Inurnment: 2 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025, Gardens of Memory.
Carolyn Marie Burdine Smith
January 27, 1943 — February 3, 2025
Graveside service: 11 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025, Williamson Cemetery, Gibsland, La., under the direction of 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.)
For the third consecutive year, Minden will be sending more than $2 million to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital on behalf of the children treated there.
As the auction came to a close Sunday, the total collected from the four-day long event was $2,320,036.
“Everybody thinks you have a goal to beat the year before,” said co-chair Laura Hollingsworth, “but our goal is to never do another auction again because St. Jude has done its job and the doors are closed. There’s no more cancer … there are no more sick children.”
Melissa Brown agreed.
“We just appreciate everything the community does for us every year … and the community has really grown and encompassed other areas of the country, as well as the world,” she said.
To prove that point, Mark Brown, a resident of Missouri won the grand prize for 2025.
It wasn’t really a 50th anniversary … it wasn’t really 50 years they were celebrating. It was 50 auctions for the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. But why split hairs? The most important thing in the end was the final total from bids, raffles, racers and chili cooks from all over the world showing their support for the families of St. Jude. Watch Webster Parish Journal for more on the Chili Cook-off.
A Sibley man is in custody charged with discharging a firearm during a verbal altercation at a reported bonfire on Horseshoe Loop Saturday, according to reports from the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Timothy Hall, a 23-year-old resident of the 500 block of Main St. in Sibley, is being held under $50,000 bond facing charges of aggravated assault with a firearm, illegal use of a weapon and four counts of simple assault.
Hall allegedly fired a shot into the ground near an individual after an argument broke out at the gathering Saturday in the 500 block of Horseshoe Loop.Although several individuals were present, no one reportedly was injured in the incident.
WPSO deputies Michael Dickey, J.C. Brown and Sgt. Lance Chanler reportedly were dispatched to the scene just after 8 p.m. where they learned the suspect had left the area.
During interviews, deputies learned Hall fired the shot, then returned the weapon to his vehicle. When he returned to continue the confrontation, one of the witnesses reportedly removed the firearm from the vehicle without his knowledge.
Hall reportedly later got into his vehicle, drove a short distance, stopped and exited the car. He allegedly made a statement threatening to harm individuals at the scene, but left when he could not find the firearm.
After parish dispatchers reportedly broadcast a description of the vehicle occupied by Hall, he was stopped by Sibley police officer Clint Meshell and held until deputies arrived to place him under 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.
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker congratulates an E.S. Richardson D.A.R.E. grad during Friday’s ceremonies. Richardson D.A.R.E. officer and School Resource Officer Deputy Brandy Powell presented the certificates.
By Pat Culverhouse
Students at E.S. Richardson Elementary received recognition Friday for completing their D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) instruction, and the parish’s top law enforcement officer said their accomplishment could help shape their future.
“This program will help you make the right decisions as you grow older,” Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker told a large group of students and parents. “By completing this course, you now know the dangers of drugs and the harm they can cause all of us.”
Parker said future leaders of our city, parish and country are among those receiving their D.A.R.E. graduation certificates.
“You are our future, and I am so very proud of you and what you’ve accomplished,” he said. “Among you could be tomorrow’s doctors, lawyers, politicians and maybe even a future Sheriff of Webster Parish. We love you all and we support you.”
Graduates and guests were greeted by Webster Deputy Brandy Powell, D.A.R.E. officer and School Resource Officer at E.S. Richardson.
D.A.R.E. was launched by former Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates and the Los Angeles Unified School District in 1983.
According to the program’s history statement, the innovative substance abuse prevention education program has been a successful educational tool “…thanks to the hard work of tens of thousands of officers and educators throughout America and around the globe.”
Driving a vehicle with license plates that had been expired nearly eight months has resulted in a legal headache for two men who have been tagged on drug distribution charges.
Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said 34-year-old Ramon C. Henderson of Homer has been arrested for possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute and three traffic charges.
His companion, 28-year-old Antonio Dejuan Thornton, is charged with possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute. Thornton gave an address in the 200 block of Roy St. in Minden.
