By Bonnie Culverhouse

The Webster Parish Library and all its branches are making a major move, that’s no longer in the future. The future is now and it’s wireless.

Library Director Savannah Jones, Director of Marketing Kim Sentell and staff are proud to introduce a new app that will make life at the library fast and easy.

“This innovative technology provides contactless ways to interact with the library,” Jones said. “It uses a mobile-friendly catalog interface and puts our best electronic features all in one place,” Sentell explained.

The app is free and anyone can download it by going to the Android or App Store and searching for “Webster Parish Libraries” on their devices; however, those with a library card will be privileged to more.

While the app is an important and useful tool in keeping the library relevant, the main location of the library is also upgrading aesthetically by shifting areas, remodeling and painting certain areas, because, as Jones said, the app is not intended to replace the buildings or website but to meet the needs of patrons who prefer to connect with the library while on the go or in the comfort of their homes.

“By doing that, we are seeing the public attracted to those areas,” Jones said. “It is really neat to watch. They are coming in and staying longer. They’re gravitating more, as we make those changes to certain areas one at a time, every time we make a change, we see them use that area more to do their work.”
Whether Covid was a factor, Jones said society was definitely a catalyst in designing the app.

“Society is ever-changing,” she said. “It’s evolving with new forms of technology. So that means many more aspects of life are moving online.”

The app, which took more than 18 months to complete, along with countless hours of work and input from library workers, will help patrons access collections and services such as booking a meeting space, viewing programs and events or even learning a new skill in a user-friendly way.

“We were always mindful of putting forth our best efforts to ensure the features that would best suit our patrons during the entire process,” Jones said. “Down to the smallest detail, we found ourselves researching the best color schemes we should use that are easiest on our patrons’ eyes when viewing the app,” Sentell added

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Journal Staff Report

This is Voter Registration Week around the state, and Webster Parish Registrar of Voters Angela Hall wants prospective voters to know it’s easier than ever to sign up and exercise your right as an American.

Hall has been traveling the parish this week educating persons in nursing homes, schools and libraries about all the different ways to register. A spokesperson in the Registrar’s office said Hall has been offering them the opportunity to register, while distributing pamphlets to senior citizens on different available programs.

Citizens with a valid Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana Special ID card can register online 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any location by visiting https://voterportal.sos.la.gov. Louisiana residents can also register in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office, when they apply for or renew their driver’s license at any Office of Motor Vehicles or when obtaining services at public assistance agencies and Armed Forces recruitment offices. Citizens wishing to register by mail can download and print the application from our website at GeauxVote.com, or complete an application found at public libraries or through registration drives.

To register and vote in Louisiana individuals must:
• be a U.S. citizen;
• be at least 17 years old (16 years old if registering in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles) to register and 18 years old prior to the next election to vote;
• not be under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony or, if under such an order not have been incarcerated pursuant to the order within the last five years and not be under an order of imprisonment related to a felony conviction for election fraud or any other election offense pursuant to La. R.S. 18:1461.2;
• not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights;
• be a resident in the state and parish in which you seek to register and vote;
• apply at least 20 days prior to an election if registering online or 30 days prior to an election if registering in person or by mail.

Deadline to register to vote in person or by mail for the Oct. 9, 2021 election is Wednesday, Sept. 8. The deadline to register to vote online is Saturday, Sept. 18. For more information about elections and voting, contact the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at 800-883-2805 or elections@sos.la.gov. or call your Registrar at 318-377-9272.

The Registrar of Voters’ office is on the first floor of the Webster Parish Courthouse. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

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There’s only one more week until games count for real. So in the final warm up before the regular season, all four parish high school football teams will be in preseason action.

Webster’s three public school high school teams – Minden, Lakeside, and North Webster – will travel to Haynesville for the annual Pineland Jamboree. Also joining in on the five-team event will be the host Tors and the Homer Pelicans.

There will be five contests in Haynesville. Each will consist of one 15-minute quarter.

As follows is the Pineland Jamboree schedule:

Game 1 – North Webster vs. Homer

Game 2 – Minden vs. Homer

Game 3 – North Webster vs. Lakeside

Game 4 – Haynesville vs. Minden

Game 5 – Haynesville vs. Lakeside

The first game begins at 6 p.m. Tickets will cost $10 at the gate but can be purchased at any school location for $8. Also, tickets purchased at schools means that school keeps all of the money. Revenue from tickets bought at the gate will be split between the five teams.

While most of the action will be taking place in Claiborne Parish, the Glenbrook Apaches will be at home for an impromptu final preseason warmup against St. Mary’s out of Natchitoches.

