The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan on Aug. 16, used to calculate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As a result, the average SNAP benefit – excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief – will increase for Fiscal Year 2022 beginning on Oct. 1, 2021. Louisiana is set to see a $436 increase (SEE CHART BELOW).

As directed by Congress in the 2018 Farm Bill – and with the expressed support of President Biden’s January 22 Executive Order – USDA conducted a data-driven review of the Thrifty Food Plan. The resulting cost adjustment is the first time the purchasing power of the plan has changed since it was first introduced in 1975, reflecting notable shifts in the food marketplace and consumers’ circumstances over the past 45 years.

“A modernized Thrifty Food Plan is more than a commitment to good nutrition – it’s an investment in our nation’s health, economy, and security,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Ensuring low-income families have access to a healthy diet helps prevent disease, supports children in the classroom, reduces health care costs, and more. And the additional money families will spend on groceries helps grow the food economy, creating thousands of new jobs along the way.”

In its re-evaluation, USDA was driven by the latest available data on the four key factors identified in the 2018 Farm Bill: current food prices, what Americans typically eat, dietary guidance, and the nutrients in food items. For example, the revised plan includes more fish and red and orange vegetables to align with recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. Additionally, the plan was calculated using updated purchasing data – collected from stores versus self-reported by households – to reflect the current price of foods in today’s marketplace. The revised Thrifty Food Plan also includes a modest increase in calories to reflect the latest data and support an active lifestyle.

The 2021 Thrifty Food Plan puts healthy food in reach for SNAP families. Recent evidence consistently shows that benefit levels are too low to provide for a realistic, healthy diet, even with households contributing their own funds toward groceries. A USDA study published earlier this summer found that nearly nine out of 10 SNAP participants reported facing barriers to achieving a healthy diet, with the most common barrier being the cost of healthy foods. These findings were echoed in listening sessions USDA held with a broad range of Thrifty Food Plan stakeholders.

The reevaluation concluded that the cost of a nutritious, practical, cost effective diet is 21% higher than the current Thrifty Food Plan. As a result, the average SNAP benefit – excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief – will increase by $36.24 per person, per month, or $1.19 per day, for Fiscal Year 2022 beginning on Oct. 1, 2021.

“To set SNAP families up for success, we need a Thrifty Food Plan that supports current dietary guidance on a budget,” said Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition, and consumer services. “Too many of our fellow Americans struggle to afford healthy meals. The revised plan is one step toward getting them the support they need to feed their families.”

In good times and tough times, SNAP is the most far-reaching, powerful tool available to ensure that all Americans, regardless of background, can afford healthy food. The program helps to feed more than 42 million Americans – 1 in 8 – each month. Evidence is clear that SNAP increases food security, including among households with children who have been disproportionately impacted by hunger during COVID.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit http://www.usda.gov.

For questions about your SNAP benefits, please contact your SNAP state agency.

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Willie Wallace, 67, of Dallas, Texas, was arrested for possession with intent to distribute Sch. I and Sch. II.

Jada M. Spencer, 27, of the 700 block of Jackson St., Minden, was arrested by Minden Police for possession of Sch. II Hydrocodone.

Lawrence D. Miller, 38, of Cullen, was arrested by Cullen Police on a warrant for Aggravated Domestic Battery.

Brittany Lovitt Edgett, 35, of Springhill, was arrested by Springill police on a warrant as a fugitive from Mississippi.

Antaviat Sterling, 25, of the 500 block of W.R. Reeder, Minden, was arrested by Minden Police for possession of Sch. II w/intent to distribute (Ecstasy) and possession of a firearm near a controlled dangerous substance.

Joseph Wayne Dixon, 33, of Springhill, was arrested by Cullen Police on a probation warrant from Lafayette County.

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Journal Staff Report

Wayne Orr may be retiring, but the indelible mark he has left on his students over the years will last a lifetime.

Saturday evening, Eastside Missionary Baptist Church and members of the local community, opened their doors and hearts to honor Orr for his 52 years of teaching and administration.

According to Minden Mayor Terry Gardner, Orr spent 48 of his 52 years calling Glenbrook School “home.”

Among the roles fulfilled by Orr were dual enrollment English teacher and “honors” English teacher for the high school, sponsor of the Parfleche yearbook and National Honor Society. In addition he coached the successful Apache tennis teams and, at times, coached the varsity girls’ and boys’ basketball teams.

Originally from Oak Grove in West Carroll Parish, Orr obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and plus-30 from Louisiana Tech University. He served four years in the United States Air Force and is a Vietnam Veteran. Orr received the Air Force Commendation Medal and a citation from the South Vietnamese government for his role in the National Defense Language Institute.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force in August 1973, Orr and his wife, the former Judy Ann Akin of Sibley, moved to Minden where he established himself as teacher, coach and administrator.

Orr is a member of the Glenbrook School Hall of Fame, First Baptist Church, United States Tennis Association and the National English Honor Society Sigma Tau Delta.

