The Glenbrook Apaches got their first taste of football action as a member of the LHSAA on Friday night when they hosted Parker’s Chapel High School out of El Dorado, Arkansas.

The two teams took part in a controlled scrimmage where each team’s offense took turns running 12 plays.

Glenbrook scored eight touchdowns while holding Parker’s Chapel out of the end zone.

Scoring for the Apaches were DJ Carter on touchdown runs of 15 and 70 yards, Tre Kent on a 44-yard touchdown run, and a 70-yard touchdown pass from Easton Sanders to Collin Greg.

In the live quarter, it was more of the same for the dominant Apaches as they scored three times while a stifling defense held the Trojans in check. Chase Sentell started the scoring with a 3-yard touchdown run. On the ensuing defensive series, Maddox Mandino stepped in front of an errant pass and returned the interception 60 yards for a touchdown. After another defensive stop, Ty Feaster connected with Turner McLelland for a 35-yard touchdown pass to round out the scoring.

“We were really pleased with our performance tonight. WThere was a great crowd, I believe it was one of the biggest we have had throughout my time here,” said head coach David Feaster. “It was just a really great night for us. We hope to build on this and continue to improve and have a great season.”

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North Webster’s defense was too much for Mangham to handle Friday night.

In both schools’ first competition against another football team this preseason, the senior-laden Knights defense blanked the Dragons in a scrimmage hosted by Neville High School in Monroe.

The first-teamers squared off in two 12-play periods, and neither team managed to get on the board. Safety Ty’travion Mendhenhall made an interception for the Knights.

When the clock was turned on for a 12-minute period, North Webster turned up the heat.

Defensive end Garrett Brown and linebacker Jatareon Robinson each had sacks and forced fumbles. Cornerback Jacobreious Walker forced and recovered a fumble to end a promising drive by Mangham.

In the timed period, the North Webster offense still sputtered at times, but did manage to string together a couple of scoring drives capped by a touchdown pass of about 20 yards from Colin McKenzie to Robinson, and a run of 15 yards for six points from Jamarcus Stephens.

The Knights’ secondary was a strong point, led by Walker, who stacked up tackles along with his turnover production. Tackling was sloppy, as usual at this point of preseason due to limited full contact in practice.

Overall, the North Webster coaching staff was pleased with the result on the scoreboard and their players’ efforts, but didn’t need to watch the tape to know there were tons of mistakes that need to be cleaned up.

After next Friday’s jamboree, the Knights will open the season at home against Haynesville on Sept. 3.

LAKESIDE: Hosting Lakeview, the Warriors never got across the goalline in their scrimmage Friday night.

The visiting Gators scored on a pair of long touchdown runs by their quarterback.

Following the Warriors’ jamboree contest next Friday night, they kick off the regular season Sept. 3 at home against Magnolia School of Excellence.

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By Josh Beavers

Springhill Medical Center has been forced to close its doors to visitors due to the upswing in local Covid cases.

“Due to the increase of Covid-19 cases we are currently restricting visitors to the hospitals,” the hospital posted on its Facebook page. “For tests and procedures, please follow the precautions posted at the door.”

The small, rural hospital had eight patients hospitalized with Covid as of Wednesday evening.

Minden Medical Center has not had to shuttered its door to visitors but it is also dealing with climbing numbers. The local hospital has had 54 Covid patients hospitalized since the governor reinstituted a state indoor make mandate.

The Louisiana Department of Health reported 3,022 hospitalizations and 70 more confirmed deaths in its noon update Wednesday.

Confirmed cases increased by 4,333. Another 2,273 cases and 17 deaths were listed as “probable” by the Louisiana Department of Health, for a total of 6,606 new cases and 87 new deaths.

About 38 percent of the state population has been vaccinated.

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Betty Allen Mason
April 16, 1927 – August 16, 2021
Service: Monday, August 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Private Burial: August 23, 2021 at Richard Fleming Park near Cross Lake in Shreveport. 

William “Bill” Cella Hall, Sr.
December 29, 1931 – August 15, 2021
Services: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation: Friday, August 20, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Interment: Immediately will follow the service in Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Bro. Philip Albert James North
October 4, 1951 – August 13, 2021
Visitation: Will continue from 9:00 AM -10:00 AM at the UPC of Leesville, on Saturday, August 21, 2021.
Services:  Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville. 
Interment: Will Follow in Slagle, Louisiana at Holton Cemetery. 

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By Josh Beavers

The city council failed to pass a budget Thursday night despite the imminent threat of the state taking over the City of Minden.

The council tabled the proposed $39 million budget following a motion by District A Councilman Wayne Edwards.

“I fully appreciate all the effort that went into the budget,” Edwards said. “As a matter of fact I applaud it.” However, he went on to say he had to object to the budget because of very serious concerns about three areas.