Glenbrook was slated to participate in the NSU jamboree at Turpin Stadium on the campus of Northwestern State University. However, the new Louisiana High School Athletic Association rule that issues teams losses for games cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols led to cancellation of Friday night’s high school football jamboree.

St. Mary’s and Lakeview were slated to meet Friday in the matchup prior to Natchitoches Central’s contest with Evangel. The opening jamboree action was a battle between the NCHS junior varsity and Glenbrook, coached by former Chiefs offensive coordinator David Feaster.

After taking stock of virus trends involving their campuses, SMHS and Lakeview chose not to play each other. Lakeview coach Brandon Helms opted to take a break.

St. Mary’s football coach Aaron York was pleased to set up the 7 p.m. jamboree at Glenbrook.

“We had kids who had to go home today due to contact tracing, so we’re only taking about 18 up to Glenbrook, but they’re mostly my mainstays, my starters,” he said. “We need to see live reps, against another team, and going on the road after being home last week will be good for us. We’ll see good competition.”

Glenbrook and St. Mary’s will play two 15-minute halves.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A convicted felon with a stolen firearm was arrested by Minden Police earlier this week.

Ramone J Phipps, 29, of the 1800 block of Grove St., Shreveport, is charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, battery of a dating partner, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm and obstruction of justice.
Police Chief Steve Cropper said his officers received a call to the Dixie Mart on Sibley Road concerning a disturbance, but the call was canceled before they arrived as the involved parties had left the scene.

“They were then dispatched to the 500 block of Chestnut St. to speak with the female victim of that disturbance at the Dixie Mart,” Cropper said. “When they arrived, officers Jason Lee, Kendale Booker and St. Chris Hammontree spoke with the female who told them she and her child’s father, Ramone Phipps were at the Dixie Mart.”

The chief added that Phipps and the female are dating but do not reside at the same address.

“Phipps wanted to take her car to Shreveport, and she wouldn’t let him,” Cropper continued. “Phipps became enraged and produced a .9MM handgun with an extended magazine and placed it against her head, causing her to fear for her life.”

During the incident Phipps is alleged to have pushed the victim by her throat. She reportedly filed charges against him, and officers located Phipps almost an hour later at the Chevron station across from the Dixie Mart.

“Phipps told officers he had thrown the gun down the road and he did not know where,” the chief said. “A nearby female told them Phipps had placed something in her vehicle and gave her consent to search.”

Officers reportedly located a .9MM Hipoint handgun with an extended magazine hidden under the back seat. According to reports, post Miranda, Phipps admitted the handgun was his.

Phipps is a multi-time felon, and the firearm was reportedly stolen from a location in Shreveport.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A Minden man has been arrested by police for domestic abuse batter with child endangerment.

Joshua Miles, 26, of the 40 block of College St., reportedly fled the scene at his home after Minden Police were dispatched there on a domestic disturbance call.

Chief Steve Cropper said Ofc. Anthony Miller and officers Jason Lee and Lita Hopkins responded to the call.

“Ofc. Miller and Off. Hopkins were able to apprehend Miles not too far from his home,” Cropper said. “The female victim told officers she and Miles had been engaging in minor verbal altercations throughout the day. Miles then struck her in the chin area with a closed fist, causing her to start bleeding from the mouth.”

The victim reportedly ran next door to her mother’s house and called police.

“There was a 10-month-old child present in the residence at the time the crime was committed,” said the chief. “The couple had been in an intimate relationship for approximately one year and 10 months and had been living together for about a year.”

Cropper said Miles has a history of domestic abuse, and the victim said he occasionally uses Methamphetamine and Marijuana.

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Journal Staff Report

A Minden man shot and killed in the Cedar Grove neighborhood of Shreveport early Monday, August 23 has been identified by the Caddo Parish Coroner’s office.

Brennan Johnson, 25, of Fincher Road in Minden, was shot around 5:15 a.m. in the 300 block of West 74th Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Johnson was positively identified through fingerprint comparison.

An autopsy was ordered.

The shooting remains under investigation by the Shreveport Police Department.

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By Josh Beavers

Carrie Woodard is an educator. And while she is charged with teaching her students a traditional curriculum, she also knows that it takes more than facts and figures to educate the whole child.

On Monday, as part of her first block class, Woodard taught a lesson on trust.

“We made an obstacle course in order to teach trust between each other,” she told The Journal. “One student was blindfolded and the other gave directions. Then they had to trust their guide.”

The short part of class was one of many life lessons Lakeside teachers share in addition to Tier 1 curriculum.

“I want students to understand that trust is an essential ingredient in meaningful and lasting relationships as well as school and career success,” Woodard told The Journal. “Trust is essential to all personal relationships. If you build trust with your students they are more willing to engage in things that you would like them to.”

