The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that on the night of Saturday, February 1, I-20 in both the eastbound and westbound directions at the LA 531 interchange near Minden in Webster Parish will be closed.
This closure is scheduled to take place from 7 p.m. on February 1 to 6 a.m. on February 2, and is necessary to allow the contractor for the ongoing LA 531 overpass replacement project to remove temporary formwork on the newly-constructed bridge. This ensures the work can be carried out safely without risk to the traveling public.
Through traffic on I-20 will be diverted to the off-ramps, and back onto the interstate via the on-ramps at the interchange.
The project is currently about 73 percent complete, with work underway on the roundabouts that will help improve traffic flow onto and off the interstate ramps. Much of the major construction work on the new overpass is finished. Once traffic is swapped to the new bridge, the contractor will begin removal of the old structure.
The entire project is anticipated to wrap up in summer 2025, weather permitting.
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.
Since Louisiana has experienced a historic winter storm event, which closed many roads in most areas of the state and prevented many hunters from engaging in recreational hunting opportunities for several days during the open season. Because maximizing hunting opportunities for sportsmen and women of the state is a priority for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, the Secretary of LDWF, Madison Sheahan, has extended the following resident game hunting seasons:
Quail season is extended from the last day in February to close on March 2, 2025. This extension includes all Wildlife Management Areas where quail hunting is not closed or otherwise restricted.
Rabbit and squirrel season is extended from the last day in February to close on March 2, 2025. This extension includes all Wildlife Management Areas where small game hunting is not closed or otherwise restricted.
Nutria season is extended from the last day in February to close on March 2, 2025. This extension includes all Wildlife Management Areas where nutria hunting is allowed, except nutria may be taken on Atchafalaya Delta, Salvador/Timken, Pointe-Aux-Chenes and Pass-a-Loutre through March 31.
Archery season for deer is extended from the last day in January to close on February 2, 2025 for Deer Areas 1, 2 and 4, and on the following Wildlife Management Areas: Alexander State Forest, Atchafalaya Delta, Bayou Macon, Bayou Pierre, Big Colewa Bayou, Big Lake, Biloxi, Bodcau, Boeuf, Buckhorn, Dewey W. Wills, Esler Field, Hutchinson Creek, J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert, John Franks, Lake Boeuf, Lake Ramsay, Little River, Loggy Bayou, Marsh Bayou, Pearl River, Richard K. Yancey, Russell Sage, Sabine, Salvador/Timken, Sandy Hollow, Soda Lake, and Tangipahoa Parish School Board.
Archery season for deer is extended from February 15 to close on February 17, 2025 in Deer Areas 5, 6 and 9, and on the following Wildlife Management Areas: Acadiana Conservation Corridor, Attakapas Island, Elm Hall, Grassy Lake, Joyce, Manchac, Maurepas Swamp, Pass-a-Loutre, Pointe-aux-Chenes, Pomme de Terre, Sherburne, Spring Bayou, Thistlethwaite, and Tunica Hills.
Primitive firearms season for deer is extended from the last day in January to close on February 2, 2025 in Deer Areas 1, 4, 5, 6 and 9, and on Tangipahoa Parish School Board Wildlife Management Area. Deer Areas 5 and 9 remain BUCKS ONLY harvest. An additional primitive firearms deer season shall be open on Joyce Wildlife Management Area and Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area for the weekend of February 1-2, 2025.
Feral hog season on the following Wildlife Management Areas is extended from the last day of February to close March 2, 2025: Atchafalaya Delta, Fort Johnson (North and Vernon), Pass-a-Loutre, Pointe-aux-Chenes, and Salvador/Timken.
Deer season for properties enrolled in Tier 1 Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) in Deer Areas 1, 4, 5, 6, and 9 is extended from February 15 to close on February 17, 2025.
