The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Criminal Court Friday, February 13:

ADAMS, HAJERRIAN ANGELO
98090 CT.1 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids
98090 CT. 2 No Drivers License On Person

AUSTIN, SAM
100153-CT.1 Simple Assault
100153-CT.2 Entry On Or Remaining In Places Or On Land After Being Forbidden

BAKER, DARREN DUANE
99543A Simple Burglary

BAMBURG, JUSTIN
100156 Aggravated Battery

BILES, DAVID PAUL
99119 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment

BILES, DAVID PAUL
INCOMING Violation Of Protective Order
INCOMING False Imprisonment

BOYCE, FOREST
97838 Ct. 1 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids
97838 Ct. 2 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense
Fine and Cost Paid DA satisfied

BOYD, MAX DEAN
100098 Telephone Harassment

CAHILL, JAQUARIUS JAMAL
99684 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

CAPERS, TORRY JOVON
99834 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

CHAMP, DAVION
99591 Theft Under $1,000
Restitution owed- $600 percent, plus $90 percent = $690 percent

COILE, JACOB WADE
96272 Failure to Abide by Rules & Regulations of WMA
RCBW Fine and Cost paid-DA satisfied

CORNELIUS, KENTRAIL
99819A Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

CRAVENS, ALLTON B.
98115B Second Degree Murder

DEAVER, ROBERT CHARLES
99968 Indecent Behavior with Juveniles

DOWELL, VICTORIA LANETTE
100027-CT.1 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
100027-CT.2 Aggravated Assault

EDDINGS, ANDRE ROBERTO
99925 Fail to Notify law Enforcement of Change of Address (Sex Offender)

EDWARDS, ROTOYA C.
99938 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

EVENS, APRIL
100154 Violation Of Leash Law

FARLEY, ALICIA KAY
INCOMING Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

FARRINGTON, GEORGE C
98718 Ct. 1 Intentional Littering
98718 Ct. 2 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

FARRINGTON, GEORGE C
T009526 Speeding 25 & OVER
T009526A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

FLOURNOY, RAVI ANDRELAVERE
100101 Possession of Schedule II CDS

FONTENOT, JR., DAVID WAYNE
99865 Misdemeanor Access Device Fraud
Restitution owed per the report- $700 percent plus $105 percent fee = $805 percent total

FRANKLIN, JESSICA DIANE
100159 Violation Of Leash Law

GARNER, KYRON
99843 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

GREEN, CHADWICK
100150 CT 1 Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)
100150 CT 2 Improper Lane Usage

GRIFFITH, WESLEY B.
98868-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98868-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

GUISE, ZONQUES
100165-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
100165-CT.2 Possession of Schedule II CDS
100165-CT.3 Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I CDS
Please make sure forfeiture of $8,201 percent in US Currency is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

HAIR, DANIEL W.
99857 Simple Robbery
Restitution owed to the victim- $384 percent plus $57.60 fee = $441.60 total

HENIX, COREY DONTE
98427-CT.1 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform Cds Law
98427-CT.2 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property
Trial 3/23 Restitution owed- $3,015.20, plus $452.28 fee = $3,467.48 total

JONES, DECORIAN LAMAR
100137 CT. 1 Reckless Operation of a Vehicle
100137 CT. 2 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles
100137m CT. 3 No Insurance

MCGLOTHERN, HAYDEN JAMAL
99612-CT.1 Aggravated Assault Upon a Peace Officer
99612-CT.2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

MCMILLIAN, RENTAVIONNA
100118 Aggravated Battery

MEJIA-REYES, RACHEL ELIZABETH
100164 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MONTGOMERY, DEYAUN L.
99434 Ct. 1 Resisting An Officer
99434 Ct. 2 Resisting An Officer
99434 Ct. 3 Resisting An Officer
99434 Ct. 4 Resisting An Officer
99434 Ct. 5 Simple Battery
Defense Motion to Reduce Bond, these charges total bond $12,500

MONTGOMERY, DEYAUN L.
99645-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
99645-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
Defense Motion to Reduce Bond, these charges total bond $75,500

MORRIS, XAVIER T.
99527 Second Degree Battery

NEWSOM, TREY
100023 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100023 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage
100023CT. 3 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

PINK, ELLIS ALVIN
99513-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
99513-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

ROBINSON, SPENCER
99266 CT 1 Unauthorized Use Of A Motor Vehicle

ROGERS, JAMES JEREMY
99372 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
99372 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage

SMITH, JOSEPH DIXON
100044 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

SPENCE, RENEE
100155 Violation Of Leash Law

THOMPSON, JR., ARTHUR
100149 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Third Offense

THOMPSON, CODY RAY
100168-CT.1 Hit and Run Driving
100168-CT.2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle Summons

THOMPSON, LUKE NATHANIEL
97612-CT.1 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

THORNTON, LASHONDA
98913 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

THORNTON, LASHONDA
98913 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

WARREN, CHADRICK DEONTE
100166 Aggravated Assault

WEATHERS, TYKENDRICK
99894 Armed Robbery with the Use of a Firearm

WHITE, JUSTIN RAY
INCOMING Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000 percent

WILLIAMS, DANIEL CHASE
98281 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

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By Jessica Gorman

The Great Blizzard, or the Great Arctic Outbreak, of 1899 was repeatedly described as the “coldest ever known” with extreme winter weather conditions reported across the country. Every state experienced temperatures below zero.