Lakeside Principal Denny Finley said teachers like Mrs. Woodard and the lessons they impart are what makes the small school in South Webster special.

“The number one focus for all schools in America is to academically prepare students for the future. To prepare them for college or the workforce, whichever they might choose,” he said. “Our mission at Lakeside is to improve the whole student to ensure that they are successful when they leave our campus.”

Finley said the Lakeside staff as a whole has always been heavily invested in the lives of the students.

“A couple of years ago, I purchased each teacher a copy of Stephen R. Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” he told us. “We built minutes into the day, and every adult worked with a group of students on how to be successful.”

Those Habits:
1. Be Proactive
2. Begin With The End In Mind
3. Put First Things First
4. Think Win-Win
5. Seek First to Understand Then to be Understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the Saw

“We would work on each habit for several weeks before moving forward,” Finley said. “Discipline at Lakeside has never been a big problem, but it improved after the book study. Students were able to see teachers in a new role and not just in front of the class teaching. Teachers were showing them how to be a better student, person, and eventually a better adult.”

Life lessons. Lakeside. Two things that go hand in hand at the small school in the one stoplight town at the bottom of Webster Parish. Great things come in small packages. Lakeside is proof of that.

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Just sittin’ here on the porch observing the actions, or lack thereof, of our hired hands down at City Hall. Rockin’ to the rhythm and listening to the litany roused the curiosity.

After hearing one of our councilers rear the dreaded “M” word yet again, Rocker thought it might be appropriate to dive into what this malfeasance thing really means. This, of course, brought on when one city official thought another had malfeased by promising raises.

Maybe we can better understand if we break down all the feasances.
First, we should know that feasance is doing or performing an act as a condition of duty. In other words, if an elected official takes an oath to do it, they’re expected to do it.

If one is not feasing as expected, there are three, three-letter prefix wrist slappers. Those, students, are mal-, mis-, and non-.
Added to feasance, all mean something.

Mal (feasance) refers to wrongdoing or misconduct, illegal or dishonest activity especially, as in our counciler’s view, by a public official. Mis (no gender reference intended) is the act of engaging in an action or duty but failing to perform the duty correctly. Non is simply failing to act when there is a duty to do so.

Knowing this, one begs to ask the question: Reckon our accuser realizes that a mal charge against one official lets out two other dogs that can bite others?

Example: Is it Mal, Mis or Non that covers allowing one’s chair to sit empty at regular meetings, special meetings or workshops? Could it be Mis or Non that applies to failure to attend meetings even after being ordered by decree to do so?

And, which of the three types apply, and to whom, when a city’s operating budget goes unapproved to the point that Uncle John Bel may be called upon to tell us how to spend half of last year’s total?

It’s said that people who live in glass houses surely shouldn’t throw stones. Especially when the shattering glass may hit unintended others.

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Mary Nell Durrett Parr
October 30, 1922 – August 18, 2021
Graveside Service: Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery, South of Arcadia on Hwy 147

Terral Lynn Brown
February 16, 1972 – August 19, 2021
Services:  Friday, August 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church, 1050 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Burial:  St. Catherine Catholic Cemetery on 1620 LA Hwy. 1218 in Noble, Louisiana at 2:00 p.m.

Karen Marie Cramer Birmingham
April 5, 1966 – August 19, 2021
Visitation:  Friday, August 27, 2021 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport
Service:  Saturday, August 28, 2021 beginning 11:00 a.m. at Shreveport Community Church, 5720 Buncombe Road
Burial:  Immediately following

Jimmy Roy Hope
April 2, 1941 – August 18, 2021
Visitation:  Friday, August 27, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana.
Services:  Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church, 304 Sibley Street, Benton
Burial:  Plain Dealing Cemetery, LA-157, Plain Dealing, Louisiana

 

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By Josh Beavers

A new Burkes Outlet store is opening September 19th in Minden.

Burkes Outlet sells an assortment of name-brand fashion, beauty and home items at up to 70% off other stores’ prices.

“From clothing and shoes for the family to unique home items to handbags, accessories, beauty items and more, Burkes Outlet is constantly bringing in new product,” said Dave Alves, President and Chief Retail Officer of Bealls Family of Stores.

“We love surprising our guests,” Alves continued. “It’s all about the treasure hunt. That’s why when you see something you love, you have to grab it fast.”

The store will bring approximately 25 new jobs to the Minden community.

“I’ve been following the growth of Bealls Companies and I am blown away with the growth, especially in times like these,” said Phillip Smart, Development Director. “Burkes Outlet gives our citizens a more affordable and diverse shopping experience and it brings more jobs to Webster Parish.”

A grand opening celebration will take place September 19th through September 29th with games and giveaways. Smart said one winner will receive a $100 Burkes Outlet gift card.

