Olympics News hot off the press:

There was a danger that our world-class American athletes competing in the 2024 Summer Games from Paris might not have air-conditioning.

No one loves the “good ol’ days” more than me. AM radio and Tammy Wynette. Screen doors. Front porches. Movies with dialogue. The only travel ball was in the major leagues.

Old days were the best — EXCEPT for automatic banking, streaming channels, and air-conditioning. And the leadoff hitter of those three is AC.

Has to be. Game-changer.

So why no AC in Paris at the Olympics?

If you are an American who enjoys, even celebrates, seeing our country win at anything, and if you are an American who is spoiled rotten when it comes to air-conditioning, this less-than-thrilling and less-than-chilling news that our athletes might have to sleep in a France toaster is enough to make you break out in a cold sweat.

Or a hot sweat. (Sometimes I get my sweats confused.)

The Games open today with football (we call it soccer), rugby sevens (no idea), handball (some idea but not really), archery (some idea: cowboy movies when I was little), shooting (pretty good idea, unfortunately, since I can read a newspaper), and Friday, FINALLY, the Opening Ceremony and badminton (some idea: church camp) and rowing (some idea: fishing).

If you miss the start, not an issue. We still have two wonderful weeks of swimming, diving, fencing, gymnasticsing, boxing, taekwondoing, cycling, weightlifting, pentathloning, “modern” pentathloning, basketballing, canoe sprinting (what the …?), sport climbing, running, jumping, and watching Coca-Cola and Visa commercials.

And, if the Americans are lucky, sleeping between winning golds.

Sleeping during a period of competition is no side chick or fling. Sleeping is part of who brought you to the party. Sleeping is your Main Thang. Gotta sleep.

This notion escaped the French.

They’d decided years ago that these Games would be the most eco-friendly and “greenest” ever, which is fine. Their plan to cut in half the carbon footprint of a “normal” Olympics was admirable — right up until the architects insisted that their non-AC, “energy-efficient geothermal cooling system” of water and pipes and wishes would keep the athletes’ rooms no warmer than 26 Celsius — which is a sultry 79 Fahrenheit in Indoor America.

To which the American coaches and athletes said, “NEG!”

The high temp in Paris during July and August averages 78. Child’s play for the American southerner, for sure. BUT …

We are a habit-driven people. I grew up in a two-story that had a window unit downstairs and a window that opened upstairs. Slept great. But once the world introduced us to central air, nighttime became a different ballgame.

In rural America, we got used to AC. Really fast.

Expand that rationale for the world-class athlete who has slept at a certain temperature nearly their whole lives in preparation for the Olympics, the most important “athletic days” of their lives. The “optimal bedroom sleep micro-environment” for the Team USA competitor, one of our team physiologists told yahoo!/sports, is 61-65 degrees.

So when the Paris mayor insisted Olympic Village athletes would be “very comfortable” at “no warmer than 79,” athletes from the USA, Canada, Italy, Brazil, Greece, Japan, Australia and the like said, “Comfortable compared to WHAT?”

So those countries have either brought their own portable air-conditioners or are renting ones the French organizers have made available. No one wanted to come off as a spoiled or ungrateful visitor: they just didn’t want to be sweating in their PJs on the eve of running the 100.

Many countries — Germany, Tonga, Samoa, plus the Swiss and French come to mind — don’t need or aren’t used to AC. They’re chill without it.

To each his own.

And that’s the point. We really are creatures of habit. Hey, the French gave us chocolate and perfume and the beret and fries. They meant no harm with the AC thing. But if the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre were in Kansas or Richmond or Shreveport, you can bet your last shred of Brie or Roquefort that they’d be air-conditioned. Set around 68, at the highest.

Have a great (and cool) Olympics!

(PS — the diff between the “pentathlon” and the “modern pentathlon”?; the modern one is air-conditioned.)

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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SAN FRANCISCO— Whenever I’m in a new city always go to the front desk of the hotel and ask, “Where is the best independent breakfast joint?” I tell them, “I want to go to the place where the old men are sitting around a table every morning talking about sports and politics.” It never fails, that’s the place I’m going to learn more about a city or town. That’s also the place where I will typically get the most authentic local breakfast.

Every time I’ve been in San Francisco for the past two decades, I have eaten at least one breakfast at Sears Fine Food. Sears has been there for about 90 years and although it mostly serves tourists these days, I can sit in that dining room and imagine what it was like in its heyday and appreciate a foodservice business— touristy or not— that has been in business for almost a century.

Another local restaurant I always frequent when I’m in town is R&G Lounge. It’s an excellent Chinese restaurant right on the edge of Chinatown and I’ve never eaten a bad meal there. I flew in late last night ,and checked into the hotel at midnight, so dinner was out. In a few minutes I’ll be heading north into the redwoods on the banks of the Russian river for the next few days but hope on my return I’ll be able to grab lunch at R&G.

Sears is known for their tiny Swedish pancakes. I have enjoyed them in the past, but I mostly enjoy the energy in that room. This morning, I got there early, and the dining room was half full with 100% tourists (your columnist chief among them) and it felt different than it has on previous visits. This was my first time in town post Covid and everything feels different. The entire city feels different. It made me wonder if people who visit my hometown back in Mississippi feel that way about Hattiesburg.

Does Hattiesburg feel different post-Covid? To me, we’ve gotten back into the groove, and although we’ve lost a lot of independent restaurants over the past three years (a couple of mine included), I feel as if we have bounced back like champions. Though it might be that I can’t see the forest for the pine trees. I hope that’s not the case.

That is certainly not the feeling I get here in San Francisco. There seems to be a pall hanging over the city. Things have changed.