They are:

How much funding is going to the American Relief Fund and why

Salary increases for the city’s Human Resources director and economic development director

a review of salaries for the Minden Police Department

The Relief Fund was not discussed, but the salaries of the HR and economic development director were mentioned. General concern was regarding the promise of a $5,000 per year pay increase for the people in the positions.

Councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker said the council needs to examine all city employees for raises and not just two positions.

Edwards said he asks for a review of police salaries because of monthly overtime numbers that sometimes tip over the $100,000 a month mark.

City Councilman Michael Roy questioned Edwards on the sudden move to table the budget. He asked what changed following four rounds of budget workshops between himself, Edwards, and Council members Vincen Bradford and Pam Bloxom.

The question was never answered and the discussion drifted into a rather curt exchange between Mayor Terry Gardner and Mr. Edwards about failing to return phone calls and emails.

The city has until September 15 to pass a budget. If it does not do so, the state will take over city operations and the operating budget drops to 50 percent of the previous year’s budget.

Once that money is exhausted, councilman Roy said it is his understanding the city will effectively be unable to run. Police will not be paid, people will be laid off, and a total government shutdown is possible.

As a result of Thursday’s action, the council will now continue to discuss the budget in workshop.

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By Josh Beavers

Even though there are more than four months left in the year, calls for police aid in Minden have more than doubled compared to 2019. Nearly 5,700 calls for service have already been made to police thus far this year. That number was one of numerous eye-opening and deeply unsettling statistics presented to the Minden City Council during a workshop Tuesday night.

For the same time period, arrests are up by more than 7 percent, shots fired are up by 122 percent, illegal weapons violations are up by 154 percent, illegal drug violations have increased by 195 percent, burglary is up by 24 percent, and assault and battery has increased by 42 percent.

These numbers, combined with the tragic recent murders of a 17 year old and a 3 year old in the city, have led the Minden Police Association to propose a curfew for local juveniles. Officer Jason Smith, president of the association, went before the Minden City Council to answer questions about the proposal.

District C Councilman Vincen Bradord said that most of the crimes were being committed by adults and questioned the need for a juvenile curfew.

Smith, who has spent his entire adult life in service (first for 15 years in the Armed Forces before becoming a peace officer), relayed several frightening stories to the council about his observations in Minden during outcalls. He spoke of numerous times he and other officers have been on calls late at night (or early in the morning) only to run into juveniles out on the streets in the dangerous areas.

“Two nine year olds riding bikes down the street at 2 a.m. going towards a crime scene,” he said about a recent outcall. “Nothing good is going to come out of that. We’ve got to do a better job. This doesn’t solve all our problems but it gives us one tool we can use to take a step forward.”

Some members of the City Council expressed concern over the proposal. District A councilman Wayne Edwards said he wants to curb crime as much as anyone but wanted to be certain the proposal was fair before voting on it. He 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.

Officer Smith spoke for more than an hour about the curfew and answered dozens of questions but said he would gladly meet with each and every council member one on one to answer more questions. He said the most important thing for the community is to take appropriate action soon so that the town’s undermanned police force, which is down a third of its officers, can better help keep citizens safe.

A look inside

The proposal states: “Curfew means a regulation to restrict outdoor activities of juveniles in the city between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. each day, except on Friday and Saturday, on which days the curfew shall be in force from 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.”

The document continues that it shall be unlawful for any juvenile:

to remain in or upon any public property in the city during the curfew hours

to remain in or upon the premises of a public business in the city during the curfew hours

Also it will be unlawful for a parent knowingly to permit or, by neglect, fail to exercise reasonable control, allow his juvenile child to be in or upon any public property or in or upon the premises of a public business within the city during the curfew hours.

It shall also be unlawful for any owner, operator, or employee of a public business to knowingly allow a juvenile to remain in or upon the premises of such public business within the city during curfew hours.

There are exceptions of course, including when a juvenile is accompanied by a parent or other adult person authorized by a parent. When authorized by a parent, the juvenile is attending a function or activity sponsored by an educational, religious or nonprofit organization that requires the juvenile to be in a public place.

Another exception: “When the juvenile is on an errand or specific business or activity directed or permitted by his parent or other adult authorized by a parent or where the juvenile is acting within the scope of legitimate employment or returning home from the errand, activity or employment without any detour or stop.”

Other exceptions include when the juvenile is involved in an emergency, when the owner of a public business is the sponsor or co-sponsor of an activity which requires or permits the juvenile to remain overnight on the premises of such business when authorized by a parent.

If adopted, the curfew would allow officers to direct the juvenile to proceed at once to his or her home or usual place of abode; or escort the juvenile to his or her home or usual place of abode; or take the juvenile into custody to the Minden Police Department.

If the parent, tutor, legal guardian or other adult person cannot be located or fails to come and take charge of the juvenile, the police department will take necessary action to protect the health and welfare of the child.