Much of what we know about the experience locally is learned from Shreveport newspapers. The Shreveport Times reported a temperature of ten degrees on the morning of February 8^th being “three degrees colder than ever known here before.” Two days later, they reported that five inches of snow had fallen and the next day snow was falling again.

According to the Guardian-Journal of Homer, “the oldest inhabitant cannot remember such a spell of weather as that through which we are just passing. It has been cold for two weeks and Thursday at noon it commenced snowing and since that time we have had regular north Dakota weather.”

On 12 Feb 1899, the Shreveport Journal “stated yesterday the present severe cold spell is the worst known in years, and this latitude has been visited with heavy snow falls in all directions at various depths. For a week now this wintry condition has existed unbroken.”

Snow, sleet, cold rain, and freezing temperatures continued. Everything slowed to crawl. Businesses, churches, and schools closed. Trains stopped, harbors froze, crops were destroyed, people and animals froze to death. Even the Mississippi River froze above Cairo, Illinois.

The known, existing Minden newspapers from the month of February 1899 are limited to only a few pages. A contributor from Springhill reported, “nothing has been done here for the past week except get wood and make fires and feed and shelter stock to keep them from freezing.

The heaviest snow fell here last week that has fallen here in many years. The ground was frozen when the snow began to fall, and it continued turning cold until it about reached the ‘cold Friday.’ It is said the ice was five inches thick in the mill pond.”

At Sikes Ferry, “…weather still prevails. The farmers are badly behind with their farm work; some are not yet done picking cotton. The weather has been so bad for several weeks that the farmers could not work.” This news was echoed in the Martin community.

The coldest temperature on record in the state of Louisiana, -16 degrees, was recorded at Minden on February 13^th. The day before, despite the bitter cold, family and friends of Mrs. Elizabeth Monzingo made the trek to the Minden Cemetery where she was buried. “The mantle of snow being typical of the life the deceased had just surrended to Him who called her into being over 78 years ago.” On Valentine’s Day, the scene repeated as Mrs. Mary A. Chaffe, wife of J.C.T. Chaffe, was laid to rest.

That Valentine’s Day was also Mardi Gras. Several residents of Minden had gone to New Orleans for the festivities, among them were Judge John T. Watkins, J.N. Sandlin, L. Wren, Brown Reagan, and W.A. Sugg. Even with several inches of snow on the ground, the Rex Parade still rolled through the streets. Ice flowed down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico.

Much to everyone’s relief, the cold temperatures soon began to rise. Within a week, a contributor to the Webster Signal reported, “the cold wave has passed off and everybody is in high spirits.”

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

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Lakeside’s Lady Warriors split a varsity/junior varsity doubleheader with Benton’s Lady Tigers, dropping an18-6 decision in the varsity contest while the JVs picked up a 6-4 win.

Benton broke open a tight game with 11 runs on six hits, including a grand slam home run, in the sixth inning to claim the varsity win.

Lakeside tried to come back,  scoring six runs on four hits in the bottom of the sixth inning. An error scored one run, Teal Austin singled, scoring two runs, Ella Wood singled, scoring one run, and Rhea Waller doubled, scoring two runs.

Austin, Emily Jones, Waller, Meredith Robinson, Wood, and Peyton Wood each collected one hit for Lakeside. Austin and Waller each drove in two runs.

Lakeside plays at home on Saturday against Minden in their next game.

Lakeside’s JV 6, Benton Tigers 4

Tuesday’s JV game came down to the wire as the young Lady Warriors grabbed the victory in walk-off fashion when Ella Wood connected for a two-run home run for the win.

A single by Peyton Wood put Lakeside on the board in the bottom of the first. Bray Lewis doubled in the second for another run.

Lakeside Junior Varsity Warriors added one run in the second after Bray Lewis doubled.

In the top of the third inning, Benton Lady Tigers JV went back into the lead after #11 singled down the right field line, and Lakeside Junior Varsity Warriors committed an error, each scoring two runs.

Lola Huddleston started the game for Lakeside, allowing one hit and no runs over two innings, striking out four and walking none. Wood appeared in relief.

Huddleston and Wood each collected two hits for Lakeside and Wood, Lewis, and Wood each drove in two runs.

Lakeside Warriors 20, Doyline Panthers 2

Lakeside’s Warriors notched another win for the south Webster school, knocking off the Doyline Panthers 20-2 Tuesday, thanks to a 12-run second inning.

Bryson Finley scored on a sacrifice fly to get the Warriors off and running in the second.  Noah Redding had two doubles and three RBI in the inning, Kaleb Rolen doubled, scoring two runs, Jake Glass singled, scoring one run and Panther errors accounted for four runs.

Gage Williams earned the win for Lakeside. The hurler gave up no hits and no runs over two innings, striking out five and walking one. Dario Galvez took the loss for Doyline.

Galvez and Kayson Wilk each drove in one run for the Panthers. Isiaiah Foster had one hit in one at bat.

