As 2024 ends for Webster Parish Journal, we once again want to thank our readers and advertisers. We had a banner year – information we will be proud to share with you when we return Thursday, January 2, 2025.
We will also share our Top 10 most read stories for 2024.
We plan to ring in the new year with our families, and encourage all of you to do the same. See you next year!
Sincerely,
Pat and Bonnie Culverhouse
And the Staff of the Webster Parish Journal
By Pat Culverhouse
Louisiana residents will ring in the New Year with a state tax rate hike, part of a tax package Governor Jeff Landry called “a huge step” toward overhauling the state’s “outdated and bloated tax code.”
Legislators passed House Bill 10 which increases the state sales tax rate from 4.45% to 5% beginning January 1, 2025 and remaining in effect until Dec. 31, 2029. At that time, the tax will be reduced to 4.75%. Landry signed the bill into law on Dec. 4.
Beginning Jan. 1, Louisiana reportedly will have the highest combined average state and local tax rate in the nation at 9.56%. During debate on the bill, legislators indicated the tax reform package is part of a goal to ultimately eliminate the state’s income tax.
While Gov. Landry touts the package as reform, local businesses are looking at what it means to their bottom line.
“The most important point to this is if you aren’t charging enough as a business owner, you will be losing .55% of your profit when you remit that much more at the end of each month/quarter,” one owner said.
Prior to the increase, total sales taxes for the city of Minden stand at 11.95 percent which includes 4.45% in state taxes. Local tax structure shows 5.5% in local taxes broken down to 2.5% to the school board, 0.5% to the police jury, 0.5% for law enforcement and 2% to the city of Minden.
From Minden’s two percent, one percent is in sales tax and one percent to the sewer plant sales tax. TIF (Tax Increment Financing) is 2%.
Outside the city limits, a 3% tax is collected. Other towns in Webster Parish tax rates include 9.95% in Springhill, Sibley and Cullen; 9.45% in Dixie Inn; and, 8.45% in Doyline, Cotton Valley and Sarepta.
By Pat Culverhouse
A domestic dispute reportedly arising from anger over contents of a cell phone has put a 19-year-old Doyline man in the parish prison facing a pair of very serious charges involving alleged abuse.
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said Donavan Collin Price is jailed on charges of domestic abuse with child endangerment and aggravated assault with a firearm as a result of the incident.
According to reports, deputies were called just after 8:30 p.m. Saturday to an address in the 100 block of Poverty Point where the alleged victim claimed her boyfriend (Price) had been holding and shaking their baby while confronting her over something he found on her phone.
Deputies were also told Price pointed a semiautomatic handgun at the victim, then began to shake her also. Following that confrontation, the victim reportedly managed to take the gun from Price’s pocket where he had placed it.
Price reportedly had left the residence before deputies arrived, but just after midnight Bossier City police called to say he had turned himself in at their headquarters. He was arrested, returned to the parish and booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. No bond has been set.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By Pat Culverhouse
A verbal altercation early on the morning of Christmas Day became violent and now a Minden man is behind bars, charged with attacking his female companion in the presence of children.
Chief of Police Jared McIver identified the suspect as 32-year-old Mason St. resident Latavion Kardell Seamster. He is charged with domestic abuse battery with child endangerment and strangulation, possession of CDS Sch. II (Ecstasy), and resisting an officer. He is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under a $35,500 bond.
Minden officers were responding to a domestic dispute call at Hillside Lane Apartments around 6 a.m. Christmas morning when they were informed the altercation had become physical. On their arrival, the alleged victim pointed out the suspect, walking in the complex.
As officers Cadyn O’Conner and Jordon Greer were placing Seamster in custody, a cigaret pack containing 18 Ecstasy pills reportedly was found in his pants pocket. He was transported to police headquarters and booked.
During a follow-up interview with the victim, officers learned the altercation began when Seamster was asked to leave the apartment and refused. When the victim called 911, he allegedly began choking her to the point she could not speak or call out for help. A Minden PD dispatcher told officers she heard the verbal altercation become physical.
Although the victim told officers the altercation was the first between the pair, officers learned Seamster reportedly has an arrest history for domestic abuse battery.
