Friday

A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Friday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 a.m. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Saturday

Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. High near 77. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

Saturday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 10 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 10 p.m. and 1a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday

Cloudy, with a high near 58.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 65.

* Information provided by the National Weather Service.

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By Paige Gurgainers

In preparation for the upcoming Scottish Tartan Festival set to take place at Miller Quarters Park next weekend, April 12, members of the Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands will be gathering at Under Dawgs at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5.  

Minden Mayor Nick Cox will be reading a proclamation designating April 6 as National Tartan Day.  

“The Proclamation of Tartan Day kind of sets the stage for the upcoming Scottish Tartan Festival,” said festival coordinator Shelia Hoh. “Tartan Day actually occurs on April 6 each year and marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath in Scotland.” 

The declaration took place over 700 years ago and serves as a formal statement declaring the beginning of Scotland’s independence from England, which according to Hoh is the entire basis and reason for celebration at their annual festival.  

This event will boast a wide range of family-friendly activities throughout the day including live entertainment, vendors, dog show, Highland games, contests such as haggis eating and bonniest knees, food trucks, demonstrations and the return of an old favorite – Highland cows.  

Tickets to the event can be purchased now on their website https://www.scottishtartanfestival.com/ and will be available the day of the event.  

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We are currently in the season of Lent, leading up to Good Friday and Easter services. If your church or non-profit organization is planning events and services for the Lenten and Easter season, please email information to wpjnewsla@gmail.com and we will add it to a special calendar. Thank you!

April 17

7 p.m. Living Lord’s Supper, living dramatization, First Methodist Church, Minden, 903 Broadway. No cost admission. Public is invited.

April 18

6:30 p.m., “A Picture of Calvary” Easter play. Pine Grove Methodist Church, 4549 Lewisville Rd., Minden. This is an Easter play that will take you back in time, back over 2,000 years to the foot of an old rugged cross. We invite you join us for this extremely moving presentation of the gospel.

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Above ground gardening has become a big deal.  There are so many different ways to build this garden.  I’ve seen wood, metal, water troughs, feed tubs and so on.  It’s an easy to learn about gardening.  Let’s get a competition going.  Everyone in the family can have a small garden and grow vegetables and the one with the most yield wins the prize.  The real winner would be that the family gets to eat some fresh healthy vegetables.  

But what do I do to get the garden bed started.  First,  you need to get the bottom filled.  You don’t need to spend a lot of money to do this.  Limbs, cardboard, and anything organic that will break down over time.  This will provide a good drainage for the rest of the soil.  

What about the other soil?  I don’t like to recommend potting soil for the beds.  Potting soil tends to pack.  Use better products like a compost, cow manure, and some top soil.  Most garden stores have a great selection of the bagged soils that you need.  I have a friend that brought me a load of mulch.  That was a really nice thing to do.    A lot of this you can find easily in the woods or farms.  Don’t use cow manure from farms that spray pesticides on their fields.  The pesticides used carry on in the cow manure.  you can also use rabbit and chicken manure as additives for your garden.  Get a shovel or use your hands and mix all of the soils really well before you plant anything.  

The next step is to get your plants and seed.  Find healthy plants, and good seed and get going.  With good care, in a few months you will be ready for harvest.  

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal.)

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Glenbrook and Lakeside each picked up softball wins Wednesday, with the Lady Apaches getting past Caddo Magnet in a big way and the Lady Warriors easing past Minden.

Lakeside 10, Minden 6

Lakeside  took the lead in the bottom of the first inning when Meredith Robinson singled and Teal Austin doubled to each drive in a run.

A single by Tatum Oliver gave Minden the 3-2 lead in the top of the second.

Emily Jones pounded a two-run homer in the bottom of the third and Raleah Harris scored on a sacrifice fly to give the Lady Warriors a 5-4 lead, but an Oliver single got Minden back into a tie in the top of the fourth.

Lakeside took the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth inning on McKenna Chreene’s RBI single and Robinson’s RBI producing ground out.

Chreene earned the win for Lakeside, surrendering nine hits and six runs (three earned) over seven innings while striking out 10 and walking one. Ryan took the loss for Minden.

Jones led the Lady Warriors with two hits and three runs batted in. Harris, and Robinson also collected two hits each. Bray Lewis stole three bases as Lakeside picked up seven steals in the game.

Oliver and Leigha Kennon Gillbert  each collected two hits and Oliver led Minden with three runs batted in.

Glenbrook 16, Caddo Magnet 1

Hallie Harmon and Gabi Brown each connected for home runs and the Lady Apaches scored in bunches to get the win.

