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

Mondays through Saturdays

10 a.m. until 7 p.m. City of Minden Splash Parks are open.

Through July 17

7:30 p.m. nightly, annual revival, Mount Pilgrim Church Family, Pastor Billy J. Hawkins. Rev. L.A. Thomas, pastor of Bright Star, Minden and Macedonia Baptist Church, Benton will be the evangelist. Everyone is invited.

July 17

5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Bites and Beats, Miller Quarters Park, Minden, food trucks and live music. mindenmainstreet.com .

July 19

5 p.m. (Doors) 6 p.m. (Start) Splish Splash Game Night, LaMa Animal Rescue fundraiser, Springhill Civic Center, costume contest, games, concessions, door prizes, BINGO.

August 2

10 a.m. until 1 p.m., fourth annual ‘Black’ to School Toiletry Drive.

Items needed are edge control, hair gel, brushes, combs, toothbrushes, sunscreen for Melanin skin, deodorant and national hair products. All items will be delivered to Webster Parish schools.

Drop off at 3Jays Tax Office, 306 E. Union, Minden. Send monetary donations to Tayler Banks Cashapp at $taybanks022. For more information, call 318-617-3737.

August 3

1 until 3 p.m., Snacks & Packs Giveaway Beech Springs Baptist Church, 15910 Hwy. 80, Minden, 48 elementary school backpacks w/supplies to give away, first come first serve; free snacks and drinks also. Child must be present to receive his/her backpack.

3 until 6 p.m., Webster Parish Schools will host the 17th annual Back to School Bash supply drive. North Webster High School is place to be in Springhill, while Webster Junior High will have supplies in Minden.

August 7

10 a.m. Minden Planning Commission meeting, Pelican Room, Minden City Hall. On the agenda is a request from Jim Huffman with Huffman Manor for a zoning variance on property owned by him located at 1114 Broadway Street. The property is zoned R-1 (Residential). The purpose of this zoning variance request is to use the property as an event venue. All interested parties will be given a chance to be heard. 

August 16

6 p.m. Murder Mystery, “Betrayal At The Block Party,” The Oak Cottage, 406 3rd St. NW, Springhill. Preregistration required. To register, text Michelle at 318-272-6093.

August 21

5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Bites and Beats, Miller Quarters Park, Minden, food trucks and live music. mindenmainstreet.com .

August 23

5 p.m. Doors open at Springhill Civic Center for W.H.O. Matters, celebrating 10 years of Women Helping Others.  Ladies-only event featuring BINGO, raffles dinner, door prizes, shopping and a silent auction, beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets: Kylee Ayers at 318-268-0027,

Info: Amber Cobb at 318-423-3710 or Kalee Adams at 318-578-1574,

Vendors: Elizabeth Simmons at 318-517-5207, Donations: Pam Jenkins at 310-453-3740.

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Jerry L. Gates

November 4, 1947 — July 16, 2025

Dubberly, La.

Visitation: 11 a.m. Friday, July 18, 2025, Brushwood Methodist Church, Dubberly.

Funeral service: 1 p.m. following visitation.

Burial: Brushwood Cemetery, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

James Byron Harr

July 9, 1941  –  July 13, 2025

Shongaloo, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Graveside service: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 17, Union Springs Cemetery, Shongaloo.

Reba Michael

November 26, 1941 — July 14, 2025

Arcadia, La.

Visitation: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia.

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

Burial: Noon, Mt. Mariah Cemetery

Jimmy A. Copeland

October 15, 1934 — July 13, 2025

Taylor/Minden

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, Taylor Baptist Church, Taylor, La.

Burial: Woodard Cemetery, Taylor, La.

Jane Jones

September 14, 1955 — July 11, 2025

Minden, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.

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

Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery.

LaQuita Anne Miller

May 9, 1946  –  June 20, 2025

Springhill/Plain Dealing, La.

Memorial service: Saturday, August 2, 2025, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

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 Paige Gurgainers and Pat Culverhouse

A Minden police officer’s arrest has ignited controversy within city leadership and drawn strong criticism from the statewide law enforcement union, as Mayor Nick Cox and the Louisiana Law Enforcement Association (LLEA) question the judgment and leadership of Minden Police Chief Jared McIver. 

Lieutenant Christopher Hammontree, a 16-year veteran of the Minden Police Department, was arrested almost exactly a month ago on June 18 and charged with simple criminal damage to property. He has since been placed on administrative leave with pay, according to Chief McIver.

The charge, which can be classified as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the property allegedly damaged, stems from an incident investigated by the MPD’s Internal Affairs. Hammontree was reportedly released on his own recognizance by the District Attorney’s office. 

In response to the arrest, Mayor Cox issued a “respectfully” worded memo to McIver on June 20, questioning the chief’s handling of the situation. 

“After reading media reports of the arrest of Officer Hammontree, I want to respectfully express that I disagree with the decision to arrest him,” the mayor wrote. “I feel the situation could have been more appropriately addressed through a disciplinary hearing rather than an arrest.” 

Mayor Cox warned that such actions could damage morale within the department and undermine McIver’s leadership. “This approach may create unnecessary tension, affect morale within the department, and potentially impact your overall leadership,” Cox wrote. 

The controversy deepened today, July 16, when the LLEA released a public statement condemning the arrest and labeling Chief McIver’s actions as “concerning, unfair, and simply unprofessional.”  

The union alleged that MPD Lt. Jason Smith, also currently on administrative leave with pay for other alleged violations of policy, serves as the president of the local police union and was targeted because of his leadership role within the union. 