As bad as Covid was for the restaurant industry, our restaurant group came out on the other side stronger, leaner, more organized, and operating at a more professional level. I was having that conversation with someone a few days ago. In times of stress, one has two options— fight or flight. We fought. We continue to fight. Not in the traditional sense of the word. We fought to get just a little bit better every day. We started communicating our core values of “Hospitality, quality, consistency, cleanliness, and community.” And we do our best to live our mission of “Giving our guests exceptional experiences through fanatical wall-to-wall hospitality,” at every turn. 

I had a set of core values and a mission for the 30 years before Covid, but I was a poor leader and was negligent in constantly communicating that to our team and leadership. So, I guess when I break it down, Covid— as bad as it was— was also a wake-up call for me. It re-energized me and my passion for the restaurant business. We are hitting on all cylinders these days. We still have problems and issues, but we use our mission and values as our guideposts and do our best to live in the solution.

Back to the first meal of the day. There’s something that compels me to eat breakfast. It’s been that way all my life. Seriously, always. I can probably count the number of times I have missed breakfast in the last 50 years on both hands. Although, the misses are so infrequent, I might be able to only use one hand. I truly never miss breakfast. 

Even after last night’s late flight I had that compulsion to eat breakfast hit early this morning and got up and powered through a meal before coming back to the hotel to lay back down.

The bill for a one-person breakfast at Sears was a shocking $50.00 ($60.00 with tip). Things have definitely changed in this city. That’s not a breakfast from then Four Seasons, it’s a community café in the heart of downtown San Francisco. To be clear, it’s not some big-city sticker shock for the boy from South Mississippi. Within the last month I’ve eaten breakfast in Chicago, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and New Orleans. Nothing came near that price tag. Four people could eat breakfast at our community café in Hattiesburg, The Midtowner, for that price. 

Was a Sears breakfast worth $60.00? Nope. Will I return? Probably. That is the curse of a restaurateur. I love this business. I am a student of restaurants. I eat, sleep, and breathe this business. Though now I’m ready to head north into the redwoods for a few days and recharge the old batteries.

I am hopeful that I am misreading San Francisco on just a short drop-in-and-out. It has always been one of America’s great restaurant cities. Maybe they’ll start living in the solution.

Onward.

Smoked Duck and Grits 

This is a recipe I developed specifically for this book. My brother is an avid duck hunter and I was thinking of him when we were testing it. The grits say “basic” though they’re anything but basic. They are very rich, but so good, and perfect for this recipe. The caramelized onions are an equal player in this three-component game.

Yield: 6 servings

6 Duck Breasts-5-6 ounces each

Brine:

2 cups Apple Juice

1 cup Cranberry Juice

1 ½ TBSP Kosher Salt

2 TBSP Brown Sugar

2 TBSP Soy Sauce

1 ½ tsp Smoked Paprika

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 ½ tsp Black Pepper

Place all ingredients for the brine in a small sauce pot. Bring to a simmer and cook just long enough for the salt and sugar to dissolve. Remove from the heat and cool completely before placing the duck in the brine.

The duck will need to be scored before placing them in the brine. Using a very sharp knife cut shallow slices in the duck fat in a crisscross pattern. Be careful not to cut the meat of the duck.

Once the brine is cool, place duck breasts and brine in a gallon sized Ziplock baggie and refrigerate for 5-6 hours. Occasionally turn the baggie from side to side to ensure all surfaces are marinated.

At this time, you will also want to soak your woodchips.

Preheat Smoker to 200 degrees

Place the duck in preheated smoker, fat side up, along with the soaked wood chips.

Smoke for 35-45 minutes or until the duck reaches and internal temperature of 135.

As soon as the duck reaches 135, plate a heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Place the duck breast fat side down in the dry, hot skillet to crisp the skin. Sear for 3-4 minutes. Turn the breasts over and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

1 batch Basic Grits 

Caramelized Onion Sauce:

2 TBSP Bacon Fat or Olive Oil

1 quart Yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 ½ tsp Kosher Salt

½ tsp Black Pepper

1 TBSP Fresh Garlic, minced

¾ cup White Wine

2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth or Stock

2 tsp Fresh Thyme, chopped

¼ cup Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed

While the duck is smoking, prepare one batch of basic grits, cover and hold in a warm place until ready to serve.

Next, heat the bacon fat or olive oil in a large skillet over low-medium heat. Add the onions, salt and pepper to the hot skillet. Cook until the onions are light brown in color, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Add the garlic and cook for 3-4 more minutes. Stir in the white wine and reduce the wine by half. Add in the chicken broth and simmer until most of the liquid is gone. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the thyme and cold butter. Hold in a warm place until ready to plate.

Divide the grits between 6 large shallow bowls. Starting at the thick side of the breast, slice the breast on the bias into 5-6 pieces. Arrange the slices in a semicircle over the grits. Spoon the onion mixture on the grits next to the duck and serve.

Basic Grits

These grits are anything but basic. The recipe uses heavy cream and chicken stock. Basic grits just use water. I probably should have named this recipe, “Not So Basic Grits.” But there are two other grits recipes following this one and these seem pretty basic compared to those.

Buy the best stone-ground grits you can find. Use only water if you like.

Yield: 6-8 servings

2 cups Water

2 cups Chicken Broth

2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream

1 ½ tsp Kosher Salt

1 tsp Black Pepper

1 ½ cups Stone Ground Grits

2 tsp Hot Sauce

Combine water, broth, cream, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized sauce pot. Heat on medium-high heat until mixture begins to simmer. Using a wire whisk, stir in the grits and lower the heat. 

Slowly simmer the grits for 18-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once the grits are thickened, remove from heat and stir in the hot sauce. 

Serve immediately, or store covered in a warm place until needed.

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

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The Minden 12U Ponytail All Stars’ World Series bid came to an end on Monday afternoon. A scheduled 9 a.m. (eastern) start was pushed all the way into Monday afternoon due to rain.