Juveniles and parents could be called before a judge and/or fined upwards of $500 for habitual violation of the proposed law.

There is similar language in the proposal for children during school time who should be in school and not on the street during the day.

The proposal was largely inspired by other nearby communities and drafted by police officials, city attorney Jimbo Yocom and City Court Judge Sherb Sentell.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Moving to Minden for his job is like coming home to 28-year-old Tyler Wallace.
“I’m originally from Shongaloo – I lived there until I was 12,” Wallace said. “Then we moved to Dubberly.”
And his family still lives in Dubberly, while his sister is in Minden – as is Wallace and his wife Bri.

He graduated Louisiana Tech in Construction Engineering Technology and various jobs on multi-million dollar infrastructure projects took him to Memphis, Little Rock, San Antonio and some places in between.

But now, as the City of Minden’s Assistant Public Works Director, Wallace is finally “home.”
“I love Minden and this area,” Wallace said. “It’s home to me. I got married in October, and this is where I want to start my family.”

In the spring, Wallace received a message from his mother, letting him know of a posted position of Public Works Director. He thought it sounded like a good fit and a way for his family to come back to Webster Parish.

“Everything happens for a reason, to me,” Wallace said. So, he applied for the job. Some members of the Minden City Council felt he was too young to be Public Works Director and voiced an opinion that having an assistant to learn the ropes might be a better plan.

“I know there’s a greater power; you’re not going to fault His plan,” Wallace said. “If it’s in His will, then it’s going to happen regardless of whether everybody’s smiling or everybody’s frowning.”

As Minden’s mayor, Terry Gardner said he believes in investing in young people to join the city’s team.

“It’s my job to leave it (the city) better than how I found it, whether I finish today or three terms down the road,” Gardner said. “I’m not doing the city any justice if I hire people my age. I have to hire people younger.”

Public Works covers water, sewer, power, streets, drainage, airport, water distribution and wastewater treatment.

“One of our biggest departments is Public Works,” Gardner said, who takes no money for his role as Public Works Director. “Our budget for this department is $4.6 million. Tyler’s salary is $70,000.”

Gardner admits, and Wallace agrees, that he (Wallace) does not know everything about public works. But the new assistant said the people with whom he works are ensuring he learns as he goes.

“I had Tyler talk with all the department heads in public works before we hired him,” Gardner said. “They had a say in this.”

And Wallace not only works in an office, but he spends a great deal of time in the field, learning the different jobs from all departments in Public Works.

“They are all great people to work with,” Wallace said. “They report to me, and I report to the mayor, but we all work together.”

Wallace’s first day on the job was July 19, 2021. Gardner said his goal would be to have Wallace take over the position of Public Works Director at the end of one year. It will take approval from the Minden City Council for that to happen.

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Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting Tuesday for Gibsland Bank & Trust’s new drive-thru branch, located in downtown Minden.

Photo: Jennifer Spurlock/Split Sea Marketing

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We’re one step closer to the real deal.

All four Webster Parish high school football teams will be in action Friday night taking part in annual scrimmages. Following the scrimmages, the teams will participate in jamboree action on August 27 before the games count in the win/loss columns on Sept. 3.

Minden

Minden High began fall practice on August 9. They travel to Benton Friday for a 6 p.m. scrimmage.

The Tide will be one of five teams participating in the annual jamboree. The other teams are Lakeside, North Webster, Homer, and the host – Haynesville. The event will be held in Haynesville on August 27. Games begin at 7 p.m.

Their first game is at home against Parkway on September 3 at 7 p.m.

Tide Coach Spencer Heard said the team made progress over the summer. One area of concern was in the secondary, but positive strides were made during the summer competition. He also mentioned the positive progression of senior starting quarterback Andrew Cooper who will be calling signals following a career on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker.

Lakeside

Lakeside has been on the practice field battling the near 100 degree heat in preparation for Friday’s scrimmage against Lakeview. The Warriors are playing host and the scrimmage begins at 6 p.m.

The Warriors first game is at home against Magnolia School of Excellence on September 3 at 7 p.m.

Lakeside is looking to build upon the momentum it had to end the 2019 season. The Warriors had a rough go last year due in part to a loss of seniors from the 2019 squad that won the school’s first playoff game. There also was a great deal of uncertainty, starting and stopping, cancellations, quarantine, and general disorganization in the 2020 campaign due to the Covid pandemic. Lakeside Head Coach Mike Santelices said offseason work was encouraging and beneficial to the athletes, and the Warriors are ready for a full campaign.

North Webster

North Webster was able to begin Fall practice a week early due to lost time in the spring due to Covid.

They are traveling to Mangham for Friday’s scrimmage. First play is set for 6 p.m.

The Knights first game is at home against Haynesville on September 3 at 7 p.m.