“The Chief’s behavior is so egregious that the Mayor, Nicholas Cox, has questioned his leadership ability in an official memo,” wrote Chris Stewart, Executive Director of the LLEA. “We stand united behind President Smith, the union board, and all the employees that are under McIver’s inept leadership.” 

The LLEA also signaled support from the International Union of Police Associations (IUPA), which is monitoring the situation for potential violations of labor protections. 

“We applaud Mayor Cox and any other officials in their action to attempt to put a stop to this unfortunate situation,” Stewart added. “These actions decay morale and promote a very unstable environment.” 

McIver, who currently is in Baton Rouge at a Chiefs of Police conference, said he wondered why the executive director of LLEA didn’t reach out to him prior to sending the news release.

“I’m a little surprised Mr. Stewart would take the word of a single individual in something as important as this without trying to get all the information,” McIver said. “I would have talked with him without reservation.”

McIver also said he had discussed the memo with Mayor Cox, explaining who ultimately made the decision to file a criminal charge against Hammontree.

“That decision was made by the District Attorney following a review of the facts made in the complaint,” McIver said. “We investigated the circumstances and turned over our information. The determination on the charge filed came directly from the D.A. himself.”

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Workshops behind them, members of the Minden City Council will be ready to approve the 2025-2026 fiscal budget at August’s regular session.

The public can view the proposed approximately $42 million budget at city hall, 502 Broadway, beginning today or on the city’s website. That amount is down from the 2024-2025 $45 million budget which was amended several times throughout fiscal year.

Much workshop discussion took place over wishlists by Minden’s fire and police departments and changes in the street department’s uniform contracts, as well as road projects and recreation.

“It’s a good budget,” Mayor Nick Cox said, as Tuesday’s workshop wrapped up.

(Editor’s note: For more on the proposed budget, watch the Webster Parish Journal.)

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Eleven Main Street communities in Louisiana have been chosen to receive Technical Assistance Grants including Minden.

Minden Main Street Director and Economic Developer Sarah Overall said that while the downtown district has been earmarked for $10,750, that funding will go straight to Main Street America to bring a group of professional strategic planners to Minden.

“They are planning to come in September … we’ve already had a couple of meetings with them, but they will come here for strategic planning for the Main Street District,” Overall said.

The planners will meet with the Main Street Commission, city officials and some business owners over a couple of days’ span.

“We will identify opportunity, cull the data and all that information and come up with a strategic plan moving forward,” she said. “Then they will help us implement it, as well.”

Overall said the previous Main Street director filed for the grant, and she has applied for another for next year.

Grants were made possible through a $450,000 appropriation by the Louisiana Legislature in Fiscal Year 2024-2025, marking this first time in more than 10 years that Louisiana Main Street is able to offer this level of service.

Eligible support activities for the Technical Services grant must be associated with the Main Street Four Points of Organization, Economic Vitality, Design, and Promotion.
• Organization involves creating a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement, and resources for the district. Project examples include board training and development, work plan development, community visioning, and organizational planning.
• Economic Vitality focuses on capital, incentives, and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies. Project examples include market studies, property redevelopment plans, and business development and recruitment support.
• Design supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart. Project examples include gateway signage, historic markers, public art, and parking enhancements and planning.
• Promotion positions the downtown or commercial district as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community’s unique characteristics.

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Notice is hereby given that the City of Minden will have the proposed 2025-2026 budget for public review beginning today (Wednesday, July 16, 2025) at Minden City Hall and on the city’s website.

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By Shannon Wright

Doyline may be a small Class B school, in the middle of rural Webster Parish Louisiana, but when it comes to producing top-tier athletic talent, this school is no stranger to the spotlight.

Over the years, Doyline has been home to athletes like Jerry Walker, Jimmy Stewart, Tommy Joe Eagles and Brandon “Hotshot” Palmer; local legends whose names still echo in the hallways.

But in recent years, the spotlight has grown even brighter.

“I’ve heard it all,” said Michael Normand on the Doyline Athletics Facebook page. “They say, ‘Doyline’s too small. You won’t get recognized.’ We’ve heard that forever.”

Yet in just the last three years, Doyline has seen a powerhouse lineup of athletes rise through its programs and three of them are now rewriting the school’s legacy.

Jamaria “Juicy” Clark graduated as the 4th leading scorer in the nation in boys high school basketball. Izayla Harris earned the title of the fastest girl in Louisiana. And Noah Spears carved out his name in the record books as one of the top strikeout pitchers in state history.

All three athletes will be suiting up at the Division I level in the Fall, proudly representing Doyline on college campuses across the country.

Now, the school has reached another historic milestone.

“I’m proud to announce Doyline’s first ever NIL deal,” Normand stated on Facebook. “Congrats to Jamaria ‘Juicy’ Clark at the University of Missouri Kansas City!”

For anyone unaware, NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness. It refers to the ability of college athletes to profit from the commercial use of their personal brand. This includes opportunities like endorsements, sponsorships and other business ventures. Essentially, it allows athletes to monetize their brand while still maintaining college eligibility.

For an athlete from a small-town school like Doyline, it’s a big moment and proof that talent, determination and community and family support can take student athletes to new levels.

For Coach Normand, the message to his athletes has always been clear: “It ain’t where you start, it’s where you finish.”

In a world that often overlooks small towns, Doyline continues to prove that greatness can come from anywhere. 

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From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday, July 18, you can attend a free event designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners learn how to secure funding and grow their businesses.