The Louisiana Dixie Ponytails fell short to the Prince George Royals by a final score of 4-3. Madison Jernigan took the loss for the Ponytails, allowing no hits, striking out one and walking none. Lola Huddleston started for the Ponytails, allowing three runs on three hits, over two innings, striking gout one and walking none.

The Ponytails outhit Prince George by four hits to three, with Madison Jernigan getting two of those hits including a RBI while going 2 for 2 on the day. Layla Holford had a hit and two RBI and Rhea Waller picked up a hit as well.

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Leonard Franklin Slye was born on November 5, 1911, in a tenement building on 2^nd Street in Cincinnati, Ohio.  His family and friends called him Len.  Eventually, the tenement building where Len was born was torn down and the Riverfront baseball stadium was built on the location.  Len always said that he was born at second base.

Within months of Len’s birth, Len’s father Andy, and his brother Will tired of their jobs and built a houseboat from salvaged lumber.  In July 1912, Andy, his wife Mattie, and their three children, Mary, Cleda, and Len, along with Will, his wife Elizabeth, and their son Raymond, sailed east along the Ohio River from Cincinnati towards Portsmouth in the homemade 12-foot by 50-foot houseboat.  The Slye families jointly purchased land near Portsmouth where they planned to disassemble their houseboat and build a house from the lumber, but mother nature altered their plans. 

On March 23, 1913, heavy rain began to fall which continued for at least four days.  Flooding from the rain killed an estimated 650 people in at least 13 states.  Damages to property exceeded $330 million.  This became known as the Great Flood of 1913.  The majority of the deaths—somewhere between 422 and 470—happened in Ohio.  In Dayton, Ohio, downtown streets were covered with water 10 feet deep.  Fourteen square miles of the city were flooded.  An estimated 123 people were killed in Dayton alone.  In Hamilton, 35 miles downstream from Dayton, about 100 people were killed when water from 10 to 18 feet deep flowed through its residential districts.  93 people died from flooding in Columbus, Ohio.

As the waters rose near Portsmouth, the Slye families used the high water to their advantage and moved their houseboat onto the water which covered their property.  They carefully positioned the houseboat and tied it off.  As the water slowly receded, they placed foundation piers under the houseboat.  The houseboat eventually rested perfectly on their land.  There was another benefit in keeping the houseboat river worthy.  If the river flooded again, their home would be protected from the water because it would float. 

In 1915, Len’s sister Kathleen was born in the former houseboat.  In 1919, Andy purchased farmland near Lucasville, Ohio, about 12 miles north of Portsmouth, where he built a six-room house.  Despite his best efforts, Andy was unable to earn enough income from the farm for his family to survive.  He took a job at a shoe factory in Portsmouth.  During the work week, Andy stayed in Portsmouth.  On weekends, he returned to the farm.  While Andy was away, the rest of the family was pretty much isolated from the outside world.  To communicate over long distances on the farm, Len and his mother used different yodels.  The varying pitch of their voices carried much farther than yelling.  Yodeling was a skill that helped Len later on.

In the days before electronic devices, television, or radio, the Slye family found ways to entertain themselves.  Saturday night square dances were common on the Slye family farm.  Len would often play the mandolin and call the square dances or sing.  This began before Len was a teenager.  By the time he turned 18, Len’s musical abilities were like a finely tuned machine.  In 1929, Andy, Mattie, Len, and Kathleen drove in their 1923 Dodge to Lawndale, California to visit Len’s older sister Mary and her husband.  In the spring of 1930, the Slye family moved to Lawndale permanently.  Soon thereafter, Mary suggested that Len audition for a radio show called the Midnight Frolic.  Producers of the show were surprised by Len’s talents.  A few nights later, Len, dressed in his best western attire, played guitar, sang, and yodeled on the program. 

Len was in demand from then on, and became part of several western musical groups.  The most successful was the Pioneers Trio, which became the Sons of the Pioneers when a radio station announcer changed their name because he thought they were too young to be seen as pioneers.  In 1934, the Sons of the Pioneers signed a recording contract and began recording material in August of that year.  One of the songs to come out of that session was the western standard “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.”  Their 1934 recording was selected by the Library of Congress as a 2010 addition to the National Recording Registry, which selects recordings annually that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. 

In 1935, Len began working in western films using his real name Leonard Slye.  Gene Autry was the king of western films, but he kept demanding more money for his work as the singing cowboy.  Studios began looking for another singing cowboy that they could get for less money.  Len fit the part perfectly… well, almost.  Republic Pictures, who hired Len, thought Lenoard Slye was not a suitable name for a western star.  The film company finally settled on a stage name for Len. 

While working in Hollywood, Len’s alter ego taught lessons in fairness and gentleness.  He was always on the right side of the law and respected the law.  His was a positive character with unwavering principles.  This was more than just a Hollywood-created persona, this was Leonard Slye.  He was a positive role model, something that we could use more of in our modern times. 

Republic Pictures chose Len’s stage name carefully.  They thought Roy had a good western ring to it.  At the time, Will Rogers was a popular western comic entertainer, and they wanted to take advantage of the name recognition.  From that point on, the world knew Leonard “Len” Slye, the King of Cowboys, as Roy Rogers.

Sources:

1.     Chicago Tribune, July 7, 1998, p.97.

2.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, July 7, 1998, p.28.

3.     Desert Dispatch, July 7, 1998, p.1.

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Now in the latter years of my life, I’ve developed a hatred for summers and the high temperatures that come with it. No longer do I look forward those hot summer days the same way I did as a youth.

But today we’re going to turn back the clock on what was one of the  best time periods of my life.

Growing up in my house, there was no such thing as “sleeping in.” Pretty much every day of my life the light switch was turned on in my room no later than 6:30 in the morning. Growing up on a ranch in East Texas was a great privilege of mine and it taught me so much about hard work and responsibility. 

But it was also my playground for hunting and fishing and is where my passion for the outdoors started. I literally spent hours and days transversing the woods and stock ponds of our ranch. This is where I learned to hunt squirrels and deer while our stock ponds were loaded with bass and catfish and was my training ground for fishing.   