Former and present students in Orr’s classes give him high praise and appreciation for his presentation methods and knowledge of subject matter.

Being a challenge for them, his timely advice and continual encouragement were elements of gratitude offered while students were enrolled … and especially while they were in college.

In his “spare” time, Orr managed the Minden Tennis & Aquatic Club for many years and taught tennis lessons.

Orr is known for issuing that impelling charge to “strive for that which is beyond your reach.”

Gardner issued a proclamation in celebration of Orr, declaring August 14, 2021 a day to celebrate Mr. Philip Wayne Orr. He urged all citizens to wish him much happiness in the years to come.

Photo:  Minden Mayor Terry Gardner, left, presents a proclamation of celebration to retiring educator Wayne Orr

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Virginia “Ginny” Patterson Hensley was born in 1932 in Winchester, Virginia. Her father, Sam, was an alcoholic with a short temper. He was often without work. Her mother, Hilda, was, by all accounts, a feisty woman out of necessity. She was afraid of Sam at times but she never let it show. Yelling matches between them were common. Ginny witnessed many arguments between her parents, and, like her mother, developed a feistiness out of necessity.

At four years old, Ginny surprised her family and friends when she won a street fair talent contest with a tap dance routine. Her prize was a new electric lamp. She had never taken dance lessons. No one knew exactly how or when Ginny learned to tap dance. They suspected she copied the moves from her idol, Shirley Temple. Confident in herself after the win, she proclaimed to her mother that she was going to become a dancer when she grew up. Her dreams were dashed when she realized there was no money for dance lessons.

When she was a little older, she joined her parents in the church choir. Singing in the choir was her escape from her miserable home life because her parents never fought in church. On her eighth birthday, Ginny received an old piano. Although piano lessons were too expensive for the family to afford, Ginny learned to play by ear. She told her mother that she was going to be a pianist when she grew up. As with dancing lessons, there was no money for piano lessons.

Finally, Ginny focused on singing because, as her mother noted, “It was the one thing she could do that wasn’t going to cost us.” Listening to the radio was free. Ginny sang nonstop. Family and friends recalled that Ginny sang while walking to and from school, while playing with other children, and pretty much any other time she was awake. They remember that, even as a young girl, she sang pretty good.

When Ginny was thirteen-year-old, she developed a terrible throat infection. Ginny’s throat infection progressed into rheumatic fever. The simple act of breathing became a struggle for Ginny. The lack of oxygen put a strain on her heart. At one point, her heart stopped beating. Doctors revived her and put her in an oxygen tent which forced oxygen into her lungs. Her heart began to beat normally again and her condition slowly improved. Doctors determined Ginny’s illness had left none of the long-term negative effects usually associated with rheumatic fever.

Following her serious illness, Ginny noticed a change in her voice. Before her illness, her voice was pretty but somewhat weak. After her recovery, Ginny’s voice was strong and booming. She compared her voice to that of “The First Lady of Radio,” Kate Smith, an American singer with a powerful voice whose signature tune was Irving Berlin’s patriotic song “God Bless America.”

When Ginny was 15 years old, she requested and was granted an audition for the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Ginny and her mother drove through the night and arrived in Nashville before daylight the next morning. With no money for a hotel room, they slept in their car until the time of the audition. Ginny, dressed in her best and flashiest cowgirl regalia, performed well at her audition. Representatives of the Grand Ole Opry were impressed but were afraid to hire such a young girl. They said they would be in touch. Ginny anxiously awaited a letter from the Grand Ole Opry that never came, well, not yet.

Undeterred, Ginny kept performing. In 1952, she joined Bill Peer’s Melody Boys and Girls. It was Peer who suggested the Ginny adopt a more professional sounding stage name. In 1953, Ginny met and married a man named Gerald. Although the marriage only lasted four years, Ginny performed under her married name for the remainder of her life. For her stage name, Ginny used a shortened version of her middle name along with her married name. Ginny only recorded three albums as a solo artist before her untimely death in an airplane crash. Ginny is considered one of the most influential vocalists of the twentieth century. Her three albums contained such hits as “Walking After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Crazy,” and “She’s Got You.” You and I know Virginia Patterson Hensley as… Patsy Cline.

Source: Margaret Jones, Patsy: The Life and Times of Patsy Cline (New York: Harper Collins, 1994), 1.

 

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UCAP needs the following items:

Food: crackers, biscuit mix, cornbread mix and rice

Clothing: men’s large short-sleeved shirts, men’s tennis and drew shoes sizes 9.5 and larger

Household goods: king and queen sheets and towels.

UCAP is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for food, utility and rental assistance. Clothing is distributed on Wednesdays only.

Thank you to the community for your support

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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

Jimmy Layne Reeves
April 17, 1940 – August 16, 2021
Private Service:  Tuesday, August 17, 2021, Forest Park Cemetery, St. Vincent

Thomas Owen Wilson
November 18, 1929 – August 14, 2021
Visitation:  Wednesday, August 18, 2021,  10:00 a.m.
Services:  Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport
Cemetery: Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Rd. in Shreveport. 

