LaJayden Vialed Harris, 18, 600 block Marion St., Minden: arrested Nov. 14 by Minden PD on warrants. Bond set $25,000 surety or $2,500 cash.

Dawn M. Miller, 46, 700 block County Rd. 1903, Van, Texas: arrested Nov. 14 by WPSO on warrants for theft of a motor vehicle, misdemeanor theft. Bond set $25,000.

Keatavia Deaquanise Morris, 24, 1300 block Young St., Minden: arrested Nov. 13 by Louisiana State Police for no registration, fugitive warrant from Minden PD. No bond set.

John J. Solomon, 43, 500 block Quarles St., Minden: arrested Nov. 14 by Minden PD on warrant for simple assault. No bond set.

Levert Latrell Young, 31, 500 block Central School Rd., Dubberly: arrested Nov. 14 by Minden PD on warrants for domestic abuse/child endangerment law, fugitive from WPSO, failure to appear (seven counts). Bond set $203,500.

Lisa Ponder Stiles, 49, 10000 block Hwy. 3, Plain Dealing: arrested Nov. 14 by WPSO on warrant for possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) or synthetic cannabinoids. Bond set $5,000.

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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Michael Alan “Mike” McGowan
July 27, 1969 — November 17, 2025
Minden
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Gravisede service: 10 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden.

Rebecca “Becky” Mouser Cone
July 24, 1947  –  November 16, 2025
Springhill
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Graveside service: 11 a.m. Thursday, November 20, 2025, Springhill Cemetery.

Vickie Lorraine Smith
September 1, 1949  –  November 14, 2025
Sarepta
Visitation: 10 until 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Old Sarepta Missionary Baptist Church, Sarepta.
Funeral service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Old Sarepta 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 Pat Culverhouse

A faulty piece of vehicle illumination equipment led to a traffic stop Sunday, and now a north Webster Parish man is in the parish lockup on a variety of drug charges.

Curtis F. Jackson Jr., a 56-year-old resident of N. Collins St. in Cullen, has been booked for possession of a Legend drug, possession of CDS. Sch. I (Ecstasy), possession of CDS Sch. II (crack cocaine) and no license plate lights after a Webster Parish deputy stopped him shortly after 9 p.m. on Cullen’s MLK Dr.

After stopping Jackson’s vehicle, Deputy Thomas Teutsch reportedly observed a small, clear dime size baggy containing a reddish pill-like substance inside on the floorboard. Jackson reportedly was Mirandized, then admitted the pills were Ecstasy.

During further questioning, Jackson reportedly admitted possession of crack cocaine hidden in a cigar packet inside the vehicle. A search reportedly revealed the crack cocaine, plus a pill bottle containing suspected morphine sulfate.

Jackson is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Facility where his bond has been set at $15,001.

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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A special council meeting scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, to consider recommendation of disciplinary action against firefighter Michael Tyler Mandino was canceled before it began. The meeting would have followed a pre-disciplinary hearing held on October 23, 2025 due to “conduct that occurred on or about August 23, 2025.”

As a personnel issue, Fire Chief Brian Williams said he is legally unable to comment on the development. Minden Mayor Nick Cox said, “ … the issue has been resolved.”

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BATON ROUGE, La. – Military-related spending in Louisiana generated more than $17 billion in total economic activity during fiscal year 2024, according to a new statewide analysis released by Louisiana Economic Development. The report shows notable expansion in the state’s defense sector since the previous study four years ago, underscoring the military’s continued impact on jobs, investment and community development.

Since 2021, total military-related economic output has increased by 77 percent, and employment has risen 52 percent, with more than 117,000 jobs and $707 million in state and local tax revenues supported by defense activity across Louisiana.

“Louisiana is competing and winning in the defense economy,” said Gov. Jeffy Landry. “Our shipyards, bases and defense companies are creating jobs, driving innovation and powering growth in every region of our state. This administration is focused on building that momentum and keeping Louisiana at the forefront of America’s defense and economic future.”

Conducted by Business Development Advisors and The Roosevelt Group for Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Military Advisory Council, the analysis examines military installations, defense contracts and retiree and veteran spending to measure the military’s economic impact on the state and within LED’s eight defined regions.