Head Coach John Ware said the team can do well this year if the injury bug doesn’t bite once again like it has the past couple of seasons. He told The Journal that the starting lineups are solid but there is a lot of youth backing them up. There is a lot of development that will be necessary as the young players learn and grow in the sport. Ware said the team has numerous senior leaders and mentioned a few by name. “Jamarcus Stevens is one of our best athletes and he will play outside linebacker, running back, and some receiver.” Jaterion Robinson, who is a three-year starter, also plays linebacker and tight end/H-back on offense. Senior lineman Drew Hutchinson and Ty Modisette anchor the offense and will look to open holes for running backs throughout the season. “There’s a lot of questions we’ve got to answer,” Ware said. “It’s hard to tell from one year on to the next how the team will gel together. But if we can all stay healthy, I feel we will be competitive.”

Glenbrook

The Glenbrook Apaches began fall practice on August 2 as they look forward to their first season in the LHSAA.

The Apaches have a home scrimmage Friday against Parkers Chapel. First play is set for 7 p.m.

Glenbrook will Jamboree in Natchitoches on August 27 in the annual NSU Jamboree. Their first game is Sept. 3 at home versus River Oaks.

David Feaster begins his second season as Glenbrook’s head coach, and the Apaches’ first in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association after many years in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools. Glenbrook expects to have only two seniors on the 2021 squad as it plays in the state’s largest Class A district, 1-1A, with nine teams. The Apaches are ineligible for postseason play this fall due to the transition period into the LHSAA. The former Minden HS coach (2003-07) had his greatest success at Parkway High and owns an overall 169-75 record at six different Louisiana high schools.

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By Josh Beavers

Kenneth Boyter, a 59-year-old Minden man, was killed Saturday afternoon following a hit and run collision.

Shreveport Police patrol officers were called to the scene of a roll over crash with injuries on LA 3132 East at West 70th Street. On arrival, officers located the occupants of the car, both of whom had been ejected from the vehicle. They suffered life-threatening injuries and were transported to Ochsner LSU Health where Mr. Boyter later died. The female has not been identified but remains in critical condition.

Investigators with the crash unit were summoned and gathered evidence from the scene and took witness statements. Investigators learned that the blue 2007 Chevy Silverado the victims were traveling in was struck by another vehicle prior to the rollover. Investigators do not have a description of that vehicle at this time. Police are asking the public’s help to identify the vehicle that was responsible for this crash. Caddo Parish Crime Stoppers is willing to pay a minimum $2,000 cash reward for information.

Contact them at 318-673-7373 or via their app, P3Tips.

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Webster Parish OHSEP, in partnership with The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and the Stephenson Disaster Management Institute at LSU, is leading the process to update the plan. The Webster Parish Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan describes the naturally occurring risks to the parish and outlines strategies to reduce these risks to save lives, reduce property damage, and lessen the impact of future disasters.

Residents of Webster Parish are asked to participate in a survey about public perceptions and opinions regarding natural hazards in the parish. The survey results will be used in the development of the plan. This short web-based survey can be found at the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WebsterHM2021

The Parish appreciates your input.

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By Josh Beavers

A high school sports team can live and die by its booster club.

That’s especially true for small schools like Lakeside High which is gearing up for the Friday Night Lights 2021 edition. Tarra Smith, one of the people behind the scenes of the program, is an instrumental part of the Warriors Football Booster Club.

“The booster club is important to the football program because it helps run all of the extras for the team such as meals, concession, new uniforms, equipment,” she told The Journal via an interview over Facebook.

This year the Lakeside booster club has scheduled team meals for all game days, scheduled concession stand workers and bought new coaches Lakeside apparel to welcome them to the Warrior family.

“Without a booster club to back the team, there would be no parental or community involvement,” Smith continued. “There would be no team meals, team bonding experiences. And all of the ‘fun and exciting’ things happening at the field would fall back on the coaches, and they are busy planning and teaching the team. The way that I look at the booster club is the booster club helps make sure that anything that the team needs will get done. Anything extra.”

Denny Finley, Lakeside’s principal, said every parent wants the best for their children and a booster club provides parents with the opportunity to get more involved in the decision making process.

“You don’t need to be a wealthy contributor to make a difference in a booster club; you can help at events, hold your own fundraising events, and actively promote the school’s sports activities to other members of your local community,” Finley told The Journal. “Coaches are teachers first, which means they teach a full load and then go to their sport. Most coaches have their own families at the house and are often missing valuable time with them while coaching other people’s kids.”

Finley continued that coaches can handle a lot of what takes place on the field but need help on the other side of the fence.

“Everyone wants their kid to have the very best experience while playing a sport, but in reality there are just a handful of people working behind the scenes to make it happen,” he said. “People often only see what is on the outside of a successful program and wish that their child could be a part of it. They are missing what is on the inside helping the program be successful, which is a strong booster club full of parents and community members.”