Claudia Ann McGowan
June 8, 1935 – August 14, 2021
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. at the church.
Services:  11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at Pinecroft Baptist Church, 8002 Jewella Ave, Shreveport, Louisiana.
 Interment:  Following the service in Forest Park Cemetery on St. Vincent Ave.

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Staff Report

Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP), in partnership with the Louisiana Governor’s OHSEP and the Stephenson Disaster Management Institute at LSU, are leading the process to update a Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Local OHSEP director Brian R. Williams said 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.

A Zoom meeting for community input will be held from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 17.

Watch LIVE here – Just Click

“Are you passionate about building a more resilient future for your parish?” Williams asks. “Do you have questions about the natural hazards your community faces? Please join us for a public meeting to learn more about the plan and share your input on the risks and vulnerabilities that most impact you and your community.”

Residents of Webster Parish are asked to participate in a survey about public perceptions and opinions regarding natural hazards in th eparish. The survey results will be used in the development of the plan.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Webster HM2021

For more information or with questions, contact Williams at 318-371-1128 or websterohsep@gmail.com

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

An employee at Mike’s Hometown Spirits has been arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s investigators on a warrant for felony theft.

Crystal Ashley Harrison, 37, of the 1000 block of Peach Tree, Dubberly, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s Maj. Phillip Krouse and Capt. Bobby Igo III at 10 a.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 11 at the Minden location on Homer Road.

“She wrote several checks to herself from the business and cashed them,” Sheriff Jason Parker said. “It was in excess of $3,000 that we know of so far.”

Parker was unsure how long the the thefts have been going on or from which stores – Minden, Dixie Inn or both.

“We are committed to taking the utmost care of our employees, and especially our customers,” Mike Elshout, owner of Mike’s Hometown Spirits, posted on Facebook. “With that being said, we also thrive on honesty, hard work and dependability. We won’t tolerate anything less.”

Harrison’s bond is set at $75,000.

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By Josh Beavers

School is back in session as students file into our institutes of learning today all across the parish.

It’s been a busy time for teachers as they held professional development the first three days of the week as well as intermittent training over the summer.

The parish kicked off the week with the annual Back to School Bash, held this year at the Harper Center Pathways for Excellence and the Springhill branch of the Webster Parish Library.

Each year the Webster Parish School Board holds the Back to School Bash coordinated by Ursula Hullaby, Safe and Drug Free School Coordinator, with assistance from community volunteers. Traditionally, the event is held at the Minden Civic Center. COVID-19 guidelines required the transition to a drive through on both ends of the parish.

Webster Junior High High School teachers and staff, as well as representatives from other schools, greeted students and families while passing out school supplies.

“I’m excited about the upcoming school year,” Webster Principal Bewanichi Sheppard told The Journal. “The faculty and staff demonstrated how the Webster Wolves are better together. This year we will focus on Keeping it 100 to get to 100!”

Superintendent Johnny Rowland gave his annual State of the District address to the parish on Tuesday. The address was delivered virtually this year because, as he has said before, “we may be done with Covid, but Covid is not done with us.”

Rowland said he was excited for the return to learning and back to serving the thousands of students who attend Webster schools.

“I believe our students and families need us now more than ever,” he said. “We have a great task in front of us. I hope it is a task we do not shy away from but a task we embrace.”

Rowland spoke of educating the whole child in his remarks.

“I challenge every employee in the district to ask themselves ‘how can I better serve the students of Webster Parish through the position I hold?’” he continued. “And then do everything in your power to do so.”

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

After months of hard work, two public safety-oriented ordinances are ready to be studied by the Minden City Council in workshop, something of which Minden Police Association President Jason Smith and his board are very proud.

“We worked with city attorney Jimbo Yocum on the language of these ordinances, then we had the city judge look over them,” Smith said. “If they are passed – one in particular – will definitely help with crime.”

Smith was speaking of a curfew for juveniles, which he believes will go a long way toward calming violence.

“If you have a kid, 8 or 9 years old out on the streets at 2 a.m., they are up to no good,” Smith said. “If you have one that’s 15 or 16 out on the streets at that time, they are up to no good either.”

The curfew would be for young people under 18 who are on public property or a premises of a public business. Curfew is between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. each day except Fridays and Saturdays. On those days, curfew will be from midnight until 5 a.m.

There are exceptions, Smith said, such as if the juvenile is in the company of a parent or adult person authorized by the parent. If the juvenile is attending a function or activity sponsored by school, church or non-profit, to which the parent or legal guardian has consented, they can stay past curfew.

An emergency situation or specific business authorized by the parent is an exception.

If the ordinance is violated, Minden Police officers may direct the juvenile to go home, escort the juvenile home or take him or her into custody to the police department.

Violations are punishable by fines, and parents or legal guardians may be held to a higher standard, if they allow their children to skip curfew.

There is also a clause for children refusing to attend school.

“Juveniles are responsible for many of the shootings we’ve had recently,” Smith said. “If they are off the streets in the early hours of the morning, the shootings will be fewer.”

