From 5 until 8 p.m. Saturday, June 22, this year’s Juneteenth Celebration will be held at Woo’s on Martin Luther King Drive, Minden.

“This is for the whole city,” said coordinator Michael Walker. “Are looking for a great turnout.”

Juneteenth is historically on June 19, however, this year that is a Wednesday.

Walker said the time for the event was moved to the evening because of last year’s heat.

“And we didn’t want to conflict with Wednesday Bible study or church,” he added.

There will be family fun with food trucks, music, special performances, Juneteenth History, bounce house, fireworks provided by Beyond Burgers and Woo’s Daiquiri Shop and much more.

For more information, contact Walker at 318-210-1799.

If you have a Facebook, then I am sure you are aware of the whole “Memories” thing that pops up. If not, it is a collection of your past Facebook posts, photos, anniversaries, etc. Half of it, I do not care to see because they are either me being super cringy 10 years ago, photos with exes or particular days of the year that I just don’t wish to remember.  

On the other hand, there are some that I love to see pop up every year, like funny videos with my sisters, photos of the girls when they were younger and old memories shared between a group of high school friends about 14 years ago- a group of friends that I thought would be friends forever.  

There have been more times than I can count in the last few weeks that I have found myself wishing I could go back in time to when things were much simpler, like high school. I did not exactly love the whole schooling part, but just not having a damn thing to worry about.  

My oldest, Emerson, is entering her last year of elementary school and will soon be moving on to the same school I graduated from and while I do fondly remember high school and most of my childhood for that matter, I also not so fondly remember a couple tricky transition years. And I think we may soon be approaching those years (to my dismay).  

Going through this transition from tween to teen was indeed rough and I am sure parenting through this transition will be, as well. Remind me to ask my mother, BUT I am fairly sure she got extremely tired of hearing my blare, “Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” by Britney Spears, from my room on repeat for days on end. But that’s really why this transition period is so tricky – you’re no longer a child exactly, but you’re also nowhere near being an adult.  

But I can talk from experience here and have shared a few of the things with Emerson that were harder for me during this time, in hopes that it makes it a little less harsh for her.

Number one: Friendship Drama  

And there will be plenty of it. Emerson already has a good grasp on what a good friend looks like – ones that cheer you on and pick you up, ones that are respectful and have your back when you’re not around. And at all costs…do not tolerate mean girl behavior, as a matter of fact, stand up to it.  

Number two: Beauty is Confidence  

Being beautiful isn’t about how you look on the outside even though society may not always make it seem that way, especially with social media these days. (And yes, social media was a thing when I was in high school – I am not that old – but it most definitely is on a different level now) Being beautiful is how you treat others, how freely you share in laughter and not seeking validation from anyone except yourself.  

Lastly, number three: Nothing (and I mean nothing) will ever change my love for you! 

My love for all my girls is not conditional. It doesn’t depend on how many things they achieve, the paths they take, who they choose to love, how many mistakes they make or how many times they slam their bedroom doors shut and scream that they hate me! There is nothing that they could ever do or say that would make them love them any less. I will always have their backs and be the loudest one in the room cheering them on.  

We might have a few knock-down-drag-outs during this transition period, and this may be the hardest time of my parenting journey and that’s what I am going to do – parent you! And you may hate me for it for a little while, but in the end my deepest desire is to be your mother now, so that maybe we can be friends later.

(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.)

United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: Powdered milk, biscuit milk

Household Goods: king & queen sheets, towels & washcloths, pots, pans, skillets

Toiletries: soap, deodorant, toothpaste

Monetary donations

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.

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)

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.

The new executive order will essentially make no difference as it still allows up to 2,500 illegal aliens to invade the U.S. across our southern border every day.  There is also reliable evidence that the migrants are no longer coming from Central America, they’re coming from Egypt, Jordan, Mauritania, and Lebanon, and they are single men, not families.

Let’s briefly review the record of the Biden Administration regarding illegal immigration. 

The Biden Administration—from Pres. Biden’s very first day in the White House—has done everything it could to create the wide-open borders we have today.  Pres. Biden permitted and encouraged this invasion with its accompanying scourge of drugs—including fentanyl that kills Americans daily—crime, human and child trafficking, and terrorists who daily come over our southern (and increasingly, northern) border.  It’s estimated that at least 8 million illegals have come into our country during the Biden Administration.  The presence of these nameless, faceless people creates dangerous issues of security, health, and safety, while causing a humanitarian disaster to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars American taxpayers have been forced to bear.  