Lakeside amassed 10 hits in the game. Redding led Lakeside, going two-for-three with four runs batted in. Glass, and Brock Case also collected two hits for Lakeside.

Next up for Doyline is a Monday game against Mansfield.

(“Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.” Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution.)

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A seven-run explosion in the second inning helped spur the Ruston Lady Bearcats to a 12-0 win over the Minden Lady Tiders Tuesday.

Ruston took the big lead on a pair of run-scoring singles and Rylee Fobbs’ three-run home run. A Jayla Spears homer in the top of the third added to the total as the Lady Bearcats pounded out 12 hits in the contest.

Tatum Oliver and Lindsay Ryan each collected one hit for the Lady Tiders.

(“Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.” Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution.)

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Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 70. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind.

Friday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.

Friday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Saturday

Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 71. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Saturday Night

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 80  percent.

Sunday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

Feb. 14

10 a.m. Have a Heart Walk to raise funds for LaMa Animal Rescue. 7K, 5M. Begins at Springhill sign, ends at LaMa Rescue. Text Justin at 713-471-2960 to sign up and pledge support.

1 p.m. Doyline United Methodist Church annual Mardi Gras Parade. Lake Bistineau State Park.  Cajun feast following parade at the Rally Shelter. Bring your favorite Cajun dish. If it rolls, it’s a float.

7 p.m., Piney Woods Jamboree, CAC building, Springhill. Special guests will be The Spurlocks, Gina Mitchell, Sue Ellen Lindsey.

Feb. 17

Many state offices, including the Office of Motor Vehicles, will be closed for Mardi Gras.

Feb. 21

11 a.m. Black History Parade, downtown Minden.

1 p.m., Red And White Ball, Mt. Zion Fellowship Hall, 414 East Union St., Minden. Theme: God’s Unfailing Love,” Children’s and Youth departments.

Feb. 28

8:30 a.m. Buds & Blooms, First Methodist Church, Minden, sponsored by Piney Hills La Master Gardeners.

11:30 a.m. North Louisiana Historical Association will meet at Noel Memorial Library, LSU-Shreveport.

March 9

6 .m. Night at the Museum, 116 Pearl St., Minden. Brian Davis, Executive Director of the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation will be guest speaker. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; seating is limited.

March 10

Deadline to sponsor 2026 Springhill, North Webster Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Email chamber@springhillla.com . Tickets go on sale April 1.

March 20

7 p.m., Malpass Brothers Show, CAC building, Springhill. Tickets are $ 25.00 for general admission and $ 30.00 for reserved seats. You can purchase tickets at Express Tax Title & License at 101 N Main Street or call (318) 539-2750.

March 24

7 p.m. 84th Annual Greater Minden Chamber Awards Gala. Minden Civic Center, Minden, La. Tickets: greatermindenchamber.com/awardsgala.

April 1-April 9

2026 Chamber of Commerce Banquet, Springhill, North Webster. Tickets: chamber@springhillla.com .

April 9

6 p.m. Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, Springhill Civic Center.

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Phonetic: /shib·bo·leth/
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: a custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of people, especially a long-standing one regarded as outmoded or no longer important.

“He is a highly competent and experienced officer who has shown a willingness to challenge shibboleths within the Navy and defence establishment.”

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Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

Play Sudoku online!

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Bruce Wayne Fennell, 48, 100 block Willie Lake Rd., El Dorado, Arkansas: arrested Feb. 9 by WPSO on warrant. No bond set.

Richard Shaqur Spencer, 32, 700 block Jackson St., Minden: arrested Feb.10 by Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, stop sign violation, procedure upon approach, no drivers license, outstanding warrants. Bond set $1,435.50.

Shaniya Tatlor, 23, no address given: arrested Feb. 9 by Minden PD for resisting an officer, remaining after forbidden. No bond set.

Jason Lloyd Macon, 53, 200 block Meadowbrook Lane, Doyline: arrested Feb. 10 by WPSO on warrant for domestic abuse battery. Bond set $5,000.

Michael Wayne Vance, 61, 3100 block Hwy. 531, Dubberly: arrested Feb. 10 by WPSO on warrant for illegal use of a weapon. Bond set $25,000.

Terri Bumgardner, 48, 200 block Meadowbrook Lane, Doyline: arrested Feb. 10 by WPSO for simple battery. Bond set $500.

Cora Lee Rose, 85, 200 block Pie Brown Rd., Doyline: arrested Feb. 10 by Louisiana State Police for violation of seat belt law, resisting an officer. No bond set.

Stuart Lawson Murphy, 47, 100 block Orchard Valley, Ruston: arrested Feb. 10 by Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, possession of CDS Sch. I (Ecstasy), careless operation. Bond set $6,001.

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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Kenneth David Williams
June 23, 1959 — February 7, 2026
Springhill
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, Trinity Worship Center, Springhill.
Funeral service 1 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, Trinity Worship Center.
Burial: Western Cemetery, Emerson, Ark., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Patricia “Patsy” Garrison
October 26, 1928 — February 6, 2026
Minden
Celebration of life: early March; details at later date.

