Today (Thursday) at 5 p.m. the link will close for this week’s Pick’em football contest in order to ensure all winners are in before games begin tomorrow (and Glenbrook plays tonight).

Weekly winners will be notified and announced in the following Wednesday edition of the Journal, and photos will be taken with the owner of our Title Sponsor Under Dawgs. Remember, you must be 18 or older to play.

Monday, we will have wrap ups from this week’s high school games and Tuesday, the contest starts all over again.

So fire up your phones or computers and get ready to pick’em.

Here’s your link: https://form.jotform.com/232385564755163

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The City Of Minden issued a boil Advisory Wednesday, October 16 for the 700 AND 800 blocks of Yale Street, thanks to a hydrant repair. Mayor Nick Cox said only a small area was affected. Visit The City Of Minden website at Mindenusa.com for further Information.

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By Paige Gurgainers

The 2nd Annual Oktoberfest drew a crowd to downtown Minden Saturday afternoon for those not only looking for a reason to celebrate the city’s German heritage, but for those looking to participate in an event benefiting a great cause.  

A group of young adults put their heads together to bring an event to Minden that provided free entertainment to the public by way of musical guests, cornhole tournament, food, beverages and a big screen to watch the LSU Tigers beat Ole Miss in overtime. But the most important aspect of Oktoberfest was fellowship and raising money for the Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry in memory of Erica Boulas.   

“Erica was one of the most generous people I have ever met,” said Director of Joe LeBlanc Jessica Lewis. “This year anything that we raise or collect will go toward our Feed a Family program to put meals on tables for Minden families.” 

According to Lewis, with last year’s donation made by the inaugural Oktoberfest, the food pantry was able to provide 20 families with meals for Thanksgiving.  

Erica was the sister of event organizers Chase and Ethan Spillers, both of whom were “pleasantly surprised” by the turnout of this year’s Oktoberfest. 

“We took a chance and were bolstered by numerous sponsors and the people came in droves,” said Chase. “The crowd doubled from last year and enjoyed themselves. All I can say is, Oktoberfest is sticking around and we’re growing. We can’t wait to see you next year.” 

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Students from four south Webster Parish High Schools were presented with the Honesty & Integrity Awards from Minden Masonic Lodge #51 earlier this week. Special guest, Mason Jay McCallum, who sits on the Louisiana Supreme Court, gave out the awards and kept the audience laughing.

Each of the eight students, who were selected after interviews with people from their schools, churches, civic and school clubs, and various other adults, were also presented with a check by Masonic Chaplain Richard Fletcher on behalf of the Temple Masonic Lodge in Bossier City.

Today’s “Honesty & Integrity” award winners, Bertie Hicks and Madison Kirby, represent Minden High School. Pictured with each winner are Justice Jay McCallum (left) and Minden Lodge #51 Grand Master Jason Thurman (right). Look for more winners in tomorrow’s edition of the Webster Parish Journal. (Photos by Marilyn Miller)

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Document: Ordinance 1147 of the City of Minden

Location: Minden City Hall

Address: 520 Broadway, Minden, La. 71055

Date/Time: October 7, 2024, 6 p.m.

The following is an ordinance adopted by Minden City Council as recorded by Ashlee Drake, Administrative Assistant to Mayor Nick Cox of Minden. If you have any questions, please contact Minden City Hall at 318-377-2144.

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By Jessica Gorman

The Bridges-McKellar Mansion is a historic home on Oakland Street in Shreveport, also known as Theodosia. It was the home of Shreveport’s 31^st mayor, Reuben Neil McKellar, and his wife, for whom the house is named. So, what does a house in Shreveport have to do with our local history? R. N. McKellar was married to a daughter of Minden, Miss Theodosia Hamilton.

While Theodosia was not born in Minden, her family moved here when she was still a young child. Her father was Dr. D. B. Hamilton, a revered citizen of Minden. In 1859, he purchased the home at 614 Lewisville Road but only owned it for a short period of time.