Hosted by the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) and the Launch Network, with support from the Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce, Minden Economic Development, Gibsland Bank & Trust, and Chase Bank

In this session, you’ll learn how to identify funding sources, develop a solid financial model, and craft a compelling pitch deck to take your business to the next level.

Lunch is provided.

Whether you’re a startup founder or a small business owner looking to scale, this hands-on workshop will give you the tools and strategies to successfully secure the capital you need.

Who should attend?

-Aspiring entrepreneurs

-Startup founders

-Small business owners

Don’t miss out—register today and take the first step toward funding your business!

Location:

Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce, 110 Sibley Rd., Minden.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Traffic Court on Friday, July 18:

ADKINS, BARRY L

T064325 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T064325A Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

ALEXANDER, CHARLES J

T064425 Tampering With Barricades, Signs, And/Or Signals

Poor Attitude

ALEXANDER, III, JAMES V

T064525 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AMBROSE, KELLY A

T064625 Failure to Use Safety Belt

ARMSTRONG, DAX RAYNE

T064025 Speeding 16-24 MPH

ASHLEY, AUDREY KEARNEY

T064725 Improper Passing

AUSTIN, LANDON BRYCE

T064825 Failure to Use Safety Belt

BARLOW, JUSTIN RYAN

T064925 Speeding 11-15 MPH 70/55

T064925A Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

BARNES, JERONICA WAYNETTE

T065025 Speeding 16-24 MPH 70/90

BENDER, SHAQUEEN RENEE

T065125 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

T065125A Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

Single vehicle crash

BENNETT, JOHN RANDALL

T035425 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

BENNETT, JOSEPH VINSON

T076824 Operating a Vehicle Without an Inspection Certificate

T076824A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

BENNETT, JOSEPH VINSON

T065225 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

T065225A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T065225B Failure to Use Safety Belt

BRADFORD, WHITNEY JELYSE

T065325 Failure to Use Safety Belt

BRIDGES, CLAYTON R

T065425 Failure to Use Safety Belt

BROOKS, TRACY E

T065525 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T065525A Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

BROWN, DEANDRE

T065625 Failure to Use Safety Belt

BUTLER, TODD ANTHONY

T003625 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

CARTER, MELADY ELAINE

T030425 Speeding 11-15 MPH

T030425A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

CEDARS, DESTINY KANE

T065725 Speeding 11-15 MPH 68/55

CHAMBLIN, KEITH HILL

T065825 Switched License Plates

T065825A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

CHAMP, MIKAYLA DENISE

T065925 Failure to Use Safety Belt

CHARLES, BOBBY W

T066025 Failing To Stop At Stop Sign-Accident, Crash

CLAYTON, JONATHAN J

T066125 Failure to Use Safety Belt

COLEMAN, LANETTA

T066225 Failure to Use Safety Belt

CRAWFORD, PATROSKI

T066325 Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

CRETCHHEN, SHERELL

T066425 Speeding 16-24 MPH 72/55

CROTTY, TUCKER LAWRENCE

T066525 Procedure on Approach

DANIELS, ANTHONY

T064225 Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

T064225A Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

Single vehicle crash

DAVIS, JAYCEE COREY

T064125 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T064125A Operating A Vehicle With Improper Tail Lights

DEW, JR, DERRICK JERMAINE

T066625 Improper Driving Left Of Center

DICKENS, TREVON D

T066725 Speeding 16-24 MPH 71/55

DREW, LISA JACKSON

T066825 Improper Child Restraint

T066825A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

DUDARENKO, MAKSYM

T066925 Improper Lane Usage

DUNN, RONNY PAUL

T037625 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

EASON, DAVID

T067025 Failure to Use Safety Belt

ELLENDER, GENE LEE

T067125 Procedure on Approach

ERVING, DARRELL T

T067225 Failure to Use Safety Belt

FAULK, ASHLEY NICOLE

T030725 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

FISHER, CHRISTOPHER JOSE

T067325 Failure to Use Safety Belt

FOSTER, MICHAEL Z

T067425 Speeding 11-15 MPH 68/55

FOX, KIMBERLY A

T067525 Failure to Use Safety Belt

GEBREMICHAEL, TESFIT

T067625 Improper Lane Usage

GRANT, SHAKAYLA LASHUN

T067825 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T067825 Improper Child Restraint

GRIGG, GARY K

T067725 Failing To Stop At Stop Sign-Accident

GUILLORY, SEAN

T067925 Failure to Use Safety Belt

HALTOM, PRESTON S

T068025 Failure to Use Safety Belt

HANSON, MELODY E

T068125 Speeding 16-24 MPH 71/55

HARVILLE, JOYCE ANNE

T068225 Leaving Scene Of Accident

T068225 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

HERNANDEZ-CEBALLOS, MAYRA Y

T068325 Improper Lane Usage

HILLIDGE, JEFFERSON W

T068425 Failure to Use Safety Belt

HOSKINS, CHRISTOPHER A

T068525 Speeding 16-24 MPH 79/55

JACKSON, XAVEION J

T068725 Speeding 11-15 MPH 70/55

JACOBS, TAMMY SHEVETTE

T068625 Tampering With Barricades, Signs, And/Or Signals

JEFFERSON, CHRISHAWN L

T068825 Speeding 11-15 MPH 67/55

JOHNSON, KRISTINA

T035625 Speeding 11-15 MPH

T035625A Failure To Secure Registration

T035625B Operating a Vehicle Without an Inspection Certificate

T035625C Improper Equipment (License Plate)

JOHNSON, LEE

T017425 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

JOHNSON, SHARON A

T068925 Tampering With Barricades, Signs, And/Or Signals

KENNEDY, KRISTOFER J

T069025 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T069025 Failure to Use Safety Belt