On a previous trip to the border, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Shreveport) noted with regard to Pres. Biden, “… it was on his very first day in office that President Biden stopped construction of a southern border wall, and he ended the Remain in Mexico policy.  It was estimated … that if the Biden Administration would reinstate just the Remain in Mexico policy, it could stem the flow of illegals by probably 70 percent or more, but he refuses to do it.”

I have previously noted that this invasion has overwhelmed border towns and states, prompting Texas governor, Greg Abbot, and Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, to actively bus or fly these illegals to “sanctuary cities” in heavily liberal states.  In fact, most of the liberal “blue” states in America have had no real issue with the Biden Administration’s “open borders” policy.  It’s been considered “racist” and “bigoted” to want to place any limitations on illegals.  However, as a consequence of the transporting of these illegals to liberal states and cities, the illegal immigration plague has now descended upon cities—like Chicago, Denver, and New York—and they are clamoring for relief.   What hypocrisy.  

Well, with national polls reflecting Pres. Trump leading—with the illegal invasion of our southern border the top issue to voters—Biden suddenly seems aware that there is a problem.  How can we tell?  Because just this past week he signed the aforementioned executive order (remember Biden insisting he didn’t have the authority to do this?) which requires asylum seekers to wait south of the border.  

Why would he do this right now, after 3.5 years of treasonous neglect of America’s borders?  Because he is scheduled to debate Pres. Trump at the end of June, and he will seek to dishonestly claim that he is “doing something” about the border crisis. 

So, what does this new executive order actually do to curb illegal immigration?  Not much.

As the Wall Street Journal has stated “migrants could still seek asylum at ports of entry using the CBP One mobile app, which would be excluded from the daily triggers.”  A further form of deceitfulness includes the fact that “the order also exempts migrants if they ‘faced an imminent and extreme threat to life or safety, such as an imminent threat of rape, kidnapping, torture, or murder.’ 

The order also exempts any individual or family member who suffers an “acute medical emergency,” or who meets the definition of “victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons.”  Still further, unaccompanied minors aren’t covered by the order, encouraging more of them to seek asylum. (WSJ, June 4, 2024).

Do we see how many holes (i.e., exceptions) there are in this order that will continue to allow illegal immigration? In the law we describe this as “the exception swallowing the rule.”

No nation is a sovereign that cannot, or won’t, control its own borders and know and decide who is allowed into its country. As President Trump has pointed out, ‘a country without borders isn’t a country at all.’   That inviolable principle has been embedded in the history and survival of nations from time immemorial.  The Biden Administration’s targeted and purposeful neglect in addressing this invasion continues to endanger our nation.

This must end and I am prayerfully hopeful that our four-year national nightmare will end on Nov. 5.

(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.)

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

June 12

11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Cuffs & Hoses Blood Drive. Minden Civic Center by LifeShare Blood Center. Minden’s Fire and Police departments are looking for donors to help the community.

June 15

Deadline for Walker fan drive. For pickup, call (318) 210-1799 or (318) 707-3532.

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 .

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

Vincent James Miller, 33, Shell St., Dixie Inn; arrested June 9 by WPSO for disturbing the peace by intoxication.

Amya Tyresa Reed, 23, Middle Landing, Minden; arrested June 8 by WPSO on warrants for DWI, do drivers license.

Sarah Faye Dance, 39, Blue Run Rd., Minden; arrested June 7 by WPSO for resisting arrest, damage to property, criminal damage to property, attempted simple burglary, disturbing the peace by intoxication.

Shelby Dickerson, 40, Lakeshore Dr., Minden; arrested June 7 by MPD/WPSO on active warrant.

Sharon Deann Robinson, 200 block Northwood Dr., Minden; arrested June 9 by Louisiana State Police for DWI second offense, careless operation.

Leslie Williams III, 46, 600 block Woods St., Minden; arrested June 9 by MPD on bench warrants, as fugitive from Claiborne Parish. Bond set $1,200 cash or $15,000 surety.