Theodosia’s grandparents were Major William Hamilton and Elizabeth Bryan. The Hamiltons were among those who owned plantations west of Bayou Dorcheat. Their children included Mary Bryan Hamilton Hodges, Penelope Hamilton Chaffe, William Elisha Hamilton, and Jennette Virginia Hamilton. Penelope married English immigrant and Minden merchant, John Chaffe. They moved to New Orleans where he was prominent in the cotton trade. William Elisha Hamilton, moved to Shreveport. His son, William Everard Hamilton, was a developer of Hamilton Trace in Shreveport and Hamilton Street is named for him. He also owned the Hamilton Oil Mill which was originally located in Shreveport but later moved across the river to Bossier City. Hamilton Road takes its name from the oil mill.

Theodosia Hamilton married Reuben Neil McKellar on Valentine’s Day 1882. The following appeared in the Bossier Banner.

“Metaphorically speaking, the marriage bells rang out merrily in Minden on the

morning of the 14^th – St. Valentine’s Day – in celebration of the wedding of our

young townsman, Mr. R.N. McKellar and Miss Theo. Hamilton. Doubtless if the

young men of Minden had had the matter in hand the bells would have been tolled

rather than permitted to peal forth notes of joy. The fair bride is a daughter of the

venerable Dr. D.B. Hamilton, of Minden, and sister of Mr. W. B. Hamilton, Mrs. Mary

E. Cosby, and Mrs. S. M. Morrison. It is no idle compliment to say that she is well

worthy the relationship to these estimable people, and that she is among the very

loveliest of her sex. Beautiful, accomplished and with all the gentleness and graces

that adorn a woman, she is indeed a jewel beyond all price; and our young friend

should never cease to return thanks to the Boy-God, through whose instrumentality

he brought her down while towering in her pride of place.

The happy bridegroom is one of our cleverest young men and most successful

merchants, and will no doubt prove worthy the prize he has won.”

McKellar was a cotton factor and became mayor of Shreveport in 1896. His father was Edwin Daniel McKellar. After the death of his first wife, E. D. McKellar married to Jenette Virginia Hamilton, sister of Dr. D. B. Hamilton, making her both aunt to Theodosia Hamilton and step-mother to R. N. McKellar.

The McKellar home was garnered much attention due to the desire of so many to see it restored. To this day, that has not happened. The details surrounding construction of the home seem to be somewhat in question. Generally, it has been dated to the late 1800s. Some sources give 1885 as the date of construction. However, in 1909, multiple mentions are made in the Shreveport Journal, at that time owned by W. E. Hamilton, of the new McKellar residence being constructed on Oakland Street. The home was said to be built of concrete just as the Bridges-McKellar Mansion is constructed of concrete block. The home is thought to be the first in Shreveport to feature air conditioning.

Theodosia Hamilton McKellar died 1 April 1935. She is buried in Oakland Cemetery near her former home.

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

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National Night Out went from only a few parties in 2023 to several gatherings across Minden in 2024. Latasha Mitchell, District C Councilwoman chairs National Night Out, and she was pleased with the party she hosted at Babb Park, along with Michael and Chequella Walker.

“We had a good turnout,” Mitchell said. “People seemed to get along and really have a good time.”

Mitchell said she hopes next year there will be more block parties, but she understands some people may be concerned about coming out of their homes in the evenings.

Here are a few shots of folks from around the area who got together to show their support for the community.

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Document: Minutes of the City of Minden

Location: Minden City Hall

Address: 520 Broadway, Minden, La. 71055

Date/Time: October 7, 2024, 6 p.m.

The following are the minutes of the Minden City Council minutes as recorded by Ashlee Drake, Administrative Assistant to Mayor Nick Cox of Minden. If you have any questions, please contact Minden City Hall at 318-377-2144.

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Springhill Medical Center welcomes Sonya Thomas as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Sonya’s specialties are Family Medicine, Women’s Health and pediatrics.

FNPs assess, diagnose, and treat patients in all life stages, from toddlers to older adults. FNPs typically work on care teams with physicians and RNs. They handle common illnesses and injuries and refer patients to specialists when necessary.

For an appointment with Sonya, call 318-539-1701.

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With Halloween just around the corner, it’s a great time to think about how to manage the amount of added sugars in your kids’ diets. Limiting sugary foods and beverages can make a big difference in their overall health and well-being. If you don’t stock up on these items at home, your kids won’t have access to them as often. It’s important to remember that sweet treats and sugary drinks typically contain a lot of empty calories and very few essential nutrients. Common sources of added sugars include sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, juice drinks, cakes, cookies, ice cream, candy, and other desserts.