Smith said there are lots of ways people can get involved with the booster club.

“People can get involved by volunteering to work the concession, cook in the annual steak cook off, offer to sponsor a meal for the team, or just come and show the kids that you care and want to see their program grow,” she said. “When athletes look up in the stands on Monday, Tuesday or Friday night and no one is cheering, it hurts the morale of the player. If the player has no support, why would they want to continue to play?”

The booster club holds regular meetings and needs more parental support. Interested parties can contact Smith over Facebook or any member of the Lakeside coaching staff.

“People do not realize sometimes that booster clubs can be a lot of fun for adults,” Finley said. “It can be a huge social club for the members, where everyone is pulling together to help the team and in return it makes the entire community better. A booster club is the backbone of any successful sports program. If you find a high school that traditionally wins championships, you will find a strong booster club behind the scenes.”

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A fundraiser to benefit the family of slain Webster Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Billy Collins Jr. will be held Aug. 30 at the Bossier City Police Station, KTBS Channel 3 News reports.

Silver Star Smokehouse is hosting the event from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. with a meal that includes pulled pork sandwich on a sesame seed bun, 2 oz. barbecue sauce, au gratin potatoes and a meal kit. Preorders are available via email at fundraiser2021@silverstarinc.net.

Collins was killed while working his part-time job as a Doyline Police Officer.

“He was responding to a call at the trailer,” Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said of the deputy. “He was alone, but as other officers arrived, they took on some gunfire and the officer was shot.”

Parker said the officer was airlifted to the Shreveport hospital. Law enforcement sources say the officer was shot in the head. He died at the hospital.

The shooter died the following week after being shot during a standoff.

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Bonnie Culverhouse

A Jackson, Miss. man traveling through Webster Parish Saturday morning was arrested by Louisiana State Police but not before leading them on a chase through two other parishes.

Matthew Denzell Fortes, 29, was driving a silver Hyundai Sonata and traveling eastbound on the interstate, when LSP Troop G officers noticed he was following another vehicle too closely.

The Troop G officer reportedly attempted a traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as Fortes failed to stop and the pursuit ensued. Fortes led troopers, along with multiple other agencies, on a high-speed pursuit from milepost 40 through Bienville and Lincoln parishes, reportedly reaching speeds of 135 to 140 miles per hour.

The report said Fortes passed multiple vehicles on the shoulders “at these speeds,” and three different tire deflation devices had to be deployed in an attempt to stop him.

The Sonata became disabled at milepost 91 in Lincoln Parish. Fortes then fled on foot into a wooded area north of I-20. While fleeing, Fortes reportedly discarded a Springfield XD 9MM with a loaded magazine and a round in the chamber, which was recovered along the path he took through the woods.

After an extensive manhunt, Fortes was located and arrested without further incident. Post-Miranda, reports say Fortes told troopers he ran because he does not have a license and because he has a “phobia” of police. An inquiry into Forbes’ criminal history showed a pattern of arrests and convictions of multiple felonies within the past 10 years. It was also determined the Sonata was stolen and the Texas dealer tag was switched.

Fortes is charged with aggravated flight, illegal possession of stolen things, felon in possession of a firearm, following too close, switched license plate and no seatbelt.

He is incarcerated at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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There’s a new doctor in town. Dr. Oguntodu with Elite Family Medicine and Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new medical clinic at #2 Medical Plaza.

Photo:  Jennifer Spurlock/Split Sea Marketing

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Responding to the state’s COVID-19 situation, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has canceled National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) events scheduled for September 25 across Louisiana.

“This was a tough decision, but we think the right decision,” said LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “Like so many others, I looked forward to attending the events and watching families, especially young people, learn about hunting, fishing, shooting, and other outdoor activities. But, the risk to the public’s health to hold the NHFD events was too great.”

NHFD is a national event celebrated in all 50 states on the fourth Saturday in September. It was created in 1972 when Congress passed two bills establishing a specific day to celebrate the conservation contributions of the nation’s hunters and anglers.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. Help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at http://www.wlf.la.gov.

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The Webster Parish Council on Aging would like to remind its clients and loved ones of clients that the heat and heat index will continue to be strong.

The Webster Parish Council on Aging reminds its clients they still have fans for clients that need them.

Please contact Mike Magee, Cindy Watson, or Johnny Johnson at (318)371-3056.

Remember, they are for any of our clients that need one.

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Carter J Moreau
October 27, 1931 – July 30, 2021
Visitation: 9:00 am until time of service.
Services: September 18, 2021 at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Plaucheville, Louisiana
Rosary and Mass:  11:00 am

Betty Allen Mason
April 16, 1927 – August 16, 2021
Service: Monday, August 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Private Burial: August 23, 2021 at Richard Fleming Park near Cross Lake in Shreveport. 