Glenbrook got on the board in the bottom of the first inning when Anna Vining drove in one run on a groundout, followed by Harmon’s two-run shot.

Another seven runs crossed the plate on six hits in the bottom of the second inning. Ellie Earnhardt singled, scoring two runs, Colby Hollis tripled, scoring two runs, Vining singled, scoring one run, and Brown produced her two-run blast.

Glenbrook scored five times on four hits in the bottom of the fourth inning. Harmon singled, Gracie Heard tripled,  Chloe Gregg singled  and Vivian Still added a sacrifice fly for the runs.

Rebecca Mosley earned the win, giving up one hit over four innings.

Grace Chaisson took the loss for Caddo Magnet.

Glenbrook had 12 hits in the game, led by Still, Brown, Gregg, and Harmon with two each. Brown, Earnhardt, Hollis, and Harmon each drove in two runs.

Landry McLamb led the Lady Mustangs with one hit in two at bats.

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By Paige Gurgainers

The Young Women’s Service Club (YWSC) of Minden is preparing for their annual Easter Bash scheduled for this Sunday, April 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Babb Park. 

There will be close to 1,500 eggs stuffed with candy and small treats hidden throughout the fields that will be marked by age group. The hunt will begin at 2:30 p.m. 

Bounce houses and treats will be available at the park along with another exciting addition – the Minden Civitan’s have graciously decided to donate and giveaway five brand-new bicycles at the event.  

Make plans to attend and enjoy an afternoon of Easter fun with the YWSC. This event is free to the public.  

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) would like to remind hunters that the take of juvenile male turkeys (jakes) is prohibited except for properly licensed youth 17 and under, who may only take one per season.

A jake is defined as having a beard less than six inches and a spur less than 0.5 inch.

Adult hunters may take one adult gobbler (male turkey) per day and two per season. An adult gobbler is defined by having one of the following: Wing feathers that have white barring all the way to the tip, tail feathers that are the same length, beard that is longer than six inches or a spur that is at least 0.5 inch long.

The Louisiana turkey season begins Saturday (April) 5.

Turkey hunting in Area A runs from April 5-May 4, Area B from April 5-27 and Area C from April 5-20.

Turkey hunters are required to have a basic hunting license and wild turkey license, or an equivalent combination. A youth hunting license and turkey tags are required for those 17 or younger hunting turkey. To purchase a hunting license, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/hunting-licenses-permits-tags.

Prior to hunting turkey, all turkey hunters, regardless of age or license status, must obtain turkey tags. They must have the tags in their possession while hunting turkey, and immediately after harvesting a turkey, tag the turkey before moving it from where it was killed. Hunters must record required information for tagged turkeys and validate tags within 72 hours of harvesting a turkey. To obtain turkey tags and to validate tags online, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/turkey-tags.

Many LDWF Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) offer turkey hunting during the season, including, but not limited to, Fort Johnson-Vernon, Fort Johnson North, Clear Creek, Bodcau, Big Lake and Tunica Hills WMAs. However, turkey season is closed on some WMAs, including Richard K. Yancey and Sherburne WMAs.

For a complete list of WMAs open to turkey hunting and more information on WMA turkey hunting, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/assets/Resources/Publications/Regulations/2024-2025-Hunting-Regulations.pdf.

All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. Go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/wmarefugeconservation-area-licenses-and-permits for more information.

For more information on turkey hunting in Louisiana, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/subhome/turkey or contact LDWF Small Game/Wild Turkey Program Manager Cody Cedotal at ccedotal@wlf.la.gov.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court on Monday, April 7, 2025:

ANDERSON, DMITRI

INCOMING Felony Carnal Knowledge Of A Juvenile

ANDERSON, MELISSA

97589 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

ANDERSON, MELISSA

98185 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

BAUGH, MELAINA

99305A Cruelty To Juveniles

BESHEA, CALVIN ROY

99487 Indecent Behavior with Juveniles

BOYD, SCOTTY DEANDRE

99506 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By  Convicted Felon

BRIDGES, BRICE

99317 Forgery

CADE, JIMMY ROY

98440 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

CAREY, DEMETRIC A.