Both reportedly are being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where Henderson faces a total bond of $25,500 while Thornton’s bond is set at $25,000.
MPD officer Branthony Brown reportedly stopped Henderson’s vehicle around 3:45 p.m. Friday at the intersection of East and Talton streets when he observed the vehicle’s expired tags.
After approaching the vehicle, officer Brown reportedly noticed a strong odor of suspected marijuana inside. Thornton, a passenger in the vehicle, was questioned about the possible presence of marijuana, and reportedly retrieved a bag containing marijuana from his right boot which he handed to Brown and officer Cody James.
Officers said Thornton also pulled a jar containing marijuana from a space beside the passenger seat. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered approximately two pounds of marijuana in a bag located in the trunk.
An additional roughly 2.8 grams of marijuana reportedly was removed from Henderson’s shoe after he was taken to Minden police headquarters.
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.
Showers. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 50. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Tuesday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 46. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.
Wednesday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 62. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 50.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.
* Information provided by the National Weather Service.
Minden’s Crimson Tiders hit a cold spell in the second half of Friday night’s District 1-4A showdown with Bossier, coming out on the short end by 66-52 in the conference contest.
Bossier now leads 1-4A with a 5-0 mark (13-11 for the season) while Minden drops to 4-1 in league play and 18-3 overall.
Bossier’s Kerel Dean led all scorers with 25 while David Thomas added 13 and Kam Davenport tossed in 12.
For the Tide, Cameron Parker scored 14 and Darnell Morris had 11 to lead the way. Jaiden Franklin and Kameron Harris each added seven points, Christian Lofton had six, Carmelo Smith notched four and Hudson Brown had three.
Minden will try to rebound Tuesday night when Northwood comes to the Tide gym for a district game. Minden will than travel to Southwood to take on the Cowboys in a Friday contest.
My name is Ashley Morgan, And I am a local coordinator for Greenheart Exchange program. I wanted to introduce myself and give you a little information about my experience not only as a local coordinator, but as a host mom myself.
Back In March, 2024 I was introduced to the idea of hosting our own foreign exchange student. Gambling with the idea of having another child in our house honestly gave me anxiety. This would mean adding another family member to our home, taking the time to learn and introduce new habits, new rules and rearranging our whole family dynamic. However, I thought back to when my parents hosted their first exchange student from Germany, and to this very day my brother and we are still in contact so I started to get a little excited. When the mention of having a student was brought up again, I thought about it and talked to my husband and kids. At first, my husband wasn’t on board with this crazy idea but we decided what the heck! Let’s try something new. We were given the opportunity to read about so many students, but couldn’t pick just one. It was a process, We were let down a couple times due to no faults of our own but we knew those students that denied us just weren’t meant to be with our family. Finally, we came upon a sweet faced German girl! Her name was Anna. The moment we read her profile that was sent to us from our coordinator we knew she was meant to be a part of our family. After we chose her to join our family for a year, we began face timing and phone calls with her. We just couldn’t wait for her to be here. After choosing our student, I was asked if I wanted to become a local coordinator, because there was only one other in our area. I decided that I too wanted to make a difference in these students’ lives and other families as well.
After I became a coordinator, I met so many new people. From my host families to the most amazing and fun kids. Throughout this program, I have gotten to watch these kids grow and listen to their English become better. North Webster High school has the majority of the exchange students at our school. I have watched these exchange students form close bonds with students and teachers and make so many friends. I have watched each student of mine and others play sports and learn many new things and grow in so many ways. It has been a humbling experience so far.
I would love the opportunity to tell you about our wonderful program, in hopes that you will want the opportunity to host a student or two of your own. Greenheart offers so many amazing experiences.
What is it like to host an international exchange student?
Families in the Greenheart program who host international exchange students often share their personal stories about their experiences with another culture, all while sharing their American homes. A cultural exchange experience can be a life-changing experience for the high schooler and the host family. Those who host, form a forever bond with their foreign exchange student who becomes their new family member. Opening your hearts and homes to an international exchange student, you may find yourself halfway around the world celebrating the new friendships with your students and their families in years to come.