Burkes Outlet will be located at 1094 Homer Road and will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A new city/community task force, designed to address safety ordinances and police and fire pay is off to a good start.

Minden Mayor Terry Gardner invited several persons to meet Monday morning, following the request of District A Councilman Wayne Edwards during a council meeting Thursday.

“Mr. Edwards thought, and I agree, that we needed to get community leaders together to look at these ordinances,” Gardner said. “We will look at these ordinances, as well as other things throughout our tenure here.

Representing the council on the Safety Initiative Program (SIP) are District A, Larry Gibson; District B will be Mack Jones, who was out of town and could not attend; John Bradford for District C, Annette Blake – wife of a former police officer – for District D and Mike Harper filled the slot for District E.

Also attending were Jason Smith, President of the Minden Police Association, Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper and Adam Bradley, representing the fire department.

The ordinances address juvenile curfews and permits for gatherings at city parks.

Some members asked how a juvenile curfew ordinance would be beneficial.

“A lot of the people on the streets committing these crimes are between 15 and 22 years old,” Smith, who is also a Minden Police officer, said.

One of the main ideas behind the ordinance would be to make parents accountable for their children’s whereabouts, especially during the hours of the curfew – from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and midnight to 5 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

It was agreed that better pay for police will help with crime.

“What we are to our police and fire departments is a training ground,” Gardner said. “We bring them in, we train them, bring them back here and they go off somewhere else. Once we invest in our employees, we want them to be happy with their job and stay here.”

Smith pointed out that there are three to four officers on the streets per shift.

“Right now,” Smith said, during the 10 a.m. meeting, “there is one officer patrolling the streets.”

“Our community is in bad shape, as far as I’m concerned,” Police Chief Steve Cropper said. “If I could pull back every officer I have lost to agencies with better pay, and add them to what I have now, we’d have a fantastic department.”

Starting police officers earn $13.75 per hour.

Also, discussed was fire pay. Minden’s fire department is operating shorthanded for the same reason as police.

Adam Bradley said a starting firefighter earns $8.85 per hour and must wait until an assistant fire chief or captain retires before they can move up the ladder and earn more money.

Smith handed out copies of the ordinances for the commission to study, adding “there is no ‘race’ written into these.”

SIP will reconvene September 9 at 9 a.m.

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The Minden Redbirds claimed the 2019 Red River Adult Baseball League 30+ Division crown with a resounding 17-5 win over the Bossier City Rats Sunday at LSU Shreveport’s Pilots Field.

“We played our best baseball when it mattered the most,” said Minden player-manager Charlie Cavell. “We scored 28 runs against the top two teams in the league in back-to-back games. We never took our foot off the gas. We jumped out to a lead, and every time they scored, we answered, and that’s what good teams do.”

The Redbirds scored 17 runs on 21 hits in the championship game. Seven Minden players had multiple hits in the game, including Chris Fort, Keith Hardin and Thomas McManis, who each collected three hits. McManis, a former Parkway Panther, Bossier Parish Cavalier and LSUS Pilot, went 3-for-3 with a triple, a home run, three RBIs and he scored four runs. Philip Johnson also drove in three runs.

Fort, who was named the 2019 Most Valuable Player by a team vote, allowed just four hits and one earned run over seven innings. He walked four and struck out six to earn the win.

“I just tried to throw strikes and let the defense help me,” said Fort, who played collegiately at Southern Arkansas University. “For the most part we were able to minimize the damage. I felt good the entire game despite the 100-degree heat.”

“It’s a tremendous honor to be named the MVP,” said Fort. “I’m just happy to still be able to come out every summer and compete. It’s a lot of fun when you’re surrounded by a group of guys that still have a passion for the game. We had a lot of guys contribute in different ways to get us to the championship, so it was definitely a team effort. I’m already looking forward to next year.”

Minden was the No. 3-seed heading into the playoffs, defeated the No. 2-seed Shreveport Storm 11-4 on Saturday behind a strong pitching performance from Ian Doiron. Doiron, a Houma, La. native who played collegiately at LSUS, turned in a four-hit, complete game performance in the semifinals. The hard-throwing righthander did not allow an earned run, and was helped out by a defense that turned three double plays.

“I said it all season long that when we had all of our players we were a darn good baseball team,” said Cavell. “I think we validated that statement this weekend. This is a great group of guys who happen to be outstanding ballplayers. I’m just lucky to be a part of it.”

Cavell thanked Gary Jones at Advanced Ambulance Service of Minden for its support of the team.

PHOTOS: 

Team photo: (front row L-to-R) Brandon Counts, Charlie Cavell, Chris Fort, Keith Hardin, Philip Johnson, Brandon Underwood. (back row L-to-R) George Stricker, Ian Doiron, Brent Rawls, Thomas McManis, Ben Michiels, Anthony Young, Aaron Lowe, Zach Christ, Tim Morris.

