By Pat Culverhouse

Webster Parish is making preparations for what could be the region’s first round of winter weather with forecasters calling for the potential of a mixture of cold weather, ice and snow later in the week.

Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness Director Brian Williams told parish police jury members his office has been receiving updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) regarding the winter forecast.

“We’ve had conference calls and have another planned for tomorrow (Wednesday) on the forecast,” Williams said. “Thursday evening and Friday morning are the dates of concern right now.”

According to NWS forecasters, models will become more clear Wednesday but some type of winter precipitation is expected. Forecasts on the type and amount of precipitation could change between Wednesday and late Thursday.

Williams said rural roads where trees overhang power lines will be the biggest challenge, but said steps are in place to deal with situations that may arise.

“We’re also strategically placing water in various locations in case there’s a need,” he said.

During department reports, Johnny Kennon representing the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau said Minden’s first Tour of Homes since 2017 proved to be a popular event.

“We had many visitors from across our region and from out of state,” she said. “The proceeds from the Tour of Homes were donated to UCAP, and we raised $2,600 for them.”

Also during the jury’s first meeting of the new year, Jim Bonsall was elected to serve another one-year term as president of the public body. Bonsall, who represents District 6, has served multiple terms at the head of the police jury.

District 11 police juror Steve Ramsey was elected to another term as vice-president.

“I appreciate the confidence you all have shown me. It’s an honor to serve as your president,” Bonsall said following his unanimous selection.

In other business Tuesday, police jury members:

• Approved a resolution setting the first Tuesday in each month as meeting date and the courthouse annex as meeting site for 2025.

• Approved proposed 2025 budget and amended 2024 budget for operation of the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory Commission.

• Approved 2025 budget with actual brought-forward figures from 2024 and end of year amendments.

• Approved 2024 financials including financial statement, check register and bank reconciliation.

• Presented financial reports for December, 2024, to be approved at February meeting.

• Approved 13 renewals of video poker, beer and high alcohol content license for parish businesses.

• Approved canvass of returns and declared results of 2.78 mill courthouse tax and 1.75 mill tax for Webster Parish Council on Aging passed Dec. 7, 2024.

• Approved resolutions of support for $25,000 in Community Water Enrichment Funding for the Bistineau Water System from the Office of Community Development, and for $136,847.59 in Community Water Enrichment Funding for the Gill Water System from Office of Community Development.

• Approved application for LGAP (Local Government Assistance Program) funding for water system at the proposed new parish women’s penal facility.

• Agreed to place No Thru Truck Traffic signage on Pistol Thomas Rd.