The second ordinance, authored by the Minden Police Association, focuses on the use of parks and city-owned property for gatherings, meetings and parades.

If there are more than 25 persons attending, the coordinator must have a permit. They must also have insurance. Curfew on city-owned property – except parks – must be 11 p.m. Park events must end by 9 p.m.

“Both of these are very, very good tools, if we can get them in place,” Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said, adding, “Minden has needed a curfew ordinance forever, and I believe they will help with the shootings.”

The two ordinances will be presented to the Minden City Council during an upcoming workshop. Both must have council approval to be enforced. It will require a council meeting for a vote.

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Not only does it provide a terrific view of the goin’s on around the ol’ home place, but there’s something about a comfortable ol’ porch rockin’ chair that makes a person curious.

No matter how hard we ponder, we just can’t figger why some city council folks don’t believe us commoners can use free money. Not long ago, somebody thought it would be a bad idea to accept grant money to fix some water and sewer pipes in one neighborhood.

We can understand refusing gratis greenbacks for water and sewer repairs, but only as long as there’s a tree to hide behind when Nature calls or there’s water in the creeks when we’re parched.

These same servants of the people’s best interests further thought it wasn’t good to take free money for the local airport…not once, but twice. We’re not sure, but there’s been no indication the airport money would have been wasted on jumbo jets or to launch a Bezos rocket.

There was a hint, though, that the airport freebie was snubbed because it only helped rich folks with big toys.
Since grant money is actually tax dollars we send to a government collection agency, we’d like one of these servants of the people to explain what’s wrong with letting Uncle Sugar hand us a tiny bit back.

Rocker heard one city servant was asked why the “no” vote to add the airport grant idea to the council’s agenda. “Move on,” was the sage answer. Heed thine own counsel, counciler. Mayhaps it would be wise to just stick to your day job.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A woman who called 911 to say she was dying is alive and well at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

Maranda Richardson, 51, of the 1200 block of Shreveport Rd. was arrested by Minden Police for possession of Sch. II Methamphetamine.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Lt. Chris Hammontree took the call and when he arrived found an open door to the reported motel room.

“Lt. Hammontree entered the room and found no one inside,” Cropper said. “When he exited, Richardson came up to him and said it was her room and asked if the officer thought it ‘smelled bad.’”

Hammontree reportedly told the woman he did not smell anything out of the ordinary, and Richardson asked if he would check everything in the room.

“At that point, EMS arrived and spoke with Richardson while Lt. Hammontree searched the room,” said the chief. “He located .36g Methamphetamine in a cigarette wrapper that was in a pink makeup bag on the bed.”

Cropper said Richardson refused help from EMS, and Lt. Hammontree transported her to MPD where she was mirandized.

“When asked about the Meth, Richardson admitted it was hers, and she wanted to trade it for Valium,” Cropper said. “She also admitted that when she got in the holding cell, she remembered she had more Meth in her bra. She flushed it down the toilet.”

Richardson was booked and later transported to BDCC.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Honesty is the best policy, even if it lands the honest one in jail.

Jatavia Shaniqua Angela Morris, 30, of the 900 block of Clay St., Minden, was arrested by Minden Police for illegal use of a weapon.

Police Chief Steve Cropper said Sgt. Mitch Hackett and Off. Reece Tewell were dispatched to Clay St. for a reported “shots fired.”

“When they arrived, Morris was standing on S. Fairview St., and when officers asked how many shots she heard, Morris admitted she was the one who fired it,” Cropper said. “She then told officers they could find her firearm on the front seat of her vehicle.”

As officers cleared the firearm, there was reportedly one spent shell casing in the chamber. The firearm was a Glock 19 Gen 5 with a Lasermax Micro II on it. Officers reported there were 13 rounds in the handgun.

“Everything was bagged as evidence, and Morris was very cooperative during the entirety of the investigation,” said the chief. “Morris told officers her child’s father had a new girlfriend who had shown up at the Clay St. address. The girlfriend allegedly attacked Morris in the yard. When the female stopped, Morris said she recovered her firearm and shot once into the air, and the girlfriend left the scene.”

Morris was booked into MPD and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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Micah Hanson (left, holding check) presents a check to Charlotte Jones with the United Christian Assistance Program (UCAP). The funds are proceeds raised at the 10th annual b1BANK Charity Golf Tournament to benefit UCAP. The event was held at the Pine Hills Country Club on May 22 and 23. UCAP is a non-profit, non-denominational cooperative effort of Christian churches based in Minden. The organization has provided emergency food, housing assistance and clothing to local families in need since 1985. Tournament organizers also present were John McConnell, Fred Cabaniss, Jay Kumar and John Earnhardt. They are shown with b1 Bank’s Mike Burton, Hugh Wood, Samantha Kramer, Lindsay McClaran, Morgan Monday and Turner Francis.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Working security at Minden Medical Center netted Minden Police an armed subject.