MVP photo: RRABL President David Pratt and MVP Chris Fort

Trophy photo: RRABL President David Pratt and player-manager Charlie Cavell

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Members of the Minden City Council, along with Mayor Terry Gardner and several department heads, met Monday morning in a budget workshop to focus primarily on staff salaries and raises.

District A Councilman Wayne Edwards said he feels the council has been portrayed in a negative light, “towards the budget and working within the system.”

“We all want the same thing … that’s what’s best for the city 100 percent of the time,” Edwards said. “We’ve worked real hard on this budget, and I’m kind of a stickler about doing things the same 100 percent of the time.”

Edwards went on to point out that he believes two of the department heads are receiving an excessive raise.

“The only thing that I ask is that we come to a compromise and what we do for one, we do for all,” Edwards said.

Gardner explained that with those two departments, he hired persons at a lower salary than previous employees in the same position or, in the case of the human resources position, a lower salary than comparable positions in other cities.

“The economic developer in the past was making $72,000 a year,” Gardner said. “The economic developer I hired is making $42,000 a year.”

According to the hiring agreement, once the employee, Phillip Smart, brought in a business with 10 full-time employees, he would get a $6,000 increase, bringing his salary to $48,000.

“The reduced salary, added with his new position of occupational licenses which, the previous year brought in $300,000 … this year to date, brought in $570,000 in occupational licenses,” Gardner said. “So, to me, it’s a win-win for the city because he created more revenue to put in the budget at what is still a lower salary than previously.”

Human Resources Director April Augilar manages 200 employees at $50,000 a year.

“If you look at other municipalities, her salary should’ve been $80,000,” Gardner said. “I told her after she built the department and proved herself with the added responsibilities, I don’t think a $5,000 increase from $50 to $55,000 a year is excessive.”

District C Councilman Vincen Bradford said he feels the budget reads that not only will Smart receive the $6,000 raise at his one-year employment mark, he will also receive one when and if the budget is passed.

“It says it right here in the budget,” Bradford claimed.

However, Gardner said that is not the case, and that he has the authority to grant the raise, even though the budget has not yet been approved by the council.

In addition, raises for police officers and firefighters were discussed at length. District D Councilman Michael Roy said he worked with Gardner to find a way to get raises in the budget to bring them up to a respectable rate of $16.50 per hour for police officers (currently at $13.75) and around $13 for firefighters (currently at $8.85).

Bradford asked that Roy meet with interim City Clerk Michael Fluhr to study Roy’s suggestion and bring it back to the council during another budget workshop.

All council members were present, with the exception of District B Councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker.

Bradford requested that, instead of setting a date and time for the next workshop, the mayor’s office call all councilpersons and ask when they can attend.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Patrolling the Evans Street area over the weekend, Minden Police Officer Kendale Booker initiated a traffic stop that netted the arrest of a Gibsland man on more serious charges.

Bruce Bernard Stephens Jr., 46, has been charged with no seatbelt, no child restraint, failure to signal, open container, driving while intoxicated (first offense) with child endangerment, resisting an officer with force or violence, three counts of resisting an officer and driving under suspension with prior DWI.

Chief Steve Cropper said Off. Booker noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from Stephens’ person and great during the traffic stop.

“Stephens also showed obvious signs of impairment, and there was a juvenile boy in the front seat with no proper restraint,” Cropper said. “Stephens stated the boy was five years old.”

During the course of the traffic stop, Stephens was reportedly advised as to the reason he was being detained.

“He refused to follow orders and took off running,” said the chief. “During the foot pursuit, Stephens grabbed Off. Booker several times, lowered his shoulder and rammed the officer and then shoved him off a terraced embankment approximately four feet high.”

According to the chief, Stephens continued to ignore Off. Booker’s commands to stop resisting. Sgt. Donald Brice and Off. Jason Lee assisted Off. Booker, but Stephens reportedly resisted all officers’ attempts to place him in handcuffs.

Stephens was eventually taken into custody several blocks from the traffic stop. During the search of his vehicle, offers reportedly located an open container beside the driver’s seat. Stephens admitted to owning and drinking from the container.

“Stephens was transported to Minden PD for DWI testing, after refusing a standard field sobriety test,” Cropper said. “He also refused the Intoxylizer, but he admitted to drinking beer up to the time of the traffic stop.”

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By Josh Beavers

The Lakeside Warriors braved near 100 degree heat Friday evening as they took on visiting Lakeview in preseason football action.

Playing with a limited lineup due to a variety of reasons, the Warriors held Lakeview to only one touchdown, and that came on a broken play that resulted in a long touchdown run by the Gators’ quarterback.