Richard Franklin Rockholt, 34, 100 block Montreal Dr., Minden; arrested June 7 by MPD for driving against the flow of traffic on a one-way street, suspended drivers license, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Neal Moore, 57, 400 block South St., Minden; arrested June 6 by MPD for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, pedestrian on highway.

Cortoria Willis, 22, 1400 block Harper Lane, Minden; arrested June 7 by MPD on warrants for three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, simple criminal damage to property.

Richard G. Barriere, 57, Edger St., Springhill; arrested June 7 by Springhill PD on warrant for failure to register as a sex offender, as fugitive from Jefferson County, Alabama.

Kelvin Thomas, 27, 500 block Shelton St., Plain Dealing; arrested June 7 by Sarepta PD on warrants for felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS, possession of CDS Sch. I with intent to distribute.

Adrian Allen, 20, 500 block Columbia Cr., Bossier City; arrested June 8 by MPD for possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia.

Camron Fink, 20, Maness Circle, Bossier City; arrested June 8 by MPD for possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana), resisting an officer, possession of alcoholic beverage in a vehicle, fugitive from Bossier City.

April Hembree, 44, 100 block Emerald Dr., Minden; arrested June 7 by MPD for possession of drug paraphernalia.

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.

Sharon A. McEachern

Nov. 26, 1948 – June 10, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Graveside service: 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2024, Gardens of Memory, Minden.

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.)

By Pat Culverhouse

A leisurely drive down a rural parish roadway detoured to the parish prison for a pair of individuals after Webster Parish deputies uncovered a quantity of illegal narcotics during a traffic stop.

Both occupants of the vehicle are currently in custody facing charges of distribution of illegal narcotics, Sheriff Jason Parker said. Driver of the vehicle, Tyler Kane Hodges, 31, a resident of the 300 block Hurricane Bluff, Elm Grove, has been booked for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute and expired drivers license.

A passenger, Elroy Perez, 48, who listed an address at 3600 block Spurgin Rd., Doyline, is charged with possession CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine) and possession of CDS Sch.II (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute.

WPSO Patrol Commander Maj. Robert Hayden reportedly detained a vehicle for driving erratically on Harold Montgomery Rd. shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday. He was joined at the scene by narcotics unit commander Capt. Bobby Igo III.

During a search of the passenger, Perez, Capt. Igo found a syringe in his pocket along with a white substance suspected to be methamphetamine. A further search of the vehicle uncovered a clear plastic baggie containing smaller baggies of suspected methamphetamine. Total weight of the substance was a reported 47.9 grams.

Both men are 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 Pat Culverhouse

Continuing investigations into illegal narcotics trafficking in the parish has netted the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics unit one more suspect.

WPSO narcotics unit commander Capt. Bobby Igo III said Anderson LaDunte Baker, 45, turned himself in at the Sheriff’s office shortly after noon Wednesday and is facing a litany of charges related to drug distribution.

Baker, a resident of the 100 block of Eisenhower St. in Minden, was charged with eight counts, six for distribution of illegal drugs. He has been booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center, and is looking at bonds totaling $285,000.

Igo said Baker’s charges include:

• Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

• Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

• Possession of natural marijuana with intent to distribute.

• Possession of synthetic marijuana with intent to distribute.

• Possession of Ecstasy with intent to distribute.

• Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.

• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

• Possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

“This is the result of our ongoing investigations into illegal drug operations in our parish,” Igo said. “We are constantly following up on information and it’s paying off with arrests. Our unit is working on something every day.”

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

By Pat Culverhouse

A Mississippi man is currently sitting in the Webster Parish jail after deputies managed to put an end to his miles-long attempt to avoid arrest, leading officers on a twisting chase along rural highways at speeds often surpassing 100 miles per hour.

Sheriff Jason Parker said 35-year-old Brandon Everett Martin, a resident of the 100 block Kathryn Dr., Branddon, Miss., is being held on a variety of traffic-related charges including aggravated flight from officers.

Parker said the incident began around 5:30 p.m. Thursday when a motorist informed Deputy Derrick Phelps that his vehicle had been side-swiped on Goodwill Rd. by a black pickup that had continued driving without stopping.

Deputy Phelps, joined by Lt. Coby Barton and Deputy Lance Chanler, reportedly pursued the suspect’s vehicle along Goodwill Rd. north to Fuller Rd. before turning south on U.S. Hwy. 371.