To help you navigate this festive season, here are nine tips to cut back on your kids’ sweet treats:

1. Pay Attention to Portion Sizes: Candy comes in various sizes and forms. If you decide to let your kids indulge, steer clear of full-size candy bars, as they can lead to overeating—one full-size candy bar can be equivalent to three to four servings! Instead, choose mini or snack-sized options. Remember, controlling portion sizes is crucial when it comes to high-calorie desserts.

1. Use a Candy-Free Check-Out Lane: Most grocery stores offer check-out lanes that don’t display candy. Choosing these lanes can help minimize temptation for your children, who may otherwise be inclined to ask for treats while waiting in line.

1. Avoid Using Sweets as Rewards: When you use food as a reward for good behavior, children can start to associate certain foods with feelings of success or comfort. Instead, celebrate their achievements with kind words, hugs, or non-food rewards like stickers or small toys.

1. Make Treats Special Occasions: Treats can certainly be enjoyable but try to limit them to special occasions. This way, your kids won’t expect sweets every day and will learn to appreciate them when they do have them.

1. Opt for Fruit as the Everyday Dessert: Instead of high-calorie desserts, consider serving fruits like baked apples or pears, or a refreshing fruit salad. You might also try delicious frozen juice bars made from 100% juice as a healthier alternative.

1. Encourage Kids to Create New Snacks: Get your kids involved in snack-making by allowing them to invent their own mixes using dry whole-grain cereal, dried fruit, and unsalted nuts or seeds. Providing a variety of healthy ingredients can spark their creativity and make snacking fun.

1. Plan Ahead: Stock your kitchen with healthy snack options like cut-up vegetables with hummus, cottage cheese paired with fruit, protein shakes, or slices of cheese with grapes. Having these nutritious options readily available can help your kids resist the temptation to reach for candy.

1. Be a Last-Minute Buyer: Try to avoid buying candy or sweets in the weeks leading up to Halloween. The longer they’re in your home, the more likely you are to indulge. Instead, purchase candy closer to October 31st and only buy what you think you will truly need. This strategy can help reduce the number of sweet temptations around the house during the lead-up to holidays and celebrations.

1. Sort Out the Kids’ Favorites: After trick-or-treating, help your child sort through their candy haul. Encourage them to pick their favorite treats to keep and consider discarding or donating the rest. Remember, if it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind, which can help reduce the urge to snack on those sweets.

By following these tips, you can help your kids enjoy Halloween while also making healthier choices. Balancing treats with nutritious foods sets a positive example and fosters better habits in the long run!

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

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Criminal Court Friday, October 18:

ALI, QASEM

99231 CT. 1 Underage Driving Under the Influence

99231 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage

99231 CT. 3 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

ALLEN, LAEVERETTICA QUEVETTE

98967 CT 1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

98967 CT 2 Public Bribery

ALLISON, WESTON ROBERT

99283 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense

99283 CT. 2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

ARNOLD, CHADWICK DUANE

98958 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000.00

Restitution owed to the victims- $4,244.04, plus $636.61 fee = $4,880.65 total

BAILEY, JUSTIN RICARDO

99261-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99261-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99261-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99261-CT.4 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

BANKS, ASHLEY FERRELL

99264 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

BELL, SOMER JO

99211 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

99211 CT. 2 Resisting An Officer

99211 CT. 3 Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

99211 CT. 4 Operating A Vehicle With An Expired Driver’s License

99211 CT. 5 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

BERRY, SHANNON N.

95854 Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance

BROWN, JR, ANTHONY

98369 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000.00

BROWN, III, ARTIE LEE

97491 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

BURROUGHS, MARENA ARLENE

90820 Cruelty To Juveniles

BYERS, SHAUNA

99291 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

CARR, CEDRICK DORALL

99265 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

CARR, CEDRICK DORALL

T069323 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

T069323A Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

COLSTON, MICHELLE R

T073822 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

COLSTON, MICHELLE R

97819 Ct. 1 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

97819 Ct. 2 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

97819 Ct. 3 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

COLSTON, MICHELLE R

98613 Ct. 1 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

98613 Ct. 2 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

98613 Ct. 3 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

COLSTON, MICHELLE R

99162 Felony Illegal Possession Stolen Things ($5,000 – $25,000)

CORNELIOUS, JOHN KERRY

98808 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE

98327 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE

98526 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE

T061024 Speeding 16-24 MPH

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE

T060123 Speeding 16-24 MPH

FLINT, TRACI N.