“I thought we did exceptionally well,” Lakeside head coach Mike Santelices said. “We had a lot of young players who did well in their first action.”

As mentioned, the defense shined as it was stifling all scrimmage long against a good Lakeview team.

“I’m not sure people realize how good Lakeview is because we don’t play them very much,” Santelices said. “But they are very well coached and have a lot of good players.”

As with all preseason action, the coach said the scrimmage was a valuable tool in the team’s building process.

“We got a lot of good film to watch and opportunities to coach these guys up,” he said. “Overall, with the players we had out, I was very impressed with how we did.”

The Warriors will play in the Pineland Jamboree against North Webster and Haynesville on Friday. The Warriors will play one 15 minute quarter against each school. Tickets are on sale for $8 in the Lakeside office. If you pay at the gate, the price will be $10. All money from tickets sold at Lakeside goes to the school. Money from tickets sold at the gate will be split between all five teams.

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United Christian Assistance Program needs the following items:

• Food: biscuit mix, cornbread mix, pasta
• Clothing: men’s large short sleeve shirts, men’s tennis and dress shoes sizes 9 1/2 and larger
• Household Goods: king and queen sheets, towels

UCAP is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only. Thanks to the community for your support!

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By Josh Beavers

One local neighborhood is finally getting an overlay after a lengthy wait and a losing battle with a minefield of potholes.

Local contractor Benton & Brown began street improvements to Longleaf Drive and Woodard Drive on Friday.

Bidded price of the repair was $416,500.

Residents of Longleaf and Woodard Drive gave members of the Minden City Council an ovation at the city council meeting where council members voted to advertise for bids.

“If you drive down there today, you will see it’s as bad as it’s ever been. Every time it rains, it gets worse,” said Woodard Drive resident Tracy Campbell at the time. “Fixing potholes only causes additional problems. It’s a temporary fix until the next rain comes.”

The neighborhood has more than two dozen homes being serviced by the roads. Campbell said Longleaf and Woodard are so bad that vehicles are being damaged.

The Facebook group for the neighborhood was full of praise for the city and work crews when machinery rolled in last week.

“No more Han Solo navigating the asteroid belt in the Millennium Falcon,” said one resident in a post.

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By Josh Beavers

An exciting event in the local arts community is coming to Minden this September.

The Minden Makers Fair is focused on creating and fostering both an appreciation for the arts and a sense of community and connection. The event will be held at The Farm of Cultural Crossroads on Saturday, September 24th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Elaine Eaton, President of Cultural Crossroads’ board of directors and the event coordinator for Minden Makers Fair, said the event is modeled after the Makers Fair movement that has taken root in the U.S. At the event, makers, whose goods are handmade, gather to sell their wares to the public, artisans demonstrate their craft, and fun activities are available throughout the event.

This is part of Cultural Crossroads mission to “Unite All People Through the Arts.”

Eaton said creating and hosting events like the Minden Makers Fair is one of the ways Cultural Crossroads tries to serve the community.

“All vendors will have personally created the goods that you will see displayed,” Eaton told The Journal. “From artwork, home goods, clothing, jewelry, pottery, stained glass, and much more. If you want to start shopping for Christmas, the Minden Makers Fair is a great place to start.”

Eaton said that in addition to handmade goods, attendees will find several activities and demonstrations to help them learn about what goes into creating art, create art themselves, or just have some fun.

There will be food vendors and demonstrations scheduled throughout the day. Ivy Woods from Rachet City Glass will demonstrate glassblowing; Mandie Ebard will let kids use her pottery wheel; Amanda Peevy will set up her slackline for kids to test their balance.

Brandon Manning will be featuring Mocktail Making demonstrations with his business Brandezvous Productions. Jennifer Aldridge from Turn Up Dance Fitness will host workshops teaching kid-friendly dance moves. Schedules for demonstrations will be posted on social media and in future updates of the Webster Parish Journal.

The Journal will provide more information as the event nears.

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By Brad Dison

American Gothic is one of only a few paintings which has transcended being merely a painting and has become a cultural icon. Like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Edvard Munch’s The Scream and James McNeill Whistler’s Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1, commonly known as Whistler’s Mother, American Gothic has become one of the most famous paintings in the world.

In the summer of 1930, Grant Wood, a painter from Cedar Rapids, Michigan, was riding with a friend and fellow painter named John Sharp through the town of Eldon, Iowa. The two painters were looking for inspiration when Grant spotted a little farmhouse with a distinctive upper window. Grant later explained the he “saw such an American Gothic house in southern Iowa, and I imagined American Gothic people with their faces stretched out long, to go with it.”