Nightime raccoon season on the following Wildlife Management Areas is extended from the last day of February to close on March 2, 2025: Attakapas, Bayou Macon, Bayou Pierre, Big Lake, Bodcau, Boeuf, Buckhorn, Clear Creek, Dewey Wills, Esler Field, Grassy Lake, Hutchinson Creek, J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert, Joyce, Little River, Loggy Bayou, Manchac, Marsh Bayou, Maurepas Swamp, Pearl River, Pomme de Terre, Richard K. Yancy, Russell Sage, Sabine Island, Sabine, Sandy Hollow, Sherburne, Spring Bayou, Tangipahoa Parish School Board, Tunica Hills, Walnut Hill, and West Bay.
For a detailed list of the season extensions by game type, WMA, and Deer Area, click here https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov .
The season extension shall only apply to season dates and does not increase or otherwise affect the annual bag limit.
President Trump’s inauguration signals re-birth of U.S. greatness
In the whirl of President Trump’s first few days back in office he is securing our borders, fully freeing the oil and gas industry to explode with growth and ridding our public institutions of the poisonous Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DIE) doctrine to name just a few. He has also done something that only a distracted First World nation like ours would need to have done—he has again declared that there are only two genders, male and female.
The “golden age of America begins now,” Trump said again last week. What does he mean by that and how does his hope for our country tie into our American Exceptionalism?
American Exceptionalism includes a strong economy, a strong national defense, secure borders, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and guaranteeing each of us the opportunity to fully utilize our lives and God-given abilities in an environment in which every American has the opportunity to excel. I believe it also includes being proud of our national character and our extraordinary history. However, American Exceptionalism can be reduced to the most granular level.
We recall instances after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in which the owner/driver of an 18-wheeler in Oregon said he had awakened one morning and felt powerfully moved to drive a truck load of bananas to Louisiana to help with the food problems. FEMA wouldn’t accept them; finally, a group of churches did. Same story for an enormous number of donated McDonald hamburgers and over one hundred Lea’s pies. These kinds of examples are too numerous to count.
What about the flooding of New Orleans? What about the hundreds of Louisiana sportsmen who drove to the outskirts of New Orleans planning to help rescue as many stranded people as they could but were told by government agencies to turn around and go back home. American exceptionalism? Who filled many of these great needs after those hurricanes and other natural disasters? Churches, families, and private businesses virtually all of whom donated their time and resources because they wanted to help their fellow Louisianans and Americans.
American exceptionalism? Internationally, how about the billions of dollars the United States has spent through American international health programs designed to fight HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, which have saved the lives of over sixty million human beings.
After WWII, America was the world’s lone superpower and could have become an imperial one and essentially governed the world. Not only did we not seek global dominance, we did the opposite. Through the Marshall Plan and tremendous American aid and resources we helped other countries rebuild. Why? because unless provoked or endangered, the American spirit has never sought to subjugate other countries.
How about the miracle of our U.S. Constitution which gives rise to our Rule of Law; how about our shared belief that we are endowed by our Creator with certain rights that cannot be taken—all of which gave rise to a government instituted for the preservation of liberty? Our Bill of Rights which ensures our many freedoms including the guarantee that we cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law? Our 2nd Amendment?
That we cannot have our doors kicked in at 2:00 am without probable cause and a warrant? That we are guaranteed, every one of us, equal protection of the laws? Do we remember how rare all of this is?
No nation is perfect because nations are ruled by governments and governments are comprised of flawed human beings. Yet, throughout our history, we have always sought to correct our flaws as we strove for The Good, and, however imperfectly, the good was attained.
The American spirit is sterling as are the foundational ideals of liberty and equality to which we aspire. American kindness and generosity are unbounded. De Tocqueville observed that “the position of the Americans is therefore quite exceptional,” in Democracy in America, “and it may be believed that no democratic people will ever be placed in a similar one.” Why would he draw this conclusion?
Because he recognized the American spirit and the moral and religious character that anchored it. President Reagan noted many times that America is the greatest country in the world. Again, it’s not perfect but it is, and remains, the last best hope of Earth. This exceptionalism is the basis of the new golden age to which Trump refers and aspires.
(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 .)
If you answered yes to the above questions, then we would love to talk with you.