Beyond the statewide totals, the analysis highlights how Louisiana’s defense economy continues to attract investment, create jobs and strengthen communities. From advanced manufacturing to emerging aerospace and technology sectors, military-related activity supports industries that drive innovation and expand opportunities statewide.

Recent developments in Louisiana’s defense industry further reinforce these findings. Bollinger Shipyards, based in Louisiana, was awarded a major U.S. Navy contract to construct six Arctic Security Cutters at its facilities in Lockport. At Barksdale Air Force Base, VRC Metal Systems is investing in a new maintenance facility that will provide advanced repair capabilities for B-52 aircraft and create high-skilled engineering and technician positions. Together, these projects build on a record year of defense contracting in Louisiana, with more than $3 billion in Department of Defense and Coast Guard projects performed in 2024.

The report also expands its analysis to include federal spending and contract activity associated with Louisiana’s veterans, capturing for the first time the full scope of their economic contributions. The findings show that more than 26,000 military retirees and 260,000 veterans living in the state contribute billions of dollars annually to local economies. Combined, veteran expenditures and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs contracts generated $5.6 billion in output and supported more than 35,000 jobs statewide.

“As someone who has served, I know the deep commitment Louisiana’s veterans and military families carry into every part of their lives,” said Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton J. Meginley. “This report shows that their contributions extend well beyond military service—strengthening our economy, our communities, and our state as a whole. Their continued impact is something all Louisianans can take pride in.”

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BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) today released results from the beginning-of-year literacy screener for students in kindergarten through third grade. The 2025 data show continued statewide progress, with 50 percent of K–3 students now reading on or above grade level. This marks the second consecutive year of growth on the beginning-of-year screener and the highest overall proficiency level since Louisiana began these reading assessments in the 2023-2024 school year.

“These gains are a result of Louisiana’s dedicated teachers,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “We must stay the course and continue building strong foundations for all students.”

Fall 2025 Results

• Fifty percent of K–3 students achieved reading proficiency, a 3-point increase over fall 2024
• Third grade showed the most growth, improving by 5 points
• Second grade increased by 4 points, first grade by 2, and kindergarten by 1
• Fifty-six percent of students in grades 1–3 met the proficiency benchmark

These results come from the beginning-of-year administration of Louisiana’s universal literacy screener, now in its third year. The assessments are aligned to the science of reading and help educators identify students in need of support early in the school year.

“Our goal is to help every student become a proficient reader,“ said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson. “This data serves as a roadmap to tailor support such as high-dosage tutoring to ensure students receive the instruction they need.”

Louisiana’s Reading Revival

Louisiana has improved to 16th in the country for 4th grade reading on The Nation’s Report Card since being ranked 50th in 2019. The state’s comprehensive literacy strategy is grounded in policy, training, and student support. Key elements include:

• Science of reading-aligned instruction: Louisiana adopted a phonics-based approach that transformed how reading is taught and gave educators tools to help students thrive.
• High-dosage tutoring: Louisiana has been a national leader in expanding this research-based practice, which provides intensive support to students who need it most.
• Parent engagement: Louisiana continues to equip parents with tools and resources to support reading at home and monitor their child’s progress.
• Strong policy foundation: Acts 520 and 517 (2022) established a universal K–3 literacy screener and required high-quality, research-based instructional materials. Bulletin 741 ensures all students are screened three times a year to identify and address reading gaps early.

Louisiana’s National Momentum

Louisiana has made considerable progress since launching its comprehensive literacy plan.

• Led the nation in fourth grade reading growth for two consecutive cycles of The Nation’s Report Card and now rank No. 16 overall
• Ranked No. 1 in the nation for reading on the Education Recovery Scorecard, a joint study by Harvard and Stanford
• Topped a national list recognizing states with comprehensive early literacy policies, including universal K–3 screening, third-grade promotion policies, and targeted student support

About Louisiana’s K-3 Literacy Screener

All Louisiana public school students in grades K–3 are required to complete literacy screeners three times per year. These assessments increase in difficulty across the school year and provide teachers with real-time, actionable data during students’ foundational learning years.

Now in its third school year of statewide implementation, the screener is administered securely and measures skills predictive of future reading success. Student performance is reported as well above level, on level, below level, or well below level.