LONG, TRACY D

T069125 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T069125A Operating A Vehicle With An Expired Driver’s License

LYNN, STEPHANIE RENEE

T069225 Speeding 16-24 MPH 71/55

MCLEMORE, ERIC

T108624 Speeding 16-24 MPH

T108624A Improper Driving Left Of Center

T108624B Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

MOORE, WILLIE J

T050825 Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

T050825A Improper Passing – Accident

MOSS, HANNAH

T019525 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T019525A Switched License Plates

NASH, SCOTT ALAN

T069325 Speeding 16-24 MPH 74/55

NOLAN, DAMRCUS D

T069425 Failure to Use Safety Belt

PARKER, MARLON K

T069525 Speeding 11-15 MPH 78/65

PATTERSON, JADA BRIANNA

T069625 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle Single vehicle crash

PEROT,, JR, JAMES EARL

T069725 Speeding 16-24 MPH 74/55

PORTER, SOLDREKUS

T069825 Failure to Use Safety Belt

POWELL, EDDIE RAY

T069925 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T069925A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

RABB, DONYETTA J

T070025 Speeding 16-24 MPH 71/55

RAMOS, LOGAN WAYNE

T059625 Failure To Report An Accident And/Or Provide Proper Identification (Damages Over $500)

RAMOS, LOGAN WAYNE

T040225 Window Tint

RAY, DANA KAY

T070125 Failure to Use Safety Belt

RAY, KIMBERLY MICHELLE

T070225 Failure to Use Safety Belt

REED, LINDA WASHINGTON

T070325 Improper Equipment (License Plate)

REEVE, TYLER

T070425 Operating A Vehicle With Improper Headlamps

RILEY, TARON

T070525 Speeding 16-24 MPH 76/55

T070525A Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

ROBINSON, PATRICK WAYNE

T070625 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T070625A Improper Child Restraint

ROLLEN, MAKAYLA

T070725 Speeding 11-15 MPH 70/55

ROSENBAUM, ZACHARY EUGENE

T070825 Failure to Use Safety Belt

SALLEY, THOMAS ADDISON

T070925 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T070925A Improper Lane Usage

SANDERS, HOLLY KRISTEN

T071025 Speeding 16-24 MPH 72/55

SANDERS, NISAYA A

T071125 Failure to Use Safety Belt

SANDERS, JR, SHERMAN RECARDO

T071225 Failure To Secure Registration

SCOTT, JORDAN JA’MARI

T071325 Failure to Use Safety Belt

SHARP, HALEY LEEANN

T071425 Failure to Use Safety Belt

SHAW, FRANTAVIOUS TERMAINE

T071525 Speeding 11-15 MPH 70/55

SHEHEE, TIFFANY NICOLE

T071625 Failure to Use Safety Belt

SHIREY, MELISSA ANN

T071725 Failure to Use Safety Belt

SIMMONS, JALEN KADE

T071825 Failure to Use Safety Belt

SIMMONS, JORDAN MIK

T071925 Failure to Use Safety Belt

SLACK, HAILEY

T072025 Speeding 11-15 MPH 70/55

SMITH, DEMICHAEL DAMONTREAL

T072125 Speeding 11-15 MPH 69/55

SMITH, JASON A

T042222B Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

STRAHAN, STEPHEN WAYNE

T072225 Failure to Use Safety Belt

SUTTON, HUNTER ROBERT

T072325 Speeding 11-15 MPH 70/55

TAYLOR, MELISSA

T072425 Speeding 11-15 MPH 69/55

THOMPSON, JOHN KEVIN

T018525 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

TOMPKINS, SAMUEL GRIFFIN

T072525 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T072525A Operating a Vehicle Without an Inspection Certificate

TUCKER, NIAGARA LASHEA

T072625 Improper Lane Usage Single vehicle crash

TURNER, BOBBIE JEAN

T072725 Failing To Stop At Stop Sign-Accident

T072725A Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

TWITTY, CADEN JAMES

T072825 Speeding 11-15 MPH

VICTORIO, ELIZABETH

T072925 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

Single vehicle crash

WALTON, ANDERSON SHAMORO

T073025 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

WARD, DELJANAE

T154723 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

WASHINGTON, JR., DELANDRA W.

T073125 Failure to Use Safety Belt

WASHINGTON, ELVIS

T073225 Improper Driving On A One-Way Roadway

WEBB, VICKIE ANN

T047125 General Speed Law (School Zone)

WESSON, OBDULL SHINBONA

T073325 Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

T073325A Speeding 11-15 MPH

WHITCOMB, LEMUEL RANIER

T073725 Speeding 16-24 MPH 86/70

WHITE, JAZZMYN LACHANNAE

T073425 Operating a Vehicle Without an Inspection Certificate

T073425A Failure to Use Safety Belt

WILLIAMS, LANCE DEJOHN

T073525 Failure to Use Safety Belt

WILSON, TIMOTHY COLBY

T073625 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T073625A Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

WOODS, MELINDA SUE

T073825 Failure to Use Safety Belt

YOUNG, WILLIAM COLBY

T073925 Speeding 16-24 MPH 71/55

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Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Big day in Ruston for Louisiana Tech Athletics.

The University and the Sun Belt Conference will host a joint press conference at 3 p.m. in the Davison Athletics Complex on the Tech campus to officially introduce Tech as the newest member of the Sun Belt.

The press conference will be streamed at www.youtube.com/latechathletics, and you can read more about the move here and here.