Who can host?
Host families come in all different roles. You can be an empty nester, a new young family, or have a high schooler yourself. If you are 26 years of age, then you are eligible to host. Greenheart does not discriminate against any race, religion, or sexual background. You can choose to host for a full school year or half a semester. You have the choice to choose the country your student comes from and choose a student that shares similar interests to you and your family.
Some people have asked why they choose Greenheart to host with?
Greenheart is experienced and has placed over 25,000 international exchange students in the USA since 1985. Greenheart also offers a wide range of diversity and backgrounds with more than 60 countries to choose from. Greenheart encourages opportunities to volunteer and give back to their host communities.
What are the expectations for families that host?
Our host families must provide communication skills, motivation and encouragement to their students. A bed of their own which may be in a shared room with a host sibling within 5 years of age and the gender of the student as well as a quiet place for them to study. You must provide three meals a day, transportation as our students are not allowed to drive or operate any motorized vehicles and treat the student as a family member.
How long do the students stay?
We have a range of student opportunities. Some may choose to stay for the entire school year, which is 10 months. They arrive in late August and stay until the end of May or June. Some may only come for half semesters, which is either fall or winter and only 5 months. We also have a few students who come short terms, for 2 weeks to 8 weeks but that is primarily in the Summer.
Do we have to pay for the students to be here?
The answer is No. Greenheart students come with their own spending money. They are responsible for any extra expenses that may arise. They must pay for their own school events (prom, homecoming, sporting events, extracurricular activities, or sports.)
What about insurance?
Our students have their own accident and health coverage. You do not add them to your health plans. If a student is playing a sport, they may be required to pay out of pocket for any physical, as they are not covered under their insurances.
Do you get paid to host a foreign exchange student?
No, you are not paid to host a student, however you may claim a student as a charitable contribution deduction on your taxes for $50 a month on your itemized tax return.
Are you ready to host?
Just complete our inquiry online at www.hostwithgreenheart.org you will then be sent an email with login information to our online portal to begin our application. Your local coordinator will then reach out to you from your area to answer any questions you may have and share further information. Your coordinator will also be able to start sharing student profiles with you to ensure you find the perfect matched student with your family. You will also be permitted to pass a criminal background check. If you are unable to host, you may refer a family to Greenheart, but they must be new to Greenheart and never hosted with or worked for Greenheart to be eligible. After the referral goes through, and the family you referred is accepted and they host, you will be issued a $300 virtual visa reward card. This referral payment will only be applicable if the family moves forward with the placement. After the student arrives, you will receive your referral payment.
Can I become a local coordinator?
Absolutely! Greenheart is always looking for a new coordinator to help expand our areas. If you would like to help place students in your community, you must be able to work part time from home, be at least 26 years of age, attend training workshops and grow your skills and knowledge for foreign exchange students. You can also earn the opportunity to attend conferences abroad! Complete the inquiry form on the site for coordinators to get started.
We look forward to meeting our new families and students and can’t wait to share this new year with you and the amazing experiences this will bring you and your family.
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.
Mt. Lebanon Historical Society’s Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 16 at 2:30 p.m. at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. Our slate of Officers, Board Members, and Advisory Board Members will be presented for the 2025-2026 term, and a memorial service will be conducted for society members who have passed away since our last meeting.
This year’s guest speaker will be Justice Jay B. McCallum, Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Justice McCallum is a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University and LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center. He also holds a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a delightful speaker, combining humor with an always meaningful message.
Following the meeting, refreshments will be served at the Stagecoach Trail Museum. We look forward to welcoming our Society Members and guests!
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. Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners, Buds & Blooms registration. Speakers begin at 9. First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden. Proceeds used for 4-H Youth Gardening and 4-H Scholarships.
March 1
Noon, Chili Cook-off Fundraiser benefitting The Grace Closet and LaMa Animal Rescue, Sharpe’s Department Store, Springhill.
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.