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Guest speaker for Thursday’s noon meeting of the Minden Lions Club will be Chelsey Jewel Cormier, manager of The Broken Bean and a recent Louisiana Adult and Teen Challenge graduate. She will be introduced by Lion John Rodland.

EXCERPT FROM BIOGRAPHY:

My name is Chelsey Jewel Cormier, and I’m 34 years old from Lafayette, Louisiana. I graduated from Louisiana Adult & Teen Challenge in April, and I was called to stay on as a staff member. I now serve as the Manager of The Broken Bean and as the Ministry Coordinator for our ministry team. God made a way for me to go to Louisiana Adult & Teen Challenge in 2023 after years of living in fear, resentment, and shame from toxic relationships, drugs, alcohol, and generational pain that had consumed my life, leaving me feeling beyond repair. But God used this program to break down every wall I had built, so He could rebuild me and use my story to share His light with other women and children through this very same ministry. My son, Joshua, has been with me throughout my time in the program. And after almost two years, the Lord has begun to slowly but surely restore my relationship with my daughter, Faith, as well. I have worked at The Broken Bean since entering the program, and it has become such a special place to me.

Minden Lions Club meets at noon every Thursday in the American Legion Hall on Pine Street.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has reopened Duck Dam Road after completion of the Wetland Enhancement NAWCA project to refurbish water control structures and road improvements.

Bodcau WMA is located in Bossier and Webster parishes and is approximately 17 miles northeast of Bossier City. Travel north on Louisiana Highway 157 from I-20 at Haughton to Bellevue, then follow the signs to Bodcau WMA.

There is a free public shooting range with a rifle range with targets from 25 to 200 yards, a pistol range with 25-yard targets, and a shotgun station. The range is supervised by an approved range officer.

Available game species include white-tailed deer (both archery and modern firearms), squirrel, rabbit, dove, quail, and all other species of small game. The deer herd is considered healthy. Waterfowl hunting is available in the 1,600 acre greentree reservoir and in the numerous sloughs and backwater flooded areas. Turkey hunting is also allowed during a short spring gobbler season. There are youth-only deer, squirrel, and turkey seasons.

There is birding and wildlife viewing opportunity, and camping is available at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers improved camping area located on the south end of Bodcau WMA and at several primitive camping areas.

For more information on this WMA, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/bodcau.

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

For more information, contact Jeff Johnson at 318-371-3050 or jjohnson@wlf.la.gov .

About Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation’s 2025 Conservation Raffle: 

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF), in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), is hosting its inaugural raffle. Supporting ongoing LDWF conservation efforts, the raffle offers outdoor enthusiasts and conservation supporters of Louisiana the chance to win a brand-new Chevy Silverado from your Super Chevy Dealers, valued at $60,000.

Proceeds directly benefit programs led by LDWF, including habitat restoration, wildlife and fisheries research, public access enhancements, and education initiatives.

To purchase your ticket, visit: https://www.lawff.org/la-conservation-raffle.

Open to legal residents of the U.S. who are 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. Contest ends 1/8/26.

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United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food:  biscuit mix, soup, pasta, rice

Clothing: coats, men’s shoes, men’s long-sleeved shirts (No women’s clothes yet).

Household Goods: towels, twin & queen sheets, pots & pans

Thanks to all for supporting UCAP!! 

UCAP is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 204 Miller Street, Minden, for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only.

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Private property rights are protected by the U.S. Constitution through the 5th and 14th Amendments which guarantee due process of law and just compensation when private property is taken for public use.  The Framers deemed property rights as fundamental and linked them directly to liberty.  

The U.S. Supreme Court defines a “taking” as any government action that deprives a private property owner of the use or enjoyment of their property.  Importantly, a taking can be a physical seizure of property or a regulatory taking in which a regulation is so restrictive it destroys the property’s value or denies all reasonable economic use.  It is this second category, a “regulatory” taking, that I address today.

A suit has been filed in federal court in New York City by two brothers, Pashko and Tony Lulgjuraj, who own a 5-story apartment building in Manhattan.  Their hardship derives from the fact that, based upon rent regulations, many New York city apartments have been taken off the rental market.   