Most things considered, the move appears to be an efficient one for both Tech and the Sun Belt, one that, the University hopes, “will renew rivalries and provide a better competitive experience for Bulldogs and Lady Techsters.”

The bottom line is less travel expenses, more money at the gate, more intense rivalries.

From a fan’s point of view, you should be able to drive to several away games on a Saturday night and be able not only to get back home that night, but also to not fall asleep in Sunday school the next morning.

In the days of the WAC and CUSA, that scenario was often a jump ball at best.

No matter what happens on the fields and courts and no matter the conference, each league is always broken down into separate schools and each school into separate sports, and each of those is represented by one team. And that team changes every year. And with the overall changes in the NCAA allowing player movement, those teams are more and more becoming drastically different each school year.

Which made me think of something that modern teams might learn from a long-ago band of teams in Ruston. A bunch that stuck together and, well, things turned out pretty good.

Just because they ran out of games and eligibility, the Louisiana Tech football squads of the program’s Golden Era, 1971-74, didn’t stop being a team. They’ll always be a team. They’ll always be in the Southland Conference. And they’ll always have a 44-4 record.

And as long as two teammates remain, they’ll always have each other.

Every year in early June, as many of those old champion lettermen as are able gather, along with their wives and family and a few invited friends, to spend a couple of days just eating and visiting.

Just being together.

This year was no exception. The most recent venue was, as it has been for the past decade or so, Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, eight miles from campus and from Joe Aillet Stadium where this bunch went 19-1 — the loss coming in 1971 — during those four golden seasons when what’s now called “The Joe” was just getting broken in.

During that span, Tech went 44-4, captured four straight Southland Conference titles, and won national championships in 1972 (National Football Foundation), 1973 (NCAA) and 1974 (UPI).

This was before NIL and the transfer portal, back when, once you signed your scholarship paper, you were more or less “stuck” with each other.

The advantage was that if you had the right mix — and Tech obviously did — you might not only win, you might develop friendships that last a lifetime. You knew the bus driver and the secretary and the guys on the other teams and your English teacher and for sure you knew the guys you stood with on the sidelines and in the showers and in the huddles.

“It’s a special group of guys and wives who committed to the pursuit of excellence,” said four-year letterman Roy Waters during the most recent reunion. “When that happens, winning takes care of itself.”

The guy Waters most often had to block in practice was future NFL Hall of Famer Fred Dean who, like Waters, was a four-year letterman and another of the many heroes on those championship teams. Before he passed away in 2020, Dean was a regular at the reunions.

“We loved playing in Aillet Stadium,” he said in 2018 as the University celebrated the stadium’s 50^th birthday. “It was our home and we wanted to always protect it. But, really, we just all loved each other and wanted to win for each other.

“Every day it was fun to be together.”

For this team, it still is.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Some things in life are constant. For some people it’s a favorite hymn or a favorite breed in a family dog. For me, it’s music, football, Mississippi—and pancakes.

In sixty-three years, I’ve probably eaten more pancakes than any other food. They’ve been a part of my life from the beginning. My first real food memory is sitting at a kitchen table eating pancakes with too much butter and even more syrup. That memory’s been on repeat, in one form or another, for over six decades.

When you stop and think about it, pancakes are always served with love. Outside of a restaurant, has anyone ever handed you a plate of pancakes that wasn’t made by someone who loves you?

That was true with my grandmother, who we called Muz. She lived in New York with my grandfather during the first ten years of my life. Anytime we visited her up north—or she visited us down here—she made pancakes. Always from scratch. Never from a box. No mixes, no shortcuts, no plastic bottles shaped like a woman named Jemima. And always with care.

Her side of the family came from Nashville, and her pancake recipe came with them. It was different. At friends’ houses, I’d eat Bisquick pancakes—fine enough, I guess, but mostly a vehicle for syrup. Muz’s pancakes had flavor. Real flavor. Not “hints of” or “notes of”—just flat-out delicious. They were slightly delicate, but not crepes. 

Muz wasn’t French. 

She was Presbyterian.

I spent more time growing up with my other grandmother, my dad’s mom, since she lived right here in Hattiesburg. I’d sleep over, and every morning, she’d ask what I wanted for breakfast. My answer was always the same: pancakes.

I don’t remember this next part, but the story’s been told enough times to qualify as family scripture. Evidently, one morning I told her that her pancakes weren’t as good as Muz’s. The unfiltered honesty of a five-year-old. Bless her. Instead of being hurt, she picked up the phone, called my other grandmother in New York, and got her recipe. That was the kind of woman she was. And from that point forward, I was spoiled with Muz’s pancakes whether I was up north, down south, or at home with my mother.

We never really took family vacations. We didn’t have the money for weeks at the beach. But we had a single-wide trailer down on the Pascagoula River. A fish camp with screen doors that slammed too loud and floors that creaked. Muz would mix the dry ingredients at home and bring them along. Most mornings started with her pancakes. You’d wake to the sound of bacon grease popping, the clatter of plates, and the smell of something familiar.

Fast forward fifty years, and I now own a restaurant that serves thousands of pancakes a week. At The Midtowner, we serve them with warm maple syrup, but if you’re in the know—and you have the confidence to whisper like you’re asking for the good bourbon at a Baptist wedding—we keep Steen’s Cane Syrup behind the counter.

Steen’s Cane Syrup comes from Abbeville, Louisiana. It’s been made the same way for over 100 years. They press 100% sugarcane juice and boil it down until it thickens—nothing else added, nothing taken away. What you get is a rich, deep, complex syrup that tastes of the fields it came from. It’s bold. It’s pure. It’s Southern. And unlike maple syrup, I don’t pour it over pancakes. I keep it in a little ramekin on the side and dip each bite in, just enough to coat it.