But directly across the street from our house a few miles out of town, was the property of Mr. Rayford Jones who was a cattle rancher with a couple of really good catfish ponds. This is where a good friend of mine (Malcolm Jones, Rayford’s grandson) and I spent the majority of those hot summer days fishing for catfish.

Since we did not have cell phones back in those days, we would make arrangements the night before to meet at the one of those catfish ponds just after daylight. We tried to beat the heat by getting out there early but most often we were there until around noon or until we got tired of catching fish. 

Now the worst part about catching catfish was that someone had to clean them, and it didn’t take long for us to make the decision to just enjoy catching and releasing the catfish back into the pond so we could catch them again on another day or you could say, we were just lazy.

One thing about fishing for catfish, it requires much patience but is a fun way to fish. In order to catch catfish, you need bait. Now bait can be in the form of several different things as catfish will eat just about anything including the kitchen sink…. but that’s hard to get on a hook. Some people use what is known as blood bait, which is not only nasty, but stinks to high heaven as well. Frozen shrimp also make great catfish bait along with hotdogs and earthworms. 

But we liked to double our fun by using what is known as cut bait. This is where you first catch a few small bream with crickets or earthworms and then cut the tails off and use that for bait. Every now and then, we had so much fun catching the bream, we would just forget about the catfish. 

I’ve often wondered is it hotter today than when were kids? Probably not but we were just acclimated to the heat better since we spent every waking hour outdoors and not inside an airconditioned house. Our parents insisted you stay outside even if you were thirsty. Thank the Lord for whoever invented the garden hose because this was a survival tool for kids of my generation. 

Shade trees were not just a part of our front yard, they were a gathering spot to get some relief from the summer sun. The only thing better than a shade tree, was a fruit tree. There were several pear and apple trees in the area along with a couple of fig trees that were all used for survival. A lot of people back during the 60’s and 70’s planted fruit trees; something you don’t see much anymore.  

I miss these days and really enjoyed growing up the way I did. If we weren’t fishing, we were playing baseball on a sandlot or any backyard we could find. Yes, there were a few broken windows, but our sandlot games were fun and a great training ground for developing our baseball skills. If was too hot to play baseball, we went to the local swimming pool in order to beat the heat. 

I know it was a different time, but back then we had freedom and the ability to go wherever our bikes could takes us. We did not need or have much favor towards babysitters. We also never complained about it being too hot, we beat it with a Wham-O Water Wiggle or a Slip-N-Slide. 

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and make sure to wear your sunscreen. Melanoma is the number one killer of all cancers so take the time to protect yourself.

Steve Graf

Angler’s Perspective

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

July 26-27

Friday: 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Pack the Bus will be held at Walmart in Minden. Saturday: 8 a.m. until noon at Walmart in Springhill. Hosted by Webster Parish School Board.

July 29

Webster Parish New Teacher Breakfast, Webster Parish public schools.

August 2-3

8 p.m. nightly, Pete Colvin Memorial Rodeo, Jack Batton Arena, 413 Whitlock St.,

August 3

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mercy’s Closet School Uniform Giveaway, 609 Sibley Road, Minden. No qualifying necessary. First Come, first served.

11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Victory Park, First Responder/Teacher Community Giveback. Hotdog plates today’s heroes.

August 4

3 until 6 p.m., 16th Annual Back To School Bash supply drive, Webster Junior High School, Minden. For more information, contact Ursula Hillary, 377-7052.

August 5

Glenbrook School New Teacher Breakfast.

August 6

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Lunch & Learn, discussion about scams. RSVP for free lunch: 318-377-4434.

August 10

10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Bayou Pots Dutch Oven Cooking, Lake Bistineau State Park, Doyline.

6 p.m. St. Jude Singing, Eastside Missionary Baptist Church. Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at door. All proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

7 p.m. Piney Woods Jamboree at CAC building in Springhill. Special Guest will be Stephen Pride brother of Charlie Pride. Front row seats $15; General Admission $10.

August 24

W.H.O. annual three-man scramble at Springhill Country Club. Check whoofnorthwebster.org for more information.

September 9

6 until 8 p.m. Dorcheat Historic Association Museum Annual Fundraiser Gala, 116 Pearl Street, Minden.

September 14

6:30 until 11 p.m., Krewe of Nemesis, Coronation in the Courtyard, Easley Studios Courtyard, 105 Pearl Street, Minden.

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Doris L. Watts

Dec. 27, 1971 – July 20, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, City On A Hill – First Pentecostal Church.

Funeral service: 10 a.m., immediately following visitation.

Burial: Gill Cemetery, Minden, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Julia E. Shively

May 21, 1949 – July 21, 2024

Bienville Parish

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Graveside service: 2 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2024, Liberty Hill Cemetery.

Tilman Travis Nichols

June 1, 1945 – July 21, 2024

Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Calvary Baptist Church, Springhill.

Burial: Welcome Cemetery, Taylor, Ark.

Margaret Elizabeth Coleman

Jan. 19, 1944 – July 21, 2024

Minden/Homer

Graveside service: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024, Arlington Cemetery, Homer, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Kathie Lee Lolley

Oct. 25, 1956 – July 18, 2024

Doyline, La.

For service information: Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

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

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By Marilyn Miller

At the end of qualifying last week, the mayor and aldermen for Dixie Inn received no opposition for their respective offices.

Mayor Donna Hoffoss will serve another term, as will Aldermen Nell Finlay, Judy McKenzie, and Lance Milligan. All four are Republicans.

“I’ll just say that I’m very pleased to be able to work for the Village of Dixie Inn for another four years,” Mayor Hoffoss said, adding that she “has enjoyed working with members of the present Board of Aldermen, who have shown great concern for the people of the village, and have been responsible for the spending of the village’s money.”

