springhill, LA 71075, children from Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to attend. You may register at https://tinyurl.com/SMCVBS24 . For more information, email djr498cr74@gmail.com . Camp Firelight VBS is based on Psalm 56:3  “Whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.”  This theme will focus on trusting God to go with us, to lead the way, to share wisdom, to give us peace, and to spark joy.  There will be music, crafts, science and recreational activities related to the Bible Theme.

Beech Springs Baptist Church

9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. June 24 – 28, VBS – Keepers of the Kingdom, 4 yrs old – 6^th grade Beech Springs Baptist Church, 15910 HWY 80, Minden Register at https://beechspringsbc.myanswers.com/keepers-of-the-kingdom or thru our FB page. We are engaged in an epic battle for the hearts and minds of our youth. Every day, they’re bombarded with lies about who they are, who their Creator is, and where their salvation comes from. Thankfully, God has given his children armor to wear in this battle between truth and lies, light and darkness.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents arrested six subjects for their roles in allegedly committing fraud in hog hunting contests in Caldwell and Bienville parishes.

Agents arrested Trace Davis, 30, of Longville, Hunter Webb, 27, of Pitkin, Colby Bushnell, 26, of Dry Creek, Davy Haymon, 35, of Pitkin, Nathan Granger, 34, of Vinton, and Don Pollard Jr., 40, of Pitkin, for hunting contest fraud and criminal conspiracy.

Davis, Webb, Bushnell, Haymon, and Pollard Jr. were also arrested for violating interstate commerce. Davis was also arrested for obstruction of justice. Webb was also cited for hunting under a hunting license suspension.

Agents received information about the six subjects catching wild hogs in Texas before two different hog hunting contests in Louisiana and entering them into the contests, which they won.

During the investigation, agents obtained evidence that revealed the six subjects catching hogs in Texas to be used for the Dingler Wild Hog Roundup in Bienville Parish on Feb. 9-10 and the Swamp Time Hog Hunt in Caldwell Parish from March 14-16.

Nathan Granger turned himself in on June 4 to the Bienville Parish Jail since he did not participate in the Caldwell Parish hog hunting contest. The five other subjects turned themselves in on June 7 into the Bienville Parish Jail and the Caldwell Parish Jail.

The rules of both hog hunting contests stipulated that the hogs must be caught during the contest dates and be caught in Louisiana.

Hunting contest fraud brings up to a $3,000 fine and one year in jail. Criminal conspiracy carries a fine in the same manner as the offense contemplated by the conspirators. Violating interstate commerce brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Obstruction of justice carries up to a $10,000 fine and five years in jail. Hunting under a hunting license suspension brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.

Agents involved in the case are Sgt. Raymond Davis, Senior Agent Micheal Thacker, Corporal Jeremiah Fletcher, Lt. Chad Watts, Sgt. Stuart Guillory, Corporal John Blalock, Sgt. Chuck Dison, Corporal David Nelson, Lt. Beau Robertson, Senior Agent Chelsea Moudry, Corporal James Smith and Senior Agent Dustin Barton.

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

June 15

Deadline for Walker fan drive. For pickup, call (318) 210-1799 or (318) 707-3532 or deliver to a tent at 112 W. Roosevelt St., Minden Saturday.

June 18

10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Cuffs & Hoses Blood Drive, Springhill Brookshire’s parking lot. Mobile Collection Vehicle. Choose your department and SHOW UP!!! This is ALWAYS a close competition between police and firefighters. You don’t have to be a firefighter or a cop. Choose who you want to represent!! Either way, many lives are saved and YOU can be their hero!!

June 22

5 until 8 p.m. Juneteenth Celebration at Woo’s on Martin Luther King Drive, Minden. Family fun with food trucks, music, special performances, Juneteenth History, bounce house, fireworks provided by Beyond Burgers and Woo’s Daiquiri Shop. For more information, contact Michael Walker at 318-210-1799.

June 28

6 until 10 p.m. Webster Parish Boys 2 Men “Bridging the Gap” Meet & Greet. Central Community Association, Inc., 5500 Highway 531, Dubberly, La., Register by June 211. Free event; ages 9-18. For more information: Deware Jones (214) 537-0208 or dwrenjones@yahoo.com .