98856-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

98856-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

COLEMAN, GEORGERICK

99563 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

COLEMAN, MARCUS CHARLES

93711 Theft between $5,000 and $25,000

$11,584.00 restitution to Paul Rogers + $1,737 = $13,321 Balance as of 4/1/25 is $1,900

COLLIER, KASEY JO

INCOMING Aggravated Burglary

Restitution owed to the victim per the victim impact statement- $4,250, plus $637.50 fee = $4,887.50 total

COOPER, CANDICE MICHELLE

96954 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

97946-CT.1 Second Degree Battery

97946-CT.2 Aggravated Second Degree Battery

97946-CT.3 False Imprisonment With A Dangerous Weapons

FRAZIER, DELANDRY

99071 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

HOOVER, ROBERT

99415 Ct. 1 Simple Battery

99415 Ct. 2 Disturbing The Peace

HUDSON, BRIAN RAYNARD

99472 Possession of a Schedule IV CDS

JOHNSON, PHOENIX D.

99430 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

JOHNSON, RAEGAN K.

99566 Second Degree Battery

LEAKE, ELROY JEWELL

98911 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

LEWIS, ARTISHA S

99075 Issuing Worthless Checks ($999 – $4,999)

Restitution owed $3020.93 Balance as of 4/1/25 is $2820.93

LEWIS, MATTHEW D.

99371 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

LEWIS, MATTHEW D.

98306 Home Invasion

MASON, JACOBY

98941 Vehicular Homicide

MATTHEWS, SHIRLINA

99379 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

MCCONNAUGHEY, MICHAEL JASON

96177 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense

MCKNIGHT, CODY A

74,266 Poss. Cocaine

MCKNIGHT, CODY A

74,267 Simple Possession Of Marijuana

MENDENHALL, XIKERION D.

99363 Armed Robbery

Restitution owed to the victim per the impact statement- $800, plus $120 fee = $920 total

MILLER, DEDRICK

99405 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MILLER, SAMUEL CODY

97422 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

MILLER, SAMUEL CODY

98785 Violation Of Protective Order

ONEAL, ANGELO DEON

97747 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

ONEAL, ANGELO DEON

99454-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99454-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99454-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

ONEAL, ANGELO DEON

99454-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99454-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99454-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

Total bond $137,000

PEEVEY, VALARIE MARIE

99566 Second Degree Battery

POWELL, CHELSEY R

97330 Theft of $5000 or More but Less than $25,000

Restitution owed to the victim per report $9,610.27 plus $1,441.54 fee = $11,051.81 total

Restitution has been paid in full.

RASCO, DOMONIC MARKELL

98549 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

ROBERTS, CALEB MATTHEW

INCOMING Assault by drive-by shooting

INCOMING Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

ROBINSON, VERICO JAMES

99564-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99564-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99564-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99564-CT.4 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99564-CT.5 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

ROGERS, JEFFERY WAYNE

99570 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

RUSHING, ZACHAREY TODD

INCOMING Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS

INCOMING Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with Evidence

SHELTON, AYANNA DEMARQUINE

98815 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

SIMS, JALESHIA

98945 Ct. 1 Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)

98945 Ct. 2 Improper Child Restraint

STANLEY, LEDARIUS DSHON

98709 Ct. 1 Simple Cruelty to Animals

WALKER, DEMARIO MARQUIS

99170 Home Invasion

WALKER, DEMARIO MARQUIS

99170 Home Invasion

Total bond $150,000

WALKER, DEXTER D.

99472A Possession of a Schedule IV CDS

WALLACE, DATRAEVION

96357-CT.1 Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

96357-CT.2 Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

96357-CT.3 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

WASHINGTON, KEYEZ LASHAWN

99340 Ct. 1 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

99340 Ct. 2 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

WEBB, DMARION MALIQUE

99475 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property

WHEELER, STEFAN ANDRE

99457 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

WILLIAMS, JAMARON DAVON

99232 Obstruction Of Justice

Please make forfeiture of $468 in US Currency part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

WOLF, KAYLIE

98411 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

WOODS, JR., CHARLES WAYNE

98241-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

98241-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

98241-CT.3 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

YOUNG, STEPHEN RYLAND

98891 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

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

April 5

8 a.m. until noon – Help prep the Miller Quarters Park in Minden for upcoming Tartan Festival.

April 6

1 until 4 p.m. Easter Family Funday, Victory Park. Food, games, prizes, egg hunt.

April 8

1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Doyline Branch of Webster Parish Libraries. Pysanky Egg Classes. Make your own Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Supplies limited. Adults or teens must register through WPL app, call branch manager or Shelley at 318-371-3080 X 142.

April 9

8 a.m.until noon – Minden, City-Wide Clean Up Day. Then, let’s CELEBRATE! After all that hard work, we’re throwing a Thank You After-Party & Awards Ceremony at Miller Quarters Park on April 9 at Noon. Enjoy music, food, games, and FUN as we honor your efforts!