After turning onto LA Hwy. 528 and then Newt Brown Rd., the suspect returned to Hwy. 371 where Lt. Barton reportedly maneuvered his vehicle into position to force the suspect to come to a halt on the shoulder of the road.

Martin reportedly was taken to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where his additional charges include hit and run, DWI first offense, reckless operation, open container, no insurance, no vehicle registration and possession of CDS Sch. III.

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.

Anthony Tyrone Elkins, 43, Martin Luther King Dr., Minden; arrested June 6 by WPSO on warrant for possession of CDS Sch. II. Bond set at $10,000.

Jack Wesley Thompson II, 56, Kelly Dr., Sarepta; arrested June 6 by WPSO on three counts aggravated assault with a firearm.

Taderion Smith, 22, 700 block Columbia St., MInden; arrested June 5 by MPD on felony warrant for domestic abuse aggravated assault. Bond set at $75,000.

Carlos Antonio Jackson, 49, 600 block Cherry St., Minden; arrested June 6 by MPD for disturbing the peace/intoxication.

Anisha Carter, 37, 700 block Carolina St., Minden; arrested June 5 by MPD on bench warrant. Bond set at $400 cash or $15,000 surety.

LeAnthony Roberts, 29, Old Delhi Rd., Epps, LA; arrested June 6 by WPSO on warrant. Bond set $5,000.

Leo Howard Barriere, 64, Edger St., Springhill; arrested June 5 by Springhill PD on warrant for failure to register as a sex offender. Bond set at $25,000.

Corey Montgomery, 35, 3rd St. SE, Springhill; arrested June 6 by Probation and Parole officers for probation violation.

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

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

June 7-8

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 12

11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Cuffs & Hoses Blood Drive. Minden Civic Center by LifeShare Blood Center. Minden’s Fire and Police departments are looking for donors to help the community.

June 15

Deadline for Walker fan drive. For pickup, call (318) 210-1799 or (318) 707-3532.

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 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 .

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

Fredna Calhoun Owens

April 3, 1939 – June 6, 2024

Sarepta, La.

Visitation: 2until 3 p.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Funeral service: 3 p.m., immediately following visitation.

Burial: Spring Branch Cemetery, Taylor, Ark.

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.

Margie F. McCain

Sept. 3, 1930 – May 29, 2024

Visitation: 11 a.m. Friday, June 7, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City.

Funeral service: Immediately following visitation.

Burial: 5185 Swan Lake Rd., Bossier City.

Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)

By Marilyn Miller

The Dixie Inn Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Thursday afternoon to make the chief of police position in the village administrative only, and to postpone action on the number of officers to be hired until a new chief is appointed.

Most of the discussion centered around hiring part-time versus full-time officers. Lt. Chase Walsworth with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office addressed the board, citing the merits of part-time vs full-time employment of officers.

“Part-time hiring is especially good for smaller agencies,” Lt. Walsworth said, pointing out that costs like benefits (insurance), plus other perks, can be cut out, thus leaving funds that can be spread around to other departments.

There is also a benefit in that the chief can handle the administrative affairs of the department, while officers patrol. “You need to be seen…an officer can ride the streets in 15 minutes,” Lt. Walsworth added. “It’s easy to do.”

Alderman Lance Milligan was excited about the idea of hiring part-time officers. “If (a member of the sheriff’s office or another law enforcement agency) is looking for a little more pay, this is ideal. I think it’s a great idea. And unity is a big thing…this can help bridge the gap between departments.”

“And they are already post-qualified, so we don’t have to pay for them to be trained. Oh, I think it’s great,” alderman Judy McKenzie noted, later adding that “Our main problem is being seen.”

Returning to talk about the chief’s appointment, Mayor Donna Hoffoss asked the board members if they “want to appoint the chief as just an administrative position.” Milligan then made the motion, which was seconded by alderman Nell Finlay.

Other representatives from the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office were also in attendance. Major Phillip Krouse, standing in for Sheriff Jason Parker, pointed out that “the WPSO is currently working three cases in Dixie Inn.”

“Sheriff Parker is here to help you no matter what you need,” Major Krouse commented.

According to talk among the aldermen, the priorities in law enforcement at the present time are people from a trailer park walking through private property and breaking into cars, as well as traffic.