William “Bill” Cella Hall, Sr.
December 29, 1931 – August 15, 2021
Services: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation: Friday, August 20, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Interment: Immediately will follow the service in Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Bro. Philip Albert James North
October 4, 1951 – August 13, 2021
Visitation: Friday, August 20, 2021 from 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM at The United Pentecostal Church of Zwolle, La. 
Visitation: Will continue from 9:00 AM -10:00 AM at the UPC of Leesville, on Saturday, August 21, 2021.
Services:  Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville. 
Interment: Will Follow in Slagle, Louisiana at Holton Cemetery. 

Tracey Ervin Blevins
June 10, 1973 – August 16, 2021
Services: Thursday, August 19, 2021at 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Chapel in Minden, Louisiana , 
Interment: Will Follow in Minden Cemetery in Minden, Louisiana. 

Thelma Lynn Harsen
December 3, 1945 – August 14, 2021
Services: Friday, August 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Open Range Fellowship Church, 9950 Highway 80, Greenwood, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.
Burial: Restland Cemetery, 593 Restland Cemetery Road, Waskom, Texas.  

Dinah Lyn Jordan
July 20, 1959 – August 12, 2021
Services:  Friday, August 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 
Burial: Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Road, Shreveport. 

J. Shane Clemons
December 22, 1969 – August 15, 2021
Services:  Thursday, August 19, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church in Minden, Louisiana.
Visitation: Wednesday, August 18, 2021, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden.
Interment: Will Follow in Gardens of Memory in Minden, Louisiana under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. 

George Michael Fort
May 12, 1943 – August 16, 2021
Services:  Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
Interment: Will follow at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Road in Shreveport.

Edd Crawley
April 11, 1958 – August 15, 2021
Burial: August 19, 2021
Service: Pending for a later date 

Beverly Lopez
December 17, 1948 – August 17, 2021
Services: Thursday, August 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden, Louisiana. 

Shelia Diann Crawford Stafford
December 8, 1966 – August 15, 2021
Services:  Thursday, August 19, 2021at 1:00 p.m. at New Life Assembly of God in Mansfield, Louisiana. 

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Staff Writer

The Census Bureau released its 2020 Census results last Thursday. The data shows that Webster Parish’s population decreased by 10.3% in the previous ten years from 41,207 in 2010 to 36,967 in 2020, a decrease of 4,240 people (424 people per year).

Possible effects of population decline are:

• fewer schools, due to there being fewer children;
• a drop in house prices because more homes are unoccupied;
• fewer new homes being built;
• less demand for rented accommodation;
• fewer care facilities;
• less turnover of product for shops and businesses;
• fewer sports facilities;
• fewer people going to the theatre, cinema or concerts, so these facilities are eventually cut back;
• local residents have to travel further to reach the facilities they want.

To dive into more detail about Webster Parish Census Data from the 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, click the file below:

Population Changes Across the Country Since the 2010 Census

Yesterday’s release reveals changes in the size and distribution of the population across the United States. The population of U.S. metro areas grew by 9% from 2010 to 2020, resulting in 86% of the population living in U.S. metro areas in 2020, compared to 85% in 2010.

“Many counties within metro areas saw growth, especially those in the south and west. However, as we’ve seen in our annual population estimates, our nation is growing slower than it used to,” said Marc Perry, a senior demographer at the Census Bureau. “This decline is evident at the local level where around 52% of the counties in the United States saw their 2020 Census populations decrease from their 2010 Census populations.”

County and metro area highlights:

• The largest county in the United States in 2020 remains Los Angeles County, with over 10 million people.
• The largest city (incorporated place) in the United States in 2020 remains New York, with 8.8 million people.
• 312 of the 384 U.S. metro areas gained population between 2010 and 2020.
• The fastest-growing U.S. metro area between the 2010 Census and 2020 Census was The Villages, FL, which grew 39% from about 93,000 people to about 130,000 people.
• 72 U.S. metro areas lost population from the 2010 Census to the 2020 Census. The U.S. metro areas with the most significant percentage declines were Pine Bluff, AR, and Danville, IL, at -12.5 percent and -9.1 percent, respectively.

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By Josh Beavers

Jessica Allums said it best.

“This is what’s most important – community, coming together and focusing on what we can do as a community.”

I spoke to Jessica along with her husband, Kyle, and their two little ones (Kyson and Kylon) Saturday morning at Academy Park in Minden. The occasion was a Community Prayer in the Park, and the purpose was to ask God for guidance and aid in these uncertain days for our community and nation.

The Allums family was one of many who braved the humid early morning heat to hear words of hope and encouragement from community members. Also on hand was our sheriff, our chief of police, city council members, our superintendent and school board members and supervisors. There were business leaders in attendance and teachers and retirees and police officers and church leaders and young and old and pretty much everyone in between.