Ken Wayne Tripp
October 2, 1944  –  January 22, 2026
Memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, Calvary Baptist Church, Springhill, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Sammy Drew O’Bier
September 29, 1939  –  February 5, 2026
Springhill
Visitation: 4 until 7 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Springhill Cemetery.

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 Tiffany Flournoy

SPRINGHILL, La. — The Springhill City Council approved several measures affecting city operations and finances during its regular monthly meeting Monday, including a decision that will increase a basic service cost for residents.

One of the most notable actions was a $5 increase in the city’s garbage collection rate, approved after council members unanimously voted to amend a resolution adjusting sanitation fees.

Under the change, the monthly garbage pickup fee will rise from $20 to $25, reflecting increased landfill disposal fees passed down from Knights Services, the city’s waste management provider. It is unclear when residents will see the increase reflected on their bills. A representative with the city told the Webster Parish Journal that the change is expected soon and  could possibly take effect as early as March.

“We are just trying to collect the money that we have to turn around and pay Knights Services,” Mayor Ray Huddleston said during the meeting. “Because of their increases, we have to increase.”

In other business, the council unanimously approved the city’s January bills, totaling $93,827.83.

Council members also voted unanimously to approve a recommendation from Police Chief Will Lynd to change a police department employee’s status from full-time to part-time.

The council approved authorization for the mayor to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Webster Parish School Board involving the donation of city-owned property. The move is contingent upon final recommendations from the city attorney.

The meeting included discussion of the city’s recent Mardi Gras celebration, which drew approximately  3,000 attendees, according to the Main Street department. Officials noted the large turnout boosted local activity and increased business traffic throughout the area.

City leaders commended municipal employees for their preparation and response to Winter Storm Fern, noting that Springhill experienced no utility outages during the event. The mayor and council members also thanked the police department for maintaining operations throughout the

Community announcements included the North Webster Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, scheduled for April 9 at the Springhill Civic Center.

Another announcement highlighted the upcoming 15th North Webster Black History Parade, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. If postponed due to rain, the parade will tentatively be held the following Saturday. This year’s grand marshal is Rachel Akrong.

Parade lineup will begin at 11 a.m. at the former Springhill High School. The parade will travel down Highway 371 South, turn right onto Vine Street, and conclude at the West Side Community Center, where family activities, food, and festivities will be held.

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WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today joined all other members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation in supporting Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s request for a major disaster declaration following a damaging winter storm that swept through their state.

In a letter to President Donald Trump and acting FEMA Regional Director Arsany Thomas, Landry requested public assistance for Bienville, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll Parishes, citing ice accumulations, power and water outages, debris, and nine deaths resulting from the severe weather.

Landry noted $11,394,461 in costs already incurred by state agencies in response to the winter storm, meeting the threshold for such a disaster declaration.

“Due to the devastating impacts in these parishes, which includes widespread ice accumulations and debris, I am requesting snow assistance and an increased federal cost share of 100% for 30 days. I am also requesting Hazard Mitigation Assistance for the listed parishes to fund projects that will increase their resilience from future winter weather threats,” wrote Landry.

Kennedy joined Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), and Reps. Clay Higgins (R-La.), Julia Letlow (R-La.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), and Troy Carter (D-La.) in authoring an additional letter to President Trump in support of Landry’s request.

“At its peak, the storm left over 175,000 residential customers without power. The ice shut down Interstate 20 and numerous state highways for several days. Widespread power outages and damage to water systems resulted in 32,487 customers completely without water. Up to 187,359 residents were placed under Boil Water Advisories,” the lawmakers explained.

“We thank you for your swift emergency declaration for Louisiana issued on January 24 and eagerly await your response. We look forward to working with you to help the residents of these impacted communities during their time of need,” they wrote.

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We’re excited to invite our community to celebrate the Grand Opening of your Webster Parish Libraries – Doyline Library Branch.

Created as a place for learning, connection, and gathering, your library was designed with you in mind and reflects the spirit of the community it serves. Friends, families, and visitors are invited to come together for this special milestone and explore all that your library has to offer.

Come see what’s new, enjoy light refreshments, and help us kick off this exciting new chapter together.

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Woman of the Year Nominations

As we step into 2026, the Young Women’s Service Club of Minden, LA invites you to help us recognize one of Minden’s most deserving women.

YWSC is proud to sponsor the 2026 Woman of the Year Award, honoring a woman who has served our community with selflessness, leadership, and heart. This honoree has gone above and beyond to support others and help make Minden a better place to live.

Nominations close: February 18, 2026

Winner announced at the Greater Minden Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala on March 24, 2026

Nominate here:  https://forms.gle/jncMLe6jMjCFDWBd7

Man of the Year Nominations

Don’t let service and dedication to our community go unrecognized! Nominate an outstanding man for the Minden Man of the Year Award, sponsored by the Minden Lions Club. The winner will be announced during the Greater Minden Chamber Awards Gala on Tuesday, March 24.

DEADLINE: February 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Man of the Year nominations will be judged by a committee consisting of representatives from the Minden Lions Club, Young Women’s Service Club, Greater Minden Chamber, Minden Evening Lions Club, and Minden Civitans.