99101 Ct. 1 Entry On Or Remaining In Places Or On Land After Being Forbidden

99101 Ct. 2 Theft Under $1,000.00

GILCREASE, JULES STEVEN

98229 Ct. 1 Theft Under $1,000.00

98229 Ct. 2 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

GIPSON, MITCHELL F.

98925 CT 1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98925 CT 2 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS

98925 CT 3 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS

GIPSON, MITCHELL F.

97253 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS

GRIFFITH, WESLEY B.

98868-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98868-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

HILLMAN, JASON MICHAEL VAUGHN

99010 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

HILLMAN, JASON MICHAEL VAUGHN

98029 CT 1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

HUEY, ROSHUN

99111 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

99111 CT. 2 Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

99111 Ct. 3 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

KEMP, ADEYMI

99293 Battery of a Dating Partner

MANNING, JAMAREA JAYVEON

99292 Violation Of Protective Order

MARTINEZ-ZAYAS, LISSETTE

98955 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half Pounds or More)

MILLER, ZANE ETHAN

99009 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MILLER, ZANE ETHAN

95744 CT 1 Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance

MOORE, DEMARCUS JERICHO

99054 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

99054 CT. 2 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

99054 CT. 3 Following Too Closely

MOORE, JR, REGINALD DELONE

97660 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or

Controlled Dangerous Substance

Please make forfeiture of Firearms and $1,673.00 in US Currency part of any plea/sentence agreement.

MOORE, ZARVIA WARTEZ

98896 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

PEARSON, CYNTHIA ALEXANDER

98425 Arson with the Intent to Defraud

Restitution owed to the insurance company- $133,400.40, plus $20,010.06 fee = $153,410.46 total

PEARSON, RICKY

98425 Arson with the Intent to Defraud

Co-Defs: S. Burton, C. Pearson

PEREZ, ELROY AKA ELOY

T-1278-09 No Seat Belt

T-1278-09 Driving Under Suspension

PEREZ, ELROY AKA ELOY

99069 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

POLK, COREY LAMONT

99012 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams Or More)

RUYBAL, JR., JESSE MARTIN

98689 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

SHEPARD, BROOKE

99210 Simple Battery

SIMS, BRIAN LESTER

99079 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000.00 Or More But Under $50,000.00

SIMS, BRIAN LESTER

97986 CT 1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

97986 CT 2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

97986 CT 3 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

SISK, CLIFTON ELISHA

99284 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

99284 Assault on an Emergency Room Personnel

99284 Threatening A Public Official

SISTRUNK, DYLAN MICHAEL

98607 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98607 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage

98607 CT. 3 Improper Turn And/Or Failure To Give Required Signal

STOWE, DAVID LEE

99262 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile Under Thirteen

URBINA, ROGER ANTONIO

99220 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

99220 CT. 2 Improper Driving In The Left-Hand Lane Of A Multilane Highway

99220 CT. 3 Improper Lane Usage

99220 CT. 4 Failure To Yield To Emergency Vehicle

99220 CT. 5 Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

99220 CT. 6 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

VAUGHN, JAMAL A

98761 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

WASHINGTON, KAPRINA T.

98852 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

WASHINGTON, III, PRENTIS BERNARD

99158 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

WEIDNER, BRADLEY JOEL

99143 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

WILLIAMS, MEAGHAN

99274 Interfering With a Law Enforcement Investigation

WILLIAMS, NYCHOLAS SHAMAR

97843 Ct. 1 Hit and Run Driving

97843 Ct. 2 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

Restitution owed to the victim- $2,138.84, plus $320.83 fee= $2,459.67 total

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

October 17

1 p.m. Genealogical Meeting. Stewart Center at Webster Parish Libraries Minden Branch. Webster Parish Clerk of Court Holli Vining will talk about many resources available through her office for genealogical researches. For more information please contact Ginger at 318-371-3080 ext. 111.