President Trump has stated numerous times that “I am going to return your country to you … I’m going to give you back your country!” What he has done to achieve that goal in a mere 17 days is astounding.
Let me recap his dizzying pace:
He demanded Mexico stop illegal immigration into the U.S and block the river of fentanyl. Mexico initially appeared to resist then quickly folded. Canada, with its flaccid, idiotic prime minister also initially resisted Trump demands, then quickly folded. Panama immediately agreed to reduce the Chinese influence in the Panama Canal. Venezuela and Colombia tried to appear defiant but soon submitted. Venezuela has even returned 6 American hostages.
The anti-American U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is on its way out. It’s wasteful and shameful spending is too lengthy to document. Here are only a few examples of the waste and abuse:
$1.5 million to “advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in Serbia’s workplaces and business communities,”$70,000 for production of a “DEI musical” in Ireland, $2.5 million for electric vehicles for Vietnam, $47,000 for a “transgender opera” in Colombia,$32,000 for a “transgender comic book” in Peru, $2 million for sex changes and “LGBT activism” in Guatemala,$6 million to fund tourism in Egypt, hundreds of thousands of dollars for a non-profit linked to designated terrorist organizations, millions to Eco Health Alliance—which was involved in research at the Wuhan lab, hundreds of thousands of meals that went to Al Qaeda-affiliated fighters in Syria, funding to print “personalized” contraceptive birth control devices in developing countries, hundreds of millions of dollars to fund “irrigation canals, farming equipment, and even fertilizer used to support the unprecedented poppy cultivation and heroin production in Afghanistan,” benefiting the Taliban.
The list goes on and on—and has all been happening for decades!
The fifty-one former intelligence officials who lied about the Hunter Biden laptop prior to the 2020 presidential election have all had their security clearances revoked. Trump this week also banned men from competing in women’s sports.
Being scrutinized are many of the FBI agents who participated in the weaponization against Trump, the J6ers, pro-lifers, Catholic churches, and parents—who were deemed “domestic terrorists”—of public-school students who challenged the forced masking and vaccinations of their children during Covid and the existence of Woke, pornographic and transgender literature in public school libraries.
The Department of Education (DOE) is on the chopping block. The DOE has not been primarily focused on educating students in decades but, instead, upon indoctrinating students with Critical Race Theory madness.
Further, thousands of federal employees have been offered a buyout package but they are leaving one way or the other.
Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader was with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and, with his typical bluntness, Trump made clear that Israel will be protected, and that the Gaza Strip will become something entirely different but never again the killing fields it has been for decades.
Trump has also reimposed harsh sanctions against Iran such that it will no longer be funding terrorist proxy groups but also said he would like to come to some sort of an agreement with Iran. However, under no circumstances will Iran possess a nuclear weapon. He further exemplified what courage and leadership look like when someone asked Trump about the continuing efforts of Iran to have him assassinated. His response was epic. He stated he had already given instructions and that if Iran assassinated him “that country will be obliterated. There won’t be anything left.”
We’ve never had an American president who successfully shrunk the size of the federal government or significantly diminished its oppressiveness in our lives. I doubt the lawsuits being filed in opposition to these executive actions will get very far because the changes Trump is making fall within his core constitutional powers as the head of the Executive Branch and Commander in Chief.
This is an historic time for us to witness and be alive. There is no doubt that the relentless prayers of millions of us have put our nation in this very hopeful position. May God continue to guide, bless, and protect this nation He ordained and may the world be blessed and uplifted by the strong presence of America to which President Trump literally gives his life to ensure President Lincoln’s dream: That our,
“Government of the People, by the People, for the People, shall not perish from the Earth.”
(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 .)
Maurico D. Murphy, 35, 100 block Katie Lane, Minden: arrested Feb. 5 by MPD on six outstanding warrants. Bond set $1,500 cash or $20,000 surety.
Steven C. Olmstead, 74, 100 block Curtis St., Cotton Valley: arrested Feb. 6 by Louisiana State Police for DWI third offense. Bond set $10,000.