Click here to submit your nomination and to see the complete list of past recipients:

https://docs.google.com/…/1ebb7DFsd-TIb…/edit…

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Minden’s bats came alive early with seven runs in the second inning as the Crimson Tide coasted past North Webster 15-0 Monday.

After scoring once in the bottom of the first, the Tide scored seven runs on four hits in the bottom of the second inning. Jefferson was struck by a pitch, driving in a run, Landon Brewer doubled, scoring three runs, Hudson Brown singled in another and two more scored on a walk and error.

Minden added to the lead in the bottom of the third inning when Brown walked, Jaxon Smith singled, Bower was struck by a pitch and Jamall Carey walked, each scoring one run.

Smith earned the win for theTide, allowing two hits and no runs over four innings, striking out three and walking none. T. Brown took the loss for North Webster. Brown and L Lewis each collected one hit for North Webster.

Brown, Smith, and Brewer each collected two hits for Minden and Brewer and Bower each drove in three runs. Overall, the team piled up 12 walks for the game.

Minden plays at home Thursday against D’Arbonne Wood.

(“Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.” Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution.)

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Notice is hereby given that the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission is requesting proposals fromualified professional photographers.

Deadline: 4 p.m February 13, 2026.

Please see below.

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I had breakfast in bed this morning. I’m 64 years old and I’m not sure that’s ever happened.

Maybe once, back in elementary school, if I was home sick and my mother brought some Campbell’s chicken noodle soup to me on a tray. But I don’t remember it clearly enough to count it. So, let’s call this the first time.

Here’s the thing‚ I don’t know how to do nothing. 

I’ve been running hard for six years straight. Covid hit and we opened a restaurant in the middle of it, still needing 25 positions filled the day we opened the doors. Not one of my better business decisions. Then came a string of years, operating five restaurants and two bars in the Hub City, writing a weekly column, hosting culinary tours overseas, and publishing books. This fall alone I hosted nine consecutive weeks of tours in Europe, came home, and left the next day on a book tour for the new one. Then Christmas business. Then king cake season at the bakery. I haven’t come up for air since roughly 2019.

I’m not complaining. I need to be clear about that. I love every bit of it, and business today is better than ever.

There were years, dark ones, early ones, when I was counting-change-in-the-sofa-cushions broke. So, when the sun is shining, I bail hay as fast as I can. The sun has been shining bright, and I am grateful for every bale.

But even a man who doesn’t rest well knows when a recharge is needed.

My 33rd wedding anniversary came up and we decided to get away. Houston. Two nights. No itinerary, no research agenda, no obligations beyond a couple of restaurant reservations. Super Bowl weekend, which worked fine for us since I could not have cared less about the Seahawks or the Patriots. It was going to be an actual weekend of calm.

I don’t have those. Ever.

So, there I was, propped up against hotel pillows at 6 a.m., the time I would normally be in the gym at home, or— if on the road— grabbing an Uber to some local breakfast spot to do reconnaissance. I haven’t missed a breakfast since the late 1980s. I don’t know the exact day, but I know the exact era because it was during those 90-hour weeks in the restaurant’s early days when I probably slept until noon after a late-night closing shift and blew right past a morning meal. Since then, breakfast has been non-negotiable. 

For ten years before I opened the breakfast restaurant, I ate breakfast everywhere I traveled‚ London, Tuscany, Chicago, Barcelona studying menus, swiping ideas for decor and dishes. Once the restaurant opened, I was either working the breakfast shift or still researching on the road. Same story when we launched the bakery. Every morning in every city‚ find the best bakery, taste the pastries, bring ideas home, work with the crew to develop them.

But this morning in Houston, I didn’t go to the gym. I didn’t grab a cab. I didn’t scout a single restaurant.

I picked up the phone and ordered room service.

And for about 45 minutes, I didn’t feel guilty about it. I sat in that bed with a plate of eggs and bacon and I thought‚ I can probably do this once or twice in a lifetime.

Then I started going stir crazy. Fifty-three minutes, to be exact, before I was pacing the hotel room like a golden retriever who just heard someone say the word “walk” in a whisper from three rooms away.

 

So, I lied. I went to the gym in the hotel.

By noon we were out the door. Tex-Mex. Our second in two days. I spent six years doing deep research on Tex-Mex restaurants across Texas before opening one of my own‚ ten months into a pandemic, during a labor shortage. This is what’s known in the restaurant industry as “a business plan developed by a man who also once got remarried by an Elvis impersonator.” But I love Tex-Mex cuisine with my whole heart. 

 

We had a Nobu reservation for brunch, and I cancelled it from the back of the Uber on the way there because we passed Ninfa’s‚ which, for those of you unfamiliar with Houston dining protocol, is roughly the equivalent of driving past a burning building. You don’t just keep going. You stop. There are fajitas at stake.

I’ve always loved Houston. Spent a lot of time there in the 1990s and during my years of Tex-Mex research. Plus, Hattiesburg has a nonstop flight direct into Bush, which makes it almost too easy.

That evening I ended up watching the Super Bowl. It wasn’t much of a game, as I suspected. The old adage that defense wins championships came true for the Seahawks as they schooled the Patriots who have enough rings, anyway.