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.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night
Clear, with a low around 35. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
New Year’s Day
Sunny, with a high near 56. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 32.
Thursday
A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.
Thursday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.
* Information provided by the National Weather Service.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners are integral to the healthcare team. They often manage the care of patients with stable chronic mental illnesses, providing ongoing medication management and psychotherapy. Their role is pivotal in delivering consistent, accessible care and plays a significant role in the continuity of psychiatric services. Psychiatric nurse practitioners also serve as a bridge between the medical and psychological needs of patients, offering care that addresses both mental and physical health.
Edward Allen “Butch” or “Windy” Kendrick was born on November 21, 1945 to Loy Kendrick and Martha Christie Kendrick. He peacefully entered into his eternal reward on December 20, 2024 at the age of 79 years. Butch was a lead millwright at Ludlow, later known as Berry Plastics, for 46 years “this time” due to a brief stint in the interim at the Claiborne Gasoline plant. He was known for his innovativeness as a welder and gunsmith. In fact, if you told him he couldn’t do something, by All-Mighty, he’d make it happen. His nickname “Windy” came from his gift of gab. Ironically, some of his co-workers never actually learned his name due to how much he chatted their ears off.
Early in life, Butch volunteered his time with the Immanuel Word Center in Homer, LA as one of its founders as their sound tech and as part of the prison ministry. As time went on, he found his way to Living Word Minden and was faithful member there for nearly 30 years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sharon Thurmon Kendrick; Son, Joel and wife Kasi of Minden; Daughter, Jamie and husband Shaun of Minden; two granddaughters, Anna and Aubrey; three step-grandsons, Seth, Miles, and Preston; Sisters in law, Gayle and husband Larry, Renee, and Roma and husband Al; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Doris Gathright, and sister Loyrece Elmore and husband Troy.
A celebration of life will be held at Living Word Minden at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 5, 2024, officiated by Pst. Trey Waller.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to Living Word Minden.
By Paige Gurgainers
Registration for the 2025 Miss Outstanding Teen and Miss Minden scholarship competition has closed and the Young Women’s Service Club (YWSC) is ecstatic to announce the names of the potential future title holders.
In the Miss Outstanding Teen division, we have Aynslea Maus, Landry Edwards, Piper Mandino and Kynzie Smith that will be vying for the crown and a $1,000 scholarship.
In the Miss Minden division, we have Jolie Ortego, Adreaunna Scott, Nilah Pollard and SaMaya Boxley. Throughout the competition they will compete in evening gown, fitness, talent and interview. The lucky lady that ends up on top will also be awarded a $2,000 scholarship.
In the morning pageant the Miss Heart of Minden will be crowned. This age group will not have the opportunity to move on to compete for the Miss Louisiana title but will be able to tag along to all future YWSC events throughout the year and serve right along with them if she so chooses.
The competition will be held Saturday, January 18, at the Minden High Auditorium. The Little Miss pageant will begin at 1 p.m. followed by Miss Outstanding Teen and Miss Minden at 7 p.m.
Stay tuned for more information on the Miss Outstanding Teen and Miss Minden 2025 contestants. We will be sharing each ladies’ background and community service initiatives as pageant day draws closer.
Planning to shoot fireworks inside the city limits of any Webster Parish town to ring in 2025?
Better check your local ordinance for the time frame or you may be paying a fine.
As 2024 draws to a close, Minden’s City Council enacted several ordinances during its final meeting of the year, including one that affects when you celebrate the new year.
Ordinance No. 1151, unanimously adopted by the council, not only places restrictions on fireworks retail sales but also on usage before, during and after certain “holidays.”
Portions of the new ordinance read as follows:
“… To the discharging of permissible fireworks between … December 15th and January 1st, inclusive.
“Other restrictions of retail sales or use. Fireworks shall not be discharged prior to 8:00 a.m. nor later than 10 p.m. (Exception – New Year’s Eve 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. on January 1st.)”
City of Springhill times are December 15 through midnight of January 1.
