By Pat Culverhouse

Interviewing a local man wanted on two active warrants led Minden police to a bigger score Sunday evening when illegal narcotics reportedly were discovered on his person.

Chief of Police Jared McIver said Officer Logan Clingan detained 38-year-old William Theus after recognizing him as the subject of a pair of warrants.

“Officer Clingan placed the suspect in custody even though he initially refused commands to stop for questioning,” McIver said. “When he was searched prior to transport, a variety of illegal substances was discovered.”

McIver said the officer found multiple items in Theus’ pockets including three small bags containing approximately 193 dosage units of Fentanyl and approximately 8.8 grams of powder Fentanyl, plus two small bags holding roughly 1.8 grams of a substance believed to be methamphetamine.

Also, the officer discovered one syringe with an unknown amount of suspected methamphetamine, a used glass pipe with a white substance burned in the bowl and a needle typically used for IVs.

In addition to the two outstanding warrants, Theus was booked on two counts of possession with intent to distribute CDS Sch. II (Fentanyl), possession with intent to distribute CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine), possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of city’s indecent exposure (sagging pants) ordinance.

Theus is being in Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under bonds totaling $85,000.

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

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By Pat Culverhouse

Not many folks retire one day and go to work practically the next, but that’s exactly what happened with former Webster Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Felecia Brown.

Brown, who retired last week after 25 years with the parish Sheriff’s Office, took the oath of office Friday as Deputy City Marshal, Ward 1, working under Marshal Dan Weaver. Brown will also handle duties as probation officer for Minden City Court Judge Sherb Sentell.

“We’re extremely blessed to have Felecia come on board with us,” Sentell said following the swearing-in ceremony. “She brings to the court a professionalism and the kind of experience that would take someone else years to achieve.”

Brown served as the Sherif’s probation deputy, spending her time in the courtroom working in conjunction with judges and the District Attorney’s office. There, she coordinated court rulings and offender compliance.

“She will step right in and immediately take on duties that are very important to our court,” Sentell said. “I am more than confident in her ability and I know her performance will be excellent.”

“We are so happy to have Felecia join our office. There’s no doubt she will perform her duties as a deputy marshal and and city court officer in ways that will be beneficial to both,” Weaver said.

His decision to seek Brown was an easy one, Weaver added.

“We had an opening in our office and Felecia retired at just the right time,” he said. “This was an opportunity we just couldn’t allow to slip through our fingers.”

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By Pat Culverhouse

A Springhill man named in several outstanding warrants now finds more charges added to the list after he attempted to resist Springhill officers making the arrest.

Chief of Police Will Lynd said 33-year-old Kevin D. Hart was being picked up on warrants for simple burglary, criminal damage and felony theft just after 9 a.m. Friday, July 12, when he attempted to resist officers.

“When our officers made contact with the suspect, one noticed a silver-looking handgun in his pants along the waist line,” Lynd said. “He began to resist their attempts to place him in custody, and moved his right hand toward his waist line where the firearm was located.”

Officers reportedly deployed non-lethal force  to subdue Hart and removed the firearm. He was taken into custody without further incident, Lynd said.

A background check by Springhill police reportedly showed Hart with multiple prior felony convictions, including some involving narcotics.

In addition to the original charges contained in warrants, Hart now faces additional counts of resisting an officer, illegal carrying of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm. Total bonds of $71,500 have been set.

He is currently being held in Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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

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Tuesday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 104. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Wednesday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Thursday

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Thursday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Friday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.

* Visit your local NWS office at: https://www.weather.gov/shv

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Saturday was an exciting day at Webster Parish Libraries Minden Branch Discovery Camp with the Bridge Breakers Tinker Lab.

Campers got hands-on experience building bridges using gumdrops and toothpicks.

Young engineers were challenged to see how well their bridges could hold weight and discover why triangles are the most powerful shape.

The room was buzzing with creativity and laughter as everyone experimented with different designs and strategies.

Highlights –

Innovative Designs: Campers came up with some truly creative bridge structures!

Weight Challenge: We tested each bridge’s strength, and some held impressive amounts of weight!

Learning Moments: Everyone learned why triangles are essential in construction.

A huge thank you to all participants for their enthusiasm and creativity.

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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

Many local families beat the heat this past Sunday, July 14, to participate in the second annual Back to School Bash hosted by the Young Women’s Service Club (YWSC) of Minden. 