But the weekend wasn’t really about restaurants or football. It was about 33 years.

A little over three decades ago, my Uncle Hugh White‚ an Episcopal priest‚ married us in the sanctuary of Main Street United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. My family has been in that church for four generations. The next day we flew to Las Vegas and got remarried by Norm, the Elvis impersonator, at the Graceland Wedding Chapel. Anglican, Wesleyan, and Presleyan‚ all in 24 hours. Then on to Aspen for the official honeymoon.

I think about the man who stood in that sanctuary 33 years ago. Young. Bulletproof. No clue. Not about the failures or the restaurants or the books or the 90-hour weeks or the thousands of meals with thousands of people. He couldn’t have imagined being 64, sitting in a Houston hotel room in his bathrobe, eating eggs off a rolling cart, and not wanting to be anywhere else.

I’m probably not built for breakfast in bed. I lasted less than an hour before the golden retriever in me needed to be somewhere, doing something, tasting something. Always has been. But I’m glad I did it once. Turns out if you sit still long enough, gratitude catches up with you.

Happy 33rd anniversary, Jill St. John.

Onward.

 

Chocolate Christmas Cheesecake

It’s all about balance. The deep, smooth chocolate filling meets a crisp, slightly salty crust for a perfect bite every time. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing—otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps. And when you melt the chocolate, give it time to cool slightly before mixing it into the batter, so you don’t end up with curdled filling. It’s worth the patience, every time.

A few techniques can elevate this recipe to another level: chilling the dough overnight for a richer flavor, using a water bath to ensure an ultra-smooth texture, and letting the cheesecake rest for at least 24 hours before serving for the best flavor.

Serves 8 to 10

Preheat oven to 350°F

For the Crust

8 full-sized graham crackers
16 Oreos
6 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Place the graham crackers and Oreos in a food processor. Pulse until fine crumbs form. Place the crumbs in a mixing bowl, drizzle with the melted butter, and mix well.
Pour the crust mixture into a 9-inch springform pan. Starting in the center, press the crust firmly, moving excess crumbs toward the outer edge. Firmly press the remaining crust up the sides of the pan.
Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and reduce the temperature to 300°F.

For the Filling

1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
8 ounces dark chocolate, melted and cooled
1/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 egg yolks, room temperature
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Place the cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, beat on high for 1 minute. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula and repeat the process three times.
Add the sugars and salt. Beat on high, scraping the bowl every minute, for 3 minutes.
Add the melted chocolate and cocoa powder and mix well.
Lower the mixer speed and add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides to ensure no large pieces of cream cheese remain.
Add the cream and vanilla and beat until smooth.

Pour the filling into the crust and place on the center rack of the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the center jiggles slightly when the edge of the pan is tapped.

Using a Water Bath: Wrap the springform pan in heavy-duty foil and place it in a larger baking dish. Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This helps prevent cracking and creates a silkier texture.

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool for 2 hours at room temperature.

For the Topping

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Bring the cream to a boil in a small skillet. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips. Once all the chips have melted, pour evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight before serving.

Using the Right Technique: When cutting, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each slice for pristine cuts.

Refining the Texture and Flavor: Cheesecake always tastes better a day or two after baking, once the flavors have had time to meld. For the richest flavor, make at least one day in advance.

Options for Enhanced Flavor and Texture

1. Add Depth to the Crust: Incorporate 1/4 cup finely ground espresso beans to the crust mixture for a subtle coffee note that enhances the chocolate.
2. Layered Ganache Topping: Add a second layer of dark chocolate ganache before applying the final whipped cream topping. This extra layer gives depth and a glossy finish.
3. Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the finished cheesecake before serving for a contrasting note of sweetness and salt.
4. Infused Heavy Cream: For the filling, infuse the heavy cream with crushed espresso beans or cinnamon sticks before mixing it into the batter.
5. Enhanced Cocoa Flavor: Adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the filling can deepen the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.

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

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^“Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” Esther 2:17 (NIV)

In Sunday school it was brought to my attention that this thing about the king ordering pretty women from all over the land to come try out for “queen” was almost like a sex-trafficking deal.

And I suppose it was. Just about everything in the book of Esther makes you a bit uncomfortable, all but the beauty and attitude and faithful actions of Esther, who must have been drop-dead gorgeous outside and in, and Mordecai, a guy who knew how to seize the moment, trust his Creator, and play his cards right.

Otherwise you have a drunken and boastful king, whose name was Ahasuerus, although some called him Xerxes, which might have been why he drank so much. But probably it was because he was fretting over the Greeks and also because he was upset that his wife, the actual queen, wouldn’t come to be shown off in front of his buddies when they were all three sheets to the wind.

Then you’ve got Hegai, who ran the harem and didn’t know the God of Israel, but he sure knew a young girl with a lovely figure and disposition when he saw it.

And batting cleanup, the rotten-to-the-core Haman, who wanted to exterminate a whole race of people just because he despised one man, and his reason for that wasn’t worth a hill of beans.

But God can use a drunken king, a wide-eyed harem lord, and a spiteful, hate-filled barn rat to accomplish His purposes. And in the book of Esther, it is a young Jewish girl and her faithful uncle who God positions to save the day. And when He made the call, they answered.