June 29

7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Webster Parish Boys 2 Men “Bridging the Gap” Fishing & Fun. Central Community Association, Inc., 5500 Highway 531, Dubberly, La., Register by June 211. Free event; ages 9-18. For more information: Deware Jones (214) 537-0208 or dwrenjones@yahoo.com .

June 29 & 30

UCAP Golf Tournament. Sponsored by UCAP, b1 Bank and others. Pine Hills Country Club, Minden. Sign up in the Pro Shop.

June 30

8 a.m.  Webster Parish Boys 2 Men “Bridging the Gap” Sunday Worship. Central Community Association, Inc., 5500 Highway 531, Dubberly, La., Register by June 21. Free event; ages 9-18. For more information: Deware Jones (214) 537-0208 or dwrenjones@yahoo.com .

5 p.m. 6th Annual Duck Derby Extravaganza, downtown Minden. Food vendors, face painting, jump houses, music and Duck Derby race.

Roger V. Thomas, 54, 8000 block Hwy. 371, Sibley; arrested June 10 by WPSO, fugitive from Bossier Parish.

Arturo Delgado Barraza, 53, El Paso, Texas; arrested June 10 by Louisiana State Police, DWI first offense, open container, traffic violation.

Jessica Lynn Fetzer, 38, 400 block 3rd St. SE, Springhill; arrested June 11 by Springhill PD on felony warrant from Arkansas.

Determon Lewis, 24, 600 block East Rd., Cullen; arrested June 11 by Probation and Parole officers for violation of parole, domestic abuse battery with child endangerment. Total bonds $45,000.

Christopher Hunt, 31, W. Marshall St., Minden; arrested June 5 by WPSO on probation violation.

Rance D. Foster, 66, 300 block Carey Lane, Minden; arrested June 11 by WPSO on outstanding warrant.

Kenneth Bryan Middleton, 50, 2300 block Harris Rd., Minden; arrested June 12 by Louisiana State Police as fugitive from Bienville Parish.

Jared S. Coleman, 34, Cotton Valley; arrested June 13 by WPSO on outstanding warrants.

D’Angelo Lyons, 25, 900 block Carolina St., Minden; arrested June 2 by MPD on bench warrant, fugitive from Probation and Parole.

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 following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of June 7. Civil suits are a matter of public record.

June 7

Capital One Bank vs. Steven Woods, monies due.

Capital One vs. Josalyn L. Hurst, monies due.

Citibank vs. Steven B. Holland, monies due.

June 10

Nettie Mae Murphy Noles, succession over $125K, probate.

Synchrony Bank vs. Sharon C. Robinson, monies due.

University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors through Northwestern State University vs. Scarlett Vargas, judgment executory & garnishment.

Kaley Pope Morales vs. Habacu Morales, divorce.

June 11

Stephen Milam vs. Direct General Insurance, Progressive Casualty Insurance, Lane Audrey, personal injury.

June 12

E. L. Moore Family Investments LLC vs. Bassett Homes and Outdoor LLC, petition.

June 13

Alexandra Hood Collins vs. Brett Lee Collins, divorce.

Audalie Nuckolls

June 23, 1917 – June 10, 2024

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 3 p.m,. June 23, 2024, Kings Corner Assembly of God Church, Springhill.

Service: 4 p.m., immediately following visitation.

Supper reception: 5 p.m.

Charles “Bo” Thomas Blackwood

Oct. 23, 1940 – June 8, 2024

Homer, La.

Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, June 29, Cornerstone Church (former First UMC), Homer, La.

Carleton Prothro

Feb. 11, 1932 – May 26, 2024

Minden, La.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Minden.

Reception to follow in the parish hall.

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.)

The City of Minden issued a boil advisory on June 11, 2024 for the 1000 and 1100 blocks of E. Todd St. has been lifted.

The numbers aren’t in yet, but the competition for a trophy between Minden’s Fire and Police departments was a bloody battle.

The line was long and steady throughout the day Wednesday, as the community rallied at the Life Share Blood Center bus behind Minden Civic Center for “Cuffs & Hoses,” a blood-letting rivalry.

Unfortunately, the public will have to wait to find out the winner of the trophy, however, the real winners are the ones who will need and receive the blood donated through this drive.

Above Minden Police Deputy Chief Tokia Harrison (left) talks smack with 911 Board Executive Director Angie Chapman about which side will take home the spoils.