Tevin Mack, 30, McIntyre Rd., Dixie Inn: arrested Feb. 7 by WPSO on two counts criminal neglect of family, driving under suspension, failure to use seat belt. Bond set $1,500.
Teadrein R. Burris, 27, 800 block Peach St., Minden: arrested Feb. 7 by MPD for disturbing the peace, criminal trespass. Bond set $1,250.
Dexrech F. Douglas, 48, Lewis Ave., Cotton Valley: arrested Feb. 7 by Cotton Valley PD for simple burglary. Bond
set $30,000.
Latanya Hawkins, 44, 100 block Kennon Pit Rd., Heflin: arrested Feb. 7 by MPD on outstanding warrant/fugitive from MPD. Bond set $500 cash.
Caleb McNeil, 34, Horseshoe Loop, Doyline: arrested Feb 10 by WPSO for contempt of court. No bond 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.
Graveside service: 11 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025, Williamson Cemetery, Gibsland, La., under the direction of 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.)
For the third time in history, Minden will be sending more than $2 million to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital on behalf of the sick children treated there.
As the auction came to a close Sunday, the total collected from the four-day long event was $2,320,036.
Co-Chairs Melissa Brown (left and Laura Hollingsworth did the honors of presenting the check Sunday night.
Be sure to see Webster Parish Journal’s Tuesday publication for a slide show recap and story of the weekend.
The City of Minden has issued a boil advisory for the customers on the 100 Block of Ewell St., all of George St., all of Plum St., all of Peach St., all of Hill St., all of Dianne St., and all of Harris St. due to a broken water main from aging infrastructure. Mayor Nick Cox said crews worked on it all day Saturday and on into the dark of night. It is now repaired, but residents should still boil until the water has been tested and residents notified it is safe.
Cynthia Garrison (center) gets big hugs from Selena Sanders (left) and Teri Hemphill (right) of the Broken Bean. (Photo by Marilyn Miller)
By Marilyn Miller
Many things about the Minden St. Jude Auction have changed over the past 50 years. But some things will always remain the same.
“I look at all the things that are still in play, but are bigger and better,” said Cynthia Garrison Payne, who served a 10-year stretch as chairman of the Minden Auction starting back in the late 1980’s. “I started the second year that the auction took place at the Minden Civic Center,” she recalled. “Pete Treat and Pam Loftin were co-chairmen when it started (in 1976 at KASO Radio).”
Cynthia was soon joined by John C. Campbell as co-chairman…and the names then started coming…Pattie and Charlie Odom, Jeanette Green (finances), Chuck and Nancy Hines, Jenell Fox, Donna and Tim Greer, Lucy Dickinson, Pat Culverhouse, Phil and Anne Demaline, Brad and Charlotte Reynolds, Andy Nelson, Kenneth Greer and many more.
“Charlotte Reynolds has been associated with the auction for the longest number of years,” she added. “And I know there were so many more. We just had a great time. Oh, Andy Nelson was somebody we couldn’t do without. He was the only cameraman we had…he was always there. Phil and Kenneth Greer did the boards.”
There was close to 30 “volunteers” back in the late 1980s. There are 400 today.
The City of Minden gives more per capita to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital than any other entity in the United States. And according to Cynthia, it’s been that way since early on. “That’s raised and collected…it’s been like that.”
“We would stay a month collecting all the money,” she recalled, “Because everything was done by hand.” Yes, the bids were taken by hand over phones that the workers supplied. “We’d tell everybody, don’t forget your phone. Then we’d take them and plug them in. And this was before everyone had cell phones and computers.” And, of course, there was no internet.
Not having the internet is one of the biggest differences in the auctions today and those 30 to 40 years ago. People couldn’t be reached as they can today.
When the local cable company started broadcasting the auctions, John C. Campbell told Cynthia that she had to go on the air, after all, she was a chairman. Cynthia said, “no way,” but he finally won. “After 10 minutes, John said that’s enough,” she laughed.
Most fund-raisers last a maximum of 10 years. How has the Minden St. Jude Auction hung on for 50 years? It’s tragic to say, but there has been a high incidence of children with cancer in Minden for the last 50 years. “And Minden rallies around its children.”