October 18

6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Free Gospel Music Show by The Choir Boys Gospel Band, CAC Building, 301 West Church St., Springhill. Bid items, concessions. Sales are tax deductible. Cash, checks, debit or credit cards accepted. Proceeds go to help finish the future Fuller Center Home of Lauren Allman and her sons on Oak St., Springhill.

 

October 19

5 p.m. LaMa Animal Rescue Halloween Bash, CAC Building, Springhill, $25 Admission, dance contest, line dancing, costume contest, glow in the dark, BINGO, games, silent auction door prizes, refreshments.

7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Minden Foundation’s Annual Skeet Shoot. To sign up as a sponsor or register as a team visit https://mindenfoundation.org/2024-shoot-out/ .

October 21

6 p.m. Night at the Museum with Wesley Harris. Wild Boys: Outlaws Link Waggonner and Tom Kinder and the Policy of Violence in 1890s Louisiana.

October 22

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Job Fair and Resource Expo 2024, Minden Civic Center. For inquires, call 318-377-4240 or email info@mindenchamber.com.

4 until 6 p.m. Webster Parish Library Springhill location, face painting artists Evelyn Colvin and Becky Meziere at Hogwarts Trunk or Treat event.

6 until 8 p.m.

Autumn Leaves & BINGO Breeze, Meadowview Health & Rehab Center. Free, all ages welcome. Prizes, refreshments, 400 Meadowview Road, Minden.

October 26

6 until 9 p.m. Fall Festival at Minden Rec Center. Jump houses, games, trunk or treat, costume contest, and lots of family fun! Haunted House entry is $1 per person. Parking and admission is FREE!

October 27

11 a.m. Pack the Pews Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Service, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1978 Hwy. 531, Minden, Terry Combs, pastor. Speakers: LaKishia Grider and Lawiess Grider. Please wear pink to show your support.

6 p.m. Voting ends for LaMa Animal Rescue’s Photo Contest. Visit https://www.facebook.com/share/p/uiaoKpWfYV9oRcuD/?mibextid=qi2Omg to cast your ballot.

October 28

5 until 7 p.m. Webster Parish Library Minden location, face painting artists Evelyn Colvin and Becky Meziere at Hogwarts Trunk or Treat event.

October 28-October 31

7 p.m. Hilltown Horrors Nightmare on North Main. Monday: Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Tuesday: Insidious, Wednesday: The Conjuring, Thursday: IT. Spooky dinner, specials all four days, Spooking Louisiana history, costume contest, pet constume contest. Hosted by LaMa Animal Rescue, Kindred Spirits and Cajun Gyspy.

November 2

10 a.m. until 1 p.m. 7th Annual Mission Baby Bazaar Craft/Bake Sale, First Baptist Church, Minden. All proceeds go to local families that are in the process of adoption and/or foster to adopt and support of local CASA program.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Traffic Court Friday, October 18:

ARLINE JR, MICHAEL SCOTT

T107324 Speeding 25 & OVER

BASS, JESSE EDWARD

T099724 Failure To Yield Right Of Way

BELL, CLEODIS

T107424 Speeding 11-15 MPH

*68/55

CAREY, KENTORIUS LAMORRIS

T107524 Speeding 16-24 MPH

*72/55

CASON, ALFRED

T105724 Speeding 25 & OVER

DIGILORMO, BLAKE PARKER

T107624 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

DUPONT, DESTINI PAIGE

T107724 Failure to Use Safety Belt

DYESS, JARROD VAN

T107824 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

*Crash

FOSTER, JONATHAN KREE

T107924 Speeding 16-24 MPH

*76/55

HENDERSON, RAMON

T108024 Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

T108024A Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

HICKS, BRITTANY

T108124 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

T108124A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

*Single vehicle crash

HORN, DAVID MATTHEW

T108224 Failure to Use Safety Belt

HUEY, DEMARTERION

98441A Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

HUNTER, JR, WILLIAM A

T107124 Speeding 25 & OVER

*90/55

JACKSON, DEMARCUS TERRELL

T101924 Failure To Obey Traffic-Control Signal

T101924A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

JACOBS, MELINDA BETH

T108324 Speeding 11-15 MPH

*70/55

LANE, LAKESHIA LASHONDA

T108424 Speeding 11-15 MPH

*69/55

MARDIS, KIMELLA BOYD

T108524 Failure to Use Safety Belt

MCLEMORE, ERIC

T108624 Speeding 16-24 MPH

T108624A Improper Driving Left Of Center

T108624B Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

*91/70

MOORE, JERRY J JR

T108824 Improper Lane Usage

MORGAN, CHRIS RANDALL

T108724 Failure to Use Safety Belt

OJEKALE, MATHEW

T108924 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

PARKS, BOBBY LEE

T109024 Speeding 16-24 MPH

*72/55

PILGER, PAUL J

T107224 Operating A Vehicle With Improper Tail Lights

T017224A Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

T017224B Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

SOESBE, FINNLEY

T109124 Speeding 16-24 MPH

*94/70

STONE, ETHAN JAMES

T109224 Speeding 25 & OVER

TATE, JR, CHARLES TYRONE

T109324 Speeding 16-24 MPH

*94/70

THOMPSON, JAMES JARED

T109424 Failure to Use Safety Belt

UDDIN, NIZAM

T109524 Speeding 16-24 MPH

*91/70

WIMBERLY, JR, GERROD BENJAMIN

T109624 Improper Passing On Left

*Crash

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You already know the Broken Bean is a great place to go for coffee and specialty drinks, such as lattes, but did you know the ladies at your favorite coffee shop make a great burger?

And for a limited time, you can get 20 percent off a Hamburger Combo – burger, drink and side – with the secret code word “PUMPKIN.” Call 318-639-9540 or stop by 107 McDonald St., Minden. Remember the code word is “PUMPKIN” for 20 percent off your burger combo, and watch for other specials in Broken Bean’s ad in Webster Parish Journal.

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Freda Joann Ratcliff

February 1, 1945 – October 15, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 1 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2024 First Baptist Church West Chapel, Minden.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. immediately following visitation.

Burial: 3 p.m., Gardens of Memory, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Sally Bogan Bissonnette

June 24, 1928 – October 13, 2024

Castor, La.

Visitation: 11 a.m. Friday, October 18, 2024, Rockett Funeral Home, Ringgold, La.

Graveside service: 2 p.m. Friday, Ebenezer Cemetery.

Wilton Leamon Corley

December 30, 1929 – October 11, 2024

Visitation: 10 a.m. Thursday, October 17, 2024, Hill Crest memorial Park Cemetery, Haughton, La.

Celebration of Life: a.m. immediately following visitation.

Burial: Hill Crest Memorial Park 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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By Pat Culverhouse

A suspect is in custody in connection with the Oct. 8 shooting death of a Minden man whose body was discovered in the parking lot of Hillside Apartments complex on Industrial Drive.

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said 23-year-old Michael Kingston of Shreveport was arrested Tuesday by the U.S. Marshal’s Service on an active MPD warrant and is currently jailed in Shreveport.

Kingston is reportedly charged with first degree murder and armed robbery for the death of 36-year-old DeQuincy Jones. He reportedly is being held on a $2.075 million bond.

Jones’ body was found around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 8 with a single gunshot wound to the head. A handgun was found near the body and investigators had to await autopsy results to determine whether the death was a homicide or from a self-inflicted wound.

“There was nothing at the scene to clearly indicate what happened,” Det. Lt. Jason Smith said. “Detectives found the handgun, but no shell casings. There were questions we couldn’t answer until we got autopsy results.”

MPD Detectives Sgt. Jason Lee and Matthew Hicks began interviewing individuals and viewing video footage, and their investigation changed directions following the autopsy.

“We received the pathologist’s findings Friday afternoon and it was determined the wound was caused by a firearm of a different caliber than the one found at the scene,” Lee said. “That answered a lot of questions we had about the shooting and we began to investigate it as a homicide.”

Their first break in the case came from what Lee said was information provided by a credible witness who identified the shooter. That witness also had knowledge of the scene and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

“From the information we received, Kingston allegedly came to Minden with the intent to rob the victim under the pretense of selling him a firearm,” Lee said. “We learned Mr. Jones resisted the robbery attempt and a struggle ensued over the gun. He was shot once in the left side of the head at very close range.”