Although the four Dixie Inn elected officials are unopposed, the election will take place Nov. 5, 2024. New terms will begin Jan. 1, 2025.

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By Marilyn Miller

At the end of qualifying last week, the mayor and aldermen for Dixie Inn received no opposition for their respective offices.

Mayor Donna Hoffoss will serve another term, as will Aldermen Nell Finlay, Judy McKenzie, and Lance Milligan. All four are Republicans.

“I’ll just say that I’m very pleased to be able to work for the Village of Dixie Inn for another four years,” Mayor Hoffoss said, adding that she “has enjoyed working with members of the present Board of Aldermen, who have shown great concern for the people of the village, and have been responsible for the spending of the village’s money.”

Although the four Dixie Inn elected officials are unopposed, the election will take place Nov. 5, 2024. New terms will begin Jan. 1, 2025.

–30–

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By Pat Culverhouse

A Castor man is currently facing serious domestic abuse charges as the result of a weekend incident at a Minden apartment complex.

Bruce Dandre Rushing, 30, has been booked for domestic abuse battery with strangulation and domestic abuse battery with child endangerment, Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said.

According to McIver, officers responded to a report of a fight in progress around 6:30 p.m. Saturday at apartments in the 1300 block of Lee St. Upon arrival, officers found a female crying outside the building, then observed the suspect exit an apartment in what was described as “an aggravated state.”

“The female told our officers that Rushing grabbed her wrists and when she attempted to get away, he reportedly choked her from behind,” McIver said. “We learned the victim’s two children were present during the incident.”

Multiple witnesses at the scene reportedly told officers they observed Rushing choking the victim and beating her while she was on the ground.

Rushing is currently being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. Bond has not been set.

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

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Tuesday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Tuesday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind.

Wednesday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Wednesday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Thursday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Thursday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Friday

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.

* Information provided by National Weather Service.

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The World Series ended for the Minden 7U All Star Baseball Team over the weekend. After going 1-1 in Pool Play Friday, the team was defeated by Ville Platte All Stars by a final score of 3-2. The team had 10 hits in the game, led by Nash Leonard and Brooks Lewis, who both had three hits and each drove in one run a piece for Minden.

In softball, Minden 12U Ponytail All Stars representing Louisiana in their World Series in Virginia, lost Saturday 9-2 ago the Virginia Charlotte County All Stars. Madison Jernigan took the loss for Louisiana Dixie Ponytails 12U Team, allowing three hits and three runs over one inning, striking out two and walking none. Rhea Waller pitched five innings in relief, giving up seven hits and six runs, striking out two and walking two. Rhea Waller, Kenzie Pamintuan, Erin Danza and Emmaline Harmon all collected hits in the loss Saturday.

The team bounced back Sunday, getting a 5-2 win over the Chester Country Ponytails. Lola Huddleston picked up the win for Louisiana, going four innings, allowing two hits and two runs, striking out six and walking four. Jayla Joyner led Louisiana in  hits, going 3-3 with two RBI. Chloe Gregg, Karlie Brewer and Layla Halford all drove in runs for the Louisiana All stars as well.

They were scheduled to be back in action Monday morning. That game was pushed until later due to the weather, however, the girls lost 4-3 to Prince George Royals.

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The Webster Parish Library honored those who completed the “Discovery Camp 2024” during an end-of-the-year party on Thursday, July 18 at the Minden Branch. “Smokey the Bear” was on site to help present the completion certificates, medals and prizes. The Springhill Branch hosted their completion party on July 19. (Photo by Marilyn Miller)

“Discovery Camp 2024 has been an exceptional experience and it has given us the opportunity to connect deeply with our community, especially the children, and to see their eyes light up with curiosity and wonder,” said Kim Sentell, Director of Marketing for Webster Parish Libraries. “Our staff has worked very hard, and serving our local communities in this meaningful capacity has filled our hearts with joy and pride, knowing that we are making a lasting impact on their lives.

“This camp has not only strengthened our bond with the community but also reaffirmed our passion for fostering a love of learning and discovery. We are truly honored to be a part of their growth and to witness the incredible potential of each and every young participant,” she continiued. 

The staff is incredibly grateful for the generous support provided by Impact Oil and Gas Services in Webster Parish. Their commitment has greatly contributed to the success of Discovery Camp 2024, including the donation of educational incentive prizes.

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30 DAY JUDGE NERREN PETIT JURY DOCKET WEBSTER PARISH DISTRICT, AUGUST 12, 2024

BARRIERE, GERALD W.

98146 Molestation of a Juvenile Under Thirteen

PJE Jury Trial WPSD

Holland, Hugo Larry English Mike Nerren

BLYTHE, JAMES HAYDEN

98543 Felony Illegal Possession of Stolen Things (Over $25,000)

PJE Jury Trial WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo Carey Ellis Mike Nerren

BOLT, NICOLE S

98668 Residential Contractor Fraud $1,000 – $5,000

PJE Jury Trial

Yocom, Jimbo Larrion Hillman Mike Nerren

Restitution owed to the victim – $3,100 plus $465 = $3,565

Co def J. Perkins

FAULK, LAURA MICHELLE

98328 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

PJE Jury Trial WPSD

McCullough, Melanie Charles Bradshaw Mike Nerren

GOLDEN, THURSTON DESEAN

98511 Molestation of a Juvenile

PJE Jury Trial MPD

Holland, Hugo Larrion Hillman Mike Nerren

GOODWIN, JASON ERIC

98352 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

PJE Jury Trial MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Carey Ellis Mike Nerren

Please make sure forfeiture of 2006 Chevy truck is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

GRIFFITH, WESLEY B.