Webster Parish Journal is looking for a writer to help cover the northern part of Webster Parish. We are specifically interested in someone who is familiar with the people and places north of Cotton Valley to Springhill, preferably someone who lives in that area or has lived there in the past.
We want someone who loves to write features about the people who make this community great.
We also need someone who can take on some assignments and cover local government.
If this sounds like you, please email wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Send a resume and samples of your writing.
This is NOT a full-time job, but a great opportunity to earn extra money as a stringer.
6 p.m. Webster Parish 4-H Livestock Club will meet.
January 30
10 a.m. Cake ’n’ Coffee Talk, Senior Adult Planning Session, First Methodist Church Wesley Room, 903 Broadway, Minden.
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 15
11 a.m. MLK Black History Parade/Youth Rally, Downtown Minden.
5 p.m. Minden Mardi Gras parade rolls. Face painting begins at 3:30 p.m.
February 22
8:30 a.m. Buds & Blooms registration. Speakers begin at 9. First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.
March 22
Noonuntil 3:30 p.m. MVP Room Minden Rec Center, 1000 Recreation Drive, Minden, Hearts & Halos, a heartfelt and creative event honoring families who have experienced infant or pregnancy loss. This free event is designed to offer healing through creativity, support, and connection. Spaces are limited to 30 attendees (plus 1 optional guest per registrant). RSVP is required to secure your spot. Register here: https://forms.gle/qwm5TLhhbNN5Ujbx9
Meriwether Wealth and Planning is proud to support local students by offering four (4) $1,000 scholarships to eligible graduating high school seniors. They are able to double their scholarship offerings this year thanks to the generosity of their clients.
Max Dean Boyd, 34, 1600 block Hwy. 371, Heflin: arrested Jan. 25 by WPSO on warrant for violation of protective order. Bond set $5,000.
Michael Tarno, 37, Lakeview Estates, Doyline: arrested Jan. 24 by WPSO and Probation and Parole for probation violation, possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines). No bond set.
Treasure Tarno, 31, Lakeview Estates, Doyline: arrested Jan. 24 by WPSO and Probation and Parole for parole violation, possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines), intimidation of a law enforcement officer. Bond set $3,000.
Sawyer B. Harrison, 54, 100 block James Circle, Minden: arrested Jan. 23 by WPSO for possession of CDS Sch. II (Legend drug w/o prescription), possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines), resisting an officer. Bond set $500.
Travis L. Ellis, 56, 500 block Pixley Rd., Homer: arrested Jan. 24 by WPSO on warrants for careless operation, driving under suspension. Bond set $1,000.
Amber L. Huckabay, 37, 500 block Angi Rd., Minden: arrested Jan. 26 by WPSO on outstanding warrants, driving under suspension. Bond set $500.
Sarah Jane Lane, 20, 100 block Kings Hwy., Minden: arrested Jan. 23 by WPSO for simple burglary. No bond set.
Jacob Heckendorn, 29, 400 block Smith Loop, Sarepta: arrested Jan. 23 by WPSO for improper lane usage, resisting an officer, as fugitive from Springhill PD. No bond set.
Derrick Porter, Jr., 19, 500 block Front St., Minden: arrested Jan. 23 by MPD for theft. Bond set $500 cash.
Torry Capers, 32, 300 block Weston St., Minden: arrested Jan. 24 by MPD on warrants for disturbing the peace, domestic abuse battery. No bond set.
Devin McDonald, 20, Woodland Hills, Coushatta: arrested by Sibley PD on outstanding warrant. Bond set $500.
Eric Rice, 49, 400 block Talton St., Minden: arrested Jan. 24 by MPD on four outstanding warrants, fugitive from WPSO. Bond set $500.
Kenisha D. Franklin, 33, 300 block S. Randall St., Minden: arrested Jan. 24 by MPD on warrant for simple criminal damage to property. Bond set at $10,000 surety or $1,000 cash.
Contact Rocket Funeral Home, Ringgold, La., for arrangements
Derrick Marcel Williams, Sr.
August 6, 1958 – January 22, 2025
Minden, La.
Visitation: 5 until 8 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, Mt. Zion CME Church, Minden.
Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, First Baptist Church, Minden.
Celebration of Life: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation, First Baptist Church.
Burial: Point Pleasant Cemetery, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Lisa Shierlene Moorehead
August 31, 1966 – January 18, 2025
Minden, La.
Celebration of Life at a later date. Contact Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)
Minden Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the person or persons responsible for the theft of a vehicle.
The person pictured is suspected of stealing a car from the parking lot in front of Brown’s Glass at 12:11 p.m. Thursday, January 23.
He is a white male, possibly juvenile or young adult, approximately 5’7”, 150 lbs., wearing blue New Balance shoes, dark pants and hoodie with a yellow or orange baseball hat.
From left, Det. Matthew Hicks, Michael Kingston and Det. Sgt. Jason Lee
By Pat Culverhouse
A Shreveport man charged with the October, 2024 murder of a local resident is now behind bars in Webster Parish after his return to Minden police custody Thursday morning.
Chief of Police Jared McIver said 24-year-old Michael Kingston is now being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center with his bond set at a total of $2.075 million.
Kingston is charged with first degree murder for the Oct. 9 shooting death of 36-year-old DeQuincy Jones, whose body was discovered in the parking lot of Hillside Apartments on Industrial Drive. Jones had suffered a single gunshot wound to the head.
In addition to the first degree murder charge, Kingston is facing one count of armed robbery with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Detectives reportedly learned Kingston came to Minden with the intent to rob the victim under the pretense of selling him a firearm. When the victim reportedly resisted, a struggle ensued and he was shot once in the head at very close range.
During their investigation, MPD Det. Sgt. Jason Lee and Det. Matthew Hicks reportedly located a handgun near the body, but found no shell casings. The detectives had to await autopsy results to determine whether the death was a homicide or from a self-inflicted wound.
That autopsy report showed the wound was caused by a firearm different than the one recovered at the scene, and more interviews by detectives Lee and Hicks revealed a credible witness to the shooting.
A warrant identifying Kingston as the shooter was issued by Minden police and he reportedly was arrested on Tuesday, Oct. 15 by the U.S. Marshal’s Service. He has been jailed in Shreveport since his arrest.
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.
Blake Thomas, a native of Minden, PGA member and the current Director of Instruction at Monterey Peninsula Country Club in Pebble Beach, CA, is coming back to Minden and bringing a new event with him. He will be offering golf lessons at the 50th Anniversary of the Minden St. Jude Auction on Feb. 6-9, 2025.
“Blake shared this idea with me out of his desire to come back and give back in some way to the community he grew up in and where his love for golf began,” said his mother, Jennifer Thomas.
It didn’t take long for all of the plans for “Swing for a Cure” to start coming together. The Minden Foundation quickly came on board and will co-sponsor the event. Sign-ups will be available through their website: mindenfoundation.org
Minden Foundation board member, Andy Pendergrass, said, “I am thrilled that Blake has chosen to give his time and expertise so generously to help the Minden St. Jude Auction’s fundraising efforts. In the PGA world, Blake has been recognized as a top instructor, so I’m also thrilled for people in our area to have the opportunity to receive a caliber of golf instruction that they could not get unless they were willing to travel a long way. I hope kids and adults will take advantage of this great opportunity to experience elite level golf instruction and help the MSJ Auction at the same time.”
Things to know:
Lessons will take place at the Minden Presbyterian Church gymnasium on Broadway and are open to anyone ages 8 & up
All lessons will be indoors using video analysis and Trackman 4 launch monitor. Students will receive a video review and Trackman report detailing their plan for improvement.
Dates and times will be:
Friday, Feb. 7 from 8-noon and 1-6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 8 from 8-noon and 1-6 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 9 from 1-6 p.m.;
Minimum donations will be $75 for a half-hour lesson and $150 for an hour lesson with ALL proceeds going to St. Jude
Blake grew up playing golf with his parents, Tim & Jennifer Thomas, and on occasion his grandfather, Ronnie Shuler. Starting when he was 12 years old, he and his friends would play golf at Pine Hills Country Club any chance they could. “I would drop him off and he would stay all day,” said his mother, Jennifer Thomas.