Lt. Chris Hammontree reportedly arrested Corderrio DeWayne Carter, 32, of the 200 block of Miller St. for illegal carrying of a weapon and carrying a firearm in a firearm free zone.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Lt. Hammontree was contacted by a check-in worker in the Emergency Room of the hospital when Carter reportedly became irate with her.

“She told Lt. Hammontree that the man was talking about killing someone,” Cropper said.

The employee then reportedly described the man to Hammontree who contacted MPD headquarters with a BOLO (Be On the Look Out).

“Off. Reese Tewell found the subject walking on Monroe St. near Pearl,” said the chief. “The officer asked Carter to step in front of the patrol unit where he was frisked. Then the officer asked if there was anything in Carter’s backpack, and Carter said a gun.”

Off. Tewell reportedly located a Taurus G2c .9MM and a gram of natural Marijuana in the backpack.

“When Carter was asked if he’d had the handgun with him all night, he said yes and that he takes it everywhere with him,” Cropper said. “So, Carter had the gun within 1000 feet of Minden High School, which is a firearm free zone.”

Carter was later transferred to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Failure to operate a motor vehicle correctly has landed a Sibley woman in jail on drug charges.

Ashley Dent, 38, of the 100 block of White Sand Dr., is charged by Minden Police with failure to use turn signal, improper lane usage, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Sch, II Methamphetamine and possession of Legend drug Quetiapine.

Police Chief Steve Cropper said around mid-afternoon August 6, Officer Kendale Booker observed a black Cadillac SUV traveling west on Meyers St. to the intersection of Sibley Rd.

“The driver failed to use a turn signal 100 feet prior to arriving at the intersection,” Cropper said. “The driver made a left turn and started changing lanes improperly.”

Off. Booker reportedly conducted a traffic stop, during which Dent granted permission to search the vehicle.

“While searching the vehicle, Off. Booker discovered a flowery cigarette box in her purse,” said the chief. “Inside the cigarette case was a small bag of .4 grams of suspected Meth and a silver pipe which is commonly used with Methamphetamines.”

Also, while searching the vehicle, Off. Booker reportedly found an unmarked pill bottle with 34 white oval pills, which he said are known to be Quetiapine.

“Quetiapine is a pill prescribed by a doctor in order to have it in your possession,” Cropper said.

Dent was transported to Minden PD for booking.

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Carlos was a shy and reserved kid. He was so shy that when a teacher called on him in class, he would rather take a poor grade than take the chance of embarrassing himself in front of the class. When Carlos was about eight years old, he and his family moved to Miami, Arizona. Carlos was the only blond-haired, blue-eyed child in the school. Most of the students were Native Americans.

Bobby, a Native American, was the class bully. He was the same age as Carlos, but he was much larger. Carlos’s shyness made him the perfect target for bullying. Bobby chased Carlos home every day. Fortunately, Carlos was a faster runner than Bobby. One day, Bobby broke one of the desks in their classroom. The teacher blamed Carlos and threatened to paddle him unless he confessed. Carlos knew Bobby had broken the desk, but he would rather have taken the punishment than to draw more harassment from Bobby. As the teacher was leading Carlos out into the hall for his punishment, a brave student exposed the real culprit, Bobby. It was he who received the punishment. Although Carlos had escaped punishment from the teacher, he fully expected to receive some sort of punishment from Bobby.

Every day, Bobby chased Carlos from school, past the gas station next to Carlos’s home, and only broke off the chase once Carlos was safely inside. One day, as Bobby chased Carlos home, the owner of the gas station stopped Carlos. Bobby waited for his chance to resume the chase. Jack, the owner of the gas station, told Carlos that it was time for him to fight Bobby. Carlos replied that Bobby was too big for him to fight. Jack convinced Carlos that he had to stand up to Bobby or he would never stop bullying him. Bobby, anxious to resume the chase, was surprised when Carlos ran toward him. Carlos and Bobby wrestled and rolled around in the dirt. Carlos was losing until he grabbed one of Bobby’s fingers and bent it backward. Tears streamed from Bobby’s face. Carlos asked Bobby if he would give up, to which Bobby nodded. Carlos released Bobby’s finger. Bobby had no intention of letting Carlos win. He tackled Carlos and the fight resumed. Carlos grabbed the same finger and bent it backwards again. Bobby screamed and cried again. Carlos bent Bobby’s finger even farther than before and Bobby promised to give up. This time he meant it. Bobby never chased Carlos again and even became friends. Carlos learned an important lesson from his confrontation with Bobby that helped him throughout his life. He learned that fear can often be overcome by facing it.

In high school, Carlos was not academically inclined, but he enjoyed competing in sports. His goal was to become a police officer. He was intrigued by, as he envisioned it, the good guys versus the bad guys. He was captivated by the excitement and action that police work would offer. Carlos decided that his best shot at becoming a police officer was to join the Air Force and work as a military policeman.