Awards will be given for: Most Spirited Team, Largest Team, Most Litter Collected. Businesses & Organizations, get a team together and Sign up today! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4AAAAA2CABFB6-55632417-2025#/

2 p.m. Minden Branch of Webster Parish Libraries. Pysanky Egg Classes. Make your own Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Supplies limited. Adults or teens must register through WPL app, call branch manager or Shelley at 318-371-3080 X 142.

April 12

8:25 a.m. Phillips 5K, a benefit run for Phillip’s Cottage, Minden. Tickets: run signup.com/Race/LA/Minden/PhillipSCottageK.

10 a.m. 23rd annual Scottish Tartan Festival, Miller Quarters Park, Minden. scottishtartanfestival.com.

11 a.m. The Lucky Pup Easter Bunny Photos, 217 North Main, Springhill. Egg hunt at 1 p.m.

11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Community Easter Extravaganza, Springhill City Park, N. Main St., Springhill. Sponsored by St. Rest Baptist Church. Egg hunt, food, picture with Easter Bunny, bike give-away.

7 p.m. Piney Woods Jamboree, CAC building, Springhill. Jack Daniels Family.

April 14

5:30 p.m. Doors open for Night at the Museum, Minden. Museum Director Jessica Gorman shares story of a letter and highlight the importance of preserving an sharing old letters, photos and documents. Admission is free; donations encouraged. Pot luck snacks and desserts. Seating is limited.

April 17

7 p.m. Living Lord’s Supper, living dramatization, First Methodist Church, Minden, 903 Broadway. No cost admission. Public is invited.

April 19

3-5 p.m., Easter Egg Hunt Fest, Beech Springs Baptist Church. The public is invited.

April 18

1 p.m. Easter egg hunt for all youth, Pine Grove Methodist Church, 4549 Lewisville Rd., Minden.

April 26

11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Furry Friends Fundraiser, Under Dawgs Sports Grill, 605 Main Street, Minden. Percentage of proceeds will be donated to LaMa Animal Rescue to help with vet bills and expenses incurred from Doyline hoarding situation.

April 29

10 a.m. until 2 p.m.,Greater Minden Chamber Job Fair and Resource Expo 2025. Minden Civic Center. There is no charge for a business or resource provider to participate. There are a limited number of spots available. Please respond no later than Thursday, April 24. Spots are first come, first serve. Contact the chamber at 318-377-4240 or info@mindenchamber.com . Event is in partnership with Coordinating & Development Corporation, City of Minden, Webster Parish Schools, Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College and Louisiana Workforce Commission.

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of March 28 through April 3. Civil Suits are public record.

March 28

Samuel Earl Mims, succession over $125K.

Barclays Bank vs. Alison Pearlina Smith, monies due.

American Express National Bank vs. John Waters, monies due.

Mission Financial Services vs. On Time Transportation LLC, Derrick Thomas Jackson, Syreeta Nicole Jackson, monies due.

Bank of America vs. Robin A. Herman, monies due.

Kenneth Wallace II vs. Donyetta Strange, protective order.

TD Bank USA vs. Ashley B. Wallace, monies due.

March 31

Lawanda Gail McClure Redmond, succession over $125K.

Westlake Services LLC vs. Demond Kinnard, judgment executory & garnishment.

21st Mortgage Corporation vs. Roland Alfred Boudreau, executory process.

Assurance Financial Group LLC vs. Kerry Garland, Payton Garland, executory process.

April 1

Richard Jenkins on behalf of his deceased daughter Alexis Hardman vs. Jeffrey Giddens, Medical Review Panel.

Carter Federal Credit Union vs. Michael Shawn Lawler, monies due.

CMG Mortgage Inc. vs. Tarra Smith, Christopher S. Smith, executory process.

Cameron Breane Day vs. Johnathan Quinton Hardiman, custody.

April 2

Byron Renee Marcel, Succession over $125K.

April 3

Tommie Jackson, succession under $125K.

Chauncey Fuggins vs. L&A Well Service, Lee Johnson, damages.

Belinda Vela Ryder vs. Firal Clay Ryder, divorce w/children.

TD Bank USA vs. Christy Dickey, monies due.

Service Fire Insurance Co. vs. Willie D. Chandler, damages.

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Charles S. Brown

November 25, 1941 — April 1, 2025

Minden, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m. Monday, April 7, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.

Burial: Cotton Valley Cemetery

Timothy Allen Matthews

October 31, 1957 – March 27, 2025

Minden, La.

Visitation: 1 p.m., Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Lakeview Methodist in Minden

Funeral service: 2 p.m., Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Lakeview Methodist in Minden

Mary Evelyn Hammontree

August 20, 1939  –  March 27, 2025

Cotton Valley, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, April 4, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home.