For instance, St. Jude’s always picked the auction dates for Minden. Then, one year, the date landed on the same weekend as the Super Bowl.
“We just knew we weren’t going to do well that year. Not everybody had cable,” Cynthia recalled. “But then Denise Whaley, a twin and the daughter of Toby and Susan Whaley, died after spending about two weeks at St. Jude’s.” Susan was working for KASO Radio at the time.
Minden did as Minden does, it came together and supported the Whaley family by supporting the auction. Cora Lou Robinson, a rabid supporter of the auction, painted a portrait of the Whaley twins and it was auctioned off, with the understanding that the painting would be given to Toby and Susan.
However, the name of the bidder who won wasn’t readable (remember, everything was done by hand). Cynthia called the phone number on the bid sheet and found out the winners were Greg and Samantha Beech of Shreveport. Not only did they donate the portrait to the Whaley family, they have volunteered every year since.
Denise Whaley. Stanton Haynes. Brock Castle. Justin Morris. And too many more have fallen victim to childhood cancers. Most of those cancers are curable today. And there have been success stories as well.
Raising money for St. Jude’s happens in various ways, from Chili Cook-offs, with Susan Whaley’s Sunday School Class at First Methodist supplying the back-up chili to stretch sales, to every school in south Webster Parish collecting yearly, starting with Cora Lou Robinson’s classes at Richardson Elementary.
“I attribute what the schools raise today to Cora Lou,” Cynthia noted. And the success of the chili cook-offs can in large part be attributed to George French.
Cynthia remembers the time that she got a call from an “older” woman, who told her she wanted to make a contribution, but Cynthia would have to pick it up. “She told me she’d been hiding the money from her kids and grandkids. It was over $200, which was like $1,000 to you and me.”
One year there was a piano that had to be picked up in bad weather. The job got done, and it was a beautiful piano. The first raffle was A Teddy Bear.
Cynthia, who is in remission from cancer, says that she looks at childhood cancer differently because of her experience. “The chemo…the radiation. I can’t imagine sending my child to go through what I did.”
The former chairman of the Minden St. Jude Auction is the daughter of the late Richard B. and Vesta Garrison. Her grandfather, William Richard Garrison, and her father, were both tax assessors for Webster Parish. Her dad served over 40 years. She had one brother, the late William R. (Dickie) Garrison.
She is married to Joe Payne, and they have two sons, Adam Payne and Daniel Payne. Joe has worked in Materials Management at Minden Medical Center for over 20 years. Cynthia is a 1976 graduate of Minden High School, and she attended Louisiana Tech University.
“You cannot say enough good things about St. Jude’s,” Cynthia said. “You hear it’s a happy place, which is hard to believe, but it’s true. And they think Minden is a special place.”
There is no denying that the Minden St. Jude Auction is an “all hands-on deck” outfit with many working parts going on behind the scenes. It takes all kinds to make this auction successful year after year. Two of the OGs, Charlotte Reynolds and Annette McDaniel, have filled multiple roles since the inception… 50 auctions ago.
Auction chair Laura Hollingsworth describes the duo as being anchors for their team.
“Annette and Charlotte are the longest working volunteers up here. They are two very special ladies and love the St. Jude mission with all their hearts,” she said. “We are blessed beyond measure to have them.
Charlotte can be found sitting behind a computer inputting raffle item bids (probably grateful that she no longer must do it by hand) while Annette is busily taking care of the paperwork that ensues following the announcements of the ones winning all the raffles.
When speaking to these two there is no denying the leaps and bounds the auction has experienced over the last five decades.
“I started working at the auction during the first one,” said Annette. “Mr. Pete Treat came to the Lion’s Club and asked us if we would be interested in helping him do a fundraiser after his child passed away.”
Unknowing at the time that she would be able to relate to his story many years later when her own great-grandson, Brock, would be diagnosed.
Annette frequented St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital while Brock was being treated and was amazed at the differences since her first visit.