98868-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98868-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

PJE Jury Trial WPSD

McCullough, Melanie Larrion Hillman Mike Nerren

HORN, DAVID M

98805 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

PJE Jury Trial WPSD

McCullough, Melanie Larrion Hillman Mike Nerren

OC 6/10 Restitution owed to the victim- $1,080, plus $162 fee = $1,242 total

JENKINS, COURTNEY

98754-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

98754-CT.2

Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

PJE Jury Trial MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Carey Ellis Mike Nerren

JOHNSON, STEPHEN SHAWN

98663 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

PJE Jury Trial MPD

Holland, Hugo Larrion Hillman Mike Nerren

KENNEDY, ADAM TYLER

98513 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile Under Thirteen

PJE Jury Trial WPSD

Holland, Hugo Larrion Hillman Mike Nerren

KIMBLE, JALOYLD JAMESTERRIO

98367 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

PJE Jury Trial MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Larrion Hillman Mike Nerren

LEE, DEATRICE

98512 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

PJE Jury Trial

Yocom, Jimbo Larrion Hillman Mike Nerren

Restitution per the report owed to Rascoe’s Grocery- $3,783.60, plus fee of $567.54 = $4,351.14 total

MOORE, TIMOTHY EDWARD

98543A Felony Illegal Possession of Stolen Things (Over $25,000)

PJE Jury Trial WPSD

Yocom, Jimbo Mary Jackson Mike Nerren

Co-Def: J. Blythe

RICHARDSON, JACOREIN DESHUN

96881 First Degree Murder

PJE Jury Trial MPD

Holland, Hugo Claudia Payne Mike Nerren

SIMS JR, DONALD W

98647-CT.1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

98647-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

PJE Jury Trial MPD

McCullough, Melanie Larrion Hillman Mike Nerren

WILLIS, KAZANEE ANQWASIA

98379 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

PJE Jury Trial WPSD

McCullough, Melanie Patrick Jefferson Mike Nerren

JUDGE CHARLES SMITH – 30 DAY PETIT JURY

BLACK, JOHN RAY

98674 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

PJB Jury Trial MPD

Yocom, Jimbo Mary Ellen Halterman Charles Smith

COLISTON, CHRISTOPHER LEE

97809A CT 1 First Degree Rape

97809A CT 2 Molestation of a Juvenile Under Thirteen

PJB Jury Trial MPD

Holland, Hugo Mary Ellen Halterman Charles Smith

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Springhill Medical Center is hiring nurse practitioners for Doctors Clinic. NPs are trained to assess patient needs, order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, diagnose disease, prescribe medications and formulate treatment plans.

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By Paige Gurgainers There will be a beneficiary golf tournament supporting the family of Greg Case held on September 21 at Pine Hills Country Club.  

Webster Parish native Greg Case has overcome many medical obstacles since his birth in 1983, but his fight is not over yet and the family is asking for the community to rally behind him and his family during this time.  

Case was born with what the doctors believed to be a heart murmur, which unfortunately is very common and usually resolve themselves. But at the age of two, he was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension.  

“During this time in the mid 80s there had not been a lot of research done on this issue and there was no definite cure,” said Case’s sister Heather.  

Things seemed daunting until Case was later transferred to Texas Children’s Medical Center in Houston by Dr. Charles Mullins.  

“Dr. Mullins had begun experimenting with finding a treatment with dogs using stents to open pulmonary arteries,” explained Heather. “After examining Greg’s case files, they asked permission to use them to have the procedure approved for humans.” 

During this time Case received a heart catheterization along with numerous other invasive tests, but ultimately had to bide their time waiting for the approval.  

That time came in March of 1991. The medical center reached out to Case’s parents to ask permission to perform an experimental stent replacement in both his left and right pulmonary arteries. Ultimately, the procedure was a success, but during the procedure they discovered that all his veins, vessels and arteries leading to and from his heart were abnormally small.  

This did well for many years. Case kept up with follow-up visits and his yearly check-ups with the cardiologist until he was 16. Afterall, his prognosis for living a full and mostly healthy life was limited to about 17 years of age. He was repeatedly told he would not be able to participate in contact sports, so in high school Case played baseball and competed in powerlifting.  

Into his adulthood, he worked physically demanding jobs in the oil industry until 2017, when he was no longer able to pass the lung functioning test required before hiring to a new position.  

It was then determined Case would need to undergo a bilateral lung transplant. 

“He began seeing a team of specialists in New Orleans and began a strict medication regimen, which did wonders until this past October,” explained Heather. “Greg became ill and after a visit to a hospital emergency room, he learned he was not only suffering from lung failure, but heart failure, too.” 

Due to the growingly more complicated case, his team in New Orleans were no longer able to treat him. Case now needed both a lung and heart transplant. As time progressed, his liver was adversely affected to the point of cirrhosis. 

As one could imagine, he could no longer work; however, he did have short-term and long-term disability plans with his employer that could help with his family’s finances. 

“That helps so much, but it won’t touch what a household of five needs. Not to mention the expenses that come with traveling back and forth to Houston Medical Center, who finally accepted his case,” Heather said.  

Currently, Case’s diagnosis includes right ventricular failure, supra valvular aortic stenosis, pulmonary HTN, hypertension, and lung failure. His O2 levels are 88 on 2.5/3 liters of oxygen sitting and when up walking, they drop into the low 70’s and upper 60’s.  

“He is now on oxygen almost 24 hours a day. His lung transplants have been approved, and he is awaiting the determination on whether his heart will be done at the same time if needed,” said Heather.  

Case and his wife have three young boys. He serves as a leader in his church and community. The money raised from this tournament could help alleviate a lot of their stresses and worries during this time. 

For those interested in sponsoring or signing up to participate, please contact Heather Case at 318-268-1015.  

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United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: powdered milk, cereal

Household goods: king & queen sheets, towels & wash cloths, pots, pans & skillets

Clothing:  men’s pants 34/32.

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.

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

July 26-27

Friday: 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Pack the Bus will be held at Walmart in Minden. Saturday: 8 a.m. until noon at Walmart in Springhill. Hosted by Webster Parish School Board.