Burial: Cotton Valley Cemetery, Cotton Valley, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Michael D. Prince

March 22, 2025

Heflin, La.

Memorial service: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, Church of the Cross, Haughton, La.

Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)

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By Pat Culverhouse

An unknown number of debit and credit cards, including state SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) cards, may have been victimized by a skimming device discovered by Minden investigators Wednesday at a local business.

Chief of Police Jared McIver said the device, which can easily be attached to machines which accept cards, was found at only one cash register station at Minden’s Southern Market, formerly Sav-A-Lot, on East Union.

“We know approximately 1,200 SNAP cards were skimmed over the last few days, but there’s no way of knowing right now how many other credit or debit cards have been affected,” the Chief said. “The numbers could run into the thousands.”

Investigators will have to wait for billing cycles to roll around, perhaps 30 or more days, before credit and debit card holders will get a chance to view their bills, he pointed out.

“The numbers will most likely be huge,” said Det. Lt. Jason Smith, head of the MPD’s Criminal Investigation Division. “And with information we have received, there are other jurisdictions that have been hit, most likely by the same people.”

Smith said the individuals applying the skimmers used one stolen number to make a purchase at a business in Ouachita Parish around the Monroe area.

“That leads us to believe they’re traveling Interstate 20, stopping at targeted businesses and installing their devices,” Smith said. “They are most likely hitting stores like the one here…individually owned businesses in selected areas, and where security is not very strict.”

Installing the skimming device takes only a matter of seconds, and can easily be accomplished while a cashier is busy checking items or is distracted. Because of its design, the device is practically undetectable.

“This one was attached using a small amount of adhesive, so an initial tug wouldn’t dislodge it,” Smith said. “When we searched the second time and gave a good yank, it came out.”

While the investigators must wait for additional information to judge the impact on credit and debit card holders, one group of card recipients will feel an immediate—and unfortunate—blow.

“SNAP cards have money assigned only once for each month, and that’s just like cash. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. These people apparently have taken everything from each account, and those whose card was skimmed will be left without the ability to purchase food,” Smith said.

Smith said the best chance of finding the individuals responsible for the skimming lies in surveillance cameras in businesses along their chosen route.

“Another jurisdiction may have the good fortune to capture on tape the images of those individuals, their car…anything that will help identify the subjects,” he said. “We’ve already viewed many hours of tape at the local store and we’re looking at more hoping to come up with something.”

McIver suggested that anyone who may have used any type of card at Southern Market during the past month should change their PIN as a precaution.

“Card numbers are usually sold on the dark web or shipped overseas, and that might take a month or two to complete,” he said. “If individuals act quickly, it could help prevent any damaging use of that card number.”

McIver also urged anyone with information on the incident to contact Minden police at 318-371-4226. Any information received will be held in confidence.

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By Zoe Pickett

The Springhill Farmers Market is back for 2025, offering fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and a lively community atmosphere right in the heart of Springhill. Hosted by Springhill Main Street, this free, family-friendly event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on select Saturdays: April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September, October 4 .

The market provides a platform for local entrepreneurs, helping small businesses thrive. Don’t miss this chance to shop local and support the community.

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Thursday

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Thursday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Friday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Saturday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 77. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

* Information provided by the National Weather Service.

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Lady Apaches 15, Loyola College Prep 0

Vivian Still, Chloe Gregg and Gabi Brown each homered Tuesday, and Glenbrook pushed across eight runs in the fourth inning as the Lady Apaches roared past Loyola College Prep 15-0.

Still kicked off the big inning with a solo home run to left, then Gregg  nailed a grand slam and Ellie Earnhardt doubled to drive in another run.

Glenbrook had opened the scoring in the top of the first thanks to a pair of doubles, with Brown getting the RBI to put the Lady Apaches up 1-0.

Five more crossed in the second, thanks to a Colby Hollis single and Brown’s home run.

Savannah Mangrum got the win for Glenbrook and Larkin Krieg took the loss for Loyola.

Brown and Hadley Haynes each collected two hits for Glenbrook and Gregg had four RBI on a one-for-three day at the plate.

Anna Morris and Jillian Drouillard each collected one hit for Loyola.

Glenbrook 10, Neville 0

Glenbrook’s Apaches got the week off to a good start with a pair of wins including a shutout victory over perennial powerhouse Neville.

Easton Sanders turned in a dominating pitching performance, ringing up 10 strikeouts while giving up just two hits in five innings and walking none in the win Monday.