There’s also a pancake tip I’ve passed along over the years—one that surprises people until they try it. Add a pinch of salt. Just a sprinkle over the top before the syrup goes on. It doesn’t make the pancake salty. It enhances everything else. Trust me. It’ll change your pancake game.

Lately at The Midtowner, we’ve been running a special: the Pancake Sampler. One regular buttermilk pancake. One sweet potato pancake. One blueberry pancake. One chocolate chip pancake. They come with four syrups: maple, cinnamon cream, Steen’s cane, and buttermilk syrup.

People are skeptical about the salt tip. But they’re even more skeptical about buttermilk syrup. I get it. It doesn’t sound like something that belongs on pancakes.

That changed when I visited one of Chef Ford Fry’s restaurants in Atlanta. Fry is one of my favorite chefs in the South. Originally from Houston, he’s built an empire of great restaurants across Atlanta and beyond. Several of his Tex-Mex spots serve brunch, and one day I ordered a single pancake for the table to share—just a side item with a bunch of egg dishes. It came with buttermilk syrup.

It was a revelation.

I ordered a second.

Light, sweet, slightly tangy, and perfectly balanced. The pancake was good. The syrup was magic. I never would’ve ordered it on my own, but I was so glad I tried it.

So when we built the Pancake Sampler at The Midtowner, I knew we needed buttermilk syrup to round out the lineup.

What happened next wasn’t planned, but it changed everything.

One morning, while testing the flight of pancakes and syrups before the rollout, I spilled a little cane syrup into the buttermilk syrup. That accident might go down as one of the best things that’s ever happened in my kitchen, and one of the best mistakes I’ve ever made.

I tasted it. Then I tasted it again. Then I passed it around the kitchen.

To my knowledge, that blend—equal parts cane syrup and buttermilk syrup—is brand new to the pancake world. And I say that as a six-decade veteran of pancake eating.

It was smooth, sweet, deep, and bright all at once. The cane syrup gave it weight. The buttermilk gave it lift. You could put it on a piece of cardboard and still come away smiling.

We don’t advertise it. You’ve got to know to ask. And if you’re really playing the long game—wanting to reach elite level—ask for a ramekin of drawn butter on the side and throw a pinch of salt on the pancake.

It’s not just breakfast. It’s a love letter in syrup.

So here we are. A boy who once told his grandmother her pancakes didn’t measure up. A man who eats them most every day. A restaurant full of syrup secrets and one mistake that turned out better than the plan.

Some people have legacies made from land and money. Mine, it seems, is griddled and served with love.

Some things change. Pancakes don’t have to.

Onward.

Muz’s Pancakes

This is the most downloaded recipe— by far—on robertstjohn.com. I wish my grandmother was alive to know how many thousands of people are cooking her recipe for their family’s breakfasts. 

Yield: 10-14 pancakes

2 cups All Purpose Flour

1 TBSP + 1 tsp Baking Powder

2 tsp Baking Soda

½ tsp Kosher Salt

2 TBSP Sugar

2 Large Eggs

2 cups Buttermilk

½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted, divided 

Melted butter or non-stick spray for cooking pancakes

Preheat oven to 200 degrees for holding pancakes

Combine flour, baking powder. Baking soda, salt and sugar in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk and ¼ cup of the melted butter. Next, whisk buttermilk mixture into flour mixture. Do not overmix, a few lumps are fine. 

Let pancake mixture set for 10-15 minutes before cooking pancakes.

To cook the pancakes, heat a non-stick griddle to 325-350 degrees (models vary, so test your griddle with a small bit of batter to assure you have the heat adjusted correctly). When ready several drops of water should dance on the griddle’s surface. Brush griddle with melted butter or spray with non-stick spray. 

Ladle 1/3 cup pancake batter onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles cover the raw, upside of the pancakes and the edges are cooked, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Flip pancakes. Once pancakes are turned, use a pastry brush to spread the additional 1 /4 cup of the remaining melted butter on top of the pancakes while the bottom side is cooking. This will keep you from having to spread cold butter on them later, which tears them. The pancakes will already be buttered once they reach the table. 

If holding pancakes in oven before serving, place them on a wire rack in preheated oven. Top with real maple syrup.

(Robert St. John is a chef, restauranteur and published cookbook author who lives in Hattiesburg, Miss.)

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has scheduled a drawdown of Lake Bistineau, located in Webster, Bossier, and Bienville parishes, to help control the spread of giant salvinia. The drawdown will also enhance fish habitat and improve water quality by reducing excessive organic material on the lake bottom.

At LDWF’s request, the Department of Transportation and Development will open the water control structure on or around July 28, 2025. The lake is expected to dewater at a rate of four to six inches per day until it reaches a maximum drawdown level of eight feet below pool stage. This rate may vary depending on rainfall in the surrounding watershed. The drawdown structure will be closed on or around November 15, 2025, allowing the lake to refill during the waterfowl season and ahead of early spring recreational use.

Approximately 10,000 acres of water will remain in the lake during the drawdown. Public boat access will still be available at the following launches:

Port of Bistineau Launch

Bossier Public Launch

Grice’s Landing

Bayou Dorcheat Public Launch

Boaters are advised to use caution, as submerged hazards may not be clearly marked and normal boat lane clearance will be reduced during low water levels.