July 29

Webster Parish New Teacher Breakfast, Webster Parish public schools.

August 2-3

8 p.m. nightly, Pete Colvin Memorial Rodeo, Jack Batton Arena, 413 Whitlock St.,

August 3

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mercy’s Closet School Uniform Giveaway, 609 Sibley Road, Minden. No qualifying necessary. First Come, first served.

11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Victory Park, First Responder/Teacher Community Giveback. Hotdog plates today’s heroes.

August 5

Glenbrook School New Teacher Breakfast.

August 6

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Lunch & Learn, discussion about scams. RSVP for free lunch: 318-377-4434.

August 10

10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Bayou Pots Dutch Oven Cooking, Lake Bistineau State Park, Doyline.

6 p.m. St. Jude Singing, Eastside Missionary Baptist Church. Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at door. All proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

August 24

W.H.O. annual three-man scramble at Springhill Country Club. Check whoofnorthwebster.org for more information.

September 9

6 until 8 p.m. Dorcheat Historic Association Museum Annual Fundraiser Gala, 116 Pearl Street, Minden.

September 14

6:30 until 11 p.m., Krewe of Nemesis, Coronation in the Courtyard, Easley Studios Courtyard, 105 Pearl Street, Minden.

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President Trump could have easily died last week.  The bullet whizzed by his head close enough to injure his ear.  Had his head been turning in a different direction, or at a different angle, he would likely have been killed.   

How did we get here?

In a way it’s not surprising; recall the deranged supporter of leftist Sen. Bernie Sanders who almost succeeded in killing U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise a few years ago.  In this instance the verbal political attacks morphed from rhetoric to rage and last week we witnessed the violence that is its natural conclusion. 

When an individual is demonized for years on end as a genuine “threat,” he is unavoidably made a target of violence.  That’s what we have with President Trump.  For years he has endured the hateful invective that he will be a “dictator”, or that he is a “Nazi”—an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs” or that he is inherently “evil” or that he represents “an existential threat” to the continuation of our country.  It’s all demonstrably untrue but to the mentally or emotionally imbalanced, it can have a dangerous effect.  My point is that these attacks on Pres. Trump are based upon him as a man, an individual.

Since he came down the escalator in 2016, there have been numerous threats of violence from Democrats in Congress, the music industry, and Hollywood.  Here, I cite only a few:  

Democrat Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer threatened the life of Trump Supreme Court Nominees Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch by screaming at a rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court: “I want to tell you, Gorsuch, I want to tell you, Kavanaugh, you have released the decisions and you will pay the price. You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions.” 

Schumer’s rhetoric bled directly into an attempted assassination of Justice Kavanaugh, with an attempted murderer, arrested outside of Kavanaugh’s home, who said that he would be “shooting for 3” justices, according to the FBI’s search warrant application.

I note that “these awful decisions” which prompted Schumer’s violent rhetoric were decisions that sought to provide some additional legal protections to innocent, unborn Americans, like fundamental due process and equal protection of our laws.

Further, shortly after President Trump’s inauguration, Madonna said at a rally with 600,000 like-minded lunatics who cheered enthusiastically at her threat at the Women’s March: ‘I have thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House.’  Democrat Lunatic Left Rep. Maxine Waters from California exhorted “Let’s make sure we show up wherever we have to show up.  And if you see anybody from that Cabinet in a restaurant, in a department store, at a gasoline station, you get out and you create a crowd.  And you push back on them. And you tell them they’re not welcome anymore, anywhere.”  Comedian Kathy Griffin elevated a bloodied and detached head of Donald Trump reminiscent of a terrorist assassination.

I recognize that the rage-filled rhetoric to which I refer is not one sided.  It certainly has been spewed by Trump supporters at Pres. Biden and his candidacy but the invective hurled at Biden tends to be policy based: that he is “purposely letting millions of illegals—including violent criminals, terrorists and child traffickers—into our country so the Democrats can turn them into voters”; or that Biden seeks “unlimited abortion” or that he wants to “take away our guns” or that he has “weakened our nation in the eyes of the world with debacles like Afghanistan”, or that due to his “mental and physical deterioration that he is not even running the country.”  Obviously, excepting the last one these attacks are policy-based.  

Not so with Trump.  It’s all personal. 

My point is that elected officials, the press, and political commentators have driven the rage-filled rhetoric that Trump would “kill democracy” and “unleash death squads.”  Remember, Biden himself previously denounced Trump and his “MAGA” supporters as “enemies of the people.”  In fact, just this week Biden told a group of supporters on a phone call that he now needed to “put a bullseye” on Trump.  

But now the Left tells us we need to “condemn political violence” in the U.S.  That’s rich!

We should thank God that we have been sent a warrior to save our nation, and Nov. 5 can’t come soon enough for its safety and healing.

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

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Damen Brewer, 41, Stamps, AR; arrested July 18 by WPSO on outstanding warrants.

Michael Jerome Mardis, 35, Buckner Rd., Homer; arrested July 18 by WPSO on outstanding warrant. Bond set $10,000.

Dacarra L. Ellis, 24, Willow St., Homer; arrested July 18 by Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, careless operation, violation of open container law and expired registration.

Joseph Dixon, McKamie Rd., Stamps, AR; arrested July 18 by Springhill PD outstanding warrants for two counts of possession of CDS Sch.II (methamphetamine), on outstanding warrant for parole violation in Arkansas. Total bond set $40,000.

Scotty Alan Merritt, 45, 700 block 2nd St. NW, Springhill; arrested July 19 by WPSO on outstanding warrant.

Cody D. Rogers, 34, 15th St. NW, Springhill; arrested July 20 by WPSO on outstanding warrant for flight from officer. Bond set $1,000.

Taurus T. White, 44, Camelot Dr., Springhill; arrested July 21 by WPSO on outstanding warrant from Lafayette County, Arkansas.