In August of 1958, two months after graduating from high school, Carlos enlisted and became a military policeman, all according to his plan. Although the Korean War had ended, tensions between North and South Korea still ran high. Carlos was transferred to Osan, Korea. Soldiers at Osan Air Base had just three ways to spend their spare time; drinking alcohol, enrolling in academic classes, or studying martial arts. Carlos was not interested in alcohol or academic classes, so he focused on martial arts. He studied judo and a Korean style of karate called tang soo do. Carlos practiced for hours each day and eventually earned a black belt in tang soo do and a third-degree brown belt in judo. Carlos was certain that these skills would help him land a job with the police.

In the early 1960s, the Air Force transferred Carlos to Riverside, California. In his free time, Carlos competed in karate matches. Carlos won match after match. Pretty soon, he was teaching the karate club at the Air Force base. After four years in the Air Force, Carlos had the option to reenlist. Although he enjoyed his time in the military, Carlos was ready to go to work for the Los Angeles Police Department. LAPD, however, was not ready for Carlos. There were no job openings and there was a six-month waiting list for applicants.

Carlos decided to teach karate as a way to make some money until there was an opening at the police department. To attract more students, Carlos continued competing in karate matches. With each tournament win, the number of students grew. Pretty soon, Carlos owned several karate schools in and around Los Angeles. He kept winning tournaments and became the title six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate Champion.

Living in Los Angeles, his reputation as a karate champion garnered the attention of Hollywood movie stars who needed karate training for their film roles. He gave private karate lessons to actors and actresses such as Steve McQueen, Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, and the Osmond family. It was Steve McQueen who encouraged Carlos to begin acting. In his first role, he played a bad guy with a single speaking line in the Dean Martin film The Wrecking Crew. He played Bruce Lee’s nemesis in Way of the Dragon. So far, Carlos has appeared in more than 40 films and television productions, but only his family and close friends call him by his real name, which is Carlos.

Back in 1958, when Carlos was at boot camp in Lackland, Texas, one of the guys in his barracks pointed out that it was odd that he was named Carlos although he was not Hispanic. He asked what Carlos meant in English. Carlos answered that it was equivalent to Charles. “Good,” the soldier said with a smile, “We’ll call you Chuck. Chuck Norris.”

Source: Norris, chuck. Against All Odds. Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2004

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By Josh Beavers

The Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce sponsored the annual new teacher breakfast last week in Minden.

“We at The Greater Minden Chamber along with our local business community are so thankful for each and every teacher and it is our pleasure to be able to support them by being a part of their new teacher orientation as well as by giving out scholarships through our WEEF program,” said Chamber President Jana Morgan.

Webster Instructional Facilitator Becki Brown said the breakfast was a kickoff to a day of learning.

“The purpose of New Teacher Bootcamp is to provide support for new teachers and facilitate their transition to Webster Parish,” Brown said.

Areas of focus included positive expectations and classroom management.

“In addition to the bootcamp, we have a Google Classroom set up for the new teachers,” Brown continued. “In the classroom, teachers will work through the following modules: How to Become an Effective Teacher, Increasing Student Engagement, Lesson Planning & JCampus, Setting Up an Effective Google Classroom, Assisting Special Education Students, and WPSB Policies for Teachers. I will also be visiting classrooms to further support our new teachers.”

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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

Russell Wayne Higginbotham
November 2, 1958 – July 3, 2021
Services:  Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 11:00 AM at the Greenwood Town Cemetery in Greenwood, Louisiana.

Charles Lamar Maranto
January 5, 1944 – August 5, 2021
Arrangements: Pending

Doris Helen McIlveene Matthews
Service: Saturday, August 14, 11AM, Rose Neath Funeral Home, Minden, LA

Betty Jane Bernstein
March 29, 1926 – August 4, 2021
Arrangements: Pending

Leroy Grooms
December 17, 1932 – August 10, 2021
Graveside services:  Thursday, August 12, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Minden, Louisiana

Hollis Thames Rogers, Jr., M.D.
March 10, 1938 – August 9, 2021
Service:  Thursday, August 12, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation: 12:30 p.m. until service time. 

Curtis L McCrary, Jr.
January 4, 1932 – August 9, 2021
Services: Thursday, August 12, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Arcadia.
Interment: will follow at Arcadia Cemetery. 
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. 

LeDarby Salter
April 7, 1929 – August 8, 2021
Services:  Thursday, August 12, 2021, 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation:  1:00 pm until service time. 
Interment:  Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Edgar Rudolph “Rudy” Reeves
September 8, 1938 – August 9, 2021
Services: Friday August 13, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 John Wesley Blvd, Bossier City, Louisiana 71112.
Burial: Hill Crest Memorial Park, 601 Highway 80 East, Haughton, Louisiana 71037. 
Visitation:  Thursday, August 12, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana.

Elizabeth Merritt Parker
February 11, 1947 – August 9, 2021
Services: Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel in Arcadia, Louisiana,
Interment: will follow at Hurricane Cemetery.
Visitation: Friday August 13, 2021, from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Raymond Pete Meshell
December 24, 1947 – August 6, 2021
Services:  Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana.
Burial of the ashes: Converse Cemetery in Converse, Louisiana.
Visitation:  Friday, August 13, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Walter Bison, Jr.
January 28, 1931 – August 2, 2021
Service:  Monday, August 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation:  Monday at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service at Rose-Neath. 