“It’s a crazy amount of traffic that comes through Dixie Inn,” Milligan said.

By Bonnie Culverhouse

City of Minden’s Fire and Police departments are rolling up their sleeves to help the community, and they are all hoping the community will roll up its sleeves to help them.

Minden Civic Center is the spot for LifeShare Blood Center’s Cuffs & Hoses Blood Drive. Blood will be drawn between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 12.

Cuffs and Hoses is a blood drive/competition that is held each summer, but according to LifeShare’s Patricia Norred, this year is a bit different.

“We are offering a trophy for the winner, whereas in the past there were no clear ‘winners’ except the recipients of the blood donations,” Norred said. “We are working to make it a fun competition for the whole community.”

When donors donate, they will let the techs know if they are donating for the FD or the PD.

“We hope this will inspire the community to come out and show support for their local first responders, knowing they are saving many lives while doing so, one unit of blood will save an average of three lives,” she added.

In order to have a trophy presented, each department must collect more than their set donor goal, in the case of Minden, each department is competing to collect more than 10 units of blood each.

“Our firefighters and police officers put their lives on the line every day to ensure the protection of life and property,” said Minden Fire Chief Brian Williams. “They do this not for the paycheck they receive but for desire to serve the public. This blood drive is the community’s opportunity to give back to our local heroes by their lifesaving blood donations in their honor.”

“In the future, we want the departments to look forward to this competition and have a friendly rivalry over who will hold the trophy for the next year,” Norred said. “We feel this can also be a sense of pride for each department by their ability to motivate their community to save lives with them by donating blood.”

Williams agreed, “but at the same time it is a wonderful opportunity for our firefighters, not just in Minden, to step up and donate blood. I encourage all our first responders, firefighters, police, and EMS to join the members of our community on June 12 to give. Your donation can be used to help an accident victim, a surgery patient, or someone fighting cancer. Your donation can help save someone’s life. I would just like to encourage everyone to come out and support this worthwhile cause that assists LifeShare Blood Centers in meeting the needs of our community.

“I’m hoping Fire will beat Police in the number of donations, and I’m confident our firefighters can pull it off just as we have in the past!” he concluded.

Minden Police Chief Jared McIver challenged the Fire Department to bring it on.

“Get ready, Minden,” McIver said. “The Police Department is set to ‘cuff’ the competition and ‘hose’ down the Fire Department in the Cuffs & Hoses blood drive showdown!”

The City of Minden Council will meet in workshop at 2 p.m., Monday, June 10 to discuss the 2024-2025 budget.

Workshops are held in the Pelican Conference Room at Minden City Hall, 520 Broadway, Minden. The public is invited to attend.

Friday

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

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Calm wind.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 94. South wind around 5 mph.

Saturday Night

Clear, with a low around 71.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 93.

Sunday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Monday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.

Tuesday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.

By Ashley Talbert

We would like to extend the invitation to the community to join us for academic help here at the Northwest Louisiana Technical & Community College Minden campus.

Dear Adult Learners,

As we dive into the summer months, it’s the perfect time to reignite your educational journey and work towards obtaining your HISET. If you’re still eager to pursue your educational goals, we want to remind you that summer classes at NLTCC Minden are open and available for enrollment.

Our classes run from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, providing a structured and supportive environment for your learning needs. Additionally, we offer tutoring sessions by appointment to ensure you receive the personalized assistance you may require.

Each day, our curriculum is designed to cover essential subjects, with one hour dedicated to reading, one hour to writing, and one hour to math. This comprehensive approach aims to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in your HISET exam.

Exciting news! We have updated information regarding testing appointments, ensuring a smoother process for you to take the next step in your educational journey. If you’re curious to learn more about these updates or have any questions about our summer classes, we encourage you to visit us in person.

Join us at NLTCC Minden to embark on this transformative journey towards achieving your educational goals. Together, let’s make this summer a season of growth, learning and success.

For more information, email ashleytalbert@nltcc.edu .

2024 eARTh Camp boasts 2 sessions this year:

June 10- June 14 (9 a.m. until noon) Age: 6-9 Art Instructor—Jennifer Heard

June17 -June 21 (9 a.m. until noon) Age: 10-16 Art Instructor—Jennifer Heard.