Long and short, “the brothers are challenging NYC’s rent ‘stabilization’ law. The statute limits the rent increases a landlord can demand of existing tenants or new ones. Rent increases are limited to between 3% and 4.5% when a tenant renews an existing lease or when the apartment is vacated. Many landlords look at their income statements … and calculate that getting the apartments back up to code would cost thousands of dollars that couldn’t be recouped at the artificially low rent cap. So, the apartments sit vacant and off the rental market.” (Wall Street Journal, Nov. 13, 2025). 

The brothers have argued that when the rent is so heavily regulated that no profit can be realized from a property, it meets the definition of a “taking” under the 5th Amendment.

The Supreme Court has held, in Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council, that if the government prevents all economically beneficial use of property, it is a taking.  “[W]hen the owner of real property has been called upon to sacrifice all economically beneficial uses in the name of the common good … he has suffered a taking.” 

The Court has further stated that “a statute regulating the uses that can be made of property effects a taking if it “denies an owner economically viable use of his land.”‘  That is what we have with the Lulgjuraj brothers in New York City.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the Supreme Court’s most notorious cases in the area of 5th Amendment takings, Kelo v. City of New London.  In Kelo, the Supreme Court held that the city of New London, Connecticut could condemn fifteen privately owned residential properties in order to transfer them to a new private owner to promote “economic development.” 

The glaring problem with Kelo is that the 5th Amendment only allows the taking of private property for “public use.”  However, the Kelo Court ruling allows virtually any possible public benefit to qualify as a public use.  I believe that using the power of eminent domain to seize private property and transfer it to a private party is simply a bridge too far. 

While a city may seek to enhance economic development and address blight, it is simply inconsistent with America’s sacred view of private property rights to allow a private party to seize private property—using the coercive eminent domain power of the state—even if for a so-called public use.

I hope this case of the Lulgjuraj brothers makes its way to the Supreme Court.  The potential danger to our nation embedded in this issue is especially lethal in light of the election of NYC’s new Socialist mayor, Mamdani, who supports “the abolition of private property.”  According to Mamdani, “if there was any system that could guarantee each person housing—whether you call it the abolition of private property or you call it a statewide housing guarantee—it is preferable to what is going on right now.”  Mamdani also speaks in support of the Marxist policy of “seizing the means of production.” 

It is simply unconstitutional to regulate private property—vacant apartments here—in such an onerous fashion that the owners cannot profitably rent them.  That should be construed as a taking and the brothers should be compensated.  Though more subtle and insidious, a ‘regulatory taking’ is just as much a ‘taking’ as the outright government theft of private property through a garden variety ‘taking.’  The Supreme Court should make this clear.

(Shreveport attorney, Royal Alexander, worked in D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 8 years for two different Members of Congress from Louisiana.  He has witnessed up close several Speaker races. He can be reached at RoyalAlexanderlawfirm@gmail.com .)

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Week 12 – the final week – of WPJ’s Pick’em contest has begun.

The contest opened at 6:55 a.m. today and will close at midnight Friday.

Week 11’s winner has already been selected by computer software. Watch for a photo later this week.

Good luck and remember, you must be 18 or older to play.

Here is your link!

https://form.jotform.com/232385564755163

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Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday

A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Thursday

A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79.

Thursday Night

Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

Nov. 18

5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Keepsake Ornament and Santa of Shreveport Event Springhill branch of Webster Parish Libraries.

6 until 7 p.m. Cool Season Gardening, LOCATION CHANGE to Webster Parish Extension Office, 1202 Homer Road, Minden. Speaker: John Monzingo, LSU Ag Center.

Nov. 19

5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Keepsake Ornament and Santa of Shreveport Event Doyline branch of Webster Parish Libraries.

Nov. 21

9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Community Blood Dr., b1 Bank, MBL Bank Drive, Minden.

Nov. 29

9 a.m.until 3 p.m., Hot Cocoa Crawl, Main Street, Springhill.

Shop Small Saturday in Minden. heck out the event on Facebook at Small Business Saturday-Minden and be sure to follow shop Small-Minden  for updates, promotions, and participating businesses.

Dec. 12

6 until 9 p.m., Holiday Trail of Lights Hayride, downtown Minden.