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The Covid pandemic ravaged business and industry across the world. Small businesses took a particularly hard hit as doors shuttered, life savings were drained, and lifelong hopes and ambitions – the very idea of achieving the American Dream for so many – was destroyed due to lockdown and fear.

But Minden endured; in fact, in a lot of ways, Minden thrived.

Minden Mayor Terry Gardner had one goal as the world grappled with the Covid pandemic – help keep the community in business. And by and large, that’s what happened.

Due to a coordinated effort by Economic Development Director Phillip M. Smart, the Chamber of Commerce, SWID, local business leaders, and the good people of Minden, Mayor Gardner said the City saw positive growth every month over the past year and a half.

Sales tax numbers have gone up every month, and there is perhaps no better indicator of how a local economy is performing than its sales tax numbers.

“What our sales tax numbers tell us is Minden is supporting Minden,” Gardner told The Journal.

There have been 21 new business openings during the pandemic and countless additional renovations and improvements made by existing places of commerce. That last bit is important because the mayor knew the most important aspect of keeping dreams alive in Minden was to help local business owners during unprecedented times.

That’s why the city launched an impressive out-reach program that ensured businesses knew all the ways to keep doors open. Gardner and his team educated local businesses about grants, loans, and other revenue streams to help make ends-meet during the uncertain time.

In addition, the city gave free lessons on marketing, utilizing social media, and connecting with other businesses for b2b sales. The city hosted Small Business Roundtables and sponsored ribbon cuttings for fledgling businesses that did not have the funds to join the local chamber of commerce.

“They deserved to have the light shined on them,” Mayor Gardner said. “They were taking a risk. Opening a small business is always a risk, but to do so during the pandemic was courageous. We wanted to help them celebrate and do whatever we could to help them succeed.”

The city hosted classes on QuickBooks and Google utilization as well as other free and easy ways to help with costs.

And through all the efforts to aid the existing businesses, Minden saw either the arrival or improvement of the following businesses: (Note – There has been so much movement in the Minden business community, that this list may be incomplete. Let The Journal know if any business has been omitted.)

Pro Beauty Supply
Gulf Coast Truck & Trailer Repair
Honeybee Clothing Company
Kayka’s Kollection
Shake Those Pounds #2
The Fringe
Minden’s Finest Storage II
Southern Magnolia Charm
2 Grand Accessories and Moore
Killer Kustomz
Impressive Expressions
Cali Tee’s
Liberty Tax Services
Minden Family Pharmacy
Car Giant of Minden
Woos Daiquiri
Uniquely Susan
Edward’s Auto Repair
Daiquiri Express
Resilient Living Community Service
Minden Community Care Center
Sibley Road Chevron
Eastern Energy Services
Kaliees Kreations
Yocom Law Firm
Parish Packaging
Rubber Products
Burkes Outlet
Bougee Boutique
Integrity Locksmithing
Five Star / Abrham Store
TMM Logistics
Roots Beauty Room
Royal Consulting
Barksdale Credit Union
Daq Shaq
T&J’s Country Store
Minden Family Pharmacy
P.S. I Love You
Under Dawgs
Smooth Kutz Lawn Service
Lawn & Order
Five Star Wingz N’ More
Sweet Cajun Reds
Amy’s Seafood
J & K Trading Cards
The Little Green Shop
Little Scholars Academy
Say Grace
Minden Coin & Collectables
Gibsland Bank & Trust

There is perhaps no better example of a community meeting the challenges of the pandemic and successfully coming through than Minden.

“Minden supported Minden through all of this,” the mayor told us. “And now we will continue our progress in the years to come.”

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A Sarepta man, convicted on two charges of rape, may never see freedom again.

Michael Craig, 26th Judicial Court Judge, today (Monday, August 9), sentenced Michael Duck, 54, to life in prison without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence for the first degree rape of a child under 13. He also gave Duck a consecutive sentence of 38 years hard labor for one count of second degree rape.

Webster Parish Assistant District Attorney Hugo Holland pointed out that Duck must be convicted to life for the first degree rape, however, he added it would be up to the judge to determine sentencing for the other rape conviction.

Defense attorney Eric Johnson asked the judge to consider making the sentences concurrent.

“The court required a pre-sentence investigation, and saw in 2010 you were found guilty of possession of Sch. II, making you a second and third felony offender,” Judge Craig told Duck. “You didn’t testify, and you were given the opportunity to respond in pre-sentencing and declined.”

Judge Craig went on to point out that by the sworn testimonies, the offenses were separate and subsequent, multiple times over a period of time with both victims.

“Based on your actions, the damage you did to these two girls for the rest of their lives, and the damage you did to other girls that you are not going to be held accountable, that is going to impact them,” the judge continued. “You impacted five or six young girls – and those are the ones we know about– for the rest of their lives.