 I read a quote this week from A.B. Simpson, founder of the Christian Missionary Alliance: “God is preparing his heroes and when the opportunity comes, He can fit them into their places in a moment, and the world will wonder where they came from.”

Make note of your position . . . and keep getting your practice swings in.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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By Brad Dison

In 1957, after years of bit parts in numerous films and television shows, Thomas was cast as Lana Turner’s love interest in the film “Another Time, Another Place.”  In the second week of October 1957, Lana’s boyfriend Johnny Stompanato, a former marine who was a bodyguard and enforcer for mob boss Mickey Cohen, flew from Los Angeles to Cornwall, England, to be with her for the remainder of filming.  For three months, Johnny watched from the sideline as the chemistry between Thomas and Lana grew.  Thomas and Lana played their parts so well for the camera that Johnny became increasingly suspicious and jealous.  Around New Year’s Day 1958, while Lana and Thomas were filming an intimate scene, Johnny’s jealousy could take no more.  He rushed on screen, pointed a pistol at Thomas’s head, and threatened him to stay away from Lana.  In a split-second move, Thomas forcefully disarmed Johnny.  Thomas was aware of Johnny’s underworld connections and knew to expect a reprisal of some sort.   

Lana was not a pushover by any means.  When her marriage to Lex Barker broke down six months earlier, she forced him at gunpoint to leave her home.  Lana had Johnny removed from the film set and contacted police who quickly deported Johnny from England.  He was back in Hollywood by January 4, 1958.  Despite this incident, Lana and Johnny remained on speaking terms.  According to letters between Lana and Johnny, Lana wanted space.  In a letter dated January 15, 1958, Lana wrote to Johnny, “You must let me alone in my own world for a while, to rest, think, rest, think… I need the time and a different place to funnel thru all the emotional turmoil I’ve been through.”  Johnny had no intention of giving her the space she requested.  He wanted to marry.  Johnny wrote to Lana, “Let me prove that you and I belong together.”  In another letter he wrote, “Every second of every day since you have been gone, I’ve thought of nothing but you and your kisses.”  Johnny persuaded Lana’s 14-year-old daughter Cheryl to help convince Lana to marry him.  On a letter dated April 3, 1958, Cheryl wrote to Johnny, “I just got your letter this morning because I was home for the weekend.  How have you been?  …When are you all coming back?  Soon, I Hope.  Mother and I really had a wonderful time in Europe.”  She ended the letter, “Love ya and miss ya loads, Cherie.”  She only had a short time to wait. 

On the following day, April 4, Cheryl and Lana were at their home in Beverly Hills when Johnny stopped by for another attempt at convincing Lana to rekindle their romance and marry him.  Johnny’s sweetness quickly turned to rage when he realized she could not be convinced.  Johnny grabbed Lana and shook here while he cursed and threatened her.  Cheryl heard Johnny yell, “I’ll get you if it takes a day, a week, or a year.  I’ll cut your face up.  I’ll stomp you.  And if I can’t do it myself, I’ll find somebody who will.”  As Johnny continued his tirade over Lana, Cheryl grabbed a 10-inch butcher knife and sank it to the hilt into Johnny’s abdomen.  He died moments later.  Cheryl was not prosecuted because a coroner’s jury deemed the killing a justifiable homicide.  Mob boss Mickey Cohen linked Johnny’s death back to the altercation in which Thomas disarmed Johnny in a move similar to what we would expect to see in a James Bond film.  Well, Thomas eventually became James Bond.  His full name was Thomas Sean Connery.              

 Sources:

1.       San Francisco Chronicle, October 1, 1957, p.25.

2.      Berwick, PA., Enterprise, October 15, 1957, p.4.

3.      The New London, Connecticut Evening Day, January 4, 1948, p.16.

4.      The Akron Beacon Journal, April 5, 1958, p.1.

5.      The Oregonian, April 11, 1958, p.10.

6.      Los Angeles Times, April 12, 1958, p.1.

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Lately, during the extremely cold weather that we experienced a couple of weeks ago, I took some time to watch a few fishing podcasts. There are a handful of programs that I follow from top anglers within the world of professional bass fishing. 

One of these is “After the Cast” with Major League Fishing pros Andy Montgomery, Edwin Evers and Ott DeFoe, strong personalities and great reputations for not only being outstanding anglers, but good Christians. 

Their podcast is a behind the scenes look at the daily rigors that tournament anglers go through from the travel they face, to practice and tournament days. 

But they’ll also sit down and talk about hot topics going on in bass fishing. They’re not afraid to voice their opinions and share their thoughts which makes the podcast very interesting to watch. 

Another podcast I follow is “Zaldangerous,” also known as “The Bilge,” a program with Elite Series angler and Texas pro Chris Zaldain and his wife, Trait. These two do not shy away from controversial topics and are not afraid to challenge the establishments of B.A.S.S. or Major League Fishing (MLF) when it comes to rules violations or recent decisions that have been made with regards to a tournament organization.