Dec. 12 and 13

Presents on Pearl Vendor Market, downtown Minden.

Dec. 13

5 p.m., A Hometown Christmas Parade, downtown Minden.

Dec. 14

1 until 5 p.m., Christmas Tour of Homes

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Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

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Play Sudoku online!

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Tony Burns, 54, 200 block Middle Landing, Minden: arrested Nov. 12 by Minden PD on warrant. Bond set $500.

Donald Gene Klick, 48, 200 block 2nd St. Pinehill, Springhill: arrested Nov. 13 by Springhill PD for possession of CDS Sch.II (methamphetamines) with intent to distribute. No bond set.

Daniel P. Collins, 39, 500 block Holomon, Dubberly: arrested Nov. 13 by Minden PD for misdemeanor theft. Bond set $500.

Hajerrian Angelo Adams, 27, 200 block Canvasback Dr., Princeton: arrested Nov. 14 by bond agent for failure to appear. Bond set $10,000.

Amanda Farrar, 39, 900 block Bayou Ave., Minden: arrested Nov.14 by WPSO/Probation & Parole on warrant. No bond set.

Ashia Gwenetta Cornelius, 41, 900 block Lee St., Minden: arrested Nov. 16 by WPSO for possession of CDS Sch. I (Ecstasy), introduction of contraband into correctional facility, traffic offense, outstanding warrant. Bond set $$8,001.

Victor Batton, 32, 300 block Lee St., Minden: arrested Nov. 14 by Minden PD for public drunkeness. Bond set $750.

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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Bonnie Haynes Johnson
December 31, 1941  –  November 14, 2025
Springhill
Visitation: 1 until 2 p.m Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Funeral service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: Western Cemetery, Emerson, Ark.

Vickie Lorraine Smith
September 1, 1949  –  November 14, 2025
Sarepta
Visitation: 10 until 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Old Sarepta Missionary Baptist Church, Sarepta.
Funeral service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Old Sarepta 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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Webster Parish Road districts A and B will continue having improvements funded by mills renewals, following Saturday’s vote.

Unofficially, Road District A’s 2.65 Mills Renewal with Webster Parish Police Jury, was 70 percent in favor and 30 percent against.

Road Strict B had a 3.92 Mills Renewal with 62 percent voting yes and 38 percent voting against.

Both renewals are for 10 years.

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Due to a broken water main, the City of Minden has issued a Boil Advisory on November 15, for the 600 and 700 blocks of Shreveport Road. For more information, please visit the City of Minden’s website at mindenusa.com.

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By Pat Culverhouse

Former New York Yankee great Yogi Berra is credited with the famous “It’s deja vu all over again” observation, and that might be what’s on the minds of Minden High School football fans.

For the second year in a row, the lower ranked Wossman Wildcats took a number 12 rated Minden Crimson Tide out of the LHSAA Division II Non-Select playoffs with a solid 35-14 first round win Friday at W.W. Williams Stadium.

Wossman, ranked 21st in power ratings, combined an explosive long-range attack with a stout defense to advance to the second round. The Wildcats racked up 443 yards in total offense while holding the high-scoring Tide offense to 235 total yards.

Kentavious Griffin gave Wossman the early lead, speeding 80 yards up the middle for a touchdown on the game’s first play. Dexter Major, Jr kicked the Wildcats up 7-0 just 16 seconds into the opening quarter.

A promising Tide first possession drive followed, but seven plays later the Wossman defense held on fourth down at its 28 to snuff the attempt. After holding the Wildcats to a three-and-out on its next possession, Minden quickly responded.

A pair of runs by Lucas Owens Jr. and Kaiden Shine set the Tide up at the Wossman 31, and Hudson Brown found Jaden Johnson in the back corner of the end zone for a 31-yard scoring toss. With 5:27 remaining the opening quarter, Braxton Glover’s PAT tied it 7-7.

Wossman responded with a five-play, 50-yard scoring drive, capped by a 27-yard scoring pass from Ja’Terrance Long to Griffin for a 14-7 first quarter lead, but  the Tide came right back.

A Brown-to-Shine 26-yard completion followed eight plays later by a 13-yarder from Johnson to Kameron Harris set Minden up at the Wildcats’ five yard line. Three plays later, Brown powered in from one yard out to put the finishing touch on a 15-play, 69 yard scoring drive and a 14-14 tie with 7:03 left before half.