The young golf enthusiast developed into a talented player for the Minden High School Golf Team and also played on the Centenary College Golf Team. He worked in the pro shops at Shreveport Country Club and Southern Trace Country Club. While at Southern Trace, he began his pursuit of his Professional Golf Association (PGA) certification, which he obtained in 2012. Since then, he has worked at Dominion Valley Country Club in Haymarket, VA; Belfair Country Club in Bluffton, SC (where he discovered his love for teaching); University Club in Baton Rouge, LA, where he was the Director of instruction; and Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD.
While at the University Club in Baton Rouge, Blake was awarded the 2020 Gulf States Section “Teacher of the Year” and “Player Development” awards. While at Congressional Country Club, he was recognized as one the 2023 “Best Teachers in Maryland” and was recognized by Golf Digest as one of the best young teachers in America, 2023-24. He was recently recognized again by Golf Digest as one of the best young teachers in America for 2025-26.
Blake said this about coming back to Minden, “I am looking forward to coming back home and helping support St. Jude with this new event. Get signed up, bring your clubs and join me as we “Swing for a Cure.”
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Jennifer Thomas at 318-470-9507.
Wendy Thibodeaux is wanted for two counts of motor vehicle theft, misdemeanor theft and felony damage to property for allegedly stealing two vehicles that were recently repossessed from her.
One of the vehicles was stripped and sold to a local salvage yard by Thibodeaux. Attempts were made to conceal the VIN but were unsuccessful. The other vehicle is still missing. Thibodeaux is believed to be hiding in the Doyline area, possibly on Lakeview Dr.
Anyone with information on Wendy Thibodeaux is encouraged to contact MPD Detective Lt. Jason Smith at 318-371-4226 (office), 318-268-1441 (cell) or email atjksmith@mindenusa.com. All information will be confidential.
Zyria Gipson and Jacob Anders were the winners of the American Legion Awards, presented Thursday by COL Carl Thompson at Camp Minden.
A total of 124 cadets will graduate from the Youth Challenge Program on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. On Thursday, Jan. 23, the Class of 2024-02 gathered to receive awards and recognition for their efforts.
Col. Carl Thompson first presented the American Legion Awards to Zyria Gibson and Jacob Anders.
Community Service Awards recognize the cadets who have been selfless and outstanding on community service. From 1st Platoon, awards went to Za’Kyla Stokes, 45 hours; from 3rd Platoon, Kenner Harrison, 47 hours. Awards for outstanding academic achievement, and class awards went to: the Top Ten (from 10-1) Hayden Cook, Aden Richard, Jonathan Savoie, Samuel Taylor, Jr., Athena Anderson, Jacob Winans, Chaz Phillips, Myesha Anderson, Salutatorian Jordan Reed, and Valedictorian Raelin Keegan.
KP’s of the cycle were Diego Boyd, Rony Cruz, Jyrell Young, 4th Platoon;
The Top Ten AR participants are Lisa Green, 180.7 points; Hayden Cook, 197.9 points; Shane Dickey, 201.1 points; Aaron St. Romain, 207.1 points; Traden Touchet, 208 points; Aden Richard, 211 points; Athena Anderson, 270.8 points; Taegan Fanguy, 281.5 points; runner-up with 296.4 points, Samuel Taylor; and first place with 357.9 points, Jordan Reed.
Class Awards: Class 1 – Most Improved, Tremaine Stephens; Best Attitude, Michael Fields; Best Overall, Kenner Harrison; Class 2 – Most Improved, Derreck Rogers; Best Attitude, Owen May; Best Overall, Delton Young; Class 3 – Most Improved, Jyrell Young; Best Attitude, Genesis Weathersby; Best Overall, Donta Fortenberry; Class 4 – Most Improved, Jaylyn Matthews; Best Attitude, McKinzie Gaspard; Best Overall, Kailee Sims; Class 5 – Most Improved, Bailey Frederick; Best Attitude, Athena Anderson; Best Overall, Janaireeia Sallie; Class 6 – Most Improved, Phillip Hunt; Best Attitude, Rony Cruz; Best Overall, Dakota Bailey: Class 7 – Most Improved, Morgan Holder; Best Attitude, Jace Broussard; Best Overall Shane Dickey; Class 8 – Most Improved, Leonard Caines; Best Attitude, Wendell Provost; Best Overall, Emerson Colley.