The event began at 5 p.m. and by 5:15, hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies had already been distributed. But there was still fun to be had with bounce houses, sno cones and hot dogs. 

“What an amazing turn out we had,” said YWSC President Jessica Haymon. “Within 15 minutes, all backpacks were handed out. We served around 200 hot dogs along with chips, fruit snacks and drinks to the local community. We also provided 150 sno cones free of charge to the children in the community.” 

The Minden Civitan’s Club donated six bikes that were given away to wrap up the event for the day.  

“This event was a major success and shows a true need in our community that we are so honored to have been able to play a small part in assisting. We can’t wait for next year to make it even bigger and better,” said Haymon.  

The YWSC still has bins out at Carter Credit Union, b1 Bank, Busy Bee Pediatrics and Brewer Physical Therapy to collect toiletries and other household items such as, socks, toothbrushes, feminine products, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrushes, deodorant and other everyday items. They are also accepting monetary donations to purchase these supplies that will be distributed at a later date to local families. For those that would like to send donations that way, please send via Venmo to YWSC-OfMinden.  

If you missed out on the Back to School Bash this past weekend but are still needing assistance with preparing for the upcoming school year, the Webster Parish School Board (WPSB) will hold their annual “Pack the Bus” event on Friday, July 26 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Minden Wal-Mart parking lot. The event for Springhill will be held on Saturday, July 27 from 8 a.m. to noon.  

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By Paige Gurgainers

The Greater Minden Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting for the Mosaic Company last Thursday, July 11.  

“It was a great turn out,” said part-owner Heather Morrison. “We had lots of locals here to support us. The studio was open for everyone to come in and see the products. There was food, drinks, cookies and Shug’s ice cream.” 

This new business, located at 132 E. Union St., Minden, specializes in providing a diverse range of flooring with tile, wood, vinyl, carpet and mosaic options.  They also offer professional installation services.  

For quotes or questions, please reach out to 318-299-2499.

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Local Youth Baseball and Girls Softball teams are world-series bound. Starting this week, several teams will be spreading out to compete. Please see the schedules and support these teams anyway you can. Minden and Webster Parish Journal are very proud of these kids!

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United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food:  Cereal, powdered milk

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

Clothing:  men’s pants 34/32

Toiletries: soap, deodorant, toothpaste

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 15-17

6:30-8 p.m. Vacation Bible School, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1978 Hwy. 531, Minden. Classes for all ages. Breaker Rock Beach Romans 12:2.

July 15-19

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

July 18

10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. public forum to discuss master plan for Miller Quarters Park, at the Community House in Minden.  

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.

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It is oppressively hot in most of the U.S. and certainly here in Louisiana.  We are also in the midst of an acrimonious presidential race, now exacerbated by the assassination attempt of Pres. Trump (which I will address next week).  And then, like a cool breeze on a hot summer day, the 2024 Paris Olympics, slated to run from Jul 26-Aug 11, arrive.  

I watched several parts of the Olympic trials and marveled at how hard each athlete competed to make the national team.  You could see the utter elation in the eyes and smiles of those who made it and the abject sadness in those who did not.

Begun in Greece over 2000 years ago as a hoped-for substitute for the continual warfare between the Greek city states, the Olympics are an interesting global phenomenon.  The organization succinctly proclaims that “the Olympic Games are the world’s only truly global, multi-sport … athletics competition. With more than 200 countries participating in over 400 events across the Summer and Winter Games, the Olympics are where the world comes to compete, feel inspired, and be together.”  This, of course, prominently includes the Paralympic Games which “provide a platform for Para athletes with a diverse range of impairments to showcase their outstanding abilities to millions of spectators and billions of TV viewers.”

The head of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, Tony Estanguet, described what the event would look like: “The entire city of Paris has been turned into a vast Olympic stadium.  The Seine represents the track, and the quays the spectators’ stands.”  (Time Magazine, 2024)

The opening of the games is, itself, fabulous.  Various news sources have noted that “the opening ceremony will take place along the Seine River in the heart of Paris.  It will mark the first time in the history of the Summer Games that the ceremony will not be held inside a stadium.”

I have always loved the Olympics, and for several distinct reasons. Firstly, in my youth I was a competitive swimmer for a number of years and when I watch the young American swimmers at the Olympics, I am warmly and fondly reminded of those grueling but memorable days. 