From there, it was all Wossman as the Wildcats scored twice on lengthy Long passes to take a 28-14 halftime lead. Caderrius Williams hauled in a 48-yarder with just over three minutes left in the second quarter, then Ronquarious Hargrove broke loose for an 87-yard scoring reception with less than a minute left.

Wissman’s final score came with just over seven minutes left in the game when Long escaped a rush and sped up the middle from 13 yards out.

Minden fell victim to the turnover bug, losing two fumbles and two interceptions to the swarming Wildcats defenders. The Tide, averaging slightly more than 200 yards per game rushing, managed just 122 yards on 30 carries. Through the air, Minden quarterbacks completed 13 of 29 attempts for 113 yards.

Freshman Jardon Carey led Tide rushers with 54 yards on 11 tries while Kaiden Shine picked up 29 yards on four attempts. Owens Jr., who missed most of the second half, had 24 yards on five carries and Johnson had 14 yards in four rushes.

Brown finished the night with nine completions in 22 throws for 84 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Johnson was four-of-seven for 29 yards with one interception. Johnson was also the leading receiver, catching six for 54 yards and a touchdown. Harris had three catches for 26 yards, Shine caught two for 31 yards and Abreon Curry had one catch for three yards.

Wossman’s Long completed 12 of 19 passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed 16 times for 63 yards to lead the Wildcats. Leading rusher was Griffin with 81 total yards on four carries. Griffin left the game early in the first quarter due to an injury.

Minden finished the season with a 5-6 record while Wossman moved to 5-6 heading into next week’s second round game.

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By Gray Haynes

Friday night, the North Webster Knights traveled south to face the Church Point Bears in a Division III Non-Select Bi-District matchup.  Church Point won the opening coin toss and elected to defer their option to the second half.  The Knights took the opening kickoff and brought it out to their own 17 yard line.  The Knights began a 16 play drive that took them down to the Church Point 25 yard line and ate up nearly eight minutes of the clock in the opening period.  The Knights attempted a pass and first and ten, but the ball was intercepted by the Bears in the end zone.  That brought the ball out to the 20 yard line where Church Point took over.  The Bears, behind a huge offensive line, ran down the field in five plays where their quarterback scored from the 50 on an option play over the right side.  The extra point made the score 7-0 with a little over 2 minutes left in the first quarter.  The Knights took the kickoff and unsuccessfully tried the middle of the Church Point defense.  The Knights were forced to punt to open the second period.

Church Point began their possession on their own 35 yard line.  It only took Church Point five plays to score with the drive culminating on a sweep to the left side.  The extra point made the score 14-0 with 9:53 left in the first half.  The Knights took the kickoff out to the 38 yard line to begin their next drive.  That drive only lasted three plays before the Knights were forced to punt again.  Church Point took over on their own 31 yard line.  After picking up a first down and taking the ball near mid field, the Knights’ defense held tough and forced the Bears to punt from their own 45 yard line.  On the punt, the Knights’ senior tight end and defensive end Sonny Arnold sliced through the middle of the line and blocked the punt.  The Knights’ offense would take over with excellent field position at Church Point’s 40 yard line with 6:52 left in the half.  The Knights went with a different approach sending out three wide receivers to spread the field.  On a mix of passes and quarterback runs, the Knights took the ball down to the two.  Quarterback, Justin Stewart, called his own number and followed fullback, JaMyrion Jackson, into the endzone.  The extra point made the score 14-7 with 2:44 left in the half.  Church Point was not content to sit on their lead and take it to the half.  They marched down the field and scored on a slant pattern from the five yard line with 44 seconds left in the half.  The extra point made the score 21-7 in favor of Church Point.  