Glenbrook broke open a pitcher’s duel with nine runs in the fifth inning on the way to victory. A Sanders double scored one run and three more crossed the plate on Tigers’ errors. Then,  Ryan Reagan singled in one run, Sam Ricord had a sacrifice fly and Hudson Glasscock hammered a two-run triple.

Until the big fifth inning, Sanders had dueled Neville starter Jack Goode, who had allowed only one hit but had seen six unearned runs cross the plate. Goode had recorded seven strikeouts over four and one-third innings. Brock Jordan took the loss for Neville in relief.

Sanders, Reagan, and Glasscock each collected one hit for Glenbrook, and Dawson Day and Glasscock each drove in two runs. Parker Franks and Connor Ajlani had the Neville hits.

Glenbrook 3, Family Community Christian 2

Jackson Waller’s solo home run to center field in the bottom of the eighth inning gave the Apaches its walk-off win.

Family Community Christian had scored first in the top of the fourth to break up a pitching duel, but the Apaches came back to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth on an FCC error.

Sam Ricord earned the win in relief for Glenbrook, allowing one hit and no runs over two innings. Gavin Griffing took the loss for the Warriors in relief. Blayne Lord had started for FCC and pitched no-hit ball over five innings, giving up one unearned run.

Dawson Day and Waller each drove in one run for Glenbrook and Waller had a two-for-two day at the plate.

Chase McMurray and Dylan Dunn each collected two hits for the Warriors and each drove in a run.

(Stats and info provided by GameChanger Media.)

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Lady Tiders 12, Lady Rebels 4

Leigha Kennon Gilbert collected three hits in four at bats and Lindsay Ryan allowed just two hits and struck out 14 Summerfield hitters as the Minden Lady Tiders defeated the Lady Rebels 12-4 Monday.

Minden scored first when Tatum Oliver singled and Ryan tripled to center to go up 2-0, but Summerfield came back for a 3-2 lead in the top of the third.  A 10-run explosion on nine hits in the bottom of the inning put Minden ahead to stay.

Melanie Salmon took the loss for the Lady Rebels, going six innings and allowing 12 runs on 13 hits.

Ryan provided pop for the Lady Tiders with three hits in four at-bats and three runs batted in. Kennon Gilbert also had three hits and Oliver and Lizzie Balkom each collected multiple hits.

North DeSoto Griffins 9, Minden Crimson Tide 3

A pair of home runs powered the way as the North DeSoto Griffins got past Minden by a 9-3 score Tuesday.

North DeSoto got on the board in the first inning when Reni Mason connected for a solo home run, then broke a tie at 2-2 when Miller Warren produced a two-run homer.

A sacrifice fly by Bryson Ranger had briefly given the Crimson Tide a 2-1 lead in the top of the third. Cole Cory singled to left field to bring the Griffins into a tie.

Luke Delafield picked up the win for North DeSoto, giving up eight hits and three runs over six and two-thirds innings, striking out eight and walking none. Ranger took the loss for Minden.

Landyn Huddleston led Minden with three hits in four at bats. Mason and Cory each collected two hits and drove in three runs apiece to lead North DeSoto.

(Stats and info provided by GameChanger Media.)

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Doyline managed a split in a pair of early week games, roaring past Southwood’s Cowboys Monday  before falling to Quitman Tuesday.

Doyline 16, Southwood 1

An 11-run outburst in the first inning put the game out of reach as Doyline took advantage of 11 walks in the contest. Zach Normand’s two-run double was the big hit in the inning.

Doyline added another pair of runs in the second when Noah Spears tripled.

Normand earned the win for the Panthers and Chadarius Rhines took the loss for Southwood.

Ayden Moreno-Taule, Normand, and Spears each collected one hit for Doyline and Normand, Kenneth Anderson, and Spears each drove in two runs.

Jason Mosley led Southwood Varsity Cowboys with one hit and one run batted in.

Quitman 4, Doyline 1

Quitman jumped out front early when a Maddox Duck single, followed by a Doyline error pushed the Wolverines ahead 2-0, then winning pitcher Zach Smudricks shut down the Panthers with a two-hit, 13 strikeout performance.

Noah Spears took the loss for Doyline without giving up an earned run. He allowed only two hits, struck out eight and didn’t issue a walk over his six innings of work.

Zach Normand went one for three on the day with one RBI.  Zack Moseley had Doyline’s only other hit. Duck and Conner Oak each collected one hit for Quitman.