I am also always moved when one of our Olympians finishes a race or competition, is struggling to catch their breath, has a microphone shoved in their face and gushes “I am so proud to represent my country!”  I think it touches most of us. 

I am also captivated by the distance runners at 5-, 10-and 15,000-meter distances.  I still marvel at the heptathlon, and at how much raw natural talent is necessary to be able to compete at the Olympic level in multiple—and completely different—sports.  Talk about cross training! The gymnasts also amaze me with their ability to do multiple somersaults during the floor exercise and then fly HIGH into the air and stop just short of stepping out of bounds!  Or on that balance beam, when they somehow do a flip and land on that seemingly very small beam, not breaking their necks!   And I find it riveting to watch the men’s 100 meter final and see those ten men load themselves into their blocks to determine the fastest man in the world. 

I also love the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 track relays.  To watch each competing nation not only have to run as fast as they possibly can but also be sure the baton is not dropped during the precarious, high-speed exchanges between runners.

I am always inspired by the level of commitment and preparation demanded from these athletes over many years for the mere chance of making the team.  I fervently hope for—and often shout out loud for—the American athlete attempting to win the gold medal.  I think these are some of the most uniquely American emotions we feel. 

As Jefferson recognized in the Declaration of Independence, America takes its place in the world based upon “the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and Nature’s God entitle it” and we do so proudly because we are Americans first, last, and always.

As President Reagan said, ‘the Olympics provide the ultimate experience in watching athletes strive through honest effort, fair play, discipline, and determination to reach the top … It’s the personal striving, the ability to achieve the fullest measure of human potential that counts most.”

Amen.

Let’s go America! USA!  USA! USA!

(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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Derrick Lamons Gavin, 48, Peach St., Minden; arrested July 10 by MPD for possession of drug paraphernalia, traffic offense, obstruction of justice. Bonds totaling $2,500.

Andy George, 67, Beech Springs Rd., Minden; arrested July 11 by Probation and Parole for probation violation.

Kimberly Rushing, 40, 6000 block Hwy. 160 E., Cotton Valley; arrested July 12 by Probation and Parole for probation violation.

Christopher DeJuan Evans, 36, 300 block Hwy. 531, Heflin; arrested July 15 by WPSO on outstanding warrant.

Orin Blake Graves, 23, 300 block Leton Cutoff, Shongaloo; arrested July 15 by WPSO for aggravated criminal damage to property.

Edward Allen Pauley, 50, 100 block Austins Rd., Minden; arrested July 13 by WPSO for aggravated assault, fugitive from city of Minden.

Courtney Flournoy, 38, 2000 block Doc Steed Rd., Minden; arrested July 12 by WPSO on outstanding warrant, various traffic offenses.

Lori M. Feazell, 39, Brooks Loop, Castor; arrested July 12 by WPSO for theft, resisting an officer.

Kimberly Rushing, 40, 6000 block Hwy. 160 E., Cotton Valley; arrested July 12 by Probation and Parole for probation violation.

Shelly R. Dance, 42, 1300 block Blue Run Rd., Minden; arrested July 13 by MPD for simple battery. Bond set $500.

Tony Walker, 41, 700 block Plum St., Minden; arrested July 13 by MPD on warrant for simple battery. Bond set $350 cash or $15,000 surety.

Dedrick Miller, 44, 1200 block Shreveport Rd., Minden; arrested July 13 by MPD on bench warrant. Bond set $750.

Bobby Wayne Lindsey III, 30, 9400 block U.S. 371, Sibley; arrested July 12 by Louisiana State Police for speeding, DWI first offense.

Gregory Cortez Willis, 44, Cobb St., Cullen; arrested July 12 by Louisiana State Police for speeding, driving while suspended for DWI, violation of open container law.

Shaina Rene Lewis, 27, 1500 block 4th St. SE, Springhill; arrested by Springhill PD on warrants for aggravated burglary, theft of firearms, felon in possession of a firearm, theft over $1,000. Total bonds on all counts set at $80,000.

William Theus, 38, 200 block Goode Ave., Minden; arrested by MPD for possession of drug paraphernalia, indecent exposure sagging pants.