And while I was there to take pictures and bring you, the dear constant reader the story, I was also there for encouragement of my own, to share in the power of prayer and fellowship and hope for our community to heal.

Because we are fractured. That’s the truth everyone, and all the PR in the world can’t hide that fact. Our community. Our nation. Fractured.

It’s been a rough summer in Minden and Webster Parish. Senseless murders of our young people and our community defenders. A city council that can’t agree on the color of the sky much less on how to effectively govern within these city limits. Political division unlike anything in modern history. School leaders doing their best to keep children safe while struggling with a deadly and highly politicized virus. Poverty. Cruelty. Lack of empathy. And a slew of people embracing willful ignorance and championing hate.

That’s what we are facing in Minden. That’s what we are facing in America. Fractured. We are fractured.

But the thing about being fractured, just like a bone, is that a broken community can mend. Oh sure, the scars will still be there, but a scar is only a remembrance of a past trauma and proof you survived.

And that’s what Michael and Chequella Walker hoped to accomplish when they organized the Prayer in the Park. I spoke to Mr. Walker Friday afternoon.

“It’s about healing our land,” he told me. “It’s about the community coming together and acknowledging that things are rough right now in our community. And when things are rough, we have to ask for help and guidance.”

Mr. Walker continued by telling me the Prayer in the Park was not only to ask for guidance but also to remember all of the good in the community. He wanted the fellowship to serve as a vehicle for those in attendance to see one another face to face and not over a digital screen. Seeing each other in person, shaking hands or bumping fists, smiling with one another and remembering our common humanity and love for Minden is a powerful motivator and reminder of what we pray for, what we fight for.

“So much negativity,” he said. “There is so much negativity. We can heal our land. It just takes coming together and asking God to guide us and aid us.”

Wes Barnett, a community member and educator, opened in prayer. “I see some of the best we have to offer, but I also am privy to some of the darkness we have in our community. It’s OK to say we are concerned. It’s OK to see there are things that need to be improved.”

Barnette spoke at length about the power of community, the power of prayer, the power of good people coming together to lead and educate and work together to make their home a better place, a place where children feel safe and a place where families want to put down roots and grow old. As Tim McGraw said, to find a place where the green grass grows and see all that is good and decent in the world.

“There is power in prayer,” he said. “We know there is a Power that can take care of it all.” He continued about the need for the community to pray with vigilance and to not forget when the attendees went their separate ways. Prayer moves the heart of God, he said, and “we ask You to help us to remember to pray every day for our community and each other.”

He spoke of the good, the positive, the high school sports we all enjoy, the festivals, our shared humanity and our times of smiles as we remember the positives of what it means to be from Minden.

“We praise You for the good,” he led the crowd in prayer. “But we ask You for help with the bad.”

Mr. Barnette and others prayed specifically for our elected officials who are tasked with governing and making sometimes difficult decisions. Prayers were spoken for unity and compromise and communication in our government. Prayers were spoken for our first responders, our police officers as they remain a community shield from the violence and evil in our world. Prayers were spoken for our teachers as school began this week.

“Grace and mercy,” Barnette said. He asked God for aid as we all try to educate our youth so that they do not follow down the dark paths of so many young people in recent times.

Prayers were spoken for leadership and that officials are able to steer clear of those who would want them to make decisions that are not in the best interest of the entire community. Prayers were spoken for community members to respect one another, to walk side by side with a common goal and hearts that were not hardened by cynicism and hate.

Grace and mercy. That’s what we asked for Saturday morning in the park. Prayer and a call for aid. We are fractured, that’s not up for debate. But even the fractured can be mended. And Minden can be healed. All it takes is continued community, continued prayer, continued pledges from everyone to do what they can every day and in every way to put aside differences and and realize our common humanity.

We are a community. And we will live or die together.

I prefer the first option, and I hope you do, too.

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By Josh Beavers

Three decades ago, Field of Dreams taught us “if you build it, they will come.”

Well, on this sunny summer Sunday morning, Minden once again proved that “if you need us, we will come.”

Cole Benson is six years old. He suffers from a rare form of T Cell Lymphoma. Cancer. That dirty, dirty word that has separated friends and families from one another far too often in our community. Little Cole, an energetic and always smiling young man, is on his way to Memphis and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital where he will spend three months fighting the fight that no child should ever have to.

And as we have illustrated time and time again, Minden refuses to let our children and their families venture into that uncertain time alone. We turned out and lined Germantown Road as Cole left town with a police escort and aboard a firetruck. Signs of encouragement were all about as Minden proved it cares about its own.

A little more than 24 hours after a community Prayer in the Park, where prayers were spoken for a unified community that remembers its shared humanity, Minden showed just how much it cares about its own, its most vulnerable, its young people, its innocent and its children. Mr. Wes Barnette spoke on Saturday morning at our community prayer in the park about helping us remember our shared love for our home. It was fitting that the next day, Minden illustrated that we are united by common bonds and shared values. Truly, there is more to unite us than to divide us.