Doyline Lady Panthers 14, Haynesville 5

Karmadie Bartlett hit for the cycle and Doyline flipped the game with seven runs in the fifth inning to carry the Lady Panthers to a 14-5 win over Haynesville Tuesday.

Bartlett doubled in the first inning, had a solo home run and a triple in the big fifth, then singled in the seventh inning to complete her cycle.

Doyline scored in the first when Bartlett doubled to drive in one run and a triple by Savannah Stanley gave the Lady Panthers a 2-1 lead in the top of the third.

Five hits drove across five runs in the big fifth inning, with the key hit coming from Klaytin David with a two-RBI single.

Stanley was the winning pitcher,  giving up five hits and five runs (two earned) over seven innings, striking out five and walking two.

Doyline had 15 hits in the game with Lanie Gates picking up two hits in addition to Bartlett’s four. Stanley, Bartlett, and David each drove in three runs.

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One of the most impactful books I have read in recent years has been Rediscovering Israel, A fresh look at God’s story in its historical and cultural contexts, by Kristi McLelland. It is about learning and reading our Bibles through through their eyes, their culture, their idioms, their world. She guides us to see the difference between a Middle Eastern lens and a Western lens of reading Scripture. It has changed the way I read and interpret God’s Word. It has deepened my understanding of who God is and the impact of Jesus’s life and words in that time in history and what it means for us today. In the book, she talks about partnering with Jesus. The Jewish people refer to it as the tikkun olam, which means “the repair of the world.” She writes, “Jesus invites us to partner with Him in repairing the world He created.” That’s pretty amazing!

As Easter approaches and the resurrection of Jesus Christ will once again be remembered and celebrated, I am pondering anew what it looks like to partner with Jesus in the repair of the world. The river of love flowing from the Father, through Jesus to the world and through us by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We get to keep this love going!

Love that flows and never ends.

Love that flows offering grace and mercy.

Love that flows offering compassion and kindness.

Love that flows offering comfort and peace.

Love that flows offering hope.

Love that flows in the tikkun olam, “the repair of the world”

We love because he first loved us. ( 1 John 4:19) If we are in Christ, we have the ability to love and power of love in us. We have what it takes to partner with Him in the tikkin olam. As I am writing this, an old song my dad used to listen to came to mind – Let Your Love Flow by the Bellamy Brothers. Let these words, inspired by that song, encourage you today:

Let His love flow like a river

Let His love transform you from the inside out

Let His love carry you out into the world

Let His love send you places you never dreamed you would go

Let His love color all the places you go with beauty

Let His love shine through you and all around you

Let His love flow through you today

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NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology will host two STEM educational camps this summer for middle and high school students.

Robotics and Engineering Camp – Junior will be May 27-29. This camp is designed for students ages 9-12 and will accommodate up to 40 participants.  

Robotics and Engineering Camp – Advanced will be June 3-5.  This camp is geared toward students ages 13-17 and will host up to 20 participants.

Sessions will be from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Williamson Hall. 

Registration is free and will be open from noon Monday, April 28 through noon Friday, May 2. Details about the camps and registration forms are available on http://www.nsu.la/ETcamps

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Lakeside used a five-run sixth inning to nail down an 11-8 come-from-behind win Tuesday over the Cougars of Grant High.

A single by Eric Jones, a single by Peyton Gray, and a ground out from Brock Case pushed Lakeside ahead in the second inning, but Grant claimed a 7-5 lead in the top of the fifth, thanks to singles by Conner Smith, Carson Nation, and Eli Watkins.

Lakeside reclaimed the lead, scoring their five runs on three hits, with a two-run single by Case providing the difference.

Gray earned the win for Lakeside and Cole Pepiton took the loss for Grant.  Case, Jones, and Gray each collected two hits for the Warriors and Jon Jon Dick drove in three runs.

Grant had12 hits in the game with Watkins collecting three hits in four at bats to lead the team. Pepiton and Ryland Nation each collected multiple hits for the Cougars.

(Stats and info provided by GameChanger Media.)

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Emma Newsom rang up 12 strikeouts in a dominating mound performance to lead North Webster’s Lady Knights’s to a 5-3 victory over North Caddo Tuesday.

North Webster got out to a lead in the first, scoring on a wild pitch and following that up another in the second on a Jayden Beaty RBI single.

Nataleigh Ball took the loss for North Caddo. The starting pitcher went six innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on seven hits, striking out nine and walking two.

J’Siyah Bell went one-for-three with an RBI on the day, and Newsom, Ella Campbell, Beaty, Heavyn Gates, Bell, Layla DeMoss, and Anna Ray each added one hit for the Lady Knights.