Michael Ray Waddell, 52, 1400 block Webster Ave., Minden; arrested July 12 by MPD for possession of marijuana, resisting an officer, littering, violation of traffic laws as apply to bicycles.

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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Jimmy D. Warren

July 19, 1947 – July 15, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, City on a Hill Pentecostal Church, Minden.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20,2024 City on a Hill Pentecostal Church under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Burial: 11 a.m. Saturday, Minden Cemetery.

Carolyn Y. Downs

Sept. 21, 1949 – July 12, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Burial: Gardens of Memory, Minden, La.

Eva Bell Crawford

Feb. 13, 1944 – July 13, 2024

Arcadia, La.

Visitation: 5 until 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia.

Burial: 11 a.m. Bear Creek Cemetery.

Shirley McMichael Smith

May 21, 1935 – July 13, 2024

Cotton Valley/Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Central Baptist Church, Springhill.

Burial: Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Bonnie Woodard

Sept. 4, 1942 – July 13, 2024

Arcadia, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024, Alabama Baptist Church, Arcadia, La.

Funeral service: 11 a.m., immediately following visitation.

Burial: Noon, Alabama Baptist Church Cemetery.

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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Pat Culverhouse

A shooting incident during the early morning hours Thursday has left one man in a Shreveport hospital with undetermined injuries and another housed in the parish lockup.

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said the alleged shooter, 55-year-old Shannone Shine of Minden, is charged with attempted second degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

He was arrested at the scene of the shooting without incident, the Chief said. Bond reportedly has been set at $350,000 on the attempted murder charge and $125,000 on the possession of firearm count.

MPD investigators said the incident occurred inside a residence on W.R. Reeder St. around 2:30 a.m. Thursday when two men began quarreling for reasons yet to be determined.

As the dispute escalated, Shine allegedly pulled a weapon and fired, striking Ada Taylor resident Russell Buffett in the face. Investigators believe Buffett was hit by a bullet from a small caliber handgun.

“The victim was hit in the mouth, and was air lifted to a Shreveport hospital,” McIver said. “His condition is unknown at this time.”

McIver said investigators are still looking into circumstances which may have led to the shooting.

“We understand the victim was planning to go on a trip to Las Vegas with a female companion. We don’t know at this time whether or not that may have been a factor, but we are continuing to gather information,” he said.

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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By Pat Culverhouse

Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame coach Bob Gray is returning to familiar ground. He’s been named head baseball coach at Lakeside Jr./Sr. High, replacing his son, Will, who is now assistant principal at Lakeside.

It’s not like Gray is coming out of retirement, even though he officially ended his run as head coach at Lakeside (the school formerly known as Sibley) in 2015. He continued as assistant coach to Will, who was promoted to head coach.

“It’s not like I went home and got out of touch, I was still there although it was in a reduced role,” Gray said. “And now, to come back, it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to. I don’t mind taking over doing the work and I don’t mind the time commitment. That’s nothing new.”

As a head coach, he accumulated 627 wins, two state championships, a state runner-up and seven semi-finals in 26 playoff appearances. Also on his Hall of Fame resume are two state Coach of the Year honors (1990 and ’91) and 17 District Coach of the Year awards.

Gray agreed to return after a search for a head coach to replace Will Gray proved unsuccessful.

“We looked around for some coaches who would be interested, and talked to those guys who could take over the program and keep it where it is or make it better,” he explained. “Three or four guys were interested but decided to pursue other options.”

When no other candidates came forward, a call went out for volunteers and Gray stepped forward. After making the decision to return, a conversation with “…a higher authority…” convinced him he had done the right thing.

“That night, I went home and couldn’t sleep. But about four o’clock in the morning, I took it to a Higher Power and had a very good conversation,” Gray said. “Around six minutes after four, I was asleep, convinced He’s got plans and all I have to do is trust.”

Gray said he will return to “drive the train” on a program that is known for producing fundamentally sound players who know how to play the game. During his head coaching years, an emphasis on basics was a Sibley/Lakeside trademark.

“We have a great group of kids and we’ve got a great group coming along through our Little Warriors program which starts youngsters in the second grade,” he said. “We take batting practice, but we learn how to play the game.”

Gray will also be continuing a tradition of coaching close family members. His four sons (Will, Wesley, Brooks and Jake) were members of his teams, and grandson Peyton will be a senior on this year’s team.