This drawdown is a key component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to address the overgrowth of aquatic vegetation and improve sportfish habitat. Although contracted herbicide application over nearly 70 days has occurred on the lake so far in 2025, the rapid expansion of giant salvinia has outpaced herbicide control efforts and the drawdown is necessary. The drawdown date was chosen based on concerns of salvinia expansion, but also to allow the maximum amount of public use of the lake at full pool stage during the summer. This date closely aligns with drawdown dates utilized in each of the last three years, and helps allow late-summer heat to desiccate salvinia once those plants are stranded on the dry lakebed during the drawdown. Seasonal water level fluctuations can simulate natural overflow cycles, benefiting both the ecosystem and recreational fishing. Herbicide treatments will continue throughout the drawdown period.

The Lake Bistineau Waterbody Management Plan is available at:
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/resources/category/freshwater-inland-fish/inland-waterbody-management-plans .

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From 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, August 2, Tayler Banks will be hosting her fourth annual ‘Black’ to School Toiletry Drive.

Items needed are edge control, hair gel, brushes, combs, toothbrushes, sunscreen for Melanin skin, deodorant and national hair products.

All items will be delivered to Webster Parish schools.

Drop off at 3Jays Tax Office, 306 E. Union, Minden. Send monetary donations to Tayler Banks Cashapp at $taybanks022. For more information, call 318-617-3737.

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Wednesday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 103. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind.

Thursday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.

Friday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95.

* Info provided by National Weather Service.

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By Brad Dison

Gary Mark Gilmore’s life of crime began when he was in his early teens.  It started with petty theft and soon evolved into Gary leading a car theft ring.  Gary was in a seemingly endless rotation of crime and prison.  After his father died of lung cancer, news which he received from a prison guard, the speed of Gary’s downward spiral increased exponentially.  When Gary was released from prison, he became more erratic and became an alcoholic.  In his mid-twenties, Gary was convicted of assault and armed robbery and sent back to prison.  Eight years later, he was released on a conditional parole.  Within a month, he was arrested for armed robbery.  After his conditional parole from prison in 1976, 35-year-old Gary moved to Provo, Utah, to live with a distant relative.  

At about 11 p.m. on the night of July 19, 1976, three months after his release from prison, Gary robbed 25-year-old Max David Jensen, the night attendant at a service station in Orem, Utah.  Max was a graduate of Utah State University and was working at the gas station to pay his way through Brigham Young University Law School.  Max had married 14 months earlier and had an infant daughter.  At the end of the robbery, Gary told Max to lie down on the floor.  Then, Gary shot Max twice in the head with a .22 caliber pistol.  Max lost his life for $150.

Just before 11 p.m. on the following night, Gary robbed 26-year-old Bennie Jewkes Bushnell, the night clerk of the City Center Hotel in Provo, Utah.  Like Max, Bennie had been married a short time, had an infant child, and was working his way through Brigham Young University.  Gary forced Bennie to lie down on the floor and killed him in the same manner as he had Max.  Bennie lost his life for $125. 

Gary had parked his truck at a nearby service station and walked to the motel.  Following the robbery, an attendant at the service station saw Gary return to his car, noticed he was bleeding, heard about the shooting at the motel, and called police.  The service station attendant knew Gary and told police where he was living.  With that information, officers arrested Gary without incident within three hours. 

On October 7, 1976, after a two-day trial, a jury found Gary guilty of murdering Bennie and sentenced him to death.  After hearing the verdict, Judge J. Robert Bullock asked Gary if he preferred to be hung or shot.  Gary replied, “I prefer to be shot.”  On January 17, 1977, as he stood before the six-man firing squad, Gary told the warden his last words.  At 8:07 a.m., Gary’s sentence was carried out.

In 1988, Dan Wieden, co-founder of the advertising company Wieden and Kennedy, was hired to come up with a catchy slogan for a struggling company.  Dan remembered Gary Gilmore’s last words and tweaked it slightly.  A killer’s last words, “let’s do it,” which Dan tweaked to “just do it,” became one of the most successful slogans in advertising history and transformed the fortunes of a struggling shoe company called Nike.

Sources:

1.     The Daily Herald (Provo, Utah), July 21, 1976, p.1,4.

2.     The Daily Herald, July 23, 1976, p.2.

3.     The Daily Herald, October 6, 1976, p.3.

4.     The Daily Herald, October 8, 1976, p.1.

5.     The Daily Herald, January 17, 1977, p.1.

6.     The Miami Herald, August 22, 2009, p. 91.

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Today, I’m going to hop on my soap box. There aren’t many things that I truly hate, but summer bass tournaments would be at the top of the list! 

Now why would this be? For several reasons that I’ll get into later, but the most obvious one –IT’S BLAZING HOT! It’s a time of year when anglers become babysitters, trying to keep their 5-fish limit breathing for eight hours in a live well.

Summer bass tournaments in the South are a grind for both anglers and the bass. The fishing is good the first hour, but can be horrendous the rest of the day. With daytime temperatures reaching the mid to upper 90s and humidity levels over 90 percent, it takes all the fun out of fishing, especially during the months of July and August.

A few tournament trails have or will drop their daily fish limit down from five to three which really helps in so many ways. For one, it allows for better survival rate, as there are less fish to manage in your live well and it means less bass being handled at the weigh-in. 

Some anglers hate the three-fish limit tournaments as they think it levels the playing field too much. They feel anyone can get lucky and catch three good fish. But if you go back and look at three-fish tournament results over the years, it turns out that the same guys who win with a five-fish limit are still at the top of the tournament standings with three fish. 

My personal reasons for hating summer tournaments would begin with the exhaustion you feel at the end of the day fishing in high temperatures. Fishing in 95 degree-plus temperatures drains the life out of an angler.