Kylee Tunstall went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead North Caddo.

(Stats and info provided by GameChanger Media.)

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We’d play pitch before school. In class, we’d think about playing some more.

Then we’d play ball at recess. Little time was wasted choosing teams and positions. Everyone knew where to go, and no one could wait to get there.

Time was too precious. There was never enough of it during baseball season.

So I’m glad baseball season is in full swing. Big leagues, little leagues, everything in between. It helps me remember.

Baseball.

During daylight-saving time, we’d play after school, hours, until our mommas called us in to eat.

So we’d wash our hands quick. We’d eat quick.

And then we’d play some more.

On summer days when there was no work, we’d play from morning until night in a field behind the old sixth-grade school building across the rock road that ran in front of my house. It was a fine field: Pine woods guarded the right field line and ended behind home plate where a bean field began and ran up the third base and left field lines, up toward that rock road and past the side of that red-brick school.

The grass. From home plate, you saw a sea of clipped green. It stopped at the base of the building in deep left and then went on, endlessly, into center and right, rolling toward the church and the faraway curve in the rock road.

An infield was never cut into the grass; the infield just evolved. The baselines were turned to dirt by little running feet, and the dirt broadened around the bases where those feet made turns, ever toward home, and where infielders rested, gloves on knees, while somebody hunted for a foul ball hit into the woods or the field.

Because of the traffic there, those spots where the bases were became indentations in the earth. Home was both the most sacred and the most scarred. After a rain, that’s where the worst puddles were.

Always, though, the sun would come back, rising beyond center, baking afternoon outfielders, setting behind home plate, just like in the big leagues.

When it set, we sat. Had to. We’d have played until our hands nearly bled. Your fingers would be curled from holding the bat and your glove hand would smell like leather, and you’d bathe and try to rub the dirt and dust off your sun-soaked arms and legs and back, and then your momma or daddy would almost need to help you get around, because nothing was left.

It was all out there on the field.

Do you remember?

I love that field. I found my old dog Sport there one evening, dead from time, resting finally in the knee-high early winter grass of shallow right-center field. We buried him there. We buried him there on the field where he ran with us all those days, playing, as much a part of the game as the ball and the bat, as alive as any little boy.

That field. I could see it from my bedroom window, waiting. And at the start of another season, I see it now, holding memories, holding a childhood companion, holding me.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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By Jessica Gorman

Several years ago, our organization purchased the building adjacent to the museum. Work began on that building, was halted, and it has been unfinished ever since. Expanding the museum is a big step. I’ll admit it’s not one I saw us taking this year. January 1^st, it was not even a consideration, just this challenge that I was tasked with one day figuring out. Then, in a very short amount of time, several important conversations were had and the door started to open and I realized that I was being shown the path forward. It was time to act. And so, I asked my board for permission to proceed, and we are moving forward.

I’ll admit, it’s a little intimidating, a little scary, but it’s also a lot exciting. We hope that you are excited as well. Increasing our space provides us with the opportunity to better accommodate our visitors whether they are touring the museum to view our exhibits, attending a speaker event, or attending our annual gala. It will also provide the potential to expand our current museum programming. However, this expansion is not just about increasing physical space. It provides us with the opportunity to better serve our mission and better serve our community. We can better represent the history of our parish as a whole with new exhibits while developing space for research and better utilization of our historical resources.

There is so much more history for us to share through our museum exhibits, but we’ve been out of room for some time. We are acutely aware of the need to display the history of communities throughout our entire parish, but haven’t had the space to do that. This expansion also provides the opportunity to better serve researchers, whether their interest lies in local history or genealogy. It would allow space to expand our resource library and improve access to those resources.

Personally, I see the museum as a gift from the Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum, Inc. to our community. It is a place to house our collective history, to care for it, to learn more about it, and to share it with all of you. I feel a very personal responsibility to ensure we do that to the very best of our ability.

There is another component to this project and, to be honest, it’s the part of my job I don’t really like, raising money. As a nonprofit organization, fundraising is always necessary. The museum depends on the support of the community for its continued existence.  That support determines what the future of the museum looks like. We invite you to join us in expanding not only our physical space, but our ability to serve this community to the fullest extent possible, and to continue to do that for years to come.

Donations have already been coming in and I anticipate work on the building beginning as soon as all necessary requirements for that to happen have been met. I look forward to inviting you all to come see that space once it is complete.

If you would like to donate or for more information about our expansion project, please visit our website, www.dorcheatmuseum.com. You can also contact me directly at (318)377-3002 or dorcheatmuseum@yahoo.com. We thank you so much for your support.

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

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