If you live in the northern part of the parish, next Tuesday, you can participate in another drive.

From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. June 18, Cuffs & Hoses Blood Drive will be set up in Springhill Brookshire’s parking lot.

By Marilyn Miller

Mike Griffith, who represents District 5 on the Webster Parish Police Jury, visited the Village of Dixie Inn during its regular monthly meeting on June 11, 2024, asking the aldermen if they had any questions about the State’s involvement in monitoring run-off water. The issue deals with the record rains that have inundated the parish this year and the potential for contamination of creeks, streams and small rivers like Dorcheat Bayou, which runs through Dixie Inn.

Griffith assured the aldermen that the State monitors all water sources, including well water. He said that the police jury “does not take it (the potential for contamination) lightly.”

“I was concerned about wells at first,” Griffith said. “But I don’t think it’s (the water source) contaminated…it’s probably just the rain. We’ve had so much of it.”

Alderman Judy McKenzie stated that she was concerned about a citizen who had “dug out” a section of a privately-owned pond, allowing the pond water to flow out into Dorcheat Bayou.

In other business Tuesday evening, the Board of Aldermen:

1. Unanimously adopted Ordinance #133, General Fund and Utility budgets for 2024-2025;
2. Were invited to the banquet of the Louisiana Municipal Association (LMA) on June 25 at 6 p.m. in nearby Haughton;
3. Adopted the Minden Press-Herald as the official journal for 2024-2025;
4. Visited with another law enforcement officer who is interested in part-time police work in Dixie Inn;
5. Adopted the Minutes of the May 13, 2024 regular session and the Financial Statements for May 2024 .

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Clear, with a low around 65. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Friday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 68.

Saturday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 73.

Sunday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 96.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.

Is your church hosting Vacation Bible School? Webster Parish Journal would like to know about it, so we can inform the public on where they can bring their kids to join in on the fun. 

Please email the time, date and location of your church’s Vacation Bible School to wpjnewsla@gmail.com and we will begin publishing immediately. (See below)

First Methodist Church

5 until 8 p.m. July 15-19, 903 Broadway. Kindergarten entering sixth grade. SCUBA – each day students will encounter God through a well-known story of the Bible, interacting with the text tangibly through kinetic, immersive activities. The link for First Kids is: www.facebook.com/fmcmindenkids . The link for First Methodist Church is: www.facebook.com/fmcmindenla . Church office also has registration applications.

Mt. Zion C.M.E. Church

6 until 7:30 p.m. June 19 – 21. 414 East Union Street, Minden. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the scenes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11.

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church

6:30 p.m. nightly, June 17 – 19, 595 Central School Rd., Dubberly. You are invited to our 2024 Vacation Bible School experience: “God’s Superheroes: Adventures in Faith!” Our theme verses read, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.” (Hebrews 11:1-2, KJV) This summer, God’s Superheroes will lead us on adventures in faith! We will be encouraged to look within ourselves and find inner strength to believe and endure whatever comes our way. When we believe, we see that God’s promises are true for everyone. So, let us activate our faith and enjoy the adventure!

Lakeview’s Vacation Bible School

9 a.m. until noon, Monday, June 17 – Thursday, June 20 for those turning 4 this year – those entering 5th grade this fall. You may register online at https://lakeviewmethodistchurch.mycokesburyvbs.com . Click on Child Registration at the top of the page. Please register by Wednesday, June 12. Lakeview Methodist Church, 301 Lakeshore Drive, Minden VBS Contact: Susan Strange: 318-268-0669.

North Acres Baptist Church

6 until 8:30 p.m. June 24 – 28, PreK-6th grade. Join us for VBS this year, as we discover that God’s truth never changes, everyone needs Jesus, and we learn to speak the truth in love. Adventure awaits each day as we explore Breaker Rock Beach!  “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 Online Registration: https://nabcminden.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2328987

Springhill Methodist Church

6 until 8:30 p.m. June 23 – June 27, Springhill Methodist Church, 104 4th Street NW, Springhill, LA 71075, children from Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to attend. You may register at https://tinyurl.com/SMCVBS24 . For more information, email djr498cr74@gmail.com . Camp Firelight VBS is based on Psalm 56:3  “Whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.”  This theme will focus on trusting God to go with us, to lead the way, to share wisdom, to give us peace, and to spark joy.  There will be music, crafts, science and recreational activities related to the Bible Theme.