Grant made a quick sketch of the house on the back of an envelope. On the following day, Grant got the permission of the homeowners and made a more detailed sketch with oil paints from the front yard. Grant never saw the house again. Back in his studio, Grant began painting the gothic farmhouse. Needing more detail, he requested and received a photograph of the house from the homeowners. Throughout the process of painting the house, the background in the painting, he considered who he would get to be the male and female models for the people in the painting.

He took great care in picking the female model because he needed someone who would be unoffended by his stretching her face in the painting. After considering several friends and family members, he settled on Nan Graham. Grant said Nan’s, “face is nearly as round as mine so I had to do a great deal of stretching.”

Grant struggled to find the right face for the male figure for his painting, a struggle which had held up the works of other famous artists. While painting the Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci had trouble finding the right face for Judas, which he said had to be villainous. Leonardo spent days walking the streets of Milan, Italy in search of just the right face. Each face he saw was eliminated for one reason or another until he finally found his Judas. Similarly, Grant looked carefully at every man he met and considered everyone he knew. Years before Grant had the idea for the painting, Byron McKeeby had built a bridge for him. Grant, somewhat of a starving artist, traded a bridge for a bridge. In lieu of payment, Byron accepted a painting by Grant of a famous bridge in Paris. Byron had just the right face for Grant’s painting. With little convincing, Byron agreed to be the male model for Grant’s American Gothic. A short while later, Grant finished the painting.

In October of 1930, the Art Institute of Chicago accepted two of Grant’s paintings, Stone City and American Gothic, for inclusion in their annual American Artists exposition. Hundreds of paintings were submitted and rejected. The Art Institute would accept no more than two paintings each year from the same artist. For Grant to have two entries accepted was an exceptional honor. In addition, Grant won the coveted Norman Wait Harris bronze medal and a cash prize of $300 for American Gothic. Newspapers at the time described it as “a painting of a Gothic type home at Eldon, IA with two imaginary figures of the artist’s conception of Gothic individuals in the foreground.”

When the exhibition opened, American Gothic became an instant hit. Newspapers throughout the United States published photographs of the painting and incorrectly described the subjects in the foreground as being of a farmer and his wife. Wood set the record straight and explained that it was a farmer and his daughter. In late November, Wood learned that the Friends of American Art had purchased American Gothic for inclusion in the Art Institute of Chicago’s permanent collection.

Not all who saw the painting were impressed. Mrs. Earl Robinson of Collins, Iowa suggested the artist “hang the portrait in one of our Iowa cheese factories because the woman’s face would positively sour milk.” In response, Mrs. Nan Graham, the lady in the painting, said she was proud to have been the model for the painting and retorted, “I wish that jealous woman would send me her photograph. I have a very appropriate place to hang it.” The lady in the painting whom Grant carefully selected was his younger sister.

Byron McKeeby, uncomfortable with the publicity he received from the painting, said all of the publicity should go to Grant. For five years Byron refused to admit his connection with the painting. “Grant chose the face, I didn’t,” he said with his usual warm smile. It was true that Grant traded a bridge for a bridge. Byron build Grant a bridge and Grant gave Byron a painting of a famous bridge he had painted in Paris, a painting which is now much more valuable than the bridge Byron made for Grant. You see, Byron was Dr. Byron McKeeby, Grant Wood’s dentist.

Sources:

1. The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), October 28, 1930, p. 5.
2. The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), October 29, 1930, p. 19.
3. The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), November 27, 1930, p. 12.
4. The Des Moines Register, December 28, 1930, p.39.
5. The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), January 25, 1931, p.4.
6. The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), February 28, 1931, p.5.
7. The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), March 24, 1935, p.4.

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Delloranzo Montrell White, 37, of the 100 block of Leroy Tillman Dr., Heflin, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies for driving while intoxicated, first offense.

Christopher D. Lee, 21, of Jackson, Miss., was arrested by Minden Police for theft of a motor vehicle.

Justice Dunnking, 22, of Springhill, was arrested by WPSO on active warrants for possession of Sch. II and drug paraphernalia.

Demarcus L. Burns, 33, of Ringgold, was arrested by WPSO on a warrant for use/possession/control of weapons and crime of violence.

Ketterius Harris, 34, of Doyline, was arrested by Louisiana State Police Troop G for DWI, fourth offense, speeding and DWI with refusal of a breath sample.

Tiffany Marie Cunniongham, 32, of Springhil, was arrested by Springhill Police for monetary instrument abuse, theft, possession of Marijuana, Methamphetamine, Diazepam with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheldon Charles Romero Jr., 43, of the 100 block of Johnny’s St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm.