JAG awards went to (female) Most Improved, Za’Kyla Stokes; Best Attitude, Bailey Frederick; Best Overall, Janaireeia Sallie; and (male) Most Improved, Kaleb Nervis; Best Attitude, Isaac Jackson; Best Overall, Emerson Colley.
Residential Phase (placement for post residential phase): Class 1 — Most Improved, Michael Fields; Best Attitude, Payton Boone; Best Overall, Aiden Lormand; Class 2 – Most Improved, Derreck Rogers; Best Attitude, Delton Young; Best Overall, Bryce Bordelon; Class 3 – Most Improved, Jemeeke Gayden; Best Attitude, Dakota Grag; Best Overall; McKinzie Gaspard; Class 5 – Most Improved, Bailey Frederick; Best Attitude, Athena Anderson; Best Overall, Janaireeia Sallie; Class 6 – Most Improved, Christian Birdwell; Best Attitude, Rony Cruz and Christian McKoin; Best Overall, Dakota Bailey and Phillip Hunt; Class 7 – Most Improved, Kaleb David; Best Attitude, Thiessen Barnes; Best Overall, Terrell Dimes; Class 8 – Most Improved, Kamarii Driskell and Leonard Caines; Best Attitude, Wykiel Provost and Jerrad Lindsey; Best Overall, Emerson Colley and Jason Mims.
National Guard Youth Foundation Scholarships were presented to Jonathan Savoie, Phillip Hunt, Emerson Colley, Aden Richard, Patricia Authement; Myesha Anderson, Bryce Bordelon, Issac Jackson, Raelin Keegan, Jyrell Young.
The following cadets have been selected to attend the Job Challenge Program with a scholarship valued at $25,000: Ashton Alsobrooks, Athena Anderson, Myesha Anderson, Dakota Bailey, Shane Dickey, James Ficco, Donta Fortenberry, Phillip Hunt, Layla Hunter, Issac Jackson, Angelina Neis-McBride, Chaz Phillips, Janaireeia Sallie, Jonathan Savoie, Kailee Sims, Aaron St. Romain, Jacob Winans, and Delton Young.
The Counseling Awards went to Leoard Caines, Wykiel Provost, Billy Walthall IV, Rony Cruz, Sebastian Stanley, Zachery Frentz, Trey’Qwan Brady, Derreck Rogers, Delton Young, Myesha Anderson, Taegan Fanguy, Jaylyn Matthews, Michael Smith, Rocky Watson.
Achievements in platoon life and physical performance went to:
Color Guard – Dakota Bailey, Kay’John McClinton, Emerson Colley, Ralph Robinson;
1st Platoon – Amari Crayton, Most Improved, Zyria Gipson, Best Attitude; Athena Anderson, Best Overall; 3rd Platoon – Derrick Rogers, Most Improved; Trey’Qwan Brady, Best Attitude; Jacob Anders, Best Overall; 4th Platoon – Most Improved, Ro’Al Phillips; Best Attitude, Jyrell Young; Best Overall, Dakota Bailey; 5th Platoon – Kenneth July Perdomo, Most Improved; Sebastian Stanley, Best Attitude; Phillip Hunt, Best Overall;
Platoon of the Cycle – 4th Platoon;
5-Star Cadets – Athena Anderson, Layla Hunter, Dakota Bailey, Thiessen Barnes, Dakota Gragg, Aiden Lormand, Chaz Phillips, Jonathan Savoie, Phillip Hunt and Jordan Reed;
Cadet of the Cycle – Phillip Hunt;
Commandant’s Spirit Award – Derreck Rogers and A’Mya Prout
Cadre – Rookie of the Cycle, CPL Sariah Spikes; Cadre of the Cycle, SGT Joshua Long; Most Improved Cadre, SGT Wesley Luce; Supervisor of the Cycle, CPL La’Raya Pollard; Leader of the Cycle, SFC Andrea Rogers; Helping Hands Award, CPL Robert Duke and SFC Decarlous Montaquim; Team of the Cycle, SSG Kecha Robinson, CPL Latyteauna Goodwin, SFC Lamaurus Harris, SFC Andrea Rogers and CPL La’Raya Pollard.