“Not to mention their families,” he continued. “Because they are all related to you in some form or fashion. It will have a ripple effect in your family.”

Duck was arrested in 2016, following an extensive investigation by the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office when one of the minor victims contacted the WPSO and reported that her stepfather had been sexually assaulting her.

During the course of the investigation, multiple other family members revealed they were also sexually assaulted by Duck.

The jury heard testimony from Detective Teresa Rogers and Detective Heather Boucher, both experts in the fields of clinical psychology, DNA analysis and sexual assault examinations as well as from multiple other victims who came forward during the investigation.

Duck has 30 days to appeal his sentence.

Duck’s son, Michael Dragland, 35, was also sentenced today on two counts of second degree rape to which he pled guilty.

“I believe if you had gone to trial and been convicted, your sentence would’ve been much greater than it’s about to be,” Judge Craig told Dragland in court. “This sentence is being handed down pursuant to a plea agreement, and I’m going to honor that plea agreement.”

Dragland will serve 20 years at hard labor, two of those years to be served without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

On the fourth floor of the Webster Parish Courthouse, 57 women are crammed into tiny cells amid conditions that are irreparable. The paint is peeling off the walls. Some of the plumbing no longer works. The odor is dank and moldy. The air-conditioning is intermittent. It almost defies the imagination. There are 61 beds, some inmates are eight to a cell.

“There has been a jail up there for more than 25 years, since I began policing here,” Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said. “A lot of money has been put into it over the years. There have been flooding issues with the plumbing, and after a while, these things can’t be fixed any more.

“And with the Covid issue we have right now, we do not have a location to really quarantine incoming females,” he continued. “It makes it very difficult to isolate them for 14 days from the general population.”

Parker said they have that option at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center (BDCC), which is the men’s prison, but not at the women’s jail. And the sheriff’s department houses female prisoners from surrounding parishes that don’t have a facility for women.

“It’s nobody’s fault at this point,” Parker said, referring to the Webster Parish Police Jury which owns and maintains the courthouse. “There are no longer parts available to fix a lot of these issues with plumbing and air conditioning.”

In fact, he knows the jury wants to help him with a plan that would solve everything.

“The sheriff wants to move the women’s prison to the Camp Minden grounds, near BDCC,” police jury President Jim Bonsall said. “We are going to do everything we can to find the money to help them do just that.”

Parker said he has located a building at Camp Minden, about a mile from BDCC, that is owned by the National Guard.

“The structure, infrastructure and foundation are already there,” the sheriff said. “With a little renovation, we can make it into an approximately 100-bed facility. That’s what we are shooting for.”

WPSO investigator Dustin Reynolds said it will also give them the capability to isolate incoming prisoners.

“We will be able to segregate work release from other prisoners, too,” Reynolds said. “That helps in a lot of ways because they are a different status prisoner.”

Parker said the new women’s prison would be a dormitory-style facility, except for the areas needed for isolation. It will be leased from the National Guard and renovated with the cost shared by his office and the police jury.

“It’s a block and brick building in surprisingly good shape,” Parker said. “It was the old Y Line cafeteria.”

Parker said the process will take time. Possibly 18 months to two years. They hope to use BDCC inmate workers to help with the demolition.

“That will save a lot of money,” he said.

Photos:  by Bonnie Culverhouse

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By Josh Beavers

Teachers are returning to school houses all across the parish today, but new educators had an early welcome during an orientation held last week in Minden.

The new Webster educators were addressed by Superintendent of Schools Johnny Rowland before spending the day going over some of the ins and outs of the system, classroom management techniques, and getting a little more comfortable for Day 1 of the school year.

Rowland, a former teacher, coach, and principal, told The Journal that he wasn’t giving a speech. Instead he was just telling the truth and speaking from his heart.

He spoke for about 15 minutes on the importance of teachers in the lives of our young people. He outlined personal stories about students he taught and how a teacher should never underestimate or give up on their pupils.

“Students will never be able to define a great teacher until they have one,” he told the crowd of about 40. He waited a moment before continuing, letting his words sink in. “Be that great teacher. Be that positive influence in these young people’s lives.”

The superintendent discussed the importance and nobility of education, pointing out teachers work with the most important resource in the world – our children, our young people.

“You have a tremendous responsibility and also a tremendous power to do good,” he told the new educators. “More than any other job, a teacher has the power to make the world a better place.”

Relating his own personal stories from the classroom, he emphasized how much of a positive impact a teacher can have, how much of a mark a teacher can make on the life of a young person.

“When you teach more and more students you may not remember them all, but they will remember you,” he said. “Think about your own experiences. You may not remember all your college professors but you remember your elementary, junior high and high school teachers. Realize the opportunity you have to be that remarkable person for your students.”

School begins Thursday in Webster Parish. That’s in two days, and all those new teachers will be in front of a group of students, leading the way, for the first time. The time has come to dive in.

“You became a teacher because you love children and want to make a real, positive difference in this world,” Rowland said. “Your chance begins Thursday.”

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