“And all of them talked about me in the locker room just like everyone else did,” he said with a laugh.

Gray said this isn’t just a stop-gap plan to fill the head coaching job.

“It’s not just a step in type of thing. I never stepped away from the game in retirement, and I plan to do this until I no longer enjoy the challenge,” he said “And, that could be a long time.”

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Friday

Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Calm wind.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.

Saturday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.

Sunday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.

Monday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 98.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 76.

Tuesday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 98.

* Visit your local NWS office at: https://www.weather.gov/shv

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My middle sister and I have somehow managed to each have three children. (I don’t know how this happened…well I do, but you get what I am saying.) Our oldest pre-teens are 11 and 10. The middle girls are 6 and 5 and the babies of the bunch are both 3. So, they each have a little built-in bestie. And no, we did not plan this, but I am extremely grateful it turned out this way. Not only because they have each other, but because we had each other throughout every pregnancy problem, nights of no sleep, postpartum, weird rash, potty training, milestones and everything else in between.  

I was talking to my sister a couple of weeks ago about how we are in what I would call the “sweet spot” of our parenthood journey. You know that period between toddlerhood and those dreaded teenage years – the sweet spot! 

We were actually able to sit down and enjoy a beverage while all 6 – yes, I am still shocked… SIX – kids were playing in the yard. And we did so for quite some time. No fussing, no fighting, no arguing, nobody asking Mommy for anything.  

The oldest two have been independently operating for some time for the most part and have thankfully so far been able to retain most of their innocence. The middle two are just hanging out and the babies have just recently detached from our hips. Ah, the sweet spot! 

So, I decided to make a list of a few parenting milestones that come along with that sweet spot that I think are underrated, in my opinion.

 1. The ability to make their own food and drink AND clean it up. 

2. Being able to toss out the car seat and I should probably contact the closest hazardous waste disposal company to do so properly. YUCK! 

3. Being able to save money because you and your oldest can now wear the same size shoes and clothing… even if she doesn’t want to… 

4. This one may be my favorite – their newfound ability to use their arms to carry their own shit. I swear, my kids can see me carrying a backpack, 56oz Stanley, my laptop, my phone, a bag of trash, our dog, a 10-pound charbroiled turkey, while balancing a load of laundry on my head and they will still ask me to carry their I-pad five foot from the car to the front door.  

5. The ability to wash their own hair. Having three girls and spending an accumulated 11 years of bending over a back tub has surely caused permanent damage to my lower back.  

6. NO MORE DIAPERS! 

7. They have enough self-awareness now to realize they should be embarrassed by their mother. This one is fairly new for me… and I also wouldn’t say that Emerson really gets embarrassed by me because I am pretty cool if I do say so myself, but also because I don’t tend to try and embarrass her. I only tease her about embarrassing her, which is also super fun.  

8. When the roles reverse, and they actually teach you stuff. For instance, Ashton taught me how to charge my phone quicker by putting it on airplane mode. I don’t know if I was supposed to already know that, but I do now.  

9. When they can remember things better than you can. (Every day I remember less and less). 

10. Ok, this one may actually be my favorite… the DESIRE to take a freaking nap or at least just stop bouncing off the walls for 30 minutes!

Check back in about two more years when Emerson hits 13. I will have a new list by then and if my assumptions are correct, it will not be a pleasant one. Probably something along the lines of “10 Tips and Tricks on How to Avoid Going to Prison because Your Teenage Daughter…” (Use your imagination).

(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.)

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

July 13

7 p.m. Piney Woods Jamboree, CAC Building, Springhill, La.

July 14

5 until 7 p.m. Young Women’s service Club’s Back to School Bash. Babb Park, 708 Watterman St., Minden. Bounce Houses, food, backpacks, sno cones.

July 15-17

6:30-8 p.m. Vacation Bible School, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1978 Hwy. 531, Minden. Classes for all ages. Breaker Rock Beach Romans 12:2.

July 18

10 a.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. public forum to discuss master plan for Miller Quarters Park, at the Community House in Minden.  

July 15-19

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

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.

August 6

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

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Today’s scams are becoming more intricate and difficult to catch on to for the person being scammed.

It can cost the victim a lot of money but learning to recognize scams can cost you nothing if you attend Lunch & Learn, a free community event from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 6 at First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 301 Pennsylvania Ave., Minden.