Cassie Guillory, 37, 4000 block Hwy. 160, Doyline; arrested July 19 by MPD on three outstanding warrants, theft, simple assault, simple battery, theft of a firearm.

Brandon Leroy Martin, 30, 400 block Chestnt St., Minden; arrested by MPD on outstanding warrant. Bond set $25,000.

Steven Cooper, 42, 500 block Patrick St., Minden; arrested July 19 by MPD on two bench warrants. Bond set $750 cash.

Amber N. Butcher, 30, Hwy. 371, Taylor, AR; arrested June 22 by WPSO on outstanding warrant.

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

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Owen “Smokey” Wayne Smith

Sept. 16, 2005 – July 14, 2024

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2024, Hill Crest.

Burial to follow at Hill Crest.

Tilman Travis Nichols

June 1, 1945 – July 21, 2024

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Calvary Baptist Church, Springhill.

Burial: Welcome Cemetery, Taylor, Ark.

Margaret Elizabeth Coleman

Jan. 19, 1944 – July 21, 2024

Minden/Homer

Graveside service: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024, Arlington Cemetery, Homer, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Kathie Lee Lolley

Oct. 25, 1956 – July 18, 2024

Doyline, La.

For service information: Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

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

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By Pat Culverhouse

Support for DARE and its successful anti-drug education programs runs deep in law enforcement agencies, and a donation from the Louisiana Narcotics Officers Association to help fund a DARE scholarship is just one display of that support.

“We continue to support the DARE program throughout the state,” said Webster Parish Sheriff’s Capt. Bobby Igo III. Igo is Region 1 Director of the state Narcotics Officers Association.

Igo presented a $1,000 check to Shreveport Police Dept. Sgt. Jason Jones, President of the Louisiana DARE Officers Association at the group’s annual training banquet.

DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is considered the most comprehensive drug prevention curricula and is taught in thousands of schools throughout the United States, plus more than 50 other countries. Programs reach more than 1.5 million students annually, beginning at the elementary school level.

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Owen Wayne Smith “Smokey”, of Minden LA, passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 14, 2024 in Burlington, CO.  He was born on September 16, 2005 in Shreveport, LA to Rachael Lynn Duet Rhame and Chris Wayne Smith.  He was baptized on October 15, 2005.    

Owen was raised by Rachael and Gregory “Mister” together with Chris and Lisa. He was the youngest of six siblings in our blended family and will forever be our baby and he knew this. 

Owen loved life and had large dreams.  After graduating from Lakeside High School in Sibley, LA in May 2023 he enrolled at Northwest Lineman College in Denton, TX.  He graduated from Lineman school in January 2024 and shortly thereafter was offered an exciting opportunity he felt passionately about that lead him to Burlington, CO where he began his career as a Lineman. 

Owen was a soccer star from the very young age of 3.  He played for CABOSA in Shreveport and Minden. He was an awarded member of the Lakeside Cross Country and Track Team and a member of Caddo and Webster Parishes 4H Chapters and 4H Shooting Sports Team.  He was passionate about the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting, working cows and riding horses. 

Owen cherished his family and friends greatly.  He cultivated lifelong friendships with Ross Weaver, Jase Pate, Dylan Welch, Lukas Krouse and so many others.  His very best friend, Haley Sandlin, was the love of his young life and he of hers.  He also shared a special bond with his Great Grandparents, GeGe and PawPaw and his Godparents, “Nanny” and “Uncle B”.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Owen’s grandparents, David and Michele Duet for their love, support and generosity. 

We feel the outpouring of prayers and condolences.  We are sincerely grateful and ask that you continue to pray for our family as we navigate this unimaginable loss. 

While Owen’s sudden passing will forever leave an indelible mark on our lives, let us hold onto the wonderful times we had with him, celebrate his beautiful but short life on this Earth and know that we will be reunited with him again one day in Heaven.  Owen will always be with us!

Visitation will be held Monday July 22, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home. Celebration of life for Owen will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel in Haughton, LA.  Interment will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park. 

Pallbearers will be Ethan Von Zynda, Austin Smith, Gregory Thomas Rhame, Jr., Ross Weaver, Jase Pate, and Michael “Punchy” Bartley.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Eric Herron, Dusty Lee, and Lukas Krouse.

Owen is preceded in death by paternal Great Grandparents Wayne and Kathryn Jennings of Shreveport, LA; Grandparents Doyle “Spud” and Carmen Rhame of Minden, LA and TD Atwell of Henderson, TX

Left to cherish his memory is his mother Rachael Rhame and husband Gregory of Minden, LA; his father Chris Smith and wife Lisa of Henderson, TX; Great Grandparents, Sylvain and Evelyn Duet of Shreveport, LA; Grandparents David and Michele Duet of Shreveport, LA, Grandmother, Margaret Smith of Wartrace, TN, Grandmother, Faye Whittington of Lake Charles, LA; Brothers, Ethan Von Zynda and wife Alyssa,  Austin Smith and fiancé’ Haley Magnum, Gregory Thomas Rhame Jr. and wife Caelyn; Sisters, Emily Murphree and husband Blake, Ashley Rhame; Uncles, Doyle “Rusty” Rhame Jr, wife Kay, Paul Duet, Matthew Duet and wife Kimberly, Andrew Duet and fiancé’ Megan Davis, Justin Turner and wife Ivonne;  Aunts, Charlene Hurt and husband Kevin, Kristen Taylor and husband Ethan, Michelle Herron and husband Eric, Katelyn Duet; Great Uncles, Larry Cunningham and wife Carol, Lee Cozine, John Duet and wife Saprina, James Duet and wife Mindy; Great Aunt, Andria Long and husband Barron; as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Owen was passionate about supporting St. Jude. He participated in a yearly 5K and it would be his wishes to continue supporting St. Jude’s cause.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in Owen’s honor.

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