Beech Springs Baptist Church

9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. June 24 – 28, VBS – Keepers of the Kingdom, 4 yrs old – 6^th grade Beech Springs Baptist Church, 15910 HWY 80, Minden Register at https://beechspringsbc.myanswers.com/keepers-of-the-kingdom or thru our FB page. We are engaged in an epic battle for the hearts and minds of our youth. Every day, they’re bombarded with lies about who they are, who their Creator is, and where their salvation comes from. Thankfully, God has given his children armor to wear in this battle between truth and lies, light and darkness.

Lakeside Warriors Victorious Over Cedar Creek

By GameChanger

Media Lakeside Warriors were triumphant over Cedar Creek 6-1 on Tuesday. Lakeside Warriors opened the scoring in the top of the third thanks to two singles. Lakeside Warriors first got on the board when Jake Glass singled, scoring one run.

Drake Chreene earned the win for Lakeside Warriors. The righty surrendered one hit and zero runs over two innings, striking out three and walking two.

Cedar Creek’s starting pitcher went five innings, giving up six runs (four earned) on six hits, striking out four and walking three.

Hayden Williams tossed one inning of no-run ball for Lakeside Warriors in relief. The reliever surrendered zero hits, striking out two and walking none. Glass, Brock Case, Beaux Hankins, Jesse Ortega, Chreene, and Williams each collected one hit for Lakeside Warriors.

Chreene went 1-for-3 at the plate as they led the team with two runs batted in. Lakeside Warriors were sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Case had the most chances in the field with nine.

Cedar Creek ran wild on the base paths, accumulating four stolen bases for the game. Cedar Creek turned one double play in the game.

Lakeside Warriors Fight Back In Loss To Cedar Creek

By GameChanger Media

Despite a 6-run deficit in the fourth inning, Lakeside Warriors almost came all the way back, eventually falling 6-4 to Cedar Creek in the second game Tuesday. Lakeside Warriors closed the gap by scoring on a single, an error, an error, and a single.

Cedar Creek opened the scoring in the first after one player drew a walk, scoring one run. Cedar Creek scored five runs on eight hits in the bottom of the fourth inning.

The starting pitcher surrendered eight hits and four runs (one earned) over four and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking four. Peyton Gray pitched three innings in relief for Lakeside Warriors. The reliever gave up eight hits and five runs while, striking out one and walking none.

Eli Campbell took the loss for Lakeside  Warriors. The right-handed pitcher went one inning, allowing one run on one hit, striking out one and walking three. Jake Glass led Lakeside Warriors with three hits in four at bats from the leadoff position.

Jon Jon Dick collected two hits for Lakeside Warriors in two at bats. Brock Case stole two bases. Lakeside  Warriors didn’t commit a single error in the field. Glass had the most chances in the field with six. Cedar Creek accumulated nine hits in the game.

Copyright © 2024 GameChanger Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution and is subject to the Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. Terms of Use, License Agreement, and Privacy Policy.

For all those times you’ve wondered what it would be like to visit with sports stars you see on TV or read about, you get the opportunity free of charge next Thursday evening at the Welcome Reception kicking off the 2024 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration.

You can be right there at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street (at the traffic circle) in Natchitoches. No need to dress fancy, just enjoy plentiful food and refreshments and music and a world-class museum, mingling with sports stars and their families from 5-7 next Thursday evening, June 20, at the museum.

Adding to the excitement – a brand-new exhibit showcasing Pete Maravich’s time at LSU, setting the basketball world on its collective ear, and the regal one-of-a-kind silver Heisman Trophy won by LSU’s Billy Cannon in 1959.

The “Showtime! LSU’s Spectacular Pistol Pete” exhibit debuts in the Atmos Energy Gallery on the first floor will include over 60 photos, many behind-the-scenes shots, of Maravich during his days from 1967-70 at LSU, some never seen in public. Baton Rouge photographer John Musemeche had unique access, and shares memories in an 8-minute documentary short film “We Were Fans” playing in the exhibit.