 Next gripe — I hate it when sweat is dripping off my nose or running down my butt! The heat just makes fishing difficult and unenjoyable.

But what I really look forward to the most is nighttime cramps that occur after fishing in the hot sun all day. There’s nothing more fun than waking up in the middle of the night as your calf muscles or hamstrings decide to tighten up like a guitar string. Thank the Lord above for pickle juice, as there’s pretty much nothing better for eliminating cramps! 

Another gripe — everything in your boat is blazing hot and will leave a mark on your butt if you sit on one of those latches that’s a part of the storage lockers. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up being branded like cattle at a stockyard. 

Then there’s the wear and tear on your electronics which are large investments, as these units can cost up to $5,000 each.  It’s also hard on your rods and reels and the fishing line spooled on each reel.  Nothing is harder on your equipment than the hot sun!

As anglers, we must take precautions to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays. As a Melanoma survivor, I can attest to all the things I have to do in order to fish in high temperatures. These days, I always wear long sleeve UV protective shirts, a wide brim hat, long pants (most of the time) and plenty of sunscreen.

But my main reason for hating summer bass tournaments — it’s just not fun! It’s a miserable way to spend your day sweating to the oldies on the front deck of a bass boat! ZERO FUN!

The next issue (as if I need anymore) would be dealing with all the crazy recreational boaters like pontoon boats, jet skis and those awesome stupid wake boats that put out four-foot-high waves and disrupt everyone and everything on the lake! Sorry wake boaters, but there should be a limit to the size of the waves you all put out! 

One rule I would like to see implemented strictly for wake boaters would be that they are not allowed on the lake until after 2 p.m. This way there would be no conflict with bass boaters and wake boats being on the lake at the same time, as most summer bass tournaments are over by 2 in the afternoon. 

Now I know I’ll get some good fan mail over my wake boater comments, but at least I’ll know they read my article! Just kidding wake boaters, hope y’all have fun as well, but keep your wakes down please! 

‘Til next time, enjoy your hot summer days on the lake as I hope and pray you won’t see me out there very often. 

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Play Sudoku online!

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Jeremy Dan Hawkins, 33, 100 block Mitch Trail, Doyline: arrested July 9 by WPSO for possession of CDS Sch.II (methamphetamines), fugitive warrant from Shreveport PD. Bond set $5,000.

Russell Gareth Smith, 39, 200 block Canal St., Heflin: arrested July 11 by WPSO on outstanding warrant from Bienville Parish SO, possession of CDS Sch. III, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility. Bond set $6,000.

Christopher M. Kee, 41, 800 block 3rd St. SE, Springhill: arrested July 13 by Springhill PD for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines), possession of drug paraphernalia, on warrant from Springhill. Bond set $3,501.

Maria Sanchez, 41, 600 block Karen Pass, Murphy, TX: arrested July 14 by Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, improper land usage. No bond set.

Jobbie D. Peters, 62, 600 block Constable St., Minden: arrested July 13 by Minden PD on outstanding warrant. Bond set $20,000 surety or $1,000 cash.

Kami Dodge, 35, 600 block Constable St., Minden: arrested July 13 by Minden PD for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines), possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond set $3,501.

Brett Glen Woodard, 40, Hwy. 371, Heflin: arrested July 13 by Minden PD for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines ), possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond set $3,501.

Tremindeus Jashun Miller, 30, 500 block East St., Minden: arrested July 13 by Minden PD for possession of CDS Sch. I (MDMA/Ecstasy), criminal trespass. Bond set $3,501.

Carlos Jackson, 50, 600 block Cherry St., Minden: arrested July 11 by Minden PD on outstanding warrant. Bond set $750.

Tyler E. Miller, 34, 400 block Pilgrim Rest Rd., Doyline: arrested July 14 by Doyline PD on fugitive warrant. Bond set $15,000.

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.

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Jimmy A. Copeland

October 15, 1934 — July 13, 2025

Taylor/Minden

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, Taylor Baptist Church, Taylor, La.

Burial: Woodard Cemetery, Taylor, La.

Jane Jones

September 14, 1955 — July 11, 2025

Minden, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.

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

Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery.

LaQuita Anne Miller

May 9, 1946  –  June 20, 2025

Springhill/Plain Dealing, La.

Memorial service: Saturday, August 2, 2025, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

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

A Heflin man who allegedly struck a juvenile relative in the face, then allegedly threatened to kill him is currently being held in the parish prison on abuse and other serious charges.

Sheriff Jason Parker said 39-year-old Cody Joseph Mellen, a resident of the 3500 block Franklin Rd. is charged with domestic abuse battery, possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines) and introduction of contraband to/from correctional facility.

Mellen reportedly is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where his bond has been set at $10,000.

Webster Parish Detective Lt. Chase Walsworth reportedly was notified Thursday afternoon by parish Deputy Josh Davis that he picked up a walking on Nursery Rd. in Sibley. The juvenile reportedly told the deputy he had been struck in the face by his uncle.

During an interview, Det. Walsworth reportedly observed bruising, swelling and scratches on the young victim’s face. When contacted by investigators at a North 3rd St. residence in Sibley, Mellen reportedly admitted throwing the juvenile on a bed and said he had a Coke can in his hand when he did so.

When Mellen was placed under arrest, Deputy Davis reportedly found a small plastic case in his pocket containing a small baggie of suspected crystal Methamphetamine.

During a further search of the suspect as he was being booked into BDCC, corrections deputies reportedly found a pair of glass pipes used to smoke narcotics hidden in his crotch area.

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.

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