“When I first went to St. Jude the kids were behind plexiglass. They were not allowed to touch their loved ones while they were being treated,” she said. “After years of research by the hospital, they are now able to walk up and down the halls and participate in a ton of activities. If you’ve never been or had a child go there, you cannot imagine what that place is like. The best thing is that none of it costs the patient one thin dime.”
St. Jude provides the patient and their families with treatments, transportation, food, housing and much more. They can provide these services at no cost due to donations made by the Minden St. Jude Auction and other supporters throughout the year. It costs approximately $1 million dollars a day to run the facility.
“I never imagined we would make $1 million much less $2 million,” said Annette. “But every donation counts. No matter how big or how small.”
She reflected on the amount that was raised during their first year raffling off everything from Cokes, cakes and covers. She said, “It was just a tad over $25K I believe.”
Charlotte, who began volunteering at the auction when it was still taking place at the radio is fully aware of the work that began Thursday as the auction kicked off.
“After the auction every year, I am so tired, but me being tired for a week is nothing compared to what those kids and their families go through as they are being treated for cancer,” she said. “So, me being tired is worth it. We know why we are up here…it’s for the children.”
The auction will run until Sunday, February 9. You may visit on-site at the Minden Civic Center, or tune in LIVE on KASO-AM 1240 or KBEF-FM 104.5, Optimum cable channel 11 or watch through live stream on the website: www.mindenstjude.com .
A pair of parades scheduled to wind through Minden streets Saturday, Feb. 15 will be under close scrutiny by local agencies to ensure the safety of both participants and anticipated crowds.
Officials from the Minden Police Department, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security, Ward Marshal’s Office and the City of Minden met Thursday to organize a security game plan for the MLK Black History Parade/Youth Rally and Mardi Gras parades, both scheduled the same day.
Plans include closing nearly 40 city street intersections along the parade routes, securing major intersections with obstacles to discourage potential vehicle intrusion and traffic control once the events are completed.
Routes to redirect traffic during parades have also been outlined, and exit routes after the parades have ended have been identified. Plans also have been made to ensure all agencies are on the same radio frequencies.
“One thing to remember is the tragedy that occurred in New Orleans was after the parade had ended. We would want to focus on what we need to do to maintain a presence for a period of time after these are over,” said Brian Williams, Webster Parish Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Chief of Police Jared McIver said his department, in conjunction with Homeland Security and the Sheriff’s Office, could provide drone coverage of the parades to add another layer of security.
“This would give us a different view of things…it would allow us to see the areas that are congested and might need extra patrolling,” he said.
Officers in marked cars will be manning intersections, and side-by-sides from city police and Homeland Security will be constantly monitoring the parades. First responders will also be on hand at the staging area at Minden Presbyterian Church’s parking lot on Broadway.
“We want to be sure our presence is known,” McIver said.
Taelor Hamsher, 33-year-old white female, is wanted for allegedly battering a co-worker during a verbal altercation at their job in May, 2024.
Anyone with information on Taelor Hamsher 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.
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.
It may be a while before City of Minden officials see the fruits of their recent trip to Washington DC, but seeds were planted with federal departments that should help with much-needed projects to see Minden grow.
One way to grow is with a good water system.
Mayor Nick Cox and city councilmen Andy Pendergrass, Carleton Myles and Michael Roy took a flight to the nation’s capital to discuss funding for Phases 2 and 3 of a planned water project.
Phase 2: Miller Quarters Water Trunk Replacement Project
The city is seeking nearly $2.5 million in federal, state and local funding to replace a 100-year old 10” water main, which connects downtown Minden’s elevated water tank to the city’s water treatment plant.
This water main is looped from two different directions to provide resiliency to the city’s distribution network but is unable to continue to meet the needs of Minden’s 11,248 residents, 4,817 households and nearly 400 businesses. The Miller Quarters Water Trunk Replacement Project stretches from the water treatment plant to downtown or approximately 5,600 feet.