Registration is open for LSMSA’s upcoming Exploration Day (Jan. 20) and Campus Tour (Jan. 25)
Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA), the state-supported residential high school for academically motivated Louisiana sophomores, juniors, and seniors, will host its first Exploration Day of 2025, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., on Monday, Jan. 20. Exploration Days—which are often scheduled to take place during public school holidays—are “open house”-style events where prospective students and their families may tour campus, explore LSMSA’s one-of-a-kind Living/Learning Commons, attend classes, and meet administrators. LSMSA will also offer a Campus Tour for prospective students beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25. There is no cost to attend either event, but advance registration is required. Visit www.LSMSA.edu/visit to register.
LSMSA is located at 715 University Parkway in Natchitoches on the campus of Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Exploration Days, Campus Tours, and Info Sessions are offered several times each semester. Louisiana students who are currently in the eighth grade or higher are encouraged to attend an Exploration Day. Students who are younger than eighth grade who are traveling with their older sibling may attend; however, they should accompany their parents to all parent activities.
“Attending an Exploration Day is really the best way for prospective LSMSA families to get a taste of what life here is like,” said Emily Shumate, Director of Enrollment Management and Outreach. “The panel featuring current students is always a favorite part of the day; parents also enjoy hearing from members of our leadership team.”
Established in 1983, LSMSA is Louisiana’s only public residential high school, offering high-achieving sophomores, juniors, and seniors a world-class, college-level education. As a public school, there is no tuition to attend, and assistance from the LSMSA Foundation ensures that the program is accessible to all qualifying students regardless of financial circumstances. For more information, or to apply for admission to LSMSA, visit www.LSMSA.edu/apply.
By Pat Culverhouse
Charges of distribution of illegal drugs have been filed against a Houston, Texas man after he was reportedly pulled over by a Louisiana State Police trooper for a traffic violation on Interstate 20.
Reports indicate 36-year-old Ellis Alvin Pink was stopped Friday, Dec. 27 just after 11 p.m. while heading east on Interstate 20 near milepost 51.
LSP Trooper First Class Isaac Davis reportedly noticed a strong odor of marijuana both inside the vehicle and on the suspect after the stop. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, the trooper located approximately 8.8 pounds of suspected cocaine and roughly two pounds of suspected marijuana.
Pink reportedly was taken into custody and charged with possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute, possession of CDS Sch. II (cocaine) with intent to distribute, and traffic offenses improper lane usage and suspended drivers license.
Pink reportedly is being held on $125,500 bond at 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.
(UCAP will be closed Wed., Jan. 1 for New Year’s.)
United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:
Food: Canned meats, spaghetti, crackers
Clothing: Men’s shoes
Household Goods: king and queen sheets
Thank you for supporting UCAP! Have a Happy New Year!!
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.
What Do Patton, The Christmas Eve Truce and Trump Have in Common?
I believe these stories capture the importance of prayer at Christendom’s Celebration of the Miracle of the first Christmas.
The first occurred when General George S. Patton, commander during World War II, was faced with dire circumstances. The coming winter would again be brutal, and Patton’s army was literally stuck in the mud. The Wall Street Journal explains “on Dec. 8, an exasperated Patton asked his chief chaplain to compose a prayer for good weather” and halt the overwhelming rain. Patton then “ordered 250,00 copies to be distributed to every man in the Third Army. By Dec. 14 prayer cards were scattered among more than 20 divisions.” (WSJ, Alex Kershaw, Dec. 20, 2024).
Patton was a rough man given to constant profanity. Kershaw quotes Brig. General Harry H. Semmes who deemed Patton “an unusual mixture of a profane and highly religious man.” Gen. Omar Bradley is said to have described Patton as “profane, but he was also reverent. He strutted imperiously as a commander, but he knelt humbly before his God.” The thought of Patton ordering his 250,000 men to join him in a prayer is both inspiring and astounding. It worked. “On Dec. 23rd, the skies cleared, allowing a massive Allied air force to wreak havoc on German forces and supply lines.” (WSJ).
The second story is “Truce in the Forest” — The Story of a World War II Christmas Eve Truce Between German & American Soldiers, by Fritz Vincken.
“When that first knock came, Mother quickly blew out the candles; then, as I went to answer it, she stepped ahead of me and pushed open the door. Outside … stood two steel-helmeted men. One of them spoke to Mother in a language we did not understand, pointing to a third man lying injured in the snow. She realized … that these were American soldiers. Enemies! Mother stood silent … they were armed and could have forced their entrance, yet they stood there and asked with their eyes. “Kommt rein,” Mother said, finally. “Come in.”