Both podcasts, “After the Cast” and “Zaldangerous,” are programs that anyone would enjoy. They’re both great at shedding light on the hot topics in professional bass fishing while discussing possible solutions.

These are people “living the dream” by fishing for a living. They travel like gypsies and caravan across the country, fishing the best fisheries in America. They discuss today’s anglers and how to navigate the demands of professional bass fishing. 

But their biggest concern is trying to provide for their families as a pro fisherman. So many of today’s anglers face obstacles that previous generations did not. First and foremost, how to navigate social media. This is a problem the older generation of anglers never had to deal with. 

All three professional bass tournament organizations require that all anglers participate in social media. This can be in many forms like a podcast, Facebook page, YouTube videos, Tik Tok or maybe an Instagram account. 

In today’s business world, it’s important that anglers have a social media presence as a way of promoting sponsor product and themselves as well. Of course, we all know that social media can be a place of controversy with people who are looking to discredit or cast blame on others for a particular situation. 

Having a great social media presence is all about how many “clicks” or “likes” you’re getting with the posts you’re making. A really good account can translate into valuable dollars. It’s also another avenue where anglers can make money to help supplement their income.  

But here’s a question — can the average angler make it as a professional bass fisherman today? The biggest issue facing anglers today are with sponsors; there just are not enough to go around. Sponsors are a critical part of how anglers make a living and provide for their families. Tournament winnings are just a bonus for anglers and are not factored into their annual budgets. 

The fishing industry in general is just not big enough to support all the anglers looking to fish professionally. Most are stretched very thin with regards to how many anglers they can afford to sponsor. 

The industry is short on sponsorship dollars with there being three major professional bass fishing organizations — Major League Fishing (MLF), B.A.S.S. and the new National Professional Fishing League (NPFL).  

Anglers today are having to think outside the box and look at nonendemic companies that may have never had a presence in the bass fishing market.

Back during the old FLW days (2000 to 2012), there was Walmart, Land of Lakes, Kellogg’s, Snickers, Castro Motor Oil and many more that sank huge amounts of money into many of the old FLW Tour anglers. 

But ever since the demise of the FLW Tour around 2012, these sponsors have chosen to walk away and are no longer interested in this market, leaving a huge sponsorship void for anglers to pursue. 

Less sponsors means a bigger strain on anglers’ budgets as they try to navigate the costs involved with making a living as a professional.

Bottom line is this: with a shortage of sponsors it makes it very difficult for the average angler to participate on the professional level. It’s sad but it’s starting to look like only those anglers who have money, have a good financial support system like mom or dad, or wealthy grandparents will be the anglers who can compete on bass fishing’s highest level.  

As the old saying goes, “money can’t buy happiness,” but it can buy you a spot on a bass pro tour!  

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Wednesday

A slight chance of showers before noon, then a slight chance of rain after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Friday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.

Friday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

Feb. 14

10 a.m. Have a Heart Walk to raise funds for LaMa Animal Rescue. 7K, 5M. Begins at Springhill sign, ends at LaMa Rescue. Text Justin at 713-471-2960 to sign up and pledge support.

1 p.m. Doyline United Methodist Church annual Mardi Gras Parade. Lake Bistineau State Park.  Cajun feast following parade at the Rally Shelter. Bring your favorite Cajun dish. If it rolls, it’s a float.

7 p.m., Piney Woods Jamboree, CAC building, Springhill. Special guests will be The Spurlocks, Gina Mitchell, Sue Ellen Lindsey. 

Feb. 21

11 a.m. Black History Parade, downtown Minden.

1 p.m., Red And White Ball, Mt. Zion Fellowship Hall, 414 East Union St., Minden. Theme: God’s Unfailing Love,” Children’s and Youth departments.

Feb. 28

8:30 a.m. Buds & Blooms, First Methodist Church, Minden, sponsored by Piney Hills La Master Gardeners.

11:30 a.m. North Louisiana Historical Association will meet at Noel Memorial Library, LSU-Shreveport.

March 9

6 .m. Night at the Museum, 116 Pearl St., Minden. Brian Davis, Executive Director of the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation will be guest speaker. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; seating is limited.

March 10

Deadline to sponsor 2026 Springhill, North Webster Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Email chamber@springhillla.com . Tickets go on sale April 1.

March 20

7 p.m., Malpass Brothers Show, CAC building, Springhill. Tickets are $ 25.00 for general admission and $ 30.00 for reserved seats. You can purchase tickets at Express Tax Title & License at 101 N Main Street or call (318) 539-2750.

March 24

7 p.m. 84th Annual Greater Minden Chamber Awards Gala. Minden Civic Center, Minden, La. Tickets: greatermindenchamber.com/awardsgala.

April 1-April 9

2026 Chamber of Commerce Banquet, Springhill, North Webster. Tickets: chamber@springhillla.com .

April 9

6 p.m. Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, Springhill Civic Center.

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Phonetic: /di·ges·tif/
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition
a drink or portion of food drunk or eaten in order to aid the digestion.
A digestif is a high-alcohol, often herbal-forward spirit, fortified wine, or brandy served neat after a meal to aid digestion and close the dining experience. Popular options include Italian amari, cognac, armagnac, sherry, port, and whiskey.

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