Lee and Hicks worked almost 40 hours without sleep during the first stages of the investigation, Smith said.

“They had to make sense both of what they found and didn’t find at the scene,” he said. “Their instincts led them in the right direction and hard work, persistence and a cooperating witness helped us get this suspect in custody.”

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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From Brian Williams, director of Webster Parish Homeland Security and Jim Bonsall, president of Webster Parish Police Jury:

Due to an increase in grass/woods fires lately coupled with the lack of rainfall, and no significant rainfall in the near future, the Webster Parish Fire Chiefs Association has requested a burn ban for all of Webster Parish to prohibit all outdoor burning and open fires (including fire pits). This ban does not apply to prescribed burns by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The ban shall remain in force until such time the Webster Parish Fire Chiefs Association determines that the weather conditions are safe enough to cancel the burn ban.

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By Pat Culverhouse

Minden police detectives have arrested juvenile suspects allegedly responsible for a string of vehicle break-ins that included the thefts of firearms, thanks to a video posted on social media.

Chief of Police Jared McIver said two juveniles have been arrested in connection with five vehicle burglaries that occurred between October 3 and 7. One of the juveniles reportedly remains in custody; the other has been released to his parents.

Investigators have recovered one stolen handgun and believe at least one or two more were taken. McIver said items were taken from vehicles at an apartment complex on Lewisville Rd. and in the Tillman Dr., Horton St. and Clay St. area.

Lt. Jason Smith, head of the MPD’s criminal investigation division, said the break-in the case came via social media.

“They posted a video within 24 hours of the thefts showing a group of juveniles pointing firearms. One of those was a unique weapon that we identified as one which had been stolen,” Smith said. “We identified and picked up one of the kids and found the stolen gun at his girlfriend’s house.”

Smith said one of the juveniles taken into custody has a history of gang activity in Minden and is a suspect in several other incidents.

McIver said investigators are continuing to follow leads in the case which could lead to other arrests and possibly the recovery of more stolen firearms.

UPDATE: MPD detectives have arrested more juveniles suspected in a series of vehicle burglaries earlier this month. Watch the Thursday edition of your Webster Parish Journal for details.

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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 Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley announced a significant reduction in student testing time. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is making immediate revisions that will reduce the time students spend taking state assessments by 20 percent. The changes to grade 3-8 ELA and math LEAP assessments will eliminate redundancies and streamline the writing portion of the annual tests. They were made in consultation with testing experts to maintain the integrity of these vital assessments and mark the first action in a long-term commitment for future reductions.

“We’re taking a responsible approach to surgically reduce standardized testing time without affecting accuracy,” said Dr. Brumley. “I hear constantly from parents, teachers, and students about this issue. These changes address their concerns while allowing us to still have reliable and valid results.”

In April 2025, students in grades 3-8 will experience shorter LEAP assessments. While these LEAP tests will still measure the same breadth and depth of the Louisiana Student Standards for ELA and mathematics, the LDOE removed some time-consuming redundancies that offered no additional significance to measuring student proficiency.

Students will test approximately 40 to 75 minutes less in ELA, depending on the grade. This is a result of reducing from two writing prompts in each grade to one. Students will test approximately 30 to 40 minutes less in math, depending on the grade. This is a result of eliminating four machine-scored tasks and two constructed-response tasks.

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Michael Walker greets party-goers and introduces his colleagues at District C’s National Night Out party at Babb Park Tuesday night. See more photos from this and other parties in Thursday’s Webster Parish Journal. (Photo by Pat Culverhouse)

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By Paige Gurgainers

Even though men and children under the age of 18 are not allowed to participate in the actual Witches Ride of Minden aside from being a supporter and spectator, there is still another way they can celebrate this spooky occasion.  

“As the harvest moon rises, I invite you all to our whimsical Witches’ Ride Block Party. With every broomstick we mount and every laugh that twirls through the air, we’ll weave together the magic of community, cozy chills, and all our spookiest dreams,” said vice president and co-founder of the Pearls of Purpose Amber Bryant.  

For the warlocks and their offspring who are interested in getting in on the action for the upcoming event, tickets to the “Block Party” can be purchased at witchesrideminden.com for $15. 