Upstairs, one of America’s most prized sports trophies will be on display on the second floor. Cannon’s 1959 Heisman Trophy will be in the house through the weekend festivities, courtesy of the Cannon Trust, as a cornerstone of the museum’s months-old Heisman Trophy exhibit that showcases the state’s (just updated) five winners:  Cannon, John David Crow (1957), Joe Burrow (2019), DeVonta Smith (2020) and Jayden Daniels (2023).

But the spotlight is squarely on the Class of 2024, which includes a Super Bowl MVP (Drew Brees), a women’s basketball superstar (Seimone Augustus), one of the world’s most famous MMA fighters (Daniel Cormier), an Olympic gold medal wrestler (Kevin Jackson), a 19-year pro football veteran (Kerry Joseph), a game-changing Tulane basketball coach (Perry Clark) and one of America’s greatest jockeys (Ray Sibille).

There’s Grambling icon Wilbert Ellis, who coached baseball for the Tigers for 43 years, and became a state and national treasure for his community service out of uniform; and another retired coach, Frank Monica, who won state high school football championships at three different south Louisiana schools, lastly St. Charles Catholic. They are charismatic men who have stories and smiles aplenty.

Sports journalists Bobby Ardoin (Opelousas) and Ron HIggins (Baton Rouge) have covered many amazing games and highly-accomplished athletes, including plenty of LSHOF members, in their careers and will be inducted next weekend as well. So will Tom Burnett, who was commissioner of the Southland Conference for two decades until 2022, and oversaw the last Final Four held in New Orleans.

The Welcome Reception is also a wonderful chance to stroll around the 27,500-square foot museum. Lots of display items have been recently rotated into exhibits, and there’s a Kim Mulkey exhibit showcasing the LSU women’s basketball coach and her iconic wardrobe. She will be at the induction ceremony on June 22.

A frequent reaction from first-time local and area visitors: “I didn’t realize it would be this great! I can’t believe I haven’t been here already. I’m bringing friends next time.”

That’s the same sentiment for the entire Induction Celebration, which includes a free Friday evening Rockin’ River Fest concert on the downtown riverbank stage. More about that tomorrow.

You’re invited to all the fun. Visit LaSportsHall.com to get more information and the schedule of events, make online ticket purchases, or call 318-238-4255 for participation opportunities for ticketed events.

Minden Crimson Tide  Fall After Strong Showing By North Desoto

By GameChanger Media

Minden Crimson Tide had trouble keeping up with North Desoto in a 12-0 loss on Tuesday. North Desoto jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the first inning after one run scored on another play, and #7 doubled, scoring three runs.

Topher Wilson stepped on the hill first for Minden Crimson Tide. He surrendered five hits and eight runs (one earned) over one and one-third innings, striking out one and walking three. Minden Crimson Tide  turned one double play in the game.

Runs Hard To Come By In Minden Crimson Tide  Win Versus North Desoto

By GameChanger Media

Both teams were strong on the mound on Tuesday, but Minden Crimson Tide defeated North Desoto 1-0. Landon Brewer started the game for Minden Crimson Tide  and recorded 15 outs.

Brewer struck out 10 batters on the day. The right-handed pitcher also gave up one hit and zero runs over five innings while walking one. Minden Crimson Tide opened the scoring in the fourth after Landyn Huddleston doubled, scoring one run. Brewer and Huddleston each collected one hit for Minden Crimson Tide. Huddleston went 1-for-2 at the plate as the right-handed hitter led the team with one run batted in.

Copyright © 2024 GameChanger Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution and is subject to the Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. Terms of Use, License Agreement, and Privacy Policy.

Outlaws, family feuds, and murder are the topics of a new non-fiction book by Wesley Harris, historian at the Claiborne Parish Library.

The paperback book focuses on two of the biggest troublemakers in northwest Louisiana in the 1890s—Link Waggonner of Webster Parish and Tom Kinder of Claiborne Parish.

Harris said he studied hundreds of newspaper articles and court records to piece together the story in the book titled, “Wild Boys: Outlaws Link Waggonner and Tom Kinder and the Policy of Violence in 1890s Louisiana.”

Waggonner and Kinder—archenemies—were believed responsible for numerous killings. They eluded punishment repeatedly, with juries often handing down acquittals despite strong evidence.