Tony R. Wooldridge, 51, of the 1700 block of Jack Martin Rd., was arrested by Minden Police for criminal trespass, felony theft and possession of crystal Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Seth Humphries, 32, of Springhill, was arrested by Springhill PD for unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, aggravated battery and contempt of court.

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Gov. John Bel Edwards and State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter applauded the U. S. Food and Drug Administration’s full approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, the first such full approval of its kind. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and easily available all across Louisiana for people ages 12 and older. More than 2.2 million Louisianans have taken at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with nearly 40 percent of Louisiana’s population fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to CDC data.

“Today’s FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine, now marketed as Comirnaty, is yet another historic moment in our journey out of this COVID-19 pandemic. This full FDA approval of the first COVID vaccine follows months of clinical trials and millions upon millions of real-world doses safely administered across the globe. This vaccine is well researched, very safe and highly effective at preventing serious COVID illness, hospitalization and death,” Gov. Edwards said. “It is my fervent hope that any Louisianan who was waiting for the FDA approval of the vaccine will take action to immediately receive their shot. Already, more than 2.2 million Louisianans have taken at least one dose of the vaccines that are available statewide. We are optimistic that our numbers will grow as we fight together to end this COVID pandemic once and for all. Today would be a great day to get your COVID vaccine.”

“After an exhaustive review process we are very happy to see the Pfizer vaccine receive full licensure from the FDA. More than 200 million Americans, including 2.2 million people in Louisiana, already have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Joseph Kanter, State Health Officer. “The COVID-19 pandemic and our most recent surge have been devastating. To date, we have lost more than 11,900 Louisianans to this virus. Many more people going sleeves up for this life-saving vaccine will protect us against future COVID-19 surges and help us put an end to this pandemic.”

HOW TO GET A COVID VACCINE IN LOUISIANA

Everyone age 12 and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana. The FDA has only authorized one of the three COVID-19 vaccines – from Pfizer – for children ages 12 to 17. With today’s announcement, the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine has full FDA approval for those ages 16 and up. The Pfizer vaccine for those between the ages of 12 and 15 remains under emergency use authorization. Parents should confirm with the vaccine provider that their child is under 18 to ensure Pfizer vaccine is available before making an appointment.

COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at 1,437 locations in all of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, including at pharmacies, hospitals, health care clinics, and doctor’s offices.

To get a list of vaccine locations near you, text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829).

If you have questions, would like to speak with a medical professional, or need help scheduling an appointment, call 211 or Louisiana’s vaccine hotline at 1-855-453-0774.

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Mary Nell Durrett Parr
October 30, 1922 – August 18, 2021
Graveside Service: Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery, South of Arcadia on Hwy 147

Terral Lynn Brown
February 16, 1972 – August 19, 2021
Visitation: Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport. Louisiana. 
Services:  Friday, August 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church, 1050 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Burial:  St. Catherine Catholic Cemetery on 1620 LA Hwy. 1218 in Noble, Louisiana at 2:00 p.m.

Wesley Wayne Baker
January 17, 1974 – August 19, 2021
Visitation:  Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. until service time. 
Services: Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Kings Temple Pentecostal Church, 8951 Kingston Rd., Shreveport, Louisiana.
Burial:  Mt. Zion Cemetery in Hall Summit, Louisiana. 

James William Lee
September 26, 1934 – August 15, 2021
Service:  Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana. 

 

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

In response to concerns voiced by some members of the Minden City Council, Mayor Terry Gardner has formed a task force to explore recommendations and search for grants for first responders.

Safety Initiative Program (SIP) will have its first meeting at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 23 in the Pelican Room at Minden City Hall.

“On our committee is a community leader from each district,” Gardner said, “along with our fire chief, police chief, Jason Smith, president of the Minden Police Association and Adam Bradley, representing the fire department.”

Gardner says he hopes the task force will be able to find ways to increase salaries and find grants for equipment.

“We will also study the proposed curfew ordinance,” he said. “We will look at permits for our parks and recreation.”

At a special council meeting Thursday, District A Councilman Wayne Edwards said affected communities needed to look at the proposal. He also said he wanted the entire city to be policed and not just areas with higher crime rates.

“I’ve got a good group,” Gardner said. “It’s a mix of past city council and active community and business leaders.”

Representing District A will be Larry Gibson, District B will be Mack Jones, John Bradford will represent District C and Annette Blake – wife of a former police officer – will attend for District D. The District E slot has yet to be filled.

Budget Workshop

At 11 a.m., following the task force meeting, Gardner will meet in a budget workshop with council members.

During the special meeting Thursday, the same group of councilpersons refused to pass the 2021-2022 $39M budget for the city.

Edwards spoke up, claiming he had to object to the budget because of concerns with the American Relief Fund, salary increases for some city employees and a review of salaries for Minden Police.

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