Project timeline is 16 months
Funding & Support Needed
Estimated Funding Needed: $2,456,000
Construction: $1,992,100
Engineering: $166,000
Topographic Surveying: $7,500
Boundary Surveying (if required): $9,500
Right-of-Way Acquisition (if required): $15,000
Project Representation: $66,500
Contingencies: $199,400
Potential Funding Opportunities
• U.S. Economic Development Administration
Public Works Program
• FY 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending
Phase 3: Main Street Water Trunk Replacement Project
For this phase – at a much laster date – The City of Minden is seeking more than $1.96 million in federal, state and local funding to replace a century-old 10” water main, which connects downtown Minden’s elevated water tank to the city’s water treatment plant.
This water main is looped from two different directions to provide resiliency to the city’s distribution network. The Main Street Water Replacement Project stretches from Miller Street to downtown or approximately 1,500 feet.
“This is the nightmare phase that no one has ever wanted to tackle,” Cox said. “But we are having water issues in that area. We are going to have to bite the bullet and do it. That line is getting brittle and keeps breaking.”
Project timeline is 18 months
Funding & Support Needed
Estimated Funding Needed: $1,961,000
Construction: $1,581,100
Engineering: $134,000
Topographic Surveying: $7,000
Boundary Surveying (if required): $9,000
Right-of-Way Acquisition (if required): $15,000
Project Representation: $56,500
Contingencies: $158,400
Potential Funding Opportunities
• Delta Regional Authority Community
Infrastructure Fund
• FY 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending
Minden’s contingency, along with lobbyist Alex Holland requested aid for several projects that could actually be funded by more than one department in a layering move referred to as “Capital Stacking.”
Cox said with Holland’s help, the group made presentations to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development and Delta Regional Authority.
Already funded and in the works is Phase 1, replacing the 100-year-old Shreveport Road water main.
In October 2024, City Hall received word of a $509,000 grant to fund most of the Shreveport Road water main.
The city originally budgeted $650,000 of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to replace the Shreveport Road water main from the railroad tracks to the water tower.
States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) is a competitive grant program through Delta Regional Authority provides direct investments for basic public infrastructure.
With this grant, only a portion of the budgeted ARPA money will be needed, which means the rest can be used for other projects.
City of Minden Public Works Director Tyler Wallace said bids for the Shreveport Road project will be opened at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 26.
“It’s possible the council will be able to vote to award the project at the March meeting,” he said.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, February 15, downtown Minden will be the site of MLK/Black History Parade celebration and a fun-filled day.
This year the parade will have 40 entries including seven bands for the fan-favorites’ Battle of the Bands. Competing are Minden High, Webster Junior High, Mansfield High, Woodlawn and Green Oaks from Shreveport as well as Ridgewood Band and Arcadia High School. Judges will be Jasmine Cooksey, LaGatha,D.Coleman McCoy.
Local vendors will be on-hand and the Youth Rally with Scholarship Winners will take place.
Gloria Smith Moody will serve as Grand Marshal of the parade.
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Mrs. Moody has spent a lifetime dedicated to education, Black history and civic engagement, leaving an enduring impact on countless students and community members.
Growing up in a hardworking family, the daughter of Thomas and Ollie Mae Smith, she was one of eight siblings—five brothers and two sisters.
A proud graduate of Scotlandville High School, Class of 1961, Mrs. Moody achieved the prestigious honor of Salutatorian. She continued her education at Southern University, earning her Master’s degree and Plus 30 in History and Library Science. Her love for history—especially Black history and civics—would become the foundation of her teaching career.
In 1967, at just 23 years old, Mr. Leon Hayes recruited Mrs. Moody to teach at Webster High School.
She was instrumental in launching the Veterans Program at Lakeside Jr. High, ensuring that veterans—especially Black veterans—were recognized and honored for their service. She also led the 4-H program, inspiring students to be engaged citizens.
Even in retirement, Mrs. Moody remains a fierce advocate for Black history education. On her 75th birthday, she personally purchased and distributed more than 75 Black history books to families in the community. She has also donated books to local schools in Webster Parish and maintains a personal Black history museum in her home. Her motto is simple but powerful: “History repeats itself.”