Kinder, once a deputy sheriff charged with tracking down fugitives, was heavily involved in the Ramsey-Tuggle Feud, a fight of several years between two well-known Claiborne Parish families and their allies. Kinder sided with the Ramseys and was accused of killing several of the Tuggle clan.

Most of Waggonner’s conflicts stemmed from the family’s belief it had been disrespected or slighted in some way. Harris explains an exaggerated sense of family honor was prevalent at the time as well as a “policy of violence” to deal with disputes and the ineffectiveness of the law to deal with criminals.

Harris said, “In many instances, I simply include the newspaper articles of the time to tell the story. Sometimes a news reporter was present when an event occurred; no need for me to retell the story when an eyewitness can tell it better.”

At one point, Waggonner and Kinder ended up in the Webster Parish jail at the same time. They asked the sheriff for Winchesters so they could shoot it out right there. The sheriff refused but their days were numbered, both destined to die violently within a day or one another.

Harris joined the library as historian in 2020 after a 40-year law enforcement career.

The book can be purchased at the library for $20, by mail for $25, or contact Harris at campruston@gmail.com.

By Jessica Gorman

In 1934, a strange story unfolded in Minden. As of yet, I’m not sure how it concluded. It all started on 10 February 1934, between Mineola and Grand Saline, Texas. An unidentified man was hit by a truck while walking along Highway 80. According the earliest newspaper article I have found, there was no way to identify the victim except for his cap being marked “J. R. Franklin.” Later articles state that it was simply marked “L. R. F.”

Back in Minden, Mrs. Lucille Franklin saw the report of the accident in a newspaper and believed the victim could be her husband, L. R. Franklin, a local baker who had left for Texas several months before. Mrs. Franklin and her four children traveled to Texas to view the body. After confirming the victim was indeed their husband and father, the family returned home and the body was transported to Minden for burial. Services were conducted on Valentine’s Day.

Exactly three months later, Mrs. Franklin’s uncle, Mr. Junius Myers, received a telegram from M. C. Temple at Hallsville, TX informing him that Franklin had been at his home. Mr. Myers notified Mrs. Franklin, Sheriff O.H. Haynes, and Charlton Fort, Minden representative of the Shreveport Journal. Two days later, Mrs. Franklin received a letter from her husband. In it, he names each of the children and asks her to tell them hello. He also reveals that he was under the impression she was to remarry and wished to inform her that he was, in fact, not dead and that she should not “marry again without first getting a divorce.” The letter made no mention of any intention for Mr. Franklin to return.

Mrs. Franklin confirmed the handwriting to be her husband’s. Local authorities were then left with the task of determining exactly who had been buried as L. R. Franklin and began deliberating whether or not to exhume to body. In order to do that, the War department would have to grant permission for the exhumation. Mr. Franklin was a veteran of World War I and had been buried at the expense of the government.

In the meantime, at least two women came forward believing the body to possibly be their missing sons. Both had been searching for some time and had even taken out newspaper ads in an effort to find them. One of these men was a Lester Franklin from South Louisiana. His mother had read of the case and the description of the man buried. She believed this description to match her son. One detail that stood out to her was that he was missing the end of one finger. She planned to travel to Minden to identify the body upon exhumation.

Mrs. M. M. Reeves, from the Castor area, also believed it could be her son, James Ellis Reeves. His whereabouts had been uncertain for about two years but his mother believed he had gone looking for work in the East Texas oil field. Sheriff Haynes and Charlton Fort visited Mrs. Reeves who provided them with a photograph of her son. This photograph was shown to Clifford Haynes who was the funeral ambulance driver who brought the body to Minden. He positively identified it as that of James Ellis Reeves.

By the end of May, a decision had been reached that the body would not be exhumed without more solid evidence regarding the identity. In June, it was reported that Mrs. Reeves had decided that she would rather not know if the body belonged to her son, that believing him to just be missing would be easier. At that time, the decision was made to not exhume the body.

It’s hard to tell exactly what happened after this, so I decided to take a closer look at our possible victims. Without more information, it’s difficult to determine exactly who Lester Franklin was. James Ellis Reeves, however, proved to be easier. It can be confirmed that he was not the man buried as L. R. Franklin. In fact, he lived another thirty years. Tragically, just before his 55^th birthday, his body was found in his truck on the morning of Monday, 10 August 1964. The truck was reported to have been at the Texas and Pacific loading dock on Market Street in Shreveport since Friday. He was believed to have died of natural causes on Friday or Saturday. Officially, his death was recorded as 7 August 1964. He is buried in Castor.