Cole’s momma, Ashley, posted on Facebook this week, “they [doctors] believe Cole was born with some ectopic thymus tissue (small pieces of thymus in the wrong spot, in this case his chest). This is often not a problem, but in Cole’s case his ectopic tissue began to grow larger and create some bad T cells that continued to replicate.”

She continued: “Getting Cole’s thymic tumor out was a huge step, but it’s not the last step.”

That last sentence means that Cole is likely in for the long haul. He begins chemotherapy on Monday. After his three months in Memphis, he will come home to do most of his remaining treatment in Shreveport. The total estimated treatment time is two and a half years.

“Cole is still in great spirits, feeling pretty good, and he’s happy to hear that they have a way to get ‘all the bad T cells out of my body’,” Ashley said on Facebook. “Thank you again for all of the encouragement, support, and prayers. We would be so grateful for any continued prayers as we begin the long journey of helping Cole kick cancer.”

Minden proved it will do whatever it takes to encourage Cole and all of our community members who suffer from this terrible illness. And that’s the way our community should be. Yes, we have a lot that divides us. Yes, we have a lot that makes us angry with one another. And yes, we have a lot of different opinions on what is best as we move forward. But when you consider our shared humanity and how we always rally around one another, no matter religion, color, or political party, it’s easy to see Minden will always be there when one of our own is in need.

As Kevin Costner told us “if you build it, they will come.”

In Minden, if you need us, we will come.

Now.

Always.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Crime is on the rise, but the number of police officers on the street is declining, and at this point, Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper and Minden Police Association President Jason Smith are handcuffed.

“We get applicants, we train them and put them to work, then they leave and go some place where they can get paid more,” Smith said. “Our officers’ starting pay is $13.75 an hour. Why would they want to put their lives on the line every day for that amount of money when they can go elsewhere for more?”

Cropper says his hands are completely tied. The only route for better pay is a raise by the Minden City Council.

The chief, who has been in the restaurant business, said people who work at a fast food drive-in restaurant make almost as much as those who give their lives to keep the community safe.

“It’s sad, is what it is,” he said.

Minden PD is down seven officers, as of Monday, August 9.

“I’m budgeted for 34, including myself,” said the chief. “I have one non-civil service employee who is counted in that number.”

It was once more inconvenient to apply to take the Civil Service test to become an officer. Now, an applicant can take the exam online.

“You still have to submit an application through Civil Service website,” Cropper explained. “Before, once you submitted it, a state examiner would submit it to whatever agency was giving the test.”

It could mean driving to Monroe, Minden, Baton Rouge or somewhere in between to take the test.

Now, after the application is submitted online, a state examiner contacts the applicant to let them know the test is available online, using a monitoring service called ProctorU. Cost is $40, paid to ProctorU for their services.

“It’s a much quicker turnaround,” Cropper said. “It used to take four weeks to get your results.”

Right now MPD has two viable applicants, one male and one female.

Promotional tests are given in-house, but the state board sends someone to give it, he said.

In May, the Minden City Council voted to allow Cropper to change his rank and position roster.

“It should be like a pyramid with the chief at the top,” Smith said. “Ours wasn’t that way.”

Most notable are the drops in number from 12 lieutenants to 9, a raise from 4 sergeants to 9 and a drop from 13 officers first class to 12. No one was fired or laid off to achieve these goals. It was done by attrition.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Two Minden women occupying a yellow Dodge Charger with darkly tinted windows, caught the interest of Minden Police.

Police Chief Steve Cropper said Off. Chris Cayer initiated a traffic stop in the parking lot of a Sibley Road motel due to the windows on the Charger.

“He stopped the vehicle because the windows were illegally tinted,” Cropper said. “The officer made contact with the driver, who identified herself as Jada Spencer. Spencer asked Off. Cayer if she could step out of her vehicle to enter her motel room and obtain her driver’s license.”

While another officer stayed with the second female, Cayer reportedly escorted Spencer into her room, where he noticed the odor of Marijuana.

“Spencer also had five Hydrocodone pills in the room,” Cropper said. “When the second female exited the vehicle, Off. Kendale Booker noticed a firearm in plain sight on the floorboard on the passenger side.”

Cropper said the passenger identified herself as Antavia Sterling. She reportedly gave officers permission to search her hand bag, admitting she had Marijuana in her possession.

“During the search, officers located a plastic baggie containing 53 Ecstasy pills,” Cropper said. “Sterling stated the pills belonged to her.”

Spencer, 27, of the700 block of Jackson St., Minden, was charged with felony possession of Sch. II Hydrocodone.

Sterling, 25, of W.R. Reeder St., Minden, was arrested for possession of Sch. II Ecstasy with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm near a controlled dangerous substance.

Both females were transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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