A free lunch will be served with RSVP to 318-377-4434.

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Louisiana’s turkey hunters enjoyed the best year by far from a harvest standpoint in 2024 as they reported taking 3,695 birds during the recently completed season, according to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reported harvest data.

This year was the first since harvest reporting was mandated in 2009 that turkey hunters reported harvesting more than 3,000 birds. The previous high was 2,846 reported in 2022. The last three seasons, 2022-24, were the three best since reported harvest data has been compiled. Reported turkey harvest for the 2024 season was 30.4 percent higher than that from 2023, when 2,833 birds were reported.

In 2018, based upon LDWF staff recommendations, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission pushed back the start of turkey season to aid in reproduction and help sustain turkey populations across the state.

“This clearly indicates increasing turkey populations in many areas of the state and provides additional evidence that the season change is working,’’ said LDWF Small Game/Turkey Program Manager Cody Cedotal. “Many hunters indicated increased encounters with jakes (juvenile turkeys), which is an indicator of good reproduction. Similar reports were noted in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.’’

The 2024 season began with a youth and physically challenged hunt on March 29-31. The statewide season ran from April 6-May 5. Cedotal said the season began with above average reported harvest during the youth weekend and the first two weeks of the season despite some adverse weather conditions throughout the state. Reported turkey harvests for the last two weeks of the season increased slightly from previous years’ reports from the same time period.

Forthcoming results from the 2023/2024 Louisiana Big and Small Game Harvest Survey will allow for a comparison of estimated harvest generated from that survey and an assessment of hunter-effort for the 2024 season. 

“Weather conditions have been somewhat wet throughout April in many parts of the state,’’ Cedotal said. “Hopefully a drier trend will prevail through May and into June to benefit nesting and brood rearing conditions. Good quality habitat is also essential for long-term sustainability of turkey populations.’’

Private landowners can assist in upgrading habitat by contacting LDWF Private Land Biologists. For more information, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/private-land-management-assistance.

For more information on Louisiana turkey populations and hunting, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/subhome/turkey or contact Cody Cedotal at ccedotal@wlf.la.gov.

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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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Most of us know some of it. Some of us know all of it. It has been translated into our modern English but most of us know the old King James version, it seems to flow and bring us comfort. It is the Shepherd’s Psalm, Psalm 23. It describes God’s love and guidance in our lives from a perspective and culture that is unfamiliar to us unless you are a shepherd or a sheep rancher. Yet, we can imagine the green pastures, the still waters, the quiet rest, a nomadic banquet, a cup filled to the brim and certainly the valley of the shadow of death, that most of us have or will walk through.

My family is walking that dark path now since the death of my brother-in-law from a brain tumor. He drew his last breath last Tuesday. We were reminded that, “God’s promise was never that life would be fair. God’s promise was that, when we had to confront the unfairness of life, we would not have to do it alone for He would be with us.” (Rabbi Kushner) We certainly experienced God’s presence in many ways during Daniel’s fight with this disease. It came in quiet and unexpected ways; a spirit-filled transport driver who sang amazing gospel songs, hospital rooms that became available when we were told that they were filled, surgical procedures that were life threatening which were successful and brought relief, a doctor whose wife had suffered from the same tumor at age 35, etc. When you are dealing with a long-term illness, you learn to look for miracles great and small along the way. As a life-long teacher, Daniel taught us his final lesson. That is, how to live by faith through the pain and remain gracious, loving and forgiving, and even find humor somehow through it all.

Psalm 23 is not just about grazing and sleeping. It has so many action words, these verbs that describe the journey of life. Here God, “makes”, “leads”, “restores”, “comforts”, “prepares” and “anoints” and guides us with his rod for protection and staff for rescue and to keep us on the path. This psalm is a journey through the pastures, mountains, valleys and plateaus that the landscape of Judea would require to keep the sheep alive and well. We are on that journey too. If we listen to our Good Shepherd and stay close to Him along the way, then our destination will be the celebration banquet. There we will find the blessing and healing of anointing oil and have our cups filled to overflowing with the wine of God’s grace and presence, forever!

(Steve Berger is pastor of First Methodist Church Minden, a Global Methodist Church. He is the husband of Dianne, his partner in ministry, they have two adult sons, a dachshund, and love living in Minden.)

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