Elite Physical Fitness Awards went to Layla Hunter and Ralph Robinson.
The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) announced the introduction of a new area code, 457, to provide relief for the 318 area code region. This overlay ensures sufficient telephone numbers are available to meet future demand while minimizing disruption for customers.
What is an Overlay? An overlay introduces a new area code to the same geographic region currently served by an existing area code. Customers with 318 area code numbers will retain their current numbers, but new phone lines or services activated after September 25, 2025, may receive the 457 area code. Importantly, customers will need to use a 10-digit dialing procedure—the area code plus the seven-digit phone number—to make local calls.
Key Dates for the Transition:
February 24, 2025: Begin using 10-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit number) for all local calls. Calls made with 7 digits will still be completed during this period.
August 25, 2025: 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory. Calls dialed with only 7 digits will not go through and will receive a recorded message to redial with the area code.
September 25, 2025: New numbers in the 457 area code may be assigned.
Why is This Change Necessary? The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) forecasts that the 318 area code will run out of new numbers by early 2026. The LPSC reviewed NANPA’s recommendations, sought public and industry input, and approved the overlay to address the shortage.
The 318 area code serves the parishes of: Allen, Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Tensas, Union, Vernon, Webster, West Carroll, and Winn.
What You Need to Know:
Current Numbers Stay the Same: If you already have a 318 number, it will not change.
Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing: All local calls within the 318 and 457 areas will require 10 digits.
No Change in Call Costs: Local calls will remain local, even with the added area code.
For more information, visit the Louisiana Public Service Commission website or contact your telephone service provider. The LPSC remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition and reliable communication services for all residents and businesses in northern Louisiana.
From left, Kathy Baber, Claude Reeves, Sheriff Jason Parker.
Webster Parish Deputy Sheriff Lt. Claude Reeves has received one more accolade celebrating his recent retirement, and this one comes from the nation’s capitol.
Speaker of the U.S. House, Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, signed a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for Reeves… “In appreciation of eighteen years of faithful service to the community of Webster Parish through the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.”
Presenting the certificate to Reeves was Kathy Baber, who represents the north Louisiana area for Speaker Johnson.
Although Reeves officially retired from his full time duties as Chief Bailiff of the 26th Judicial Court, he remains in service as a reserve deputy for Sheriff Jason Parker’s department.
Springhill Main Street is on the ball doing it BIG again this year in downtown Springhill for Mardi Gras.
Saved by the 90’s is the theme from 5 until 8 p.m. Friday, February 7 at the corner of Elm and Main in the South Main Mall parking lot.
There will be a variety of food trucks and tents, delicious popcorn and cotton candy made-on-the-spot, a specialty coffee truck, this community’s very favorite lemonade, and more.
A live guest DJ will ensure there is music for plenty of street dancing. There will be floats and vehicles decorated to the max for our theme this year: “Saved by the 90’s.” So come ready to play!
Under the big tent you can have your caricature drawn, a balloon animal made, get your face painted, or come see the stilt walkers do their thing!
The parade kicks off at 6 p.m.,and it’s GUARANTEED to be a good time. The band rolling will be roll, and music is where the magic happens!
There will be horseback riders, floats and other vehicles, walkers, motorcyclists, carts pushers and rollers. Are you game to take a ride up Main Street this season?
What do we do in the intense cold that we have experienced this week? Make soup with all of the good vegetables that you grew in your garden last summer? Just think of the good things that you grew. First, you had the potatoes. Digging them in the hot weather was awful, getting the dirt under your fingernails and having to put lime on them for storage.