It’s another exciting summer of art for kids ages 6-Up. They will enjoy a variety of art projects intended to inspire and motivate the creative spirit in each of them. Professional artists will direct your child’s experience through this intense week-long schedule of art projects. And The Farm’s 

beautiful setting is the perfect spot for this incredible week of the arts.

Earth Camp will be held in the “Art Studio” at The Farm” located on the corner of Talton and East Union in Minden. (Next to Save-A-Lot)

According to Tammy Eaton, registration is open and limited to the first 20 for each session. There are still a few slots available.

Cost: $125 per child includes supplies, daily snack and an official Earth Camp Tee shirt.

Multiple child discount: Each child after your first registration is an additional $100. per child.

Registration form: https://forms.gle/UHhcTM5vZYNzMn3q9

If you are registering multiple children please fill out a new form for each child.

For more info call Tammy Eaton 318.773.4497 or e-mail ccearthcamp@gmail.com .

Ruston – Louisiana Tech University has announced the names of students on its Spring Quarter 2024 President’s and Dean’s honor lists.

Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.

Honor students are listed below by their hometowns, with all Louisiana students listed first by parish.

Webster

• Doyline: Jack Andrew Edwards, Hayden A. Engel, Chase Hunter Sadler, Landon Cade Shively*, Kyle G. Spears
• Dubberly: Whitman B. McGee*
• Heflin: Sara K. Osborne*
• Minden: Jazmin Marie Abreu*, James Carter Barnett, Allison M. Brittian, Ashtyn Brittian, Parker Davis Cupples*, Emma Earnhardt, Addison Marie Fields*, Molly Fowler*, Walker Hagen Gray, Vivian Reese Hanson, Connor Jacob Heard*, Mary Evelyn King, Brandon Alexander Klimkiewicz, Chelan R. Leigh*, Alison Elizabeth Martin, Jackson McKinney*, Aidan Turner McLelland, David Phillip Nida, Emma Claire Pitman, Haley Amber Raburn*, Emily N. Ramie*, Kendrick Jermaine Robinson, Brianna Joyce Schumacher, Lily Grace Spillers*, Lauren Still*, Elizabeth B. Tuttle, Ella M. Williams*
• Sarepta: Aaron Louis Fuller*, Grant Jeffrey Harper, Casey James Markham, Meagan Sydney Maxwell*, Abram Cohen Otwell*
• Shongaloo: Luke Scott Vining*
• Sibley: William Ryan Kendrick, Maya Faith Merritt*
• Springhill: Brianna Sky Gahagan, Hannah Leann Huckabay*, Anna Eliot Orr*, Cloey S. Rhea, William P. Smith*

  Louisiana Tech University has announced the names of students on its Spring Quarter 2024 President’s and Dean’s honor lists.

  Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

  To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

  Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.

  Honor students are listed below by their hometowns, with all Louisiana students listed first by parish.

  Webster

  • Doyline: Jack Andrew Edwards, Hayden A. Engel, Chase Hunter Sadler, Landon Cade Shively*, Kyle G. Spears
  • Dubberly: Whitman B. McGee*
  • Heflin: Sara K. Osborne*
  • Minden: Jazmin Marie Abreu*, James Carter Barnett, Allison M. Brittian, Ashtyn Brittian, Parker Davis Cupples*, Emma Earnhardt, Addison Marie Fields*, Molly Fowler*, Walker Hagen Gray, Vivian Reese Hanson, Connor Jacob Heard*, Mary Evelyn King, Brandon Alexander Klimkiewicz, Chelan R. Leigh*, Alison Elizabeth Martin, Jackson McKinney*, Aidan Turner McLelland, David Phillip Nida, Emma Claire Pitman, Haley Amber Raburn*, Emily N. Ramie*, Kendrick Jermaine Robinson, Brianna Joyce Schumacher, Lily Grace Spillers*, Lauren Still*, Elizabeth B. Tuttle, Ella M. Williams*
  • Sarepta: Aaron Louis Fuller*, Grant Jeffrey Harper, Casey James Markham, Meagan Sydney Maxwell*, Abram Cohen Otwell*
  • Shongaloo: Luke Scott Vining*
  • Sibley: William Ryan Kendrick, Maya Faith Merritt*
  • Springhill: Brianna Sky Gahagan, Hannah Leann Huckabay*, Anna Eliot Orr*, Cloey S. Rhea, William P. Smith*