Attempts to track L. R. Franklin have proved fruitless. If he was still alive, he didn’t leave behind an easy trail to follow. The strongest evidence of him being alive in May 1934 is the account of M. C. Temple. Although not revealed in the newspaper articles, Mr. Temple was Mrs. Franklin’s brother-in-law. He said that he saw Mr. Franklin who told him that he had just been informed of his own death. Mr. Franklin then spent two nights in the home of Mr. Temple before moving on. And what about Mrs. Franklin? It appears that she left Minden within the year and moved to Oklahoma City.

As far as I can tell, the body buried as L. R. Franklin was never exhumed. It would seem that it still lies there in the Minden Cemetery, but where? Surveys of the cemetery over the years do not reveal a known grave. I can’t help but wonder if anyone has heard a family story that may offer more insight into this story, but for now, it remains a mystery.

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

The “Sheriff” of The Columns of Germantown, C. C. (Cat) Cox, had visitors recently, who left him with an enlarged photograph of a fall scene, complete with a buck. The visitors, Diego Rivera and Dominique Hudgins, are owners of Mudbug Designs in Haynesville. Attached to the large photo is an 8 ½ x 11 shot of a wild Louisiana bob cat that another visitor gifted Sheriff Cox. According to Wikipedia, “The bobcat, also known as the red lynx, is one of the four extant species within the medium-sized wild cat genus ‘Lynx.’ Populations have proven stable, though they are declining in some areas.”

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. 

Learning how to read and use the Nutrition Facts label can help you make informed food choices that support a healthy diet. See below three definitions that are important to learn before reading food labels.

• Calories: the total number of calories, or “energy,” supplied from all sources (fat, carbohydrate, protein, and alcohol) in a serving of the food.
• Nutrient: a substance in food that is used by the body to function and grow. Examples: fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.
• Percent Daily Value (%DV): shows how much nutrient in a serving of the food contributes to a total daily diet. It can help you determine if a serving of the food is high or low in an individual nutrient and to compare food products.

What the New Nutrition Facts Label Tells Us

1. The first line tells you about the servings per container, which is the total number of servings in the entire food package or container. It’s common for one package of food to contain more than one serving.
2. The second line is serving size. The serving size is based on the amount of food people typically eat at one time and is not a recommendation of how much you should eat. The nutrition information listed on the Nutrition Facts Label is based on the serving size listed on the label, and, if there is a second column based on the amount per package, that column of nutrition information will be based on the entire package. Serving size is shown as a common household measure that is appropriate to the food (such as cup, tablespoon, piece, slice, or jar), followed by the metric amount. When comparing calories and nutrients in different foods, always check the serving size to make an accurate comparison.
3. The third line is calories. Calories refer to the total number of calories, or “energy,” supplied from all sources (fat, carbohydrate, protein, and alcohol) in a serving of the food. To achieve or maintain a healthy weight, balance the number of calories you eat and drink with the number of calories your body uses. 2,000 calories a day is used as a general guide for nutrition advice.
4. The Percent Daily Value, or percent DV, shows how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a total daily diet.  Use the %DV to determine if a serving of the food is high or low in an individual nutrient and to compare food products – but make sure the serving size is the same. As a general guide: 5% DV or less of a nutrient per serving is considered low, and 20% DV or more of a nutrient per serving is considered high. You can find the %DV on the right side of the list of nutrients.
5. On the left side of the food label lists the different nutrients contained in the food product. Use this section of the label to help choose products that are lower in nutrients you want to get less of and higher in nutrients you want to get more of. Nutrients to get less of include saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and added sugars. Most Americans exceed the recommended limits for these nutrients—and diets higher in these nutrients are associated with an increased risk of developing some health conditions (such as cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure).  Compare and choose foods to get less than 100% DV of these nutrients each day. Nutrients to get more of include dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.

Shakera Williams, DrHSc, MPH, Assistant Extension Agent, Nutrition and Community Health, (Flavors of Health, SNAP-Ed, CDC-HOP), Webster and Claiborne parishes, Parish Chair Webster Parish .