Now let’s get into the next thing. Onions that you planted in the early spring. When you dig them up you can freeze them. Cut them up and package them up for soups, meatloaf, and dressing. Tomatoes and bell peppers from the garden are great for that soup, spaghetti, or even for Super Bowl dips and snacks. Let’s don’t forget the okra for the gumbo. And yes, its not fun to harvest.
A garden is a wonderful teaching tool. Learning to cook with the bounty of the garden is also a teaching moment. You don’t have to get everything from the grocery store. Kids need to start learning the basics of farm to table when they are young.
People are learning and using the canning method of preserving food again. I’ve talked to folks about even canning meat again. That is an absolute hard job but it lasts forever. My dear friend, Lauren Rocket, worked with me in learning how to can beans and salsa. I had done that as a 4-Her back in the day, but the refresher course was great. Basically I’m still a freezer girl. Let’s don’t forget about Aunt Bee’s pickles, I have given her a run for her money with my pickles. I have mastered the sweet but not the dill pickles. By the way, pickles would go great with the sandwich you have with your soup.
This is just another way to teach the farm to table. Spend time teaching the kids. They will thank you for it later.
(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal.)
Marian Plant Petry’s Passion for Louisiana’s Wildlife and Habitats to Continue long into the Future
Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) has been bequeathed $5 million that will enhance its mission of wildlife conservation and being the voice of Louisiana’s wildlife and natural resources. The gift from the estate of Marian Plant Petry was finalized in December and has been put to immediate use by LWF. It is the largest bequest received by LWF since its creation in 1940.
“We are deeply honored by Mrs. Petry’s generosity,” said LWF Executive Director Rebecca Triche. “As a former teacher and avid gardener, she cared about children and nature and enjoyed being outdoors. Her gift supports LWF’s priority to leave future generations abundant wildlife and wild spaces to enjoy in Louisiana.”
Triche continued, “Her gift has allowed LWF to encourage new partnerships that advance habitat conservation, collaborate on education and policy, and engage more citizens throughout our state. The issues we grapple with today include coastal land loss, water management policy, potential impacts on wildlife habitat from expansion of energy production and carbon management, increased wildlife diseases and invasive species, and prudent management of public lands.”
The Petry bequest helped fund LWF’s partnership with the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana to produce two educational coloring books that promote and preserve the native Tunica and Biloxi languages using wildlife as the focus. These two coloring books are now available in every public library in the state and can be found on the LWF website at lawildlifefed.org.
The funding has also helped LWF support creating a post-graduate fellowship at the Tulane Center for Environmental Law to collaboratively work on emerging policy issues and provide more research and analysis.
Triche noted, “Marian and her husband John Petry, Jr. were long-time members of LWF. They believed in LWF’s earliest purpose to conserve our natural resources and the right to enjoy them, and their generosity helps LWF’s members and leaders advance our mission in ways we only dreamed of before.
6 p.m. Webster Parish 4-H Livestock Club will meet.
January 30
10 a.m. Cake ’n’ Coffee Talk, Senior Adult Planning Session, First Methodist Church Wesley Room, 903 Broadway, Minden.
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 15
11 a.m. MLK Black History Parade/Youth Rally, Downtown Minden.
5 p.m. Minden Mardi Gras parade rolls. Face painting begins at 3:30 p.m.
February 22
8:30 a.m. Buds & Blooms registration. Speakers begin at 9. First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.
March 22
Noonuntil 3:30 p.m. MVP Room Minden Rec Center, 1000 Recreation Drive, Minden, Hearts & Halos, a heartfelt and creative event honoring families who have experienced infant or pregnancy loss. This free event is designed to offer healing through creativity, support, and connection. Spaces are limited to 30 attendees (plus 1 optional guest per registrant). RSVP is required to secure your spot. Register here: https://forms.gle/qwm5TLhhbNN5Ujbx9
Meriwether Wealth and Planning is proud to support local students by offering four (4) $1,000 scholarships to eligible graduating high school seniors. They are able to double their scholarship offerings this year thanks to the generosity of their clients.