Imagine a scene such as this. Enemy soldiers who couldn’t even communicate in the language being shown love, comfort and life saving aid. It would be enough to stop there but it had only just begun.
Vincken continues “I was setting the table when once again there came a knock at the door. Expecting to find more lost Americans, I opened the door without hesitation. There stood four soldiers – Germans!
I was paralyzed with fear … I knew the harsh law: sheltering enemy soldiers constituted high treason. We could all be shot! Mother was frightened, too. Her face was white, but she stepped outside. “We have lost our regiment and would like to wait for daylight,” explained the corporal. “Can we rest here?”
“Of course,” Mother replied, “You can also have a fine, warm meal and eat till the pot is empty. “But,” Mother added firmly, “we have three other guests, whom you may not consider friends.” Now her voice was suddenly sterner than I’d ever heard it before. “This is Christmas Eve, and there will be no shooting here. Mother looked at each frost-chilled face. “Listen,” she said slowly. “You could be my sons, and so could they in there … lost like you and just as hungry and exhausted as you are. This one night … this Christmas night, let us forget about killing.”
This remarkable woman then had the soldiers stack their weapons on the woodpile outside and they sat down for dinner. “Mother said grace. I noticed that there were tears in her eyes as she said the old, familiar words, “Komm, Herr Jesus. Be our guest.” I saw tears, too, in the eyes of the battle-weary soldiers, boys again, some from America, some from Germany, all far from home.” Later, one of the German soldiers who spoke some English and had studied medicine examined the injury to the American soldier’s hand with advice to heal it. They all shook hands and parted the next morning.
The third story is a bit more recent: President Trump’s survival from two assassination attempts. No one can describe this Christmas Miracle better than Trump himself. In a social media post after he was shot by a bullet in Butler, PA, Trump said “it was God alone” who saved his life.
I hope these reflections help capture the spirit of the Christmas season.
(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. He can be reached at RoyalAlexanderlawfirm@gmail.com .)
Send non-profit calendar events to wpjnewsla@gmail.com .
January 11
6 p.m. Doors open for Let The Good Times Roll LaMa Animal Rescue Shelter Fundraiser. Cajun Fun with Zydeco music, Cajun food, door prizes, BINGO. Dressing best Cajun attire and bring decorated umbrella to participate in the second line parade. Springhill Civic Center, 101 Machen Dr., Springhill. $25.
January 18
8 a.m. until noon Dorcheat Soil & Water Conservation District Scholarship Program Tree Sale, 216 B Broadway, Minden.
9 a.m. until noon Active Shooter Defense Training, Eastside Missionary Church, 1201 Park Hwy., Minden. http://www.phhtraining.com.
Registration is open now for Upward Soccer at North Acres Baptist Church. K5-5th Boys and Girls. Register here: https://registration.upward.org/UPW87120
February 5
9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Evaluation Day for Upward Soccer at North Acres Baptist Church. K5-5th Boys and Girls. Come and go. Season begins March 10th-May 3rd. Practices will be Tuesday evenings and games Saturday mornings. There will be two Tuesday games towards the end of season. If you have any questions, please email nabcsoccer@gmail.com
February 22
8:30 a.m. Buds & Blooms registration. Speakers begin at 9. First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.
Benjamin A. Bussey, 41, Manchac Way, Prarieville, LA: arrested Dec. 26 by WPSO for unauthorized entry, trespassing, simple criminal damage to property. No bond set.
Justin M. Parker, 32, Red Bud Lane, Shongaloo: arrested Dec. 26 by WPSO on warrants for domestic abuse aggravated assault, simple assault, aggravated assault with a firearm, illegal use of weapon, aggravated criminal damage to property, obstruction of justice, simple kidnapping. Total bond set $240,000.
Anthony L. Malone, 48, 1100 block Shreveport Rd., Minden: arrested Dec. 26 by WPSO on warrant for distribution of CDS Sch. I. No bond set.
Jason Lamont Jenkins, 43, 1400 block Middle Rd., Minden: arrested Dec. 25 by WPSO on outstanding traffic warrants. Bond set $944.50.