Attendees will receive a wristband that will allow them to enter the depths of Miller Quarters Park. There will be a Halloween movie playing, along with a DJ, 360 Photo Booth and face painting.  

A shopping market will also be set up on West Pine Street that will feature a handful of retailers including Bro’s Lemonade, RC Cookies, Shug’s Ice Cream and the Corn Dog Queens. 

Food will also be provided. Drinks and alcoholic beverages will be available at the cash bar.  

Children ten years of age and younger will get in free.  

For the “witches” interested in riding, tickets can still be purchased online for $55 with some availability during registration the day of the event, October 24.  

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Mid-October and things are getting for reals this football season as leaves change and so do teams’ fortunes.

The calendar suggests we are inching up on mid-season — unless you are a Dallas or New Orleans fan; then records and scores suggest the season might just be over.

Oh, the twists and the turns. 

And so it’s been in this most popular and crazy game since the first farmboy came across a pig’s bladder and in a moment of genius said, “Now wait just a dog-gone minute!” stamped “WILSON” on it and invented the football. Thus, the term “pigskin,” which bats leadoff in today’s Art of Sports Talkin’, Football Edition.

Back when March Madness began, we reviewed basketball, also known informally as roundball or b-ball or the rock, as sports has a language all its own, and each individual sport has an even more specialized lingo. A field goal is different in football than in basketball. “Pin” is one thing in bowling and another in wrestling, and foul trouble is when a basketball player or team is in danger of reaching the limit of fouls allowed without disqualification or penalty. Foul trouble is also what you are in when you sit next to a fan who smells like an old sneaker, and fowl trouble is when the concession stand runs out of chicken tenders.

And so it goes.

Now we walk “foobaw,” as an offensive lineman in a bad mood might grunt.

We start with a biggie, born in 1975 in the NFL playoffs in Minnesota when beloved Dallas quarterback Roger Staubach retreated into the pocket in a desperate situation trailing the Vikings late, said afterward he closed his eyes and “said a Hail Mary,” and launched a bomb to future fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer Drew Pearson, who caught the ball in double coverage to score and give the Cowboys the win. And so was born the football Hail Mary, when a quarterback chunks a long desperation pass to a receiver, usually clumped with a lot of other shoulder-padded humanity and usually into the end zone, as Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers did Monday Night in New York in the Jets loss to Buffalo. A pair of sidenotes: a Hail Mary is not always complete — such is life — and a Hail Mary sounds the same but is different in meaning than what you might say when Mary is late or spills hot coffee on your lap.

“Encroachment” is believed to be when a defensive player enters the “neutral zone” before the snap — although in reality, no one truly knows what encroachment is, and if they say they do, even if they are a football official, they are lying.

“Officials” are called referees (or convicts or zebras because of the striped shirts they wear); these are the people who call holding on your team pretty much whenever the mood strikes. Fans with money on the game should be able to call encroachment against the zebras.

“Pooch kick” is what happens when the kicker, during a kickoff, doesn’t kick it very far on purpose; this lessens the odds of the receiving team having a good return. If that same kicker is a dog owner and misses a field goal, it increases the odds that he’ll perform a pooch kick when he gets home, and if that happens, we hope he misses every field goal he tries for the rest of his pitiful football life.

“Hard count” is what the quarterback does when he is calling for the ball to be snapped and changes the rhythm of his call to try and draw the defense offsides. It’s also what happens when a person from South Carolina like me is asked to add.

“Victory formation” is when the offense, with a lead and time expiring, bunches together at the line of scrimmage, as if they are gossiping, so the quarterback can take a knee and run clock and end the game. It is a favorite formation, and we hope your team gets to run it every time you play.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Notice is hereby given that the City of Minden will receive sealed bids as follows:

Monday,  November 4, 2024, 2 p.m. Minden Animal Control Facility

Bids will be accepted until the dates and times specified and will be publicly opened and read aloud at City of Minden City Hall Conference Room, 520 Broadway, Minden, Louisiana 71055. Please find bid-related documents and place electronic bids at http://www.BidExpress.com.

Bids received after the date and times of opening will not be considered. The City of Minden reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Please See Attached/Download below.

/s/ Melaney Langford

City Clerk

/s/ Nick Cox

Mayor of Minden

10/09, 10/16, 10/23

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