Since they deferred their option to the second half after winning the opening coin toss, Church Point received the opening kickoff of the second half.  After a short kick, Church Point took over at their own 42 yard line.  The Knights’ defense, after some halftime adjustments, held the Bears on three downs and forced a punt from near midfield.  The short punt was downed near the 20 yard line where North Webster took over.  The Knights were forced to punt on a 4th and ten.  Church Point marched down the field deep into Knights’ territory.  A touchdown was called back due to a holding penalty.  After a series of penalties and good defensive plays, the Bears found themselves facing a 3rd down and 22 from the 30 yard line.  Church Point’s quarterback found his receiver on a slant route coming from left to right.  The receiver did the rest of the work taking it in for the score.  The extra point made the score 28-7 with 4:08 left in the 3rd period.  The Knights marched down the field with a mixture of runs and passes until they stalled out at the 32 yard line failing to convert on a 4th and one with 11:33 left in the game and the score 28-7.

The North Webster defense was forced to take some chances to try to force a turnover on the next Church Point possession.  Church Point took the ball down the field with the big play being a counter play which took the ball down inside the five yard line.  The Bears scored a few plays later to make the score 35-7.  The Knights took over and were forced by the score and the clock to get out of their game and throw the ball every down.  Church Point intercepted a pass and took it deep into North Webster territory.  The Bears scored another touchdown late in the final period to make the final score 42-7.  Although the game was much closer than the game indicated, Church Point has a very good team.  The Knights’ family wishes them luck as they progress through the playoffs.  After the game, Knights’ head coach, Christopher Wilson, thanked the seniors for, “leaving the program better than you found it.”  The Knights look forward to bringing back several returning players as they begin working toward next season.

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By Pat Culverhouse

A total of 22 teams will be hitting the hardwood Wednesday (Nov. 19) when the 31st annual Don Stahl Memorial Basketball Tournament, hosted by Lakeside Jr/Sr High, tips off for a three-day run.

Games are scheduled to begin at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday in both boys and girls brackets, with championships set for 3 p.m. Saturday on the girls’ side and 4:30 p.m. Saturday for the boys.

Included among the squads in the boys bracket vying for the championship trophy are a pair of out-of-staters, Camden, Arkansas and Waco, Texas.

Games will be played at three locations: Lakeside junior and senior high gyms and at the Minden Recreational Center. Both championship contests will be played at the Lakeside Sr. High gym.

A consolation bracket will also be featured, and finals on that side are scheduled for noon and 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

All three Webster Parish schools are scheduled to compete for the title.

In the girls’ bracket, host Lakeside will take on Lincoln Prep at 5 p.m. Wednesday in the Lakeside Sr. High gym, while Minden and North Webster are set to tangle at 5 p.m. in the school’s junior high gymnasium.

Boys’ action will see Minden square off against Camden at 6:30 p.m. at Lakeside’s high school gym while North Webster will also play at 6:30 p.m. at the Minden Recreation Center against Northwood. Lakeside’s first contest comes at 8 p.m. Wednesday against Benton in the high school gym.

Former Sibley (now Lakeside) basketball coach Don Stahl, the tournament’s namesake, won 824 games at five different schools during his career. During his tenure at Sibley, his teams produced a 100-game win streak from 1980-81 (a national record at the time) and a 58-0 season (a national record).

His Sibley teams won two state championships.

Please see attached brackets for a complete schedule of games.

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By Paige Gurgainers

The Little Warriors 4th Grade baseball team turned in a dominant performance Thursday at the Ruston Sports Complex, defeating Cedar Creek 10–1.

The Warriors wasted no time getting on the board. In the top of the first inning, Tyson K. sparked the offense with a line-drive single down the left field line. Dayton H. added an RBI on a groundout, and a Cedar Creek error brought in another run, giving the Warriors an early 3–0 lead.

The momentum continued in the third inning when the Warriors plated two more runs. Dayton was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, extending the lead to 5–0.

On the mound, Ridge R. delivered an impressive start for the Warriors, retiring hitters with ease. He threw two no-hit innings, striking out five and issuing no walks. Dylan P. took over in relief and kept Cedar Creek scoreless as well, striking out four over 1.2 innings and allowing no hits.

Offensively, Tyson led the Warriors with two hits in three at-bats. Wyatt C., Dayton, Beau I., and Tyson each recorded an RBI, while Ridge showed patience at the plate with a team-high two walks. In total, the Warriors drew seven walks in the game, showcasing strong discipline in the batter’s box.

The convincing win adds another strong performance to the Little Warriors’ season as they continue to build momentum.

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