Redginal D. Moore, Jr., 21, Oak Tree Ln., Minden: arrested Dec. 25 by WPSO on outstanding traffic warrant. Bond set $500.
Kristian K. Cantrell, 46, 100 block Johnson St., Doyline: arrested Dec. 24 by WPSO for illegal possession of stolen things. No bond set.
Margaret M. Cantrell, 100 block Johnson St., Doyline: arrested Dec. 24 by WPSO for illegal possession of stolen things. No bond set.
Denciy Danyal Marston, 43, Homer: arrested Dec. 23 by MPD for driving under suspension prior offenses, simple criminal damage to property. Bond set $1,500.
Gregory Wayne Cato, 63, 400 block Morrow St., Minden: arrested Dec. 25 by MPD for driving while intoxicated, careless operation, resisting arrest with force or violence, violation of open container ordinance, two outstanding warrants. Bond set $500.
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.
Marjorie Blackerby Sargent
September 9, 1931 – December 25, 2024
Springhill, La.
Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025,Central Baptist Church, Springhill, La.
Worship Memorial Service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Bethsaida Cemetery, Ida, La.
Richard Finis “RJ” Jarrell
August 24, 1939 – December 27, 2024
Minden/Athens, La.
Visitation: 10: 30 a.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2024, Athens Community Church, 5374 Athens Av., Athens, La.
Service: 11 a.m., immediately following visitation.
Odessa Williams Roberts
December 7, 1934 – December 28, 2024
Homer, La.
Visitation: 10 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer, La.
Funeral service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Arlington Cemetery, Homer.
Edward Allen “Butch” or “Windy” Kendrick
November 21, 1945 – December 20, 2024
Minden, La.
Celebration of life: 2 p.m. Sunday, January 5, 2025, Living Word 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.)
The City of Minden has issued a boil advisory effective immediately for 113 through 115 East Union and all of Gleason streets.
Minden Mayor Nick Cox said Thursday night, two different teams worked around the clock for the City of Minden.
“Our Water/Wastewater Distribution crews replaced a broken water main that started leaking around 4:30 p.m. and finished early this morning. Meanwhile, our City of Minden Power linemen at 8:30 p.m. replaced a broken electric pole on Drake Drive, restoring power by about 4 a.m. They’re still out there addressing a few remaining issues. A huge thank you to everyone involved for their hard work!”
He also stressed city hall has water this morning.
Original story: https://websterparishjournal.com/2024/12/27/collapsed-culvert-in-miller-quarters-park-causes-broken-water-main-affects-downtown-minden/
As of 9 p.m. Thursday, the subcontractor from Bossier City had arrived with heavy equipment to begin work on the culvert and broken water main in Miller Quarters Park. Around the same time, Mayor Nick Cox said there were some power outages due to blown transformers that were weather related.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Minden City Hall and several blocks of downtown Minden may be without water as the day ended Thursday and begIns Friday, thanks to a broken water main in Miller Quarters Park.
Mayor Nick Cox said he realized city hall was without water around 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Public Works Director Tyler Wallace traced the issue to where a 36-inch culvert collapsed in the park directly behind Minden Police Department, taking with it the 10-inch main.
“It’s a big washout and we are shutting off every valve in the area,” Cox said around 6 p.m. Thursday. “We are bringing in an outsourced crew with a big track hoe, and it will take most of the night, I’m sure. For now, we want to get our crews out of the bad weather and keep everyone safe.”
The mayor said there will be a boil advisory for the area. We will keep our readers updated.
By Paige Gurgainers
During a City of Springhill council meeting earlier this month, Main Street Director Amie Poladian announced one of the buildings located in the Springhill Historic District would be receiving a facelift in the upcoming year.
The Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Subgrant in the amount of $55,000, awarded by Louisiana Main Street, was secured by the Lofton family for revitalization of the old Branch Brothers building located at 301 South Main Street.
“We couldn’t be prouder of the Loftons for their vision and initiative in pursuing this grant,” Poladian said. “This project is a shining example of what’s possible when we combine our community’s passion for its heritage with the resources to bring that vision to life. This is just one of many positive improvements we see on the horizon for downtown Springhill, and I’m confident that a bright future lies ahead for our town.”
The Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Subgrant is a competitive program aimed at supporting the preservation of historic buildings in rural communities. The funds awarded to the Branch Brothers building will help ensure this iconic structure retains its historic charm while adapting to meet modern needs. As one of Springhill’s architectural gems, the building’s revitalization promises to enhance the downtown area’s aesthetic appeal and functionality, attracting more visitors and businesses to the heart of the town.
While the grant’s implementation timeline reflects the deliberate pace of government processes, with construction set to begin in the latter part of 2025, the anticipated results will be worth the wait. The rehabilitation will include structural and cosmetic updates that honor the building’s historic integrity while making it a viable space for future use.
“These improvements will not only preserve our history but also energize our economy by creating spaces that draw entrepreneurs, shopper, and community members,” Poladian said. “Projects like this remind us that investing in our past is investing in our future.”
The renovation of the Branch Brothers building marks another chapter in Springhill’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its downtown district. By combining historic preservation with forward-thinking initiatives, Springhill continues to position itself as a community that values its roots while embracing growth and opportunity.
For more information about the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Subgrant or other Main Street initiatives, please contact Amie Poladian at (318) 578-3909 or mainst@springhill-la.us .
At about 9:30 Monday morning, children began gathering in front of the Project Reclaim offices on Miller Street. They were anxious to get started distributing hot dogs and chips to the area’s citizens. It all has to do with “Food 4 the Soul,” a non-profit organization operated by Barbara Goston, who resides on Barbara Drive in Minden.
“We need to feed our spirits like we feed our tummies,” Barbara said. “I’m just a vessel doing Kingdom work.” She has been operating “Food 4 the Soul” since 2022.
“This time, I’m partnering with the kids from Project Reclaim. They chose to come out and have some fun.”
If you’d like to donate to “Food 4 the Soul” or to help out some way, there is a Facebook page that gives you many answers. Ms. Goston can also be reached at 318-639-7434.
Preview of annual report finds rate of teachers leaving current position down 2 percent
(BATON ROUGE, LA) – More Louisiana teachers are choosing to remain in the profession. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) previewed findings from their upcoming Teacher Exit Data Report today. The annual report shows a 2-percent decrease in the number of teachers exiting their current position. The LDOE will present the full report to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) in January.
“Outside of the parent, the classroom teacher has the largest impact on student learning,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “Louisiana is committed to providing every student with an effective teacher, and we must continue to listen to these professionals and give them the support they need to thrive.”
Fewer Louisiana Teachers Leaving the Classroom
Louisiana saw fewer traditional public school teachers exit their current position last school year. In 2023-2024, 13 percent of teachers exited (6,297). That’s down from 15 percent (6,873) in 2022-2023. The overall number of teachers exiting the profession has decreased for two consecutive years. In 2021-2022, 6,944 (15 percent) teachers left their current position.
Valuing the Teaching Profession
Louisiana has implemented a number of initiatives and policies designed to support teachers and provide school systems with additional avenues to recruit and retain quality educators.
About the Teacher Exit Data Report
State law requires BESE to annually report the results of teacher exit interviews conducted by local school systems. The LDOE develops this report each year. During the 2023-2024 school year, the LDOE received data from all 69 traditional school systems in the state.
Friday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Calm wind.
Saturday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 46.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 72.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 47.
* Information provided by the National Weather Service.
Graveside services for Dana P. James will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden, Louisiana under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden, Louisiana. Officiating will be Bro. Terry Stratton.
Dana was born June 11, 1957, in Ringgold, Louisiana, and left this earthly life December 23, 2024, in Minden, Louisiana
Dana, also known as Nonna or Sugar, loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, fishing with her son Kyler, watching the birds from the back porch, sitting outside on the swing, admiring the flowers, catching a tan, bream fishing with the boys, spending time and making memories with her loving husband, Barry.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Casciel Person, brother, Rick Person, and sister, Sandra Woodall.
She is survived by her husband Barry James, children, Kyler James, Kenneth James (Ashley), Amy Crafts (Nick), Johnathan James (Haley), Stormey Webster (Scott), and Cody James (Amber), 19 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.